Previous studies have identified a variety of microRNAs (miRNAs) that have important roles in cancer progression, particularly in tumor invasion and metastasis. Downregulation of miR‑145 was reported to occur in various types of human cancer; however, the role of miR‑145 in lung cancer metastasis and its potential mechanisms of action remain to be elucidated. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of miR‑145 on metastasis and epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT) in A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cells. In addition, the underlying mechanisms by which miR‑145 regulates EMT were examined. The miR‑145 mimic was transfected into A549 cells; cell invasion and adhesion assays were then performed in order to investigate cell metastasis, and western blot analysis was used to examine the expression of EMT markers. In order to further examine the underlying mechanisms by which miR‑145 regulates EMT, a luciferase reporter assay was performed to determine whether miR‑145 targeted Oct4. In addition, the expression of Wnt3a and β‑catenin in A549 cells was measured following transfection with small hairpin RNA‑Oct4. To the best of our knowledge, the results of the present study demonstrated for the first time, that miR‑145 inhibited lung cancer cell metastasis and EMT via targeting the Oct4 mediated Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway.