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MiRNA-621 exerts tumor suppressor function in gastric adenocarcinoma by targeting AURKA/GSK-3β pathway

Xiao Han1, Hongxue Liu2, Xiaojun Tang1

  • 1Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the Affiliated Huaian No.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai 'an, Jiangsu Province, 223001, China.

Acta Biochimica Polonica
|February 25, 2021
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNA-621 (miR-621) acts as a tumor suppressor in gastric adenocarcinoma by inhibiting cancer cell growth. Its downregulation correlates with tumor size, suggesting miR-621 as a potential therapeutic target.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Gastric adenocarcinoma poses a significant global health challenge.
  • Aberrant microRNA (miRNA) expression is implicated in various cancers.
  • MicroRNA-621 (miR-621) has shown altered expression in cancerous tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role and molecular mechanisms of miR-621 in gastric adenocarcinoma progression.
  • To determine the therapeutic potential of miR-621 in gastric cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of miR-621 expression levels in gastric cancer patients.
  • In vitro experiments assessing the effects of miR-621 overexpression on cancer cell viability, proliferation, and colony formation.
  • Identification and validation of Aurora Kinase A (AURKA) as a direct target of miR-621.
  • Investigation of the downstream signaling pathways involving GSK-3β and β-catenin.
  • Assessment of AURKA's role in mediating miR-621's effects on cancer cell growth.

Main Results:

  • miR-621 was found to be downregulated in gastric cancer patients, with expression levels inversely correlated with tumor size.
  • Overexpression of miR-621 suppressed gastric cancer cell viability, proliferation, and colony formation.
  • AURKA was identified as a direct target of miR-621, and its expression was negatively correlated with miR-621 levels.
  • AURKA knockdown affected GSK-3β and β-catenin signaling pathways and inhibited cell proliferation.
  • Overexpression of AURKA counteracted the tumor-suppressive effects of miR-621.

Conclusions:

  • miR-621 functions as a tumor suppressor in gastric adenocarcinoma.
  • The miR-621/AURKA axis plays a critical role in regulating gastric cancer cell growth.
  • miR-621 represents a promising therapeutic target for gastric cancer treatment.

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