Downregulation of miR‑7 and miR‑153 is involved in Helicobacter pylori CagA induced gastric carcinogenesis and progression

Abstract

<i>Helicobacter pylori</i> (<i>H. pylori</i>) infection plays a pivotal role in the development of gastric cancer (GC). However, the association between aberrant microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) expression and <i>H. pylori</i>‑induced GC remains poorly understood. The present study reported that repeated infection of <i>H. pylori</i> caused the oncogenicity of GES‑1 cells in BALB/c Nude mice. miRNA sequencing revealed that both miR‑7 and miR‑153 were significantly decreased in the cytotoxin‑associated gene A (CagA) positive GC tissues and this was further confirmed in a chronic infection model of GES‑1/HP cells. Further biological function experiments and <i>in vivo</i> experiments validated that miR‑7 and miR‑153 can promote apoptosis and autophagy, inhibit proliferation and inflammatory response in GES‑1/HP cells. All the associations between miR‑7/miR‑153 and their potential targets were revealed via bioinformatics prediction and dual‑luciferase reporter assay. Particularly, downregulation of both miR‑7 and miR‑153 obtained an improved sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing <i>H. pylori</i> (CagA+)‑induced GC. The present study identified that the combination of miR‑7 and miR‑153 may be regarded as novel therapeutic targets in <i>H. pylori</i> CagA (+)‑associated GC.