Ginsenoside Rh2 inhibits proliferation and migration of medulloblastoma Daoy by down-regulation of microRNA-31.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of ginsenoside Rh2 on proliferation, apoptosis, and migration of the human medulloblastoma cell line Daoy, as well as to explore the potential mechanisms of the effects. The human medulloblastoma cell line Daoy was cultured in vitro and treated with or without ginsenoside Rh2. CCK-8 assay was performed to investigate the effect of Rh2 on cell survival using a cell counting Kit-8. Cell proliferation was assessed by BrdU assay. Cell apoptosis was determined using flow cytometry analysis. Cell migration was detected using a modified two-chamber migration assay. MiR-31 mimic and the NC control were transfected into Daoy cells and detected by qRT-PCR. The expression of Wnt3a, Wnt5a, and β-catein was detected by Western blot analysis. Rh2 efficiently suppressed the proliferation and migration, and promoted the apoptosis of Daoy cells. Additionally, Rh2 could down-regulate miR-31. miR-31 overexpression reversed the effects of Rh2 on proliferation, apoptosis and migration of Daoy cells, and activated the Wnt/β-catein signaling pathways in Daoy cells. Rh2 could inhibit the proliferation and migration, and induce apoptosis of Daoy medulloblastoma cells through down-regulation of miR-31 to inactivate the Wnt/β-catein signaling pathway. Therefore, Rh2 may have a utility in clinical applications for the treatment of medulloblastoma.