MiR-144 inhibits colorectal cancer cell migration and invasion by regulating PBX3

OBJECTIVE: MicroRNAs (miRNA) are aberrantly expressed in various human cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC). We aim to investigate the functional role and underlying mechanism of miR-144 in CRC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The expressional level of miR-144 and pre-leukemia transcription factor 3 (PBX3) in CRC tissues and cells was confirmed by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot. The migration and invasion of CRC cells were detected by transwell assay. Luciferase reporter assay was performed to determine the specific target of miR-144 in CRC cells. RESULTS: The results displayed that miR-144 expression was significantly decreased in CRC tissues and cells compared to that in normal controls. Additionally, miR-144 mimic suppressed, while miR-144 inhibitor promoted the ability of CRC cell migration and invasion. More importantly, PBX3 was the direct target of miR-144 in regulating CRC development and PBX3 could reverse the inhibitory effect of miR-144 mimic on CRC cells. PBX3 expression was significantly increased in CRC and negatively correlated with miR-144 expression. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, miR-144 suppressed CRC cell migration and invasion by targeting PBX3, suggesting its potential value in the diagnosis and treatment of CRC.