MicroRNA-197-3p induces apoptosis in human prolactinoma cells via ERK/EGR1 signaling pathway

Purpose: To determine the effect and therapeutic implications of miR-1973p in human prolactinoma cells. Methods: The expression of miRNA-197-3p was assayed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8), 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU), and annexin V/PI staining assays were used for the determination of cell viability, proliferation and apoptosis, respectively. Protein expressions were assessed by western blotting. Results: Overexpression of miR-197-3p caused significant (p < 0.05) inhibition of the viability and proliferation of GH3 prolactinoma cells. Furthermore, the colony-forming potential of GH3 cells was significantly reduced by miR-197-3p overexpression. The tumor-suppressive effects of miR-197-3p occurred via initiation of apoptosis which, in turn, was accompanied by up-regulation of Bax and downregulation of Bcl-2 (p < 0.05). Overexpression of miR-197-3p also inhibited ERK/EGR1 signaling pathway in prolactinoma cells. Conclusion: MiR-197-3p exhibits a tumor suppressive effect in prolactinoma cells. Therefore, it may have therapeutic potential for the management of prolactinoma.