MicroRNA-455-3p accelerate malignant progression of tumor by targeting H2AFZ in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) becomes the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in 2020. Emerging studies have indicated that microRNAs (miRNAs) play a key role in tumorigenesis and progression. The dysfunctions of miR-455-3p are observed in many cancers. However, its biological function in CRC remains to be confirmed. By sequencing serum sample, miR-455-3p was found to be up-regulated in CRC patients. RT-qPCR demonstrated that the miR-455-3p expression was both higher in the serum and tumor tissues of CRC patients. Furthermore, it indicated that miR-455-3p had the ability in promoting cell proliferation, suppressing cell apoptosis, and stimulating cell migration. <i>In vivo</i> experiments also showed that miR-455-3p promoted tumor growth. Additionally, H2AFZ was proved as the direct gene target of miR-455-3p by dual-luciferase assay. Taken together, miR-455-3p functioned as a tumor promoter in CRC development by regulating H2AFZ directly. Thus, it has enormous potential as a biomarker in the diagnosis of CRC.