Salinomycin Modulates the Expression of mRNAs and miRNAs Related to Stemness in Endometrial Cancer

Background: Salinomycin, an ionophore antibiotic, has a strong anti-cancer effect, inducing the apoptosis of cancer cells and cancer stem cells. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the influence of salinomycin on the expression profile of genes related to stemness and miRNA regulating their expression in endometrial cancer cells. Methods: Endometrial cancer cells of cell line Ishikawa were exposed to salinomycin at concentrations in the range of 0.1-100 mu M, with the aim of determining its pro-apoptotic potential and the concentration which would cause the death of 50% of the cells (Sulforhodamine B test). In the following stages, the cells were incubated with the drug at a concentration of 1 mu M for 12,24 and 48 hour periods and compared to the control. Determining the changes in the expression of the genes related to stemness and regulating their miRNA was done using the microarray technique and RTqPCR. ELISA assay was performed in order to determine the level of TG F beta 2, COL14A1, CDH2, WNT5A in cell culture under salinomycin treatment in comparison to the control. Results: Salinomycin caused the apoptosis of cells. For the concentration of 0.1 mu M, a decrease in the population of living cells by 11.9% was determined. For 1 mu M, it was 49.8%, for 10 mu M -69.4%, and for a concentration of 100 mu M - 87.9%. The most noticeable changes in the expression caused by the addition of salinomycin into the culture were noted for mRNA: TGF beta 2; WNT5A (up-regulated); COL14A1; CDH2 (down-regulated), as well as miRNA: hsa-miR-411 (up-regulated); hsa-miR-200a; hsa-miR-33a; hsa-miR-199a; hsa-miR-371-5p; hsa-miR-374; hsa-miR-374b (down-regulated). Conclusion: It was confirmed that salinomycin has an influence on the stemness process. The most noticeable changes in the expression were noted for mRNA: TGF beta 2; COL14A1; CDH2; WNT5A, as well as for miRNA: hsa-miR-200a; hsa-miR-33a; hsa-miR-199a; hsa-miR-371-5p; hsa-miR-411; hsa-miR374a; hsa-miR-374b.