Anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of curcumin on skin cutaneous melanoma: Bioinformatics analysis and in vitro experimental studies
Long Li, Shuwen Lu, Chao Ma
Abstract
Objective: To reveal the potential mechanisms of curcumin for the treatment of skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) and its identify novel prognostic biomarkers. Methods: We searched the Cancer Genome Atlas and Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database for the data on SKCM and curcumin. We conducted data analysis using R and online tools. The propagation and migration of SKCM cells were assessed with CCK-8 and scratch wound assays, respectively. We assessed apoptosis by TUNEL assay and western blot. Results: The survival analysis revealed that the mRNA expressions of DPYD , DPYS , LYN , PRKCQ, and TLR1 were significantly related to a favorable overall survival in SKCM patients. Additionally, the mRNA expression level of DPYD was associated with GPI , LYN , PCSK9 , PRKCQ, and TLR1 mRNAs. GSEA results showed that the prognostic hub genes were augmented with ultraviolet, apoptosis, and metastasis. Curcumin expressed proliferation and migration of SK-MEL-1 cells ( p < 0.05), and induced apoptosis ( p < 0.05) significantly. Conclusion: Curcumin may have potential therapeutic effects in SKCM by inhibiting cell proliferation and migration and inducing apoptosis by regulating oxygen-related signaling pathways. The hub genes might be identified as novel biomarkers for SKCM.