MicroRNAs and cancer: short RNAs go a long way

Natural Plant Compounds: Does Caffeine, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizinate, Curcumin, and Euphol Play Roles as Antitumoral Compounds in Glioblastoma Cell Lines?

Many plant-derived compounds are shown to be promising antitumor therapeutic agents by enhancing apoptosis-related pathways and cell cycle impairment in tumor cells, including glioblastoma (GBM) cell lines. We aimed to review four natural plant compounds effective in GBM cell lines as caffeine, dipotassium glycyrrhizinate (DPG), curcumin, and euphol. Furthermore, antitumoral effect of these plant compounds on GBM cell lines through microRNAs (miRs) modulation was investigated. However, only DPG and curcumin were found as effective on miR modulation. Caffeine arrests GBM cell cycle in G0/G1 phase by cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) complex inhibition and by decreasing BCL-2 and increasing FOXO1 expression levels causing greater apoptotic activity. Caffeine can also directly inhibit IP3R3, p38 phosphorylation, and rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK), decreasing cell invasion and migration capacity or indirectly by inhibiting the tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) and integrins β1 and β3, leading to lower matrix metalloproteinases, MMP-2 and MMP-9. DPG presents antitumoral effect in GBM cells related to nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway suppression by IRAK2 and TRAF6-mediating miR-16 and miR-146a, respectively. More recently, it was observed that DPG upregulated miR-4443 and miR-3620, responsible for post-transcriptional inhibition of the NF-κB pathway by CD209 and TNC modulation, respectively leading to lower MMP-9 and migration capacity. Curcumin is able to increase miR-223-3p, miR-133a-3p, miR-181a-5p, miR-34a-5p, miR-30c-5p, and miR-1290 expression leading to serine or threonine kinase (AKT) pathway impairment and also it decreases miR-27a-5p, miR-221-3p, miR-21-5p, miR-125b-5p, and miR-151-3p expression causing p53-BCL2 pathway inhibition and consequently, cellular apoptosis. Interestingly, lower expression of miR-27a by curcumin action enhanced the C/EBP homologous protein(CHOP) expression, leading to paraptosis. Curcumin can inhibit miR-21 expression and consequently activate apoptosis through caspase 3 and death receptor (DR) 4 and 5 activation. Autophagy is controlled by the LC-3 protein that interacts with Atg family for the LC3-II formation and autophagy activation. Euphol can enhance LC3-II levels directly in GBM cells or inhibits tumor invasion and migration through PDK1 modulation.

Targeting of MAD2L1 by miR-515-5p involves the regulation of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of colorectal cancer cells

Although many previous studies have found that the mitotic arrest deficient 2-like 1 (MAD2L1) protein contributes to the proliferation of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells, but the upstream mechanism of MAD2L1 is still largely elusive. This study aimed to explore the miRNAs upstream of MAD2L1 to improve our understanding of the mechanism of the MAD2L1 gene in CRC. The upstream target miRNAs (miR-515-5p) of MAD2L1 were predicted by the online databases miRWalk, miRDIP and TargetScan. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression level of miR-515-5p in human CRC tissues. The targeting relationship between miR-515-5p and MAD2L1 was tested by dual luciferase reporter gene assays. The effects of miR-515-5p on the biological behaviors of CRC cells by regulating MAD2L1 expression were verified by qRT-PCR, western blot, CCK-8, and flow cytometry. The results showed that miR-515-5p was a highly reliable upstream miRNA of the MAD2L1 gene. As an upstream target miRNA of MAD2L1, miR-515-5p was lowly expression in CRC tissues. The overexpression of miR-515-5p could inhibit the proliferation of CRC cells and induce cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase leading to cell apoptosis. However, MAD2L1 gene overexpression could reverse the effects of miR-515-5p overexpression on the biological behaviors of CRC cells above. This study illustrated that miR-515-5p can inhibit proliferation and induce G1 phase arrest leading to apoptosis in CRC cells. The mechanism underlying this phenomenon may be related to the negative targeted regulation of MAD2L1. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Diagnostic, grading and prognostic role of a restricted miRNAs signature in primary and metastatic brain tumours. Discussion on their therapeutic perspectives

At present, brain tumours remain one of the "hard-to-treat" malignancies with minimal improvement in patients' survival. Recently, miRNAs have been shown to correlate with oncogenesis and metastasis and have been investigated as potential biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis and therapy prediction in different brain malignancies. The aim of the current study was to select an accurate and affordable brain tumour detection and grading approach. In the present study, we analysed the applicability of a restricted miRNA signature that could differentiate among patients with primary as well as metastatic brain tumours. Fresh tumour tissues were collected from Bulgarian patients (n = 38), including high-grade gliomas (n = 23), low-grade gliomas (n = 10) and brain metastases (n = 5) from lung cancer. Total RNAs enriched with microRNAs were isolated and differentially expressed miRNAs were analyzed by RT-qPCR using TaqMan Advanced miRNA assay. We selected a signature of miR-21, miR-10b, miR-7, miR-491 that showed good diagnostic potential in high-grade gliomas, low-grade gliomas and brain metastases compared with normal brain tissues. Our results showed that miR-10b could reliably differentiate brain metastases from high-grade gliomas, while miR-491 could distinguish low-grade from high-grade gliomas and brain metastases from low-grade gliomas. We observed that miR-21 and miR-7 correlated with disease recurrence, survival status and the Karnofsky Performance Status. The selected signature of miR-7, miR-21, miR-10b and miR-491 could be used as a highly accurate diagnostic, grading and prognostic biomarker in differentiating various types of brain tumours. Our data suggest that the 4-miRNAs signature could be further analysed for predicting treatment response and for future miRs-based targeted therapy. The ongoing studies on miRs-based targeted therapy related to our selected miRNA signature are also reviewed.

The association between micro-RNA gene polymorphisms and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in Egyptian patients

INTRODUCTION

The development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a multistage process involving the deregulation of genes that are crucial to cellular processes. Multiple risk factors are correlated with HCC. MicroRNA is differentially expressed in the development of different types of malignancies, including hepatic malignancy. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are the most common sequence variation in the human genome. SNPs in miRNAs may affect transcription, processing, or target recognition and result in malignant disease. The aim of the study was to determine the association between microRNA gene polymorphisms and the development of HCC in Egyptian patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This study included 200 individuals who were matched in age and sex. Tumour staging was done using the BCLC staging system. Quantification and genotyping of microRNA were performed.

RESULTS

Among the 200 patients, 2 groups were described: group I included 90 HCC patients with a male majority (72.2%), and group II comprised 110 controls. Three microRNA SNPs were assayed in both patients and controls. There was a significant association between rs10061133 miR-499b and the risk of HCC. The genotypes GG or G allele were significantly associated with an increased risk of HCC (GG: OR = 2.91, 95% CI: 1.23-4.22, p = 0.013; G allele: OR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.12-2.15, p = 0.026) compared with the genotype of AA or AG or A allele.

CONCLUSIONS

There is an association between the miRNA SNPs and the susceptibility to HCC, to explore some roles and mechanisms of SNPs within miRNAs in the occurrence and development of HCC.

Comparing miR-16 and miR-1228 as an optimal endogenous control for quantification of circulating microRNAs in colorectal cancer patients

Objectives:

Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) have been discovered to play a novel role in intercellular communication and cancer biology. They are emerging candidates for noninvasive molecular biomarkers of cancer and other diseases. However, current translational researches have been limited by the lack of consensus on the optimal endogenous control of circulating miRNAs quantitation. In this study, we compared two promising miRNAs, miR-1228 and miR-16, as an endogenous control. The effects of normalizers on the relative quantification of circulating miR-31 in plasma samples of colorectal cancer (CRC) were also assessed.

