miR-193a-5p carried by ferric oxide nanoparticles interferes with the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway and promotes pyroptosis in gastric cancer cells.

BACKGROUND

The transforming growth factor -β1 (TGF-β1) /Smad signaling pathway plays a critical role in gastric cancer pathogenesis.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigates how microRNA-193a-5p (miR-193a-5p) delivered by iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4 nanoparticles, NPs) influences gastric cancer cell pyroptosis through TGF-β1/Smad signaling.

METHODS

The MiR-193a-5p-Fe3O4 NPs composite material was constructed to treat human gastric cancer cells MKN28. The control group, miR-193a-5p group, Fe3O4 NPs group, MiR-193a-5p-Fe3O4 NPs group and the combined treatment group of pathway inhibitors/activators were set up. Detect the expression of proteins related to cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis and pyroptosis.

RESULTS

miR-193a-5p-Fe3O4 NPs can significantly inhibit the proliferation and migration of gastric cancer cells, induce apoptosis and pyroptosis and down-regulate the activity of the TGF-β1/Smad pathway. The combination of TGF-β pathway inhibitor SB431542 can enhance the above effect, while the activator SIS-011381 can partially reverse this effect.

CONCLUSION

miR-193a-5p-Fe3O4 NPs promote pyroptosis of gastric cancer cells by inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. Its combination with SB431542 has a synergistic anti-tumor effect, providing a new idea for the treatment of gastric cancer.