Evaluating the effects of Curcumin Nano-chitosan on miR-221 and miR-222 expression and Wnt/β-catenin pathways in MCF- 7, MDA-MB-231 and SKBR3 cell lines

Abstract

Abstract Breast cancer is one of the most common diseases worldwide. miR-221 and miR-222 are two microRNAs with pivotal roles in many cellular processes which regulate the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Curcumin (CUR), a yellow polyphenolic compound, targets numerous pathways relevant to cancer therapy. The main aim of this study was to compare the ability of chitosan curcumin nanoparticle (CC-CUR) with the curcumin in modulating miR-221 and miR-222 expression through Wnt/β-catenin pathway in MCF-7, MDA-MB-231 and SK-BR-3 breast cancer cells. Chitosan-cyclodextrin-tripolyphosphate containing curcumin nanoparticles (CC-CUR) were prepared. Experimental groups including CC-CUR, CUR and negative control were designed. The expression of miR-221 and miR-222 and Wnt/β-catenin pathway genes was measured. The level of miR-221 and miR-222 and β-catenin genes decreased in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells and WIF1 gene increased in all cells in CC-CUR group. However, in SK-BR-3 cells miRs and WIF1 gene expressions were increased following CC-CUR administration and β-catenin decreased by administration of CUR. Significant decreasing of β-catenin and increasing of WIF1 gene in almost all three cell lines, indicates that this formulation exerts its effect mainly through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. These preliminary findings may pave the way for the use of curcumin nanoparticles in the treatment of some known cancers.