LncRNA PVT1 promotes gemcitabine resistance of pancreatic cancer via activating Wnt/β-catenin and autophagy pathway through modulating the miR-619-5p/Pygo2 and miR-619-5p/ATG14 axes

Upregulation of the long noncoding RNA GJA9-MYCBP and PVT1 is a potential diagnostic biomarker for acute lymphoblastic leukemia

BACKGROUND

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common type of blood cancer in children. Aberrant expression of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) may set stages for ALL development. LncRNAs are emerging as a novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for ALL. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the expression of lncRNA GJA9-MYCBP and PVT1 in blood samples of ALL and healthy individuals.

METHODS

As a case-control study, 40 pairs of ALL and healthy individual samples were used. The expression of MYC and each candidate lncRNA was measured using quantitative real-time PCR. Any possible association between the expression of putative noncoding RNAs and clinicopathological characteristics was also evaluated.

RESULTS

LncRNA GJA9-MYCBP and PVT1 were significantly upregulated in ALL samples compared with healthy ones. Similarly, mRNA levels of MYC were increased in ALL samples than control ones. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated a satisfactory diagnostic efficacy (p-value <.0001), suggesting that lncRNA GJA9-MYCBP and PVT1 may serve as a diagnostic biomarker for ALL. Linear regression analysis unveiled positive correlations between the expression level of MYC and lncRNA GJA9-MYCBP and PVT1 in ALL patients (p-values <.01).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we provided approval for the clinical diagnostic significance of lncRNA GJA9-MYCBP and PVT1that their upregulations may be a diagnostic biomarker for ALL.

Combined Efficacy of Nimotuzumab and Gemcitabine on the Treatment of Advanced Pancreatic cancer

OBJECTIVE

We sought to investigate whether the addition of nimotuzumab to gemcitabine would improve the treatment efficacy of advanced pancreatic cancer.

METHODS

This retrospective analysis involved a total of 98 hospitalized patients harboring advanced pancreatic cancer. Depending on the specific treatment, patients were divided into study groups and control groups. The clinical efficacy, adverse reactions, and follow-up results of the 2 groups were compared, and the physical status, CA724, CA19-9, and CEA levels before and after treatment were monitored and recorded.

RESULTS

After treatment, PR ratio, SD ratio, ORR, and DCR in the study group were significantly higher than those in the control group, and PD ratio was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05) the KPS score after treatment in the study group was markedly higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05). After treatment, however, significantly lower levels of the 3 indicators were observed when compared with the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our study highlights a more superior combined efficacy of nimotuzumab and gemcitabine than the control regimen, exhibiting improved survival and reduced levels of CA724, CA19-9, and CEA in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.

Epigenetic regulation of autophagy by non-coding RNAs and exosomal non-coding RNAs in colorectal cancer: A narrative review

One of the major diseases affecting people globally is colorectal cancer (CRC), which is primarily caused by a lack of effective medical treatment and a limited understanding of its underlying mechanisms. Cellular autophagy functions to break down and eliminate superfluous proteins and substances, thereby facilitating the continual replacement of cellular elements and generating vital energy for cell processes. Non-coding RNAs and exosomal ncRNAs have a crucial impact on regulating gene expression and essential cellular functions such as autophagy, metastasis, and treatment resistance. The latest research has indicated that specific ncRNAs and exosomal ncRNA to influence the process of autophagy in CRC cells, which could have significant consequences for the advancement and treatment of this disease. It has been determined that a variety of ncRNAs have a vital function in regulating the genes essential for the formation and maturation of autophagosomes. Furthermore, it has been confirmed that ncRNAs have a considerable influence on the signaling pathways associated with autophagy, such as those involving AMPK, AKT, and mTOR. Additionally, numerous ncRNAs have the potential to affect specific genes involved in autophagy. This study delves into the control mechanisms of ncRNAs and exosomal ncRNAs and examines how they simultaneously influence autophagy in CRC.

Obg-like ATPase 1 exacerbated gemcitabine drug resistance of pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly malignant disease with a poor prognosis due to inefficient diagnosis and tenacious drug resistance. Obg-like ATPase 1 (OLA1) is overexpressed in many malignant tumors. The molecular mechanism of OLA1 underlying gemcitabine (GEM)-induced drug resistance was investigated in this study. An enhanced expression of OLA1 was observed in a GEM acquired resistant pancreatic cancer cell lines and in patients with pancreatic cancer. Overexpressed OLA1 showed poor overall survival rates in patients with pancreatic cancer. Dysregulation of the OLA1 reduced expression of CD44+/CD133+, and improved the sensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells to GEM. OLA1 highly expression facilitated the formation of the OLA1/Sonic Hedgehog (SHH)/Hedgehog-interacting protein (HHIP) complex in nuclei, resulting in the inhibition of negative feedback of Hedgehog signaling induced by HHIP. This study suggests that OLA1 may be developed as an innovative drug target for an effective therapy of pancreatic cancer.

The role of LncRNA-mediated autophagy in cancer progression

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a sort of transcripts that are more than 200 nucleotides in length. In recent years, many studies have revealed the modulatory role of lncRNAs in cancer. Typically, lncRNAs are linked to a variety of essential events, such as apoptosis, cellular proliferation, and the invasion of malignant cells. Simultaneously, autophagy, an essential intracellular degradation mechanism in eukaryotic cells, is activated to respond to multiple stressful circumstances, for example, nutrient scarcity, accumulation of abnormal proteins, and organelle damage. Autophagy plays both suppressive and promoting roles in cancer. Increasingly, studies have unveiled how dysregulated lncRNAs expression can disrupt autophagic balance, thereby contributing to cancer progression. Consequently, exploring the interplay between lncRNAs and autophagy holds promising implications for clinical research. In this manuscript, we methodically compiled the advances in the molecular mechanisms of lncRNAs and autophagy and briefly summarized the implications of the lncRNA-mediated autophagy axis.

SNHG1 knockdown promotes osteogenic differentiation of hDFSCs through anti-oxidative stress mediated by autophagy

The long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) small nucleolar RNA host gene 1 (SNHG1) plays a crucial role in tumorigenesis and is frequently employed as a prognostic biomarker. However, its involvement in the osteogenic differentiation of oral stem cells, particularly human dental follicle stem cells (hDFSCs), remains unclear. Our investigation revealed that the absence of SNHG1 enhances the osteogenic differentiation of hDFSCs. Furthermore, the downregulation of SNHG1 induces autophagy in hDFSCs, leading to a reduction in intracellular oxidative stress levels. Notably, this effect is orchestrated through the epigenetic regulation of EZH2. Our study unveils a novel function of SNHG1 in governing the osteogenic differentiation of hDFSCs, offering fresh insights for an in-depth exploration of the molecular mechanisms underlying dental follicle development. These findings not only provide a foundation for advancing the understanding of SNHG1 but also present innovative perspectives for promoting the repair and regeneration of periodontal supporting tissue, ultimately contributing to the restoration of periodontal health and tooth function.

Linc00673-V3 positively regulates autophagy by promoting Smad3-mediated LC3B transcription in NSCLC

Since its first discovery, long noncoding RNA Linc00673 has been linked to carcinogenesis and metastasis of various human cancers. Linc00673 had five transcriptional isoforms and their biological functions remained to be explored. Here we have reported that Linc00673-V3, one of the isoforms of Linc00673, promoted non-small cell lung cancer chemoresistance, and increased Linc00673-V3 expression level was associated with enhanced autophagy. Mechanistically, we discerned the existence of a stem-loop configuration engendered by the 1-100-nt and 2200-2275-nt fragments within Linc00673-V3. This structure inherently interacted with Smad3, thereby impeding its ubiquitination and subsequent degradation orchestrated by E3 ligase STUB1. The accumulation of Smad3 contributed to autophagy via up-regulation of LC3B transcription and ultimately conferred chemoresistance in NSCLC. Our results revealed a novel transcriptional regulation network between Linc00673-V3, Smad3, and LC3B, which provided an important insight into the interplay between autophagy regulation and non-canonical function of Smad3. Furthermore, the results from in vivo experiments suggested Linc00673-V3 targeted antisense oligonucleotide as a promising therapeutic strategy to overcome chemotherapy resistance in NSCLC.

Long non-coding RNA PXN-AS1 promotes glutamine synthetase-mediated chronic myeloid leukemia BCR::ABL1-independent resistance to Imatinib via cell cycle signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a common hematological malignancy, and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) represent the primary therapeutic approach for CML. Activation of metabolism signaling pathway has been connected with BCR::ABL1-independent TKIs resistance in CML cells. However, the specific mechanism by which metabolism signaling mediates this drug resistance remains unclear. Here, we identified one relationship between glutamine synthetase (GS) and BCR::ABL1-independent Imatinib resistance in CML cells.

