Inhibition of SW620 human colon cancer cells by upregulating miRNA-145

Pseudogene OCT4-pg5 upregulates OCT4B expression to promote bladder cancer progression by competing with miR-145-5p

Bladder cancer (BC) is one of the most common malignant neoplasms worldwide. Competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks may identify potential biomarkers associated with the progression and prognosis of BC. The OCT4-pg5/miR-145-5p/OCT4B ceRNA network was found to be related to the progression and prognosis of BC. OCT4-pg5 expression was significantly higher in BC cell lines than in normal bladder cells, with OCT4-pg5 expression correlating with OCT4B expression and advanced tumor grade. Overexpression of OCT4-pg5 and OCT4B promoted the proliferation and invasion of BC cells, whereas miR-145-5p suppressed these activities. The 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of OCT4-pg5 competed for miR-145-5p, thereby increasing OCT4B expression. In addition, OCT4-pg5 promoted epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and upregulating the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 2 and 9 as well as the transcription factors zinc finger E-box binding homeobox (ZEB) 1 and 2. Elevated expression of OCT4-pg5 and OCT4B reduced the sensitivity of BC cells to cisplatin by reducing apoptosis and increasing the proportion of cells in G1. The OCT4-pg5/miR-145-5p/OCT4B axis promotes the progression of BC by inducing EMT via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and enhances cisplatin resistance. This axis may represent a therapeutic target in patients with BC.

Emerging roles of miR-145 in gastrointestinal cancers: A new paradigm

Gastrointestinal (GI) carcinomas are a group of cancers affecting the GI tract and digestive organs, such as the gastric, liver, bile ducts, pancreas, small intestine, esophagus, colon, and rectum. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small functional non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) which are involved in regulating the expression of multiple target genes; mainly at the post-transcriptional level, via complementary binding to their 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR). Increasing evidence has shown that miRNAs have critical roles in modulating of various physiological and pathological cellular processes and regulating the occurrence and development of human malignancies. Among them, miR-145 is recognized for its anti-oncogenic properties in various cancers, including GI cancers. MiR-145 has been implicated in diverse biological processes of cancers through the regulation of target genes or signaling, including, proliferation, differentiation, tumorigenesis, angiogenesis, apoptosis, metastasis, and therapy resistance. In this review, we have summarized the role of miR-145 in selected GI cancers and also its downstream molecules and cellular processes targets, which could lead to a better understanding of the miR-145 in these cancers. In conclusion, we reveal the potential diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic value of miR-145 in GI cancer, and hope to provide new ideas for its application as a biomarker as well as a therapeutic target for the treatment of these cancer.

The function of miR-145 in colorectal cancer progression; an updated review on related signaling pathways

MicroRNAs (miRNA) are a broad class of small, highly conserved non-coding RNAs that largely influence gene expression after transcription through binding to various target mRNAs. miRNAs are frequently dysregulated in a wide array of human cancers, possessing great value as diagnostic and therapeutic targets. miR-145, as promising tumor suppressor miRNA, also exhibits deregulated expression levels in human malignancies and participates in various processes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and differentiation. In particular, miR-145 has been shown to be downregulated in colorectal cancer (CRC), which in turn leads to cell growth, invasion, metastasis and drug resistance. Furthermore, miR-145 is involved in the regulation of multiple tumor specific signaling pathways, such as KRAS and P53 signaling by targeting various genes through colorectal tumorigenesis. Therefore, considering its diagnostic and therapeutic potential, it was aimed to present the recent finding focusing on miR-145 functions to better understand its involvement in CRC incidence and progression through interplay with various signaling pathways. This study is based on articles indexed in PubMed and Google scholar until 2021.

microRNA-16-5p suppresses cell proliferation and angiogenesis in colorectal cancer by negatively regulating forkhead box K1 to block the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway

MicroRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) have aroused increasing attention in colorectal cancer (CRC) therapy. This study is designed for a detailed analysis of the roles of miR-16-5p and forkhead box K1 (FOXK1) in cell angiogenesis and proliferation during CRC in addition to their underlying mechanisms. CRC tissues and colon cancer cell lines (SW620 and HCT8) were investigated. qRT-PCR and Western blot were utilized to evaluate miR-16-5p and FOXK1 expression. Following gain- and loss-of-function assays on miR-16-5p or FOXK1, the effects of miR-16-5p and FOXK1 were assessed on cell angiogenesis and proliferation in CRC cells. A dual-luciferase reporter assay was employed to evaluate the binding relationship of miR-16-5p and FOXK1. Western blot was used to determine the effects of miR-16-5p and FOXK1 on key molecules of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Highly expressed FOXK1 and lowly expressed miR-16-5p were observed in CRC cells and tissues. miR-16-5p overexpression or FOXK1 knockdown reduced CRC cell proliferation and angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells co-cultured with the supernatant of CRC cells, whereas miR-16-5p silencing or FOXK1 upregulation caused opposite trends. Additionally, miR-16-5p negatively modulated FOXK1 expression. The blockade of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway was triggered by miR-16-5p overexpression or FOXK1 silencing. In conclusion, miR-16-5p hampers cell angiogenesis and proliferation during CRC by targeting FOXK1 to block the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.

Chemical Composition and Cytotoxic Activity of Eucalyptus torquata Luehm. and Eucalyptus salmonophloia F. Muell. Trunk Bark Essential Oils against Human SW620 and MDA-MB-231 Cancer Cell Lines

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the screening of natural active ingredients from Eucalyptus essential oils because of their evident importance in practical utility and their undeniable therapeutic properties. Based on this, the aim of the present study was to investigate the chemical profile of the essential oils of the trunk bark of Eucalyptus torquata Luehm. (ETEO), and E. salmonophloia F. Muell. (ESEO), growing in Tunisia. The in vitro cytotoxic properties of the extracted EOs were also evaluated against two human cancer cell lines: breast carcinoma cell lines MDA-MB-231 and colorectal cancer cell lines SW620. The analysis by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) led to the identification of 32 compounds from the ETEO, with the dominant constituents being the monoterpenes trans-myrtanol (73.4 %) and myrtenol (4.7 %), and the apocarotene (E)-β-ionone (3.9 %). In the case of ESEO, 29 compounds were identified with trans-myrtanol (25.0 %), decanoic acid (22.1 %), nonanoic acid (9.8 %), γ-elemene (6.5 %), γ-maaliene (5.5 %), and α-terpineol (5.3 %) as the main components. The cytotoxicity of EOs against the two chosen cell lines was tested using Crystal Violet Staining (CVS) assay and 5-fluorouracil as a reference drug. The two EOs exhibited a significant dose-dependent inhibition against the viability of the used cell lines. Their inhibitory effects were particularly observed towards SW620 colon carcinoma cells with IC₅₀ values of 26.71±1.22 and 22.21±0.85 μg/mL, respectively, indicating that both oils were more cytotoxic for SW620 cells compared to MDA-MB-231 one.

MicroRNA‑145‑5p suppresses fascin to inhibit the invasion and migration of cervical carcinoma cells

MicroRNAs (miRs) can affect the progression of cervical cancer (CC). The present study investigated the function of miR-145-5p in CC and demonstrated its association with fascin (FSCN1). The expression levels of miR-145-5p in CC tissues and cell lines were analyzed using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, and its direct targets were explored using a luciferase reporter assay. The viability, migration and invasion of HeLa cells transfected with small interfering FSCN1 or with miR-145-5p mimics and inhibitors were analyzed using Cell Counting Kit-8 and Transwell assays. The expression levels of FSCN1 mRNA and protein were investigated using reverse transcription PCR and western blotting. miR-145-5p was downregulated in CC tissues and cell lines. Moreover, overexpression of miR-145-5p inhibited the migration, invasion and viability of HeLa cells. miR-145-5p directly targeted FSCN1, which regulated the suppressive functions of miR-145-5p in CC cells. Overall, miR-145-5p is a tumor suppressor gene and a promising target for CC treatment.

Sphingomyelin-Based Nanosystems (SNs) for the Development of Anticancer miRNA Therapeutics

Gene replacement therapy with oncosuppressor microRNAs (miRNAs) is a promising alternative to interfere with cancer progression. However, miRNAs are highly inefficient in a biological environment, hampering a successful translation to clinics. Nanotechnology can tackle this drawback by providing delivery systems able to efficiently deliver them to cancer cells. Thus, the objective of this work was to develop biocompatible nanosystems based on sphingomyelin (SM) for the intracellular delivery of miRNAs to colorectal cancer cells. We pursued two different approaches to select the most appropriate composition for miRNA delivery. On the one hand, we prepared sphingomyelin-based nanosystems (SNs) that incorporate the cationic lipid stearylamine (ST) to support the association of miRNA by the establishment of electrostatic interactions (SNs–ST). On the other hand, the cationic surfactant (DOTAP) was used to preform lipidic complexes with miRNA (Lpx), which were further encapsulated into SNs (SNs-Lpx). Restitution of miRNA145 levels after transfection with SNs-Lpx was related to the strongest anticancer effect in terms of tumor proliferation, colony forming, and migration capacity assays. Altogether, our results suggest that SNs have the potential for miRNA delivery to develop innovative anticancer therapies.

