In fact, we proved that in MKN28 cells, which displayed no methylation at the promoter level, Dies1 expression is under the control of miR-125a-5p, as its targeted inhibition led to an overexpression of Dies1. Synergistic effects may also be underlying Dies1 expression downregulation in GC cell lines: for example, AGS cells displayed the lowest levels of Dies1, likely due to the co-occurrence of promoter methylation and miR-125a-5p overexpression. The gene discussed is VSIR; the disease is gastric cancer.