MiR-30a-5p as a tumor suppressor gene in gastric cancer.

Abstract

84 Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related death. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are an abundant class of negative gene regulator and regulate multiple gene targets. miRNAs control a wide range of biological functions such as cellular proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Moreover, many miRNAs are highly conserved, and their deregulation is often associated with human malignancies. The aims of this study are to determine the miR-30a functions as a tumor suppressor gene and to evaluate whether the miR-30a-5p is able to use the diagnostic or prognostic marker in GC. Methods: To identify the gastric tumor-associated miRNAs, miRNA microarray was performed using the gastric cancer tissues. qRT-PCR was employed to confirm the microarray results. Also, to determine the miR-30a-5p biological functions in GC, miR-30a-5p mimic or inhibitor was treated in GC cell lines. Results: In miRNA microarray data, miR-30a-5p was down-regulated in GC tissues compared to normal mucosa. When we performed qRT-PCR to confirm miR-30a-5p expression, it was frequently down-regulated in our GC cohort, (n = 30, P < 0.001). Furthermore, ectopic expression of miR-30a-5p decreased cell growth, migration capacity and colony formation in vitro. Conclusions: Taken together, the miR-30a-5p expression was frequently down-regulated in GC. In addition, the miR-30a-5p suppressed tumorigenesis. Therefore, we suggest that miR-30a-5p activation may be a useful strategy of GC patient therapy and it can serve as a diagnostic or prognostic marker for GC.