Long non-coding RNA NKILA inhibits migration and invasion of non-small cell lung cancer via NF-κB/Snail pathway

NF-kappa B interacting long noncoding RNA enhances the Warburg effect and angiogenesis and is associated with decreased survival of patients with gliomas

In various malignant tumors, NF-kappa B interacting long noncoding RNA (NKILA) displays antitumor activity by inhibiting the NF-kappa B pathway. However, the role of NKILA in gliomas remains unclear. Surprisingly, this study showed that NKILA is significantly upregulated in gliomas, and the increased levels of NKILA were correlated with a decrease in patient survival time. NKILA increased the expression level of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α, and the activity of the hypoxia pathway in gliomas. Furthermore, we demonstrated that NKILA enhances the Warburg effect and angiogenesis in gliomas both in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, NKILA is a potential therapeutic target in gliomas. In addition, we showed that a 20(S)-Rg3 monomer suppresses NKILA accumulation and reverses its stimulation of the Warburg effect and angiogenesis in gliomas, both in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, this study not only identified NKILA as a potential therapeutic target in gliomas, but also demonstrated a practical approach to treatment.

Expression level of long noncoding RNA NKILAmiR103-miR107 inflammatory axis and its clinical significance as potential biomarker in patients with colorectal cancer

Background:

Inflammatory cytokines have been observed in colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues and can promote the susceptibility to metastasis of CRC cells. Diverse regulatory mechanisms of long ncRNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) involved in the inflammatory responses are associated with tumor progression. The aim of this research was to investigate the expression level of the nuclear factor-kappa B interacting lncRNA (NKILA)‐miR103-miR107 regulatory axis and its clinical significance as a potential biomarker in patients with CRC.

Materials and Methods:

In the present study, we investigated the expression levels of miR103, miR107, and NKILA in 21 paired CRC tissues and corresponding adjacent tissues, using real‐time polymerase chain reaction technique. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the prognostic value of biomarkers and to compare their predictive value.

Results:

It was found that the expression level of miR103 was significantly increased with the development of CRC (cancerous vs. corresponding normal tissues; 2.29 ± 1.65 vs. 1.16 ± 0.64, P = 0.003). Moreover, miR107 was upregulated in CRC tissues compared with paired normal tissues (2.1 ± 1.4 vs. 1.25 ± 0.83, P = 0.005), while NKILA displayed an opposite expression pattern versus miR103/107, but it was not statistically significant (3.69 ± 5.2 vs. 4.35 ± 5.99, P > 0.05). The ROC analysis demonstrated that miR103 had the best diagnostic ability performance with area under curve of 0.723 (0.545–0.901).

Conclusion:

We identified miR103/107 as tumor-promoting miRNAs with diagnostic value in cancer patients and presumptive negative regulators of NKILA, a potential cancer metastatic suppressor. Strategies that disrupt this regulatory axis might block CRC progression.

Roles of lncRNAs in cancer: Focusing on angiogenesis

Approximately 98% of the human genome consists of non-coding sequences that are classified into two classes by size: small non-coding RNAs (≤200 nucleotides) and long non-coding RNAs (≥200 nucleotides). Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in various cellular events and act as guides, signals, decoys, and dynamic scaffolds. Due to their oncogenic and tumor suppressive roles, lncRNAs are important in cancer development and growth. LncRNAs play their roles by modulating cancer hallmarks, including DNA damage, metastasis, immune escape, cell stemness, drug resistance, metabolic reprogramming, and angiogenesis. Angiogenesis is vital for solid tumors which guarantees their growth beyond 2 mm³. Tumor angiogenesis is a complex process and is regulated through interaction between pro-angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors within the tumor microenvironment. There are accumulating evidence that different lncRNAs regulate tumor angiogenesis. In this paper, we described the functions and mechanisms of lncRNAs in tumor angiogenesis.

Mannose Suppresses the Proliferation and Metastasis of Lung Cancer by Targeting the ERK/GSK-3β/β-Catenin/SNAIL Axis

INTRODUCTION

It has been found that mannose exerts antitumoural properties in vitro and in animal models. Whether mannose has potential anti-proliferative and anti-metastatic properties against non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is still unclear.

