miR-31 inhibits cell proliferation and invasion through targeting ROCK1 in prostate cancer

Aberrant expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) has been frequently implicated in the development and progression of human malignancies. The objective of the present study was to explore the expression profile and biological function of miR-31 in prostate cancer (PCa). Through quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis, we found that the expression of miR-31 in PCa tissues was markedly lower than that of adjacent normal prostate tissues. Additionally, CCK-8 and transwell assays were conducted to determine the effects of miR-31 on the PCa cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and we found that miR-31 overexpression inhibited PCa cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Potential target genes of miR-31 were predicted by bioinformatics tools and confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay. The underlying mechanisms of miR-31 in modulating PCa cell behavior was to directly regulate Rho associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) by binding its 3'-untranslated regions (3'-UTR). In summary, the results of the current study suggest that miR-31 may inhibit proliferation and invasion in PCa cells at least partially by targeting ROCK1. This finding may provide a therapeutic approach for future treatment of ROCK1.