MiR-585-3p suppresses tumor proliferation and migration by directly targeting CAPN9 in high grade serous ovarian cancer

BACKGROUND: Aberrant expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) contributes to the development of high grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). However, the molecular mechanism by which miRNA-585-3p mediates high-grade serous ovarian carcinogenesis is unclear. This study aims to investigate the specific mechanism of action of miR-585-3p in HGSOC. METHODS: Expression of miR-585-3p in HGSOC tissues and cell lines was detected by qRT-PCR. Cell viability and migration were detected using MTT and transwell system. The expression of target genes and target proteins of miR-585-3p was detected by dual luciferase reporter assay and western blot. RESULTS: The expression of miR-585-3p was significantly lower in HGSOC tissues and cells than in normal ovarian tissues and cell lines. In HGSOC tissues, CAPN9 expression was inversely correlated with miR-585-3p expression. MiR-585-3p inhibited the proliferation and migration of HGSOC cells. MiR-585-3p bound to the 3'-untranslated region (UTR) of CAPN9 and inhibits CAPN9 expression. Overexpression of CAPN9 reduced the inhibitory effect of miR-585-3p in HGSOC cells. CONCLUSIONS: miR-585-3p is significantly down-regulated in HGSOC tissues and cell lines. MiR-585-3p inhibits the proliferation and migration of HGSOC cells by targeting CAPN9. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13048-021-00841-w.