microRNA-361 targets Wilms' tumor 1 to inhibit the growth, migration and invasion of non-small-cell lung cancer cells

The expression and functions of microRNA-361 (miR-361) have been studied in various human cancers. However, its expression and role in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear. In the present study, the expression levels of miR-361 in NSCLC tissues and cell lines were determined using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). In addition, the effect of miR-361 on the proliferation, migration and invasion of NSCLC cells was assessed. Furthermore, a dual-Luciferase reporter assay, RT-qPCR and western blotting were performed to investigate whether miR-361 directly targeted the 3' untranslated region of Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1). The results of the present study revealed that miR-361 was downregulated in NSCLC tissues and cell lines. Enforced expression of miR-361 suppressed the proliferation, migration and invasion of NSCLC cells. WT1 was identified as a direct target gene of miR-361 in NSCLC. Furthermore, knockdown of WT1 had similar effects to miR-361 overexpression in NSCLC cells. The present study provided novel insights into the molecular mechanism underlying the rapid growth and metastasis of NSCLC, and identified the association between miR-361 and WT1 as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of NSCLC.