Targeting the LINC01515/miR-325-3p/ERBB4 axis suppresses gastric cancer progression

BACKGROUND: Globally, gastric cancer (GC) remains the leading cause of cancer-related death. Research on circular RNAs (circRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) is mostly focused on cancer. lncRNAs can influence gene expression by functioning as ceRNAs to sponge miRNAs. This study sought to characterize the expression patterns of miR-325-3p and LINC01515 and investigate their possible mechanisms in GC. METHODS: Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to detect miR-325-3p expression. The target mRNAs and competitive lncRNAs of miR-325-3p were screened via bioinformatics analysis. Cell counting, Transwell assay, and wound-healing experiments were conducted to measure cell growth, migration, and invasion. The relationships between LINC01515, miR-325-3p, and erythroblastic oncogene B4 (ERBB4) were confirmed through the dual luciferase reporter gene assay. RESULTS: GC cell lines and tissues showed upregulated LINC01515 and ERBB4 expression, accompanied by downregulated miR-325-3p expression. These expression patterns were associated with tumor proliferation, invasion, and migration. ERBB4 was positively correlated with LINC01515 in the context of differentially expressed miR-325-3p. These findings suggest that LINC01515 may regulate ERBB4 by functioning as a ceRNAs to sponge miR-325-3p. CONCLUSION: LINC01515 upregulates ERBB4 expression in GC by sponging miR-325-3p, thereby promoting tumor growth. These findings highlight the LINC01515/miR-325-3p/ERBB4 axis as a potential therapeutic target for GC.