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Therapeutic Potential of Alpha-pinene in Breast Cancer: Targeting miR-21 and PTEN Gene Expression
Mohammad Yazdi1,2, Mahdi Alaee2,3, Shana Ahadi4
1Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.
Background:
Alpha-pinene is an organic compound with anticancer properties. This compound has been used as a therapeutic factor in breast cancer (BC). miR-21 causes cancer cell invasion by inhibiting Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN). The present study evaluates the potential effect of Alpha-piene on the expression of PTEN and miR-21 genes in BC cells (MCF-7 cell line).
Materials And Methods:
In this study, the MCF-7 cell line was used. The cells were treated with Alpha- pinene. The viability of cells with different Alpha-pinene concentrations (i.e., 40, 50, 100, 150, and 200 μM) was evaluated with MTT assay. The expression of PTEN and miR-21 genes was evaluated using RT-qPCR.
Results:
The survival rate of cells in all concentrations was higher 24 h after treatment compared to 48 h after the treatment (P0.0001). The expression of miR-21 in cells treated with 100 and 50 μMof Alpha- pinene reduced significantly compared to the control cells(P0.001). PTEN gene expression was exactly the opposite of miR-21. Therefore, its expression increased significantly in cells treated with 100 μM of Alpha- pinene compared to the control cells (P0.0001).
Conclusion:
In general, the use of Alpha- pinene led to decreased and increased expression of miR-21 and PTEN, respectively. These changes lead to the reduction of invasion and proliferation of BC cells. Therefore, the Alpha- pinene combination can be used as a therapeutic strategy to treat patients.
Insights
Alpha-pinene, a natural compound, reduces breast cancer cell invasion by decreasing miR-21 and increasing PTEN gene expression. This suggests Alpha-pinene
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Natural Products Chemistry
Background:
- Alpha-pinene exhibits anticancer properties and has been explored for breast cancer (BC) therapy.
- MicroRNA-21 (miR-21) promotes cancer cell invasion by inhibiting Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of Alpha-pinene on PTEN and miR-21 gene expression in MCF-7 breast cancer cells.
Main Methods:
- MCF-7 cells were treated with varying concentrations of Alpha-pinene (40–200 μM).
- Cell viability was assessed using MTT assay.
- Gene expression of PTEN and miR-21 was quantified via RT-qPCR.
Main Results:
- Alpha-pinene treatment significantly reduced miR-21 expression at 50 and 100 μM concentrations.
- Conversely, PTEN gene expression was significantly upregulated by Alpha-pinene, particularly at 100 μM.
- Cell survival rates were higher at 24 hours post-treatment compared to 48 hours.
Conclusions:
- Alpha-pinene modulates miR-21 and PTEN expression, potentially inhibiting breast cancer cell invasion and proliferation.
- Alpha-pinene shows promise as a complementary therapeutic agent for breast cancer treatment.
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