miR-325-3p, a novel regulator of osteoclastogenesis in osteolysis of colorectal cancer through targeting S100A4

BACKGROUND: To investigate effect of microRNA-325-3p (miR-325-3p) on bone metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC) and the precise role on osteoclastogenesis. METHODS: CT-26 cells were injected into tibias to establish bone metastatic model of CRC in vivo. AgomiR-325-3p or antagomir-325-3p were injected in tail-veins of Balb/c mice to interfere the osteoclastogenesis and bone metastasis of CRC. Safranin O and Fast Green staining examined the changes of trabecular area and TRAP staining examined the osteoclast number in bone metastasis of CRC. Real-time PCR was conducted to test the RNA level of miR-325-3p and mRNA levels of TRAP and Cathepsin K in osteoclast precursors (OCPs). Dual-luciferase reporter system was utilized to identify the direct target of miR-325-3p. Conditioned medium from CT-26 cells was collected to stimulate the OCPs during osteoclastogenesis induced by RANKL and M-CSF in vitro. Western blot analysis was performed to examine the protein level of S100A4 in OCPs after interfered by agomiR-325-3p or antagomir-325-3p cultured in CM or not. RESULTS: miR-325-3p downregulated in OCPs in CRC microenvironment both in vivo and in vitro. By luciferase activity assay, S100A4 was the target gene of miR-325-3p and the protein level of S100A4 in OCPs upregulated in CRC microenvironment. Overexpression of miR-325-3p inhibited the osteoclastogenesis of OCPs and it can be reversed after transfection with plasmid containing S100A4. Treatment with miR-325-3p can preserve trabecular area in bone metastasis of CRC. CONCLUSION: miR-325-3p can prevent osteoclast formation through targeting S100A4 in OCPs. Overexpression of miR-325-3p efficiently decreased the osteoclast number and attenuated bone resorption in bone metastasis of CRC.