['Previous studies have shown that the dysregulation of miRNAs are frequently associated with cancer progression. Deregulation of miR-211 has been observed in various types of human cancers. However, its biological function in gastric cancer (GC) is still unknown.', 'The expression of miR-211 in GC was detected by using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The miR-211 mimics and inhibitor were designed and transfected into BGC-823 cells. Then, we explore the probable biological function of miR-211 in gastric cancer cell proliferation and invasion in vitro. A luciferase reporter assay and western blot were performed to confirm the target gene of miR-211.', 'MiR-211 was significantly down-regulated in GC. Over-expression of miR-211 inhibited gastric cancer cell proliferation and invasion in vitro, conversely, down-regulated expression of miR-211 promoted gastric cancer cell proliferation and invasion. In addition, the sex-determining region Y-related high mobility group box 4 (SOX4) is identified as a target of miR-211 in GC cells, and SOX4 expression levels was inversely correlated with miR-211. Furthermore, knockdown of Sox4 inhibited the proliferation and invasion in GC cells.'] Does miR-211 inhibit cell proliferation and invasion of gastric cancer by down-regulating SOX4?