miR-200b-3p inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in colorectal cancer by targeting Wnt1

MicroRNA (miR)-200b-3p is downregulated in multiple human cancer types. Wnt signaling serves a role in human colorectal cancer (CRC). The present study aimed to examine the effect of miR-200b-3p on human CRC and its potential association with Wnt signaling. The Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) was employed to assess cell viability. A flow cytometric assay was conducted to examine cell proliferation and apoptosis. The regulation model of miR-200b-3p and Wnt1 was assessed by a luciferase reporter assay. A commercial kit was used to evaluate the activity of caspase-3 following treatment of the cells by miR-200b-3p or Wnt1. The expression of target factors was determined by a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. The expression of miR-200b-3p was decreased in human CRC tissues and in cell lines. The bioinformatics analysis and the luciferase reporter assay revealed that Wnt1 may be a direct target of miR-200b-3p. Moreover, the viability and proliferation of CRC cells was suppressed by miR-200b-3p. miR-200b-3p additionally induced apoptosis in CRC cells. Furthermore, the caspase-3 activity was enhanced in the miR-200b-3p mimics group. The expression of antigen Ki-67 (additionally termed KI-67) and beta-catenin was decreased, while the expression of cleaved caspase-3 was increased by miR-200b-3p. In conclusion, miR-200b-3p inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in CRC cells by inactivating Wnt/beta-catenin signaling. The present study provided potential biomarkers and candidate modalities for the management of CRC.