METHODS

GS and PXN-AS1 in bone marrow samples of CML patients with Imatinib resistance (IR) were screened and detected by whole transcriptome sequencing. GS expression was upregulated using LVs and blocked using shRNAs respectively, then GS expression, Gln content, and cell cycle progression were respectively tested. The CML IR mice model were established by tail vein injection, prognosis of CML IR mice model were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier analysis, the ratio of spleen/body weight, HE staining, and IHC. PXN-AS1 level was blocked using shRNAs, and the effects of PXN-AS1 on CML IR cells in vitro and in vivo were tested the same as GS. Several RNA-RNA tools were used to predict the potential target microRNAs binding to both GS and PXN-AS1. RNA mimics and RNA inhibitors were used to explore the mechanism through which PXN-AS1 regulates miR-635 or miR-635 regulates GS.

RESULTS

GS was highly expressed in the bone marrow samples of CML patients with Imatinib resistance. In addition, the lncRNA PXN-AS1 was found to mediate GS expression and disorder cell cycle in CML IR cells via mTOR signaling pathway. PXN-AS1 regulated GS expression by binding to miR-635. Additionally, knockdown of PXN-AS1 attenuated BCR::ABL1-independent Imatinib resistance in CML cells via PXN-AS1/miR-635/GS/Gln/mTOR signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Thus, PXN-AS1 promotes GS-mediated BCR::ABL1-independent Imatinib resistance in CML cells via cell cycle signaling pathway.

PW06 suppresses cancer cell metastasis in human pancreatic carcinoma MIA PaCa-2 cells via the inhibitions of p-Akt/mTOR/NF-κB and MMP2/MMP9 signaling pathways in vitro

PW06 [(E)-3-(9-ethyl-9H-carbazol-3-yl)-1-(2,5-dimethoxyphenyl) prop-2-en-1-one], a kind of the carbazole derivative containing chalcone moiety, induced cell apoptosis in human pancreatic carcinoma in vitro. There is no investigation to show that PW06 inhibits cancer cell metastasis in human pancreatic carcinoma in vitro. Herein, PW06 (0.1-0.8 μM) significantly exists in the antimetastatic activities of human pancreatic carcinoma MIA PaCa-2 cells in vitro. Wound healing assay shows PW06 at 0.2 μM suppressed cell mobility by 7.45 and 16.55% at 6 and 24 hours of treatments. PW06 at 0.1 and 0.2 μM reduced cell mobility by 14.72 and 21.8% for 48 hours of treatment. Transwell chamber assay indicated PW06 (0.1-0.2 μM) suppressed the cell migration (decreased 26.67-35.42%) and invasion (decreased 48.51-68.66%). Atomic force microscopy assay shows PW06 (0.2 μM) significantly changed the shape of cell morphology. The gelatin zymography assay indicates PW06 decreased MMP2's and MMP9's activities at 48 hours of treatment. Western blotting assay further confirms PW06 reduced levels of MMP2 and MMP9 and increased protein expressions of EGFR, SOS1, and Ras. PW06 also increased the p-JNK, p-ERK, and p-p38. PW06 increased the expression of PI3K, PTEN, Akt, GSK3α/β, and E-cadherin. Nevertheless, results also show PW06 decreased p-Akt, mTOR, NF-κB, p-GSK3β, β-catenin, Snail, N-cadherin, and vimentin in MIA PaCa-2 cells. The confocal laser microscopy examination shows PW06 increased E-cadherin but decreased vimentin in MIA PaCa-2 cells. Together, our findings strongly suggest that PW06 inhibited the p-Akt/mTOR/NF-κB/MMPs pathways, increased E-cadherin, and decreased N-cadherin/vimentin, suppressing the migration and invasion in MIA PaCa-2 cells in vitro.

LncRNAs as nodes for the cross-talk between autophagy and Wnt signaling in pancreatic cancer drug resistance

Pancreatic cancer is a malignancy with high mortality. In addition to the few symptoms until the disease reaches an advanced stage, the high fatality rate is attributed to its rapid development, drug resistance and lack of appropriate treatment. In the selection and research of therapeutic drugs, gemcitabine is the first-line drug for pancreatic cancer. Solving the problem of gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer will contribute to the progress of pancreatic cancer treatment. Long non coding RNAs (lncRNAs), which are RNA transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides, play vital roles in cellular physiological metabolic activities. Currently, our group and others have found that some lncRNAs are aberrantly expressed in pancreatic cancer cells, which can regulate the process of cancer through autophagy and Wnt/β-catenin pathways simultaneously and affect the sensitivity of cancer cells to therapeutic drugs. This review presents an overview of the recent evidence concerning the node of lncRNA for the cross-talk between autophagy and Wnt/β-catenin signaling in pancreatic cancer, together with the practicability of lncRNAs and the core regulatory factors as targets in therapeutic resistance.

Hyperthermia improves gemcitabine sensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells by suppressing the EFNA4/β-catenin axis and activating dCK

BACKGROUND

Previously, our investigations have underscored the potential of hyperthermia to improve the therapeutic efficacy of gemcitabine (GEM) in pancreatic cancer (PC). Nonetheless, the precise underlying mechanisms remain elusive.

METHODS

We engineered two GEM-resistant PC cell lines (BxPC-3/GEM and PANC-1/GEM) and treated them with GEM alongside hyperthermia. The impact of hyperthermia on the therapeutic potency of GEM was ascertained through MTT assay, assessment of the concentration of its active metabolite dFdCTP, and evaluation of deoxycytidine kinase (dCK) activity. Lentivirus-mediated dCK silencing was further employed to validate its involvement in mediating the GEM-sensitizing effect of hyperthermia. The mechanism underlying hyperthermia-mediated dCK activation was explored using bioinformatics analyses. The interplay between hyperthermia and the ephrin A4 (EFNA4)/β-catenin/dCK axis was investigated, and their roles in GEM resistance was further explored via the establishment of xenograft tumor models in nude mice.

RESULTS

Hyperthermia restored dCK expression in GEM-resistant cell lines, concurrently enhancing GEM sensitivity and fostering DNA damage and cell death. These observed effects were negated by dCK silencing. Regarding the mechanism, hyperthermia activated dCK by downregulating EFNA4 expression and mitigating β-catenin activation. Overexpression of EFNA4 activated the β-catenin while suppressing dCK, thus diminishing cellular GEM sensitivity-a phenomenon remediated by the β-catenin antagonist MSAB. Consistently, in vivo, hyperthermia augmented the therapeutic efficacy of GEM on xenograft tumors through modulation of the ephrin A4/β-catenin/dCK axis.

CONCLUSION

This study delineates the role of hyperthermia in enhancing GEM sensitivity of PC cells, primarily mediated through the suppression of the EFNA4/β-catenin axis and activation of dCK.

SALL4 in gastrointestinal tract cancers: upstream and downstream regulatory mechanisms

Effective therapeutic targets and early diagnosis are major challenges in the treatment of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) cancers. SALL4 is a well-known transcription factor that is involved in organogenesis during embryonic development. Previous studies have revealed that SALL4 regulates cell proliferation, survival, and migration and maintains stem cell function in mature cells. Additionally, SALL4 overexpression is associated with tumorigenesis. Despite its characterization as a biomarker in various cancers, the role of SALL4 in GIT cancers and the underlying mechanisms are unclear. We describe the functions of SALL4 in GIT cancers and discuss its upstream/downstream genes and pathways associated with each cancer. We also consider the possibility of targeting these genes or pathways as potential therapeutic options for GIT cancers.

Propofol-induced LINC01133 inhibits the progression of colorectal cancer via miR-186-5p/NR3C2 axis

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a formidable threat to human well-being, characterized by a largely enigmatic occurrence and progression mechanism. A growing body of literature has underscored the potential influence of propofol, a frequently administered anesthetic, on clinical outcomes in malignant tumor patients. However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying the impact of propofol on the progression of CRC have yet to be fully elucidated. This study reveals a notable upregulation of LINC01133 expression in CRC cells subsequent to propofol treatment, which is mediated by FOXO1. Subsequently, a series of experiments were conducted to elucidate the role and mechanisms underlying propofol-induced LINC01133 in CRC development. Our study uncovers that the upregulation of LINC01133 exerts a substantial inhibitory effect on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of CRC cells. Further investigation revealed that LINC01133 can attenuate the proliferation, invasion, and migration of CRC cell lines through the miR-186-5p/NR3C2 axis. Results from in vivo experiments unequivocally demonstrated a significant reduction in the growth rate of subcutaneous implant tumors upon LINC01133 overexpression in CRC cells. These findings posit that propofol induces LINC01133 expression, leading to the inhibition of CRC progression. This revelation offers a novel perspective on propofol's antitumor properties and underscores the potential of LINC01133 as a promising therapeutic target for CRC.