Versatile protamine nanocapsules to restore miR-145 levels and interfere tumor growth in colorectal cancer cells

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a key role on gene expression regulation contributing to cell homeostasis, and they are highly dysregulated in cancer. Consequently, miRNA-based therapies are an attractive approach to develop novel anticancer strategies. The main objective of this work was to explore the full potential of protamine nanocapsules (Pr NCs) to develop an anticancer therapy based on the restoration of oncosuppressor miR-145, downregulated in colorectal cancer cells. The composition of Pr NCs was defined based on the selection of surfactants, and protamine that would enable an efficient association and intracellular delivery of miRNA mimics according to the layer-by-layer approach, and the encapsulation of curcumin within the oily core. After exposure of colorectal cancer cells with (i) miR-145 and (ii) curcumin-loaded Pr NCs, a strong increase in the intracellular levels of miR-145, which translated into a decreased cell proliferation rate and migration capacity of the treated cells, was observed. The potential of exploiting Pr NCs for the co-delivery of both biomolecules, miRNAs and curcumin, has also been proved. All together, here we evaluate the possibility to use Pr NCs to efficiently increase the intracellular levels of the oncosuppressor miR-145.

miR-145 Contributes to the Progression of Cervical Carcinoma by Directly Regulating FSCN1

The purpose of our study was to investigate the underlying mechanism and functional role of microRNA-145 (miR-145) in cervical cancer. In this study, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to detect miR-145 and FSCN1 expression levels in tissues and HeLa cells. Western blotting was performed to determine the protein level of FSCN1. The luciferase assay was used to verify the direct target of miR-145. The CCK-8 assay and 2D colony formation assays were performed to determine the effects of miR-145 mimics or FSCN1 silencing on cell proliferation. miR-145 expression levels were significantly down-regulated, while FSCN1 expression levels were significantly up-regulated in the cervical carcinoma tissues compared with their matched non-cancerous tissues. In addition, FSCN1 expression levels were negatively correlated to miR-145 in tissues. Next, FSCN1 was verified as the direct target of miR-145 in HeLa cells. Moreover, overexpression of miR-145 dramatically inhibited the proliferation of HeLa cells. The silencing of FSCN1 exhibited the similar patterns on cell proliferation as miR-145 overexpression. The miR-145/ FSCN1 axis contributes to the progression of cervical cancer by inhibition of cervical cancer cell proliferation.

MicroRNA-145 inhibits growth of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma by targeting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway

Purpose: In this study, we used a nude mouse model of human laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) to investigate inhibition of tumor growth by microRNA-145 (miR-145) and the mechanisms underlying this inhibition. Methods: Tumors were established in nude mice by transplantation of the LSCC AMC-HN-8 cell line. Forty-eight nude mice were randomly divided into groups of eight mice each and treated with high (1.0 optical density [OD]) or low (0.5 OD) doses of miR-145, or relevant control treatments. Tumor growth was observed in each group and used to calculate the inhibition rate. Routine pathological and electron microscopic examinations were used to determine tumor apoptosis and proliferation. Changes in levels of miR-145 and PI3K and Akt protein levels were also analyzed. Results: MiR-145 inhibited LSCC growth in a dose-dependent manner, as tumor growth was significantly inhibited in mice injected intratumorally with high-dose miR-145 compared with both the untreated and low-dose miR-145 groups (p<0.05). Pathological examination showed increased tumor necrotic and apoptotic changes in treated mice, which was confirmed by electron microscopy. PI3K and Akt protein expression were significantly lower in tumors treated with high-dose miR-145 group compared with those in the untreated and low-dose miR-145 groups (p<0.05). Conclusions: MiR-145 was associated with inhibited tumor growth in a nude mouse model of LSCC. The underlying mechanism may be inhibition of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, which regulates tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis and also plays an important role in tumor angiogenesis and proliferation of tumor stem cells. MiR-145 may act as a tumor suppressor gene and is a promising candidate for cancer treatment.

