Targeting neuronal pentraxin 1 microRNA-492 exerts pro-tumorigenic effects in colorectal cancer through stimulation of proliferation, migration, and invasion.

Abstract

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancer types affecting both men and women. MicroRNA-492 (miR-492) plays an important role in the development of various malignant tumors; however, its specific role and related mechanisms in CRC remain unclear. Therefore, we aimed to explore the relationship between miR-492 and the prognosis of patients with CRC, as well as the specific mechanisms involved in CRC development.

Methods: The Gene Expression Omnibus and The Cancer Genome Atlas datasets were downloaded to analyze the relationship between the miR-492 expression level and the overall survival of patients with CRC. Forty-four pairs of primary CRC tissues and paired normal tissues were collected. The relationship between the miR-492 expression level and clinicopathological parameters of patients with CRC was analyzed using statistical methods. MiRNA quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect miR-492 expression levels in CRC tissues and cell lines. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide and colony-formation assays were performed to assess cell growth and proliferation, respectively. Transwell assays were performed to analyze the migration and invasion potential of CRC cells. The interaction between miR-492 and 3' untranslated regions (3'-UTRs) of neuronal pentraxin 1 (NPTX1) was evaluated using a luciferase reporter assay. The expression of NPTX1 in CRC tissues and cells was detected by qRT-PCR.

Results: Low expression of miRNA-492 in CRC tissues is closely associated with patients' survival prognosis. miR-492 can recognize the 3'-UTR of NPTX1 mRNA and directly target and regulate NPTX1 expression, thereby promoting the growth, migration, and invasion of CRC cells.

Conclusions: The ability of miR-492 to mediate the biological behavior of CRC by targeting NPTX1 is associated with poor prognosis and suggests that miR-492 is a potential therapeutic candidate for CRC.