MicroRNAs play important roles in the pathogenesis of human diseases by regulating target gene expression in specific cells or tissues. Previously, we identified microRNA 452 (MIR452), which was specifically upregulated in early stage of human colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues. Here, we show the biological role of MIR452 and general transcription factor IIE subunit 1 (GTF2E1) in colorectal cancer. A luciferase reporter system was used to confirm the effect of MIR452 on GTF2E1 expression. The expression levels of MIR452 and the target genes were evaluated by quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blotting. We verified the association between MIR452 and the GTF2E1 expression and found that GTF2E1 transcripts were directly downregulated by MIR452. The mRNA and protein levels of GTF2E1 were also downregulated in CRC cells upon transfection with MIR452. GTF2E1 protein expression was decreased in CRC tissues compared to adjacent nontumour tissues. These results suggest that MIR452 might directly or indirectly regulate the genes transcription related to CRC by downregulating GTF2E1 expression.