MiR-96-5p is involved in permethrin-promoted proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are major players in cellular responses to xenobiotic compounds and toxins. However, the role of miRNAs in pyrethroid pesticide-induced cancer progression remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the function of miR-96-5p in permethrin-induced proliferation and migration in breast cancer cells. In our study, the expression of miR-96-5p was upregulated in permethrin-treated MCF-7 cells. MiR-96-5p promoted MCF-7 cell proliferation and migration, accompanied bychanges in the expression of proteins involved in cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. Homeobox A5 (HOXA5) was identified as a direct target of miR-96-5p. HOXA5 silencing had the opposite effects with miR-96-5p inhibition. In conclusion, these results suggest that miR-96-5p is involved in permethrin-promoted proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells by targeting HOXA5.