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Curcumol inhibits colorectal cancer proliferation by targeting miR-21 and modulated PTEN/PI3K/Akt pathways

Haowei Liu1, Juan Wang2, Yexing Tao3

  • 1College of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, 541004 Guilin, China.

Life Sciences
|February 28, 2019
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Curcumol inhibits colorectal cancer (CRC) cell proliferation by targeting microRNA-21 (miR-21) and modulating the PTEN/PI3K/Akt pathway. This study highlights miR-21 as a potential therapeutic target for CRC treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant health challenge.
  • Targeting specific molecular pathways offers potential therapeutic strategies.
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in cancer development and progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of curcumol on miR-21 expression in CRC cells.
  • To determine if curcumol's impact on miR-21 is linked to the PTEN/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
  • To explore the therapeutic potential of curcumol in CRC treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Cell proliferation was assessed using MTT assays.
  • In vivo efficacy was evaluated through xenograft assays.
  • Quantitative PCR (Q-PCR) and Western blot analysis were used to measure gene and protein expression, including miR-21, PTEN, PI3K, and Akt.

Main Results:

  • Curcumol significantly inhibited CRC cell proliferation both in vitro and in vivo.
  • Curcumol treatment led to reduced miR-21 expression.
  • Modulation of miR-21 levels affected PTEN expression and the activity of the PI3K/Akt pathway, influencing curcumol's therapeutic effects.

Conclusions:

  • Curcumol suppresses CRC cell proliferation by targeting miR-21 and influencing the PTEN/PI3K/Akt pathway.
  • miR-21 emerges as a key mediator in curcumol's anti-cancer activity.
  • These findings suggest that curcumol, by targeting miR-21, holds promise as a therapeutic agent for colorectal cancer.
Keywords:
Colorectal cancerCurcumolPTEN/PI3K/AktProliferationmiR-21

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