METHODS

Here, we performed ex vivo experiments and established a nude mouse model to evaluate the anticancer effects of mannose on NSCLC cells and its effects on the ERK/GSK-3β/β-catenin/SNAIL axis. A CCK-8 assay was conducted to evaluate the effects of mannose on lung cancer cells (A549 and HCC827) and normal lung cells (HPAEpiC). Transwells were used to examine the motility of cancer cells. qRT-PCR was used to evaluate the effects of mannose on the mRNA expression of β-catenin. Western blotting was conducted to explore the effects of mannose on the ERK/GSK-3β/β-catenin/SNAIL axis and nuclear accumulation of β-catenin. An animal model was established to evaluate the antitumoural effect of mannose on hepatic metastasis in vivo.

RESULTS

In this study, we found that mannose inhibited the proliferation of A549 and HCC827 cells in vitro both time- and dose-dependently. However, it exerted only a slight influence on the viability of normal lung cells in vitro. Moreover, mannose also inhibited the migrating and invading capacity of NSCLC cells in vitro. Using Western blotting, we observed that mannose reduced SNAIL and β-catenin expression and ERK activation and promoted phospho-GSK-3β expression. The ERK agonist LM22B-10 promoted the metastatic ability of NSCLC cells and increased SNAIL and β-catenin expression in cancer cells, which could be reversed by mannose. Furthermore, ERK-mediated phosphorylation of the β-catenin-Tyr654 residue might participate in the nuclear accumulation of β-catenin and its transcriptional function. The results from animal experiments showed that mannose effectively reduced hepatic metastasis of A549 cells in vivo. Furthermore, mannose inhibited ERK/GSK-3β/β-catenin/SNAIL in tumour tissues obtained from nude mice.

DISCUSSION

Collectively, these findings suggest that mannose exerts anti-metastatic activity against NSCLC by inhibiting the activation of the ERK/GSK-3β/β-catenin/SNAIL axis, which indicates the potential anticancer effects of mannose.

lncRNA SNHG11 promotes lung cancer cell proliferation and migration via activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

Lung cancer ranks topmost among the most frequently diagnosed cancers. Despite increasing research, there are still unresolved mysteries in the molecular mechanism of lung cancer. Long noncoding RNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 11 (SNHG11) was found to be upregulated in lung cancer and facilitated lung cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition progression while suppressed cell apoptosis. Moreover, the high expression of SNHG11 was correlated with poor prognosis of lung cancer patients, TNM stage, and tumor size. Further assays demonstrated that SNHG11 functioned in lung cancer cells via Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Subsequently, Wnt/β-catenin pathway was found to be activated through SNHG11/miR-4436a/CTNNB1 ceRNA axis. As inhibiting miR-4436 could only partly rescue the suppression of cell function induced by silencing SNHG11, it was suspected that β-catenin might enter cell nucleus through other pathways. Mechanism investigation proved that SNHG11 would directly bind with β-catenin to activate classic Wnt pathway. Subsequently, in vivo tumorigenesis was also demonstrated to be enhanced by SNHG11. Hence, SNHG11 was found to promote lung cancer progression by activating Wnt/β-catenin pathway in two different patterns, implying that SNHG11 might contribute to lung cancer treatment by acting as a therapeutic target.

The role of noncoding RNAs in epithelial cancer

Regulatory noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a class of RNAs transcribed by regions of the human genome that do not encode for proteins. The three main members of this class, named microRNA, long noncoding RNA, and circular RNA play a key role in the regulation of gene expression, eventually shaping critical cellular processes. Compelling experimental evidence shows that ncRNAs function either as tumor suppressors or oncogenes by participating in the regulation of one or several cancer hallmarks, including evading cell death, and their expression is frequently deregulated during cancer onset, progression, and dissemination. More recently, preclinical and clinical studies indicate that ncRNAs are potential biomarkers for monitoring cancer progression, relapse, and response to cancer therapy. Here, we will discuss the role of noncoding RNAs in regulating cancer cell death, focusing on those ncRNAs with a potential clinical relevance.

