MiR-1275 Targeting SPARC Promotes Gambogic Acid-Induced Inhibition of Gastric Cancer.

Gambogic acid (GA) has been observed to effectively impede the progression of numerous types of cancers. In this study, we investigated the effects of miR-1275 and Secreted Protein Acidic and Cysteine Rich (SPARC) on GA in gastric cancer (GC). miR-1275 and SPARC expression were determined in GC cell lines and tissues using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The correlation between miR-1275 and SPARC expression was ascertained using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Cell proliferation was assessed using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. The Transwell assay was conducted to examine cell migration. A dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the regulatory relationship between miR-1275 and SPARC. The levels of SPARC, Bcl-2, and Bax proteins were estimated using western blotting. To verify the effects of GA on the growth of GC cells in vivo, a tumorigenesis experiment was performed in nude mice. GA suppressed GC cell viability and migration, facilitated apoptosis, and inhibited tumor growth in vivo and in vitro. Low levels of miR-1275 been observed in GC cell lines and tissues. GA-treated GC cells manifested high miR-1275 levels. In functional experiments, miR-1275 enhanced the influence of GA on cell apoptosis, migration, and proliferation. Furthermore, GA treatment suppressed SPARC upregulation in GC cell lines and tissues. Pearson's correlation coefficient revealed that miR-1275 expression negatively correlated with SPARC expression. Mechanistically, miR-1275 promoted growth inhibition in GA-treated GC cells by targeting SPARC. Our study indicates that miR-1275 enhances the suppressive effect of GA on GC progression by inhibiting SPARC expression. Through this study, we contribute to the knowledge of a new mechanism by which GA suppresses GC progression.