MicroRNAs in Cancer Biology and Therapy: Current Status and Perspectives. Genes Dis. 2014;1:53-63. [PMID: 25473652 PMCID: PMC4249815 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2014.06.004]

Associations of Circulating MicroRNAs (miR-17, miR-21, and miR-150) and Chronic Kidney Disease in a Japanese Population

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in the development of various diseases, including chronic kidney disease (CKD). Although previous studies in clinically severe patients have investigated associations between CKD and miRNAs, with particular attention on renal fibrosis, relationships in a general population have yet to be established. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between expression level of circulating miRNAs and CKD in a middle-aged Japanese population.

Methods

A final total of 513 individuals (216 men and 297 women) who participated in the health check-up program in 2012 were included in our analysis. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to determine expression levels of 22 miRNAs. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated based on serum creatinine level, sex, and age. Participants with eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m² were defined as having CKD.

Results

Three different miRNAs (miR-17, miR-21, and miR-150) showed significant correlations with eGFR after Bonferroni correction and were selected for further analyses. Expression levels of miR-17, miR-21, and miR-150 miRNAs were positively associated with eGFR after adjusting for potential confounders (P = 0.004, 0.002, and 0.004, respectively). Logistic regression analyses showed significantly lower odds ratios for CKD (eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m²) in the highest tertile of all three miRNAs (miR-17, miR-21, and miR-150) compared with the lowest tertile (P = 0.003, 0.01, and 0.02, respectively).

Conclusions

We found that three circulating miRNAs were significantly associated with CKD in a general Japanese population, which suggested that these miRNAs may be biomarkers for CKD among general adults.

Proteinase K treatment improves RNA recovery from thyroid cells fixed with liquid-based cytology solution

OBJECTIVE

Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB), an important diagnostic tool given its simplicity, safety, and cost-effectiveness, is fast becoming a popular procedure in the diagnosis of thyroid diseases. Generally, cells isolated from biopsies are transferred directly to microscope slides to prepare smears for cytopathological examination; however, the technical difficulties of this procedure often cause poor reproducibility, which limits the accuracy of diagnostic results. Liquid-based cytology (LBC), in which isolated cells are collected in a fixative solution, is advantageous in that it facilitates the preparation of homogenous cytological specimens. However, LBC has not been applied to molecular diagnoses, such as RNA expression-based diagnosis, mainly because of difficulties in cell recovery and RNA isolation. This study was aimed to improve RNA extraction from papillary cancer-derived K1 cells and thyroid FNAB specimens suspended in LBC solutions.

RESULTS

K1 cells suspended in CytoRich-Red and CytoRich-Blue, fixatives for LBC, were efficiently recovered by trapping to glass-fiber filters. Importantly, subsequent Proteinase K treatment was essential for efficient RNA extraction from the fixed cells. This finding was also applicable to RNA extraction from CytoRich-Red-fixed thyroid FNAB specimens processed in the same way. Consistently, U6 small nuclear RNA was detected in these RNA samples by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.

Down-regulation of miR-500 and miR-628 suppress non-small cell lung cancer proliferation, migration and invasion by targeting ING1

BACKGROUND

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been consistently demonstrated to be involved in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) as either tumor oncogenes or tumor suppressors. However, the detailed role of miR-500 and miR-628 in NSCLC remain poorly understood.

METHODS

The expressions of miR-500 and miR-628 in NSCLC tissues and cell lines were measured by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Cells migration, invasion, proliferation, adhesion and apoptosis abilities were test to analyze the biological functions of miR-500 and miR-628 in NSCLC. A bioinformatic analysis was conducted to predict the target genes regulated by miR-500 and miR-628 using TargetScan (http://www.targetscan.org/mamm/). Luciferase reporter assay was employed to validate the direct targeting of ING1 by miR-500 and miR-628.

RESULTS

In this study, miR-500 and miR-628 were up-regulated with NSCLC tissues. Furthermore, inhibition of miR-500 and miR-628 significantly suppressed NSCLC cells proliferation, migration, invasion and adhesion, and induced NSCLC cells apoptosis. Additionally, the result showed that ING1 functioned as the direct target for miR-500 and miR-628, which was a core tumor suppressor in regulating NSCLC progression. Over-expression of ING1 could dramatically inhibit NSCLC cells proliferation, migration and invasion, and promote cells apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

These results brought new insights into the oncogenic role of miR-500 and miR-628 in NSCLC, indicating that miR-500 and miR-628 might be the novel biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of NSCLC.

Emerging ways to treat breast cancer: will promises be met?

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer among women and it is responsible for more than 40,000 deaths in the United States and more than 500,000 deaths worldwide each year. In previous decades, the development of improved screening, diagnosis and treatment methods has led to decreases in BC mortality rates. More recently, novel targeted therapeutic options, such as the use of monoclonal antibodies and small molecule inhibitors that target specific cancer cell-related components, have been developed. These components include ErbB family members (HER1, HER2, HER3 and HER4), Ras/MAPK pathway components (Ras, Raf, MEK and ERK), VEGF family members (VEGFA, VEGFB, VEGFC, VEGF and PGF), apoptosis and cell cycle regulators (BAK, BAX, BCL-2, BCL-X, MCL-1 and BCL-W, p53 and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway components) and DNA repair pathway components such as BRCA1. In addition, long noncoding RNA inhibitor-, microRNA inhibitor/mimic- and immunotherapy-based approaches are being developed for the treatment of BC. Finally, a novel powerful technique called CRISPR-Cas9-based gene editing is emerging as a precise tool for the targeted treatment of cancer, including BC.

