miR-30a-3p inhibits renal cancer cell invasion and metastasis through targeting ATG12

Background: Aberrantly expressed microRNAs play important biological functions in the pathogenesis, progression and metastasis of numerous malignancies. Thus, further identification of these non-coding transcriptions is warranted. Methods: miRNAs expression data of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) as well as the normal renal tissue samples was downloaded from TCGA and GEO database, and was analyzed by both computational and experimental approaches. The bio-functional role of the miRNA was then moreover identified by over-expression and inhibition assays. Beyond that, Western blots, luciferase assays, along with immunohistochemistry (IHC) tests were conducted for further study of the potential mechanisms. Results: In this study, a novel regulatory miRNA, miR-30a-3p, was identified along with its biological function as well as prognostic value in RCC. Functionally, miR-30a-3p inhibits RCC cell invasion and migration. miR-30a-3p targets autophagy related 12 (ATG12), which we confirmed by luciferase reporter assays and Western blotting. Conclusions: In conclusion, miR-30a-3p, as a new prognostic marker in RCC, down-regulates RCC cell invasion and migration by targeting ATG12. This consistently improves the overall survival of RCC patients.