Tumor suppressor microRNA-27a in colorectal carcinogenesis and progression by targeting SGPP1 and Smad2

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Updated: Apr 25, 2026

In Vivo Inhibition of MicroRNA to Decrease Tumor Growth in Mice
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In Vivo Inhibition of MicroRNA to Decrease Tumor Growth in Mice

Published on: August 23, 2019

7.1K

Yonghua Bao1, Zhiguo Chen2, Yongchen Guo3

  • 1Department of Immunology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China.

Plos One
|August 29, 2014
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNA-27a (miR-27a) is a tumor suppressor in colorectal cancer, with reduced levels linked to advanced stages. It targets SGPP1 and Smad2, inhibiting cancer cell growth and metastasis.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Aberrant microRNA (miRNA) expression is implicated in colorectal cancer development.
  • The specific role and mechanisms of miRNA-27a (miR-27a) in colorectal carcinogenesis remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of miR-27a in colorectal cancer.
  • To identify novel targets of miR-27a and elucidate its regulatory mechanisms in colorectal cancer progression.

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative analysis of miR-27a expression in colorectal cancer tissues and cell lines.
  • Bioinformatic analysis and experimental validation to identify miR-27a targets (SGPP1, Smad2).
  • In vitro functional assays (proliferation, apoptosis, migration) and in vivo studies in tumor-bearing mice.

Main Results:

  • miR-27a expression was significantly reduced in colorectal cancer tissues and cell lines, correlating with advanced clinical stages and metastasis.
  • SGPP1 and Smad2 were identified as direct targets of miR-27a, with their expression negatively correlated with miR-27a levels.
  • Increased miR-27a suppressed colon cancer cell proliferation, induced apoptosis (via cleaved caspase 3 upregulation), and reduced migration (via p-STAT3 downregulation).
  • In vivo, miR-27a inhibited tumor growth.

Conclusions:

  • miR-27a acts as a tumor suppressor in colorectal cancer.
  • SGPP1 and Smad2 are novel targets of miR-27a, contributing to its tumor-suppressive functions.
  • miR-27a, through targeting SGPP1, Smad2, and STAT3, regulates key cancer processes and holds potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target for colorectal cancer.

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