Curcumin inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition in colorectal cancer cells by regulating miR-206/SNAI2 pathway

Purpose: To examine the effects of curcumin on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) via regulation of miR-206 and SNAI2 in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. Relationship between SNAI2 and miR-206 and the effects of curcumin on related mechanisms were also identified. Methods: Transwell assays were used to analyze cellular migration and invasion. Genes associated with changes in protein and mRNA expression were evaluated by western blotting and quantitative reverse transcription PCR analyses, respectively. The relationship between SNAI2 and miR-206 was determined using a dual luciferase assay. Results: Curcumin inhibited cell metastasis, upregulated miR-206 expression, and decreased SNAI2 levels. Furthermore, miR-206 directly targeted SNAI2 and inhibited EMT via downregulation of SNAI2 expression. Curcumin inhibited EMT in CRC cells by upregulating miR-206. Conclusion: This study, for the first time, discovered the role of curcumin on epithelial-mesenchymal transition process in colorectal cancer cells by modulating miR-206/SNAI2 axis. These findings suggest that curcumin may be useful as a novel therapeutic agent to inhibit the metastasis of CRC.