Platycodin D inhibits non-small cell lung cancer bone metastasis by inducing ferroptosis through miR-877-3P/PNMA5 regulatory axis.

BACKGROUND

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) frequently metastasizes to the bone, posing a significant threat to patient survival and quality of life owing to associated complications. Despite advancements in comprehensive treatment modalities for bone metastases of NSCLC, outcomes remain inadequate, necessitating continued exploration of therapeutic strategies and their underlying molecular mechanisms. Recently, Platycodin D (PD) has garnered attention for its anti-tumor properties. However, their regulatory mechanisms have not yet been extensively evaluated.

METHODS

This study used human NSCLC cell lines A549 and PC-9 to assess PD effects. CCK-8 assays were used to measure proliferation, while transwell and wound-healing tests were used to evaluate migration/invasion. MiRNA expression was profiled, with roles explored via mimics/inhibitors. Bioinformatically predicted miRNA targets were validated using dual-luciferase reporter assays. In vivo, a nude mouse NSCLC bone metastasis model (intracardiac injection of luciferase-labeled cells) assessed PD efficacy. Western blotting and qRT-PCR analyzed ferroptosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related expression.

RESULTS

Hsa-miR-877-3p was upregulated by PD treatment, and functional experiments demonstrated that the miR-877-3p-mimic enhanced PD's suppressive effects on NSCLC cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion, while the miR-877-3p-inhibitor abrogated these effects. Notably, dual-luciferase assays confirmed that hsa-miR-877-3p directly targeted PNMA Family Member 5 (PNMA5). This regulation influences ferroptosis pathways and potentially triggers EMT.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that the PD/miR-877-3p/PNMA5 axis represents a promising therapeutic target for bone metastasis in NSCLC. With further research and technological advancements, PD holds potential as an effective treatment strategy for bone metastasis in lung cancer.