MicroRNA-203 suppresses gastric cancer growth by targeting PIBF1/Akt signaling

BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been proved involved in many tumorigenic behaviors including tumor growth. But, the clinical significance and functions of miRNA-203 in gastric cancer (GC) remain elusive. RESULTS: Decreased expression of miRNA-203 was correlated with tumor size, poor prognosis and recurrence in GC patients. Overexpression of miR-203 or knockdown of its target progesterone immunomodulatory binding factor 1 (PIBF1) inhibited GC growth in vitro and in vivo, while miR-203 knockdown promoted GC proliferation. In addition, PIBF1 overexpression attenuated the inhibitory effects of miR-203 on GC growth and enhanced that effect on p-Akt expression. CONCLUSIONS: MiR-203 as a tumor biomarker suppresses GC growth through targeting the PIBF1/Akt signaling, suggesting that it may have the important therapeutic potential for the treatment of GC. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13046-016-0323-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.