Search

Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWASs) have identified a huge number of variants associated with different traits. However, their validation through in vitro and in vivo studies often lags well behind their identification. For variants associated with traits or diseases of biomedical interest, this gap delays the development of possible therapies. This issue also impacts beta-hemoglobinopathies, such as beta-thalassemia and sickle cell disease (SCD). The definitive cures for these diseases are currently bone marrow transplantation and gene therapy. However, limitations regarding their effective use restrict their worldwide application. Great efforts have been made to identify whether modulators of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) and, to a lesser extent, hemoglobin A2 (HbA2) are possible therapeutic targets. Herein, we performed the post-GWAS in vivo validation of two genes, cyclin D3 (CCND3) and nuclear factor I X (NFIX), previously associated with HbF and HbA2 levels. The absence of Ccnd3 expression in vivo significantly increased g (HbF) and d (HbA2) globin gene expression. Our data suggest that CCND3 is a possible therapeutic target in sickle cell disease. We also confirmed the association of Nfix with γ-globin gene expression and present data suggesting a possible role for Nfix in regulating Kruppel-like transcription factor 1 (Klf1), a master regulator of hemoglobin switching. This study contributes to filling the gap between GWAS variant identification and target validation for beta-hemoglobinopathies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWASs) have identified a huge number of variants associated with different traits. However, their validation through in vitro and in vivo studies often lags well behind their identification. For variants associated with traits or diseases of biomedical interest, this gap delays the development of possible therapies. This issue also impacts beta-hemoglobinopathies, such as beta-thalassemia and sickle cell disease (SCD). The definitive cures for these diseases are currently bone marrow transplantation and gene therapy. However, limitations regarding their effective use restrict their worldwide application. Great efforts have been made to identify whether modulators of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) and, to a lesser extent, hemoglobin A2 (HbA2) are possible therapeutic targets. Herein, we performed the post-GWAS in vivo validation of two genes, cyclin D3 (CCND3) and nuclear factor I X (NFIX), previously associated with HbF and HbA2 levels. The absence of Ccnd3 expression in vivo significantly increased g (HbF) and d (HbA2) globin gene expression. Our data suggest that CCND3 is a possible therapeutic target in sickle cell disease. We also confirmed the association of Nfix with γ-globin gene expression and present data suggesting a possible role for Nfix in regulating Kruppel-like transcription factor 1 (Klf1), a master regulator of hemoglobin switching. This study contributes to filling the gap between GWAS variant identification and target validation for beta-hemoglobinopathies.

Abstract Background Diacylglycerol kinase α (DGKA) is the first member discovered from the diacylglycerol kinase family, and it has been linked to the progression of various types of tumors. However, it is unclear whether DGKA is linked to the development of lung cancer. Methods We investigated the levels of DGKA in the lung cancer tissues. Cell growth assay, colony formation assay and EdU assay were used to examine the effects of DGKA‐targeted siRNAs/shRNAs/drugs on the proliferation of lung cancer cells in vitro. Xenograft mouse model was used to investigate the role of DGKA inhibitor ritanserin on the proliferation of lung cancer cells in vivo. The downstream target of DGKA in lung tumorigenesis was identified by RNA sequencing. Results DGKA is upregulated in the lung cancer cells. Functional assays and xenograft mouse model indicated that the proliferation ability of lung cancer cells was impaired after inhibiting DGKA. And cyclin D3(CCND3) is the downstream target of DGKA promoting lung cancer. Conclusions Our study demonstrated that DGKA promotes lung tumorigenesis by regulating the CCND3 expression and hence it can be considered as a potential molecular biomarker to evaluate the prognosis of lung cancer patients. What's more, we also demonstrated the efficacy of ritanserin as a promising new medication for treating lung cancer.

