Let-7b inhibits cell proliferation, migration, and invasion through targeting Cthrc1 in gastric cancer

Tumour Biol. 2015 May;36(5):3221-9. doi: 10.1007/s13277-014-2950-5. Epub 2014 Dec 16.

Abstract

Dysregulation of specific microRNAs (miRNAs) is found to play a vital role in carcinogenesis and progression of gastric cancer (GC). In the present study, we investigated the expression profiles of miRNAs in gastric cancer. Let-7b was found downregulated remarkably in gastric cancer tissues and was correlated with Helicobacter pylori infection, tumor stage, and lymphatic metastasis. Ectopic expression of let-7b suppressed the growth, migration, invasion, and tumorigenicity of GC cells, whereas let-7b knockdown promoted these phenotypes. Bioinformatic analysis predicted collagen triple helix repeat containing 1 (Cthrc1) as a direct target of let-7b. Luciferase assay showed that let-7b repressed the activity of Cthrc1 through binding its 3'UTR. Western blotting also confirmed that the protein levels of Cthrc1 were decreased by let-7b. Cthrc1 was significantly upregulated and reversely correlated with let-7b levels in GC. Co-expression of let-7b and Cthrc1 without its 3'UTR could rescue cell growth, migration, and invasion inhibited by let-7b. These results suggest that let-7b may directly target Cthrc1 and function as a tumor suppressor gene in GC.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • Binding Sites
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Movement
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Extracellular Matrix Proteins / genetics*
  • Extracellular Matrix Proteins / metabolism
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mice, Nude
  • MicroRNAs / physiology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness
  • Neoplasm Transplantation
  • RNA Interference
  • Stomach Neoplasms / genetics
  • Stomach Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Stomach Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Tumor Burden

Substances

  • CTHRC1 protein, human
  • Extracellular Matrix Proteins
  • MicroRNAs
  • mirnlet7 microRNA, human