A key role of microRNA-29b for the suppression of colon cancer cell migration by American ginseng

PLoS One. 2013 Oct 9;8(10):e75034. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0075034. eCollection 2013.

Abstract

Metastasis of colon cancer cells increases the risk of colon cancer mortality. We have recently shown that American ginseng prevents colon cancer, and a Hexane extract of American Ginseng (HAG) has particularly potent anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Dysregulated microRNA (miR) expression has been observed in several disease conditions including colon cancer. Using global miR expression profiling, we observed increased miR-29b in colon cancer cells following exposure to HAG. Since miR-29b plays a role in regulating the migration of cancer cells, we hypothesized that HAG induces miR-29b expression to target matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) thereby suppressing the migration of colon cancer cells. Results are consistent with this hypothesis. Our study supports the understanding that targeting MMP-2 by miR-29b is a mechanism by which HAG suppresses the migration of colon cancer cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Movement / drug effects
  • Cell Movement / genetics
  • Colonic Neoplasms / genetics*
  • HCT116 Cells
  • Humans
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / genetics
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / metabolism
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • Panax / chemistry*
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology

Substances

  • MIRN29a microRNA, human
  • MicroRNAs
  • Plant Extracts
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 2