Abstract
The role of microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) in governing the progression of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) has been the focus of recent studies. However, the functional role of miR-451a in cSCC growth remains poorly understood. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the expression levels of miR-451a in cSCC cell lines and the involvement of miR-451a in cSCC progression. The results revealed that the expression levels of miR-451a were downregulated in cSCC tissues and cell lines, and that this subsequently upregulated 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase-1 (PDPK1) expression levels. PDPK1 was validated as a direct target of miR-451a in cSCC using bioinformatics software Starbase, dual-luciferase reporter gene assays and western blotting. Additionally, CCK-8, EdU and Transwell assays, as well as flow cytometry and Hoechst 3325 staining, were performed to assess the malignant aggressiveness of cSCC cells. Overexpression of miR-451a was demonstrated to impair the proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and promoted apoptosis in cSCC cells by interacting with PDPK1, possibly by direct targeting. Furthermore, the western blotting results indicated that miR-451a overexpression may block the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway by interacting with PDPK1. In conclusion, the findings of the present study suggested that miR-451a may prevent the proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT of cSCC cells through the PDPK1-mediated PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, which may offer potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of cSCC.