AUTHOR=Li Long , Lu Shuwen , Ma Chao 

TITLE=Anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of curcumin on skin cutaneous melanoma: Bioinformatics analysis and in vitro experimental studies

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Genetics

VOLUME=13

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/genetics/articles/10.3389/fgene.2022.983943

DOI=10.3389/fgene.2022.983943

ISSN=1664-8021

ABSTRACT=<p><bold>Objective:</bold> To reveal the potential mechanisms of curcumin for the treatment of skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) and its identify novel prognostic biomarkers.</p><p><bold>Methods:</bold> 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.</p><p><bold>Results:</bold> The survival analysis revealed that the mRNA expressions of <italic>DPYD</italic>, <italic>DPYS</italic>, <italic>LYN</italic>, <italic>PRKCQ,</italic> and <italic>TLR1</italic> were significantly related to a favorable overall survival in SKCM patients. Additionally, the mRNA expression level of <italic>DPYD</italic> was associated with <italic>GPI</italic>, <italic>LYN</italic>, <italic>PCSK9</italic>, <italic>PRKCQ,</italic> and <italic>TLR1</italic> 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 (<italic>p</italic> &lt; 0.05), and induced apoptosis (<italic>p</italic> &lt; 0.05) significantly.</p><p><bold>Conclusion:</bold> 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.</p>