| Purpose: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the main causes of death from diseases, especially in
developing countries. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important modulators of the messenger RNAs
expression. Among these miRNAs, MiR-143 is a tumor suppressor miRNA and its irregular
expression has been revealed in a diversity of malignancies such as GC.
Methods: In this study, we have attempted to restore the miR-143 expression in MKN-45 cells
by introducing pCMV-miR-143 plasmid vectors. The consequences of exogenous expression of
miR-143 on cell proliferation and migration were assessed by MTT and scratch tests, respectively.
In addition, the DAPI staining assay was applied for apoptosis quantification. Following miR-
143 transfection, the changes in K-Ras, C-Myc, MMP9, Bax, caspase-3, and caspase-9 mRNA
levels were assessed.
Results: The results indicated that the enhanced expression of miR-143 had negative effects on
MKN-45 cells proliferation and invasion. Moreover, decreased expressions of K-Ras, MMP9,
and C-Myc and up-regulation of Bax, caspase-3, and caspase-9 as downstream targets of miR-
143 were recognized.
Conclusion: These experimental results indicate that reversing the miR-143 expression, by novel
techniques, including miRNA replacement could be considered as an efficient approach to
reduce cell survival and metastasis. |