GREM1 knockdown regulates the proliferation, apoptosis and EMT of benign prostatic hyperplasia by suppressing the STAT3/c-Myc signaling

•GREM1 silencing inhibits the proliferation and promotes apoptosis of BPH cells.•GREM1 silencing accelerates cell cycle arrest and suppresses the EMT process in BPH cells.•The STAT3/c-Myc signaling was associated with the regulation of GREM1 silencing in BPH cells.