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.

An electron conductive matrix, or collector, facilitates electron transport in an electrochemical device. It is stationary and does not change during the entire operation once it is built. The interface of this matrix and an electrode is constructed at a 2D level at the micro‐scale, and naturally limits the breadth and depth of electrochemical reactions. Herein, the idea of an enhanced electrode coupled with a conducting molecule that can extend interfacial reactions is first introduced. With a spatialized interspace, this electrode can change the present understanding of the electrode process and opens up a new realm of electrode‐based reaction chemistry. A lithium–sulfur (Li–S) battery is used as the target for implementing the enhanced electrode owing to the complex multi‐electron reaction. Through the interaction of π–π stacking between graphite‐based carbon and iron (II) phthalocyanine (FePc), soluble FePc can be decorated on the surface of an electrode that has the capability of transporting electrons. The scanning tunneling microscope break junction characterization and density functional theory indicate that FePc has a strong molecular electronic conductivity. The reactants obtain electrons more easily from the conducting molecule than from the collector directly. As a result, the performance of the corresponding Li–S battery considerably improves.

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