Berberine induces apoptosis in non-small-cell lung cancer cells by upregulating miR-19a targeting tissue factor

• Main Authors: Chen Q, Shi J, Ding Z, Xia Q, Zheng T, Ren Y, Li M, Fan L
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dove Medical Press 2019-10-01
• Series: Cancer Management and Research
• Subjects: non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC); berberine; miR-19a; tissue factor (TF); MAPK.
• Online Access: https://www.dovepress.com/berberine-induces-apoptosis-in-non-small-cell-lung-cancer-cells-by-upr-peer-reviewed-article-CMAR

Qian-qian Chen,1–3 Jia-min Shi,1,2 Zhou Ding,1,2 Qing Xia,1,2 Tian-sheng Zheng,1,2 Yan-bei Ren,1,2 Ming Li,1,2 Li-hong Fan1,2 1Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai 10th People’s Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, People’s Republic of China; 2Institute of Energy Metabolism and Health, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, People’s Republic of China; 3Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 22601, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Li-hong Fan; Ming LiDepartment of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai 10th People’s Hospital, Tongji University, #301 Mid Yianchang Road, Shanghai 200072, People’s Republic of ChinaTel/fax [phone]Email [e-mail]; [e-mail]: Berberine (BBR) from the widely used Chinese herbal medicine Huanglian has an array of pharmacological and biochemical properties, including anti-neoplastic activity. However, the specific mechanisms underlying these properties are unknown. The aim of this study was to explore the anti-tumor mechanisms of BBR in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Methods: The effects of BBR on NSCLC tumor development and programmed cell death were investigated both in vivo and in vitro. Luciferase reporter assays were used to determine whether tissue factor (TF) was a target of miR-19a.Results: BBR suppressed NSCLC growth and promoted apoptosis in NSCLC cells by modulating miR-19a and TF expression. Luciferase assays showed that TF was a direct inhibitory target of miR-19a in NSCLC cells. BBR induced apoptosis through the miR-19a/TF/MAPK axis.Conclusion: The results suggest that BBR induces apoptosis of NSCLC cells via the miR-19a/TF/MAPK signaling pathway.Keywords: non-small-cell lung carcinoma, NSCLC, berberine, miR-19a, tissue factor, TF, MAPK