Materials and Methods:

The cel-miR-39 was a spiked-in RNA used as an external control and added to plasma samples before RNA extraction. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction technology was used to analyze the expression levels of circulating miRNAs in plasma samples of 4 healthy controls and 14 CRC patients. The expression stability of the candidate controls was compared by Ct analysis and NormFinder algorithms.

Results:

There was no significant difference in expression level of miR-16 and miR-1228 between healthy control group and before or after therapy of CRC patient groups. The expression of miR-1228 has smaller the range Ct values (28.25-25.64)compared with those of miR-16 (24.91-20.34). The stability value of miR-1228 (0.102) is lower than that of miR-16 (0.350). The expression of miR-1228 endogenous reference candidate has lower stability value and smaller the range Ct values compared with those in miR-16. According to the range Ct values and stability value, miR-1228 is better than miR-16 as endogenous control in CRC patients. There are significant differences in circulating miR-31 expression between healthy control and CRC patients when miR-1228 was used to standardize miR-31 expression.

Conclusions:

miR-1228 is recommended as a better endogenous control in quantification of circulating miRNAs in CRC patients.

On the mechanism of tissue-specific mRNA delivery by selective organ targeting nanoparticles

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are a clinically mature technology for the delivery of genetic medicines but have limited therapeutic applications due to liver accumulation. Recently, our laboratory developed selective organ targeting (SORT) nanoparticles that expand the therapeutic applications of genetic medicines by enabling delivery of messenger RNA (mRNA) and gene editing systems to non-liver tissues. SORT nanoparticles include a supplemental SORT molecule whose chemical structure determines the LNP's tissue-specific activity. To understand how SORT nanoparticles surpass the delivery barrier of liver hepatocyte accumulation, we studied the mechanistic factors which define their organ-targeting properties. We discovered that the chemical nature of the added SORT molecule controlled biodistribution, global/apparent pK_a, and serum protein interactions of SORT nanoparticles. Additionally, we provide evidence for an endogenous targeting mechanism whereby organ targeting occurs via 1) desorption of poly(ethylene glycol) lipids from the LNP surface, 2) binding of distinct proteins to the nanoparticle surface because of recognition of exposed SORT molecules, and 3) subsequent interactions between surface-bound proteins and cognate receptors highly expressed in specific tissues. These findings establish a crucial link between the molecular composition of SORT nanoparticles and their unique and precise organ-targeting properties and suggest that the recruitment of specific proteins to a nanoparticle's surface can enable drug delivery beyond the liver.

MiR-155-5p suppresses SOX1 to promote proliferation of cholangiocarcinoma via RAF/MEK/ERK pathway

Background

Accumulating evidence has demonstrated the close relation of SOX1 with tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Upregulation of SOX1 was recently shown to suppress growth of human cancers. However, the expression and role of SOX1 in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is not well characterized.

Methods

Expression levels of SOX1 in CCA tissues and normal bile duct tissues were examined using public GEO database. Western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to confirm the expression levels. Cell proliferation assay (CCK-8) and colony formation assay were performed to assess proliferation of CCA cells. A mouse model of subcutaneous transplantable tumors was used to evaluated proliferation of CCA in vivo. The putative regulating factor of SOX1 were determined using Targetscan and dual-luciferase reporter assay.

Results

SOX1 was downregulated in CCA tissues. Overexpression of SOX1 significantly inhibited cell proliferation in vitro and suppressed tumor growth in vivo. miR-155-5p directly targeted the 3′-untranslated region (3′UTR) of SOX1 and inhibited expression of SOX1, resulting in the activation of RAF, MEK and ERK phosphorylation, and thus CCA proliferation. However, restoration of SOX1 expression in miR-155-5p overexpressing cell lines decreased the phosphorylation level of RAF, MEK and ERK, as well as the proliferation of CCA cells.

Conclusion

MiR-155-5p decreased the expression of SOX1 by binding to its 3′UTR, which activated the RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathway and promoted CCA progression.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12935-021-02374-0.

Identification of a miRNA-mRNA Regulatory Networks in Placental Tissue Associated With Tibetan High Altitude Adaptation

The Tibetan population has lived and successfully reproduced at high altitude for many generations. Studies have shown that Tibetans have various mechanisms for protection against high-altitude hypoxia, which are probably due, at least in part, to placental adaptation. However, comprehensive in silico analyses of placentas in Tibetans are lacking. We performed a microarray-based comparative transcriptome analysis of 10 Tibetan women from Yushu, Qinghai, CHN (∼3,780 m) and 10 European women living in Leadville, CO, United States (∼3,100 m) for less than three generations. Expression of HIF-1α, STAT3, EGFR, HSP5A, XBP1, and ATF6A mRNA was less in the Tibetan placentas as compared with European placentas. A total of 38 miRNAs were involved in regulating these genes. Differentially expressed genes were enriched for HIF1α signaling pathways, protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum, PI3K-AKT signaling pathways, and MAPK signaling pathways. Based on the transcriptome profiles, the Tibetan population was distinct from the European population; placental tissues from the Tibetan population are lacking hypoxic responses, and “passivation” occurs in response to hypoxic stress. These results provide insights into the molecular signature of adaptation to high altitudes in these two populations.

miR-377-3p-Mediated EGR1 Downregulation Promotes B[a]P-Induced Lung Tumorigenesis by Wnt/Beta-Catenin Transduction

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), particularly benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), found in cigarette smoke and air pollution, is an important carcinogen. Nevertheless, early molecular events and related regulatory effects of B[a]P-mediated cell transformation and tumor initiation remain unclear. This study found that EGR1 was significantly downregulated during human bronchial epithelial cell transformation and mice lung carcinogenesis upon exposure to B[a]P and its active form BPDE, respectively. In contrast, overexpression of EGR1 inhibited the BPDE-induced cell malignant transformation. Moreover, miR-377-3p was strongly enhanced by BPDE/B[a]P exposure and crucial for the inhibition of EGR1 expression by targeting the 3'UTR of EGR1. MiR-377-3p antagomir reversed the effect of EGR1 downregulation in cell malignant transformation and tumor initiation models. Furthermore, the B[a]P-induced molecular changes were evaluated by IHC in clinical lung cancer tissues and examined with a clinic database. Mechanistically, EGR1 inhibition was also involved in the regulation of Wnt/β-catenin transduction, promoting lung tumorigenesis following B[a]P/BPDE exposure. Taken together, the results demonstrated that bBenzo[a]pyrene exposure might induce lung tumorigenesis through miR-377-3p-mediated reduction of EGR1 expression, suggesting an important role of EGR1 in PAHs-induced lung carcinogenesis.

DNA Nanotechnology-Based Biosensors and Therapeutics

Over the past few decades, DNA nanotechnology engenders a vast variety of programmable nanostructures utilizing Watson-Crick base pairing. Due to their precise engineering, unprecedented programmability, and intrinsic biocompatibility, DNA nanostructures cannot only interact with small molecules, nucleic acids, proteins, viruses, and cancer cells, but also can serve as nanocarriers to deliver different therapeutic agents. Such addressability innate to DNA nanostructures enables their use in various fields of biomedical applications such as biosensors and cancer therapy. This review is begun with a brief introduction of the development of DNA nanotechnology, followed by a summary of recent applications of DNA nanostructures in biosensors and therapeutics. Finally, challenges and opportunities for practical applications of DNA nanotechnology are discussed.

