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MicroRNA-143 inhibits colorectal cancer cell proliferation by targeting MMP7

Bing Yu1,2, Xuezhong Liu3, Hong Chang4

  • 1Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China.

Minerva Medica
|November 10, 2016
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

MicroRNA-143 (miR-143) acts as a tumor suppressor in colorectal cancer (CRC) by inhibiting matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP7). Lower miR-143 levels correlate with higher MMP7 expression, promoting CRC progression.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular biology
  • Oncology
  • Gene regulation

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial in cancer development.
  • miR-143 functions as a tumor suppressor, with decreased levels in colorectal cancer (CRC).
  • The precise mechanism of miR-143 in CRC pathogenesis is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of miR-143 in colorectal cancer.
  • To identify and validate the target genes of miR-143 in CRC.
  • To elucidate the functional impact of the miR-143/MMP7 interaction on CRC progression.

Main Methods:

  • Computational target prediction (TargetScan) and experimental validation (luciferase reporter assay) were employed to identify miR-143 targets.
  • Overexpression of miR-143 in CRC cells followed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot analysis to assess target gene expression.
  • Analysis of matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP7) expression in CRC tissues and cell lines, and its correlation with miR-143 levels.
  • Assessment of MMP7's effect on CRC cell proliferation and invasion.

Main Results:

  • TargetScan and luciferase assays confirmed MMP7 as a direct target of miR-143.
  • Increased miR-143 expression significantly reduced both mRNA and protein levels of MMP7 in CRC cells.
  • MMP7 expression was elevated in CRC tissues and cell lines, showing an inverse correlation with miR-143 levels.
  • Overexpression of MMP7 counteracted the inhibitory effects of miR-143 on CRC cell proliferation and invasion.

Conclusions:

  • miR-143 functions as a tumor suppressor in colorectal cancer.
  • This tumor-suppressive activity is mediated through the direct targeting of MMP7.
  • The miR-143/MMP7 axis represents a potential therapeutic target for colorectal cancer treatment.

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