ABSTRACTIntroduction B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) is the most prevalent malignant tumor affecting children. While the majority of B-ALL patients (90%) experience successful recovery, early relapse cases of B-ALL continue to exhibit high mortality rates. MZ1, a novel inhibitor of Bromodomains and extra-terminal (BET) proteins, has demonstrated potent antitumor activity against hematological malignancies. The objective of this study was to examine the role and therapeutic potential of MZ1 in the treatment of B-ALL.Methods In order to ascertain the fundamental mechanism of MZ1, a sequence of in vitro assays was conducted on B-ALL cell lines, encompassing Cell Counting Kit 8 (CCK8) assay, Propidium iodide (PI) staining, and Annexin V/PI staining. Western blotting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were employed to examine protein and mRNA expression levels. Transcriptomic RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was utilized to screen the target genes of MZ1, and lentiviral transfection was employed to establish stably-expressing/knockdown cell lines.Results MZ1 has been observed to induce the degradation of Bromodomain Containing 4 (BRD4), Bromodomain Containing 3 (BRD3), and Bromodomain Containing 2 (BRD2) in B-ALL cell strains, leading to inhibited cell growth and induction of cell apoptosis and cycle arrest in vitro. These findings suggest that MZ1 exhibits cytotoxic effects on two distinct molecular subtypes of B-ALL, namely 697 (TCF3/PBX1) and RS4;11 (MLL-AF4) B-ALL cell lines. Additionally, RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that MZ1 significantly downregulated the expression of Cyclin D3 (CCND3) gene in B-ALL cell lines, which in turn promoted cell apoptosis, blocked cell cycle, and caused cell proliferation inhibition.Conclusion Our results suggest that MZ1 has potential anti-B-ALL effects and might be a novel therapeutic target.

Background: Diacylglycerol kinase α (DGKA) is the first member discovered from the diacylglycerol kinase family, and it has been linked to the progression of various types of tumors. However, it is unclear whether DGKA is linked to the development of lung cancer. Methods: We investigated the levels of DGKA in the lung cancer tissues. Cell growth assay, colony formation assay and EdU assay were used to examine the effects of DGKA‐targeted siRNAs/shRNAs/drugs on the proliferation of lung cancer cells in vitro. Xenograft mouse model was used to investigate the role of DGKA inhibitor ritanserin on the proliferation of lung cancer cells in vivo. The downstream target of DGKA in lung tumorigenesis was identified by RNA sequencing. Results: DGKA is upregulated in the lung cancer cells. Functional assays and xenograft mouse model indicated that the proliferation ability of lung cancer cells was impaired after inhibiting DGKA. And cyclin D3(CCND3) is the downstream target of DGKA promoting lung cancer. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that DGKA promotes lung tumorigenesis by regulating the CCND3 expression and hence it can be considered as a potential molecular biomarker to evaluate the prognosis of lung cancer patients. What's more, we also demonstrated the efficacy of ritanserin as a promising new medication for treating lung cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bladder cancer is one of the most common types of urothelial carcinoma with a rising incidence rate worldwide. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved in the development of numerous cancers, including bladder cancer. We aimed to uncover the role and associated mechanism of circMYLK in bladder cancer. The expression levels of circMYLK, miRNA‐34a (miR‐34a) and Cyclin D3 (CCND3) mRNA were investigated using real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The protein level of CCND3 was investigated using western blot. In functional assays, flow cytometry assays were utilized for cell cycle analysis and cell apoptosis analysis. Transwell assays were used for cell migration and invasion analysis. Caspase‐3 activity was examined to monitor cell apoptosis. The putative relationship between miR‐34a and circMYLK or CCND3 was validated by dual‐luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation assay. CircMYLK was highly expressed in bladder cancer tissues