Downregulated microRNAs in the colorectal cancer: diagnostic and therapeutic perspectives

Colorectal cancer (CRC), the third most common cancer in the world, has no specific biomarkers that facilitate its diagnosis and subsequent treatment. The miRNAs, small single-stranded RNAs that repress the mRNA translation and trigger the mRNA degradation, show aberrant levels in the CRC, by which these molecules have been related with the initiation, progression, and drug-resistance of this cancer type. Numerous studies show the microRNAs influence the cellular mechanisms related to the cell cycle, differentiation, apoptosis, and migration of the cancer cells through the post-transcriptionally regulated gene expression. Specific patterns of the upregulated and down-regulated miRNA have been associated with the CRC diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic response. Concretely, the downregulated miRNAs represent attractive candidates, not only for the CRC diagnosis, but for the targeted therapies via the tumor-suppressing microRNA replacement. This review shows a general overview of the potential uses of the miRNAs in the CRC diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment with a special focus on the downregulated ones. [BMB Reports 2018; 51(11): 563-571].

Function of microRNA-145 and mechanisms underlying its role in malignant tumor diagnosis and treatment

miRNAs are single-stranded small RNAs that do not encode proteins. They can combine complementarily with the 3′-UTRs of target gene mRNA molecules to promote targeted mRNA degradation or inhibit mRNA translation, thereby regulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. MiRNAs participate in regulation of cell cycling, growth, apoptosis, differentiation, and stress responses. MiRNA-145 (miR-145) is a tumor suppressor that targets various tumor-specific genes and proteins, thereby influencing related signaling pathways. MiR-145 not only regulates tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis, but is also important for tumor angiogenesis and tumor stem cell proliferation. Here, we review the roles and mechanisms of miR-145 in the diagnosis and treatment of malignant tumors. Published data confirm that miR-145 expression in various tumors is significantly lower than that in normal tissues and that overexpression of miR-145 inhibits the growth of different tumor cells, significantly reduces the ability of tumors to spread, and improves sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs. We conclude that miR-145 is a potential marker for use in the early diagnosis and prognostic evaluation of patients with cancer, has a role as a tumor suppressor, and is a promising cancer treatment target candidate.

Therapeutic microRNAs in human cancer

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are RNA molecules at about 22 nucleotide in length that are non-coding, which regulate gene expression in the post-transcriptional level by performing degradation or blocks translation of the target mRNA. It is known that they play roles in mechanisms such as metabolic regulation, embryogenesis, organogenesis, differentiation and growth control by providing post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. With these properties, miRNAs play important roles in the regulation of biological processes such as proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, drug resistance mechanisms in eukaryotic cells. In addition, there are miRNAs that can be used for cancer therapy. Tumor cells and tumor microenvironment have different miRNA expression profiles. Some miRNAs are known to play a role in the onset and progression of the tumor. miRNAs with oncogenic or tumor suppressive activity specific to different cancer types are still being investigated. This review summarizes the role of miRNAs in tumorigenesis, therapeutic strategies in human cancer and current studies.

miR-145 regulates the proliferation and apoptosis of Y79 human retinoblastoma cells by targeting IGF-1R

PURPOSE

To investigate the effect of miR-145 on the proliferation and apoptosis of human retinoblastoma Y79 cells and to explore the underlying mechanism.

METHOD

The Y79 cells were transfected by miR-145 mimics and IGF-1R siRNA with lipofection, respectively. The expression of miR-145 or IGF-1R was detected after transfection by real time-PCR. Cell proliferation inhibition was measured by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Flow cytometry was used to examine cell cycles. Apoptosis was detected by Annexin/PI double immunofluorescence and flow cytometer. The interaction between miR-145 and IGF-1R was tested by luciferase activity measurement.

