MiR-429-5p attenuates the migration and invasion of malignant melanoma by targeting LIMK1

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the potential effects of microRNA-429-5p (miR-4295p) on the development of malignant melanoma ( MM) and the relevant mechanism. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT- PCR) was used to detect the differential expression of miR- 429- 5p in MM tissues. The relationship between miR-429-5p expression and clinical pathological data of MM patients was analyzed. LIM kinase 1 (LIMK1) was verified as a downstream target of miR-429-5p by online prediction software, and the interaction between LIMK1 and miR-429-5p was verified by Dual- Luciferase reporter assay. RESULTS: Compared with normal skin tissues, miR- 429- 5p was downregulated in MM tissues. MiR-429-5p expression was correlated with tumor size and stage of MM. Upregulation of miR- 429- 5p significantly inhibited protein expression of LIMK1 and reduced migration and invasion ability of MM cells. LIMK1 was involved in MM progression regulated by miR-429- 5p. CONCLUSIONS: MiR- 429-5p attenuates migration and invasion in MM by targeting LIMK1. Hence, miR-429-5p/LIMK1 axis might be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of MM.