Background: miRNAs regulate a multitude of cellular processes and their aberrant regulation is linked to human cancer. However, the role of miR-425-5p in lung cancer (LCa) is still largely unclear. Here, we explored the role of miR-425-5p during LCa tumorigenesis. Methods: Cell proliferation was evaluated by cell counting Kit-8 and colony formation assay. Western blot and realtime PCR were accordingly used to detect the relevant proteins, miRNA and gene expression. Luciferase reporter assays were used to illustrate the interaction between miR-425-5p and PTEN. Results: We demonstrate that miR-425-5p is overexpressed in LCa tissue and enhances the proliferative and colony formation capacity of the LCa cell lines A549 and NCI-H1299. Through predictive binding assays, PTEN was identified as a direct gene target and its exogenous expression inhibited the pro-cancer effects of miR-425-5p. Through its ability to down-regulate PTEN, miR-425-5p activated the PI3K/AKT axis. Conclusion: We conclude that miR-425-5p promotes LCa tumorigenesis through PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling.
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