Mirna-383-5p functions as an anti-oncogene in glioma through the Akt/mTOR signal pathway by targeting VEGFA

Abstract Background Previously, we screened a series of differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNA in glioma though bioinformatics analyses which included miRNA-383-5p and vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGFA). This work aims to investigate the effects of miRNA-383-5p on the proliferation, migration and apoptosis of glioma cells, and the regulatory mechanism of miRNA-383-5p on the VEGFA/protein kinase B(Akt)/mechanistic target of rapamycin(mTOR) pathway. Methods Cells of U87 and U251 were collected. The expression of miRNA-383-5p was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. Akt, mTOR VEGFA and its receptor VEGFR protein expression levels in glioma cells were detected with western blotting. The relationship between miRNA-383-5p and VEGFA was verified by dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. CCK-8, Transwell and flow cytometry assays were used to detect cell proliferation, invasion and apoptosis, respectively. Results Our results indicated that overexpression of miRNA-383-5p inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and promoted apoptosis in glioma cell lines. VEGFA was identified as a target of miRNA-383-5p, and overexpression of miRNA-383-5p significantly suppressed the levels of VEGFA and Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Overexpression of VEGFA can reverse the inhibitory effect of miRNA-383-5p and reactivate the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Conclution Our results suggest that miRNA-383-5p inhibits the proliferation and migration of glioma cells by regulating the VEGFA/akt/mTOR pathway.