MiR-22 alleviates the proliferation and metastasis of melanoma by targeting FASN

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the role of microRNA-22 (miR-22) in the development of malignant melanoma, and the underlying mechanism. Methods: Potential miRNAs binding fatty acid synthase (FASN) were predicted by bioinformatics analysis, out of which miR-22 was selected. Their binding relationship was confirmed using dual-luciferase reporter assay. MicroRNA-22 and FASN levels in 40 clinical samples of melanoma were determined, and the correlation of the expression between miR-22 and FASN was assessed by Pearson correlation test. To uncover the role of miR-22 in regulating cell phenotypes of malignant melanoma, M21 and A375 cells were transfected with miRNA-NC, miR-22 mimics or miR-22 mimics + FASN-OE (FASN-over expression), respectively. Proliferative and metastatic abilities in each group were determined using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), 5-Ethynyl-2’- deoxyuridine (EdU) and Transwell assay, respectively. Results: MiR-22 was the target gene binding the oncogene, FASN. Downregulated miR-22 and upregulated FASN were observed in melanoma tissues, showing a negative correlation between them. An overexpression of miR-22 significantly inhibited proliferative, migratory and invasive capacities in M21 and A375 cells (p < 0.05). Notably, overexpression of FASN abolished the inhibitory effects of miR-22 on proliferative and metastatic abilities in melanoma. Conclusion: The level of expression of miR-22 in the malignant melanoma samples is low. Overexpression of miR-22 inhibits the proliferative and metastatic abilities of melanoma by targeting FASN and negatively regulating its level. Thus, miR-22 may be a promising therapeutic target of melanoma.