Restoration of miRNA-143 Expression Inhibits Growth and Migration of MKN-45 Gastric Cancer Cell Line

Purpose: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the main causes of death from diseases, especially indeveloping countries. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important modulators of the messenger RNAsexpression. Among these miRNAs, MiR-143 is a tumor suppressor miRNA and its irregularexpression has been revealed in a diversity of malignancies such as GC.Methods: In this study, we have attempted to restore the miR-143 expression in MKN-45 cellsby introducing pCMV-miR-143 plasmid vectors. The consequences of exogenous expression ofmiR-143 on cell proliferation and migration were assessed by MTT and scratch tests, respectively.In addition, the DAPI staining assay was applied for apoptosis quantification. Following miR-143 transfection, the changes in K-Ras, C-Myc, MMP9, Bax, caspase-3, and caspase-9 mRNAlevels were assessed.Results: The results indicated that the enhanced expression of miR-143 had negative effects onMKN-45 cells proliferation and invasion. Moreover, decreased expressions of K-Ras, MMP9,and C-Myc and up-regulation of Bax, caspase-3, and caspase-9 as downstream targets of miR-143 were recognized.Conclusion: These experimental results indicate that reversing the miR-143 expression, by noveltechniques, including miRNA replacement could be considered as an efficient approach toreduce cell survival and metastasis.