and cells. CircMYLK downregulation inhibited bladder cancer cell migration and invasion, and promoted cancer cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. MiR‐34a, a target of circMYLK, was downregulated in bladder cancer tissues and cells. MiR‐34a inhibition reversed the effects of circMYLK downregulation and then recovered bladder cell malignant behaviors. Further analysis showed that CCND3 was a downstream target of miR‐34a, and CCND3 was upregulated in bladder cancer tissues and cells. MiR‐34a overexpression blocked bladder cancer cell migration and invasion, and induced cell apoptosis and cycle arrest, while these effects were abolished by CCND3 overexpression. CircMYLK contributed to the malignant development of bladder cancer cells partly through the miR‐34a/CCND3 regulatory network, showing the significance of circMYLK in bladder cancer pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polypyrimidine tract‐binding protein 1 (PTBP1) is one of the most investigated multifunctional RNA‐binding proteins (RBP), controlling almost all steps of mRNA metabolism and processing. It has been reported that PTBP1 is overexpressed in many different types of cancer and this high expression is associated with increased proliferation and poor prognoses. However, there are no reports on a putative role for PTBP1 in the molecular abnormalities and pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we identified PTBP1 as a positive regulator of human HCC growth. The expression of PTBP1 was increased in human HCC cells and tissues compared to the corresponding controls, and this high expression was positively correlated with increased tumor size and a reduced survival rate. Mechanistically, PTBP1 enhanced cyclin D3 (CCND3) translation by interacting with the 5′‐untranslated region (5′‐UTR) of CCND3 mRNA, consequently facilitating cell cycle progression and tumor growth. Furthermore, we found that miR‐194 inhibits PTBP1 expression by binding to the 3′‐UTR of PTBP1 mRNA, resulting in reduced CCND3 levels and HCC cell growth; moreover, the levels of PTBP1 were negatively correlated with miR‐194 levels in HCC. Taken together, these findings identify PTBP1 as a pivotal enhancer of HCC growth; the miR‐194/PTBP1/CCND3 axis seemingly has a crucial role in the development and progression of HCC and targeting the axis could be a novel therapeutic strategy against human HCC. © 2019 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) is the most prevalent malignant tumor affecting children. While the majority of B-ALL patients (90%) experience successful recovery, early relapse cases of B-ALL continue to exhibit high mortality rates. MZ1, a novel inhibitor of Bromodomains and extra-terminal (BET) proteins, has demonstrated potent antitumor activity against hematological malignancies. The objective of this study was to examine the role and therapeutic potential of MZ1 in the treatment of B-ALL., Methods: In order to ascertain the fundamental mechanism of MZ1, a sequence of in vitro assays was conducted on B-ALL cell lines, encompassing Cell Counting Kit 8 (CCK8) assay, Propidium iodide (PI) staining, and Annexin V/PI staining. Western blotting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were employed to examine protein and mRNA expression levels. Transcriptomic RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was utilized to screen the target genes of MZ1, and lentiviral transfection was employed to establish stably-expressing/knockdown cell lines., Results: MZ1 has been observed to induce the degradation of Bromodomain Containing 4 (BRD4), Bromodomain Containing 3 (BRD3), and Bromodomain Containing 2 (BRD2) in B-ALL cell strains, leading to inhibited cell growth and induction of cell apoptosis and cycle arrest in vitro. These findings suggest that MZ1 exhibits cytotoxic effects on two distinct molecular subtypes of B-ALL, namely 697 (TCF3/PBX1) and RS4;11 (MLL-AF4) B-ALL cell lines. Additionally, RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that MZ1 significantly downregulated the expression of Cyclin D3 (CCND3) gene in B-ALL cell lines, which in turn promoted cell apoptosis, blocked cell cycle, and caused cell proliferation inhibition., Conclusion: Our results suggest that MZ1 has potential anti-B-ALL effects and might be a novel therapeutic target.

