The present study revealed that miR-646 and miR-381-3p were significantly downregulated in CRC tissues and cells; subsequent functional assays in vitro and in vivo ascertained that the tumour-promoting effect of CASC11 could be cancelled by miR-646 and miR-381-3p in CRC; thus, miR-646 and miR-381-3p may function as tumour suppressors in CRC. This evidence concerns the gene CASC11 and colorectal carcinoma.