The effect of thymoquinone on key onco- and tumor suppressor miRNAs in HCT-15 colorectal cancer cell line

Abstract

Cancer still a major global health concern and stands as one of the most fatal diseases in modern times, causing a considerable number of deaths each year. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the most prevalent and deadly types of cancer in the world. Conventional cancer therapies often come with limitations, including high costs, limited accessibility, and severe side effects. Therefore, exploring alternative treatment approaches is crucial. Phytochemicals, naturally occurring bioactive compounds in plants, have shown promise in reducing the risk of various cancers and may serve as valuable additions to cancer prevention and treatment strategies. This study focused on the potential of thymoquinone (TQ), a compound found in Nigella sativa, as an antiproliferative agent in colon cancer cells. The study investigated the effect of TQ on microRNA (miRNA) expression, which plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression and is implicated in cancer. The antiproliferative activity of TQ was evaluated in HCT-15 colon cancer cells, and the expression pattern of key onco- and tumor suppressor miRNAs such as miR-34a-5p, let-7, miR-200a-5p, and miR-21-5p, as well as common target genes such as PTEN and BCL2 which are commonly dysregulated in cancer, were analyzed. The results highlighted the significant downregulation of miR-21-5p expression in TQ-treated cells, suggesting the potential of TQ to modulate this oncogenic miRNA. Additionally, a time-dependent inhibitory response to miR-21-5p was observed with TQ treatment. These findings support TQ's ability to prevent colon cancer cells from proliferating and its potential for modulating key miRNAs involved in cancer progression. Targeting miRNAs may hold promise as a therapeutic strategy for colon cancer. To better understand the underlying mechanisms and investigate TQ's potential as a therapy option for colon cancer, more study is required. This study represents the first investigation of TQ's effect on the expression profile of miRNAs in colon cancer cells.