Regulation of the adenomatous polyposis coli gene by the miR-135 family in colorectal cancer

Cancer Res. 2008 Jul 15;68(14):5795-802. doi: 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-08-0951.

Abstract

Inactivation of the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene is a major initiating event in colorectal tumorigenesis. Most of the mutations in APC generate premature stop codons leading to truncated proteins that have lost beta-catenin binding sites. APC-free beta-catenin stimulates the Wnt signaling pathway, leading to active transcription of target genes. In the current study, we describe a novel mechanism for APC regulation. We show that miR-135a&b target the 3' untranslated region of APC, suppress its expression, and induce downstream Wnt pathway activity. Interestingly, we find a considerable up-regulation of miR-135a&b in colorectal adenomas and carcinomas, which significantly correlated with low APC mRNA levels. This genetic interaction is also preserved in full-blown cancer cell lines expressing miR-135a&b, regardless of the mutational status of APC. Thus, our results uncover a miRNA-mediated mechanism for the control of APC expression and Wnt pathway activity, and suggest its contribution to colorectal cancer pathogenesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 3' Untranslated Regions
  • Adenomatous Polyposis Coli Protein / genetics*
  • Adenomatous Polyposis Coli Protein / physiology*
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / pathology
  • DNA Mutational Analysis
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic*
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • Models, Biological
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • Signal Transduction
  • Wnt Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • 3' Untranslated Regions
  • Adenomatous Polyposis Coli Protein
  • MicroRNAs
  • Wnt Proteins