MicroRNA-204-5p Hampers the Malignant Progression of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma through GXYLT2 Downregulation

Introduction: At present, the mortality rate of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) remains high. The development of biomarkers is conducive to the early diagnosis and treatment of cancer. This research aimed to explore the role of microRNA-204-5p and the downstream gene in ccRCC.

Methods: We used bioinformatics analysis and qRT-PCR for measurement of microRNA-204-5p, qRT-PCR, and Western blot for GXYLT2 mRNA and protein levels, respectively. We conducted in vitro experiments like CCK-8, colony formation, Transwell, wound healing, and cell cycle assays to assess the role of microRNA-204-5p and GXYLT2 in ccRCC. Besides, the target relationship of microRNA-204-5p and GXYLT2 was confirmed through dual-luciferase assay.

Results: This study disclosed that microRNA-204-5p was underexpressed in ccRCC cells and tissues, which was closely associated with prognosis of patients with ccRCC. Stable forced expression of microRNA-204-5p hindered malignant phenotypes of ccRCC cells. Further detection unfolded that micro-RNA-204-5p bound the 3'-UTR of GXYLT2 to repress its expression. Besides, forced expression of microRNA-204-5p restored the promoting impact of overexpression of GXYLT2 on malignant progression of ccRCC cells.

Conclusion: These findings revealed the vital role of microRNA-204-5p and GXYLT2 in ccRCC progression, as well as the possibility of microRNA-204-5p in improving ccRCC prognosis and treatment.