UTMD promoted local delivery of miR-34a-mimic for ovarian cancer therapy

MicroRNA-mediated gene therapy is emerging as a promising method for the treatment of ovarian cancer, but the development of miRNA mimic delivery vectors is still in its infancy, where the safety and efficacy of miR-34a-mimic remain unknown. Ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) can be an effective and minimally invasive tool for the delivery of miR-34a-mimic in vitro and in vivo. Here, we describe a high-efficiency gene delivery strategy by using miR-34a-mimic loaded folate modified microbubbles (miR-34a-FM) with a portable ultrasonic irradiation system. Ultrasonic parameters, including acoustic intensity (AI), exposure time (ET) and duty cycle (DC), were optimized and the optimal acoustic condition (1.0 W/cm², 20 s, and 15% DC) was used to deliver miRNA-34a into cells in vitro. MiR-34a mimic was successfully introduced into the cytoplasm and was found to inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis of SK-OV-3 cells. Next, miR-34a-mimic was delivered to tumor tissue via UTMD, inhibiting tumor growth and prolonging the survival time of mice. In summary, UTMD-mediated miR-34a-mimic delivery has potential application in the clinical treatment of ovarian cancer.

Delta-like canonical Notch ligand 3 as a potential therapeutic target in malignancies: A brief overview

Delta‐like canonical Notch ligand 3 (DLL3) is a member of the Delta/Serrate/Lag2 (DSL) Notch receptor ligand family and plays a crucial role in Notch signaling, which influences various cellular processes including differentiation, proliferation, survival, and apoptosis. DLL3 is expressed throughout the presomitic mesoderm and is localized to the rostral somatic compartments; mutations in DLL3 induce skeletal abnormalities such as spondylocostal dysostosis. Recently, DLL3 has attracted interest as a novel molecular target due to its high expression in neuroendocrine carcinoma of the lung. Moreover, a DLL3‐targeting Ab‐drug conjugate, rovalpituzumab tesirine (ROVA‐T), has been developed as a new treatment with proven antitumor activity. However, the development of ROVA‐T was suspended because of shorter overall survival compared to topotecan, the second‐line standard treatment. Thus, several studies on the mechanism and function of DLL3 in several malignancies are underway to find a new strategy for targeting DLL3. In this review, we discuss the roles of DLL3 in various malignancies and the future perspectives of DLL3‐related research, especially as a therapeutic target.

Sevoflurane Suppresses Colon Cancer Cell Malignancy by Regulating circ-PI4KA

Purpose

To explore the effect of SEV on colon cancer cells through circ-PI4KA.

Methods

The RNA level of circular RNA_0062389, microRNA-331-3p and LIM and SH3 protein 1 was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Protein expression was detected by Western blot. Cell proliferation was investigated by 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo (-z-y1)-3,5-di-phenytetrazoliumromide, cell colony formation and 5-ethynyl-29-deoxyuridine assays. Cell apoptosis was demonstrated using Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide double staining assay. Cell migration and invasion were detected by transwell assay. The target relationship between miR-331-3p and circ-PI4KA or LASP1 was predicted by starBase v2.0 online database, and identified by a dual-luciferase reporter assay. The effects between SEV treatment and circ-PI4KA knockdown on tumor formation were presented by in vivo tumor formation assay.

Results

Circ-PI4KA and LASP1 expressions were dramatically upregulated, while miR-331-3p was downregulated in colon cancer tissues and cells, respectively. SEV exposure significantly decreased the expression of circ-PI4KA and LASP1, but increased miR-331-3p expression. SEV inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and induced cell apoptosis by regulating circ-PI4KA. Furthermore, circ-PI4KA interacted with miR-331-3p, and miR-331-3p interacted with LASP1. SEV inhibited tumor growth by controlling circ-PI4KA in vivo.

Conclusion

Circ-PI4KA attenuated SEV-treated colon cancer cell malignancy by upregulating LASP1 through binding to miR-331-3p, which provided a new mechanism for studying surgery-mediated therapy of colon cancer.

Sulforaphane as a Promising Natural Molecule for Cancer Prevention and Treatment

Tumorigenicity-inhibiting compounds have been identified in our daily diet. For example, isothiocyanates (ITCs) found in cruciferous vegetables were reported to have potent cancer-prevention activities. The best characterized ITC is sulforaphane (SF). SF can simultaneously modulate multiple cellular targets involved in carcinogenesis, including (1) modulating carcinogen-metabolizing enzymes and blocking the action of mutagens; (2) inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis; and (3) inhibition of neo-angiogenesis and metastasis. SF targets cancer stem cells through modulation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), Sonic hedgehog (SHH), epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and Wnt/β-catenin pathways. Conventional chemotherapy/SF combination was tested in several studies and resulted in favorable outcomes. With its favorable toxicological profile, SF is a promising agent in cancer prevention and/or therapy. In this article, we discuss the human metabolism of SF and its effects on cancer prevention, treatment, and targeting cancer stem cells, as well as providing a brief review of recent human clinical trials on SF.

Physcion and Physcion 8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside: Natural Anthraquinones with Potential Anticancer Activities

Nature has provided prodigious reservoirs of pharmacologically active compounds for drug development since times. Physcion and physcion 8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (PG) are bioactive natural anthraquinones which exert anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties with minimum or no adverse effects. Moreover, physcion also exhibits anti-microbial and hepatoprotective properties, while PG is known to have anti-sepsis as well as ameliorative activities against dementia. This review aims to highlight the natural sources and anticancer activities of physcion and PG, along with associated mechanisms of actions. On the basis of the literature, physcion and PG regulate multitudinous cell signaling pathways through the modulation of various regulators of cell cycle, protein kinases, microRNAs, transcriptional factors, and apoptosis linked proteins resulting in the effective killing of cancerous cells in vitro as well as in vivo. Both compounds effectively suppress metastasis, furthermore, physcion acts as an inhibitor of 6PGD and also plays an important role in chemosensitization. This review article suggests that physcion and PG are potent anticancer drug candidates, but further investigations on their mechanism of action and pre-clinical trials are mandatory in order to comprehend the full potential of these natural cancer killers in anticancer remedies.

The Anticancer Effects of Flavonoids through miRNAs Modulations in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Triple- negative breast cancer (TNBC) incidence rate has regularly risen over the last decades and is expected to increase in the future. Finding novel treatment options with minimum or no toxicity is of great importance in treating or preventing TNBC. Flavonoids are new attractive molecules that might fulfill this promising therapeutic option. Flavonoids have shown many biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. In addition to their anticancer effects by arresting the cell cycle, inducing apoptosis, and suppressing cancer cell proliferation, flavonoids can modulate non-coding microRNAs (miRNAs) function. Several preclinical and epidemiological studies indicate the possible therapeutic potential of these compounds. Flavonoids display a unique ability to change miRNAs' levels via different mechanisms, either by suppressing oncogenic miRNAs or activating oncosuppressor miRNAs or affecting transcriptional, epigenetic miRNA processing in TNBC. Flavonoids are not only involved in the regulation of miRNA-mediated cancer initiation, growth, proliferation, differentiation, invasion, metastasis, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), but also control miRNAs-mediated biological processes that significantly impact TNBC, such as cell cycle, immune system, mitochondrial dysregulation, modulating signaling pathways, inflammation, and angiogenesis. In this review, we highlighted the role of miRNAs in TNBC cancer progression and the effect of flavonoids on miRNA regulation, emphasizing their anticipated role in the prevention and treatment of TNBC.

microRNA-128 inhibits the inflammatory responses by targeting TAB2 in miiuy croaker, Miichthysmiiuy

The inflammatory response is a self-defense process that fights the pathogen invasion by eliminating harmful stimuli. However, excessive inflammation may disrupt immune homeostasis, even causing chronic inflammation or autoimmune diseases. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a crucial regulator that can negatively regulate gene expression and participate in multiple biological processes of growth, development, and immune response in organisms. However, the miRNA-mediated modulation networks of inflammatory responses remain largely unclear in lower vertebrates. In this study, miR-128 was identified as a negative regulator to participate in the NF-κB signaling pathway by targeting TAB2 in miiuy croaker. First, we predicted target genes of miR-128 through the bioinformatics software programs and found that TAB2 is a direct target of miR-128. We also found that miR-128 can inhibit TAB2 expression at the mRNA and protein levels. Besides, upon LPS stimulation, miR-128 inhibits the expression of inflammatory cytokines by targeting TAB2 to avoid excessive inflammation. Particularly, we found that miR-128 can regulate TAB2-mediated NF-κB signaling pathways. In summary, our results indicate that miR-128 plays a critical role in suppressing inflammatory responses by regulating the TAB2-mediated NF-κB signaling pathway in miiuy croaker.

