miR-185 enhances the inhibition of proliferation and migration induced by ionizing radiation in melanoma

Melanoma is an aggressive malignancy that is increasingly common and exhibits a poor patient survival rate. Radiotherapy is the primary option for patients with melanoma, particularly those who are not candidates for surgery; however, the therapeutic effect is limited due to the relative radioresistance of melanoma to ionizing radiation (IR). It has been reported that microRNAs (miRNAs) serve a vital role in determining the radiosensitivity of tumors; however, little is known concerning the radiosensitization of melanoma using miRNA. In the present study, the radiosensitization effect of miRNA 185 (miR‑185), which has been demonstrated to reduce renal cancer radioresistance, was investigated in B16 cells, a skin melanoma cell line derived from C57/BL mice, was investigated. Cell proliferation and scratch wound healing assays were used to determine the proliferative and migratory abilities of B16 cells. Annexin V/propidium iodide double staining was used to determine the apoptosis induced by IR. A tumor formation assay was performed to determine the radiosensitization effect of miR‑185 on melanoma cells in vivo. Proliferation marker protein Ki‑67, and hematoxylin and eosin staining were used to assess the proliferative activity and histological changes, respectively. The results of the present study demonstrated that miR‑185 suppresses cellular proliferation and migration, and enhances IR‑induced apoptosis, and the inhibition of proliferation and migration, in vitro and in vivo, which provides an insight into understanding the radiosensitization of melanoma using miRNA.