miR-23b-3p and miR-130a-5p affect cell growth, migration and invasion by targeting CB1R via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in gastric carcinoma.

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is the most common malignancy and third leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. The identification of a sensitive biomarker as well as effective therapeutic targets for the treatment of GC is of critical importance. microRNAs play significant roles in the development of cancer and may serve as promising therapeutic targets.

Methods: The mRNA and protein expression of CB1R were studied both in GC cells and tissues. GC cell lines with specific gene overexpression and knockdown vectors were constructed. CCK-8 assay, matrigel invasion and colony formation assays were performed to evaluate the proliferation and invasion abilities. The binding and regulatory effects of miR-23b-3 and miR-130a-5p on CB1R mRNA were investigated using a luciferase reporter assay. Western blot analysis was performed to explore the potential interaction proteins of CB1R.

Results: In the present study, it was demonstrated that the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) was overexpressed, and miR-23b-3p and miR-130a-5p were downregulated, in GC cells. In addition, the results revealed that these effects are associated with malignant biological behaviors exhibited by GC cells. Furthermore, miR-23b-3p and miR-130a-5p may regulate CB1R expression via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Conclusion: Our results suggested dysregulation of CB1R expression is closely related to the malignant biological behavior of gastric cancer cells. miRNA/CB1R-based therapy may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for the clinical treatment of GC patients.