miR-223 Promotes Proliferation of Colon Cancer Cells by Down-Regulating Bcl-2-Like Protein 11 (BIM) Expression

Abstract

Colorectal cancer is one of malignant tumors. microRNA plays an important role in various diseases. In this study, we evaluated miR-223's effect on the proliferation of colon cancer cells. Protein and RNA expression levels in patients with clinical colorectal cancer were determined by western blot and real-time quantitative PCR respectively. In addition, the mechanism of miR-223 action was explored by combining transfection methods in cell lines. Colon cancer tissues showed significantly elevated miR-223 expression compared with adjacent tissues. Meanwhile, FOXO3a and BIM protein levels were significantly lower in cancer tissues compared to adjacent tissues. In colon cancer cell lines, knockdown of miR-223 increased cell proliferation and decreased BIM expression. The luciferase reporter gene showed that miR-223 down-regulates BIM expression through targeting FOXO3a. In colon cancer cells, miR-223 can down-regulate BIM expression through FOXO3a, thereby promoting the proliferation of colon cancer cells, indicating that targeting miR-223-regulated FOXO3a pathway might lead to the development of a number of drugs, and it is feasible to have a purpose to regulate the behavior of malignant cells.