The MiR-495/Annexin A3/P53 Axis Inhibits the Invasion and EMT of Colorectal Cancer Cells

Background/Aims: More and more reports have shown that the dysregulation of miRNAs can contribute to the progression and metastasis of human cancers. Many studies have shown that the down-regulation of the miR-495 level occurs in a variety of cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the precise molecular mechanisms of miR-495 in CRC have not been well clarified. In the current study, we investigated the biological functions and molecular mechanisms of miR-495 in CRC cell lines. Methods: qRT-PCR was used to determine the level of miR-495 in CRC cell lines and tissues. A miR-495 mimic and inhibitor were transfected into CRC cells, and the effects of miR-495 on the invasion and EMT were explored by qRT-PCR as well as transwell and Western blot assays. Meanwhile, luciferase assays were performed to validate Annexin A3 as a miR-495 target in CRC cells. Results: In our study, we found that miR-495 is down-regulated in CRC tissues and cell lines. Moreover, the low level of miR-495 was associated with increased expression of Annexin A3 in CRC tissues and cell lines. The invasion and EMT of CRC cells were suppressed by the overexpression of miR-495. However, the down-regulation of miR-495 promoted the invasion and EMT of CRC cells. Bioinformatics analysis predicted that Annexin A3 was a potential target gene of miR-495. Next, the luciferase reporter assay confirmed that miR-495 could directly target Annexin A3. Consistent with the effect of miR-495, the down-regulation of Annexin A3 by siRNA inhibited the invasion and EMT of CRC cells through the up-regulation of p53. The introduction of Annexin A3 in CRC cells partially blocked the effects of the miR-495 mimic. Conclusion: The introduction of miR-495 directly targeted Annexin A3 to inhibit the invasion and EMT of CRC cells by up-regulating p53, and the down-regulation of Annexin A3 was essential for inhibiting the invasion and EMT of CRC cells by overexpressing miR-495. Overall, the re-activation of the miR-495/Annexin A3/ p53 axis may represent a new strategy for overcoming metastasis of CRC.