miR-126 Functions as a Tumor Suppressor by Targeting SRPK1 in Human Gastric Cancer

The expression of miR-126 and serine-arginine protein kinase 1 (SRPK1) are linked to tumor development; nevertheless, its role in the tumor growth and invasion of gastric cancer (GC) and the underlying mechanism have not been clarified. Here the expression and role of miR-126 and SRPK1 were investigated in GC tissues and cells by in vitro assay, and then targets of miR-126 were identified by dual-luciferase reporter assay. In this study, miR-126 expression was downregulated and associated with lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis as well as SRPK1 expression. In vitro assay revealed that miR-126 obviously inhibited the proliferative and invasive capabilities of GC cells. The dual-luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-126 targets the 3'-UTR of SRPK1 and downregulates its expression. SRPK1 overexpression promoted cell migration and invasion. In conclusion, the reduced expression of miR-126 is suggestive of the risk of GC recurrence and metastasis, and miR-126 functions as a tumor suppressor by targeting SRPK1 expression in the development of GC.