Abstract
microRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators in the development and progression of human gastric cancer (GC). However, the expression and biological function of miR-449c in GC remains unknown. In the present study, miR-449c was demonstrated to be downregulated in GC tissues and cell lines compared with normal. Decreased miR-449c levels were associated with poor prognosis in GC patients. Overexpression of miR-449c inhibited migration and invasion in SGC-7901 cells, while inhibition of miR-449c enhanced migration and invasion in MGC-803 cells. Furthermore, 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase (PFKFB3) was identified to be a downstream target of miR-449c in GC cells. miR-449c directly regulated the expression of PFKFB3 in GC cells. Overexpression of PFKFB3 abrogated the inhibitory effect of miR-449c on the migration and invasion of GC cells. In conclusion, the present study suggests that miR-449c may be a novel biomarker and potential therapeutic target in GC.