Sense and anti-sense: Role of FAM83A and FAM83A-AS1 in Wnt, EGFR, PI3K, EMT pathways and tumor progression

An increasing number of studies have shown that FAM83A, a member of the family with sequence similarity 83 (FAM83), which consists of eight members, is a key tumor therapeutic target involved in multiple signaling pathways. It has been reported that FAM83A plays essential roles in the regulation of Wnt/β-catenin, EGFR, MAPK, EMT, and other signaling pathways and physiological processes in models of pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, and other malignant tumors. Moreover, the expression of FAM83A could be significantly affected by multiple noncoding RNAs that are dysregulated in malignant tumors, the dysregulation of which is essential for the malignant process. Among these noncoding RNAs, the most noteworthy is the antisense long noncoding (Lnc) RNA of FAM83A itself (FAM83A-AS1), indicating an outstanding synergistic carcinogenic effect between FAM83A and FAM83A-AS1. In the present study, the specific mechanisms by which FAM83A and FAM83A-AS1 cofunction in the Wnt/β-catenin and EGFR signaling pathways were reviewed in detail, which will guide subsequent research. We also described the applications of FAM83A and FAM83A-AS1 in tumor therapy and provided a certain theoretical basis for subsequent drug target development and combination therapy strategies.

Long non-coding RNA MLLT4 antisense RNA 1 induces autophagy to inhibit tumorigenesis of cervical cancer through modulating the myosin-9/ATG14 axis

The regulatory mechanism of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in autophagy is as yet not well established. In this research, we show that the long non-coding RNA MLLT4 antisense RNA 1 (lncRNA MLLT4-AS1) is induced by the MTORC inhibitor PP242 and rapamycin in cervical cells. Overexpression of MLLT4-AS1 promotes autophagy and inhibits tumorigenesis and the migration of cervical cancer cells, whereas knockdown of MLLT4-AS1 attenuates PP242-induced autophagy. Mass spectrometry, RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (RNA-FISH), and immunoprecipitation assays were performed to identify the direct interactions between MLLT4-AS1 and other associated targets, such as myosin-9 and autophagy-related 14(ATG14). MLLT4-AS1 was upregulated by H3K27ac modification with PP242 treatment, and knockdown of MLLT4-AS1 reversed autophagy by modulating ATG14 expression. Mechanically, MLLT4-AS1 was associated with the myosin-9 protein, which further promoted the transcription activity of the ATG14 gene. In conclusion, we demonstrated that MLLT4-AS1 acts as a potential tumor suppressor in cervical cancer by inducing autophagy, and H3K27ac modification-induced upregulation of MLLT4-AS1 could cause autophagy by associating with myosin-9 and promoting ATG14 transcription.

CircTBC1D22A inhibits the progression of colorectal cancer through autophagy regulated via miR-1825/ATG14 axis

Distant metastasis is the main cause of death in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). A better understanding of the mechanisms of metastasis can greatly improve the outcome of patients with CRC. Accumulating evidence suggests that circRNA plays pivotal roles in cancer progression and metastasis, especially acting as a miRNA sponge to regulate the expression of the target gene. A public database bioinformatics analysis found that miR-1825 was highly expressed in CRC tissues. In this study, miR-1825 was highly expressed in CRC tissues, which was positively correlated with lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis. In vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed that miR-1825 was positively correlated with the proliferation and migration of CRC cells. This event can be inhibited by circTBC1D22A. CircTBC1D22A can directly interact with miR-1825 and subsequently act as a miRNA sponge to regulate the expression of the target gene ATG14, which collectively advances the autophagy-mediated progression and metastasis of CRC.

The roles of lncRNAs and miRNAs in pancreatic cancer: a focus on cancer development and progression and their roles as potential biomarkers

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is among the most penetrative malignancies affecting humans, with mounting incidence prevalence worldwide. This cancer is usually not diagnosed in the early stages. There is also no effective therapy against PDAC, and most patients have chemo-resistance. The combination of these factors causes PDAC to have a poor prognosis, and often patients do not live longer than six months. Because of the failure of conventional therapies, the identification of key biomarkers is crucial in the early diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of pancreatic cancer. 65% of the human genome encodes ncRNAs. There are different types of ncRNAs that are classified based on their sequence lengths and functions. They play a vital role in replication, transcription, translation, and epigenetic regulation. They also participate in some cellular processes, such as proliferation, differentiation, metabolism, and apoptosis. The roles of ncRNAs as tumor suppressors or oncogenes in the growth of tumors in a variety of tissues, including the pancreas, have been demonstrated in several studies. This study discusses the key roles of some lncRNAs and miRNAs in the growth and advancement of pancreatic carcinoma. Because they are involved not only in the premature identification, chemo-resistance and prognostication, also their roles as potential biomarkers for better management of PDAC patients.

Linc00707 regulates autophagy and promotes the progression of triple negative breast cancer by activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a pathological subtype of breast cancer (BC) with high malignancy, strong invasiveness and poor prognosis. Long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) plays an important role during tumorigenesis. We identified that Linc00707 was upregulated in TNBC tissues by TCGA database and RT-qPCR assay, compared with normal breast tissues and other subtypes of BC. Linc00707 promoted TNBC cells proliferation, migration and invasion. Furthermore, we found that knockdown of Linc00707 influenced autophagy via PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in TNBC cells. Linc00707 affected the progress of TNBC cells through affecting autophagy. Further mechanistic experiments confirmed that Linc00707 could competitively bind with miR-423-5p to up-regulate MARCH2 expression, ultimately promoting TNBC progression and autophagy through PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. In conclusion, we demonstrate that Linc00707 is a key molecule in tumor progression and may be an effective target for patients with TNBC.

M1 Macrophage-Derived Exosome LncRNA PVT1 Promotes Inflammation and Pyroptosis of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm by Inhibiting miR-186-5p and Regulating HMGB1

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a chronic vascular degenerative disease. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are essential for maintaining the integrity of healthy blood vessels. Macrophages play an important role in the inflammatory process of AAA. However, the effect of macrophage-derived exosome LncRNA PVT1 on VSMCs is unclear. Exosomes from M1 macrophages (M1φ-exos) were isolated and identified. The expression of LncRNA PVT1 in M1φ-exos was determined. AAA cell model was constructed by treating VSMCs with Ang-II. AAA cell model was treated with M1φ exosomes transfected with si-LncRNA PVT1 (M1φsi-LncRNA PVT1-exo). VSMCs were transfected with miR-186-5p mimic and oe-HMGB1. Cell viability was detected by CCK-8. The accumulation of LDH was detected by ELISA. Western blot was used to detect the expression of HMGB1, inflammatory factors (IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β) and pyroptosis-related proteins (GSDMD, N-GSDMD, ASC, NLRP3, Caspase-1 and Cleaved-Capase-1). Cell pyroptosis rate was detected by flow cytometry. At the same time, the targeting relationship between miR-186-5p and LncRNA PVT1 and HMGB1 was verified by double fluorescein experiment. Exosomes from M1φ were successfully extracted. The expression of LncRNA PVT1 in M1φ-exos was significantly increased. M1φ-exo promotes inflammation and pyroptosis of VSMCs. M1φsi-LncRNA PVT1-exos inhibited the inflammation and pyroptosis of VSMCs. LncRNA PVT1 can sponge miR-186-5p mimic to regulate HMGB1 expression. MiR-186-5p mimic further inhibited inflammation and pyroptosis induced by M1φsi-LncRNA PVT1-exos. However, oe-HMGB1 could inhibit the reversal effect of miR-186-5p mimic. LncRNA PVT1 in exosomes secreted by M1φ can regulate HMGB1 by acting as ceRNA on sponge miR-186-5p, thereby promoting cell inflammatory and pyroptosis and accelerating AAA progression.

