miR-181a-5p is downregulated and inhibits proliferation and the cell cycle in prostate cancer

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common cancers in men worldwide. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms underlying PCa tumorigenesis and progression remain largely unclear. MicroRNAs are key regulators of gene post-transcriptional expression in human cancer. In this study, we used public datasets, including GSE21036, GSE14857 and GSE45604 to analyze the expression of miR-181a in PCa. We also explored the potential role of miR-181a by using bioinformatics analysis and gain of function assay. miR-181a was down-regulated in PCa. Bioinformatics analysis revealed miR-181a was significantly involved in regulating cell metabolic process and gene expression. Of note, gain of function assay results showed overexpression of miR-181a could significantly inhibit cell proliferation by inducing G1 cell cycle arrest. Our results suggest miR-181a-5p may be adiagnostic and therapeutic biomarker for prostate cancer.