INTRODUCTION: Wilms’ tumor (WT) is the most common childhood tumor, and recent studies have demonstrated that abnormal expression of microRNA (miRNA) plays an important role in the progression of WT. However, the effect of miR-572 on cell metastasis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in WT is unclear. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The alternation of miR-572 and cadherin 1 (CDH1) expression was assessed by quantitative Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Transwell assay was performed to explore the effects of miR-572 and CDH1 on the metastasis of WT cells. The EMT markers and CDH1 expressions were detected by Western blot. The relationship between miR-572 and CDH1 was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay.

RESULTS: Upregulation of miR-572 was identified in WT tissues. Increased miR-572 promoted cell metastasis and EMT progress in WT. Moreover, miR-572 directly targeted CDH1 and negatively regulated CDH1 expression in WT tissues. The knockdown of CDH1 showed a promoting effect on cell metastasis and EMT, while overexpression of CDH1 significantly weakened the effect of miR-572.

CONCLUSIONS: MiR-572 targeted CDH1 to promote cell metastasis in WT by suppressing EMT.