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Identification and Characterization of MicroRNAs Associated with Borax-mediated Anti-tumor Activity through
Wenbo Zhou1, Fen Sheng1, Jiao Zhou2
1Department of Hepatobiliary, Breast and thyroid Surgery, Experiment Center of Medicine, Sinopharm Dongfeng General Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442008, Hubei, P.R. China.
Current Molecular Medicine
|June 17, 2026
Summary
Borax exhibits anti-tumor effects by altering microRNA (miRNA) expression in liver cancer cells. This study identifies key miRNAs and signaling pathways involved, offering potential therapeutic targets for liver cancer.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
- Genomics
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in gene regulation and cellular processes.
- Borax has demonstrated potential anti-tumor properties, but its underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood.
- Investigating miRNA involvement can elucidate novel therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of miRNAs in the anti-tumor effects of borax in HepG2 liver cancer cells.
- To identify differentially expressed miRNAs and their target genes following borax treatment.
- To construct a miRNA-mRNA regulatory network and identify potential therapeutic targets.
Main Methods:
- HepG2 cells were treated with borax, and total RNA was extracted for microarray analysis.
- Differentially expressed miRNAs were identified using volcano plots and heatmap analysis, then validated by quantitative PCR.
- Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed to identify hub genes using Cytoscape software.
Main Results:
- Borax treatment significantly altered miRNA expression in HepG2 cells, with several miRNAs upregulated and downregulated.
- Pathway analysis indicated that target genes were involved in MAPK, TGF-β, NFκB, Ras signaling, forkhead box O signaling, and cellular senescence.
- Hub genes, including NACC2, CACNB1, FZD6, CDK6, BCL-2, and IGF1R, were identified in different treatment groups.
Conclusions:
- Borax-induced anti-tumor effects are associated with significant changes in miRNA expression profiles.
- A potential miRNA-mRNA regulatory network involved in liver cancer biology was established.
- The study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms of borax and identifies potential therapeutic targets for liver cancer.
