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miR-138-5p targets MCU to inhibit mitochondrial biogenesis and colorectal cancer growth

Jianjun Zhu1, Chunle Zhang2, Zhengjie Wang3

  • 1Department of Medical Cellular Biology and Genetics, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China.

Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine
|June 2, 2023
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNA-138-5p (miR-138-5p) is downregulated in colorectal carcinoma (CRC), suppressing tumor growth. Lower miR-138-5p levels correlate with poor prognosis, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • MicroRNA-138-5p (miR-138-5p) is implicated in various cancers, but its role in colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is unclear.
  • Understanding miR-138-5p's function is crucial for developing new CRC therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the biological effects and clinical significance of miR-138-5p in colorectal carcinoma.
  • To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of miR-138-5p in CRC progression.

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative real-time PCR to analyze miR-138-5p expression in CRC tissues and cell lines.
  • In vitro and in vivo assays (proliferation, colony formation, cell cycle, apoptosis) to assess miR-138-5p's effects on CRC growth.
  • Bioinformatic predictions and experimental validation to identify miR-138-5p targets.

Main Results:

  • miR-138-5p was significantly downregulated in CRC tissues and cell lines.
  • Lower miR-138-5p expression correlated with poor patient prognosis.
  • miR-138-5p suppressed CRC cell growth and promoted apoptosis in vitro and in vivo.
  • miR-138-5p directly targets MCU, inhibiting mitochondrial biogenesis and reducing ROS production in CRC.

Conclusions:

  • Downregulation of miR-138-5p promotes CRC growth by increasing MCU expression, mitochondrial biogenesis, and ROS production.
  • miR-138-5p acts as a tumor suppressor in CRC.
  • Targeting the miR-138-5p/MCU pathway offers a potential therapeutic strategy for colorectal carcinoma.
Keywords:
MCUROScolorectal carcinomamiR-138-5ptumour growth

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