Ruyiping formula inhibits metastasis via the microRNA-134-SLUG axis in breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Metastasis is the leading cause of death among breast cancer patients. MicroRNA-134 has been reported to have a tumor-suppressive role in breast cancer. Ruyiping (RYP), a traditional Chinese formula, has been shown with the ability to reduce breast cancer metastasis in pre-clinical studies. This present study was designed to examine whether miR-134 was involved in RYP-inhibited breast cancer metastasis.

METHODS

The expression of SLUG, E-Cadherin, N-Cadherin and miR-134 in MDA-MB-231 and 4 T1 cells treated with RYP or vehicle control were determined by quantitative realtime-PCR and western blot. Invasiveness determined by transwell assay as well as SLUG gene expression determined by qPCR were detected in cells transfected with chemically synthesized miR-134 mimics or inhibitors. BALB/c mice were injected with 4 T1 cells orthotopically and fed with RYP through gavage. Breast tumor growth, metastasis and tumor expression of EMT markers were detected.

RESULTS

Compared with the control, Ruyiping formula significantly inhibited SLUG-regulated breast cancer cells invasion. MiR-134 was induced by RYP in vitro and in vivo and was able to suppress SLUG by targeting its 3'UTR. RYP suppressed SLUG expression and cell invasion through miR-134. In 4 T1 tumor-bearing mice, RYP significantly inhibited 4 T1 tumor growth and lung metastasis, increased the levels of miR-134 and epithelial marker while decreased the levels of SLUG and mesenchymal marker.

CONCLUSION

Our data uncovered that Ruyiping formula exerts an anti-metastatic activity against breast cancer cells by regulating SLUG through miR-134. MiR-134-SLUG axis might be a promising strategy in breast cancer therapy.

Dysregulated plasma levels of miRNA-132 and miRNA-134 in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder

Background

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a severe, chronic, disabling neuropsychiatric disorder, the pathophysiology of which has yet to be fully understood. In this study, we aimed to detect the levels of miRNA-132 and miRNA-134 in the plasma of patients with OCD and to analyze the factors influencing OCD.

Methods

The levels of miRNA-132 and miRNA-134 in peripheral blood of 30 patients with OCD and 32 normal controls were detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Patients were assessed using clinical scales, including the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), and Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS).

Results

The plasma levels of miRNA-132 and miRNA 134 in the OCD group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). There was no significant correlation between the plasma levels of miR-132 and miR-134 in the OCD group and general demographic (gender, age, and education level) and clinical characteristics (duration of disease, HAMA, HAMD, and Y-BOCS scores).

Conclusions

Patients with OCD have abnormal plasma levels of miRNA-132 and miRNA-134, which may influence the number of dendrites in the cerebral cortex and formation of synapses. Therefore, miRNA-132 and miRNA-134 plasma levels should be considered as potential biomarkers for OCD detection.