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MicroRNA‑329 serves a tumor suppressive role in colorectal cancer by directly targeting transforming growth factor

Baohuan Li1, Miaomiao Huang2, Meiying Liu2

  • 1Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250033, P.R. China.

Molecular Medicine Reports
|October 26, 2017
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNA-329 (miR-329) is downregulated in colorectal cancer (CRC), suppressing tumor growth and invasion by targeting transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1). Targeting this miR-329/TGF-β1 pathway offers a potential new therapy for CRC.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality globally.
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in various cancers, but miR-329's role in CRC is not fully understood.
  • Previous studies suggest miR-329 is downregulated in other cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression, function, and mechanism of miR-329 in colorectal cancer.
  • To determine if miR-329 affects CRC cell proliferation and invasion.
  • To identify the direct target of miR-329 in CRC.

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative real-time PCR to assess miR-329 expression in CRC tissues and cell lines.
  • In vitro assays (proliferation, invasion) to evaluate miR-329 function.
  • Luciferase reporter assays and Western blotting to confirm miR-329 targeting of TGF-β1.

Main Results:

  • miR-329 was significantly downregulated in CRC tissues and cell lines.
  • Low miR-329 expression correlated with advanced tumor-node-metastasis stage and lymph node metastasis.
  • Restored miR-329 expression inhibited CRC cell proliferation and invasion.
  • miR-329 directly targeted and downregulated TGF-β1.
  • TGF-β1 was upregulated in CRC and partially reversed miR-329's antitumor effects.

Conclusions:

  • miR-329 acts as a tumor suppressor in colorectal cancer.
  • miR-329 inhibits CRC cell proliferation and invasion by targeting TGF-β1.
  • The miR-329/TGF-β1 axis represents a potential therapeutic target for CRC treatment.

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