Functional Effects of <i>let-7g</i> Expression in Colon Cancer Metastasis

• Main Authors: Che-Mai Chang, Henry Sung-Ching Wong, Chien-Yu Huang, Wen-Li Hsu, Zhi-Feng Maio, Siou-Jin Chiu, Yao-Ting Tsai, Ben-Kuen Chen, Yu-Jui Yvonne Wan, Jaw-Yuan Wang, Wei-Chiao Chang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2019-04-01
• Series: Cancers
• Subjects: colorectal cancer; microRNA; <i>let-7g</i>; the cancer genome atlas (TCGA), store-operated calcium (SOC)
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/11/4/489

MicroRNA regulation is crucial for gene expression and cell functions. It has been linked to tumorigenesis, development and metastasis in colorectal cancer (CRC). Recently, the <i>let-7</i> family has been identified as a tumor suppressor in different types of cancers. However, the function of the <i>let-7</i> family in CRC metastasis has not been fully investigated. Here, we focused on analyzing the role of <i>let-7g</i> in CRC. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) genomic datasets of CRC and detailed data from a Taiwanese CRC cohort were applied to study the expression pattern of <i>let-7g</i>. In addition, in vitro as well as in vivo studies have been performed to uncover the effects of <i>let-7g</i> on CRC. We found that the expression of <i>let-7g</i> was significantly lower in CRC specimens. Our results further supported the inhibitory effects of <i>let-7g</i> on CRC cell migration, invasion and extracellular calcium influx through store-operated calcium channels. We report a critical role for <i>let-7g</i> in the pathogenesis of CRC and suggest <i>let-7g</i> as a potential therapeutic target for CRC treatment.