RAB9A overexpression mitigates the inhibitory effect of miR-136-5p on melanoma cell progression. A875 and SK-MEL-1 cells were transfected with miR-NC, miR-136-5p, miR-136-5p + vector, or miR-136-5p + RAB9A, respectively. RAB9A protein level (a), cell viability (b and c), colony numbers (d), apoptosis rate (e), cell cycle progress (f and g), cell migration and invasion (h and i), glucose consumption (j), lactate production (k), ECAR (l and m), and the protein levels of HK2 and LDHA (n and o) were examined via the appropriate methods. *P < 0.05.