Involvement of microRNA in Solid Cancer: Role and Regulatory Mechanisms

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) function as the post-transcriptional factor that finetunes the gene expression by targeting to the specific candidate. Mis-regulated expression of miRNAs consequently disturbs gene expression profile, which serves as the pivotal mechanism involved in initiation or progression of human malignancy. Cancer-relevant miRNA is potentially considered the therapeutic target or biomarker toward the precise treatment of cancer. Nevertheless, the regulatory mechanism underlying the altered expression of miRNA in cancer is largely uncovered. Detailed knowledge regarding the influence of miRNAs on solid cancer is critical for exploring its potential of clinical application. Herein, we elucidate the regulatory mechanism regarding how miRNA expression is manipulated and its impact on the pathogenesis of distinct solid cancer.

Integrated miRNA and mRNA omics reveal the anti-cancerous mechanism of Licochalcone B on Human Hepatoma Cell HepG2

To unravel the potential of Licochalcone B as an anti-tumour phytochemical agent and evaluate its underlying mechanisms, we analyzed the mRNAs and miRNAs expression profiles of HepG2 cells in response to Licochalcone B (120 μM). mRNA and miRNA expression libraries were conducted and functional analysis for differential expression mRNAs was carried out utilizing Clue GO. We found 763 Licochalcone B -responsive differently expressed genes, among them, 572 mRNAs were up-regulated and 191 mRNAs were down-regulated, many of which were related to the MAPK signaling pathway. A protein-protein interaction network was constructed to discover the hub genes, and IL6, FOS, JUN, NOTCH1, UBC, UBB, CXCL8, CDKN1A, IL1B, ATF3, and GATA3 genes were screened out. Additionally, miRNAs engaged in Licochalcone B -mediated regulation on HepG2 cells were also studied. 85 differential expression miRNAs were identified, including 39 up-regulated miRNAs and 46 down-regulated miRNAs. Co-expression of miRNA-mRNA network was created and two key miRNAs (hsa-miR-29b-3p and hsa-miR-96-5p) were identified. These recognized key genes, miRNA, and the miRNA-mRNA regulatory network may provide clues to understand the molecular mechanism of Licochalcone B as an apoptotic inducer which may offer hint for its application as a functional food component.

Negative Regulation of ULK1 by microRNA-106a in Autophagy Induced by a Triple Drug Combination in Colorectal Cancer Cells In Vitro

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the top three most deadly cancers worldwide. The survival rate for this disease has not been reduced despite the treatments, the reason why the search for therapeutic alternatives continues to be a priority issue in oncology. In this research work, we tested our successful pharmacological combination of three drugs, metformin, doxorubicin, and sodium oxamate (triple therapy, or TT), as an autophagy inducer. Firstly, we employed western blot (WB) assays, where we observed that after 8 h of stimulation with TT, the proteins Unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1(ULK1), becline-1, autophagy related 1 protein (Atg4), and LC3 increased in the CRC cell lines HCT116 and SW480 in contrast to monotherapy with doxorubicin. The overexpression of these proteins indicated the beginning of autophagy flow through the activation of ULK1 and the hyperlipidation of LC3 at the beginning of this process. Moreover, we confirm that ULK1 is a bona fide target of hsa-miR-106a-5p (referred to from here on as miR-106a) in HCT116. We also observed through the GFP-LC3 fusion protein that in the presence of miR-106a, the accumulation of autophagy vesicles in cells stimulated with TT is inhibited. These results show that the TT triggered autophagy to modulate miR-106a/ULK1 expression, probably affecting different cellular pathways involved in cellular proliferation, survivance, metabolic maintenance, and cell death. Therefore, considering the importance of autophagy in cancer biology, the study of miRNAs that regulate autophagy in cancer will allow a better understanding of malignant tumors and lead to the development of new disease markers and therapeutic strategies.

Panel of serum miRNAs as potential non-invasive biomarkers for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Early-stage diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is difficult due to non-specific symptoms. Circulating miRNAs in body fluids have been emerging as potential non-invasive biomarkers for diagnosis of many cancers. Thus, this study aimed to assess a panel of miRNAs for their ability to differentiate PDAC from chronic pancreatitis (CP), a benign inflammatory condition of the pancreas. Next-generation sequencing was performed to identify miRNAs present in 60 FFPE tissue samples (27 PDAC, 23 CP and 10 normal pancreatic tissues). Four up-regulated miRNAs (miR-215-5p, miR-122-5p, miR-192-5p, and miR-181a-2-3p) and four down-regulated miRNAs (miR-30b-5p, miR-216b-5p, miR-320b, and miR-214-5p) in PDAC compared to CP were selected based on next-generation sequencing results. The levels of these 8 differentially expressed miRNAs were measured by qRT-PCR in 125 serum samples (50 PDAC, 50 CP, and 25 healthy controls (HC)). The results showed significant upregulation of miR-215-5p, miR-122-5p, and miR-192-5p in PDAC serum samples. In contrast, levels of miR-30b-5p and miR-320b were significantly lower in PDAC as compared to CP and HC. ROC analysis showed that these 5 miRNAs can distinguish PDAC from both CP and HC. Hence, this panel can serve as a non-invasive biomarker for the early detection of PDAC.

Sensitive detection of RNA based on concatenated self-fuelled strand displacement amplification and hairpin-AgNCs

Herein, a self-fuelled amplification strategy (SFAS) is proposed, in which two strand displacement amplification (SDA) processes were concatenated for the proliferation of ssDNA. The ssDNA then initiated a polymerase action and caused the destruction of hairpin-templated silver nanoclusters (AgNCs), resulting in decreased fluorescence for sensing miRNA-21. This SFAS-based sensor is less complicated in design and facile in operation, because of the easy concatenation of SDA and mutual enzymes used in the signal output process. The sensitivity of this SFAS-based miRNA sensor was 1.78 × 10^-11 M with a linear relationship in the range 0.02-1.0 × 10^-9 M, and the recoveries of this method ranged from 82.07% to 106.58% with an average RSD of 10.96%.

miR-183/TMSB4Y, a new potential signaling axis, involving in the progression of laryngeal cancer via modulating cell adhesion

