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Effects of microRNA‑338‑3p on morphine‑induced apoptosis and its underlying mechanisms

Hong-Liang Weng1, Ming-Jing Wang2

  • 1Department of Anesthesia, Linyi Yishui Central Hospital, Linyi, Shandong 276400, P.R. China.

Molecular Medicine Reports
|July 20, 2016
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNA-338-3p (miR-338-3p) plays a role in morphine-induced apoptosis. Decreased miR-338-3p may suppress this apoptosis by upregulating SOX4 and affecting the caspase-3 pathway.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Opioid analgesics like morphine can induce apoptosis in cells.
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression and are implicated in various cellular processes, including apoptosis.
  • Understanding the role of specific miRNAs in drug-induced apoptosis is crucial for developing safer therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of microRNA-338-3p (miR-338-3p) on morphine (MP)-induced apoptosis in mouse peritoneal macrophages.
  • To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in this process.

Main Methods:

  • Primary mouse peritoneal macrophages were cultured in vitro.
  • Cells were treated with morphine (MP) and transfected with miR-338-3p mimic, inhibitor, or control sequences.
  • miR-338-3p expression, apoptosis rates, SOX4 mRNA and protein levels, and Caspase-3 protein levels were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • MP treatment significantly increased miR-338-3p expression and induced apoptosis.
  • Inhibition of miR-338-3p abrogated MP-induced apoptosis and SOX4 downregulation.
  • MP treatment decreased SOX4 expression, while Caspase-3 levels increased, effects reversed by miR-338-3p inhibition.

Conclusions:

  • Decreased miR-338-3p expression may promote MP-induced apoptosis.
  • The mechanism involves the upregulation of SOX4 and activation of the caspase-3-dependent apoptotic pathway.
  • miR-338-3p acts as a regulator in morphine-induced cellular apoptosis.

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