ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the expression of miRNA-16 (miR-16) in breast cancer patients and its effect on the proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells. Methods Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect the expression of miR-16 in 30 breast cancer patients. miR-16 mimics was transfected to MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cell, and CCK-8 as well as Transwell assay was applied to detect the effect of miR-16 on cell proliferation and migration of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells. Results Among 30 breast cancer patients, the expression of miR-16 was down-regulated in 23 cases. Cell proliferation and migration of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells were inhibited significantly after transfection of miR-16 mimics. Conclusion miR-16 is down-regulated in breast cancer patients. miR-16 inhibits significantly the cell proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells in vitro.