Abstract
MicroRNA (miR)‑200b‑3p is downregulated in multiple human cancer types. Wnt signaling serves a role in human colorectal cancer (CRC). The present study aimed to examine the effect of miR‑200b‑3p on human CRC and its potential association with Wnt signaling. The Cell Counting Kit‑8 (CCK‑8) was employed to assess cell viability. A flow cytometric assay was conducted to examine cell proliferation and apoptosis. The regulation model of miR‑200b‑3p and Wnt1 was assessed by a luciferase reporter assay. A commercial kit was used to evaluate the activity of caspase‑3 following treatment of the cells by miR‑200b‑3p or Wnt1. The expression of target factors was determined by a quantitative real‑time polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. The expression of miR‑200b‑3p was decreased in human CRC tissues and in cell lines. The bioinformatics analysis and the luciferase reporter assay revealed that Wnt1 may be a direct target of miR‑200b‑3p. Moreover, the viability and proliferation of CRC cells was suppressed by miR‑200b‑3p. miR‑200b‑3p additionally induced apoptosis in CRC cells. Furthermore, the caspase‑3 activity was enhanced in the miR‑200b‑3p mimics group. The expression of antigen Ki‑67 (additionally termed KI‑67) and β‑catenin was decreased, while the expression of cleaved caspase‑3 was increased by miR‑200b‑3p. In conclusion, miR‑200b‑3p inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in CRC cells by inactivating Wnt/β‑catenin signaling. The present study provided potential biomarkers and candidate modalities for the management of CRC.