Dysregulation of MYC is the genetic hallmark of Burkitt lymphoma ( BL) but it is encountered in other aggressive mature B-cell lymphomas. MYC dysregulation needs other cooperating events for BL development. We aimed to characterize these events and assess the differences between adult and paediatric BLs that may explain the different outcomes in these two populations. We analysed patterns of genetic aberrations in a series of 24 BLs: 11 adults and 13 children. We looked for genomic imbalances (copy number variations), copy-neutral loss of heterozygosity ( CN- LOH) and mutations in TP53, CDKN2A, ID3 (exon 1), TCF3 (exon17) and CCND3 (exon 6). Young patients displayed more frequent 13q31.3q32.1 amplification, 7q32q36 gain and 5q23.3 CN- LOH, while 17p13 and 18q21.3 CN- LOH were only detected in adult BLs. ID3 mutations were present in all adult samples, but only in 42% of childhood cases. CCND3 and ID3 double-hit mutations, as well as 18q21 CN- LOH, seemed to be associated with poorer outcome. For the first time, we report different genetic anomalies between adult and paediatric BLs, suggesting age-related heterogeneity in Burkitt lymphomagenesis. This may explain the poorer prognosis of adult BLs. Additional studies are needed to confirm these results in the setting of clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies demonstrate that microRNA-138 (miR-138) is critical in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) regulation. We further explored the molecular mechanism of miR-138 in NSCLC. Lentivirus was used to upregulate miR-138 in NSCLC cell lines H460 and SPC-A1 cells. Previously known effects of miR-138 upregulation on NSCLC, proliferation, cell cycle division, and cisplatin sensitivity were examined in H460 and SPC-A1 cells. Moreover, previously unknown effect of miR-138 upregulation on NSCLC migration was also examined in H460 and SPC-A1 cells. A new miR-138 downstream target, cyclin D3 (CCND3), was assessed by dual-luciferase reporter assay and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). CCND3 was then ectopically overexpressed in H460 and SPC-A1 cells. The effects of forced overexpression of CCND3 on miR-138-induced NSCLC regulations were further examined by proliferation, cell cycle, cisplatin sensitivity, and migration assays, respectively. Lentivirus-induced miR-138 upregulation inhibited NSCLC proliferation and cell cycle division, in line with previous findings. Moreover, we found that miR-138 upregulation had other anti-tumor effects, such as increasing cisplatin sensitivity and reducing cancer migration, in H460 and SPC-A1 cells. Luciferase assay and qRT-PCR showed that CCND3 was directly targeted by miR-138. Forced overexpression of CCND3 in H460 and SPC-A1 cells reversed the anti-tumor effects of miR-138 upregulation on cancer cell growth, cell cycle, cisplatin sensitivity, and migration. Our study revealed novel anti-cancer effects of miR-138 upregulation in NSCLC, as well as its new molecular target of CCND3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective We have previously reported that SASH1 expression is increased in circulating human monocytes from smokers and was positively correlated with the number of carotid atherosclerotic plaques. The aim of this study was to further validate the link between smoking, SASH1 and atherosclerosis within the vascular wall and to assess the impact of SASH1 expression on endothelial cell functions. Method Human carotids with atherosclerotic plaques were obtained from 58 patients (45 of them with known smoking status: smoker, non-smoker, ex-smokers), and were processed for gene expression analyses and immunostaining. To investigate its function, SASH1 was silenced in human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) using two different siRNA and subcellular localization of SASH1 was determined by immunostaining and subcellular fractionation. Subsequently the transcriptomic analyses and functional experiments (wound healing, WST-1 proliferation or Matrigel assays) were performed to characterize SASH1 function. Results SASH1 was expressed in human vascular cells (HAECs, smooth muscle cells) and in monocytes/macrophages. Its tissue expression was significantly higher in the atherosclerotic carotids of smokers compared to non-smokers (p < 0.01). In HAECs, SASH1 was expressed mostly in the cytoplasm and SASH1 knockdown resulted in an increased cell migration, proliferation and angiogenesis. Transcriptomic and pathway analyses showed that SASH1 silencing results in a decreased CYP1A1 expression possibly through the inhibition of TP53 activity. Conclusion We showed that SASH1 expression is increased in atherosclerotic carotids in smokers and its silencing affects endothelial angiogenic functions; therefore we provide a potential link between smoking and atherosclerosis through SASH1 expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

