MiR-15a suppresses hepatocarcinoma cell migration and invasion by directly targeting cMyb

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the function of miR-15a in HCC, and identify cMyb as a target of miR-15a. Methods: RNA expression was evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The effects of miR-15a or cMyb on HCC cells were evaluated by transwell migration assay and western blot analysis. CMyb, the predicted target, has been frequently verified by luciferase assay. Results: MiR-15a was markedly downregulated in sphere culture HCC cells by qRT-PCR. CMyb was predicted to be a potential target of miR-15a using bioinformatics analysis. This prediction has been frequently verified by luciferase assay and western blot. A positive correlation between cMyb and the migration ability of HCC cells was demonstrated by transwell assays. MiR-15a mimic suppressed cMyb expression to weaken HCC cell migration ability. On the other hand, miR-15a inhibitor upregulated cMyb and induced HCC cell migration. Conclusion: MiR-15a could suppress HCC progression through the repression of cMyb, making miR-15a a potential therapeutic target.