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Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology

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Open Access 01-02-2024 | Propranolol | Research

Propranolol inhibits EMT and metastasis in breast cancer through miR-499-5p-mediated Sox6

Authors: Bo Zheng, PeiXin Du, Zhi Zeng, Peng Cao, Xuelei Ma, Yu Jiang

Published in: Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology | Issue 2/2024

Abstract

Purpose

This study will focus on 4T1 cells, a murine mammary adenocarcinoma cell line, as the primary research subject. We aim to investigate the inhibitory effects and mechanisms of propranolol on epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in breast cancer cells, aiming to elucidate this phenomenon at the miRNA level.

Methods

In this study, the EMT inhibitory effect of propranolol was observed through in vitro and animal experiments. For the screening of potential target miRNAs and downstream target genes, second-generation sequencing (SGS) and bioinformatics analysis were conducted. Following the screening process, the identified target miRNAs and their respective target genes were confirmed using various experimental methods. To confirm the target miRNAs and target genes, Western Blot (WB), reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and immunofluorescence experiments were performed.

Results

In this study, we found that propranolol significantly reduced lung metastasis in 4T1 murine breast cancer cells (p < 0.05). In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that propranolol inhibited the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) as evidenced by Western Blot analysis (p < 0.05). Through next-generation sequencing (SGS), subsequent bioinformatics analysis, and PCR validation, we identified a marked downregulation of miR-499-5p (p < 0.05), suggesting its potential involvement in mediating the suppressive effects of propranolol on EMT. Overexpression of miR-499-5p promoted EMT, migration, and invasion of 4T1 cells, and these effects were not reversed or attenuated by propranolol (Validated via Western Blot, wound healing assay, transwell migration, and invasion assays, p < 0.05). Sox6 was identified as a functional target of miR-499-5p, with its downregulation correlating with the observed EMT changes (p < 0.05). Silencing Sox6 or overexpressing miR-499-5p inhibited Sox6 expression, further promoting the processes of EMT, invasion, and migration in 4T1 cells. Notably, these effects were not alleviated by propranolol (validated via Western Blot, wound healing assay, transwell migration, and invasion assays, p < 0.05). The direct interaction between miR-499-5p and Sox6 mRNA was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter gene assay.

Conclusion

These results suggest that propranolol may have potential as a therapeutic agent for breast cancer treatment by targeting EMT and its regulatory mechanisms.

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Title: Propranolol inhibits EMT and metastasis in breast cancer through miR-499-5p-mediated Sox6
Authors: Bo Zheng
PeiXin Du
Zhi Zeng
Peng Cao
Xuelei Ma
Yu Jiang
Publication date: 01-02-2024
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Propranolol
Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer
Metastasis
Published in: Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology / Issue 2/2024
Print ISSN: 0171-5216
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1335
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00432-023-05599-w

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