Thymoquinone Potentially Modulates the Expression of Key Onco- and Tumor Suppressor miRNAs in Prostate and Colon Cancer Cell Lines: Insights from PC3 and HCT-15 Cells

Abstract

Prostate cancer (PC) and colon cancer significantly contribute to global cancer-related morbidity and mortality. Thymoquinone (TQ), a naturally occurring phytochemical found in black cumin, has shown potential as an anticancer compound. This study aimed to investigate the effects of TQ on the expression profile of key tumor suppressor and onco-suppressor miRNAs in PC3 prostate cancer cells and HCT-15 colon cancer cells. Cell viability assays revealed that TQ inhibited the growth of both cell lines in a dose-dependent manner, with IC50 values of approximately 82.59 μM for HCT-15 and 55.83 μM for PC3 cells. Following TQ treatment at the IC50 concentrations, miRNA expression analysis demonstrated that TQ significantly downregulated miR-21-5p expression in HCT-15 cells and upregulated miR-34a-5p, miR-221-5p, miR-17-5p, and miR-21-5p expression in PC3 cells. However, no significant changes were observed in the expression levels of miR-34a-5p and miR-200a-5p in HCT-15 cells. The current findings suggest that TQ might exert its antiproliferative effects by modulating specific tumor suppressor and onco-suppressor miRNAs in prostate and colon cancer cells. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the precise underlying mechanisms and to explore the therapeutic potential of TQ in cancer treatment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report regarding the effect of TQ on the miRNA expression profile in colon and prostate cancer cell lines.

Evaluation of the synergistic effects of curcumin-resveratrol co-loaded biogenic silica on colorectal cancer cells

“…CRC stands as a significant challenge for global healthcare systems, ranking as the third most frequently diagnosed cancer worldwide and representing the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths, affecting both men and women ( Lewandowska et al, 2022 ; Osorio-Pérez et al, 2023 ). Consequently, there is a dedicated focus on innovative approaches to cancer treatment, exploring new strategies and solutions ( Biller and Schrag, 2021 ).…”

Potential anticancer properties and mechanisms of thymoquinone in colorectal cancer

“…This data suggests that TQ potentiates cisplatin-induced cell death in a dose-dependent manner, indicating a potential role for TQ in augmenting the chemosensitivity of colon cancer cells [ 129 ]. Research conducted by Osorio-Pérez demonstrated a significant reduction in the expression levels of miR-21-5p in HCT-15 cells following TQ treatment [ 130 ]. Interestingly, the combination of TQ with ionizing radiation (IR) enhanced cytotoxicity against HT-29 and HCT-116 cells.…”

“…The growth of HCT-15 cells was observed to be suppressed by TQ in a dose-dependent manner (IC 50 : 82.59 µM). Furthermore, the growth of these cells was adversely affected even when exposed to higher doses of TQ [ 130 ]. TQ with ionizing radiation caused G2/M arrest in HT-29 and HCT-116 cells.…”