CONCLUSIONS

Potential new strategies that are designed to specifically target BC are presented. Several clinical trials using these strategies are already in progress and have shown promising results, but inherent limitations such as off-target effects and low delivery efficiencies still have to be resolved. By improving the clinical efficacy of current therapies and exploring new ones, it is anticipated that novel ways to overcome BC may become attainable.

MiR-302b regulates cell functions and acts as a potential biomarker to predict recurrence in bladder cancer

BACKGROUND

Bladder cancer is the most common urogenital tumor with substantial morbidity, high recurrence rate and mortality. miRNAs, a class of endogenous noncoding RNA, were found to involve in the genesis, maintenance and metastasis of cancer. Genomic profiling revealed that miR-302b is down-regulated in bladder cancer while its functions in bladder cancer remain to be ascertained.

METHODS

Cell functional assays including wound healing assay, CCK-8 assay, Transwell assay and flow cytometry assay were performed to clarify the functions of miR-302b expression in cell proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis in BC. Furthermore, RT-qPCR was performed to study the expression of miR-302b in bladder cancer tissues and the prognostic value of altered miR-302b expression with 48 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded bladder urothelial carcinoma samples.

RESULTS

The results of RT-qPCR demonstrated that expression level of miR-302b was significantly reduced in bladder cancer tissues and cell lines. The cells after transfected with miR-302b mimic showed lower mobility, lower proliferation and increased apoptosis, while opposite results were obtained after inhibiting the expression of miR-302b. The prognosis analysis demonstrated that the patients with low expression of miR-302b experienced high risks of recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of our study demonstrate that miR-302b regulates cell functions and acts as a potential biomarker to predict recurrence in bladder cancer.

Pax-5 Inhibits NF-κB Activity in Breast Cancer Cells Through IKKε and miRNA-155 Effectors

Pax-5, an essential transcription factor in B cell development, is aberrantly expressed in various B cell cancer lesions and solid tumors such as breast carcinoma. We have recently shown that Pax-5 regulates NF-κB activity which lead to the modulation of breast cancer phenotypic features (EMT-MET). NF-κB is known as a central mediator in inflammation, stress response as well as being a gatekeeper of pro-tumorigenic activity. However, little is known as to how Pax-5 affects this modulation. We thus turned our attention to microRNAs as potential regulatory effectors. In this study, we set out to elucidate the regulatory network between differential Pax-5 expression and NF-κB activity which dictate breast cancer malignancy. Through next-generation sequencing (NGS) of breast cancer cells conditionally expressing Pax-5, we profile significantly upregulated microRNAs; including microRNA-155, a known regulator of pathological processes and suppressor of malignant growth. Through the conditional expression of microRNA-155 in breast cancer models, we identify and validate IKKε (IKBKE) as a downstream target and an essential effector of Pax-5-mediated suppression of NF-κB signaling. Using rescue experiments, we also confirm that Pax-5 modulates NF-κB activity via IKKε downregulation. Interestingly, we also show that microRNA-155, in turn, supresses Pax-5 expression, indicative of an auto-regulatory feedback loop. Altogether, we demonstrate that Pax-5 inhibits NF-κB signalling through the regulation of microRNA-155 and its downstream target IKKε. The elucidation of this signaling network is relevant as Pax-5 and NF-κB are potent transcriptional regulators of breast cancer aggressivity. In addition, IKKε is relevant oncogene aberrantly expressed in 30% of breast carcinomas. Further insight into the regulatory pathways of breast cancer progression will eventually identify strategic therapeutic and prognostic targets to improve cancer patient outcome.

miRNA in a multiomic context for diagnosis, treatment monitoring and personalized management of metastatic breast cancer

Metastatic breast cancer is characterized by aggressive spreading to distant organs. Despite huge multilevel research, there are still several important challenges that have to be clarified in the management of this disease. Therefore, recent investigations have implemented a modern, multiomic approach with the aim of identifying specific biomarkers for not only early detection but also to predict treatment responses and metastatic spread. Specific attention is paid to short miRNAs, which regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Aberrant miRNA expression could initiate cancer development, cell proliferation, invasion, migration, metastatic spread or drug resistance. An miRNA signature is, therefore, believed to be a promising biomarker and prediction tool that could be utilized in all phases of carcinogenesis. This article offers comprehensive information about miRNA profiles useful for diagnostic and treatment purposes that may sufficiently advance breast cancer management and improve individual outcomes in the near future.