Candidate lncRNA-microRNA-mRNA networks in predicting non-small cell lung cancer and related prognosis analysis

PURPOSE

The role of non-coding RNA, once thought to be dark matter, is increasingly prominent in cancer. Our article explores the effect of non-coding RNA in lung adenocarcinoma and lung squamous cell carcinoma by mining TCGA public database.

METHODS

Download the data by applying the official TCGA software. The data were analyzed by R data analysis packages, 'edgeR', 'gplots' and 'survival'. We better illustrate the potential networks of lung cancer genes by constructing ceRNAs, using Cytoscape software.

RESULTS

We obtained genes which were differentially expressed in lung adenocarcinoma and lung squamous cell carcinoma analysis. Within these differentially expressed genes, we also conducted a survival analysis to find differentially expressed genes associated with prognosis in both lung adenocarcinoma and lung squamous cell carcinoma. Based on genes differentially expressed of both lung adenocarcinoma and lung squamous cell carcinoma, we constructed a ceRNA network to illustrate the mechanism of lung adenocarcinoma and lung squamous cell carcinoma. Our study analyzed genes which were differentially expressed in lung adenocarcinoma and lung squamous cell carcinoma using the TCGA database.

CONCLUSION

Based on this, the prognosis in both lung squamous cell carcinoma and lung adenocarcinoma was analyzed. We have also constructed a ceRNA network to provide a basis for the study of ceRNA in lung adenocarcinoma and lung squamous cell carcinoma.

Long non-coding RNAs in immune regulation and their potential as therapeutic targets

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are potent regulators of immune cell development and function. Their implication in multiple immune-mediated disorders highlights lncRNAs as exciting biomarkers and potential drug targets. Recent technological innovations in oligo-based therapeutics, development of RNA-targeting small molecules, and CRISPR-based approaches, position RNA as the next therapeutic frontier. Here, we review the latest advances made toward understanding the role of lncRNAs in human immunological disorders and further discuss RNA-targeting approaches that could be potentially exploited to manipulate lncRNA function as a clinical intervention.

Long non-coding RNAs: How to regulate the metastasis of non-small-cell lung cancer

Non–small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has become the most lethal human cancer because of the high rate of metastasis. Hence, clarifying the molecular mechanism underlying NSCLC metastasis is very important to improve the prognosis of patients with NSCLC. Long non‐coding RNAs (LncRNAs) are a class of RNA molecules longer than 200 nucleotides, which can participate in diverse biological processes. About 18% of human LncRNAs were recently found to be associated with tumours. Many studies indicated that aberrant expression of LncRNAs played key roles in the progression and metastasis of NSCLC. According to the function in tumours, LncRNAs can be divided into two classes: oncogenic LncRNAs and tumour‐suppressor LncRNAs. In this review, we summarized the main molecular mechanism of LncRNAs regulating NSCLC metastasis, including three aspects: (a) LncRNAs interact with miRNAs as ceRNAs; (b) LncRNAs bind with target proteins; and (c) LncRNAs participate in the transduction of different signal pathways. Then, LncRNAs can exert their function to regulate the metastasis of NSCLC through influencing the progression of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the properties of cancer stem cell (CSC). But, it is necessary to do some further research to demonstrate the LncRNAs particular regulatory mechanism of inhibiting the metastasis of NSCLC and explore new drugs targeting LncRNAs.

