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An In Vitro Protocol for Evaluating MicroRNA Levels, Functions, and Associated Target Genes in Tumor Cells
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miR-144 suppresses cell proliferation and migration in colorectal cancer by targeting NRAS

Xuemei Ji1,2, Yanqing Liu3, Xiaoming Kao4

  • 1Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nanjing School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing, China.

Journal of Cellular Biochemistry
|November 7, 2019
PubMed

Insights

This study reveals that miR-144 targets NRAS, suppressing colorectal cancer (CRC) progression. This novel miR-144-NRAS axis offers new therapeutic strategies for CRC treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent malignancy with incompletely understood molecular drivers.
  • The NRAS gene, an oncogene in various cancers, has been underexplored in CRC progression.
  • Identifying molecular mechanisms is crucial for effective CRC treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of NRAS in colorectal cancer.
  • To identify regulatory mechanisms of NRAS in CRC.
  • To explore the potential of miR-144 as a therapeutic target in CRC.

Main Methods:

  • Bioinformatic analysis to predict microRNA targets.
  • In vitro experiments using CRC cell lines (SW480, LoVo, Caco2) to assess miR-144 effects on NRAS expression.
  • In vivo studies using SW480 xenograft models to evaluate tumor growth inhibition.

Main Results:

  • NRAS protein was significantly upregulated in colorectal cancer tissues.
  • Bioinformatic predictions and in vitro experiments confirmed that miR-144 targets and suppresses NRAS expression in CRC cells.
  • miR-144 inhibited proliferation and migration of SW480 cells and decelerated tumor growth in vivo by targeting NRAS.

Conclusions:

  • A novel miR-144-NRAS axis was identified in colorectal cancer.
  • This axis plays a significant role in CRC progression.
  • The miR-144-NRAS interaction presents a potential therapeutic target for CRC research and treatment.
Keywords:
NRAScolorectal cancerinvasionmicroRNA-144proliferation

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