Abstract
Dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) and their targeted downstream genes is involved in the carcinogenesis and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). miR-519b-3p has been reported to play an important role in several cancers. However, its function in CRC is unclear. In this study, we detected the expression of miR-519b-3p in CRC tissues and cell lines, and determined the potential role of miR-519b-3p in cell proliferation and invasion in CRC. Also, the downstream gene of miR-519b-3p was determined. Our results showed that miR-519b-3p was notably reduced in CRC specimens and cell lines. Overexpression of miR-519b-3p inhibited the proliferation and invasion of RKO and DLD-1 cells, whereas knockdown of miR-519b-3p had the contrary effect. The ubiquitous mitochondrial creatine kinase (uMtCK) was identified as a direct target of miR-519b-3p in CRC using luciferase assay. Additionally, miR-519b-3p expression was negatively correlated with uMtCK expression in CRC specimens. Notably, the miR-519b-3p suppressed the uMtCK/Wnt signaling pathway in CRC cells, thereby suppressing CRC cell proliferation and invasion. The inhibition of uMtCK by miR-519b-3p may provide a promising option for the treatment of CRC.