Long non-coding RNA CCAT1 promotes colorectal cancer cell migration, invasiveness and viability by upregulating VEGF via negative modulation of microRNA-218

Increasing evidence has demonstrated that long non-coding (lnc) RNA is aberrantly expressed in numerous types of cancer. Colorectal cancer is a common malignancy; however, the role and mechanism underlying the influence of lncRNA-colon cancer associated transcript 1 (CCAT1) in colorectal cancer is yet to be elucidated. The present study revealed that CCAT1 is highly expressed in colorectal cancer tissues. Bioinformatics analysis and a dual-luciferase reporter gene assay indicated that CCAT1 and microRNA (miR)-218 had complementary binding sites. Furthermore, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR revealed that miR-218 was downregulated in colorectal cancer tissues compared with paired adjacent healthy tissues. To investigate the biological effects of CCAT1 on colorectal cancer cells, MTT and Transwell assays were performed. The results revealed that when compared with the control group, CCAT1-short hairpin (sh)RNA significantly inhibited colorectal cancer cell (SW480) viability and decreased migration and invasiveness. In addition, CCAT1-shRNA significantly reduced vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in SW480 cells; however, these effects were partially rescued by an miR-218 inhibitor. Furthermore, it was revealed that the CCAT1-plasmid significantly promoted the viability of SW480 cells, increased cell migration and invasiveness, and significantly increased VEGF expression. However, these effects were also partially rescued by with a miR-218 mimic. Taken together, the present results identified that the CCAT1/miR-218 axis serves a key role in the regulation of colorectal cancer progression, which may be used as potential therapeutic target for the treatment of colorectal cancer.

MiRNAs and LncRNAs: Dual Roles in TGF-β Signaling-Regulated Metastasis in Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is one of the most malignant cancers around the world, with high morbidity and mortality. Metastasis is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths and treatment failure. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), two groups of small non-coding RNAs (nc-RNAs), are confirmed to be lung cancer oncogenes or suppressors. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) critically regulates lung cancer metastasis. In this review, we summarize the dual roles of miRNAs and lncRNAs in TGF-β signaling-regulated lung cancer epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), invasion, migration, stemness, and metastasis. In addition, lncRNAs, competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs) can act as miRNA sponges to suppress miRNAs, thereby mediating TGF-β signaling-regulated lung cancer invasion, migration, and metastasis. Through this review, we hope to cast light on the regulatory mechanisms of miRNAs and lncRNAs in TGF-β signaling-regulated lung cancer metastasis and provide new insights for lung cancer treatment.

lncRNA HOXB-AS3 exacerbates proliferation, migration, and invasion of lung cancer via activating the PI3K-AKT pathway

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related death all over the world. In spite of the great advances made in surgery and chemotherapy, the prognosis of lung cancer patients is poor. A substantial fraction of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) can regulate various cancers. A recent study has reported that lncRNA HOXB-AS3 plays a critical role in cancers. However, its biological function remains unclear in lung cancer progression. In the current research, we found HOXB-AS3 was obviously elevated in NSCLC tissues and cells. Functional assays showed that inhibition of HOXB-AS3 was able to repress A549 and H1975 cell proliferation, cell colony formation ability and meanwhile, triggered cell apoptosis. Furthermore, the lung cancer cell cycle was mostly blocked in the G1 phase whereas the cell ratio in the S phase was reduced. Also, A549 and H1975 cell migration and invasion capacity were significantly repressed by the loss of HOXB-AS3. The PI3K/AKT pathway has been implicated in the carcinogenesis of multiple cancers. Here, we displayed that inhibition of HOXB-AS3 suppressed lung cancer cell progression via inactivating the PI3K/AKT pathway. Subsequently, in vivo experiments were utilized in our study and it was demonstrated that HOXB-AS3 contributed to lung cancer tumor growth via modulating the PI3K/AKT pathway. Overall, we implied that HOXB-AS3 might provide a new perspective for lung cancer treatment via targeting PI3K/AKT.

Biological and clinical relevance of metastasis-associated long noncoding RNAs in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: A systematic review

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a foremost cancer-related death worldwide owing to rapid metastasis and poor prognosis. Metastasis, as the most important reason for death, is biologically a multifaceted process involving a range of cell signaling pathways. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), as transcriptional regulators, can regulate numerous genomic processes and cellular processes such as cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. LncRNAs have also been shown to involve in/regulate the cancer metastasis-related signaling pathways. Hence, they have increasingly been brought to international attention in molecular oncology research. A number of researchers have attempted to reveal the biological and clinical relevance of lncRNAs in ESCC tumourigenesis and metastasis. The aberrant expression of these molecules in ESCC has regularly been reported to involve in various cellular processes and clinical features, including diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic responses. Here, we especially consider the pathways in which lncRNAs act as metastasis-mediated effectors, mainly by interacting with epithelial-mesenchymal transition-associated factors. We review the biological roles of lncRNAs through involving in ESCC metastasis as well as the clinical significance of the metastasis-related lncRNAs in cancer diagnosis and prognosis.

