MicroRNA-612 regulates the proliferation and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of human colon cancer cells via G protein-coupled receptor 132 (GPR132)

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the effect of microRNA-612 (miR-612) on human colon cancer cells, and the mechanism involved. Methods: Expressions of miR-612 and GPR132 were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR)el , while cell viability was evaluated using cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) and colony formation assays. Dual luciferase assay was used to determine the interaction between miR-612 and GPR132, while cell migration and invasion were measured by Transwell assay. Results: The expression levels of miR-612 in colon cancer tissues and cell lines were significantly down-regulated (p < 0.05). Overexpression of miR-612 in colon cancer cells led to significant inhibition of their proliferation and colony formation. Transwell assays revealed that miR-612 overexpression markedly stopped the migration, invasion and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Conclusion: These results indicate that miR-612 exerts anti-cancer effect by suppressing the expression of GPR132 at the translational level. The in vitro tumor suppressive activity of miR-612 against colon cancer reveals its potential for the management of colon cancer.