MicroRNA-127 Inhibits the Progression of Melanoma by Downregulating Delta-Like Homologue 1

OBJECTIVE: Melanoma is the most common form of skin cancer with low survival rate and poor prognosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to play essential roles in progression of melanoma. However, the role and mechanism of miR-127 in the process of melanoma remain poorly understood. METHODS: The expressions of miR-127 and delta-like homologue 1 (DLK1) were measured in melanoma tissues and cells by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were measured by MTT assay, flow cytometry, and Western blot. The interaction between miR-127 and DLK1 was investigated by bioinformatics analysis, luciferase activity assay, and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP). Murine xenograft model was conducted to investigate the effect of miR-127 on tumor growth in vivo. RESULTS: miR-127 was inhibited and DLK1 mRNA was enhanced in melanoma tissues and cells. Low abundance of miR-127 in melanoma tissues predicted a poor prognosis and was associated with the malignant clinicopathological features. Overexpression of miR-127 inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in melanoma cells. Moreover, DLK1 was targeted by miR-127 and its restoration reversed the regulatory effect of miR-127 on the process of melanoma. Besides, the addition of miR-127 suppressed xenograft tumor growth via suppressing DLK1 protein level in nude mice. CONCLUSION: miR-127 blocked the development of melanoma by targeting DLK1, providing a novel biomarker for the treatment of melanoma.