MicroRNA-204-3p inhibits metastasis of pancreatic cancer via downregulating MGAT1.

Purpose We aimed to clarify the relationship between microRNA-204-3p level and clinical indicators in pancreatic cancer patients, and to provide theoretical references for target therapy. Methods Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was conducted to detect relative levels of microRNA-204-3p and MGAT1 in 60 paired pancreatic cancer tissues and adjacent normal ones. The relationship between microRNA-204-3p level and clinical indicators in pancreatic cancer patients was analyzed. MicroRNA-204-3p overexpression model was established in AsPC-1 and CFPAC-1 cells. Transwell and wound healing assay were carried out to illustrate the influence of microRNA-204-3p on the migratory potential in pancreatic cancer. Lastly luciferase assay and rescue experiments were performed to demonstrate the potential mechanism between microRNA-204-3p and MGAT1. Results MicroRNA-204-3p was lowly expressed in pancreatic cancer tissues. Low level of microRNA-204-3p predicted high rates of lymphatic metastasis and distant metastasis, as well as poor prognosis in pancreatic cancer patients. Overexpression of microRNA-204-3p inhibited pancreatic cancer cells to migrate in vitro. MicroRNA-204-3p could be targeted by MGAT1 through specific binding sites in the 3'UTR. A negative correlation between MGAT1 and microRNA-204-3p was identified in pancreatic cancer tissues. The interaction between MGAT1 and microRNA-204-3p was responsible for inhibiting metastasis of pancreatic cancer. Conclusions MicroRNA-204-3p is closely linked to lymphatic metastasis, distant metastasis and prognosis in pancreatic cancer patients. It inhibits the migratory ability in pancreatic cancer cells via negatively regulating MGAT1 level.