Over-regulated miR-490-3p significantly inhibited the proliferation, migratory, invasion activities and promoted apoptotic rate of CRC cells (HCT116 and SW480). A, miR-490-3p highly expressed in HCT116 and SW480 cells after transfection with miR-mimic. B, CCK-8 assay was used to assess the proliferation ability of CRC cells transfected with miR-mimic or NC respectively. C, wound healing assay was used to elucidate the migratory ability of CRC cells transfected with miR-mimic or NC respectively. D, transwell invasion assay was used to assess the invasion ability of CRC cells transfected with miR-mimic or NC respectively. E, flow cytometry analysis was used to assess the apoptotic rate of CRC cells transfected with miR-mimic or NC respectively. * P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, ***P < 0.001.