The interaction between lncRNAs and transcription factors regulating autophagy in human cancers: A comprehensive and therapeutical survey

Autophagy, as a highly conserved cellular process, participates in cellular homeostasis by degradation and recycling of damaged organelles and proteins. Besides, autophagy has been evidenced to play a dual role through cancer initiation and progression. In the early stage, it may have a tumor-suppressive function through inducing apoptosis and removing damaged cells and organelles. However, late stages promote tumor progression by maintaining stemness features and induction of chemoresistance. Therefore, identifying and targeting molecular mechanisms involved in autophagy is a potential therapeutic strategy for human cancers. Multiple transcription factors (TFs) are involved in the regulation of autophagy by modulating the expression of autophagy-related genes (ATGs). In addition, a wide array of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), a group of regulatory ncRNAs, have been evidenced to regulate the function of these autophagy-related TFs through tumorigenesis. Subsequently, the lncRNAs/TFs/ATGs axis shows great potential as a therapeutic target for human cancers. Therefore, this review aimed to summarize new findings about the role of lncRNAs in regulating autophagy-related TFs with therapeutic perspectives.

Non-coding RNAs are involved in tumor cell death and affect tumorigenesis, progression, and treatment: a systematic review

Cell death is ubiquitous during development and throughout life and is a genetically determined active and ordered process that plays a crucial role in regulating homeostasis. Cell death includes regulated cell death and non-programmed cell death, and the common types of regulatory cell death are necrosis, apoptosis, necroptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis. Apoptosis, Necrosis and necroptosis are more common than autophagy, ferroptosis and pyroptosis among cell death. Non-coding RNAs are regulatory RNA molecules that do not encode proteins and include mainly microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs. Non-coding RNAs can act as oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, with significant effects on tumor occurrence and development, and they can also regulate tumor cell autophagy, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis at the transcriptional or post-transcriptional level. This paper reviews the recent research progress on the effects of the non-coding RNAs involved in autophagy, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis on tumorigenesis, tumor development, and treatment, and looks forward to the future direction of this field, which will help to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of tumorigenesis and tumor development, as well as provide a new vision for the treatment of tumors.

Long non-coding RNAs and tyrosine kinase-mediated drug resistance in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most malignant tumors with a dismal survival rate, this is primarily due to inevitable chemoresistance. Dysfunctional tyrosine kinases (TKs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) affect the drug resistance and prognosis of PC. Here, we summarize the mechanisms by which TKs or lncRNAs mediate drug resistance and other malignant phenotypes. We also discuss that lncRNAs play oncogenic or tumor suppressor roles and different mechanisms including lncRNA-proteins/microRNAs to mediate drug resistance. Furthermore, we highlight that lncRNAs serve as upstream regulators of TKs mediating drug resistance. Finally, we display the clinical significance of TKs (AXL, EGFR, IGF1R, and MET), clinical trials, and lncRNAs (LINC00460, PVT1, HIF1A-AS1). In the future, TKs and lncRNAs may become diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers or drug targets to overcome the drug resistance of PC.

The dual role of autophagy in the regulation of cancer treatment

As a catabolic process, autophagy through lysosomes degrades defective and damaged cellular materials to support homeostasis in stressful conditions. Therefore, autophagy dysregulation is associated with the induction of several human pathologies, including cancer. Although the role of autophagy in cancer progression has been extensively studied, many issues need to be addressed. The available evidence suggest that autophagy shows both cytoprotective and cytotoxic mechanisms. This dual role of autophagy in cancer has supplied a renewed interest in the development of novel and effective cancer therapies. Considering this, a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms of autophagy in cancer treatment is crucial. This article provides a summary of the recent advances regarding the dual and different mechanisms of autophagy-mediated therapeutic efficacy in cancer.

Wnt/β-catenin signalling activates IMPDH2-mediated purine metabolism to facilitate oxaliplatin resistance by inhibiting caspase-dependent apoptosis in colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Oxaliplatin resistance usually leads to therapeutic failure and poor prognosis in colorectal cancer (CRC), while the underlying mechanisms are not yet fully understood. Metabolic reprogramming is strongly linked to drug resistance, however, the role and mechanism of metabolic reprogramming in oxaliplatin resistance remain unclear. Here, we aim to explore the functions and mechanisms of purine metabolism on the oxaliplatin-induced apoptosis of CRC.

METHODS

An oxaliplatin-resistant CRC cell line was generated, and untargeted metabolomics analysis was conducted. The inosine 5'-monophosphate dehydrogenase type II (IMPDH2) expression in CRC cell lines was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blotting analysis. The effects of IMPDH2 overexpression, knockdown and pharmacological inhibition on oxaliplatin resistance in CRC were assessed by flow cytometry analysis of cell apoptosis in vivo and in vitro.

RESULTS

Metabolic analysis revealed that the levels of purine metabolites, especially guanosine monophosphate (GMP), were markedly elevated in oxaliplatin-resistant CRC cells. The accumulation of purine metabolites mainly arose from the upregulation of IMPDH2 expression. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) indicated high IMPDH2 expression in CRC correlates with PURINE_METABOLISM and MULTIPLE-DRUG-RESISTANCE pathways. CRC cells with higher IMPDH2 expression were more resistant to oxaliplatin-induced apoptosis. Overexpression of IMPDH2 in CRC cells resulted in reduced cell death upon treatment with oxaliplatin, whereas knockdown of IMPDH2 led to increased sensitivity to oxaliplatin through influencing the activation of the Caspase 7/8/9 and PARP1 proteins on cell apoptosis. Targeted inhibition of IMPDH2 by mycophenolic acid (MPA) or mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) enhanced cell apoptosis in vitro and decreased in vivo tumour burden when combined with oxaliplatin treatment. Mechanistically, the Wnt/β-catenin signalling was hyperactivated in oxaliplatin-resistant CRC cells, and a reciprocal positive regulatory mechanism existed between Wnt/β-catenin and IMPDH2. Blocking the Wnt/β-catenin pathway could resensitize resistant cells to oxaliplatin, which could be restored by the addition of GMP.

CONCLUSIONS

IMPDH2 is a predictive biomarker and therapeutic target for oxaliplatin resistance in CRC.

TLR2 and TLR9 Blockade Using Specific Intrabodies Inhibits Inflammation-Mediated Pancreatic Cancer Cell Growth

Pancreatic cancer (pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, PDAC) remains a deadly cancer worldwide with a need for new therapeutic approaches. A dysregulation in the equilibrium between pro- and anti-inflammatory responses with a predominant immunosuppressive inflammatory reaction in advanced stage tumors seem to contribute to tumor growth and metastasis. The current therapies do not include strategies against pro-tumorigenic inflammation in cancer patients. We have shown that the upregulated cell surface expression of Toll-like Receptor (TLR) 2 and of TLR9 inside PDAC cells maintain chronic inflammatory responses, support chemotherapeutic resistance, and mediate tumor progression in human pancreatic cancer. We further demonstrated intracellular TLR2 and TLR9 targeting using specific intrabodies, which resulted in downregulated inflammatory signaling. In this study, we tested, for the first time, an intrabody-mediated TLR blockade in human TLR2- and TLR9-expressing pancreatic cancer cells for its effects on inflammatory signaling-mediated tumor growth. Newly designed anti-TLR2- and anti-TLR9-specific intrabodies inhibited PDAC growth. Co-expression analysis of the intrabodies and corresponding human TLRs showed efficient retention and accumulation of both intrabodies within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), while co-immunoprecipitation studies indicated both intrabodies interacting with their cognate TLR antigen within the pancreatic cancer cells. Cancer cells with attenuated proliferation expressing accumulated TLR2 and TRL9 intrabodies demonstrated reduced STAT3 phosphorylation signaling, while apoptotic markers Caspases 3 and 8 were upregulated. To conclude, our results demonstrate the TLR2 and TLR9-specific intrabody-mediated signaling pathway inhibition of autoregulatory inflammation inside cancer cells and their proliferation, resulting in the suppression of pancreatic tumor cell growth. These findings underscore the potential of specific intrabody-mediated TLR inhibition in the ER relevant for tumor growth inhibition and open up a new therapeutic intervention strategy for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) PVT1 in drug resistance of cancers: Focus on pathological mechanisms

According to estimates, cancer will be the leading cause of death globally in 2022, accounting for 9.6 million deaths. At present, the three main therapeutic modalities utilized to treat cancer are radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. However, during treatment, tumor cells resistant to chemotherapy may arise. Drug resistance remains a major oppose since it often leads to therapeutic failure. Furthermore, the term "acquired drug resistance" describes the situation where tumor cells already display drug resistance before undergoing chemotherapy. However, little is still known about the basic mechanisms underlying chemotherapy-induced drug resistance. The development of new technologies and bioinformatics has led to the discovery of additional genes associated with drug resistance. Long noncoding RNA plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (PVT1) has been linked to an increased risk of cancer, according to a growing body of research. Apart from biological functions associated with cell division, development, pluripotency, and cell cycle, lncRNA PVT1 contributes significantly to the regulation of various aspects of genome function, such as transcription, splicing, and epigenetics. The article will address the mechanism by which lncRNA PVT1 influences drug resistance in cancer cells.

