miR-32-5p–mediated downregulation of choline kinase alpha promotes apoptosis and reduces migration in MCF7 breast cancer cells

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Abstract

Choline kinase alpha (CHKA) plays an important role in phospholipid metabolism and is frequently overexpressed in several cancers, where it contributes to tumor growth and survival. In this study, we investigated whether microRNA-32-5p (miR-32-5p) regulates CHKA expression and influences malignant phenotypes in human breast cancer cells. Bioinformatic prediction and luciferase reporter assays suggested a potential interaction between miR-32-5p and the CHKA 3’ UTR. Transfection of miR-32-5p into MCF7 cells significantly reduced CHKA mRNA and CHKA protein expression. This downregulation was associated with increased apoptosis, G0/G1 cell-cycle arrest, and reduced migration of MCF7 cells. Reduced phosphorylation of ERK and mTOR was also observed, suggesting decreased activation of MAPK/mTOR signaling pathways. In contrast, although CHKA expression was reduced in non-tumorigenic MCF10A cells, apoptosis was not induced. These findings indicate that miR-32-5p regulates CHKA expression and suppresses malignant phenotypes in breast cancer cells, highlighting its potential role in modulating CHKA-associated signaling pathways. These findings identify miR-32-5p as a regulator of CHKA expression and associated signaling pathways in breast cancer cells. While the results provide insight into microRNA-mediated control of CHKA-dependent oncogenic processes, additional studies in diverse cancer models and in vivo systems will be necessary to determine whether miR-32-5p could be safely exploited for therapeutic purposes.

Keywords

miR-32-5p / microRNAs / gene regulation / choline kinase alpha / breast cancer

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