MicroRNA-331 inhibits development of gastric cancer through targeting musashi1.

Background: The molecular mechanisms involved in microRNAs (miRNAs) have been extensively investigated in gastric cancer (GC). However, how miR-331 regulates GC pathogenesis remains unknown.

Aim: To illuminate the effect of miR-331 on cell metastasis and tumor growth in GC.

Methods: The qRT-PCR, CCK8, Transwell, cell adhesion, Western blot, luciferase reporter and xenograft tumor formation assays were applied to explore the regulatory mechanism of miR-331 in GC.

Results: Downregulation of miR-331 associated with poor prognosis was detected in GC. Functionally, miR-331 suppressed cell proliferation, metastasis and tumor growth in GC. Further, miR-331 was verified to directly target musashi1 (MSI1). In addition, miR-331 inversely regulated MSI1 expression in GC tissues. Furthermore, upregulation of MSI1 weakened the inhibitory effect of miR-331 in GC.

Conclusion: miR-331 inhibited development of GC through targeting MSI1, which may be used as an indicator for the prediction and prognosis of GC.