Curcumin suppresses RKO cell proliferation by targeting TRIM2-mediated regulation of the mTOR signaling pathway

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1006-7795.2025.05.013

Abstract

Abstract: Objective The study aims to elucidate the inhibitory effects of curcumin on the proliferation of colon cancer RKO cells, focusing on the regulatory mechanisms of tripartite motif-containing protein 2(TRIM2) expression and the mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR) signaling pathway. Methods Experimental concentrations of curcumin were determined by calculating the half maximal inhibitory concentration(IC50) value. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qPCR) was utilized to assess the level of TRIM2 expression in RKO and fetal human colon(FHC) cells. Western blotting analysis was conducted to investigate the level of TRIM2 expression and mTOR pathway-related proteins in curcumin-treated RKO cells. The impact of curcumin treatment, TRIM2-knockingdown, and mTOR signaling pathway on proliferation in RKO cells was quantified using the cell counting kit-8(CCK8) assay. Results The expression of TRIM2 was found to be elevated in RKO cells as determined by qPCR, compared to FHC cells. Curcumin suppressed the level of TRIM2 expression, and subsequent knockdown of TRIM2 resulted in decreased expression of mTOR-related proteins in RKO cells. Both curcumin and TRIM2-knockdown demonstrated significant inhibition of proliferation in RKO cells, with reversion upon activation of mTOR signaling pathway. Conclusion The study unveils the inhibitory effects of curcumin on RKO cells proliferation through modulation of TRIM2 expression and the mTOR signaling pathway.

Key words: curcumin, colon cancer, TRIM2, mTOR, signaling pathway, cell proliferation

CLC Number:

R735.3

Yu Hang, Wu Haikuo, Zhao Qianhui, Li Yudong, Liu Jian. Curcumin suppresses RKO cell proliferation by targeting TRIM2-mediated regulation of the mTOR signaling pathway[J]. Journal of Capital Medical University, 2025, 46(5): 845-852.

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