Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and a significant cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Metastasis is the worst prognostic factor for patients with CRC. HuR (ELAVL1) is overexpressed in CRC and has been reported to promote colon cancer growth by targeting RNA in the cell cytoplasm. Herein, the role of miR-155-5p in regulating HuR expression and cell migration was examined in colon cancer cells. MiR-155-5p knockdown in serum-starved colon cancer cells decreased both colon cancer cell chemotaxis and cytoplasmic expression of HuR. Bioinformatics analysis predicted two putative binding sites in the AU-rich elements (AREs) at the 3′-UTR of HuR mRNA. MiR-155-5p binding to HuR was verified using specific target site blockers and functionally validated by use of RNA immunoprecipitation assays, showing that miR-155-5p-dependent regulation of HuR expression is mediated by AREs. Targeting AREs with a specific blocker inhibited colon cancer cell migration. Taken together, these novel findings demonstrate that AREs mediate miR-155-5p positive regulation of HuR mRNA levels and translation as well as migration in colon cancer cells, suggesting that targeting miR-155-5p and/or Hur might be useful therapeutic strategies against colon cancer metastasis.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.