<p>Berberine induces apoptosis in non-small-cell lung cancer cells by upregulating miR-19a targeting tissue factor</p>

Abstract

BackgroundBerberine (BBR) from the widely used Chinese herbal medicine Huanglian has an array of pharmacological and biochemical properties, including anti-neoplastic activity. However, the specific mechanisms underlying these properties are unknown. The aim of this study was to explore the anti-tumor mechanisms of BBR in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).MethodsThe effects of BBR on NSCLC tumor development and programmed cell death were investigated both in vivo and in vitro. Luciferase reporter assays were used to determine whether tissue factor (TF) was a target of miR-19a.ResultsBBR suppressed NSCLC growth and promoted apoptosis in NSCLC cells by modulating miR-19a and TF expression. Luciferase assays showed that TF was a direct inhibitory target of miR-19a in NSCLC cells. BBR induced apoptosis through the miR-19a/TF/MAPK axis.ConclusionThe results suggest that BBR induces apoptosis of NSCLC cells via the miR-19a/TF/MAPK signaling pathway.

Biological Activity of Berberine—A Summary Update

“…[ 18 ]. Hong et al described that berberine reduced the phosphorylation of JNK in gastric cancer cells [ 19 ], but the influence of berberine on kinases is strongly dependent on many conditions [ 20 , 21 , 22 ].…”

“…The effect depends on the type of cell. Berberine activates MAPK in human colon cancer cells [ 61 ], non-small cell lung cancer cells and human hepatoma cells (HepG2) [ 20 , 21 ]. In turn, in human HeLa cervical carcinoma cells, berberine enhances phosphorylation of JNK and ERK1/2 but inhibits phosphorylation of p38 MAPK [ 62 ].…”

“…It has been shown to activate signaling cascades, including MAPK. In human lung cancer A549 cells, apoptosis through the miR-19a/TF/MAPK signaling pathway has been described after exposure to berberine [ 21 ]. Berberine raises the level of miR-19a and lowers the level of TF, thus activating MAPK signaling leading to apoptosis of cancer cells [ 21 ].…”

Traditional Tibetan Medicine in Cancer Therapy by Targeting Apoptosis Pathways

“…(2015) reported similar results that berberine-induced apoptosis was mediated by activation of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway via the death receptor ligand FOXO3a, p53, and FasL. In another study, berberine also promoted the rate of apoptosis of NSCLC cells by the suppression of the MMP-2, Bcl-2/Bax, and modulating the miR-19a/TF/MAPK signaling pathway ( Chen et al., 2019 ).…”

Beta-Blockers and Berberine: A Possible Dual Approach to Contrast Neuroblastoma Growth and Progression

“…Recent findings have demonstrated that BBR exhibits antitumor activity through the inhibition of cancer cell progression and migration and the induction of apoptosis in several types of cancer [ 99 – 102 ]. Abrams et al have reported that also BBR derivatives exert anticancer proprieties; indeed the treatment with a panel of BBR derivatives (NAX compounds) in three different PDAC pancreatic cancer cell lines, inhibited proliferation, and suppressed colony formation [ 103 ].…”