CHRM3-Associated miRNAs May Play a Role in Bile Acid-Induced Proliferation of H508 Colon Cancer Cells

Çağdaş Aktan1, Fatih Tekin2, Nevin Oruç2

  • 1Department of Medical Biology, Beykent University Faculty of Medicine, İstanbul, Turkey.

Abstract

Insights

Bile acids promote colon cancer via muscarinic-3 receptor (CHRM3) interactions. Specific microRNAs, hsa-miR-1246 and hsa-miR-522-3p, are key regulators in bile acid-related colon cancer development.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology and Hepatology
  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Bile acids are known to stimulate colon epithelial proliferation through muscarinic-3 receptors (CHRM3).
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are critical gene regulators implicated in various cancers, but their role in CHRM3-mediated colon carcinogenesis is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the interaction between CHRM3 and microRNAs in the context of colon cancer.
  • To explore the potential effects of these interactions on colon carcinogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Cell proliferation was assessed using the WST-1 assay after sodium taurolithocholate treatment.
  • In silico analysis identified potential CHRM3-targeting miRNAs. Expression profiling of miRNAs, CHRM3 mRNA, and protein levels were analyzed via qPCR and Western blot.
  • Apoptosis was evaluated using the Annexin V assay, and pathway enrichment analysis was performed using miRPath v3.0.

Main Results:

  • CHRM3 gene expression was significantly higher in H508 cells compared to SNU-C4 cells.
  • Sodium taurolithocholate treatment increased CHRM3 gene expression in H508 cells, but no apoptotic changes were observed.
  • Specific miRNAs, including hsa-miR-1246 and hsa-miR-522-3p, showed differential expression and were identified as potentially critical in colon tumor development via bile acid-related pathways.

Conclusions:

  • CHRM3-dependent pathways are implicated in colon cancer development.
  • The unique microRNA expression profile of colon cancer tissue may serve as a diagnostic signature.