miRNA-381-3p Functions as a Tumor Suppressor to Inhibit Gastric Cancer by Targeting Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor-2

Objectives: MicroRNAs possess essential effects on gastric cancer (GC), whereas the underlying mechanisms have not been fully uncovered. The present work focused on investigating the role of miR-381-3p in GC cellular processes and the possible mechanisms.Methods: miR-381-3p levels within GC tissues and cells were measured through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). This study measured cell proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis through EdU, colony formation, flow cytometry, and Transwell assays separately. TargetScan was adopted to predict the miR-381-3p targets, whereas luciferase reporter assay was adopted for confirmation.Results: miR-381-3p levels were decreased, whereas fibroblast growth factor receptor-2 (FGFR2) expression was increased in GC. miR-381-3p upregulation inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion and it promoted the apoptosis of GC cells. Further, FGFR2 overexpression partly reversed the miR-381-3p-mediated impacts on GC cellular processes.Conclusions: This study provides an experimental basis, suggesting the potential of using miR-381-3p as the novel marker for GC. Clinical Trial Registration number: 2020-05.

Automated summary

This study investigates the role of miR-381-3p in gastric cancer cellular processes and its potential mechanisms. The levels of miR-381-3p in GC tissues and cells were measured using qRT-PCR. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis were assessed through various assays. TargetScan was used to predict miR-381-3p targets, and luciferase reporter assay was performed for confirmation. The findings suggest that miR-381-3p may serve as a novel marker for gastric cancer.