This study is aimed at investigating the roles of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and microRNA-7 (miR-7) in colorectal cancer (CRC) development and progression. We assessed TLR4 and miR-7 expression in CRC cells and tissues using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The relationship between miR-7 and TLR4 was analyzed through dual luciferase reporter assays. MTT, wound healing, and cell invasion assays were conducted to examine the effects of TLR4 and miR-7 on CRC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Western blotting was used to explore the involvement of the TRAF6/NF-κB signaling pathway. miR-7 was underexpressed in CRC, while TLR4 levels were increased. miR-7 negatively regulated TLR4 expression and its knockdown enhanced CRC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. TLR4 knockdown had the opposite effects. The TRAF6/NF-κB pathway was linked to TLR4’s role in tumor progression. miR-7 might inhibit TRAF6/NF-κB target a signaling pathway of TLR4 and promote CRC occurrence. miR-7 may therefore be used as a sensitive biomarker in CRC patients.

本研究旨在探讨 Toll 样受体 4 (TLR4) 和 microRNA-7 (miR-7) 在结直肠癌 (CRC) 发生和进展中的作用。我们使用逆转录定量聚合酶链反应评估了 CRC 细胞和组织中的 TLR4 和 miR-7 表达。通过双荧光素酶报告基因测定分析 miR-7 和 TLR4 之间的关系。通过MTT、伤口愈合和细胞侵袭实验来检测TLR4和miR-7对CRC细胞增殖、迁移和侵袭的影响。 Western blotting用于探索TRAF6/NF-κB信号通路的参与。 CRC 中 miR-7 表达不足，而 TLR4 水平升高。 miR-7 负向调节 TLR4 表达，其敲低可增强 CRC 细胞增殖、迁移和侵袭。 TLR4 敲低产生相反的效果。 TRAF6/NF-κB 通路与 TLR4 在肿瘤进展中的作用有关。 miR-7可能抑制TRAF6/NF-κB靶向TLR4信号通路，促进结直肠癌的发生。因此，miR-7 可用作 CRC 患者的敏感生物标志物。