cyclin D3 (CC ND3) is one of the three D-type cyclins that regulate the G1/S phase transition of the cell cycle. Expression of CC ND3 is observed in nearly all proliferating cells; however, the presence of high levels of CC ND3 has been linked to a poor prognosis for several types of cancer. Therefore, further mechanistic studies on the regulation of CC ND3 expression are urgently needed to provide therapeutic implications. In this study, we report that a conserved RNA G-quadruplex-forming sequence (hereafter CRQ), located in the 5' UTR of mammalian CC ND3 mRNA, is able to fold into an extremely stable, intramolecular, parallel G-quadruplex in vitro. The CRQ G-quadruplex dramatically reduces the activity of a reporter gene in human cell lines, but it has little impact on its mRNA level, indicating a translational repression. Moreover, the CRQ sequence in its natural context inhibits translation of CC ND3. Disruption of the G-quadruplex structure by G/U-mutation or deletion results in an elevated expression of CC ND3 and an increased phosphorylation of Rb, a downstream target of CC ND3, which promotes progression of cells through the G1 phase. Our results add to the growing understanding of the regulation of CC ND3 expression and provide a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Currently, tumor grade is the best predictor of outcome at first presentation of noninvasive papillary (Ta) bladder cancer. However, reliable predictors of Ta tumor recurrence and progression for individual patients, which could optimize treatment and follow-up schedules based on specific tumor biology, are yet to be identified. Objective: To identify genes predictive for recurrence and progression in Ta bladder cancer at first presentation using a quantitative, pathway-specific approach. Design, setting, and participants: Retrospective study of patients with Ta G2/3 bladder tumors at initial presentation with three distinct clinical outcomes: absence of recurrence (n =16), recurrence without progression (n =16), and progression to carcinoma in situ or invasive disease (n =16). Measurements: Expressions of 24 genes that feature in relevant pathways that are deregulated in bladder cancer were quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction on tumor biopsies from the patients at initial presentation. Results and limitations: CCND3 (p =0.003) and HRAS (p =0.01) were predictive for recurrence by univariate analysis. In a multivariable model based on CCND3 expression, sensitivity and specificity for recurrence were 97% and 63%, respectively. HRAS (p <0.001), E2F1 (p =0.017), BIRC5/Survivin (p =0.038), and VEGFR2 (p =0.047) were predictive for progression by univariate analysis. Multivariable analysis based on HRAS, VEGFR2, and VEGF identified progression with 81% sensitivity and 94% specificity. Since this is a small retrospective study using medium-throughput profiling, larger confirmatory studies are needed. Conclusions: Gene expression profiling across relevant cancer pathways appears to be a promising approach for Ta bladder tumor outcome prediction at initial diagnosis. These results could help differentiate between patients who need aggressive versus expectant management. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Uncontrolled growth of cancer cells can be related to dysfunctional cell cycle control, including entry into S-phase, initiating cell division. Cyclin CCND3 and CCNE1 along with CDK2 and CDK6 regulate this checkpoint, and genetic changes, detectable by fluorescence in situ hybridization, are hypothesized to increase the aggressiveness of breast cancer, thereby influencing patient survival. Genomic change was investigated in 106 primary breast cancer samples, where the combined gene copy number changes in one of these four cell cycle regulatory factors was observed in 22% of the 98 tumors of successful analysis, distributed with 15 deletions and 7 amplifications. A trend towards decreased survival was observed with the aberrations, suggesting a prognostic potential of this set of markers, which was supported by an association with tumor grade. For validation of the new set of FISH probes for the G1/S-phase cell cycle factors, two additional markers, frequently amplified in breast cancers, were included in this study: The G1/S phase control gene CCND1 and the proliferation marker MYC. Both markers were amplified in 14% and deleted in 5% of the cases. This is the first report of genomic deletions of MYC in breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aberrant regulation of the cell cycle is a typical feature of all forms of cancer. In head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), it is often associated with the overexpression of cyclin D1 (CCND1). However, it remains unclear how CCND1 expression changes between tumor and normal tissues and whether human papillomavirus (HPV) affects differential CCND1 expression. Here, we evaluated the expression of D-type cyclins in a cohort of 94 HNSCC patients of which 82 were subjected to whole genome expression profiling of primary tumors and paired normal mucosa. Comparative analysis of paired samples showed that CCND1 was upregulated in 18% of HNSCC tumors. Counterintuitively, CCND1 was downregulated in 23% of carcinomas, more frequently in HPV-positive samples. There was no correlation between the change in D-type cyclin expression and patient survival. Intriguingly, among