LncRNA SNHG5 modulates cell proliferation and migration through the miR-92a-3p/BTG2 axis in gastric cancer by the PI3K/AKT pathway.

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is a widespread malignancy and associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality worldwide.

Aim: To examine the functional role of long non-coding RNAs small nucleolar RNA host gene 5 (SNHG5) and its regulation of miR-92a-3p and B-cell translocation gene 2 (BTG2) in GC progression.

Methods: Quantitative reverse transcription PCR and western blot analysis determined the expression of SNHG5, miR-92a-3p, and BTG2 in GC and adjacent non-neoplastic mucosa. Dual-luciferase assays demonstrated interactions of SNHG5 with miR-92a-3p and BTG2. AGS cells were transfected with SNHG5 overexpression and miR-92a-3p knockdown models. Various assays, including CCK-8, colony formation, scratch wound healing, and Transwell assays, were used to determine cell proliferation and migration. An experimental model of a xenograft mouse was used to determine in vivo tumor growth. At the same time histological changes were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin staining, with western blot analysis used to evaluate signaling pathway protein expression.

Results: BTG2 and SNHG5 were downregulated in GC tissues, and miR-92a-3p was upregulated. Overexpression of SNHG5 or knockdown of miR-92a-3p reduced GC cell proliferation and migration, and increased BTG2 expression while decreasing PI3K/AKT signaling activity. The dual-luciferase assays demonstrated direct binding of miR-92a-3p to SNHG5 and BTG2. Tumor volume and weight were significantly reduced in mice transplanted with AGS cells treated with miR-92a-3p inhibitor or SNHG5 overexpression compared with control AGS cells. Hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed that treated tumors exhibited degenerative characteristics, including irregular morphology and nucleolysis.

Conclusion: LncRNA SNHG5 inhibited GC cell growth and migration by modulating the PI3K/AKT pathway via the miR-92a-3p/BTG2 axis.