Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRs) can affect the progression of cervical cancer (CC). The present study investigated the function of miR‑145‑5p in CC and demonstrated its association with fascin (FSCN1). The expression levels of miR‑145‑5p in CC tissues and cell lines were analyzed using reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR, and its direct targets were explored using a luciferase reporter assay. The viability, migration and invasion of HeLa cells transfected with small interfering FSCN1 or with miR‑145‑5p mimics and inhibitors were analyzed using Cell Counting Kit‑8 and Transwell assays. The expression levels of FSCN1 mRNA and protein were investigated using reverse transcription PCR and western blotting. miR‑145‑5p was downregulated in CC tissues and cell lines. Moreover, overexpression of miR‑145‑5p inhibited the migration, invasion and viability of HeLa cells. miR‑145‑5p directly targeted FSCN1, which regulated the suppressive functions of miR‑145‑5p in CC cells. Overall, miR‑145‑5p is a tumor suppressor gene and a promising target for CC treatment.