Luteolin-regulated MicroRNA-301-3p targets caspase-8 and modulates TRAIL sensitivity in PANC-1 cells

Background/Aim: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play regulatory roles in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, it is still required to identify the function of miRNA-301-3p in pancreatic cancer cells. Materials and Methods: Effects of luteolin on cell growth, TRAIL cytotoxicity, and miR-301-3p levels were evaluated. The role of miRNA-301-3p in regulating cell proliferation, target gene expression, and TRAIL cytotoxicity were studied. Results: The levels of miR-301-3p were down-regulated in PANC-1 cells exposed to luteolin, which inhibits the growth of PANC- 1 cells and sensitizes cells to TRAIL. The knockdown of miR- 301-3p attenuates cell proliferation and enhances TRAIL cytotoxicity. In addition, caspase-8 was directly targeted by miR-301-3p. Conclusion: Our findings unveil a critical biological function of miR-301-3p in regulating cell proliferation and elevating an antiproliferative effect of TRAIL on cancer cells. Our observation of miR-301- 3p/caspase-8 relationship can also serve to clarify the role of miR-301-3p in other cancer types and related diseases.