Determination of Dysregulated miRNA Expression Levels by qRT-PCR after the Application of Usnic Acid to Breast Cancer

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Breast cancer still remains to be one of the most threatening cancer types in women. Recent studies have allowed scientists to better investigate the potential use of natural compounds in the treatment of breast cancers. Usnic acid is a secondary metabolite extracted from lichen species and has many biological activities. The response of microRNAs regulated by drug molecules may provide useful diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, as well as potential therapeutics for breast cancers. Although the aberrant expression of microRNAs was observed after drug treatment, the regulatory mechanisms remain partially known. Micro RNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in gene regulation at the post-transcriptional level. Methods: In this study, we used quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR) technology to demonstrate that usnic acid significantly changes the expression profile of miRNAs. Results: Eleven miRNAs were significantly and differentially expressed in breast cancer cells after treatment with usnic acid. Three miRNAs were up-regulated, while eight were down-regulated in usnic acid treated cells. Target prediction and GO analysis revealed many target genes and their related pathways that are potentially regulated by usnic acid regulated differentially expressed miRNAs. We found that usnic acid treatment caused significant changes in the expression of hsa-miR-5006-5p, hsa-miR-892c-3p, hsa-miR-4430, hsa-miR-5194, hsa-miR-3198, hsa-miR-3171, hsa-miR-933 and hsa-miR-185-3p in breast cancer cells. Conclusions: Usnic acid response miRNAs might play important regulatory roles in the tumorigenesis and development of breast cancer, and they could serve as prognostic predictors for breast cancer patients.

High UBE2T mRNA expression and its prognostic significance in Ovarian cancer: a study based on data mining

“…The top 3 among 1169 miRNAs family was hsa-miR-5580-3p, hsa-miR-3652 and hsa-miR-4430 that related to gene UBE2T in OC. Study reported miR-3652 association with oral squamous cell carcinoma prognosis and miR-4430 related to breast cancer cells prognosis 30,31 . In order to explore the function of the identified 1169 miRNAs, biological enrichment was performed through Funrich database.…”

High UBE2T mRNA expression and its prognostic significance in Ovarian cancer: a study based on data mining

“…The top 3 among 1169 miRNAs family was hsa-miR-5580-3p, hsa-miR-3652 and hsa-miR-4430 that related to gene UBE2T in OC. Study reported miR-3652 association with oral squamous cell carcinoma prognosis and miR-4430 related to breast cancer cells prognosis 30,31 . To examine the function of the identified 1169 miRNAs, biological enrichment was performed via Funrich database.…”

Exosomal encapsulation of miR-3198 promotes proliferation and migration of trophoblasts in preeclampsia

“…Aberrant expression of miR-3198 in gingival crevicular fluid is related to the presence and severity of periodontitis [ 13 ]. Breast cancer cells treated with usnic acid showed increased expression of apoptosis-related genes and promotion of programmed cell death, accompanied by decreased levels of miR-3198 [ 44 ]. Maternal plasma EVs have been characterized by the concentration and changeable miRNA content during non-pregnancy, healthy pregnancy, and gestational vascular complications, including gestational hypertension and PE.…”