Effect of 7,12-Dimethylbenz(α)anthracene on the Expression of miR-330, miR-29a, miR-9-1, miR-9-3 and the mTORC1 Gene in CBA/Ca Mice

In Vivo. 2020 Sep-Oct;34(5):2337-2343. doi: 10.21873/invivo.12046.

Abstract

Background/aim: Development of malignant tumors is preceded by molecular biological events. Our aim was to establish an assay panel by using miRNAs and other genes for the rapid screening of potential carcinogens or chemopreventive agents.

Materials and methods: Six male and 6 female CBA/Ca mice received 20 mg/bwkg 7,12-dimethylbenz(α)anthracene (DMBA) intraperitoneally, and 24 h later RNA was isolated from parenchymal organs. Expression of miR-330, miR-29a, miR-9-1, miR-9-3 and mTORC1 was analysed by real time polymerase chain reaction and compared to non-treated controls.

Results: DMBA caused significant alterations in the expression of the studied genes. The most profound changes were the strongly elevated miR-9-3 and mTORC1 expressions in female mice in all organs studied.

Conclusion: miR-9-3 and mTORC1 expression in female mice were found to be the most suitable biomarkers for rapid identification of possible carcinogenic effects.

Keywords: 7,12-dimethylbenz(α)anthracene; DMBA; Gene expression; carcinogenicity; mTORC1; miR-29a; miR-330; miR-9-1; miR-9-3; microRNA.

MeSH terms

  • 9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene* / toxicity
  • Animals
  • Anthracenes
  • Carcinogens / toxicity
  • Female
  • Male
  • Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 / genetics
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred CBA
  • MicroRNAs* / genetics

Substances

  • Anthracenes
  • Carcinogens
  • MIRN9 microRNA, mouse
  • MicroRNAs
  • 9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene
  • Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 1