In this study, the results revealed the specific mechanism involved in miR‐516a‐mediated promotion of BC cell migration and invasion, also involved in the downregulation of the miR‐516a target gene PHLPP2. The further downregulation of SMURF1 expression attenuated MMP9 degradation, and ultimately promoted BC cell migration and invasion. This evidence concerns the gene PHLPP2 and breast cancer.