Micro RNA Expression Profile Analysis in A549 Cancer Cells Treated with Methylsulfonylmethane

Abstract

Clinical and Epidemiological studies have shown a correlation between Inflammation and lung cancer. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) has been used for years as a dietary supplement and clinical studies have shown MSM benefits for anti‐inflammation and prevention of stress of immune cells. In particular, these studies have shown that MSM potentially induces apoptosis in cancer cell lines, and prevents the spread of cancer cells. (Kang et al. 2017) However, the specific molecular control role that MSM plays has yet to be investigated. Experiments are in progress to determine if specific MicroRNA (miRNA) can be identified and shown to be significantly altered in presence of MSM. Identification and observation of miRNA have been of interest to our lab because of its key role in the regulation of gene expression. These small non‐coding bases are known to post‐transcriptionally fine‐tune up to 30% of genes and are currently implemented in cancer‐based therapy. Specific miRNA segments have been found to be up‐regulated and down‐regulated when cells start metastasis. Our lab is exploring the possible role that MSM plays in viability, cell proliferation, and possible molecular pathways of A549 human lung cancer cells in post MSM treatment. Our preliminary studies show that MSM concentrations from 100mM to 200mM are significantly effective for initiating apoptosis and inhibiting the proliferation of A549 cells without toxicity. The apoptotic pathway seems to be an intrinsic pathway based on the data gathered so far. Further studies will indicate if miRNA is a potential molecular player in the phenotypic changes of A549 exposed to MSM. As miRNA has been a growing therapeutic target for scientists it is hoped that if there is a link between MSM and miRNA down‐regulation, this might further solidify the value of nutraceutical studies in the treatment and control of cancer.