MiR‐452‐5p facilitates retinoblastoma cell growth and invasion via the SOCS3/JAK2/STAT3 pathway

Abstract Retinoblastoma (RB) is an intraocular tumor in children. Accumulated evidence confirms that microRNAs (miRNAs) exert critical functions in RB. This research aimed to investigate the miR‐452‐5p function in RB. MiR‐452‐5p expressions in RB were tested with quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). MiR‐452‐5p functions in RB were evaluated via Cell Counting Kit‐8, 5‐Ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine assay, flow cytometry, Western blot, and Transwell. MiR‐452‐5p mechanism in RB was assessed using bioinformatics software Starbase and dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay. Meanwhile, miR‐452‐5p function in RB in vivo was examined by constructing tumor xenografts in nude mice, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot assays. MiR‐452‐5p was overexpressed in RB tissues and cells, and miR‐452‐5p expression was positively correlated with RB clinicopathology including the Largest tumor base (mm) and Differentiation. Functionally, miR‐452‐5p knockdown restrained RB cell proliferation, invasion, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), and facilitated cell apoptosis. Mechanistically, suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS3) knockdown restored the inhibitory effects of miR‐452‐5p knockdown on RB cells. Meanwhile, in vivo studies further corroborated that miR‐452‐5p knockdown reduced RB tumor growth, EMT, and accelerated apoptosis in vivo. Also, miR‐452‐5p knockdown increased SOCS3 protein levels, and decreased phosphorylated Janus kinase 2/Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in vivo. MiR‐452‐5p accelerated RB cell growth and invasion by SOCS3/JAK2/STAT3.