Research progress and perspectives of noncoding RNAs in adrenocortical carcinoma: A review

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare and highly aggressive endocrine malignancy. Although surgery can cure localized disease, but the majority of patients experience recurrence of ACC. The 5-year survival rate of patients with metastatic ACC is <15%, and the prognosis is poor. Therefore, it is urgent to explore the potential diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for ACC. Recently, it has been proved that non-coding RNA (ncRNAs) is widely involved in pathological and physiological processes, including tumorigenesis and development. Aberrantly expressed ncRNAs have been found to be involved in the pathogenesis of ACC. Here, we summarized the expression patterns and the molecular mechanism of the involvement of microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) in ACC development. To explore the clinical value of ncRNAs as noninvasive biomarkers of ACC, we also displayed the relationship between the expression level of ncRNAs and the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with ACC.

Orchestrating Cellular Balance: ncRNAs and RNA Interactions at the Dominant of Autophagy Regulation in Cancer

Autophagy, a complex and highly regulated cellular process, is critical for the maintenance of cellular homeostasis by lysosomal degradation of cellular debris, intracellular pathogens, and dysfunctional organelles. It has become an interesting and attractive topic in cancer because of its dual role as a tumor suppressor and cell survival mechanism. As a highly conserved pathway, autophagy is strictly regulated by diverse non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), ranging from short and flexible miRNAs to lncRNAs and even circRNAs, which largely contribute to autophagy regulatory networks via complex RNA interactions. The potential roles of RNA interactions during autophagy, especially in cancer procession and further anticancer treatment, will aid our understanding of related RNAs in autophagy in tumorigenesis and cancer treatment. Herein, we mainly summarized autophagy-related mRNAs and ncRNAs, also providing RNA-RNA interactions and their potential roles in cancer prognosis, which may deepen our understanding of the relationships between various RNAs during autophagy and provide new insights into autophagy-related therapeutic strategies in personalized medicine.

SynergyX: a multi-modality mutual attention network for interpretable drug synergy prediction

Discovering effective anti-tumor drug combinations is crucial for advancing cancer therapy. Taking full account of intricate biological interactions is highly important in accurately predicting drug synergy. However, the extremely limited prior knowledge poses great challenges in developing current computational methods. To address this, we introduce SynergyX, a multi-modality mutual attention network to improve anti-tumor drug synergy prediction. It dynamically captures cross-modal interactions, allowing for the modeling of complex biological networks and drug interactions. A convolution-augmented attention structure is adopted to integrate multi-omic data in this framework effectively. Compared with other state-of-the-art models, SynergyX demonstrates superior predictive accuracy in both the General Test and Blind Test and cross-dataset validation. By exhaustively screening combinations of approved drugs, SynergyX reveals its ability to identify promising drug combination candidates for potential lung cancer treatment. Another notable advantage lies in its multidimensional interpretability. Taking Sorafenib and Vorinostat as an example, SynergyX serves as a powerful tool for uncovering drug-gene interactions and deciphering cell selectivity mechanisms. In summary, SynergyX provides an illuminating and interpretable framework, poised to catalyze the expedition of drug synergy discovery and deepen our comprehension of rational combination therapy.

ISG15 Promotes Progression and Gemcitabine Resistance of Pancreatic Cancer Cells Through ATG7

Chemoresistance is an obstacle of improving pancreatic cancer (PC) prognosis. However, the biological function of ISG15 in PC and whether it correlates with the resistance to chemotherapy are still unknown. Here, we aimed to reveal the clinical significance of ISG15 in PC and its regulatory mechanism in cancer progression and resistance to therapy. The level of ISG15, a protein involved in post-translational modifications, is elevated in PC tissues. Clinically, higher ISG15 expression correlates with higher PC grades, stronger resistance to treatment and poorer prognosis. Moreover, ISG15 promotes the proliferation, migration, invasion, colony formation of PC cells and resistance to Gemcitabine, a classic chemotherapeutics for PC, both in vitro and in vivo. ISG15 promotes progression and resistance to therapy in PC cells by binding to ATG7, reducing its degradation, and thereby leading to enhanced autophagy in PC cells. ISG15 may be used as both a potential diagnosis marker and sensitizer for chemotherapeutics such as Gemcitabine during PC intervention.

Metabolic reprogramming based on RNA sequencing of gemcitabine-resistant cells reveals the FASN gene as a therapeutic for bladder cancer

Bladder cancer (BLCA) is the most frequent malignant tumor of the genitourinary system. Postoperative chemotherapy drug perfusion and chemotherapy are important means for the treatment of BLCA. However, once drug resistance occurs, BLCA develops rapidly after recurrence. BLCA cells rely on unique metabolic rewriting to maintain their growth and proliferation. However, the relationship between the metabolic pattern changes and drug resistance in BLCA is unclear. At present, this problem lacks systematic research. In our research, we identified and analyzed resistance- and metabolism-related differentially expressed genes (RM-DEGs) based on RNA sequencing of a gemcitabine-resistant BLCA cell line and metabolic-related genes (MRGs). Then, we established a drug resistance- and metabolism-related model (RM-RM) through regression analysis to predict the overall survival of BLCA. We also confirmed that RM-RM had a significant correlation with tumor metabolism, gene mutations, tumor microenvironment, and adverse drug reactions. Patients with a high drug resistance- and metabolism-related risk score (RM-RS) showed more active lipid synthesis than those with a low RM-RS. Further in vitro and in vivo studies were implemented using Fatty Acid Synthase (FASN), a representative gene, which promotes gemcitabine resistance, and its inhibitor (TVB-3166) that can reverse this resistance effect.

Targeting PKM2 improves the gemcitabine sensitivity of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma cells via inhibiting β-catenin signaling pathway

Gemcitabine is considered the standard first-line chemotherapeutic agent for patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). However, its therapeutic efficacy is hampered by the development of chemoresistance. Pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), a crucial mediator of the final step in glycolysis, has been implicated in the origination and advancement of diverse malignancies. Its expression is increased in many tumor types and this may correlate with increased drug sensitivity. However, the specific effect of PKM2 on the gemcitabine sensitivity in ICC remains to be elucidated. In this research, we aimed to elucidate the role and functional significance of PKM2 in ICC, as well as the heightened susceptibility of ICC cells to gemcitabine by targeting PKM2 and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence analyses revealed elevated expression of PKM2 in both tumor cells and macrophages in human ICC tissues. Reducing PKM2 levels significantly restrained the proliferation of tumor cells, impeded cell cycle advance, induced programmed cell death, and suppressed metastasis. In addition, knockdown or pharmacological inhibition of PKM2 could enhance the response of ICC cells to gemcitabine in vitro. Interestingly, conditioned medium co-culture system suggested that conditioned medium from M2 macrophages increased gemcitabine sensitivity of ICC cells. However, silencing PKM2 or pharmacological inhibition of PKM2 in M2 macrophages did not ameliorate the gemcitabine resistance mediated by M2 macrophages derived conditioned medium. Mechanistically, downregulation of PKM2 repressed the expression of β-catenin and its downstream transcriptional targets, thereby hindering the propagation of β-catenin signaling cascade. Finally, the results of the subcutaneous xenograft experiment in nude mice provided compelling evidence of a synergistic interaction between PKM2-IN-1 and gemcitabine in vivo. In summary, we reported that PKM2 may function as an advantageous target for increasing the sensitivity of ICC to gemcitabine treatment. Targeting PKM2 improves the gemcitabine sensitivity of ICC cells via inhibiting β-catenin signaling pathway.

