miR-338-3p inhibits the proliferation and migration of gastric cancer cells by targeting ADAM17

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNA) have been documented playing a critical role in cancer progression. Although miR-338-3p has been implicated in several cancers, its role in gastric cancer is still unknown. The aim of our study was to investigate the role of miR-338-3p in gastric cancer progression. Methods: Expression levels of miR-338-3p in gastric cancer cell lines and tissues were determined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The effect of miR-338-3p on proliferation was evaluated by MTT assay, cell migration and invasion were evaluated by transwell migration and invasion assays. Furthermore, luciferase reporter assay was conducted to confirm the target gene of miR-338-3p, and the results were validated in gastric cancer cells. Results: In the present study, we found that miR-338-3p was down-regulated in both gastric cancer cell lines and tissues. Enforced expression of miR-338-3p inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells in vitro. Moreover, we identified A disintegrin and metalloproteinase 17 (ADAM17) gene as potential target of miR-338-3p. Importantly, ADAM17 rescued the miR-338-3p mediated inhibition of cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Conclusions: Our study suggested that miR-338-3p is significantly decreased in gastric cancer, and inhibits cell proliferation, migration and invasion partially via the downregulation of ADAM17. Thus, miR-338-3p may represent a potential therapeutic target for gastric cancer intervention.