Epigenetic silencing of microRNA-373 plays an important role in regulating cell proliferation in colon cancer

Oncol Rep. 2011 Nov;26(5):1329-35. doi: 10.3892/or.2011.1401. Epub 2011 Jul 22.

Abstract

microRNAs (miRNA) are non-coding RNAs that negatively control gene expression by cleaving or inhibiting the translation of target gene mRNAs. We used a microarray-based transcriptomic analysis to identify miRNA expression levels that changed in response to epigenetic factors. Specifically, we searched for increased expression of miRNAs prepared from colon cancer cell line DLD-1 after a 96-h treatment with 5 µM of 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (DAC). Among those identified, transient transfection of miRNA hsa-miR-373 resulted in cytostasis. In addition, bisulfate sequence analysis of the promoter regions of these miRNAs showed aberrant methylation in the cancer cells. In clinical colon samples, hsa-miR-373 was down-regulated in colon cancers (29/40, 72.5%) relative to control samples, whereas the purported oncogene RAB22A (a target gene of hsa-miR-373) was up-regulated (24/40, 60%). Using methylation-specific PCR, we also observed aberrant methylation of hsa-miR-373 in colon cancers (35/40, 87.5%) relative to controls (8/40, 20%). Based on these results, we conclude that expression of hsa-miR-373 is down-regulated by aberrant methylation in colon cancer and that this miRNA may function by regulating expression of the oncogene RAB22A.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Growth Processes / genetics
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Colonic Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Colonic Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Colonic Neoplasms / pathology*
  • DNA Methylation
  • Epigenomics
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic*
  • Gene Silencing
  • HT29 Cells
  • Humans
  • Male
  • MicroRNAs / biosynthesis
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • Middle Aged
  • RNA, Small Interfering / administration & dosage
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics
  • Transfection
  • rab GTP-Binding Proteins / biosynthesis
  • rab GTP-Binding Proteins / genetics

Substances

  • MIRN373 microRNA, human
  • MicroRNAs
  • RAB22A protein, human
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • rab GTP-Binding Proteins