Novel Insights on Ferroptosis Modulation as Potential Strategy for Cancer Treatment: When Nature Kills

Significance: The multifactorial nature of the mechanisms implicated in cancer development still represents a major issue for the success of established antitumor therapies. The discovery of ferroptosis, a novel form of programmed cell death distinct from apoptosis, along with the identification of the molecular pathways activated during its execution, has led to the uncovering of novel molecules characterized by ferroptosis-inducing properties. Recent advances: As of today, the ferroptosis-inducing properties of compounds derived from natural sources have been investigated and interesting findings have been reported both in vitro and in vivo. Critical Issues: Despite the efforts made so far, only a limited number of synthetic compounds have been identified as ferroptosis inducers, and their utilization is still limited to basic research. In this review, we analyzed the most important biochemical pathways involved in ferroptosis execution, with particular attention to the newest literature findings on canonical and non-canonical hallmarks, together with mechanisms of action of natural compounds identified as novel ferroptosis inducers. Compounds have been classified based on their chemical structure, and modulation of ferroptosis-related biochemical pathways has been reported. Future Directions: The outcomes herein collected represent a fascinating starting point from which to take hints for future drug discovery studies aimed at identifying ferroptosis-inducing natural compounds for anticancer therapies. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 40, 40-85.

Autophagy-related lncRNAs in tumor progression and drug resistance: A double-edged sword

The incidence and mortality rates of cancer are increasing every year worldwide but the survival rate of cancer patients is still unsatisfactory. Therefore, it is necessary to further elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in tumor development and drug resistance to improve cancer cure or survival rates. In recent years, autophagy has become a hot topic in the field of oncology research, which plays a double-edged role in tumorigenesis, progression, and drug resistance. Meanwhile, long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) has also been shown to regulate autophagy, and the two-sided nature of autophagy determines the dual regulatory role of autophagy-related lncRNAs (ARlncRNAs). Therefore, ARlncRNAs can be effective therapeutic targets for various cancers. Furthermore, the high abundance and stability of ARlncRNAs in tumor tissues make them promising biomarkers. In this review, we summarized the roles and mechanisms of ARlncRNAs in tumor cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, drug resistance, angiogenesis, radiation resistance, and immune regulation. In addition, we described the clinical significance of these ARlncRNAs, including as biomarkers/therapeutic targets and their association with clinical drugs.

Silencing long noncoding RNA LINC01133 suppresses pancreatic cancer through regulation of microRNA-1299-dependent IGF2BP3

The deregulation of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) holds great potential in the treatment of multiple cancers, including pancreatic cancer (PC). However, the specific molecular mechanisms by which LINC01133 contributes to pancreatic cancer remain unknown. Subsequent to bioinformatics analysis, we predicted and analyzed differentially expressed lncRNAs, microRNAs, and genes in pancreatic cancer. We determined the expression patterns of LINC01133, miR-1299, and insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 3 (IGF2BP3) in pancreatic cancer cells, and validated their interactions through luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation assays. We implemented loss-of-function and gain-of-function experiments for LINC01133, miR-1299, and IGF2BP3 to assay their potential effects on pancreatic cancer cell functions. We observed high expression of LINC01133 and IGF2BP3, but low expression of miR-1299, in pancreatic cancer cells. Furthermore, we found that LINC01133 enhances IGF2BP3 through binding with miR-1299. Silencing LINC01133 or IGF2BP3 and/or overexpressing miR-1299 limited pancreatic cancer cell proliferation, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and suppressed tumorigenic abilities in mice lacking T cells (nude mice). Overall, our findings identified that silencing LINC01133 downregulates IGF2BP3 by upregulating miR-1299 expression, ultimately leading to the prevention of pancreatic cancer.

n6-methyladenosine-modified circular RNA family with sequence similarity 126, member A affects cholesterol synthesis and malignant progression of prostate cancer cells by targeting microRNA-505-3p to mediate calnexin

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy in men. In tumor biology, n6-methyladenosine (m6A) can mediate the production of circular RNAs (circRNAs). This study focused on the mechanism of m6A-modified circRNA family with sequence similarity 126, member A (FAM126A) in PCa. Cell counting kit-8 assay, colony formation assay, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine assay, transwell assay, and xenograft mouse models were applied to study the role of circFAM126A in PCa cell growth and tumor metastasis, and cellular triglyceride and cholesterol levels were measured to assess cholesterol synthesis. RNA immunoprecipitation, RNA pull-down, luciferase reporter gene assay, and western blot were adopted to explore the underlying molecular mechanism. Data showed that circFAM126A was upregulated in PCa and promoted PCa progression in vitro. m6A modification of circFAM126A enhanced transcriptional stability. CircFAM126A targeted microRNA (miR)-505-3p to mediate calnexin (CANX). Up-regulating miR-505-3p or inhibiting CANX suppressed cholesterol synthesis and malignant progression in PCa cells. Overexpressing CANX suppressed the inhibitory effect of circFAM126A silencing or miR-505-3p upregulation on PCa cells. Our current findings provide a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of PCa.

Construction and identification of lncRNA/circRNA-coregulated ceRNA networks in gemcitabine-resistant bladder carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

To explore the regulatory networks that underlie the development of chemoresistance in bladder cancer.

METHODS

We analyzed profiles of differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs) and messenger RNA (mRNAs) in gemcitabine-resistant/sensitive bladder cancer cells using next-generation sequencing data.

RESULTS

Hundreds of differentially expressed lncRNAs and miRNAs and thousands of circRNAs and mRNAs were identified. Bioinformatics analysis revealed the chromosomal localizations, classification and coexpression of mRNAs, as well as candidates for cis and trans regulation by lncRNAs. Furthermore, Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis of differentially expressed mRNAs and circRNAs indicated important functional roles of coregulated RNAs, thus establishing competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) and protein-protein interactions networks that may underlie chemoresistance in bladder cancer. We demonstrated that lncRNA LINP1 can act as a ceRNA by inhibiting miR-193a-5p to increase TP73 expression; and that lncRNA ESRG and hsa_circ_0075881 can simultaneously bind miR-324-3p to increase ST6GAL1 expression. Modulation of ceRNA network components using ablation and overexpression approaches contributed to gemcitabine resistance in bladder cancer cells.

CONCLUSIONS

These results elucidate mechanisms by which lncRNAs and circRNAs coregulate the development of bladder cancer cell resistance to gemcitabine, thus laying the foundation for future research to identify biomarkers and disease targets.

Blockade of DDR1/PYK2/ERK signaling suggesting SH2 superbinder as a novel autophagy inhibitor for pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is highly lethal, of which 90% is pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), with a 5-year survival rate of less than 12%, lacking effective treatment options and late diagnosis. Furthermore, the tumors show an intense resistance to cytotoxic chemotherapies. As autophagy is elevated in PDAC, targeting the autophagic pathway is regarded as a promising strategy for cancer treatment. Immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy were utilized to assess the autophagic flux. Label-free quantitative phosphoproteomics was used to figure out critically altered tyrosine phosphorylation of the proteins. Tumor-bearing mice were used to validate that SH2 TrM-(Arg)9 restrained the growth of tumor cells. SH2 TrM-(Arg)9 inhibited collagen-induced autophagy via blocking the DDR1/PYK2/ERK signaling cascades. SH2 TrM-(Arg)9 improved the sensitivity of PANC-1/GEM cells to gemcitabine (GEM). Inhibition of autophagy by SH2 TrM-(Arg)9 may synergized with chemotherapy and robusted tumor suppression in pancreatic cancer xenografts. SH2 TrM-(Arg)9 could enter into PDAC cells and blockade autophagy through inhibiting DDR1/PYK2/ERK signaling and may be a new treatment strategy for targeted therapy of PDAC.

circPTK2 promotes proliferation, migration and invasion of trophoblast cells through the miR-619/WNT7B pathway in preeclampsia

It has been shown that the circular RNA (circRNA) circPTK2 modulates many types of diseases. However, the possible functions as well as the molecular mechanisms of circPTK2 in preeclampsia (PE) and their effects on trophoblast are unknown. Herein, we obtained the placental tissues from 20 pregnant women with PE who delivered in the Yueyang Maternal Child Medicine Health Hospital between 2019 and 2021 to serve as the PE group, and a normal group was composed of 20 healthy pregnant women with normal prenatal examinations. The circPTK2 level was significantly reduced in tissues from the PE group. The expression and localization of circPTK2 were verified using RT-qPCR. CircPTK2 silencing inhibited HTR-8/SVneo growth and migration in vitro. To investigate the underlying mechanism of circPTK2 in PE progression, dual-luciferase reporter assays were conducted. It was found that circPTK2 and WNT7B could bind directly to miR-619, and that circPTK2 affected WNT7B expression by sponging miR-619. To conclude, this study identified the functions and mechanisms of the circPTK2/miR-619/WNT7B axis in PE progression. In this way, circPTK2 has the potential to be used both in diagnostic and therapeutic settings for PE.

