Systematic analysis of berberine-induced signaling pathway between miRNA clusters and mRNAs and identification of mir-99a~125b cluster function by seed-targeting inhibitors in multiple myeloma cells

Abstract

Background: Berberine (BBR) is a natural alkaloid derived from a traditional Chinese herbal medicine. However, the exact mechanisms underlying the different effects of berberine on MM cells have not been fully elucidated. Methods: A systematic analysis assay integrated common signaling pathways modulated by the 3 miRNA clusters and mRNAs in MM cells after BBR treatment. The role of the mir-99a~125b cluster, an important oncomir in MM, was identified by comparing the effects of t-anti-mirs with complete complementary antisense locked nucleic acids (LNAs) against mature mir-125b (anti-mir-125b). Results: Three miRNAs clusters (miR-99a~125b, miR-17~92 and miR-106~25) were significantly down-regulated in BBR-treated MM cells and are involved in multiple cancer-related signaling pathways. Furthermore, the top 5 differentially regulated genes, RAC1, NFkB1, MYC, JUN and CCND1 might play key roles in the progression of MM. Systematic integration revealed that 3 common signaling pathways (TP53, Erb and MAPK) link the 3 miRNA clusters and the 5 key mRNAs. Meanwhile, both BBR and seed-targeting t-anti-mir-99a~125b cluster LNAs significantly induced apoptosis, G2-phase cell cycle arrest and colony inhibition. Conclusions: our results suggest that BBR suppresses multiple myeloma cells, partly by down-regulating the 3 miRNA clusters and many mRNAs, possibly through TP53, Erb and MAPK signaling pathways. The mir-99a~125b cluster might be a novel target for MM treatment. These findings provide new mechanistic insight into the anticancer effects of certain traditional Chinese herbal medicine compounds.