Surface Polyethylene Glycol Nanoliposome-encapsulated microRNA-495-3p Regulates mTOR Pathway and Improves Immune Cell Function in Colon Cancer Through Targeting GXYLT1

Background miR-495-3p expression is related to tumor pathogenesis. Purpose This study explores the mechanism of the protective role of miR-495-3p in colon cancer and its interaction with glucoside xylosyltransferase 1 (GXYLT1) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. Materials and Methods A rat model of colon cancer was treated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) nanoliposomes, miR-495-3p, miR-495-3p-loaded PEG nanoliposomes, mTOR agonist, and mTOR inhibitor. After 1 week of intervention, rat colon tissues were taken for hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining to identify the function of miR-495-3p-loaded PEG nanoliposomes on inflammation and gene expression was detected. Results miR-495-3p-loaded PEG nanoliposomes significantly inhibited cell proliferation and migration and had the lowest degree of infiltration and mitosis ( p < .05). The addition of mTOR inhibitors further amplified the effect of miR-495-3p-loaded PEG nanoliposomes. Compared with miR-495-3p-loaded PEG nanoliposomes group, the GXYLT1 knockout + miR-495-3p-loaded PEG nanoliposomes had higher mTOR expression, and the addition of mTOR inhibitors decreased the level of mTOR ( p < .05). Conclusion Encapsulation of miR-495-3p in PEG nanoliposomes can help enhance its targeting effect on colon cancer and improve the function of immune cells by inhibiting the level of GXYLT1 through regulation of the mTOR pathway. These findings provide a novel insight into nanoparticle-based gene therapy of colon cancer.