Interplay between miRNAs and host genes and their role in cancer

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small endogenous non-coding functional RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression. They play essential roles in nearly all biological processes including cell development and differentiation, DNA damage repair, cell death as well as intercellular communication. They are highly involved in cancer, acting as tumor suppressors and/or promoters to modulate cell proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition and tumor invasion and metastasis. Recent studies have shown that more than half of miRNAs are located within protein-coding or non-coding genes. Intragenic miRNAs and their host genes either share the promoter or have independent transcription. Meanwhile, miRNAs work as partners or antagonists of their host genes by fine-tuning their target genes functionally associated with host genes. This review outlined the complicated relationship between intragenic miRNAs and host genes. Focusing on miRNAs known as oncogenes or tumor suppressors in specific cancer types, it studied co-expression relationships between these miRNAs and host genes in the cancer types using TCGA data sets, which validated previous findings and revealed common, tumor-specific and even subtype-specific patterns. These observations will help understand the function of intragenic miRNAs and further develop miRNA therapeutics in cancer.

Micrornas in prostate cancer: an overview

Prostate cancer is the second highest cause of cancer mortality after lung tumours. In USA it affects about 2.8 million men and the incidence increases with age in many countries. Therefore, early diagnosis is a very important step for patient clinical evaluation and for a selective and efficient therapy. The study of miRNAs' functions and molecular mechanisms has brought new knowledge in biological processes of cancer. In prostate cancer there is a deregulation of several miRNAs that may function as tumour suppressors or oncogenes. The aim of this review is to analyze the progress made to our understanding of the role of miRNA dysregulation in prostate cancer tumourigenesis.

Impairment of K-Ras signaling networks and increased efficacy of epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors by a novel synthetic miR-143

Despite considerable research on K‐Ras inhibitors, none had been established until now. We synthesized nuclease‐resistant synthetic miR‐143 (miR‐143#12), which strongly silenced K‐Ras, its effector signal molecules AKT and ERK, and the K‐Ras activator Sos1. We examined the anti‐proliferative effect of miR‐143#12 and the mechanism in human colon cancer DLD‐1 cell (G13D) and other cell types harboring K‐Ras mutations. Cell growth was markedly suppressed in a concentration‐dependent manner by miR‐143#12 (IC₅₀: 1.32 nmol L⁻¹) with a decrease in the K‐Ras mRNA level. Interestingly, this mRNA level was also downregulated by either a PI3K/AKT or MEK inhibitor, which indicates a positive circuit of K‐Ras mRNA expression. MiR‐143#12 silenced cytoplasmic K‐Ras mRNA expression and impaired the positive circuit by directly targeting AKT and ERK mRNA. Combination treatment with miR‐143#12 and a low‐dose EGFR inhibitor induced a synergistic inhibition of growth with a marked inactivation of both PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK signaling pathways. However, silencing K‐Ras by siR‐KRas instead of miR‐143#12 did not induce this synergism through the combined treatment with the EGFR inhibitor. Thus, miR‐143#12 perturbed the K‐Ras expression system and K‐Ras activation by silencing Sos1 and, resultantly, restored the efficacy of the EGFR inhibitors. The in vivo results also supported those of the in vitro experiments. The extremely potent miR‐143#12 enabled us to understand K‐Ras signaling networks and shut them down by combination treatment with this miRNA and EGFR inhibitor in K‐Ras‐driven colon cancer cell lines.

Circulating plasma microRNAs as potential markers to identify EGFR mutation status and to monitor epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer

We aimed to identify a panel of circulating plasma microRNAs that can predict EGFR mutation status and monitor epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Microarrays were performed for the preliminary screening of dysregulated microRNAs in 9 EGFR mutation-positive patients versus healthy controls. MiR-107 was upregulated and miR-195 was downregulated in the exon 19 deletion versus wild-type group. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves for miR-107, miR-195, and a panel of these 2 microRNAs were 0.72, 0.75, and 0.74, with sensitivities and specificities of 64.7% and 76.6%, 71.8% and 69.1%, and 71.7% and 78.9%, respectively. MiR-122 was significantly upregulated in the p.L858R versus wild-type group. An area under the receiver operative characteristic curve of 0.75 suggests that miR-122 might be a specific biomarker for patients with the p.L858R mutation. In addition, dynamic changes in these 3 microRNAs were also found to correlate with responses to epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment, indicating that circulating plasma microRNAs may represent potential biomarkers for monitoring epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment. This study demonstrates the prospective application of circulating plasma microRNAs as potential non-invasive, convenient biomarkers for patients with EGFR-sensitive mutations.

Overexpression of MiR-138 Inhibits Cell Growth and Induces Caspase-mediated Apoptosis in Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia Cell Line

Dysregulated expression of miRNAs can play a vital role in pathogenesis of leukemia. The shortened telomere length, and elevated telomerase activity in acute promyelocytic leukemia cells are mainly indicative of extensive proliferative activity. This study aimed to investigate the effect of overexpression of miR-138 on telomerase activity, and cell proliferation of acute promyelocytic leukemia NB4 cells. MiR-138 was overexpressed in NB4 cells using GFP hsa-miR-138-expressing lentiviruses. hTERT mRNA and protein expression levels were assessed by qRT-PCR and western blot analysis. For evaluation of apoptosis, annexin-V staining and activation of caspases were assessed using flow cytometry and western blot analysis, respectively. Our data demonstrate that overexpression of miR-138 attenuated the hTERT mRNA and protein expression levels. In addition, cell growth was inhibited, and malignant cells underwent caspase mediated-apoptosis in response to miR-138 overexpression. These findings suggest that loss of miR-138 expression may be associated with increased telomerase activity in NB4 cells. Therefore, strategies for up-regulation of miR-138 may result in inhibition of malignant cell growth, and provide a promising therapeutic approach for acute promyelocytic leukemia.

