MicroRNA-142-3p Promotes Cellular Invasion of Colorectal Cancer Cells by Activation of RAC1.

[BACKGROUND] Colorectal cancer has been proved more difficult to treat owing to potently malignant metastasis. The present study was aimed to explore the functional role of miR-142-3p in cell migration and invasion of colorectal cancer cells, as well as its underlying mechanism.

[MATERIALS AND METHODS] Expressions of miR-142-3p were analyzed in colorectal cancer tissues and cell lines. Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (RAC1) was predicted as a target of miR-142-3p using software and network resources. SW480 cells were transfected with miR-142-3p expression plasmid and miR-142-3p silencer plasmid, and the expression of RAC1 and the cellular invasion were measured.

[RESULTS] In colorectal cancer cells transfected with miR-142-3p expression plasmid, RAC1 was specifically upregulated and invasiveness of cells was downregulated. Moreover, RAC1 was significantly associated with tumor stage ( P = .029) and tumor metastasis ( P = .012).

[CONCLUSION] miR-142-3p promotes cellular invasion in colorectal cancer cells by activating RAC1. Thereby, miR-142-3p is a potential candidate for molecular targeted therapy of colorectal cancer.