The pro-oncogenic effect of miR-106a microRNA inhibition in melanoma cells in vitro

miRNAs are regulators of gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. The multifunctional properties of these molecules make them potential targets for controlling the behavior of tumor cells. Thousands of types of microRNAs have been identified. Their expression profiles significantly alter during the malignant transformation of cells. In this study, we investigated the effect of miR-106a functional inhibition on the growth, viability and death of melanoma cells. The miR-106a level of expression monitored with a microarray was enhanced in melanoma cells and melanocytic nevi. Its inhibition did not affect melanoma cell proliferation, viability, and migration, but increased tumor cell invasive activity and clonogenicity. miRNA alterations in melanoma and other malignant tumors and the functional role of miR-106a in melanoma, as well in other pathologies, are discussed.