Decreased Levels of miR-224 and the Passenger Strand of miR-221 Increase MBD2, Suppressing Maspin and Promoting Colorectal Tumor Growth and Metastasis in Mice

In metastatic CRC cells, reduced levels of miR-221* and miR-224 increase levels of MBD2, thereby decreasing expression of the metastasis suppressor maspin. Increased activities of miR-221* and miR-224 reduce growth and metastasis of CRC xenograft tumors in mice; these miRs might be developed as therapeutic reagents or biomarkers of CRC progression.