Targeting the mTOR Signaling Pathway Through miR-100 and miR-101 in De Novo Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Implications for Therapeutic Intervention

Background

Microribonucleic acid (MicroRNAs/miRNAs) play a significant role in cancer progression by changing cellular functions through the modulation of protein expressions. The potential of different miRNAs to alter the expression of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/protein kinase B (PKB or AKT)/phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) signaling cascade, a key pathway in the progression of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), has been demonstrated across different types of cancers.

Aims

This study aims to explore the effects of miR-100 and miR-101 on the mTOR/AKT/PI3K signaling pathway in AML.

Methods and Results

Initially, we employed the TargetScan, miRDB, and miRanda databases to identify the target proteins of miR-100 and miR-101. Following a comprehensive analysis, we identified the mTOR/AKT/PI3K signaling pathway as a significant target for investigation in patients with AML. In this case–control study, the expression levels of miRNAs and genes were analyzed in 21 AML patients and 9 healthy controls using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The results showed that miR-100 was significantly upregulated, while miR-101, mTOR, and PI3K were downregulated in AML patients. Correlation analysis revealed a negative relationship for miR-100 and a positive one for miR-101 with mTOR, but no significant correlation with AKT1 and PI3K genes.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that both miR-100 and miR-101 act as tumor suppressors via the mTOR/AKT/PI3K signaling pathway, highlighting their potential as therapeutic targets in AML.