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Updated: Jun 11, 2025

MicroRNA Detection in Prostate Tumors by Quantitative Real-time PCR qPCR
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Dihydroartemisinin Modulates Prostate Cancer Progression by Regulating Multiple Genes via the Transcription Factor

Yong Shao1, Yunhui Chan1, Chuan Zhang2

  • 1Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, HeiLongJiang, 150001, China.

Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
|October 4, 2024
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) affects prostate cancer cells by regulating NR2F2, a key transcription factor. This finding suggests NR2F2 as a potential therapeutic target for prostate cancer treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Prostate cancer remains a significant health concern with a need for novel therapeutic strategies.
  • Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) is being investigated for its potential anti-cancer properties.
  • Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying DHA's effects is crucial for its clinical application.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of DHA on DU145 prostate cancer cells.
  • To elucidate the role of NR2F2 (COUP-TFII) and its target genes in DHA-mediated cellular responses.
  • To explore NR2F2 as a potential therapeutic target for prostate cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Differential gene expression analysis (GSE122625) and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis to identify key genes.
  • Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot to validate gene and protein expression.
  • Functional assays (epithelial-mesenchymal transition, inflammation, apoptosis) and Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) to confirm regulatory relationships.

Main Results:

  • NR2F2 was identified as a hub gene and transcription factor affected by DHA in DU145 cells.
  • DHA upregulated NR2F2 target genes (EFNB2, EBF1, ETS1, VEGFA) and inhibited epithelial-mesenchymal transition, inflammation, while promoting apoptosis in DU145 and PC-3 cells.
  • NR2F2 knockdown reversed DHA's effects, and ChIP confirmed NR2F2's positive regulatory role.

Conclusions:

  • DHA modulates DU145 and PC-3 cell functions through NR2F2 and its target genes.
  • NR2F2 plays a critical role in mediating DHA's anti-cancer effects.
  • NR2F2 represents a promising therapeutic target for prostate cancer treatment.
Keywords:
DHADU145NR2F2PC-3 cellsprostate cancer.transcription factor

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