WWC1, a target of miR-138-5p, facilitates the progression of prostate cancer

Background: WWC1 is known to be involved in the development of cancer. Therefore, it is critical to study the molecular mechanisms and cellular roles of WWC1 in cancer therapy.Methods: In this study, we examined the effect of WWC1 on prostate cancer tumorigenesis and the role of miR-138-5p in prostate cancer. The expression levels of miR-138-5p and WWC1 in prostate cancer (Pca) tissues and cells were detected by real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR and western blotting. Cell counting kit-8 and BrdU assays were performed to study cell proliferation and caspase-3 activity assay to detect apoptosis. Migration experiments were conducted to observe the movement ability of the cells.Results: The expression of WWC1 in Pca tissues or cell lines was increased, whereas miR-138-5p expression was decreased. MiR-138-5p targeted and partially neutralized the role of WWC1 in Pca cells. Moreover, reduced expression of WWC1 in Pca cell lines suppressed cell proliferation and migration and promoted apoptosis in vitro. Conclusions: Collectively, these findings reveal a novel mechanism by which miR-138-5p negatively regulates WWC1 in Pca.