Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 21, 2026
Characterization of Functionally Associated miRNAs in Glioblastoma and their Engineering into Artificial Clusters for Gene Therapy
Published on: October 4, 2019
Olea europaea leaf extract alters microRNA expression in human glioblastoma cells
Berrin Tunca1, Gulcin Tezcan, Gulsah Cecener
1Department of Medical Biology, Medical Faculty, Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey. btunca@uludag.edu.tr
Purpose:
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and the most lethal form of primary malignant tumors in the central nervous system. There is an increasing need for the development of more efficient therapeutic approaches for the treatment of these patients. One of the most attractive cancer therapy methods to date is the induction of tumor cell death by certain phytochemicals. Interestingly, bioactive compounds have been shown to alter micro RNA (miRNA) expression involved in several biological processes at the posttranscriptional level. The present study aimed to evaluate whether Olea europaea leaf extract (OLE) has an anticancer effect and modulates miRNA expression in GBM.
Materials And Methods:
Firstly, the anti-proliferative activity of OLE and the nature of the interaction with temozolomide (TMZ) of OLE were tested in human glioblastoma cell line T98G cells by trypan blue and WST-1 assays and than realized miRNA PCR array analysis. Potential mRNA targets were analyzed bioinformatically.
Results:
OLE exhibited anti-proliferative effects on T98G cell lines. Cells were treated with temozolomide (TMZ) in the presence OLE, and changes to miRNA expression levels were identified by PCR array analysis. miRNA target genes are involved in cell cycle and apoptotic pathways. Specifically, miR-181b, miR-153, miR-145, miR-137, and let-7d were significantly upregulated after treatment with both TMZ and OLE.
Conclusion:
Our results suggest that OLE modulates the expression of some miRNAs related to anticancer activity in GBM and the response to TMZ. Further studies and validations are needed, but we suggest that OLE might be used for in vivo studies and future medical drug studies.
Insights
Olea europaea leaf extract (OLE) shows anticancer effects against glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) by altering microRNA (miRNA) expression. This extract, when combined with temozolomide (TMZ), modulates key miRNAs involved in cell death pathways.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a lethal primary brain tumor with limited therapeutic options.
- Phytochemicals are being explored for their potential to induce tumor cell death.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in posttranscriptional gene regulation and are implicated in cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anticancer effects of Olea europaea leaf extract (OLE) on GBM.
- To determine if OLE modulates miRNA expression in GBM cells.
- To assess the combined effect of OLE and temozolomide (TMZ) on GBM.
Main Methods:
- Anti-proliferative activity of OLE was assessed in human glioblastoma T98G cells using trypan blue and WST-1 assays.
- miRNA expression profiling was performed using PCR array analysis after treatment with OLE and TMZ.
- Bioinformatic analysis was conducted to identify potential mRNA targets of modulated miRNAs.
Main Results:
- OLE demonstrated significant anti-proliferative effects on T98G glioblastoma cells.
- Treatment with both OLE and TMZ led to significant upregulation of specific miRNAs, including miR-181b, miR-153, miR-145, miR-137, and let-7d.
- Identified miRNA target genes are involved in crucial cellular processes such as the cell cycle and apoptosis.
Conclusions:
- OLE exhibits anticancer properties in GBM by modulating miRNA expression.
- The findings suggest a potential synergistic effect between OLE and TMZ in altering miRNA profiles.
- OLE warrants further investigation for its potential as an adjuvant therapy in GBM treatment.
Related Concept Videos
01:22MicroRNAs
01:22MicroRNAs