MicroRNA-122a functions as a novel tumor suppressor downstream of adenomatous polyposis coli in gastrointestinal cancers

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2009 Sep 18;387(2):376-80. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2009.07.034. Epub 2009 Jul 14.

Abstract

Aberrant regulation of APC/beta-catenin signaling pathway is common in the pathogenesis of colorectal and other cancers. Targets regulated by APC/beta-catenin signaling pathway play crucial roles in cancer development. In the current study, we aimed to illustrate the influence of APC/beta-catenin signaling pathway on expression of microRNAs, one new group of players important to carcinogenesis. Restoration of APC function in colorectal cancer cells led to the deregulation of several cancer-related microRNAs, such as miR-122a which was recognized as the liver-specific microRNA. MiR-122a was down-regulated in gastrointestinal cancer cell lines as well as primary carcinoma tissues. Inhibition of miR-122a could reverse wild-type APC-induced growth inhibition of gastrointestinal cancer cells while miR-122a mimic inhibited cell growth. In summary, we identified some cancer-related microRNAs regulated by APC/beta-catenin signaling pathway. The down-regulation of miR-122a mediated by aberrant APC/beta-catenin signaling is important to the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal cancers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenomatous Polyposis Coli / genetics*
  • Carcinoma / genetics*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Down-Regulation
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic*
  • Genes, Tumor Suppressor*
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • beta Catenin / metabolism*

Substances

  • CTNNB1 protein, human
  • MIRN122 microRNA, human
  • MicroRNAs
  • beta Catenin