MicroRNAs associated with therapy of non-small cell lung cancer

Background & Objective: The incidence of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been rising over the past several decades. Despite various therapeutic regimens and modern diagnostic techniques are developed, NSCLC still have an extremely poor prognosis due to drug resistance. Therefore, it is critical to find a novel precise diagnosis and effective treatment approach for NSCLC patients. MicroRNAs (MiRNAs) are a class of 18-25nt non-coding small RNAs, which have been shown to be involved profoundly in the pathogenesis such as cellular proliferation, differentiation, development, apoptosis and tumorigenesis in many human tumors including of NSCLC. We reviewed existing research literature regarding correlations between miRNAs and their target's response to anticancer treatment, and summarized the recent findings between miRNAs and therapy availability in NSCLC.

A comprehensive review of the genetic and biological evidence supports a role for MicroRNA-137 in the etiology of schizophrenia

Since it was first associated with schizophrenia (SCZ) in a 2011 genome-wide association study (GWAS), there have been over 100 publications focused on MIR137, the gene encoding microRNA-137. These studies have examined everything from its fundamental role in the development of mice, flies, and fish to the intriguing enrichment of its target gene network in SCZ. Indeed, much of the excitement surrounding MIR137 is due to the distinct possibility that it could regulate a gene network involved in SCZ etiology, a disease which we now recognize is highly polygenic. Here we comprehensively review, to the best of our ability, all published genetic and biological evidence that could support or refute a role for MIR137 in the etiology of SCZ. Through a careful consideration of the literature, we conclude that the data gathered to date continues to strongly support the involvement of MIR137 and its target gene network in neuropsychiatric traits, including SCZ risk. There remain, however, more unanswered than answered questions regarding the mechanisms linking MIR137 genetic variation with behavior. These questions need answers before we can determine whether there are opportunities for diagnostic or therapeutic interventions based on MIR137. We conclude with a number of suggestions for future research on MIR137 that could help to provide answers and hope for a greater understanding of this devastating disorder.

Recent trends of nanomedicinal approaches in clinics

Nanotechnology has become the indispensable cutting edge science providing solutions to many problems associated with human being. The application of nanotechnology associated to human health "nanomedicine" has revolutionized the drug delivery system by providing improved pharmacological and therapeutic properties of drugs. These advantageous effects of drug loaded nanocarrier systems are embraced by the pharmaceutical industries for the development of different effective nanocarriers. Currently, several drug loaded nanoformulations are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and some of them are undergoing clinical trials for the human use. In this review, we have discussed the progress achieved so far for various drug loaded nanoformulations along with few emerging nanoformulations that are about to enter into clinical trials.

MicroRNA-30a Inhibits Colorectal Cancer Metastasis Through Down-Regulation of Type I Insulin-Like Growth Factor Receptor

BACKGROUND

miR-30a expression is down-regulated and regulates tumor suppressors in various cancers.

AIM

We investigated the mechanisms underlying the biological role of miR-30a in CRC.

METHODS

MicroRNA, mRNA, and protein expression were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot. The migration and invasion abilities of CRC were determined by wound healing assay, and trans-well migration and invasion. A luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm the targets of miR-30a.

RESULTS

miR-30a expression was significantly down-regulated in CRC tissues and in CRC tissue with lymph node metastasis compared to CRC tissue without metastasis. Overexpression of miR-30a suppressed migration and invasion through insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) in CRC cells. miR-30a suppresses IGF1R protein expression and inhibits β-catenin or p-AKT and increases E-cadherin expression. The IGF1R expression level is also up-regulated in CRC tumors and inversely correlated with miR-30a in CRC specimens.

CONCLUSIONS

miR-30a functions as a tumor-suppressive miRNA, which may provide a therapeutic strategy for metastasis of CRC.

