MicroRNA-206 inhibits the proliferation, migration and invasion of colorectal cancer cells by regulating the c-Met/AKT/GSK-3β pathway.

An imbalance in microRNA (miRNA/miR) expression is closely associated with tumorigenesis and progression. miR-206 is downregulated in different types of tumors, including colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the effects of miR-206 on the progression of CRC, and its underlying molecular mechanisms are yet to be elucidated. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of miR-206 on the proliferation, migration and invasion of colorectal cancer cells, and determine its potential molecular mechanism. The results of the present study demonstrated that the expression levels of miR-206 and c-Met were affected in HCT116 and SW480 cells by transfected with miR-206 mimic, inhibitor or small interfering RNA-c-Met. A Dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to identify the miRNA targets. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion assays were also performed. The results demonstrated that overexpression of miR-206 significantly decreased the viability of HCT116 and SW480 cells. The results of the Transwell assay indicated that the cell migratory and invasive abilities were inhibited following transfection with miR-206 mimic. As a target of miR-206, knockdown of c-Met significantly suppressed cell viability, migration and invasion. In addition, c-Met knockdown or overexpression of miR-206 inhibited activation of the AKT/GSK-3β pathway. Collectively, these results suggest that miR-206 suppresses the proliferation, migration and invasion of CRC cells by targeting the c-Met/AKT/GSK-3β pathway.