MicroRNA-19b-1 Up-Regulation Promotes Cell Invasion and Metastasis in Renal Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

Background: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a prevalent malignancy in humans of all ages worldwide. However, no identifiable risk factors have been identified in most patients, and the pathogenic mechanisms and molecular pathways of known risk factors remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) of RCC by bioinformatics and to explore their mechanism of action on RCC by in vitro experiments. Methods: ACHN and 786-O cells underwent transfection with the miR-19b-1 mimic, its inhibitor, and its negative controls. The miR-19b-1 expression level in the miRNA expression profile of RCC was analyzed using bioinformatics. The application of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was employed to examine the expression of miR-19b-1 and its transfection efficacy in RCC tissues and cells. The association between this RNA expression and survival prognosis in RCC patients was determined using the Kaplan-Meier survival curve. Transwell assay was employed to evaluate the effects of miR-19b-1 overexpression or knockout on the invasion and metastasis of ACHN and 786-O cells. Results: The expression level of miR-19b-1 was significantly elevated in RCC compared to controls (p < 0.05). The Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis revealed that increased miR-19b-1 expression was associated with reduced overall survival in clear cell RCC (ccRCC) patients (Logrank p = 0.00047). Moreover, overexpression of this RNA promoted invasion and metastasis of ACHN and 786-O cells (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The significant upregulation of miR-19b-1 correlates strongly with poor prognosis in RCC patients and plays a crucial role in the invasion and metastasis of RCC. This suggests that miR-19b-1 may serve as a viable therapeutic target for RCC.