miR-125a-5p suppresses colorectal cancer progression by targeting VEGFA

BACKGROUND: MiR-125a-5p has been reported to be involved in the development and progression of various cancers. However, the biological function and underlying mechanisms in colorectal cancer(CRC) still remain unclear. Here, we explored the potential biological roles of miR-125a-5p in CRC. METHODS: The expression of miR-125a-5p was detected using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), biological functions of miR-125a-5p were assessed by cell counting kit-8, wound-healing, transwell invasion, and human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) tube formation assays in vitro and animal experiments in vivo. RESULTS: We found that miR-125a-5p was downregulated in CRC tissues and cell lines, it inhibited CRC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and reduced the ability of HUVECs to form tubes. Moreover, we verifed that miR-125a-5p suppressed CRC growth and metastasis in vivo. Additionally, we showed that VEGFA, a direct target gene of miR-125a-5p, could reverse the inhibitory effect caused by miR-125a-5p overexpression. CONCLUSION: miR-125a-5p might serve as a tumor suppressor in CRC and could be regarded as a potential therapeutic candidate for CRC.