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Updated: Feb 22, 2026

A Robust Discovery Platform for the Identification of Novel Mediators of Melanoma Metastasis
Published on: March 8, 2022
Resveratrol suppresses melanoma by inhibiting NF-κB/miR-221 and inducing TFG expression
1Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Daqing Oilfield General Hospital, Daqing, China. wuff77@163.com.
Abstract:
Resveratrol (Res) is a natural compound with anti-cancer effects. The goal of this study is to evaluate the suppression of Res in melanoma and investigate its relationship with miRNAs during this process. The in vitro and in vivo anti-cancer abilities of Res were evaluated using cellular assays and animal model. Two melanoma cell lines (A375 and MV3) were used for both in vitro assay and in vivo experiments. qRT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the changes in gene expressions and protein levels. Dual-luciferase reporter assay and bioinformatic tools were used to further confirm the protein binding and activation of targeted genes. In vitro experiments showed Res significantly decreased the expression of miR-221, an oncogenic microRNA, which was confirmed by the overexpression of miR-221 with or without Res treatment. Mechanistically, we showed that the inhibition of miR-221 by Res was achieved by regulating NF-κB (RELA) activity. In the meantime, we also identified that TFG, a tumor suppressor gene, was a target of miR-221. Finally, using in vivo melanoma model, we confirmed the tumor suppressive effects of Res and our in vitro regulatory network. Res displayed a significant anti-tumor effect on melanoma cells both in vitro and in vivo. The cellular mechanism under this effect involves miRNA regulation.
Insights
Resveratrol demonstrates significant anti-melanoma effects by downregulating oncogenic miR-221. This natural compound
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Resveratrol (Res) is a natural polyphenol with documented anti-cancer properties.
- Melanoma remains a significant health concern, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in cancer development and progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anti-cancer effects of Resveratrol in melanoma.
- To elucidate the role of miRNAs in Resveratrol-mediated melanoma suppression.
- To identify the molecular mechanisms underlying Resveratrol's action in melanoma.
Main Methods:
- In vitro cellular assays and in vivo animal models were employed.
- Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot analyzed gene and protein expression.
- Dual-luciferase reporter assays and bioinformatic analyses identified miRNA targets.
Main Results:
- Resveratrol significantly inhibited melanoma cell growth in vitro and in vivo.
- Resveratrol treatment led to a decrease in the oncogenic miR-221 expression.
- Resveratrol's mechanism involves regulating NF-κB (RELA) activity and targeting the tumor suppressor gene TFG via miR-221.
Conclusions:
- Resveratrol exhibits potent anti-tumor effects against melanoma.
- The anti-melanoma activity of Resveratrol is mediated through the regulation of miR-221.
- This study reveals a novel molecular pathway involving miR-221, NF-κB, and TFG in Resveratrol's anti-cancer action.
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