Laryngeal cancer (LCa) is a prevalent malignant head and neck cancer with relatively unclear pathogenesis. A prior study has suggested that miR-183 differentially expressed in laryngeal-related malignancies, but its accurate role has not been fully ascertained in LCa. miR-183 expression in LCa tissues and cells was detected assisted by TCGA/GEO databases or qRT-PCR assay, relatively. Target genes of miR-183 were predicted via accessing to TargetScan website. Luciferase activity analysis was conducted to determine the relationship between miR-183 and its possible target. CCK-8, colony formation and transwell invasion and migration experiments were implemented to measure LCa cell viability, invasion and migration. Western blot assay was utilized to evaluate cell adhesion and EMT-related proteins expressions. The expression of miR-183 was expressed in LCa tissue samples and cells at higher levels than normal controls. Upregulation of miR-183 facilitated Hep-2 and TU212 cells viability, while miR-183 reduction inhibited the proliferative potential of Hep-2 and TU212 cells. TMSB4Y was determined as a possible target of miR-183, and its expression was decreased in LCa. LCa patients with low TMSB4Y expression had poorer outcomes relative to that with high TMSB4Y expression. TMSB4Y overturned the promoting impacts of miR-183 on the LCa cellular malignant behaviors, including cell proliferation, colonogenicity, invasion and migration. miR-183 overexpression inhibited cell adhesion through inhibiting TMSB4Y expression. Overall, all results elucidated that miR-183, as an oncogenic molecule in LCa, may be used to predict the prognosis of LCa patients by targeting TMSB4Y.

Fluorescent-Raman Binary Star Ratio Probe for MicroRNA Detection and Imaging in Living Cells

The expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) is critical in gene regulation and has been counted into disease diagnosis marks. Precise imaging and quantification of miRNAs could afford the important information for clinical diagnosis. Here, two smart binary star ratio (BSR) probes were designed and constructed, and miRNA triggered the connection of the binary star probes and the reciprocal changes of dual signals in living cells. This multifunctional probe integrates fluorescence and surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) imaging, with enzyme-free numerator signal amplification for dual-mode imaging and dual-signal quantitative analysis of miRNA. First, compared with the single-mode ratio imaging method, using fluorescence-SERS complementary ratio imaging, this probe enables more accurate imaging contrast for direct visualization signal changes in living cells. Multiscale information about the dynamic behavior of miRNA and the probe is acquired. Next, via SERS reverse signal ratio response and a novel enzyme-free numerator signal amplification, the amplified signal and reduced black value were achieved in the quantification of miRNA. More importantly, BSR probes showed good stability in cells and were successfully used for accurate tracing and quantification of miR-203 from MCF-7 cells. Therefore, the reported BSR probe is a potential tool for the reliable monitoring of biomolecule dynamics in living cells.

The knockdown of LncRNA AFAP1-AS1 suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and promoted apoptosis by regulating miR-545-3p/hepatoma-derived growth factor axis in lung cancer

Lung cancer is one of the most common human cancers. Long noncoding RNA AFAP1-AS1 (LncRNA AFAP1-AS1) and microRNA-545-3p (miR-545-3p) were reported to play important roles in lung cancer development. This study aimed to elucidate the functional mechanisms of AFAP1-AS1 and miR-545-3p in lung cancer. Quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction was carried out to determine the levels of AFAP1-AS1, miR-545-3p and hepatoma-derived growth factor (HDGF). Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion were detected by 3-(4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide assay, flow cytometry, and transwell migration and invasion assays, respectively. Furthermore, the interaction between miR-545-3p and AFAP1-AS1 or HDGF was predicted by bioinformatics analysis software starbase and confirmed by the dual luciferase reporter assay. Western blot assay was used to detect the protein level of HDGF. Besides, murine xenograft model was conducted through injecting A549 cells transfected with sh-AFAP1-AS1. The expression levels of AFAP1-AS1 and HDGF were increased, while miR-545-3p was decreased in lung cancer tissues and cells. AFAP1-AS1 knockdown suppressed lung cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and induced apoptosis. Furthermore, AFAP1-AS1 mediated cell progression through regulating miR-545-3p expression. In addition, miR-545-3p negatively regulated the expression level of HDGF via binding 3'-untranslated region of HDGF. As expected, AFAP1-AS1 knockdown inhibited lung cancer progression via affecting miR-545-3p/HDGF axis. Besides, AFAP1-AS1 knockdown suppressed lung cancer tumor growth in vivo. Collectively, our results suggested that AFAP1-AS1 promoted the development of lung cancer via regulating miR-545-3p/HDGF axis, providing a potential target for the treatment of lung cancer.

Circular RNA HIPK3 plays a carcinogenic role in cervical cancer progression via regulating miR-485-3p/FGF2 axis

Circular RNA (circRNA) is an endogenous RNA molecule with a stable closed-loop structure. The circular RNA HIPK3 (circHIPK3) is highly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma and facilitates tumor growth. However, its role in cervical cancer (CC) and its regulatory mechanisms are not well-studied. This study aimed for investigating the function of circHIPK3 on proliferation and metastasis of CC cells. In this study, quantitative real-time PCR assay was adopted to delve into the circHIPK3 expression in CC cell lines. Cell counting kit-8 and colony formation assays were used to evaluate the influence of overexpression and knockdown of circHIPK3 on CC cell proliferation. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was employed to probe into the binding of miR-485-3p to circHIPK3 and miR-485-3p to the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), respectively. FGF2 protein expression was detected by western blot analysis. This study confirmed that circHIPK3 was highly expressed in CC tissues. Overexpressed circHIPK3 could remarkably expedite the proliferation, migration and invasion of SiHa cells, and knocking down circHIPK3 could significantly impede the proliferation, migration and invasion of HeLa cells. MiR-485-3p can directly bind to circHIPK3 and the 3'UTR of FGF2. Overexpression of circHIPK3 triggered the upregulation of FGF2 expression while knockdown of circHIPK3 reduced FGF2 expression in CC cells, and the transfection of miR-485-3p mimics reversed the upregulation of FGF2 expression and enhanced malignant phenotypes in CC cells with overexpressed circHIPK3.

TGF-β1-regulated miR-3691-3p targets E2F3 and PRDM1 to inhibit prostate cancer progression

Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) acts as a tumor promoter in advanced prostate cancer (PCa). We speculated that microRNAs (miRNAs) that are inhibited by TGF-β1 might exert anti-tumor effects. To assess this, we identified several miRNAs downregulated by TGF-β1 in PCa cell lines and selected miR-3691-3p for detailed analysis as a candidate anti-oncogene miRNA. miR-3691-3p was expressed at significantly lower levels in human PCa tissue compared with paired benign prostatic hyperplasia tissue, and its expression level correlated inversely with aggressive clinical pathological features. Overexpression of miR-3691-3p in PCa cell lines inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion, and promoted apoptosis. The miR-3691-3p target genes E2F transcription factor 3 (E2F3) and PR domain containing 1, with ZNF domain (PRDM1) were upregulated in miR-3691-3p-overexpressing PCa cells, and silencing of E2F3 or PRDM1 suppressed PCa cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Treatment of mice bearing PCa xenografts with a miR-3691-3p agomir inhibited tumor growth and promoted tumor cell apoptosis. Consistent with the negative regulation of E2F3 and PRDM1 by miR-3691-3p, both proteins were overexpressed in clinical PCa specimens compared with noncancerous prostate tissue. Our results indicate that TGF-β1-regulated miR-3691-3p acts as an anti-oncogene in PCa by downregulating E2F3 and PRDM1. These results provide novel insights into the mechanisms by which TGF-β1 contributes to the progression of PCa.

