MicroRNA-656-3p inhibits colorectal cancer cell migration, invasion, and chemo-resistance by targeting sphingosine-1-phosphate phosphatase 1

Colorectal cancer presents high rates of recurrence and metastasis, and the occurrence and progression and mechanism of its invasion and metastasis are not fully understood. The expression of miR-656-3p in patient samples and 10 cell lines were measured. Bioinformatic databases were used to predict miRNAs. Protein expressions were examined using Western blot. Transwell assay was used to measure cell migration and invasion. Transplanted tumor model in nude mice was established. Removal of the miR-656-3p by specific knocking-down of this gene promoted the chemo-resistance of colorectal cancer cells. Critically, we identified sphingosine-1-phosphate phosphatase 1 (SGPP1) as a downsteam target of the miR-656-3p, which we first obtained from 199 potential target genes from Targetscan, 200 genes from miRDB and 200 genes from DIANA, respectively. Then, we identified the interaction between SGPP1 and the miR-656-3p on 3’ UTR of SGPP1 gene. Knockdown of SGPP1 greatly suppressed the tumor growth in vivo and epithelial mesenchymal transition process. miR-656-3p could regulate cell proliferation and chemoresistance in the colorectal cancer that associate to downstream target with SGPP1. Along with its downstream molecule, we would like to predict that the SGPP1 associated miR-656-3p could be used to develop early for early diagnostics for CRC oncogenesis.