MicroRNA-137, an HMGA1 Target, Suppresses Colorectal Cancer Cell Invasion and Metastasis in Mice by Directly Targeting FMNL2

Levels of miR-137 and HMGA1 are reduced, and levels of FMNL2 are increased, in CRC samples compared with adjacent normal mucosa. In CRC cells, miR-137 targets FMNL2 messenger RNA and is regulated by the transcription factor HMGA1. Expression of miR-137 reduces CRC cell invasion in vitro and metastasis of tumor xenografts in mice. FMNL2 appears to activate phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase, protein kinase B (Akt), and MAPK signaling pathways.