MiR-711 regulates gastric cancer progression by targeting CD44.

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to play an important role in tumor progression by regulating the expression of target genes.

Objective: This study attempted to verify the role of miR-711 in gastric cancer (GC) progression by in vitro and in vivo assays.

Methods: The expression of miR-711 in tumor tissues and cells was detected by real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR). Expression of MiR-711 in NCI-N87 and SNU-1 cells was detected by FISH. We transfected GC cells with miR-711 mimics or inhibitors. The effects of miR-711 on the proliferation and metastasis of GC cells were detected by CCK-8, wound healing and transwell assays. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was used to verify the targeting relationship between miR-711 and CD44. Xenograft assays was used to verify the regulatory effect of miR-711 on tumor growth.

Results: In GC tissues and cell lines, the expression of miR-711 was down-regulated when compare with adjacent tissues or normal epithelial cells. The results indicated that overexpressing of miR-711 could suppress the GC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion through targeting CD44. The knockdown of CD44 showed similar effects as miR-711 overexpression in GC cells. Moreover, we confirmed these effects in the in vivo assays. Furthermore, we found that miR-711 could play a role by influencing tumor cell stemness.

Conclusion: MiR-711 plays vital roles as a tumor-suppressor by targeting CD44 and may be a therapeutic target for GC treatment.