MiR-150 alleviates EMT and cell invasion of colorectal cancer through targeting Gli1.

OBJECTIVE: Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is related to colorectal cancer invasion and metastasis. Glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 (Gli1) abnormal expression is associated with EMT, invasion, and metastasis in various cancers. MiR-150 is found downregulated in colorectal cancer pathogenesis. Bioinformatics analysis shows the complementary targeted relationship between miR-150 and the 3'-UTR of Gli1 mRNA. This study explores the role of miR-150 in regulating Gli1 expression, colorectal cancer cell EMT, and invasion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dual luciferase assay confirmed the targeted relationship between miR-150 and Gli1 predicted by bioinformatics analysis. MiR-150 and Gli1 expressions were compared in NCM460, SW480, and SW620 cells. Cell colony formation and invasion were tested in SW480 and SW620 cells. Anip973 and AGYZ83-a cells were treated by 10 ng/mL TGF-β1 to detect miR-150 and Gli1 expressions. SW620 cells were cultured in vitro and divided into five groups, including miR-NC, miR-150 mimic, si-NC, si-Gli1, and miR-150 mimic + si-Gli1 groups.

RESULTS: MiR-150 specifically inhibited Gli1 expression. The level of miR-150 was significantly downregulated, while Gli1 was elevated in SW480 and SW620 cells compared with that in NCM460 cells. SW620 exhibited markedly stronger invasive and colony formation abilities than SW480. The level of miR-150 was apparently reduced, whereas Gli1 was increased in SW620 than that in SW480 cells after the treatment of TGFβ1. MiR-150 mimic and/or si-Gli1 transfection markedly reduced Gli1 and Snail levels, upregulated E-cadherin expression, and attenuated cell colony formation and invasion.

CONCLUSIONS: Downregulation of miR-150 and elevation of Gli1 promote the development and invasion of colorectal cancer cell EMT. MiR-150 attenuated the progression of colorectal cancer cell EMT via inhibiting Gli1.