Objective To explore the expression of miR-218 in glioma tissues, and investigate the function and mechanism of miR-218 in regulating glioma angiogenesis.

Methods qRT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the expression of miR-218 and p70s6k1 in glioma tissues and cells. Matrigel plug assay and tube formation assay were performed to explore tumor angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo.

Results The expressions of miR-218 in 21 cases of glioma tissues were decreased, compared with 7 cases of normal brain tissues, and the levels were related with the WHO grade of glioma. Overexpression of miR-218 could significantly inhibit glioma angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. MiR-218 could directly target p70s6k1. Overexpression of p70s6k1 could partially reverse the inhibition effect of miR-218 on glioma angiogenesis.

Conclusion MiR-218 could affect the progression of glioma through regulating glioma angiogenesis by directly targeting p70s6k1 expression.