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

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. 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. 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. In conclusion, miR-144 suppressed CRC cell migration and invasion by targeting PBX3, suggesting its potential value in the diagnosis and treatment of CRC.