Aspongopus chinensis Dallas induces pro-apoptotic and cell cycle arresting effects in hepatocellular carcinoma cells by modulating miRNA and mRNA expression

Aspongopus chinensis Dallas is a traditional Chinese medicinal insect with several anticancer properties can inhibit cancer cell growth, by inhibiting cell division, autophagy and cell cycle. However, the precise therapeutics effects and mechanisms of this insect on liver cancer are still unknown. This study examined the inhibitory influence of A. chinensis on the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and explore the underlying mechanism using high-throughput sequencing. The results showed that A. chinensis substantially reduced the viability of Hep G2 cells. A total of 33 miRNAs were found to be upregulated, while 43 miRNAs were downregulated. Additionally, 754 mRNAs were upregulated and 863 mRNAs were downregulated. Significant enrichment of differentially expressed genes was observed in signaling pathways related to tumor cell growth, cell cycle regulation, and apoptosis. Differentially expressed miRNAs exhibited a targeting relationship with various target genes, including ARC, HSPA6, C11orf86, and others. Hence, cell cycle and apoptosis were identified by flow cytometry. These findings indicate that A. chinensis impeded cell cycle advancement, halted the cell cycle in the G0/G1 and S stages, and stimulated apoptosis. Finally, mouse experiments confirmed that A. chinensis significantly inhibits tumor growth in vivo. Therefore, our findings indicate that A. chinensis has a notable suppressive impact on the proliferation of HCC cells. The potential mechanism of action could involve the regulation of mRNA expression via miRNA, ultimately leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. The results offer a scientific foundation for the advancement and application of A. chinensis in the management of HCC.