MiR-202 inhibits cell proliferation, invasion, and migration in breast cancer by targeting ROCK1 gene

Purpose The aim of this study was to research the effect of miR-202 on breast cancer cells proliferation, invasion, and migration. Methods TCGA analysis was used to research miR-202 expression and overall survival in patients with breast cancer. Transfection with miR-202 mimics or cotransfection with miR-202 mimics and ROCK1 expression vector was performed on breast cancer cells. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the miR-202 expression of breast cancer tissues and cells. Western blot was conducted to research the expression of ROCK1, E-cadherin, Twist, N-cadherin, and MMP2. Dual luciferase reporter assay was performed to detect the targeted relationship between ROCK1 and miR-202. MTT and transwell assay were used to detect breast cancer cells proliferation, invasion, and migration. Results Downregulation of miR-202 was positively correlated with poor prognosis of patients with breast cancer. miR-202 in breast cancer tissues and breast cancer cells was significantly downregulated. Upregulation of miR-202 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of breast cancer cells. miR-202 promoted E-cadherin expression and inhibited the expression of N-cadherin, Twist, and MMP2. ROCK1 was the target gene of miR-202. miR-202 regulated proliferation, migration, invasion, and expression of related proteins in breast cancer cells by targeting ROCK1 expression. Conclusions miR-202 inhibited breast cancer cells proliferation, invasion, and migration by targeting the ROCK1 gene