miR-193a-5p carried by ferric oxide nanoparticles interferes with the TGF-?1/Smad signaling pathway and promotes pyroptosis in gastric cancer cells

Background: The transforming growth factor -?1 (TGF-?1) /Smad signaling pathway plays a critical role in gastric cancer pathogenesis. Objective: This study investigates how microRNA-193a-5p (miR-193a-5p) delivered by iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4 nanoparticles, NPs) influences gastric cancer cell pyroptosis through TGF-?1/Smad signaling. Methods: The MiR-193a-5p-Fe3O4 NPs composite material was constructed to treat human gastric cancer cells MKN28. The control group, miR-193a-5p group, Fe3O4 NPs group, MiR-193a-5p-Fe3O4 NPs group and the combined treatment group of pathway inhibitors/activators were set up. Detect the expression of proteins related to cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis and pyroptosis. Results: miR-193a-5p-Fe3O4 NPs can significantly inhibit the proliferation and migration of gastric cancer cells, induce apoptosis and pyroptosis and down-regulate the activity of the TGF-?1/Smad pathway. The combination of TGF-? pathway inhibitor SB431542 can enhance the above effect, while the activator SIS-011381 can partially reverse this effect. Conclusion: miR-193a-5p-Fe3O4 NPs promote pyroptosis of gastric cancer cells by inhibiting the TGF-?1/Smad signaling pathway. Its combination with SB431542 has a synergistic anti-tumor effect, providing a new idea for the treatment of gastric cancer.