Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 29, 2025

Using Mouse Mammary Tumor Cells to Teach Core Biology Concepts: A Simple Lab Module
10:39

Using Mouse Mammary Tumor Cells to Teach Core Biology Concepts: A Simple Lab Module

Published on: June 18, 2015

13.2K

Turmeric Inhibits MDA-MB-231 Cancer Cell Proliferation, Altering miR-638-5p and Its Potential Targets

Murat Kaya1, Asmaa Abuaisha2, Ilknur Suer3

  • 1Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul University-Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey.

European Journal of Breast Health
|April 4, 2024
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Curcumin, derived from turmeric, may fight triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) by regulating microRNA-638-5p (miR-638-5p). This study shows curcumin increases miR-638-5p, inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and migration.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains a challenging subtype with limited targeted therapies.
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as key regulators of cancer cell proliferation and migration.
  • Curcumin, a phenolic compound from turmeric, has demonstrated potential anticancer properties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of curcumin on miR-638-5p expression in TNBC cells.
  • To identify potential target genes regulated by miR-638-5p in TNBC.
  • To evaluate curcumin's impact on TNBC cell proliferation and migration.

Main Methods:

  • Bioinformatic analysis of public datasets (GSE154255, GSE40525, TCGA) to identify dysregulated miRNAs and genes in TNBC.
  • In silico prediction and validation of miRNA-target interactions using miRNet, miRTarBase, and TarBase.
  • Experimental validation using real-time quantitative PCR, cell viability assays (MTT), and scratch assays in curcumin-treated MDA-MB-231 cells and miR-638-5p mimic transfectants.

Main Results:

  • Bioinformatic analysis revealed significantly reduced miR-638-5p levels in TNBC patients.
  • Curcumin treatment upregulated miR-638-5p in MDA-MB-231 cells, while downregulating its predicted target genes (CFL1, SIX4, MAZ, CDH1).
  • Transfection with miR-638-5p mimic suppressed MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation and migration, and decreased the expression of CFL1, SIX4, and MAZ.

Conclusions:

  • Curcumin exhibits anticancer effects in TNBC cells, likely mediated by the modulation of miR-638-5p.
  • miR-638-5p acts as a tumor suppressor in TNBC by targeting genes involved in cell proliferation and migration.
  • These findings highlight miR-638-5p as a potential therapeutic target for TNBC treatment.
Keywords:
MDA-MB-231Triple negative breast cancerbioinformaticscurcuminmiR-638-5p

More Related Videos

In Vivo Inhibition of MicroRNA to Decrease Tumor Growth in Mice00:07

In Vivo Inhibition of MicroRNA to Decrease Tumor Growth in Mice

Published on: August 23, 2019

7.3K
Studying TGF-β Signaling and TGF-β-induced Epithelial-to-mesenchymal Transition in Breast Cancer and Normal Cells06:54

Studying TGF-β Signaling and TGF-β-induced Epithelial-to-mesenchymal Transition in Breast Cancer and Normal Cells

Published on: October 27, 2020

13.0K

Related Concept Videos

MicroRNAs01:22

MicroRNAs

MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns—non-coding regions of a gene—or intergenic regions—stretches of DNA present between genes. Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After...
21.3K
Abnormal Proliferation02:23

Abnormal Proliferation

Under normal conditions, most adult cells remain in a non-proliferative state unless stimulated by internal or external factors to replace lost cells. Abnormal cell proliferation is a condition in which the cell's growth exceeds and is uncoordinated with normal cells. In such situations, cell division persists in the same excessive manner even after cessation of the stimuli, leading to persistent tumors. The tumor arises from the damaged cells that replicate to pass the damage to the...
4.5K
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
3.8K
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
7.6K
Drugs that Stabilize Microtubules01:15

Drugs that Stabilize Microtubules

Microtubules are dynamic structures that undergo cycles of catastrophe and rescue. The microtubules play a central role in cell division by forming the spindle apparatus for segregating the chromosomes. This makes them ideal targets for regulating dividing cells in tumors and malignant cancer cells. Microtubule stabilizing drugs help stabilize the microtubule formation and promote its polymerization. Paclitaxel was the first microtubule stabilizing agent used as anticancer drug in chemotherapy...
2.0K
Mitogens and the Cell Cycle02:38

Mitogens and the Cell Cycle

Mitogens and their receptors play a crucial role in controlling the progression of the cell cycle. However, the loss of mitogenic control over cell division leads to tumor formation. Therefore, mitogens and mitogen receptors play an important role in cancer research. For instance, the epidermal growth factor (EGF) - a type of mitogen and its transmembrane receptor (EGFR), decides the fate of the cell's proliferation. When EGF binds to EGFR, a member of the ErbB family of tyrosine kinase...
6.5K