miR-148-3p and miR-152-3p synergistically regulate prostate cancer progression via repressing KLF4

Background miR-148-3p and miR-152-3p as the tumor suppressors have been reported in various cancer types. Our study is aimed to discuss the synergistic effect of miR-148-3p and miR-152-3p in prostate cancer (PCa). Methods Bioinformatics algorithm and luciferase reporter assays were used to verify whether miR-148-3p and 152-3p could bind with the 3 '-untranslated region (3 '-UTR) of Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4). PCa cell growth in vivo was analyzed using the mouse xenograft tumor model. Results miR-148-3p and miR-152-3p were reduced in PCa tumor tissues. Moreover, the protein expression of KLF4 was increased in PCa tissues. The 3 '-UTR of KLF4 contained the conserved binding sites with miR-148-3p and miR-152-3p. The mimics or inhibitors of miR-148-3p and/or miR-152-3p could downregulated or upregulated KLF4 expression, respectively. miR-148-3p and miR-152-3p-induced PCa cell growth inhibition were observed both in vivo and in vitro. KLF4 overexpression had the ability to neutralize the antitumor effect of miR-148-3p/152-3p in vivo and in vitro. Conclusion miR-148-3p/152-3p family could serve as tumor suppressors in PCa via repressing KLF4.