Exploring the potential role of miR-124 in angiogenesis in colorectal cancer

Abstract Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant contributor to cancer-associated mortality globally, emphasizing the urgent requirement for effective therapeutic strategies. Angiogenesis, a key process in CRC progression, has garnered attention as a target for anti-cancer therapies. microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as potential regulators of angiogenesis in cancer, including CRC. The goal of this investigation was to discover miRNAs that regulate angiogenesis in CRC and assess the impact of selected miRNA on CRC cells. Methods Through an in-silico analysis of angiogenesis-related genes (ARGs), we identified miRNAs with concurrent targeting of key genes involved in CRC angiogenesis, employing bioinformatic databases. Subsequently, the suppressive impacts of overexpressed miRNA on the expression of target genes were confirmed using quantitative real-time PCR. To evaluate angiogenesis, chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assays were employed. Results Our computational study identified hsa-miR-124-3p, hsa-miR-16-5p, hsa-miR-1-3p, hsa-miR-101-3p, and hsa-miR-146a-5p as possible angiogenesis modulators in CRC. Among these, hsa-miR-124-3p targeted the greatest number of genes. In CRC cells, miR-124 overexpression reduced mRNA levels of ANGPT2, HIF1A, MMP9, and VEGFA genes. Furthermore, it was discovered that upregulation of miR-124 can inhibit vascularization of the CAM. Conclusion These observations imply that miR-124 offers prospects as a potential therapy for CRC treatment. Further investigations are warranted to ascertain the therapeutic potential of miR-124-3p in animal models and patient samples. Our investigation underscores the significance of miRNAs as therapeutic targets for cancer angiogenesis and preliminary highlights the potential of miR‑124‑3p–mediated pathways as candidates for targeted intervention in CRC.