Abstract
MicroRNAs refer to small RNA molecules that destroy the messenger RNA by binding on them inhibiting the production of protein. However, the role of miR-155 in uveal melanoma metastasis remains largely unknown. In this study, we found that miR-155 was upregulated in both uveal melanoma cells and tissues. Transfection of miR-155 mimic into uveal melanoma cells led to an increase in cell growth and invasion; in contrast, inhibition of miR-155 resulted in opposite effects. Also, we identified Nedd4-family interacting protein 1 as a direct target of miR-155, and the expression of Nedd4-family interacting protein 1 was inhibited by miR-155. Furthermore, ectopic expression of Nedd4-family interacting protein 1 restored the effects of miR-155 on cell proliferation and invasion of uveal melanoma cells. In conclusion, miR-155 acts as a tumor promotor in uveal melanoma through increasing cell proliferation and invasion. Thus, miR-155 might serve as a potential therapeutic target in patients with uveal melanoma.