KIF9-AS1 promotes nasopharyngeal carcinoma progression by suppressing miR-16

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to serve a crucial role in the progression of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC); however, the underlying molecular mechanisms of lncRNA KIF9-AS1 in the tumorigenesis of NPC remains poorly understood. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR was used to analyze the expression levels of KIF9-AS1 and microRNA (miR)-16, and Cell Counting Kit-8, wound healing and Transwell assays were used to determine the cell viability, invasion and migration, respectively, of NPC cells. In addition, a dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to analyze the direct interaction between KIF9-AS1 and miR-16. NPC stage was classified according to the seventh edition of the AJCC staging system. The results revealed that KIF9-AS1 expression levels were upregulated in NPC tissues and cell lines. In addition, miR-16 was demonstrated to directly interact with KIF9-AS1 and inhibit KIF9-AS1 expression levels, whereas the miR-16 inhibitor rescued the effects of the KIF9-AS1-knockdown in NPC cells. Furthermore, the expression levels of KIF9-AS1 were upregulated, while those of miR-16 were downregulated in NPC tissues. Notably, the expression levels of KIF9-AS1 were observed to be significantly more upregulated in advanced tumors (III–IV vs. I–II) and patients with high KIF9-AS1 expression levels exhibited a worse prognosis. In conclusion, the findings of the present study suggested that KIF9-AS1 may promote the progression of NPC by targeting miR-16, thus KIF9-AS1 may be a novel molecular target for NPC therapy.

MiRNA-103/107 in Primary High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer and Its Clinical Significance

High levels of miRNA-103/107 are associated with poor outcomes in the case of breast cancer patients. MiRNA-103/107-DICER axis may be one of the key regulators of cancer aggressiveness. MiRNA-103/107 expression levels have never been related to patients' clinicopathological data in epithelial ovarian cancer. We aimed to assess miRNA-103/107 expression levels in high grade serous ovarian cancer tissues. Expression levels of both miRNAs were related to the clinicopathological features and survival. We also evaluated expression levels of miRNA-103/107 and DICER in selected ovarian cancer cell lines (A2780, A2780cis, SK-OV-3, OVCAR3). We assessed the relative expression of miRNA-103/107 (quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) in fifty archival formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples of primary high grade serous ovarian cancer. Then, miRNA-103/107 and DICER expression levels were evaluated in selected ovarian cancer cell lines. Additionally, DICER, N-/E-cadherin protein levels were assessed with the use of western blot. We identified miRNA-107 up-regulation in ovarian cancer in comparison to healthy tissues (p = 0.0005). In the case of miRNA-103, we did not observe statistically significant differences between cancerous and healthy tissues (p = 0.07). We did not find any correlations between miRNA-103/107 expression levels and clinicopathological features. Kaplan-Meier survival (disease-free and overall survival) analysis revealed that both miRNAs could not be considered as prognostic factors. SK-OV-3 cancer cell lines were characterized by high expression of miRNA-103/107, relatively low expression of DICER (western-blot), and relatively high N-cadherin levels in comparison to other ovarian cancer cell lines. Clinical and prognostic significance of miRNA-103/107 was not confirmed in our study.

MiR-581/SMAD7 Axis Contributes to Colorectal Cancer Metastasis: A Bioinformatic and Experimental Validation-Based Study

Metastasis is a well-known poor prognostic factor and primary cause of mortality in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Recently, with the progress of high through-put sequencing, aberrantly expressed non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) were found to participate in the initiation and development of cancer. However, the mechanisms of ncRNA-mediated regulation of metastasis in CRC remain largely unknown. In this study, we systematically analyzed the expression network of microRNAs (miRNAs) and genes in CRC metastasis using bioinformatics, and discovered that the miR-581/SMAD7 axis could be a potential factor that drives CRC metastasis. A dual luciferase report assay and protein analysis confirmed the binding relationship between miR-581 and SMAD7. Further functional assays revealed that miR-581 inhibition could suppress cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in SW480 cells. Up-regulation or down-regulation of miR-581 could both affect cell invasion capacity and modulate epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) via a SMAD7/TGFβ signaling pathway. In conclusion, our findings elucidated that miR-581/SMAD7 could be essential for CRC metastasis, and may serve as a potential therapeutic target for CRC patients.

MiR-145-5p suppresses the proliferation, migration and invasion of gastric cancer epithelial cells via the ANGPT2/NOD_LIKE_RECEPTOR axis

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the relationship among miR-145-5p, ANGPT2 and the NOD_LIKE_RECEPTOR pathway, thereby revealing the molecular mechanism of these three factors underlying the proliferation, migration and invasion of gastric cancer (GC) epithelial cells.

Methods

qRT-PCR was carried out to detect the expression of miR-145-5p and ANGPT2 mRNA. Western blot was performed to test the protein levels of ANGPT2 as well as NOD1, NOD2 and NF-κB in the NOD_LIKE_RECEPTOR pathway. The targeting relationship between miR-145-5p and ANGPT2 was verified via a dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. The proliferation, migration and invasion of GC cells were detected through MTT and Transwell assays, respectively.

Results

The expression of miR-145-5p was significantly down-regulated in GC cells, while that of ANGPT2 was notably up-regulated. MiR-145-5p directly bound with the 3′-UTR of ANGPT2 mRNA, thereby targeting ANGPT2 after transcription. Overexpression of miR-145-5p inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of GC cells by suppressing ANGPT2. Moreover, low expression of ANGPT2 affected the protein levels of NOD1, NOD2 and NF-κB in the NOD_LIKE_RECEPTOR pathway, thus weakening the abilities of cell proliferation, migration and invasion.

Conclusions

MiR-145-5p plays an important role in GC epithelial cells, and it can affect cell proliferation, migration and invasion of GC cells by targeting ANGPT2 and regulating the NOD_LIKE_RECEPTOR pathway. Overall, our study further elucidates the molecular mechanism underlying the malignant progression of GC.

miR-195 Serves as a Tumor Suppressor in the Progression of Liposarcoma by Targeting OSBP

Background

Liposarcoma was considered as a soft tissue kind of sarcoma with one-fifth in the sarcoma cases of adults. The aim of this study was to explore the role and the potential mechanisms of miR-195 in liposarcoma.

Methods

Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was conducted to measure the expression of microRNA-195 (miR-195) and oxysterol-binding protein (OSBP) in liposarcoma. Cell proliferation was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT). Cell migration was measured by wound healing and transwell assays. Cell cycle phases and apoptosis were examined using flow cytometry analysis. Caspase-3 activity was detected by commercial kit. Binding sites between miR-195 and OSBP were predicted through bioinformatics analysis and confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP). Western blot was used to analyze OSBP level. Xenograft tumor assays were performed to observe the effect of miR-195 overexpression on tumor growth in vivo.

Results

miR-195 expression was decreased, whereas OSBP was increased in liposarcoma tissues and cells. Besides, miR-195 upregulation suppressed the proliferative and migrative abilities and induced inhibition on cell growth and promotion on apoptosis in SW872 and 93T449 cells. Mechanically, miR-195 functioned as a suppressor by regulating OSBP expression. Furthermore, OSBP overexpression inverted the effects of miR-195 on cell growth, migration and apoptosis in SW872 and 93T449 cells. miR-195 overexpression also suppressed tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusion

miR-195 suppressed cell growth, migration and elevated cell apoptosis via OSBP in liposarcoma.

