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Exploring MicroRNA Expression Profiles Related to the mTOR Signaling Pathway in Mouse Embryonic Fibroblast Cells

Chia-Wei Lin, Ming-Shiou Jan, Jung-Hua Steven Kuo1

  • 1§Department of Pharmacy, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, 60 Erh-Jen Road, Section 1, Jen-Te, Tainan 717, Taiwan.

Molecular Pharmaceutics
|July 10, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Poly(ethylenimine) (PEI) affects microRNA (miRNA) expression, leading to decreased cell viability and inhibited mTOR signaling. This study reveals PEI

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Toxicology
  • Gene Regulation

Background:

  • Poly(ethylenimine) (PEI) toxicology is known at the gene expression level.
  • The impact of PEI on microRNA (miRNA) expression, which regulates post-transcriptional gene expression, is largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of PEI on miRNA expression profiles related to cell death.
  • To explore the role of specific miRNAs in PEI-induced cellular responses.

Main Methods:

  • Microarray analysis of miRNA expression in mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells treated with PEI.
  • Real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) for miRNA verification.
  • Analysis of target gene (Igf1) and protein expression.
  • Assessment of mTOR signaling pathway activity and autophagy induction.

Main Results:

  • PEI treatment upregulated three specific miRNAs (mmu-miR-3090-5p, mmu-miR-346-3p, mmu-miR-494-3p) in MEF cells.
  • These miRNAs decreased gene and protein expression of the growth factor Igf1.
  • PEI treatment inhibited the mTOR signaling pathway via autophagy induction.
  • Cell viability decreased in PEI-treated cells and cells transfected with the upregulated miRNA mimics.

Conclusions:

  • PEI influences miRNA expression, impacting cell death mechanisms.
  • The mTOR signaling pathway and cell viability are affected by PEI-induced miRNA changes.
  • PEI may regulate target cell miRNA expression, contributing to its toxicological effects.
Keywords:
Igf1autophagymTOR signaling pathwaymicroRNAs (miRNAs)microarrayp53 signaling pathwaypolyethylenimine (PEI)

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