the tumors with downregulated CCND1, one-third showed an increase in cyclin D2 (CCND2) expression. On the other hand, one-third of tumors with upregulated CCND1 showed a decrease in CCND2. Collectively, we have shown that CCND1 was frequently downregulated in HNSCC tumors. Furthermore, regardless of the HPV status, our data suggested that a change in CCND1 expression was alleviated by a compensatory change in CCND2 expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most cancers preserve functional retinoblastoma (Rb) and may, therefore, respond to inhibition of D-cyclin-dependent Rb kinases, CDK4 and CDK6. To date, CDK4/6 inhibitors have shown promising clinical activity in breast cancer and lymphomas, but it is not clear which additional Rb-positive cancers might benefit from these agents. No systematic survey to compare relative sensitivities across tumor types and define molecular determinants of response has been described. We report a subset of cancers highly sensitive to CDK4/6 inhibition and characterized by various genomic aberrations known to elevate D-cyclin levels and describe a recurrent CCND1 3'UTR mutation associated with increased expression in endometrial cancer. The results suggest multiple additional classes of cancer that may benefit from CDK4/6-inhibiting drugs such as abemaciclib., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Because of its rarity and high curability, progress in advancing therapeutics in Burkitt lymphoma (BL) has been difficult. Over recent years, several new mutations that cooperate with MYC have been identified, and this has paved the way for testing novel agents in the disease. One of the challenges of most standard approaches typically used is severe treatment-related toxicity that often leads to discontinuation of therapy. To that point, there has been recent success developing intermediate intensity approaches that are well tolerated in all patient groups and maintain high cure rates in a multicenter setting., (Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Previous studies demonstrate that microRNA-138 (miR-138) is critical in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) regulation. We further explored the molecular mechanism of miR-138 in NSCLC. Lentivirus was used to upregulate miR-138 in NSCLC cell lines H460 and SPC-A1 cells. Previously known effects of miR-138 upregulation on NSCLC, proliferation, cell cycle division, and cisplatin sensitivity were examined in H460 and SPC-A1 cells. Moreover, previously unknown effect of miR-138 upregulation on NSCLC migration was also examined in H460 and SPC-A1 cells. A new miR-138 downstream target, cyclin D3 (CCND3), was assessed by dual-luciferase reporter assay and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). CCND3 was then ectopically overexpressed in H460 and SPC-A1 cells. The effects of forced overexpression of CCND3 on miR-138-induced NSCLC regulations were further examined by proliferation, cell cycle, cisplatin sensitivity, and migration assays, respectively. Lentivirus-induced miR-138 upregulation inhibited NSCLC proliferation and cell cycle division, in line with previous findings. Moreover, we found that miR-138 upregulation had other anti-tumor effects, such as increasing cisplatin sensitivity and reducing cancer migration, in H460 and SPC-A1 cells. Luciferase assay and qRT-PCR showed that CCND3 was directly targeted by miR-138. Forced overexpression of CCND3 in H460 and SPC-A1 cells reversed the anti-tumor effects of miR-138 upregulation on cancer cell growth, cell cycle, cisplatin sensitivity, and migration. Our study revealed novel anti-cancer effects of miR-138 upregulation in NSCLC, as well as its new molecular target of CCND3.

Accumulating evidence shows that microRNA (miRNA) is frequently associated with multiple kinds of human cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Previous studies have shown that miR-592 play critical roles in cancer cell biological processes. However, the function of miR-592 in CRC remains largely unknown. In the present study, we investigated the miR-592's role in cell proliferation of colorectal cancer. MiR-592 expression was markedly down-regulated in CRC tissues and CRC cells. Overexpression of miR-592 reduced the proliferation and anchorage-independent growth of CRC cells. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis further revealed CCND3, a putative tumor promoter, was found to be a potential target of miR-592 in CRC. The dual-luciferase reporter gene assay results showed that CCND3 was a direct target of miR-592. Ectopic expression of miR-592 led to down-regulation of CCND3 protein, which resulted in the down-regulation of phosphorylated retinoblastoma (p-Rb). In functional assays, CCND3-silenced in miR-592-in-transfected SW48 cells have positive effect to suppress cell proliferation, suggesting that direct CCND3 suppression is required for miR-592-induced cell proliferation of CRC. We conclude that miR-592 can regulate CCND3 and function as a tumor suppressor in CRC. Therefore, miR-592 represents a potential anti-onco-miR and serves as a useful therapeutic agent for miRNA-based CRC therapy.