Site-specific delivery of cisplatin and paclitaxel mediated by liposomes: A promising approach in cancer chemotherapy

The site-specific delivery of drugs, especially anti-cancer drugs has been an interesting field for researchers and the reason is low accumulation of cytotoxic drugs in cancer cells. Although combination cancer therapy has been beneficial in providing cancer drug sensitivity, targeted delivery of drugs appears to be more efficient. One of the safe, biocompatible and efficient nano-scale delivery systems in anti-cancer drug delivery is liposomes. Their particle size is small and they have other properties such as adjustable physico-chemical properties, ease of functionalization and high entrapment efficiency. Cisplatin is a chemotherapy drug with clinical approval in patients, but its accumulation in cancer cells is low due to lack of targeted delivery and repeated administration results in resistance development. Gene and drug co-administration along with cisplatin/paclitaxel have resulted in increased sensitivity in tumor cells, but there is still space for more progress in cancer therapy. The delivery of cisplatin/paclitaxel by liposomes increases accumulation of drug in tumor cells and impairs activity of efflux pumps in promoting cytotoxicity. Moreover, phototherapy along with cisplatin/paclitaxel delivery can increase potential in tumor suppression. Smart nanoparticles including pH-sensitive nanoparticles provide site-specific delivery of cisplatin/paclitaxel. The functionalization of liposomes can be performed by ligands to increase targetability towards tumor cells in mediating site-specific delivery of cisplatin/paclitaxel. Finally, liposomes can mediate co-delivery of cisplatin/paclitaxel with drugs or genes in potentiating tumor suppression. Since drug resistance has caused therapy failure in cancer patients, and cisplatin/paclitaxel are among popular chemotherapy drugs, delivery of these drugs mediates targeted suppression of cancers and prevents development of drug resistance. Because of biocompatibility and safety of liposomes, they are currently used in clinical trials for treatment of cancer patients. In future, the optimal dose of using liposomes and optimal concentration of loading cisplatin/paclitaxel on liposomal nanocarriers in clinical trials should be determined.

IGF2 is upregulated by its antisense RNA to potentiate pancreatic cancer progression

Pancreatic cancer is a deadly cancer. More and more long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have received confirmation to be dysregulated in tumors and exert the regulatory function. Studies have suggested that lncRNA insulin-like growth factor 2 antisense RNA (IGF2-AS) participates in the development of some cancers. Thus, we attempted to clarify its function in pancreatic cancer. Reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction was applied for testing IGF2-AS expression in pancreatic cancer cells. Colony formation and Transwell wound experiments were applied for determining cell proliferative, migratory, and invasive capabilities. The alteration of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related gene level was tested via western blot. The mice model was established for measuring the tumor growth and metastasis. RIP validated the interaction of RNAs. IGF2-AS displays high expression in pancreatic cancer cells. IGF2-AS depletion repressed PC cell proliferative, migratory, invasive capabilities, and EMT process. Furthermore, pancreatic cancer tumor growth and metastasis were also inhibited by IGF2-AS depletion. Additionally, IGF2-AS positively regulated IGF2 level via recruiting HNRNPC. IGF2 overexpression counteracted the functions of IGF2-AS deficiency on pancreatic cancer cell behaviors. Moreover, IGF2R deletion was found to inhibit the positive effect of IGF2 on pancreatic cancer progression. IGF2-AS potentiates pancreatic cancer cell proliferation, tumor growth, and metastasis by recruiting HNRNPC via the IGF2-IGF2R regulatory pathway. These discoveries might offer a novel insight for treatment of PC, which may facilitate targeted therapies of PC in clinical practice.

Long non-coding RNAs: controversial roles in drug resistance of solid tumors mediated by autophagy

Current genome-wide studies have indicated that a great number of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcribed from the human genome and appeared as crucial regulators in a variety of cellular processes. Many studies have displayed a significant function of lncRNAs in the regulation of autophagy. Autophagy is a macromolecular procedure in cells in which intracellular substrates and damaged organelles are broken down and recycled to relieve cell stress resulting from nutritional deprivation, irradiation, hypoxia, and cytotoxic agents. Autophagy can be a double-edged sword and play either a protective or a damaging role in cells depending on its activation status and other cellular situations, and its dysregulation is related to tumorigenesis in various solid tumors. Autophagy induced by various therapies has been shown as a unique mechanism of resistance to anti-cancer drugs. Growing evidence is showing the important role of lncRNAs in modulating drug resistance via the regulation of autophagy in a variety of cancers. The role of lncRNAs in drug resistance of cancers is controversial; they may promote or suppress drug resistance via either activation or inhibition of autophagy. Mechanisms by which lncRNAs regulate autophagy to affect drug resistance are different, mainly mediated by the negative regulation of micro RNAs. In this review, we summarize recent studies that investigated the role of lncRNAs/autophagy axis in drug resistance of different types of solid tumors.

Advances in targeted therapy for pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer (PC) represents a group of malignant tumours originating from pancreatic duct epithelial cells and acinar cells, and the 5-year survival rate of PC patients is only approximately 12%. Molecular targeted drugs are specific drugs designed to target and block oncogenes, and they have become promising strategies for the treatment of PC. Compared to traditional chemotherapy drugs, molecular targeted drugs have greater targeting precision, and they have significant therapeutic effects and minimal side effects. This article reviews several molecular targeted drugs that are currently in the experimental stage for the treatment of PC; these include antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), aptamer-drug conjugates (ApDCs) and peptide-drug conjugates (PDCs). ADCs can specifically recognize cell surface antigens and reduce systemic exposure and toxicity of chemotherapy drugs. By delivering nucleic acid drugs to target cells, the targeting RNA of ApDCs can inhibit the expression or translation of mutated genes, thereby inhibiting tumour development. Moreover, PDCs can effectively penetrate tumour cells, and the peptide groups in PDCs preferentially target tumour cells with minimal side effects. In the targeted therapy of PC, molecular targeted drugs have very broad prospects, which provides new hope for the clinical treatment of PC patients and is worth further research.

Improving the prognosis of pancreatic cancer: insights from epidemiology, genomic alterations, and therapeutic challenges

Pancreatic cancer, notorious for its late diagnosis and aggressive progression, poses a substantial challenge owing to scarce treatment alternatives. This review endeavors to furnish a holistic insight into pancreatic cancer, encompassing its epidemiology, genomic characterization, risk factors, diagnosis, therapeutic strategies, and treatment resistance mechanisms. We delve into identifying risk factors, including genetic predisposition and environmental exposures, and explore recent research advancements in precursor lesions and molecular subtypes of pancreatic cancer. Additionally, we highlight the development and application of multi-omics approaches in pancreatic cancer research and discuss the latest combinations of pancreatic cancer biomarkers and their efficacy. We also dissect the primary mechanisms underlying treatment resistance in this malignancy, illustrating the latest therapeutic options and advancements in the field. Conclusively, we accentuate the urgent demand for more extensive research to enhance the prognosis for pancreatic cancer patients.

Cuproptosis-related lncRNA scoring system to predict the clinical outcome and immune landscape in pancreatic adenocarcinoma

Cuproptosis is a recently discovered novel programmed cell death pathway that differs from traditional programmed cell death and has an important role in cancer and immune regulation. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) is considered new potential prognostic biomarkers in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD). However, the prognostic role and immune landscape of cuproptosis-related lncRNA in PAAD remain unclear. The transcriptome and clinical data of PAAD were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Cuproptosis-related lncRNA was identified using Pearson correlation analysis. The optimal lncRNA was screened by Cox and the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression mode, and for the construction of risk scoring system. PAAD patients were divided into high- and low-risk groups according to the risk score. Clinicopathological parameter correlation analysis, univariate and multivariate Cox regression, time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and nomogram were performed to evaluate the model. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were used to explore differences in biological function between different risk groups. Single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) and Estimation of STromal and Immune cells in MAlignant Tumor tissues using Expression data (ESTIMATE) algorithm were used to analyze the differences in tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) in different risk groups of PAAD. Additionally, the Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) algorithm was used to predict immunotherapy response and identify potential immune beneficiaries. Immune checkpoints and tumor mutation burden (TMB) were also systematically analyzed. Finally, drug sensitivity analysis was used to explore the reactivity of different drugs in high- and low-risk groups to provide a reference for the selection of precise therapeutic drugs. Six cuproptosis-related lncRNAs (AL117335.1, AC044849.1, AL358944.1, ZNF236-DT, Z97832.2, and CASC8) were used to construct risk model. Survival analysis showed that overall survival and progression-free survival in the low-risk group were better than those in the high-risk group, and it is suitable for PAAD patients with different clinical characteristics. Univariate and multifactorial Cox regression analysis showed that risk score was an independent prognostic factor in PAAD patients. ROC analysis showed that the AUC values of the risk score in 1 year, 3 years and 5 years were 0.707,0.762 and 0.880, respectively. Nomogram showed that the total points of PAAD patients at 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years were 0.914,0.648, and 0.543. GO and KEGG analyses indicated that the differential genes in the high- and low-risk groups were associated with tumor proliferation and metastasis and immune regulatory pathway. Immune correlation analysis showed that the amount of pro-inflammatory cells, including CD8+ T cells, was significantly higher in the low-risk group than in the high-risk group, and the expression of immune checkpoint genes, including PD-1 and CTLA-4, was increased in the low-risk group. TIDE analysis suggests that patients in the low-risk group may benefit from immunotherapy. Finally, there was significant variability in multiple chemotherapeutic and targeted drugs across the risk groups, which informs our clinical drug selection. Our cuproptosis-related lncRNA scoring system (CRLss) could predict the clinical outcome and immune landscape of PAAD patients, identify the potential beneficiaries of immunotherapy, and provide a reference for precise therapeutic drug selection.

