MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of short highly-conserved non-coding endogenous RNA molecules of 18-25 nucleotides in length. By incompletely or completely complementary to 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of mRNAs, miRNAs can suppress the transcription of target genes, and degrade mRNA. This article mainly reviewed the relevant research progress of miRNAs in gastric cancer. Abnormal miRNAs regulated by epigenetics participate in the proliferation, apoptosis, metastases and invasion of gastric cancer cells by regulating different target genes. In the meantime, NF-kB and AKT signal pathways highly associated with gastric cancer progression might be activated or inhibited by miRNAs. miRNAs involving in change of drug resistance of tumor cells can provide new targets for the treatment of gastric cancer. Abnormal expression of miRNAs in the blood provides new biological markers for noninvasive diagnosis of gastric cancer. Moreover, miRNAs also participate in carcinogenic process of gastric cancer caused by helicobacter pylori (HP) infection. In conclusion, miRNAs play important roles in the occurrence, progression, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of gastric cancer, which provides new insight into gene therapy for gastric cancer.
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