miR-498 inhibits cell proliferation and metastasis by targeting FOXK1 in gastric cancer

Abstract

Objective: MiR-498 has emerged as a potential molecular target for several cancer. In this study, we aimed to investigate the important function and mechanisms of miR-498 in gastric cancer.Methods: To detect the important roles of miR-498 in gastric cancer, we first measured its expression by RT-qPCR in gastric cancer cell lines. The impact of the miR-498 on gastric cancer cell proliferation were detected by CCK-8 and colony formation assays. The effect of the miR-498 on the cell apoptosis and cell cycle were detected by flow cytometry. We also used the scratch and transwell chamber assays to measure the cell migration and invasion. The expression levels of related proteins were assessed by western blot. The bioinformatics analysis was used to explore the target gene of miR-498. RT-qPCR and western blot assays were used to detect the expression levels of FOXK1 in response to miR-498 overexpression. In order to prove the role of FOXK1 in mediating the effect of miR-498 on the gastric cancer, CCK-8, colony formation, transwell chamber and flow cytometry assays were used for the further investigations.Results: The expression level of miR-498 is downregulated in gastric cancer cell lines. Overexpression of miR-498 inhibited proliferation and migration/invasion, while promoted the apoptosis of gastric cancer cells. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that miR-498 targeted on FOXK1 to inhibit the gastric cancer in vitro.Conclusion: MiR-498/FOXK1 axis may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of gastric cancers.