Investigation on tissue specific effects of pro-apoptotic micro RNAs revealed miR-147b as a potential biomarker in ovarian cancer prognosis

The development and progression of cancer can be ascribed to imbalances in gene regulation leading to aberrant cellular behavior. The loss of micro RNAs (miRNAs) exhibiting tumor-suppressive function has been demonstrated to be often causative for uncontrolled cell proliferation, migration or tissue infiltration. The installation of de novo tumor suppressive function by using pro-apoptotic miRNAs might be a promising therapeutic approach. In addition, there is a great demand for novel biomarkers for the prognosis of cancer, which prompted us to transfer a high content miRNA screening initially performed to identify bioprocess relevant miRNAs in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells to human cancer cell lines . Analysis of screened miRNAs exhibiting strongest pro-apoptotic effects discovered globally and cross-species active candidates. The recovery rate of apoptosis inducing miRNAs was highest in the human ovarian carcinoma cell line SKOV3. Focusing on ovarian cell lines miR-1912, miR-147b and miR-3073a showed significant apoptosis induction in cell lines with different genetic background (SKOV3^p53null, OVCAR3^p53R248Q, TOV21G, TOV112D^p53R175H, A2780, A2780-cis^p53K351N) alone and additive effects in combination with carboplatin. While expression analysis revealed a low endogenous expression of miR-1912 and miR-147b in SKOV3, miRNA expression was highly upregulated upon apoptosis induction using chemotherapeutics. Ectopic introduction of these miRNAs lead to enhanced activation of caspase-dependent death signaling and an induction of the pro-apoptotic proteins Bak1 and Bax and a reduced expression of Bcl2 and Bcl-xL. Finally, analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas data revealed the expression of hsa-miR-147b-5p to show a positive influence on the median survival of ovarian cancer patients.

Identification of non-invasive miRNAs biomarkers for prostate cancer by deep sequencing analysis of urinary exosomes

The aim of this study was to identify microRNAs in urinary exosomes that are differently expressed in prostate cancer patients and healthy donors. For this purpose, RNA was extracted from urinary exosomes from 20 prostate cancer patients and 9 healthy males and the microRNAs were analyzed by next generation sequencing. Interestingly, 5 microRNAs – miR-196a-5p, miR-34a-5p, miR-143-3p, miR-501-3p and miR-92a-1-5p – were significantly downregulated in exosomes from prostate cancer patients. Furthermore, RT-qPCR analysis of an independent cohort of 28 prostate cancer patients and 19 healthy males confirmed that miR-196a-5p and miR-501-3p were downregulated in prostate cancer samples. These results suggest that specific microRNAs in urinary exosomes might serve as non-invasive biomarkers for prostate cancer. In particular, miR-196a-5p and miR-501-3p are promising biomarkers that need to be further studied in large patient cohorts.

Overexpression of CTHRC1 in human melanoma promotes tumorigenesis targeted by miRNA155

Most of human malignant melanoma is metastatic and invasive, which has poor therapeutic response and poor prognosis as well as high incidence worldwide. CTHRC1 was overexpressed in metastatic primary melanomas. The relationship between CTHRC1 and miRNA in affecting the melanoma has not been studied. This study was aimed to explore the function of CTHRC1 in human melanoma and finding its regulator miRNA. CTHRC1 and miR155 expression in cancer tissues and paracancer tissues was examined. The cell proliferation, cell cycle, cell migration and cell invasion was evaluated in M21 cell transfected with CTHRC1 siRNA or miR155. The mRNA expression of miR155 in cancer tissues was lower than that in paracancer tissues. The mRNA expression of CTHRC1 in the cancer tissues was higher than that in corresponding paracancer tissues. The mRNA expression of CTHRC1 in the M21 cells was decreased by treated with miR155 mimic. CTHRC1 promoted the cell proliferation, cell cycle process, cell migration and invasion capacity and prevented the cell from apoptosis. miR155 inhibited the cell proliferation, cell migration and cell invasion, arrested the cell cycle process at G1 phase and enhanced the cell apoptosis. The luciferases reporter assay showed that miR155 bound to the 3'-UTR of CTHRC1 and regulated the expression of CTHRC1, further influenced the functions of CTHRC1 in human melanoma development. The study contributed to unearthing a novel potential predictor and therapeutic targets of human melanoma. CTHRC1 was a potential independent predictor and therapeutic target for human melanoma.

Tumor associated macrophage-targeted microRNA delivery with dual-responsive polypeptide nanovectors for anti-cancer therapy

Repolarizing Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) to anti-tumor M1 macrophages with microRNA (miR) is a plausible approach for cancer treatment. However, how to achieve TAM-targeted miR delivery remains a challenge. The present study generated redox/pH dual-responsive hybrid polypeptide nanovectors, which consisted of self-crosslinked redox-responsive nanoparticles based on galactose-functionalized n-butylamine-poly(l-lysine)-b-poly(l-cysteine) polypeptides (GLC) coated with DCA-grafted sheddable PEG-PLL (sPEG) copolymers. The ex vivo study showed that sPEG shielded cationic GLC core at physiological pH but quickly shed off to re-expose GLC due to it charge reversible property. Encapsulation with sPEG/GLC nanovectors effectively facilitated macrophage-targeted miR delivery at the acidic condition but diminished miR uptake at neutral pH. Administration of miR155-loaded sPEG/GLC (sPEG/GLC/155) nanocomplexes increased miR155 expression in TAMs about 100-400 folds both in vitro and in vivo. sPEG/GLC/155 also effectively repolarized immunosuppressive TAMs to anti-tumor M1 macrophages through elevating M1 macrophage markers (IL-12, iNOS, MHC II) and suppressing M2 macrophage markers (Msr2 and Arg1) in TAMs. Moreover, the treatment of sPEG/GLC/155 significantly increased activated T lymphocytes and NK cells in tumors, which consequently led to robust tumor regression. Hence, TAM-targeted delivery of miR with redox/pH dual-responsive sPEG/GLC nanovectors could be a promising approach to re-polarize TAMs to M1 macrophages in situ and induce tumor regression.

