MiR-423-3p Enhances Cell Growth Through Inhibition of p21Cip1/Waf1 in Colorectal Cancer
Background/Aims: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths globally, with many oncogenes and tumor suppressors involved. The miRNAs are small non-coding RNAs known to play a vital role in the pathogenesis of CRC. The miR-423-3p was reported to act as an oncogene; however, its role in CRC growth remains unknown. Methods: qPCR assay was used to detect miR-423-3p expression in CRC specimens. Cell proliferation assay and transwell assay were conducted to evaluate CRC cell proliferation and migration. Luciferase reporter assay was to identify the target gene of miR-423-3p. And tumorigenesis model was established to test the role of miR-423-3p in CRC development in vivo. Results: Here, we showed that miR-423-3p was significantly up regulated in CRC tissues and cells compared with normal tissues and cells. Overexpression of miR-423-3p promoted CRC cell proliferation via enhancing the G1/S transition phase of the cell cycle, while inhibition of miR-423-3p repressed cell growth. Further studies showed that p21Cip1/Waf1 mediated the function of miR-423-3p, and overexpression of p21Cip1/Waf1 reversed the augmented effect of miR-423-3p on cell proliferation. Importantly, all these data were validated in the tumorigenesis assay in vivo. Conclusions: In conclusion, our findings demonstrated a critical impact of miR-423-3p on CRC growth.