Identification of potential targets of microRNA-101-3p in prostate cancer by bioinformatics analysis

Background: MiR-101-3p, a tumor suppressor, has been implicated as a tumor suppressor miRNA in multiple primary malignancies including prostate cancer (PCa). This study aimed to explore target genes and relevant signaling pathways regulated by microRNA-101-3p (miR-101-3p) for further researches in PCa with bioinformatics analysis. Results: : 565 target genes were appeared in all databases and enriched in positive regulation of transcription, which were mainly enriched in axon guidance and MAPK pathway. Two important modules were detected from PPI network. Ten hub genes were selected, including MAPK1, PIKFYVE, EGFR, SMARCA4, TOP2B, GSK3B, FOS, RAC1, BCL2 and TAF1. After thoroughly reviewing published literature, we found that 10 target genes and six signaling pathways were truly inhibited by miR-101-3p in various tissues or cells; some of these verified targets were in accordance with our present prediction. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that miR-101-3p target hub genes, including MAPK1, PIKFYVE, EGFR, SMARCA4, TOP2B, GSK3B, FOS, RAC1, BCL2 and TAF1, might promote the development of PCa. However, further experiments are still required to confirm potential functions of these miR-101-3p target genes and pathways in PCa.