MiR-762 regulates the activation of PI3K/AKT and Hippo pathways involved in the development of gastric cancer by targeting LZTS1.

OBJECTIVE

MiR-762 has been confirmed as a tumor promoter in multiple tumors, while few reports illustrate its role in gastric cancer (GC). Thus, this research aimed to investigate whether miR-762 is involved in GC development.

METHODS

MiR-762 expression in the tumor tissues from GC patients and GC cell lines was analyzed by qRT-PCR. The assays including CCK-8, transwell, and flow cytometry were performed to reveal the functions of miR-762 in GC. The target genes of miR-762 were searched by online databases, and then were verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Western blot was performed to investigate the activation of PI3K/AKT and Hippo pathways in GC.

RESULTS

MiR-762 was aberrantly upregulated in the tumor tissues and cell lines, and miR-762 silencing could effectively reduce the viability and promote apoptosis of GC cell lines. The study identified LZTS1 as a target gene of miR-762. It was also found that the effects of miR-762 on GC cells could be reversed by LZTS1, and miR-762 could upregulate the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway but inhibit the Hippo pathway by targeting LZTS1.

CONCLUSION

MiR-762 activates PI3K/AKT and suppresses Hippo pathways to boost GC proliferation and invasion by targeting LZTS1.