miR-542-3p inhibits colorectal cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion by targeting OTUB1

Although miR-542-3p has been found to be aberrantly downregulated in variety of human tumors, little is known about its role in colorectal cancer (CRC). This study was designed to assess the prognostic value of miR-542-3p in CRC by examining the expression profile of miR-542-3p in patients with CRC and investigate the possible molecular mechanism underlying the function of miR-542-3p. Our results showed that low levels of miR-542-3p were significantly associated with advanced tumor stage and lymph node metastasis and miR-542-3p can serve as an independent prognostic marker for CRC. Furthermore, ectopic induced expression of miR-542-3p significantly suppressed cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, inhibited migration and invasion in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, we identified OTUB1 as a direct and functional target for miR-542-3p, at least partly responsible for the anti-tumor effect of miR-542-3p in CRC. Our study demonstrates the importance of miR-524-3p/OTUB1 signaling in CRC development and suggests that targeting this signaling may highlight a new therapeutic approach for treatment of CRC.