The S100P/RAGE signaling pathway regulates expression of microRNA‐21 in colon cancer cells

S100P signaling through the receptor for advanced glycation end‐products (RAGE) contributes to colon cancer invasion and metastasis, but the mechanistic features of this process are obscure. Here, we investigate whether activation of S100P/RAGE signaling regulates oncogenic microRNA‐21 (miR‐21). We show that exogenous S100P up‐regulates miR‐21 levels in human colon cancer cells, whereas knockdown of S100P results in a decrease of miR‐21. Furthermore, blockage of RAGE with anti‐RAGE antibody suppresses S100P induction of miR‐21. In addition, we found that S100P induction of miR‐21 expression involves ERK and is suppressed by the MEK inhibitor U0126. Also, S100P treatment stimulates the enrichment of c‐Fos, and AP‐1 family members, at the miR‐21 gene promoter.