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Updated: Apr 22, 2026
Genome-wide Screen for miRNA Targets Using the MISSION Target ID Library
Published on: April 6, 2012
microRNA-22 acts as a metastasis suppressor by targeting metadherin in gastric cancer
Yunyun Tang1, Xiaoping Liu2, Bo Su1
1Center for Gastric Cancer Research of Hunan Province, First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China.
Abstract:
microRNA (miR)-22 has been reported to be downregulated in hepatocellular, lung, colorectal, ovarian and breast cancer, acting as a tumor suppressor. The present study investigated the potential effects of miR-22 on gastric cancer invasion and metastasis and the molecular mechanism. miR-22 expression was examined in tumor tissues of in 89 gastric cancer patients by in situ hybridization (ISH) analysis. Additionally, the association between miR-22 levels and clinicopathological parameters was analyzed. A luciferase assay was conducted for target identification. The ability of invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer cells in vitro and in vivo was evaluated by cell migration and invasion assays and in a xenograft model. The results showed that miR-22 was downregulated in the gastric cancer specimens and significantly correlated with the advanced clinical stage and lymph node metastasis. In addition, metadherin (MTDH) was shown to be a direct target of miR-22 and the expression of MTDH was inversely correlated with miR-22 expression in gastric cancer. Ectopic expression of miR-22 suppressed cell invasion and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. The present study suggested that miR-22 may be a valuable prognostic factor in gastric cancer. miR-22 inhibited gastric cancer cell invasion and metastasis by directly targeting MTDH. The novel miR-22/MTDH link confirmed in the present study provided a novel, potential therapeutic target for the treatment of gastric cancer.
Insights
MicroRNA-22 (miR-22) acts as a tumor suppressor in gastric cancer. This study found miR-22 inhibits gastric cancer invasion and metastasis by targeting MTDH, suggesting miR-22 as a potential therapeutic target.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- microRNA-22 (miR-22) is a known tumor suppressor downregulated in various cancers.
- Its role in gastric cancer progression, specifically invasion and metastasis, requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of miR-22 on gastric cancer invasion and metastasis.
- To identify the molecular mechanism underlying miR-22's function in gastric cancer.
- To evaluate miR-22 as a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target.
Main Methods:
- In situ hybridization (ISH) analysis of miR-22 expression in 89 gastric cancer tissues.
- Correlation analysis between miR-22 levels and clinicopathological parameters.
- Luciferase assay for target identification.
- In vitro cell migration and invasion assays.
- In vivo xenograft model studies.
Main Results:
- miR-22 was significantly downregulated in gastric cancer specimens, correlating with advanced stage and lymph node metastasis.
- Metadherin (MTDH) was identified as a direct target of miR-22, with inverse expression correlation.
- Ectopic expression of miR-22 suppressed gastric cancer cell invasion and metastasis both in vitro and in vivo.
Conclusions:
- miR-22 functions as a tumor suppressor in gastric cancer by inhibiting invasion and metastasis.
- The miR-22/MTDH axis represents a novel molecular mechanism and a potential therapeutic target for gastric cancer treatment.
- miR-22 holds promise as a valuable prognostic factor for gastric cancer patients.
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