Exosomal miR-106b serves as a novel marker for lung cancer and promotes cancer metastasis via targeting PTEN

As novel non-invasive tumor diagnostic biomarkers, exosomal bioactive miRNAs have received increasing attention. Herein, the aim of this study is to explore the clinical values and roles of exosomal miR106b in lung cancer. The exosomal miR-106b level was much higher in the serum of patients with lung cancer than that in healthy volunteers. Also, the exosomal miR-106b level in the lung cancer patient serum was associated with TNM stages and lymph node metastasis. Furthermore, exosomal miR-106b enhanced the migrated and invasive ability of lung cancer cells and increased the MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression. Mechanistically, exosomal miR-106b could target PTEN, and promote lung cancer cell migration and invasion. More importantly, PTEN overexpression reversed the effect of exosomal miR-106b on lung cancer cell migration and invasion. Taken together, these findings indicate that exosomal miR-106b may be a promising diagnostic biomarker and drug target for patients with lung cancer.

LncRNA-ATB Promotes Lung Squamous Carcinoma Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion by Targeting microRNA-590-5p/NF90 Axis

Lung cancer with highest morbidity and mortality seriously threatens human health worldwide. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) exert important biological functions by acting as microRNA, which is implicated in tumorigenesis and cancer development. Previous work has reported that lncRNA-ATB expression was significantly upregulated in lung adenocarcinoma tissues and promoted tumor progression; however, the mechanisms of lncRNA-ATB in lung squamous carcinoma (LSC) are still fairly elusive. In our study, lncRNA-ATB expression also markedly increases in LSC tissues and cell lines in comparison to the adjacent normal tissues and normal lung epithelial cells, respectively. Functional experiments indicate that lncRNA-ATB overexpression improves the proliferative, migratory, and invasive capabilities of normal lung epithelial cells compared with control group. Furthermore, the migratory and invasive abilities are strikingly inhibited in lncRNA-ATB silenced LSC cells. Mechanistically, lncRNA-ATB directly binds to microRNA-590-5p and downregulates microRNA-590-5p level, leading to the upregulation of NF-90 expression. In addition, lncRNA-ATB overexpression promotes the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process, where lncRNA-ATB overexpression facilitates the expression of mesenchymal phenotype related molecules N-cadherin and vimentin, while restrains the expression of epithelial phenotype related proteins E-cadherin and CK-19, compared to the control. Conversely, microRNA-590-5p mimics can reverse the results caused by lncRNA-ATB overexpression. Taken together, our initial data suggest that lncRNA-ATB overexpression may promote the progression of LSC by modulating the microRNA-590-5p/NF-90 axis.

Long Noncoding RNA DRAIC Inhibits Prostate Cancer Progression by Interacting with IKK to Inhibit NF-κB Activation

DRAIC is a 1.7 kb spliced long noncoding RNA downregulated in castration-resistant advanced prostate cancer. Decreased DRAIC expression predicts poor patient outcome in prostate and seven other cancers, while increased DRAIC represses growth of xenografted tumors. Here, we show that cancers with decreased DRAIC expression have increased NF-κB target gene expression. DRAIC downregulation increased cell invasion and soft agar colony formation; this was dependent on NF-κB activation. DRAIC interacted with subunits of the IκB kinase (IKK) complex to inhibit their interaction with each other, the phosphorylation of IκBα, and the activation of NF-κB. These functions of DRAIC mapped to the same fragment containing bases 701-905. Thus, DRAIC lncRNA inhibits prostate cancer progression through suppression of NF-κB activation by interfering with IKK activity. SIGNIFICANCE: A cytoplasmic tumor-suppressive lncRNA interacts with and inhibits a major kinase that activates an oncogenic transcription factor in prostate cancer. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/canres/80/5/950/F1.large.jpg.

