Downregulation of miR-485-3p promotes glioblastoma cell proliferation and migration via targeting RNF135

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that serve pivotal roles in human diseases. Several miRNAs, such as miR-485-3p, have been identified as potential biomarkers for predicting overall survival of patients with glioblastoma (GBM). However, the underlying mechanism of miRNAs in promoting GBM progression remains unknown. In the present study, decreased miR-485-3p expression was detected in tumor tissues from patients with GBM. Using western blot analysis, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and dual luciferase reporter assay, ring finger protein 135 (RNF135) was confirmed as a target gene of miR-485-3p in GBM cells. Through silencing of RNF135, miR-485-3p inactivated the mitogen-activated protein kinase/ERK1/2 pathway in GBM cells. Moreover, functional assays demonstrated that miR-485-3p inhibited GBM cell proliferation and migration whilst overexpression of RNF135 reversed this effect. Additionally, a negative correlation between miR-485-3p and RNF135 mRNA expression was observed in tissues from patients with glioblastoma. In conclusion, the present results demonstrated that miR-485-3p functioned as a tumor suppressor which suggested that miR-485-3p might have a role in GBM progression.