MiR-608 exerts tumor suppressive function in lung adenocarcinoma by directly targeting MIF

Objective Lung adenocarcinoma (LA) is considered as a highly aggressive disease with heterogeneous prognosis. The molecular mechanisms of LA progression remain elusive. Recent studies have shown that dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) is prevalent in LA, playing a significant role in tumor progression. The present work aims to analyze the expression and function of miR-608 in LA. Patients and methods Quantitative Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‑PCR) assay and Western blot were performed to detect expressions of miR-608 and migration inhibitory factor (MIF). Luciferase reporter assays were carried out to investigate the regulatory effect of miR-608 on MIF. The cell invasion and the migration capabilities were detected by transwell assay. Results QRT-PCR indicated that miR-608 expressions in LA tissues were markedly reduced than that of the normal tissues. Moreover, the expression of MIF, a potential target gene of miR-608, was inversely associated with miR-608 expression in LA. Furthermore, miR-608 overexpression could inhibit LA invasion and migration, which was reversed by MIF knockdown. Conclusions Our study revealed the mechanisms that miR-608 suppressed LA invasion and migration by targeting MIF, suggesting that miR-608/MIF axis could be used as a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for LA.