MiR-877-5p targets PDK-1 to promote aspirin-induced apoptosis in gastric mucosal cells

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Aspirin is a common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug.
• Aspirin use can lead to significant gastric mucosal injury.
• The molecular mechanisms underlying aspirin-induced gastric injury require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of microRNA (miR)-877-5p in aspirin-induced gastric mucosal injury.
• To identify the molecular targets and pathways regulated by miR-877-5p in this context.

Main Methods:

• MiRNA microarray analysis of human gastric mucosal samples.
• In vitro studies using gastric epithelial cells (GES-1) treated with aspirin.
• Transfection with miR-877-5p mimics/inhibitors.
• Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), flow cytometry, and Western blot assays.
• Luciferase reporter assay to validate target gene interaction.

Main Results:

• MiR-877-5p expression was significantly higher in gastric mucosal injury samples compared to normal samples.
• Depletion of miR-877-5p reduced aspirin-induced apoptosis in GES-1 cells.
• PDK1 was identified as a direct target gene of miR-877-5p.
• PDK1 inhibited aspirin-induced apoptosis, an effect reversed by PDK1 knockdown.

Conclusions:

• MiR-877-5p plays a protective role against aspirin-induced gastric mucosal injury.
• MiR-877-5p exerts its effect by targeting and downregulating PDK1, thereby modulating apoptosis.
• MiR-877-5p represents a potential therapeutic target for managing aspirin-induced gastric damage.