The role of miR-21/RECK in the inhibition of osteosarcoma by curcumin.

Osteosarcoma is a malignant tumor in bones that is common in children and adolescents. MicroRNAs (miRs) are small non-coding RNAs that are associated with various kinds of tumors. miR-21 is one of the most frequently overexpressed microRNAs in osteosarcoma. Curcumin is a naturally occurring phenolic compound that has antitumor properties. Curcumin significantly inhibits osteosarcoma. However, the role of miR-21 and its target gene, reversion-inducing cysteine-rich protein with kazal motifs (RECK), in the anticancer activity of curcumin against osteosarcoma remains unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect(s) of curcumin on osteosarcoma cell proliferation and elucidate its molecular mechanism. Cell counting kit-8, colony formation and flow cytometry assays were performed to study cell proliferation and apoptosis. Real time-polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the expression of miR-21 and RECK. Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway proteins were detected by Western Blot. We hereby show that curcumin upregulated the expression of RECK via miR-21, thereby subsequently regulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling leading to the inhibition of osteosarcoma.