MicroRNA-544 promotes colorectal cancer progression by targeting forkhead box O1

Dysregulation of microRNAs has been confirmed to serve an important role in cancer development and progression. However, the role of microRNA (miR)-544 in colorectal cancer progression remains unknown. In the present study, it was observed that the expression level of miR-544 was increased in breast cancer cell lines and tissues using the quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Overexpression of miR-544 promoted cell proliferation and invasion in colorectal cancer, whereas inhibition of miR-544 suppressed colorectal cancer progression as determined using MTT, colony formation and Transwell assays. Furthermore, forkhead box 01 (FOXO1) was a direct target of miR-544. FOXO1 mediated miR-544-regulated colorectal cancer progression and cell cycle distribution. In conclusion, the results of the present study revealed that miR-544 serves an important role in promoting human colorectal cancer cell progression.