MiRNA-Mediated Knock-Down of Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 Increases Fludarabine-Sensitivity in CLL-CII Cells

Ashofteh, Nooshin; Amini, Razieh; Molaee, Neda; Karami, Hadi; Baazm, Maryam

doi:10.31557/APJCP.2021.22.7.2191

MiRNA-Mediated Knock-Down of Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 Increases Fludarabine-Sensitivity in CLL-CII Cells

Document Type : Research Articles

Authors

¹ Department of Molecular Medicine and Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran.

² Molecular and Medicine Research Center, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran.

³ Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran.

10.31557/APJCP.2021.22.7.2191

Abstract

Background: Over-expression of anti-apoptotic proteins such as Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 is associated with resistance to chemotherapeutic agents such as fludarabine. Moreover, an inverse relationship between miRNA-15a levels with Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 expression has been observed in CLL patients. In this study, the effect of miRNA-15a on apoptosis and sensitivity of the CLL cells to fludarabine was investigated. Methods: After treatments, the Mcl-1 and Bcl-2 expression levels were quantified by RT-qPCR. Trypan blue assay was used to explore the effects of miRNA-15a and fludarabine on cell proliferation. The cytotoxicity was measured using MTT assay and combination index analysis. Cell death was determined using cell death detection ELISA assay and caspase-3 activity assay Kits. Results: Results showed that miRNA-15a clearly decreased the mRNA levels of Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 in a time dependent manner, which led to CLL-II cell proliferation inhibition and enhancement of apoptosis (p < 0.05, relative to control). Transfection of the miRNA-15a synergistically reduced the cell survival rate and lowered the IC50 value of fludarabine. Furthermore, miRNA-15a significantly enhanced the apoptotic effect of fludarabine. Conclusions: Our data propose that suppression of Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 by miRNA-15a can effectively inhibit the cell proliferation and sensitize CLL cells to fludarabine. Therefore, miRNA-15a can be considered as a potential therapeutic target in CLL resistant patients.

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