Over-expression of miR-124 impairs proliferation, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in pituitary prolactinoma by targeting PHD finger protein 19

Purpose: To determine the effect of miR-124 in pituitary prolactinoma. Methods: The viability and proliferation of prolactinoma cells were investigated using Cell Counting Kit-8 and 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine staining assays. Cell migration and invasion were investigated using the transwell assay. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition was investigated using western blotting. The target gene of miR-124 was verified by the luciferase activity assay. Results: The viability and proliferation of prolactinoma cells were repressed by miR-124 over-expression (p < 0.01). Forced miR-124 expression suppressed prolactinoma cell migration and invasion (p < 0.01). E-cadherin expression was enhanced, while N-cadherin and vimentin were reduced, by miR- 124 over-expression (p < 0.01). PHF19 (plant homeodomain-like finger protein 19) contains an miR-124 binding site, and PHF19 over-expression enhanced cell proliferation, promoted cell migration and invasion, reduced E-cadherin expression and enhanced N-cadherin and vimentin expression in prolactinoma cells. Additionally, miR-124 mimic-induced suppression of prolactinoma cell growth and metastasis was attenuated by forced PHF19 expression. Conclusion: MiR-124 retards prolactinoma cell growth and metastasis by reducing PHF19, providing a promising therapeutic target for prolactinoma.