miR-5590-3p inhibited tumor growth in gastric cancer by targeting DDX5/AKT/m-TOR pathway

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key post-transcriptional regulators implicated in gastric cancer (GC) pathogenesis.
• Altered miRNA expression is frequently observed in GC, highlighting their potential as diagnostic and therapeutic targets.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the anti-cancer role of miR-5590-3p in gastric cancer.
• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying miR-5590-3p's function in GC progression.
• To identify direct targets and signaling pathways modulated by miR-5590-3p.

Main Methods:

• Bioinformatic prediction of miRNA expression in GC using TargetScan.
• In vitro functional assays (CCK-8, colony formation) to assess cell proliferation.
• Ago2-based RIP and dual-luciferase reporter assays to confirm direct target interactions.
• In vivo studies using xenograft nude mouse models to evaluate tumorigenicity.

Main Results:

• miR-5590-3p was found to be downregulated in GC tissues compared to adjacent non-malignant tissues.
• Upregulation of miR-5590-3p suppressed GC cell proliferation in vitro, while downregulation promoted it.
• DDX5 was identified as a direct target of miR-5590-3p.
• miR-5590-3p exerts its anti-cancer effects through the DDX5/AKT/m-TOR pathway, affecting downstream cyclinD1 and CDK2 expression.

Conclusions:

• miR-5590-3p functions as a tumor suppressor in gastric cancer.
• Targeting DDX5 by miR-5590-3p inhibits GC progression both in vitro and in vivo.
• miR-5590-3p represents a potential therapeutic target for gastric cancer treatment.