miR-301-3p directly regulates Cx43 to mediate the development of gastric cancer

OBJECTIVE: Identifying novel biomarkers involved in the development of gastric cancer (GC) can provide potential therapeutic strategies and improve clinical prognosis. miR-301-3p and Cx43 are reportedly dysregulated in GC. miR-301-3p and Cx43 interaction, and their functions in GC progression, are still poorly understood. METHODS: The expression levels of miR-301-3p and Cx43 in GC tissues and cell lines with various differentiation degrees were evaluated by RT-qPCR. The interaction between miR-301-3p and Cx43 was assessed by dual-luciferase reporter assays. CCK8 and Transwell assays were employed to assess the effects of the miR-301-3p-Cx43 axis on GC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. RESULTS: Cx43 was significantly downregulated in GC tissues and cell lines, while miR-301-3p expression was negatively correlated with Cx43 mRNA levels. The expression levels of Cx43 and miR-301-3p were closely associated with the differentiation, TNM stage, vascular invasion, and lymph node metastasis status of GC patients. Cx43 overexpression could suppress the proliferation, migration, and invasion of GC cells. Cx43 mRNA is a direct target of miR-301-3p, and transfection of an miR-301-3p mimic could reverse the inhibitory effects of Cx43. CONCLUSION: The miR-301-3p-Cx43 axis is involved in the development and progression of GC by affecting the proliferation, migration, and invasion of GC cells.