Application of MicroRNA-124-Loaded Liposome Nanoparticles for Suppressing Pancreatic Cancer Cell Progression and Restraining Autophagy Through Targeting BECN1

Abstract

This study determines the efficacy of microRNA (miR)-124-loaded liposome nanoparticles on pancreatic cancer (PC). Herein, pancreatic cells were co-cultured with miR-124-loaded nanoparticles, pure liposome nanoparticles (empty vector group) or cultured alone (control group). The cells were administered with BECN1 inhibitor, and negative controls. The expression of autophagy-related factors (BECN1, P62, LC3) was determined by Western blot and cancer cell migration capacity was assessed by Transwell assay. The relation of miR-124 with BECN1 was assessed by bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. Compared with control group and the empty vector group, treatment with miR-124-loaded nanoparticles resulted in reduced number of migrated cells, scratch rate, and decreased expression of BECN1, P62, and LC3 (P < 0.05) without difference between control group and empty vector group (P > 0.05). Additional administration of BECN1 inhibitor further decreased migration and invasion of PC cells and obtained lower level of BECN1, P62, and LC3 protein, which was significantly lower than control group and miR-124+BECN1 NC group (P < 0.05). miR-124+BECN1 NC group exhibited lower expressions of BECN1, P62, and LC3 than control group (P < 0.05). Mechanistically, miR-124 targeted BECN1 to influence biological behaviors of PC cells. There is a target relationship between miR-124 and BECN1 in PC. miR-124-loaded nanoparticles incorporated with BECN1 inhibitor restrained autophagy through down-regulation of BECN1, P62, and LC3 and suppressed PC cell invasion and migration. These findings provide a novel insight into targeted therapy for PC.