Decreased KLF3 Expression via miR-660-5p Targeting Suppresses Gastric Cancer Cell Progression

Objective: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most frequent cancers in the world. Recent studies have suggested that microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) may act as novel therapeutic regimens for GC. This study revealed that miR-660-5p regulated the proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of GC cells via controlling the level of Krüppel-like factor 3 (KLF3).

Methods: The level of miR-660-5p was measured in clinical GC tissues. Then, the miRNA targeting relationship between miR-660-5p and KLF3 was explored in vitro. GC cell lines, including HGC-27, SNU-1, HS-746T, NCI-N87, and human gastric epithelial GES-1 cells, were used. The impact of miR-660-5p on cell proliferation, colony formation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis were determined by knocking down KLF3.

Results: It was demonstrated that the KLF3 expressions were significantly increased in GC tissues and cell lines compared to normal tissues or cells, and GC cell development was suppressed following KLF3 knockdown. Moreover, it was also revealed that miR-660-5p expression was significantly decreased in GC cells, and miR-660-5p acted as the direct regulator of KLF3.

Conclusions: This study firstly reported the miR-660-5p/KLF3 interaction in GC, and the results provided a potential promising therapeutic target for GC.