Upregulation of miRNA‑301a‑3p promotes tumor progression in gastric cancer by suppressing NKRF and activating NF‑κB signaling

MicroRNA‑301a (miRNA/miR‑301a) and nuclear factor (NF)‑κB signaling play important roles in tumor invasion, migration and progression. However, the role of miRNA‑301a‑3p in human gastric cancer (GC), and specifically in the activation of NF‑κB signaling, remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate miRNA‑301a‑3p expression in GC progression and the molecular mechanisms as regards the regulation of NF‑κB signaling. Reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‑qPCR) was used to detect miRNA‑301a‑3p expression in GC and paired normal tissues. The association between the expression of miRNA‑301a‑3p and patient pathological parameters and the prognosis of GC was statistically analyzed using an in situ hybridization (ISH) assay. An MTS assay and a Transwell assay were performed to evaluate the effects of miRNA‑301a‑3p on the proliferation, invasion and migration of GC cells. RT‑qPCR and western blot analysis were used to analyze the association between miRNA‑301a‑3p and nuclear factor‑κB repressing factor (NKRF) expression and the corresponding downstream NF‑κB signaling molecules. A luciferase assay was used to verify the target effect of miRNA‑301a‑3p and NKRF. It was found that miRNA‑301a‑3p expression was significantly higher in 30 cases of primary GC compared with matched normal tissues. Additionally, the ISH assay indicated that the high expression of miRNA‑301a‑3p in GC was associated with tumor invasion depth, lymph node metastasis, lymph node invasion and tumor metastasis stage. Patients whose tumors had a higher miRNA‑301a‑3p expression level exhibited a poorer prognosis. The in vitro assay indicated that miRNA‑301a‑3p affected the proliferative and invasive ability of GC cells by targeting the expression of NKRF, which then affected NF‑κB signaling. Therefore, it was hypothesize that miRNA‑301a‑3p promotes GC progression and affects the prognosis of patients with GC by targeting NKRF, which in turn, directly influences NF‑κB activation.

The Depletion of ABI3BP by MicroRNA-183 Promotes the Development of Esophageal Carcinoma

Background

Esophageal cancer (EC), as a serious threat to human life and health, is one of the most common cancers around the world. Many studies have suggested that many microRNAs are involved in tumorigenesis and progression.

Methods

To search for a novel and promising predictive therapeutic target or biomarker to achieve the goal of the early diagnosis and treatment of EC, we used the EC cell lines Eca-109 and KYSE-150 and normal human esophageal epithelial cells (HEECs) to investigate the effect of ABI3BP on EC.

Results

We found that ABI family member 3 binding protein (ABI3BP) was downregulated in EC and suppressed the proliferation, activity, migration, and invasion of EC cells. ABI3BP was downregulated by miR-183, which plays the role of an oncogene.

Conclusion

ABI3BP and miR-183 can be considered potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of patients with EC and can be effective targets for antitumor therapy.

miR-29c-3p Increases Cell Viability and Suppresses Apoptosis by Regulating the TNFAIP1/NF-κB Signaling Pathway via TNFAIP1 in Aβ-Treated Neuroblastoma Cells

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia among older people in worldwide. miR-29c-3p was reported to play a role in AD development. However, the detail function of miR-29c-3p in AD remains unclear. The aim of this research is to analyze the functional mechanism of miR-29c-3p in AD. The RNA levels of miR-29c-3p and Tumor necrosis factor-α-inducible protein-1 (TNFAIP1) were detected by Quantitative real time polymerase chain (qRT-PCR) reaction. Western blot assay was carried out to examine the protein levels of TNFAIP1, Bax, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Cleaved caspase 3, and Nuclear factor-k-gene binding (NF-κB). The interaction between miR-29c-3p and TNFAIP1 was predicted by online tool TargrtScan and verified using the dual luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation RIP (RIP) assay. Besides, cell proliferation and apoptosis rate were determined by 3-(4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and flow cytometry analysis, respectively. Aβ treatment decreased miR-29c-3p expression and increased TNFAIP1 expression. Overexpression of miR-29c-3p mitigated the effects of Aβ on proliferation and apoptosis. Similarly, knockdown of TNFAIP1 also reversed the effects of Aβ on cell progression. Interestingly, miR-29c-3p suppressed the expression of TNFAIP1 via binding to 3'UTR of TNFAIP1 mRNA. As expected, overexpression of TNFAIP1 reversed the effects of miR-29c-3p on Aβ-mediated cell progression. Besides, we also confirmed that miR-29c-3p affected Aβ-mediated cell progression by regulating TNFAIP1/NF-κB signaling pathway. In conclusion, our findings confirmed that miR-29c-3p attenuated Aβ-induced neurotoxicity through regulation of NF-κB signaling pathway by directly targeting TNFAIP1, providing the potential value for the treatment of AD patients.

An off-on electrochemiluminescence detection for microRNAs based on TiO2 nanotubes sensitized with gold nanoparticles as enhanced emitters

A sensitive electrochemiluminescence (ECL) assay for microRNAs (miRNAs) based on a semiconductor nanomaterial sensitized with noble-metal Au nanoparticles (NPs) is successfully developed. TiO₂ nanotubes (NTs) were equipped with Au NPs to obtain an enhanced ECL emitter. Then, an ECL assay for miRNA-21 was fabricated, which was based on the use of probe 2 DNA-functionalized Pt/PAMAM nanocomposites (NCs) assembled on the surface of Au/TiO₂ NT conjugate via DNA hybridization between probe 1 DNA and capture DNA. The Pt/PAMAM NCs act as an ECL quencher of Au/TiO₂ NTs via resonance energy transfer. After the binding of target miRNA-21 and the capture DNA, the Pt/PAMAM NCs were released and the ECL signal was recovered. An "off-on" ECL assay was achieved with a linear response from 0.01 to 10,000 pM. Finally, this method has been validated to be sensitive and specific for miRNAs in human serum samples. The ECL enhancement strategy opens a new way for fabricating various sensitive biosensors. Graphical abstract A sensitive "off-on" electrochemiluminescence analysis method was developed, which combined Au NP-enhanced ECL emission of TiO₂ nanotubes and an efficient energy-transfer system between Au/TiO₂ nanotubes and Pt/PAMAM nanocomposites.

MicroRNA Regulatory Pathways in the Control of the Actin-Myosin Cytoskeleton

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key modulators of post-transcriptional gene regulation in a plethora of processes, including actin-myosin cytoskeleton dynamics. Recent evidence points to the widespread effects of miRNAs on actin-myosin cytoskeleton dynamics, either directly on the expression of actin and myosin genes or indirectly on the diverse signaling cascades modulating cytoskeletal arrangement. Furthermore, studies from various human models indicate that miRNAs contribute to the development of various human disorders. The potentially huge impact of miRNA-based mechanisms on cytoskeletal elements is just starting to be recognized. In this review, we summarize recent knowledge about the importance of microRNA modulation of the actin-myosin cytoskeleton affecting physiological processes, including cardiovascular function, hematopoiesis, podocyte physiology, and osteogenesis.

A Cas12a-mediated cascade amplification method for microRNA detection

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a vital role in various biological processes and act as important biomarkers for clinical cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy. Here, we took advantage of Cas12a trans-cleavage activity to develop an enzyme-assisted cascade amplification method for isothermal miRNA detection. A target miRNA-initiated ligation reaction would allow for the production of transcription templates that triggered the transcriptional amplification of RNA strands. These RNA strands were cleaved by the 8-17E DNAzyme to generate crRNAs and recycled RNAs which have the same sequence as the target miRNA. The amplified abundant crRNAs bound to Cas12a and dsDNA activators to form the complex, which trans-cleaved the ssDNA reporters to generate a fluorescence signal for miRNA quantitative analysis. The proposed method exhibits a femtomolar limit of detection and a good specificity in distinguishing the homologous sequences of miRNAs. Its practical application ability was further tested in different cell lines.

