Abstract: ObjectiveTo investigate the microRNA-221 (miR-221) expression pattern and relationship with clinicopathological features in colorectal carcinoma. MethodsTotal RNAs of thirty colorectal carcinoma and adjacent non-tumorous specimens,from Nanfang Hospital were isolated. The miR-221 expression was detected by real-time RT-PCR and Northern-blot analysis respectively. The relationship between the expression of miR-221 and clinicopathological features was analyzed. ResultsThe expression of miR-221 was significantly up-regulated in colorectal carcinoma than that in the adjacent non-tumorous tissues (2.041±1.401 vs. 0.806±0.341, P<0.01).The result was confirmed by Northern blot analysis, and a significant positive correlation between two detective methods was found (r2=0.948, P<0.01). Moreover, miR-221 expression was positively related to advanced TNM stage (P=0.032) and local invasion (P=0.021). ConclusionThe over-expressed miR-221 might play a role in the development and progression of colorectal carcinoma, as a biomarker for prognosis. The real-time RT-PCR assay was an accurate, rapid and less-expensive method compared with routine Northern blot analysis.