How One Tiny Molecule May Fuel Colorectal Cancer Growth: Meet miR-622


Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common and deadly forms of cancer worldwide. While much progress has been made in treatment, researchers continue to explore the molecular mechanisms behind how CRC develops and spreads. One area of focus is microRNAs—small RNA molecules that don’t code for proteins but can regulate gene expression. Among them, miR-622 has drawn attention for its potential role in promoting CRC growth.

Key Findings

A study conducted by researchers at Southern Medical University examined both patient tissue samples and experimental models to investigate miR-622. The findings suggest that:

  • miR-622 is overexpressed in CRC tumors compared to normal tissue.

  • Higher levels of miR-622 are associated with worse clinical features, including deeper tumor invasion, lymph node involvement, distant metastasis, and poorer overall survival.

  • miR-622 appears to accelerate cancer cell growth by affecting the cell cycle—the process that controls how quickly cells divide.

Mechanism: Targeting FOLR2

The same study identified a potential mechanism behind this effect. miR-622 targets and suppresses a gene called FOLR2 (Folate Receptor Beta), which normally acts to restrain cell growth. When miR-622 levels rise, FOLR2 is downregulated, leading to uncontrolled cell division.

To confirm this, researchers:

  • Used bioinformatics tools to identify FOLR2 as a likely target of miR-622.

  • Verified that miR-622 directly binds to the FOLR2 gene using luciferase reporter assays.

  • Showed that overexpression of FOLR2 can partially reverse the tumor-promoting effects of miR-622 in both cell cultures and mouse models.

Implications

These results suggest that miR-622 functions as a tumor promoter in CRC by interfering with normal cell cycle regulation. FOLR2 appears to be a key downstream target, and restoring its activity could be a strategy for counteracting cancer progression.

Why It Matters

The study adds to growing evidence that microRNAs play a major role in cancer development, not just as markers of disease but as potential therapeutic targets. In the case of CRC, miR-622 could serve as both a biomarker for prognosis and a target for future treatment strategies.

Want to learn more? Check this out!: https://bmccancer.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12885-023-11766-6

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