A photo zipper locked DNA nanomachine with an internal standard for precise miRNA imaging in living cells

DNA nanomachines are capable of converting tiny triggers into autonomous accelerated cascade hybridization reactions and they have been used as a signal amplification strategy for intracellular imaging. However, the "always active" property of most DNA nanomachines with an "absolute intensity-dependent" signal acquisition mode results in "false positive signal amplification" by extracellular analytes and impairs detection accuracy. Here we design a photo zipper locked miRNA responsive DNA nanomachine (PZ-DNA nanomachine) based on upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) with a photo-cleavable DNA strand to block the miRNA recognition region, which provided sufficient protection to the DNA nanomachine against nonspecific extracellular activation and allowed satisfactory signal amplification for sensitive miRNA imaging after intracellular photoactivation. Multiple emissions from the UCNPs were also utilized as an internal standard to self-calibrate the intracellular miRNA responsive fluorescence signal. The presented PZ-DNA nanomachine demonstrated the sensitive imaging of intracellular miRNA from different cell lines, which resulted in good accordance with qRT-PCR measurements, providing a universal platform for precise imaging in living cells with high spatial-temporal specificity.

MicroRNAs in the regulation of cellular redox status and its implications in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNAs that do not encode for proteins and play key roles in the regulation of gene expression. miRNAs are involved in a comprehensive range of biological processes such as cell cycle control, apoptosis, and several developmental and physiological processes. Oxidative stress can affect the expression levels of multiple miRNAs and, conversely, miRNAs may regulate the expression of redox sensors, alter critical components of the cellular antioxidants, interact with the proteasome, and affect DNA repair systems. The number of publications identifying redox-sensitive miRNAs has increased significantly over the last few years, and some miRNA targets such as Nrf2, SIRT1 and NF-κB have been identified. The complex interplay between miRNAs and ROS is discussed together with their role in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury and the potential use of circulating miRNAs as biomarkers of myocardial infarction. Detailed knowledge of redox-sensitive miRNAs is needed to be able to effectively use individual compounds or sets of miRNA-modulating compounds to improve the health-related outcomes associated with different diseases.

Advantages of Restoring miR-205-3p Expression for Better Prognosis of Gastric Cancer via Prevention of Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition

Purpose

miR-205 is a tumor suppressor and plays an important role in tumor invasiveness. However, the role of miR-205 in human gastric cancer (GC) epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanism of miR-205 in the regulation of EMT in GC invasion.

Materials and Methods

Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to detect the expression of miR-205 in GC. Further, the correlation between the pathological parameters and prognosis of GC was statistically analyzed. A transwell model was used to evaluate the effect of miR-205-3p on the invasion and migration of GC cells. qPCR, western blotting, and luciferase assay were performed to analyze the relationship and target effects between miR-205-3p and the expression of zinc finger electron box binding homologous box 1 (ZEB1) and 2 (ZEB2).

Results

We found that the levels of miR-205-3p were significantly lower (P<0.05) in GC tissues than in matched normal tissues. Additionally, the expression of miR-205-3p was related to the tumor invasion depth, lymph node metastasis, lymph node invasion, and tumor, node, metastasis stage. Patients with lower miR-205-3p expression levels in the tumors had a poorer prognosis. The in vitro assays indicated that miR-205-3p could affect the invasion ability and EMT of GC cells by targeting the expression of both ZEB1 and ZEB2.

Conclusions

miR-205-3p promotes GC progression and affects the prognosis of patients by targeting both ZEB1 and ZEB2 to directly influence EMT.

FAM225A facilitates colorectal cancer progression by sponging miR-613 to regulate NOTCH3

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a fatal disease ranking the third among the commonplace cancer types around the world. It is extremely significant to exploit effective treatments against CRC. FAM225A was proved to influence cell progression and forecast unfavorable prognosis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The role and function mechanism of FAM225A are still unclear in CRC. In this research, FAM225A was discovered presenting much higher expression in CRC tissues and cell lines. In addition, depleting FAM225A was capable of inhibiting cell proliferation, migration, and epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) progress, and enhancing cell apoptosis ability. Furthermore, miR‐613 exerted important effects as a mediator between FAM225A and NOTCH3. NOTCH3 was negatively correlated with miR‐613, whereas was positively associated with FAM225A. Via competitively binding with miR‐613, FAM225A positively regulated NOTCH3 expression. FAM225A facilitated CRC occurrence and development through positively regulating NOTCH3 expression by binding with miR‐613. In a word, FAM225A/miR‐613/NOTCH3 axis may play a tumor‐facilitator in CRC cell progression. These data manifested the pivotal effect of FAM225A/miR‐613/NOTCH3 pathway in CRC cell proliferation, apoptosis, and migration process. The findings may provide some theoretical basis and different perspective for CRC treatment.

Poly-adenine regulated DNA density on AuNPs to construct efficient DNA walker for microRNA-21 detection

DNA-modified gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are useful nanomaterials for detecting multiple molecules. However, their performance is greatly dependent on the density of probe DNA on the surface of AuNPs. Here, we used Poly-adenine (PolyA) to regulate the surface density of probe DNA to achieve a highly efficient DNA walking biosensor system to detection miRNA-21. The movement track of the biosensor system consists of PolyA-DNA probe was connected to AuNPs, and exonuclease III (Exo III) acted as a motor driving the walker movement to achieve signal amplification. By optimizing the length of PolyA, the surface density of probe DNA was changed, thereby affecting the target binding and enzymatic processing of the bound probes, which ultimately enhanced the sensitivity and reduced timeliness of the DNA walker. Furthermore, the designed PolyA-DNA probe exhibits an outstanding sensitivity, due to the effect of density regulation, which is 7.9 times and 11.1 times lower than those of the SH-DNA and the free-DNA, respectively. In addition, the hairpin structure of DNA probe locates fluorophore at a zone adjacent to AuNPs surface, which reduces the background signal by 1.1 times compared with traditional straight probe. In this work, the biosensor system shows a high selectivity towards miRNA-21. Moreover, the biosensor system has been demonstrated to be potentially useful for the miRNA-21 detection in human serum with the recoveries of 93.2%-110.0% and has high repeatability. Considering these advantages, this PolyA-regulated DNA walking biosensor system has great potential as a routine tool for miRNA detection and has wide applications in the field of biomedical analysis.

Small Non-Coding RNA Profiling Identifies miR-181a-5p as a Mediator of Estrogen Receptor Beta-Induced Inhibition of Cholesterol Biosynthesis in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly heterogeneous disease, representing the most aggressive breast cancer (BC) subtype with limited treatment options due to a lack of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), progesterone receptor (PR), and Erb-B2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2 (HER2/neu) expression. Estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) is present in a fraction of TNBC patients, where its expression correlates with improved patient outcomes, supported by the fact that it exerts oncosuppressive effects in TNBC cell models in vitro. ERβ is involved in microRNA-mediated regulation of gene expression in hormone-responsive BC cells and could mediate its actions through small noncoding RNAs (sncRNAs) in TNBCs also. To verify this possibility, smallRNA sequencing was performed on three ERβ-expressing cell lines from different TNBC molecular subtypes. Several sncRNAs resulted modulated by ERβ, with a subset being regulated in a tumor subtype-independent manner. Interestingly, sncRNA profiling of 12 ERβ+and 32 ERβ− primary TNBC biopsies identified 7 microRNAs, 1 PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA), and 1 transfer RNA (tRNA) differentially expressed in ERβ+ compared to ERβ− tumors and cell lines. Among them, miR-181a-5p was found to be overexpressed in ERβ+ tumors and predicted target key components of the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway previously found to be inhibited by ERβ in TNBC cells.