MicroRNA-429 inhibits the migration and invasion of colon cancer cells by targeting PAK6/cofilin signaling
Authors: Ping Liu
Yijun Qin
Meizuo Zhong
Jia Wang
Zibai Wei
Xiangyang Tian
Journal: Oncology Reports (2015)
Discipline: CLINICAL MEDICINE
Keywords: MicroRNAs; miR-429; colon cancer; migration; invasion
Affiliations: Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China., Department of Oncology, Peace Hospital of Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, Shanxi 046000, P.R. China., Department of Immunology, Peace Hospital of Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, Shanxi 046000, P.R. China., Department of Pathology, Peace Hospital of Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, Shanxi 046000, P.R. China.

Abstract:  MicroRNAs (miRs), a class of non-coding RNAs 18-25 nucleotides in length, can lead to mRNA degradation or inhibit protein translation by directly binding to the 3'-untranslational region (UTR) of their target mRNAs. The deregulation of miR-429 has been suggested to be involved in the development and progression of colon cancer. However, the detailed molecular mechanism involved remains to be determined. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of miR-429 in the regulation of migration and invasion of colon cancer cells using RT-qPCR and western blotting. The results showed that the expression of miR-429 was reduced in colon cancer cell lines, when compared to a normal colon epithelial cell line. Treatment with DNA demethylation agent 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine and histone deacetylase inhibitor phenylbutyrate (PBA), or transfection with the pre-miR-429 lentivirus plasmid led to the upregulation of miR-429 expression, as well as inhibition of migration and invasion in colon cancer cells. Investigation of the molecular mechanism showed that PAK6 was a novel target of miR-429, and the expression of PAK6 was upregulated in colon cancer tissues and cell lines, and was negatively regulated by miR-429 in colon cancer cells. Moreover, the cofilin signaling acted as a downstream effector of miR-429 in colon cancer cells. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggested that miR-429 inhibits the migration and invasion of colon cancer cells, partly at least, by mediating the expression of PAK6, as well as the activity of cofilin signaling. Therefore, miR-429 is as a potential molecular target for the treatment of colon cancer. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 Fig 3, lower half.  A wound-healing assay was performed to determine the migratory ability of colon cancer ... LOVO cells treated with 5-Aza (15.55 nM) + PBA (1.5 nM), or transfected with pre-con plasmid (as a control) or pre-miR-429 plasmid, respectively . ![file] For comparison: Fig 4 from [Yang et al (2016)] .  Wound healing assay was performed to determine the migratory capacity of PANC-1 cells transfected with pcDNA3.1-PREX2 plasmid or PREX2-specific small interfering RNA. As control, non-transfected PANC-1 cells were used . ![file] Fig 5A from [Wang et al (2016)] .  Wound healing assay to determine the migratory capacity of U2OS cells transfected with miR-101 mimics or c-FOS siRNA, or co-transfected with miRu2011101 mimics and cu2011FOS plasmid . ![file] There are many other appearances of these panels within this oeuvre of otherwise-unconnected research teams. , 
 Fig 7, LOVO half: ![] Fig 3A of [Jiang et al (2016)] .  Cell migration assay was performed to determine cell invasion levels in ccRCC cells treated with Aza (10 nM) for 72 h . ![] Fig 8 of [Li et al (2016)] ![] Other matching pairs of panels exist but I ran out of colors. ,