Electroacupuncture ameliorates AOM/DSS-induced mice colorectal cancer by inhibiting inflammation and promoting autophagy via the SIRT1/miR-215/Atg14 axis

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common tumors of the digestive tract, with the third-highest incidence and the second-highest mortality rate among all malignant tumors worldwide. However, treatment options for CRC remain limited. As a complementary therapy, acupuncture or electro-acupuncture (EA) has been widely applied in the treatment of various inflammation-related diseases, such as obesity, ulcerative colitis and tumors. Although numerous pre-clinical and clinical studies have investigated the beneficial effects of acupuncture on CRC, the mechanism underlying the therapeutic action of EA is largely unknown. Evidence from previous studies has revealed that SIRT1 participates in CRC progression by activating autophagy-related miRNAs. Using azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium- (AOM/DSS-) induced colorectal cancer model in mice, we explored whether EA treatment can inhibit inflammation and promote autophagy via the SIRT1/miR-215/Atg14 axis. Our results showed that EA notably alleviated the CRC in mice, by decreasing the tumor number and DAI scores, inflammation, and increasing body weight of mice. Besides, EA increased the expression of SIRT1 and autophagy. Further experiments showed that SIRT1 overexpression downregulated miR-215, and promoted the expression of Atg14, whereas SIRT1 knockdown induced opposite results. In conclusion, EA can ameliorate AOM/DSS-induced CRC through regulating the SIRT1-mediated miR-215/Atg14 axis by suppressing inflammation and promoting autophagy in mice. These findings reveal a potential molecular mechanism underlying the anti-CRC effect of EA indicating that EA is a promising therapeutic candidate for CRC.

Hypoxia promotes immune escape of pancreatic cancer cells by lncRNA NNT-AS1/METTL3-HuR-mediated ITGB1 m6A modification

Pancreatic cancer (PC) cell immune escape is a crucial element in PC malignant development. Some previous studies have reported that LncRNA NNT-AS1 played a carcinogenic role in various tumors. However, the effect of lncRNA NNT-AS1 in PC cell immune escape remains unclear. To evaluate PC cell immune escape, PC cells were co-cultured with CD8+ T cells under a hypoxic condition. PC cell proliferation and migration were evaluated using the colony formation assay and transwell assay. CD8+ T cell proliferation and aoptosis were measured using the carboxy fluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE) assay and flow cytometry. The secretion of antitumor cytokines was assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The molecular interactions were analyzed using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), or dual-luciferase reporter gene assays. A tumor xenograft model was established to evaluate the effects of lncRNA NNT-AS1 on PC in vivo. It was found that lncRNA NNT-AS1 was highly expressed in PC, and its silencing inhibited hypoxia-induced PC cell growth and immune escape in vivo and in vitro. Mechanically, HIF-1α transcriptionally activated NNT-AS1 expression and NNT-AS1 increased ITGB1 stability and expression in a METTL3-HuR dependent manner. ITGB1 overexpression reversed the inhibitory effects of NNT-AS1 knockdown on hypoxia-induced PC cell immune escape. In conclusion, Hypoxia promoted PC cell immune escape through lncRNA NNT-AS1/METTL3-HuR-mediated m6A modification to increase ITGB1 expression, which provided a theoretical foundation and a potential therapeutic target for PC.

Matrix stiffness triggers chemoresistance through elevated autophagy in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a signature of extremely high matrix stiffness caused by a special desmoplastic reaction, which dynamically stiffens along with the pathological process. The poor prognosis and low five-year survival rate of PDAC are partly owing to chemoresistance triggered by substrate stiffness. Understanding the potential mechanisms of matrix stiffness causing PDAC chemoresistance is of great significance. In this study, methacrylated gelatin hydrogel was used as platform for PANC-1 and MIA-PaCa2 cell culture. The results indicated that compared to soft substrate, stiff substrate distinctively reduced the gemcitabine sensitivity of pancreatic cancer. Intriguingly, transmission electron microscopy, immunofluorescence staining, western blot and qRT-PCR assay showcased that the number of autophagosomes and the expression of LC3 were elevated. The observations indicate that matrix stiffness may regulate the autophagy level, which plays a vital role during chemoresistance. In brief, soft substrate exhibited low autophagy level, while the counterpart displayed elevated autophagy level. In order to elucidate the underlying interaction between matrix stiffness-mediated cell autophagy and chemoresistance, rescue experiments with rapamycin and chloroquine were conducted. We found that inhibiting cell autophagy dramatically increased the sensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells to gemcitabine in the stiff group, while promoting autophagy-driven chemoresistance in the soft group, demonstrating that matrix stiffness modulated chemoresistance via autophagy. Furthermore, RNA-seq results showed that miR-1972 may regulate autophagy level in response to matrix stiffness. Overall, our research shed light on the synergistic therapy of PDAC combined with gemcitabine and chloroquine, which is conducive to promoting a therapeutic effect.

Treatment strategies and drug resistance mechanisms in adenocarcinoma of different organs

Adenocarcinoma is a common type of malignant tumor, originating from glandular epithelial cells in various organs, such as pancreas, breast, lung, stomach, colon, rectus, and prostate. For patients who lose the opportunity for radical surgery, medication is available to provide potential clinical benefits. However, drug resistance is a big obstacle to obtain desired clinical prognosis. In this review, we provide a summary of treatment strategies and drug resistance mechanisms in adenocarcinoma of different organs, including pancreatic cancer, gastric adenocarcinoma, colorectal adenocarcinoma, lung adenocarcinoma, and prostate cancer. Although the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in drug resistance of adenocarcinoma vary from one organ to the other, there are several targets that are universal for drug resistance in adenocarcinoma, and targeting these molecules could potentially reverse drug resistance in the treatment of adenocarcinomas.

A nine-gene signature as prognostic biomarker in gastric cancer by bioinformatics analysis

PURPOSE

The prognosis of advanced gastric cancer (GC) remains poor. It is urgent and necessary to find suitable prognostic markers. miR-619-5p is highly expressed in GC. However, the value of miR-619-5p and its target genes as prognostic biomarkers of GC is unclear.

METHODS

RT-PCR was performed to verify the expression of miR-619-5p in GC cell lines and their exosomes. Western blotting and transmission electron microscope were used to identify exosomes. The target genes of miR-619-5p were predicted by RNA22 and TargetScan. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and prognosis-related genes (PRGs) were obtained using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The DAVID database was used to analyse pathway enrichment and functional annotation of common target genes. The STRING database and Cytoscape software were used to screen key genes and visualize their functional modules. The survival analysis was conducted using TCGA and Kaplan-Meier Plotter (KMP) databases. Finally, a prognostic model was constructed on the foundation of the key genes to assess the reliability of the screening process.

RESULTS

The expression of miR-619-5p in GC cells and their exosomes was proved to be significantly higher than that in normal cell lines. There are 129 common target genes involved in 3 pathways and 28 functional annotations. Finally, nine key target genes of GC (BRCA1, RAD51, KIF11, ERCC6L, BRIP1, TIMELESS, CDC25A, CLSPN and NCAPG2) were identified, and a prognostic model was successfully constructed with a good predictive ability.

CONCLUSIONS

The model of 9-gene signature could effectively predict the prognosis of GC, and have great potential to be novel prognostic factors and therapeutic targets for patients with GC.