Wanted DEAD/H or Alive: Helicases Winding Up in Cancers

Cancer is one of the most studied areas of human biology over the past century. Despite having attracted much attention, hype, and investments, the search to find a cure for cancer remains an uphill battle. Recent discoveries that challenged the central dogma of molecular biology not only further increase the complexity but also demonstrate how various types of noncoding RNAs such as microRNA and long noncoding RNA, as well as their related processes such as RNA editing, are important in regulating gene expression. Parallel to this aspect, an increasing number of reports have focused on a family of proteins known as DEAD/H-box helicases involved in RNA metabolism, regulation of long and short noncoding RNAs, and novel roles as "editing helicases" and their association with cancers. This review summarizes recent findings on the roles of RNA helicases in various cancers, which are broadly classified into adult solid tumors, childhood solid tumors, leukemia, and cancer stem cells. The potential small molecule inhibitors of helicases and their therapeutic value are also discussed. In addition, analyzing next-generation sequencing data obtained from public portals and reviewing existing literature, we provide new insights on the potential of DEAD/H-box helicases to act as pharmacological drug targets in cancers.

Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering-Based Immunoassay Technologies for Detection of Disease Biomarkers

Detection of biomarkers is of vital importance in disease detection, management, and monitoring of therapeutic efficacy. Extensive efforts have been devoted to the development of novel diagnostic methods that detect and quantify biomarkers with higher sensitivity and reliability, contributing to better disease diagnosis and prognosis. When it comes to such devastating diseases as cancer, these novel powerful methods allow for disease staging as well as detection of cancer at very early stages. Over the past decade, there have been some advances in the development of platforms for biomarker detection of diseases. The main focus has recently shifted to the development of simple and reliable diagnostic tests that are inexpensive, accurate, and can follow a patient’s disease progression and therapy response. The individualized approach in biomarker detection has been also emphasized with detection of multiple biomarkers in body fluids such as blood and urine. This review article covers the developments in Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) and related technologies with the primary focus on immunoassays. Limitations and advantages of the SERS-based immunoassay platform are discussed. The article thoroughly describes all components of the SERS immunoassay and highlights the superior capabilities of SERS readout strategy such as high sensitivity and simultaneous detection of a multitude of biomarkers. Finally, it introduces recently developed strategies for in vivo biomarker detection using SERS.

From conventional therapy toward microRNA-based therapy in acute promyelocytic leukemia

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is a hematopoietic malignancy that is known with its special cytogenetic feature. Several studies have surveyed expression signature of microRNAs (miRNAs) in APL patients, especially patients who are treated with conventional therapy of this disease. Using miRNAs as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers in various cancers has been widely studied. Currently, most studies are focusing on exploiting miRNAs as therapeutic tools, and promising progress has been achieved in this field. Recently, studies in the field of miRNA-based therapy in APL have been started.

Novel bead-based platform for direct detection of unlabelled nucleic acids through Single Nucleobase Labelling

Over the last decade, circulating microRNAs have received attention as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. In particular, microRNA122 has been demonstrated to be an early and more sensitive indicator of drug-induced liver injury than the widely used biomarkers such as alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. Recently, microRNA122 has been used in vitro to assess the cellular toxicity of new drugs and as a biomarker for the development of a rapid test for drug overdose/liver damage. In this proof-of-concept study, we report a PCR-free and label-free detection method that has a limit of detection (3 standard deviations) of 15 fmoles of microRNA122, by integrating a dynamic chemical approach for "Single Nucleobase Labelling" with a bead-based platform (Luminex^®) thereby, in principle, demonstrating the exciting prospect of rapid and accurate profiling of any microRNAs related to diseases and toxicology.

MicroRNA-351 Regulates Two-Types of Cell Death, Necrosis and Apoptosis, Induced by 5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine

Cell-death can be necrosis and apoptosis. We are investigating the mechanisms regulating the cell death that occurs on treatment of mouse cancer cell-line FM3A with antitumor 5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine (FUdR): necrosis occurs for the original clone F28-7, and apoptosis for its variant F28-7-A. Here we report that a microRNA (miR-351) regulates the cell death pattern. The miR-351 is expressed strongly in F28-7-A but only weakly in F28-7. Induction of a higher expression of miR-351 in F28-7 by transfecting an miRNA mimic into F28-7 resulted in a change of the death mode; necrosis to apoptosis. Furthermore, transfection of an miR-351 inhibitor into F28-7-A resulted in the morphology change, apoptosis to necrosis, in this death-by-FUdR. Possible mechanism involving lamin B1 in this miR-351's regulatory action is discussed.

