Dysregulated
microRNA (miR)-625 expression has been observed in several kinds of
cancer.
MicroRNAs are important factors in the development and progression of
malignant melanoma, though the clinical significance and function of miR-625 in human
malignant melanoma remain unclear. Levels of miR-625 expression were therefore determined in 36 pairs of
malignant melanoma and adjacent non-
tumor tissue using qPCR. The effects of miR-625 dysregulation on
malignant melanoma cell proliferation, wound healing, migration and invasion in vitro and tumorigenicity in vivo were investigated using
CCK-8, transwell assays, and a nude mouse subcutaneous
tumor model. Bioinformatics analysis and
luciferase reporter system were used to predict and confirm the target gene of miR-625. miR-625 levels were frequently decreased in
malignant melanoma. Ectopic expression of miR-625 suppressed proliferation, wound healing, migration, and tumorgenicity in
malignant melanoma. Moreover, miR-625 acted, at least in part, by suppressing potential target SOX2. These results show that miR-625 is a
tumor suppressor that inhibits the development and progression of
malignant melanoma, which suggests miR-625 is potentially a new diagnostic marker and therapeutic target of
malignant melanoma.