Metformin is commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes and has shown potential in reducing the risk of some cancers in individuals with the condition. New research has uncovered that metformin alters levels of microRNAs in colorectal cancer cells, which may slow their growth and multiplication. These findings could lead to the development of new RNA therapeutics for cancer prevention and treatment. Metformin is widely used for diabetes treatment, helping regulate blood glucose and providing other health benefits.
In a recent study published in Cancers, researchers examined metformin’s anti-cancer properties using colorectal cancer cells. When treated with a sub-lethal dose of metformin, the cells showed alterations in the activity of certain microRNAs, which regulate genes. Some microRNAs were upregulated, increasing their activity, while others were downregulated. This discovery suggests that metformin may play a role in downregulating genes specific to colon cancer, which could have implications for other types of cancer as well.
Metformin is a cost-effective and safe medication widely used for type 2 diabetes treatment. However, the exact mechanisms through which it affects blood glucose levels and potentially reduces cancer risk have not been fully elucidated. The study shows that metformin may inhibit cell growth and proliferation through specific microRNAs targeting crucial gene signaling pathways commonly disrupted in cancer. This novel mechanism opens the door to developing new therapeutic strategies targeting these microRNAs to combat cancer effectively.
The study revealed that two upregulated microRNAs, miR-2110 and miR-132-3p, targeted a gene signaling pathway frequently disrupted in human cancers, leading to reduced cancer cell growth and multiplication. Additionally, two other microRNAs, miR-222-3p and miR-589-3p, targeted a different pathway, resulting in suppressed cell growth and delayed cell cycle. If these effects are observed in human tumors and not just cell cultures, metformin could potentially offer alternative treatments for a variety of cancers. The researchers suggest that their findings pave the way for developing groundbreaking therapeutic agents based on RNA therapeutics.
RNA therapeutics represent an innovative approach to cancer treatment, especially given the dysregulation of noncoding RNAs in various cancer types. MicroRNAs can both increase and decrease the likelihood of cancers and target multiple genes within a single pathway. This broad yet specific response makes them promising candidates for cancer treatment. Research is ongoing to explore the delivery of microRNAs into cells as potential cancer therapeutics. Despite the challenges in the field, the study underscores the potential of miRNAs in cancer therapy and may set the stage for their development as effective treatments.
In conclusion, this study sheds light on metformin’s impact on cellular mechanisms, particularly in colorectal cancer, and underscores the role of microRNAs in reducing cancer cell proliferation. The findings suggest the potential for RNA therapeutics in cancer prevention and treatment, offering targeted interventions for individuals with various types of cancer. While there are hurdles to overcome in the development of miRNA therapeutics, this research represents a significant step towards harnessing the potential of microRNAs as effective cancer treatments.
