lncRNA SNHG4 promotes cell proliferation, migration, invasion and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process via sponging miR-204-5p in gastric cancer.

Long non‑coding (lnc)RNAs and microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) have physiological and pathological functions in various diseases, including gastric cancer (GC). The current study explored the association between lncRNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 4 (SNHG4) and miR‑148a‑3p, and their functions in GC cells. SNHG4 expression and overall survival data were analyzed using bioinformatics, and the interaction of SNHG4 and miR‑148a‑3p was predicted using starBase and confirmed via a dual‑luciferase reporter assay. Cell viability, colony formation ability and apoptosis rate were detected using Cell Counting Kit‑8, colony formation and flow cytometry assays, respectively. Cell migration and invasion were determined via wound‑healing and Transwell assays. mRNA and protein expression levels were determined via reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR and western blotting. The results demonstrated that in GC tissues and cell lines, SNHG4 was highly expressed, while miR‑204‑5p expression was decreased, and that the expression levels of SNHG4 and miR‑204‑5p were negatively correlated. The downregulated expression of SNHG4 decreased the effects of miR‑204‑5p inhibitor on promoting cell proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial‑mesenchymal transition, but enhanced the inhibitory effect of miR‑204‑5p on GC cell apoptosis. The findings of the current study revealed the potential mechanism of the SNHG4‑miR‑204‑5p pathway in GC, which may be conducive to the development of novel drugs against GC growth.