miR-632 promotes gastric cancer progression by accelerating angiogenesis in a TFF1-dependent manner

Background Gastric cancer (GC) is a common malignant disease worldwide. Aberrant miRNAs expression contributes to malignant cells behaviour, and in preclinical research, miRNA targeting has shown potential for improving GC therapy. Our present study demonstrated that miR-632 promotes GC progression in a trefoil factor 1 (TFF1)-dependent manner. Methods We collected GC tissues and serum samples to detect miR-632 expression using real-time PCR. A dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to identify whether miR-632 directly regulates TFF1 expression. Tube formation and endothelial cell recruitment assays were performed with or without miR-632 treatment. Western blot and in situ hybridization assays were performed to detect angiogenesis and endothelial recruitment markers that are affected by miR-632. Results Our results showed that miR-632 is highly expressed in GC tissue and serum and negatively associated with TFF1 in GC. miR-632 improves tube formation and endothelial cell recruitment by negatively regulating TFF1 in GC cells. Recombinant TFF1 reversed miR-632-mediated angiogenesis. TFF1 is a target gene of miR-632. Conclusions Our study demonstrated that miR-632 promotes GC progression by accelerating angiogenesis in a TFF1-dependent manner. Targeting of miR-632 may be a potential therapeutic approach for GC patients. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-018-5247-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.