Expression of microRNA-203 in colorectal cancer cells and its influence on invasion and migration ability

Abstract

Objective To explore the expression of microRNA (miRNA, miR)-203 in colorectal cancer cell lines, and its influence on invasion and migration ability. Methods Real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to detect the expression level of miR-203. The cells were divided into 3 groups: blank group, miR-203 mimics group and miR-203 inhibitor group according to the cell transfection. Cell migration ability was detected by scratch wound migration assay, and the invasion ability by Transwell assay. Cell adhesion was detected by methyl thiazol tetrazolium (MTT) method. Results Compared to the normal colonic epithelial cells, the expression of miR-203 in colorectal cancer cells were significantly decreased, and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.000, 0.001, 0.005, 0.000). After the transfection of miR-203 mimics, the adhesion ability, invasion [(45.9±6.5) cells] and metastasis ability of colorectal cancer cell lines were significantly inhibited. Conclusion The expression of miR-203 is down-regulated in colorectal cancer, and over-expression of miR-203 can inhibit the invasion and migration ability of colorectal cancer cells. Key words: MicroRNA-203; Colorectal cancer; Invasion; Migration