Regulatory Role of miR-15a-5p and miR-16-5p in Suppressing Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cell Growth through Target Gene Interaction

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the functional effects of miR-15a-5p and miR-16-5p in AML cell lines (HL-60 and NB4), focusing on their regulation of key target genes. Material and Methods: We initially transfected miR-15a-5p and miR-16-5p mimics into AML cell lines to investigate their regulatory roles in fundamental cellular processes. After the transfection, the potential target genes of these miRNAs were identified through several in silico prediction tools, allowing us to focus on biologically relevant candidates. To evaluate how these miRNA–target gene axes may influence AML-related mechanisms, the expression levels of the selected genes were subsequently analyzed in mimic-transfected cells using quantitative expression assays. Results: Study results showed that transfection of miR-15a-5p and miR-16-5p miRNA mimics led to a marked suppression of HL-60 and NB4 AML cell proliferation, indicating that both miRNAs exert inhibitory effects on leukemic cell growth. Consistent with this observation, IGF1R expression was significantly downregulated at the mRNA level in AML cells transfected with either miRNA mimics. This coordinated reduction suggests that IGF1R may function as a critical downstream effector of these miRNAs. Conclusion: These findings suggest that miR-15a-5p and miR-16-5p may function as tumor suppressors in AML, with potential therapeutic implications. Additionally, the interactions between miR-15a-5p/miR-16-5p/IGF1R may serve as specific biomarkers for new therapeutic targets in AML. Overall, this study highlights miR-15a-5p and miR-16-5p as promising targets for the development of novel AML therapies.