MicroRNA-194 inhibits the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in gastric cancer cells by targeting FoxM1

Dig Dis Sci. 2014 Sep;59(9):2145-52. doi: 10.1007/s10620-014-3159-6. Epub 2014 Apr 19.

Abstract

Aim: We hypothesized that miR-194 may control Forkhead box protein M1 (FoxM1) expression in gastric cancer cells and therefore may have therapeutic potential in gastric cancer.

Methods: The expression level of miR-194 was examined using real-time PCR in human gastric cancer and noncancerous gastric tissues, gastric cancer cell and normal gastric mucosal epithelial cell. We examined whether the miR-194 regulates cell migration and invasion, and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition Phenotype by inhibiting FoxM1 in gastric cancer cells.

Results: The expression of miR-194 was significantly lower in gastric cancer compared with non-cancerous gastric tissues and cells. Exogenous expression of miR-194 inhibited cell migration, invasion, and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition phenotype in gastric cancer cells. Moreover, we discovered a novel post-transcriptional regulatory mechanism of FoxM1 expression that is mediated by miR-194.

Conclusion: Our study clearly demonstrates that miR-194 inhibits the acquisition of the EMT phenotype in gastric cancer cells by downregulating FoxM1, thereby inhibiting cell migration and invasion during cancer progression.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Movement
  • Epithelial Cells
  • Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition / genetics*
  • Forkhead Box Protein M1
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors / metabolism*
  • Gastric Mucosa / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic*
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism
  • MicroRNAs / physiology*
  • Phenotype
  • RNA Interference
  • Stomach Neoplasms / genetics
  • Stomach Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Up-Regulation

Substances

  • FOXM1 protein, human
  • Forkhead Box Protein M1
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors
  • MIRN194 microRNA, human
  • MicroRNAs