PERK Integrates Oncogenic Signaling and Cell Survival During Cancer Development

Unfolded protein responses (UPR), consisting of three major transducers PERK, IRE1, and ATF6, occur in the midst of a variety of intracellular and extracellular challenges that perturb protein folding in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). ER stress occurs and is thought to be a contributing factor to a number of human diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and various metabolic syndromes. In the context of neoplastic growth, oncogenic stress resulting from dysregulation of oncogenes such as c-Myc, Braf(V600E) , and HRAS(G12V) trigger the UPR as an adaptive strategy for cancer cell survival. PERK is an ER resident type I protein kinase harboring both pro-apoptotic and pro-survival capabilities. PERK, as a coordinator through its downstream substrates, reprograms cancer gene expression to facilitate survival in response to oncogenes and microenvironmental challenges, such as hypoxia, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Herein, we discuss how PERK kinase engages in tumor initiation, transformation, adaption microenvironmental stress, chemoresistance and potential opportunities, and potential opportunities for PERK targeted therapy. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 2088-2096, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Aberrant KDM5B expression promotes aggressive breast cancer through MALAT1 overexpression and downregulation of hsa-miR-448

Background

Triple negative breast cancers (TNBC) possess cell dedifferentiation characteristics, carry out activities connate to those of cancer stem cells (CSCs) and are associated with increased metastasis, as well as, poor clinical prognosis. The regulatory mechanism of this highly malignant phenotype is still poorly characterized. Accruing evidence support the role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) as potent regulators of CSC and metastatic gene expression, with their dysregulation implicated in tumorigenesis and disease progression.

Methods

In this study, we investigated TNBC metastasis, metastasis-associated genes and potential inhibitory mechanisms using bioinformatics, tissue microarray analyses, immunoblotting, polymerase chain reaction, loss and gain of gene function assays and comparative analyses of data obtained.

Results

Compared with other breast cancer types, the highly metastatic MDA-MB-231 cells concurrently exhibited increased expression levels of Lysine-specific demethylase 5B protein (KDM5B) and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), MALAT1, suggesting their functional association. KDM5B-silencing in the TNBC cells correlated with the upregulation of hsa-miR-448 and led to suppression of MALAT1 expression with decreased migration, invasion and clonogenic capacity in vitro, as well as, poor survival in vivo. This projects MALAT1 as a mediator of KDM5B oncogenic potential and highlights the critical role of this microRNA, lncRNA and histone demethylase in cancer cell motility and metastatic colonization. Increased expression of KDM5B correlating with disease progression and poor clinical outcome in breast cancer was reversed by hsa-miR-448.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate the critical role of KDM5B and its negative regulator hsa-miR-448 in TNBC metastasis and progression. Hsa-miR-448 disrupting KDM5B-MALAT1 signalling axis and associated activities in TNBC cells, projects it as a putative therapeutic factor for selective eradication of TNBC cells.

Graphical abstract

MicroRNA aberrations: An emerging field for gallbladder cancer management

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is infrequent but most lethal biliary tract malignancy characterized by an advanced stage diagnosis and poor survival rates attributed to absence of specific symptoms and effective treatment options. These necessitate development of early prognostic/predictive markers and novel therapeutic interventions. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNA molecules that play a key role in tumor biology by functioning like tumor suppressor- or onco- genes and their aberrant expression are associated with the pathogenesis of several neoplasms with overwhelming clinical implications. Since miRNA signature is tissue specific, here, we focused on current data concerning the miRNAs abberations in GBC pathogenesis. In GBC, miRNAs with tumor suppressor activity (miR-135-5p, miR-335, miR-34a, miR-26a, miR-146b-5p, Mir-218-5p, miR-1, miR-145, mir-130a) were found downregulated, while those with oncogenic property (miR-20a, miR-182, mir-155) were upregulated. The expression profile of miRNAs was significantly associated with GBC prognosis and prediction, and forced over-expression/ inhibition of these miRNAs was shown to affect tumor growth and development. Further, differential expression of miRNAs in the blood samples of GBC patients suggest miRNAs as promising noninvasive biomarker. Thus, miRNAs represent potential candidate for GBC management, though many hurdles need to be overcome before miRNAs therapy can be clinically applied to GBC prevention and treatment.

MicroRNAs as regulators of apoptosis mechanisms in cancer

MicroRNAs or miRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression. Their discovery has brought new knowledge in biological processes of cancer. Involvement of miRNAs in cancer development includes several major pathways from cell transformation to tumor cell development, metastasis and resistance to treatment. The first part of this review discusses miRNAs function in the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of apoptosis. Due to the fact that many miRNAs that regulate apoptosis have been shown to play a major role in tumor cell resistance to treatment, in the second part of the review we aim at discussing miRNAs potential in becoming curative molecules.

