Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 13, 2026
Detection of a Circulating MicroRNA Custom Panel in Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Published on: March 14, 2019
MiR-384 inhibits human colorectal cancer metastasis by targeting KRAS and CDC42
Yong-Xia Wang1,2,3,4, Yan-Ru Chen1,2,3, Shan-Shan Liu1,2,3
1Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
Abstract:
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide. Metastatic progression is a primary factor contributing to lethality of CRC patients. However, the molecular mechanisms forming early local invasion and distant metastatic colonies are still unclear and the present therapeutic approaches for CRC are unsatisfactory. Therefore, novel therapies targeting metastatic invasion that could prevent tumor spreading and recurrence are urgently needed. Our study showed that the decrease of miR-384 was found in 83.0% (83/100) CRC patients. And low-leveled expression of miR-384 was closely correlated with the invasive depth, lymph node and distant metastasis of CRC. Overexpression of miR-384 could inhibit the invasive and migrating abilities of CRC cells in vitro and the metastatic potential in vivo. Luciferase assays showed that miR-384 repressed the expression of Kirsten Ras (KRAS) and Cell division cycle 42 (CDC42) by directly targeting their 3'-untranslated regions. There is functional and mechanistic relationship between miRNA-384 and KRAS, CDC42 in the invasion and metastasis of CRC. And our findings suggest that miR-384could be a potent therapeutic target for CRC. Restoration of miR-384 expression might provide novel therapeutic approach to the reduction of CRC metastasis.
Insights
Low miR-384 expression is linked to colorectal cancer (CRC) metastasis. Restoring miR-384 inhibits CRC cell invasion and migration, suggesting it as a potential therapeutic target for preventing cancer spread.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide.
- Metastasis is a key factor in CRC patient lethality, yet its molecular drivers remain poorly understood.
- Current CRC therapies are often unsatisfactory, necessitating new strategies to combat tumor spread.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of miR-384 in colorectal cancer invasion and metastasis.
- To identify molecular targets regulated by miR-384 in CRC.
- To evaluate miR-384 as a potential therapeutic target for reducing CRC metastasis.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of miR-384 expression levels in CRC patient samples.
- In vitro and in vivo experiments to assess the effect of miR-384 overexpression on CRC cell invasion and metastasis.
- Luciferase assays to determine direct targeting of KRAS and CDC42 by miR-384.
Main Results:
- Reduced miR-384 expression was observed in 83% of CRC patients and correlated with advanced disease.
- Overexpression of miR-384 significantly inhibited CRC cell invasion and migration in vitro and metastasis in vivo.
- miR-384 was found to directly repress the expression of KRAS and CDC42 by targeting their 3'-untranslated regions.
Conclusions:
- A significant correlation exists between decreased miR-384 and increased CRC invasion and metastasis.
- miR-384 plays a crucial role in regulating CRC cell motility and metastatic potential.
- Restoring miR-384 expression presents a promising therapeutic strategy to inhibit colorectal cancer metastasis.
More Related Videos
09:29Development and Maintenance of a Preclinical Patient Derived Tumor Xenograft Model for the Investigation of Novel Anti-Cancer Therapies
Published on: September 30, 2016
06:19Isolation of Circulating Tumor Cells in an Orthotopic Mouse Model of Colorectal Cancer
Published on: July 18, 2017