Background MicroRNAs play an important role in the genesis and progression of tumours, including colorectal cancer (CRC), which has a high morbidity and mortality rate. In this research, the role of miR-495-3p and HMGB1 in CRC was investigated. Methods We performed qRT-PCR to detect the expression of miR-495-3p in colorectal cancer tissues and cell lines. Functional experiments, such as CCK-8, EdU, Transwell and apoptosis assays, were conducted to explore the effects of miR-495-3p on the proliferation, migration and apoptosis of CRC cells in vitro. Then, database prediction, dual-luciferase reporter gene assays and functional experiments verified the role of the miR-495-3p target gene HMGB1 in CRC. Finally, rescue experiments were performed to investigate whether overexpression of HMGB1 could reverse the inhibitory effect of miR-495-3p on CRC cell proliferation in vivo and in vitro. Results miR-495-3p was downregulated in colorectal cancer tissues and cell lines, inhibited the proliferation and migration of colorectal cancer cells and promoted cell apoptosis. Database prediction and dual-luciferase reporter gene assays showed that HMGB1 was the downstream target gene of miR-495-3p. We finally demonstrated that miR-495-3p inhibited CRC cell proliferation by targeting HMGB1 in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion Our research shows that miR-495-3p inhibits the progression of colorectal cancer by downregulating the expression of HMGB1, which indicates that miR-495-3p may become a potential therapeutic target for colorectal cancer.

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