RESULTS

The expression of miR-145 in the miR-145 mimics group was significantly increased (P<0.05). The proliferation inhibition rate was higher in the miR-145 mimics group (P<0.01). The results of immunofluorescence and flow cytometry showed that ratios of Annexin or Annexin/PI double positive were increased in the miR-145 mimics group (P<0.05). The OD value of proliferation inhibition was lower in the IGF-1R siRNA group (P<0.05). The ratios of Annexin or Annexin/PI double positive were higher in the IGF-1R siRNA group (P<0.05). Luciferase activity was reduced in miR-145 mimics group (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

miR-145 inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in Y79 cells. Lower expression of IGF-1R suppressed the proliferation of Y79 cells. miR-145 restrained the proliferation of human retinoblastoma Y79 cells by down-regulating the expression of IGF-1R.

Low-level miR-646 in colorectal cancer inhibits cell proliferation and migration by targeting NOB1 expression

Aberrant expression of microRNA (miRNA) is important in the progression of various human cancers, however further investigation is required in order to fully elucidate mechanisms of and validate actions of endogenous non-coding RNAs. The present study demonstrated that the expression of miR-646 was downregulated in colorectal cancer tissues and cell lines. Notably, it was observed that miR-646, a tumor suppressor, inhibited colorectal cancer cell progression through directly targeting Nin one binding protein (NOB1) expression, which possesses anti-tumor properties in colorectal cancer. Furthermore, knockdown of NOB1 expression was responsible for the tumor-suppressive effect of miR-646. The findings suggest that miR-646 may act as a therapeutic target for the treatment of colorectal cancer.

The role of vitamin D in hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents a significant health burden worldwide, comprising approximately 10% of annual cancer cases globally. Hepatic metastases are the most common site of CRC metastasis, and are the leading cause of death in CRC patients. There is strong epidemiologic evidence for an inverse association between vitamin D status and risk of CRC; however, the role of vitamin D in the natural history of liver metastases has not yet been investigated. Several researchers have proposed hallmarks of metastases; crucially, metastases can be blocked by interrupting just one rate-limiting step. Vitamin D status has been implicated in each proposed hallmark of metastasis. The aim of this review is to examine the potential role for vitamin D in reducing the development of hepatic metastases from CRC and outline the candidate mechanisms by which vitamin D may mediate these effects. The results of ongoing randomised intervention trials are eagerly awaited to determine whether addressing vitamin D insufficiency in CRC patients could reduce the occurrence of liver metastases, and the consequent morbidity and mortality.

microRNA‑630 promotes cell proliferation and inhibits apoptosis in the HCT116 human colorectal cancer cell line

Dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) in colorectal cancer provides important opportunities for the development of future miRNA‑based therapies. The present study aimed to assess the role of miRNA‑630 (miR‑630) expression in colorectal cancer. HCT116 human colorectal cancer cells were transfected with miR‑630 inhibitor, mimic or control miRNA, and the effects of miR‑630 dysregulation on cell viability, proliferation and apoptosis were analyzed using MTT and bromodeoxyuridine assays, and an annexin V‑fluorescein isothiocyanate cell apoptosis kit, respectively. In addition, the changes in the protein expression of proliferation‑associated and AKT signaling pathway proteins were analyzed by western blot analysis. The results of the present study demonstrated that overexpression of miR‑630 significantly promoted HCT116 cell proliferation however inhibited apoptosis. Furthermore, miR‑630 overexpression reduced the protein expression of p27, BCL2‑associated X apoptosis regulator, procaspase‑3 and active caspase‑3, and increased the levels of phosphorylated‑AKT and BCL2 apoptosis regulator. The suppression of miR‑630 led to the opposite results. In conclusion, the present findings suggested that miR‑630 may function as an oncogenic miRNA in colorectal cancer, and may promote cellular proliferation and inhibit apoptosis, through the regulation of the expression of p27 and the AKT signaling pathway. The present study suggested that the inhibition of miR‑630 may have potential as an alternative therapeutic strategy for the treatment of patients with colorectal cancer.

Noncoding RNAs in Cancer Diagnosis

The accuracy and efficiency of tumor treatment depends mainly on early and precise diagnosis. Although histopathology is always the gold standard for cancer diagnosis, noninvasive biomarkers represent an opportunity for early detection and molecular staging of cancer. Besides the classical tumor markers, noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) emerge to be a novel category of biomarker for cancer diagnosis since the dysregulation of ncRNAs is closely associated with the development and progression of human cancers such as liver, lung, breast, gastric, and other kinds of cancers. In this chapter, we will summarize the different types of ncRNAs in the diagnosis of major human cancers. In addition, we will introduce the recent advances in the detection and applications of circulating serum or plasma ncRNAs and non-blood fluid ncRNAs because the noninvasive body fluid-based assays are easy to examine for cancer diagnosis and monitoring.

