MicroRNA‑129 inhibits colorectal cancer cell proliferation, invasion and epithelial‑to‑mesenchymal transition by targeting SOX4.

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common digestive tract cancers and ~90% of CRC‑related deaths are caused by metastasis. MicroRNA (miR)‑129 has been reported to be involved in the metastasis of various malignant tumors. However, the role of miR‑129 in CRC metastasis remains unclear. The purpose of the present study was to identify the potential functions and mechanisms of action of miR‑129 in CRC progression. The expression of miR‑129 and sex‑determining region Y‑related high‑mobility group‑box 4 (SOX4) was determined in CRC tissues or cell lines by reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR, western blot or immunofluorescence assays. The mechanism underlying the role of miR‑129 in CRC progression was assessed by MTT, wound healing, Transwell, western blot and dual‑luciferase report assays. The results revealed that miR‑129 was significantly decreased, whereas SOX4 was increased, in CRC tissues and cell lines. SW620 and SW480 cells exhibited a higher proliferation, migration and invasion capacity compared with NCM460 cells. miR‑129 overexpression significantly inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial‑to‑mesenchymal transition (EMT), and it activated the nuclear factor (NF)‑κB signaling pathway in CRC cells, while the inhibition of miR‑129 exerted opposite effects. Additionally, SOX4 was identified as a direct target gene of miR‑129. Taken together, the findings of the present study suggested that miR‑129 may act as a tumor suppressor in CRC by inhibiting CRC cell proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT, in part through targeting the 3'‑untranslated region of SOX4 mRNA, and the mechanism may involve activation of the NF‑κB signaling pathway.