Downregulation of miR-195 via cyclosporin a in human glioblastoma cells

Abstract

Purpose: Cyclosporin A (CsA) is a potent immunosuppressive agent. MicroRNAs (miRs) which post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression are non-coding RNAs. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of CsA on 88 miRs expression changes in glioma cells (U-87 MG). Methods: CsA was used in U-87 MG glioma cells in doses of 10, 30 and 60 uM. Cytotoxic assays and determination of IC50 dose of CsA were performed. Relative quantification of 88 miRs was performed by real time RT-PCR. The fold changes of miRs determined and alterations in the miR expressions were compared with CsA-treated and CsA-free U-87 MG glioma cells. Results: In U-87 MG cells treated with CsA, the ICso dose was 10 μM. Seventeen of 88 human miRs were downregulated compared to the untreated control group by using miRs array. It was found that the expression levels of several miRs, in particular miR-195, was significantly decreased in CsA-treated U-87 MG cells. Conclusion: This study revealed a significant role of miR-195 in the molecular pathology of glioma cells which can also implicate potential application of miR-195 in cancer therapy. Rather than downregulation of miR-195 alone to exhibit cytotoxicity, treatment with CsA could be more effective especially on temozolomide-resistant cells.