miR-145 inhibits proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells by directly or indirectly regulating TGF-β1 expression

Studies have demonstrated low expression of miR-145 associated with cell proliferation and migration in a wide variety of tumors. Here, we studied the expression of miR-145 in relation to the occurrence and development of breast cancer. Total RNA from breast cancer tissue and corresponding adjacent normal tissue was extracted and used to detect miR-145 expression by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). We also transfected breast cancer cells with hsa-miR-145 mimics, hsa-miR-145 inhibitor, mimics negative control (mimics NC) or inhibitor negative control (inhibitor NC). Cell proliferation was analyzed by colony formation assays and methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assays. Cell proliferation in breast cancer cells was decreased after overexpression of miR-145 and increased following miR-145 suppression. Cell migration and invasion were assessed using Transwell and wound healing assays, respectively, and were also decreased after overexpression of miR-145 and increased after miR-145 suppression in breast cancer cells. Finally, western blot assays showed that overexpression of miR-145 inhibited expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). Collectively, these data suggest that miR-145 may inhibit TGF-β1 protein expression which may in turn contribute to tumor formation.

Effects of miR-145-5p through NRAS on the cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion in melanoma by inhibiting MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways

We aimed to detect the effects of miR-145-5p on the cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion in NRAS-mutant, BRAF-mutant, and wild-type melanoma cells, in order to figure out the potential mechanisms and provide a novel therapeutic target of melanoma. RT-qPCR and western blot were used to detect the expression of miR-145-5p and NRAS in melanoma tumor tissues and cells, respectively. Luciferase assay was performed to determine whether miR-145-5p directly targeted NRAS. After transfecting miR-145-5p mimics, miR-145-5p inhibitors, NRAS cDNA and NRAS siRNA into CHL-1, VMM917 and SK-mel-28 cells, functional assays were used to detect the proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and migration, including MTT, flow cytometry, Transwell and wound healing assays. In addition, xenograft models in nude mice were also conducted to verify the role of miR-145-5p in vivo. MiR-145-5p was able to suppress proliferation, invasion, and migration of VMM917 and CHL-1 cells and induce apoptosis by inhibiting MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways. However, aberrant expression of miR-145-5p and NRAS has little impact on the viability and metastasis of BRAF-mutant melanoma. The higher expression of miR-145-5p in xenograft models repressed the VMM917-induced and CHL-1-induced tumor growth observably and has little effect on SK-mel-28-induced tumor growth which was consistent with the results in vitro. Through targeting NRAS, miR-145-5p could suppress cell proliferation, invasion, and migration and induce apoptosis of CHL-1 and VMM917 melanoma cells by inhibiting MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways.

MicroRNA-195 suppresses colorectal cancer cells proliferation via targeting FGF2 and regulating Wnt/β-catenin pathway

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent cancer with high mortality worldwide. This study was aimed to explore the functional effects of microRNA-195 (miR-195) on CRC cells and the underling mechanism involved. quantitative PCR (qPCR) was performed to monitor the expression of miR-195 in CRC tissues and cell lines. SW480 and SW620 cells were transfected with either miR-195 mimic or antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) of miR-195. Then cell viability, cell cycle and the expressions of CyclinB1, CyclinD1 and Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 2 (CDK2) were respectively detected by 3-(4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), flow cytometry, qPCR and Western blot. A target of miR-195 was predicted and verified in vitro by using TargetScan and microRNA database, Dual-Luciferase reporter assay, qPCR and Western blot. Further, the functions of the target on cell viability and cell cycle were detected by transfection with its expression vector. Moreover, the expressions of Wnt/β-catenin pathway proteins were detected by qPCR and Western blot. Results show that MiR-195 was decreased during CRC, and miR-195 overexpression inhibited cell viability, arrested cells in G2/M phase, and down-regulated CyclinB1, CyclinD1 and CDK2 (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) was a direct target of miR-195 and alleviated the inhibitive effects of miR-195 on cell viability and cell cycle progression (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Further, miR-195 specifically regulated Wnt/β-catenin pathway proteins (P < 0.01). All these findings suggest that miR-195 suppressed CRC cells proliferation via targeting FGF2 and blocking Wnt/β-catenin pathway.