MiR-29c suppresses cell invasion and migration by directly targeting CDK6 in gastric carcinoma

OBJECTIVE: Gastric carcinoma (GC) is one common malignant tumor with high morbidity and mortality rates all over the world. Recently, numerous studies have showed that the microRNAs (miRNAs) dysregulation was implicated in GC carcinogenesis. This research aimed to explore the potential associations between miR-29c and cyclin-dependent kinase 6 (CDK6) in GC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: GC tissues and corresponding normal tissues were collected from 54 GC patients who underwent surgery at the Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University between 2015 and 2017. We measured the expressions of CDK6 and miR-29c in GC tissues using quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). We next investigated the functions of miR-29c in GC cells by performing transwell assays. To further determine the correlation between miR-29c and CDK6 in GC cell invasion and migration, the rescue experiments were performed by co-transfecting miR-29c inhibitor and CDK6 siRNA into AGS cells. RESULTS: MiR-29c expressions were significantly declined in GC tissues and cells. Additionally, functional assays showed that the miR-29c over-expression suppressed the invasion and migration capacities of GC cells. According to TargetScan and dual luciferase reporter assays, CDK6 was identified as a new miR-29c target. Moreover, the knockout of CDK6 had similar effects as the miR-29c over-expression in GC cells. The current research indicated that miR29c over-expression could inhibit tumor behaviors in GC partially via down-regulating CDK6. CONCLUSIONS: We revealed that miR-29c down-regulated in GC tissues and cells. MiR-29c over-expression effectively suppressed the GC cell invasion and migration. Moreover, CDK6 was identified as a direct functional target of miR-29c in GC. The current study provides new insights for the GC treatment and suggests that miR-29c/CDK6 axis is a therapeutic candidate target for GC patients.