miR-7847-3p Serves as a Prognostic Biomarker and Suppresses Colorectal Cancer Progression

Abstract

Background/Aims: MiR-7847-3p is aberrantly expressed in multiple cancer types; however, its biological function and molecular mech anism in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain unclear. This investigation aims to explore the function of miR-7847-3p in CRC development and its potential regulatory mechanisms.

Materials and Methods: Tumor tissues and paracancerous normal tissues from 122 CRC patients were collected and miR-7847-3p expression was detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The predictive capacity of miR-7847-3p was evaluated through Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and subsequently validated via multivariable Cox proportional hazards modeling. The effects of miR-7847-3p on HCT116 and SW480 cells were evaluated through Cell Counting Kit-8 and Transwell assays. The miR 7847-3p target genes were predicted using TargetScan, miRDB, and miRWalk. Dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed the regulatory relationship between miR-7847-3p and AP1S1.

Results: The miR-7847-3p expression was downregulated in CRC tumor tissues and CRC cell lines (HCT116 and SW480 cells). Reduced expression levels of miR-7847-3p are associated with advanced lymph node metastasis, Tumor-node-metastasis stage, and poorer 5-year survival. The miR-7847-3p downregulation signature proved to be a standalone prognostic indicator in CRC. Functional studies
indicated that overexpression of miR-7847-3p inhibited CRC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while its knockdown promoted these malignant behaviors. Bioinformatics predictions and dual luciferase reporter assay confirmed AP1S1 is a downstream gene of miR-7847-3p.

Conclusion: MiR-7847-3p is downregulated in CRC and is associated with poor prognosis. Its overexpression can inhibit the prolifera tion, migration, and invasion of CRC cells, possibly by targeting AP1S1, suggesting the dual potential of miR-7847-3p as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target.

Cite this article as: Chen H, Wang Y, Lu M. MiR-7847-3p serves as a prognostic biomarker and suppresses colorectal cancer progression. Turk J Gastroenterol. Published online January 5, 2026. doi: 10.5152/tjg.2026.25349.