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Updated: Jun 8, 2025
Profiling of Estrogen-regulated MicroRNAs in Breast Cancer Cells
Published on: February 21, 2014
Gene Expression Profiling of Maslinic Acid-treated MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells Using Nanostring nCounter Pancancer
Soon Yan Tan1, Chai Nien Foo2, Foong Leng Ng3
1Centre for Cancer Research, M. Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Bandar Sungai Long, Cheras, 43000 Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia.
Abstract:
Breast cancer remains a significant global health concern, impacting millions of women every year. Maslinic acid (MA), a pentacyclic triterpene has been found to exert promising anticancer effect in various cancers, including breast cancer, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study aims to elucidate the anticancer properties of MA via gene expression profiles in breast cancer cells. Cytotoxicity assay results revealed that MCF-7 exerts the highest sensitivity after 72 h of MA treatment followed by T-47D and MDA-MB-231. MCF-7 were then selected for in-depth analysis using the Nanostring nCounter Pancancer Pathway Panel to analyze the differential expression of genes (DEGs). Across three time points (24, 48, and 72 h), 20 significant DEGs were identified, of which 5 were upregulated and 15 were downregulated. In silico analysis indicated that these DEGs were involved in Pathway of Cancer, Focal Adhesion-PI3K-mTOR Signaling Pathway, PI3K-Akt, and Ras Signaling Pathway. The regulation of these DEGs contributes to several cellular activities such as apoptosis, inhibition of cell proliferation, cell cycle and survival, reduction of glycolysis, angiogenesis, and DNA repair. Additionally, the unfolded protein response emerged as a noteworthy biological process in this study. This study unravels the molecular mechanisms underpinning the therapeutic potential of MA against breast cancer.
Insights
Maslinic acid (MA) shows anticancer effects on breast cancer cells by altering gene expression. This study identifies key molecular pathways and cellular activities affected by MA, revealing its therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Breast cancer is a major global health issue.
- Maslinic acid (MA) exhibits anticancer properties, but its mechanisms in breast cancer are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular mechanisms of maslinic acid's anticancer effects in breast cancer cells using gene expression profiling.
- To identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and associated signaling pathways influenced by MA treatment.
Main Methods:
- Cytotoxicity assays were performed on breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7, T-47D, MDA-MB-231).
- Gene expression analysis using the Nanostring nCounter Pancancer Pathway Panel was conducted on MCF-7 cells at 24, 48, and 72 hours.
- In silico analysis was used to identify enriched pathways and biological processes.
Main Results:
- MCF-7 cells showed the highest sensitivity to MA treatment.
- Twenty significant DEGs (5 upregulated, 15 downregulated) were identified across three time points.
- Affected pathways include Cancer Pathway, Focal Adhesion-PI3K-mTOR, PI3K-Akt, and Ras Signaling.
- Key cellular processes regulated include apoptosis, cell proliferation, cell cycle, survival, glycolysis, angiogenesis, and DNA repair.
- The unfolded protein response was also identified as a significant biological process.
Conclusions:
- Maslinic acid modulates critical cancer-related signaling pathways in breast cancer cells.
- MA's therapeutic potential is linked to its ability to influence apoptosis, cell proliferation, and other vital cellular functions.
- This study provides insights into the molecular underpinnings of maslinic acid as a potential breast cancer therapeutic agent.
