MicroRNA 452 regulates SHC1 expression in human colorectal cancer and colitis

Background Human microRNA 452 ( MIR452 ) has been linked to both colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. Objective We analyzed the correlation between MIR452 and its putative target gene in human CRC cells and in mouse colitis tissues . Methods Luciferase reporter assay confirmed that Src homologous and collagen adaptor protein 1 ( SHC1 ) is a direct target of MIR452 . Furthermore, the expression of proteins or mRNA was assessed by immunohistochemical analysis, Western blot, or quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR). Results We found that MIR452 has a potential binding site at 3′-UTR of SHC1 . Likewise, MIR452 or siSHC1 transfection dramatically reduced the level of cellular SHC1 in CRC cells. The expression of SHC1 was frequently downregulated in both human CRC tissues and mouse colitis tissues. In CRC cells, we demonstrated that MIR452 regulated the expression of genes involved in the SHC1-mediated KRAS-MAPK signal transduction pathways. Conclusion These findings suggest a potential defense mechanism in which MIR452 regulation of the adaptor protein SHC1 maintains cellular homeostasis during carcinogenesis or chronic inflammation. Therefore, MIR452 may have therapeutic value for human early-stage CRC and colitis.