Arsenic-exposed Keratinocytes Exhibit Differential microRNAs Expression Profile; Potential Implication of miR-21, miR-200a and miR-141 in Melanoma Pathway

Long-term exposure to arsenic has been linked to cancer in different organs and tissues, including skin. Here, non-malignant human keratinocytes (HaCaT) were exposed to arsenic and its effects on microRNAs (miRNAs; miR) expression were analyzed via miRCURY LNA array analyses. A total of 30 miRNAs were found differentially expressed in arsenic-treated cells, as compared to untreated controls. Among the up-regulated miRNAs, miR-21, miR-200a and miR-141, are well known to be involved in carcinogenesis. Additional findings confirmed that those three miRNAs were indeed up-regulated in arsenic-stimulated keratinocytes as demonstrated by quantitative PCR assay. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis of both potential cancer-related pathways and targeted genes affected by miR-21, miR-200a and/or miR-141 was performed. Results revealed that miR-21, miR-200a and miR-141 are implicated in skin carcinogenesis related with melanoma development. Conclusively, our results indicate that arsenic-treated keratinocytes exhibited alteration in the miRNAs expression profile and that miR-21, miR-200a and miR-141 could be promising early biomarkers of the epithelial phenotype of cancer cells and they could be potential novel targets for melanoma therapeutic interventions.

microRNAs as pharmacogenomic biomarkers for drug efficacy and drug safety assessment

Much evidence has documented that microRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in the modulation of interindividual variability in the production of drug metabolizing enzymes and transporters (DMETs) and nuclear receptors (NRs) through multidirectional interactions involving environmental stimuli/stressors, the expression of miRNA molecules and genetic polymorphisms. MiRNA expression has been reported to be affected by drugs and miRNAs themselves may affect drug metabolism and toxicity. In cancer research, miRNA biomarkers have been identified to mediate intrinsic and acquired resistance to cancer therapies. In drug safety assessment, miRNAs have been found associated with cardiotoxicity, hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. This review article summarizes published studies to show that miRNAs can serve as early biomarkers for the evaluation of drug efficacy and drug safety.

The potential of circulating extracellular small RNAs (smexRNA) in veterinary diagnostics-Identifying biomarker signatures by multivariate data analysis

Worldwide growth and performance-enhancing substances are used in cattle husbandry to increase productivity. In certain countries however e.g., in the EU, these practices are forbidden to prevent the consumers from potential health risks of substance residues in food. To maximize economic profit, ‘black sheep‘ among farmers might circumvent the detection methods used in routine controls, which highlights the need for an innovative and reliable detection method. Transcriptomics is a promising new approach in the discovery of veterinary medicine biomarkers and also a missing puzzle piece, as up to date, metabolomics and proteomics are paramount. Due to increased stability and easy sampling, circulating extracellular small RNAs (smexRNAs) in bovine plasma were small RNA-sequenced and their potential to serve as biomarker candidates was evaluated using multivariate data analysis tools.

After running the data evaluation pipeline, the proportion of miRNAs (microRNAs) and piRNAs (PIWI-interacting small non-coding RNAs) on the total sequenced reads was calculated. Additionally, top 10 signatures were compared which revealed that the readcount data sets were highly affected by the most abundant miRNA and piRNA profiles. To evaluate the discriminative power of multivariate data analyses to identify animals after veterinary drug application on the basis of smexRNAs, OPLS-DA was performed. In summary, the quality of miRNA models using all mapped reads for both treatment groups (animals treated with steroid hormones or the β-agonist clenbuterol) is predominant to those generated with combined data sets or piRNAs alone. Using multivariate projection methodologies like OPLS-DA have proven the best potential to generate discriminative miRNA models, supported by small RNA-Seq data. Based on the presented comparative OPLS-DA, miRNAs are the favorable smexRNA biomarker candidates in the research field of veterinary drug abuse.

Small RNA Sequencing Based Identification of MiRNAs in Daphnia magna

Small RNA molecules are short, non-coding RNAs identified for their crucial role in post-transcriptional regulation. A well-studied example includes miRNAs (microRNAs) which have been identified in several model organisms including the freshwater flea and planktonic crustacean Daphnia. A model for epigenetic-based studies with an available genome database, the identification of miRNAs and their potential role in regulating Daphnia gene expression has only recently garnered interest. Computational-based work using Daphnia pulex, has indicated the existence of 45 miRNAs, 14 of which have been experimentally verified. To extend this study, we took a sequencing approach towards identifying miRNAs present in a small RNA library isolated from Daphnia magna. Using Perl codes designed for comparative genomic analysis, 815,699 reads were obtained from 4 million raw reads and run against a database file of known miRNA sequences. Using this approach, we have identified 205 putative mature miRNA sequences belonging to 188 distinct miRNA families. Data from this study provides critical information necessary to begin an investigation into a role for these transcripts in the epigenetic regulation of Daphnia magna.

MicroRNA-34c-5p is related to recurrence in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Altered microRNA expression has been found in many cancer types, including laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). We investigated the association of LSCC-related miR-34c-5p with disease-free survival and overall survival.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

Expression levels of miR-34c-5p were detected in 90 LSCC formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues by reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Overall survival and disease-free survival were evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and multivariate analysis was performed using Cox proportional hazard analysis.

RESULTS

A downregulation of miR-34c-5p expression significantly correlated with worse disease-free and overall survival. In the multivariate analysis, low miR-34c-5p expression was associated with an increased risk of recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

A downregulation of miR-34c-5p in LSCC is independently associated with unfavorable disease-free survival, suggesting that miR-34c-5p might be a promising marker for evaluating the risk of recurrences.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

NA.