MicroRNA-642a-5p inhibits colon cancer cell migration and invasion by targeting collagen type I α1

The aim of the present study was to explore the mechanism by which microRNA (miR)-642a-5p regulates the migration and invasion of colon cancer cells via collagen type I α1 (COL1A1). The characteristics of miR-642a-5p and COL1A1 were analysed through bioinformatics. Cancer and normal tissues were collected from patients with colon cancer. miR-642a-5p- and COL1A1-overexpressing cell lines were constructed by transfection. A Dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the targeting of COL1A1 by miR-642a-5p. Cell Counting Kit-8, wound healing and Transwell assays were used to detect cell viability, migration and invasion, respectively. Protein and mRNA expression levels were examined by western blotting and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, respectively. The results revealed that miR-642a-5p expression was significantly upregulated and COL1A1 expression was downregulated in patients with colon cancer. Low levels of miR-642a-5p and high levels of COL1A1 were associated with a poor prognosis in patients with colon cancer. miR-642a-5p directly targeted the 3′-untranslated region of COL1A1 and inhibited COL1A1 expression. Overexpression of miR-642a-5p inhibited cell viability, migration, invasion and epithelial mesenchymal transition. Overexpression of COL1A1 promoted cell viability, migration, invasion and EMT, and partially reversed the inhibitory effects of miR-642a-5p on colon cancer cells. In conclusion, miR-642a-5p inhibited colon cancer cell migration, invasion and EMT by regulating COL1A1.