MicroRNA-96-5p represses breast cancer proliferation and invasion through Wnt/β-catenin signaling via targeting CTNND1

Low miR-96-5p expression is characteristic of many cancers but its role in breast cancer (BCa) remains poorly defined. Here, the role of miR-96-5p in BC development was assessed. We demonstrate that exogenously expressing miR-96-5p inhibits the proliferative, migratory and invasive capacity of BCa cells. Mechanistically, miR-96-5p in BCa cells was found to target and downregulate catenin delta 1 (CTNND1) leading to decreased β-catenin expression, a loss of WNT11 signaling, reduced cyclin D1 levels and lower MMP7 expression. Exogenously expressing CTNND1 alleviated these effects. In summary, we are the first to reveal that miR-96-5p inhibits the proliferative, invasive and migratory phenotypes of BCa cells the targeting of CTNND1 and subsequent Wnt/β-catenin signaling. These data highlight miR-96-5p as a novel target for BC treatment.