hsa-miR-29c-3p regulates biological function of colorectal cancer by targeting SPARC

Shitong Zhang1, Jianjun Jin1, Xiaoxiao Tian1

  • 1First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang City 471003, Henan Province, China.

Oncotarget
|December 22, 2017
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNA-29c-3p (has-mir-29c-3p) is downregulated in colorectal cancer (CRC) and inhibits tumor growth by targeting SPARC. Modulating has-mir-29c-3p offers a potential CRC treatment strategy.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Oncology
  • Cancer Biology
  • Gene Regulation

Background:

  • Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent malignancy where microRNAs (miRNAs) significantly influence tumorigenesis.
  • The role of specific miRNAs, like has-mir-29c-3p, in CRC development and progression warrants detailed investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression and function of has-mir-29c-3p in colorectal cancer.
  • To identify the target genes of has-mir-29c-3p and elucidate its regulatory mechanisms in CRC cells.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) data for miRNA and gene expression.
  • Cellular assays including transfection with has-mir-29c-3p mimics/inhibitors, SPARC siRNA, qRT-PCR, Western blot, CCK-8, wound healing, and luciferase reporter assays.
  • Detection of protein expression for key molecules involved in cellular metabolism and extracellular matrix.

Main Results:

  • has-mir-29c-3p expression was significantly lower in CRC tissues compared to non-cancerous tissues, with an inverse correlation to SPARC.
  • Overexpression of has-mir-29c-3p suppressed CRC cell proliferation and migration.
  • SPARC was validated as a direct target of has-mir-29c-3p; SPARC silencing also reduced cell proliferation and migration.

Conclusions:

  • has-mir-29c-3p acts as a tumor suppressor in colorectal cancer by targeting SPARC.
  • The has-mir-29c-3p/SPARC axis regulates CRC cell proliferation and migration.
  • Targeted modulation of has-mir-29c-3p presents a potential therapeutic strategy for colorectal cancer.