MiR-135b-5p Inhibits the Progression of Malignant Melanoma Cells by Targeting RBX1

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the potential effects of microRNA-135b-5p (miR-135b) on the development of malignant melanoma (MM) and the relevant mechanism.

Patients And Methods: The expression level of miR-135b in MM tissues and cells was detected by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). Online prediction software and luciferase reporter assays were used to predict and verify the possible target of miR-135b, respectively. Furthermore, the effects of the miR-135b on MM A375 cells were determined by Western blotting, MTT, and transwell assays.

Results: MiR-135b was significantly down-regulated in MM. RING-box protein 1 (RBX1) was verified as a direct target of miR-135b. Subsequent experiments showed that down-regulation of RBX1 resulted from miR-135b up-regulation could significantly inhibit the proliferation, invasion, and migration abilities of MM cells.

Conclusions: MiR-135b inhibited the progression of MM by targeting RBX1. Our findings revealed that miR-135b/RBX1 might be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of MM.