miR‑342‑3p suppresses cell migration and invasion in preeclampsia by targeting platelet‑derived growth factor receptor α.

miR‑342‑3p expression was increased in the placentas of women with preeclampsia (PE) according to previous examinations; the mechanism underlying the development and progression of PE requires further investigation. The present study aimed to explore the mechanism and functionality of microRNA (miR)‑342‑3p in trophoblastic cells. The expression of miR‑342‑3p and platelet‑derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRA) in the placentas of 30 patients with PE and 30 normal controls was detected. In addition, HTR8/SVneo cells were transfected with miR‑342‑3p mimics, small interfering RNA (siR)‑PDGFRA or their corresponding negative controls; then the proliferation, migration, invasion and the distribution of the cell cycle of these cells were analyzed. Additionally, a dual‑luciferase reporter assay was performed. According to these analyses, the expression of miR‑342‑3p was significantly increased, while that of PDGFRA was significantly lower in the PE group compared with the normal group. Transfection with miR‑342‑3p mimics led to a significant decrease in cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and also affected the cell cycle. Furthermore, miR‑342‑3p mimics reduced the expression of PDGFRA; miR‑342‑3p overexpression also reduced the mRNA and protein levels of BCL‑2 and Caspase‑3. In addition, transfection of siR‑PDGFRA exhibited similar effects to those of miR‑342‑3p mimics. Finally, PDGFRA was reported to be a direct target of miR‑342‑3p. In conclusion, miR‑342‑3p was proposed to inhibit the proliferation, migration, invasion and G1/S phase transition of HTR8/SVneo cells by suppressing PDGFRA. Our findings suggest that miR‑342‑3p may be a novel clinical indicator or prognostic marker for PE.