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

OBJECTIVE: Recent research suggests curcumin extracted from the turmeric plant may inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells by controlling the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs). The effect of phenolic curcumin on miR-638-5p and potential target gene expressions in the triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell line MDA-MB-231 was investigated in this study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: GSE154255 and GSE40525 datasets were downloaded and analyzed using GEO2R to identify dysregulated miRNAs in TNBC. To find differently expressed genes in breast cancer (BRCA), The Cancer Genome Atlas Program data was examined. Utilizing in silico tools, KEGG, GO, and other enrichment analyses were performed. The databases miRNet, miRTarBase v8.0, and TarBase v.8 were used for miRNA and mRNA matching. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to examine the levels of miRNA and its targets in miRNA mimic transfected/curcumin-treated MDA-MB-231 cultures and controls. The cell viability detection kit-8 method was used to assess cell viability, and the scratch assay was used to conduct migration assessment.

RESULTS: Bioinformatics analysis showed that miR-638-5p was significantly reduced in TNBC patients. Experimental results showed that miR-638-5p was upregulated in MDA-MB-231 treated with curcumin, while the potential target genes of miR-638-5p, CFL1, SIX4, MAZ , and CDH1 were downregulated. Mimic miR-638-5p transfection inhibited MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation and reduced migration and expression of CFL1, SIX4 , and MAZ genes was decreased in mimic miR-638-5p transfected cells.

CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that curcumin exerts its anticancer effects on MDA-MB-231 cells by modulating the expression of miR-638-5p and its possible target genes.