MicroRNA-495 inhibits proliferation, metastasis and promotes apoptosis by targeting Twist1 in gastric cancer cells.

Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to participate in multiple biological processes. However, the effects of miR-495 on gastric cancer (GC) remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to explore the functions of miR-495 in GC cell proliferation, metastasis, and apoptosis. SGC-7901 and BGC-823 cell lines were transfected with miR-495 mimic, miR-495 inhibitor, and negative controls (mimic control and inhibitor control). The expressions of miR-495, cell viability, migration, apoptosis, and apoptosis-related factors were examined by qRT-PCR, trypan blue staining, Transwell, flow cytometry, and Western blot, respectively. Simultaneously, key factor expression levels of EMT were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot. The direct target of miR-495 was confirmed by dual-luciferase assay. Additionally, sh-Twist1, pc-Twist1, and corresponding controls were transfected into SGC-7901 and BGC-823 cells, and the protein levels of EMT-associated factors were detected by Western blot. miR-495 was downregulated in GC cells. miR-495 expression level was effectively overexpressed or suppressed in SGC-7901 and BGC-823 cells. Overexpression of miR-495 significantly decreased cell viability and migration, increased apoptosis, and inhibited the EMT process. Suppression of miR-495 showed contrary results. Twist1 was clarified as a target gene of miR-495, and Twist1 silencing obviously reduced the promoting effect of miR-495 suppression on these biological processes. Twist1 silencing significantly blocked the EMT process in both SGC-7901 and BGC-823 cells. miR-495 inhibited proliferation and metastasis and promoted apoptosis by targeting Twist 1 in GC cells. These data indicated that miR-495 might be a novel antitumor factor of GC and provide a new method for the treatment of GC.