Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) post‑transcriptionally regulate gene expression by targeting the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of target genes, and serve diverse roles in cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. However, the association between miR‑16‑2‑3p and 3‑phosphoinositide‑dependent protein kinase‑1 (PDPK1) in nonsyndromic cleft lip (NSCL) remains unclear. In the present study, a luciferase activity assay indicated that miR‑16‑2‑3p negatively regulated PDPK1 in maxillary primordium mesenchymal cells (MPMCs). In addition, it was confirmed that the expression levels of miR‑16‑2‑3p was markedly increased in cleft lip tissues compared with those in adjacent normal lip tissues. A negative correlation between miR‑16‑2‑3p and PDPK1 in cleft lip tissues was observed. Furthermore, miR‑16‑2‑3p inhibited cell proliferation and migration, and induced apoptosis of MPMCs via repressing PDPK1. Finally, miR‑16‑2‑3p exerted its suppressive role in MPMCs by inhibiting the PDPK1/protein kinase B signaling pathway. These results indicate that miR‑16‑2‑3p may inhibit cell proliferation and migration, and promote apoptosis in MPMCs through repression of PDPK1 and may be a potential target for future clinical prevention and treatment of NSCL.