miR-449c inhibits migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells by targeting PFKFB3.

microRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators in the development and progression of human gastric cancer (GC). However, the expression and biological function of miR-449c in GC remains unknown. In the present study, miR-449c was demonstrated to be downregulated in GC tissues and cell lines compared with normal. Decreased miR-449c levels were associated with poor prognosis in GC patients. Overexpression of miR-449c inhibited migration and invasion in SGC-7901 cells, while inhibition of miR-449c enhanced migration and invasion in MGC-803 cells. Furthermore, 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase (PFKFB3) was identified to be a downstream target of miR-449c in GC cells. miR-449c directly regulated the expression of PFKFB3 in GC cells. Overexpression of PFKFB3 abrogated the inhibitory effect of miR-449c on the migration and invasion of GC cells. In conclusion, the present study suggests that miR-449c may be a novel biomarker and potential therapeutic target in GC.