microRNA-761 regulates glycogen synthase kinase 3β expression and promotes the proliferation and cell cycle of human gastric cancer cells

It has been well documented that aberrant expression of microRNAs (miRs) serves important roles in cancer progression. The present study investigated the roles of miR-761 on gastric cancer (GC) cell proliferation. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction indicated that miR-761 was frequently upregulated in GC tissues and cells. Overexpression of miR-761 promoted the cell proliferation, cell colony formation and cell cycle of GC cells. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that miR-761 might target the 3′-untranslated region of glycogen synthase kinase 3β, and was confirmed by luciferase reporter assay and western blot analysis. Taken together, the results of the present study revealed miR-761 as a tumor promoter in GC, and that it could be considered as a novel therapeutic target for patients with GC.