miR-181b as a Potential Molecular Target for Anticancer Therapy of Gastric Neoplasms

Objective: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in carcinogenesis. The aim of the present study wasto explore the effects of miR-181b on gastric cancer.
Methods: The expression level of miR-181b was quantifiedby qRT-PCR. MTT, flow cytometry and matrigel invasion assays were used to test proliferation, apoptosis andinvasion of miR-181b stable transfected gastric cancer cells.
Results: miR-181b was aberrantly overexpressed ingastric cancer cells and primary gastric cancer tissues. Further experiments demonstrated inducible expression ofmiR-181b by Helicobacter pylori treatment. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion in the gastric cancer cellswere significantly increased after miR-181b transfection and apoptotic cells were also increased. Furthermore,overexpression of miR-181b downregulated the protein level of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3 (TIMP3).
Conclusion: The upregulation of miR-181b may play an important role in the progress of gastric cancer andmiR-181b maybe a potential molecular target for anticancer therapeutics of gastric cancer.