MiR-133a-3p Functions as a Tumor Suppressor in Colorectal Cancer by Targeting PFKFB3
Abstract Background: Recent studies reveal that PFKFB3 plays an important role in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Our study aims to identify an novel microRNA which can suppress the expression of PFKFB3 and to provide a potential target for tumor therapy.Methods: Bioinformatics methods were implemented to explore the expression and clinical significance of PFKFB3 and miR-133a-3p in colorectal cancer (CRC). qRT-PCR was performed to detect PFKFB3, miR-133a-3p, KI67 and MMP9 mRNA expression, while western bot was carried out for the detection of protein expression of PFKFB3, miR-133a-3p, KI67 and MMP9. Bioinformatics analysis was used to predict the binding sites of miR-133a-3p on PFKFB3 3’UTR, while dual-luciferase assay was conducted to validate their binding relationship. CCK-8 assay, KI67 detection, Transwell assay and MMP9 detection were employed to measure CRC cell proliferative and invasive abilities. Results: PFKFB3 is up-regulated in CRC and significantly associated with poor prognosis. Overexpressed PFKFB3 promotes CRC cell proliferation and invasion. miR-133a-3p is down-regulated and has diagnostic value in CRC. Dual-luciferase assay confirmed that there was a binding relationship between miR-133a-3p and PFKFB3.Overexpressed miR-133a-3p remarkably reduced PFKFB3 expression in CRC cells, weakened the promoting effect of PFKFB3 on cell proliferation and invasion.Conclusions: Our study suggests that miR-133a-3p functions as a novel tumor suppressor in colorectal cancer by targeting PFKFB3.