NKILA, a prognostic indicator, inhibits tumor metastasis by suppressing NF-κB/Slug mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma

The metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the major obstacles hindering its therapeutic efficacy, leading to low surgical resection rate, high mortality and poor prognosis. Accumulating evidence has shown that both long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) and NF-κB play vital roles in the regulation of cancer metastasis. However, the clinical significance and biological function of NKILA (NF-κB interacting lncRNA) and its interaction with NF-κB in HCC remain unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that NKILA was down-regulated in HCC tissues and cell lines, and decreased NKILA expression was significantly associated with larger tumor size and positive vascular invasion in HCC patients. NKILA reduction was an independent risk factor of HCC patients' poor prognosis, and the 5-year overall survival (OS) rates of patients with low and high NKILA expression were 15.6% and 60.0%, respectively. Moreover, NKILA inhibits migration and invasion of HCC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, NKILA prevents Slug/epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway via suppressing phosphorylation of IκBα, p65 nuclear translocation and NF-κB activation. In conclusion, these results indicate that NKILA might serve as an effective prognostic biomarker and a promising therapeutic target against HCC metastasis.

Lnc-MAP6-1:3 knockdown inhibits osteosarcoma progression by modulating Bax/Bcl-2 and Wnt/β-catenin pathways

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common type of malignant bone tumor that affects children and adolescents. Still, the cellular and molecular mechanisms driving the development of this disease remain poorly understood. In this study, numerous dysregulated lncRNAs were identified by RNA-seq. As a result, we were able to find a novel lncRNA Lnc-MAP6-1:3 which is highly expressed in osteosarcoma. Using a set of approaches including gene knockdown, RT-PCR, oncogenic function assay and western blotting, we observed that knockdown of Lnc-MAP6-1:3 expression suppressed cell proliferation and colony formation, and promoted apoptosis in vitro. For the first time, we have identified that Lnc-MAP6-1:3 potentially influence the malignant behavior of osteosarcoma via Bax/Bcl-2 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways. Henceforth, Lnc-MAP6-1:3 may provide a new molecular route of research and therapeutic applications for the diagnosis and treatment of osteosarcoma.

Long non-coding RNA NKILA inhibited angiogenesis of breast cancer through NF-κB/IL-6 signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

The relationship between NF-κB Interacting lncRNA (NKILA) and angiogenesis in breast cancer has never been studied. Our study aimed to investigate effect of NKILA on proliferation, migration, apoptosis, as well as angiogenesis in breast cancer.

METHODS

NKILA was over-expressed in MDA-MB-231 cells by transfection of pcDNA3.1-NKILA vector. Cell viability, apoptosis and migration were measured by MTT, flow cytometry and wound healing assays, respectively. Angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) was measured using tube formation assay. The expression levels of NKILA, IL-6, VEGFA, VEGFR, apoptosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and NF-κB/IL-6 signaling-related markers were determined using qRT-PCR or Western blotting.

RESULTS

Cell viability and migration of MDA-MB-231 cells were significantly inhibited, while cell apoptosis was obviously promoted by overexpression of NKILA. Overexpression of NKILA could also inhibit the phosphorylation of IκBα and the nuclear transposition of p65, as well as induce cell apoptosis-related proteins and inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related proteins. Cell viability and migration of HUVEC were also significantly inhibited when treated with supernatant of cells overexpressed NKILA or treated with BAY11-7028. Exogenous IL-6 significantly increased the cell viability and migration of HUVEC, and overexpression of NKILA could reverse these effects induced by IL-6. Overexpression of NKILA significantly inhibited the protein levels of IL-6 and VEGFA in supernatant, as well as VEGFR in HUVEC, thus inhibited the angiogenesis of HUVEC. NKILA also reversed the above effects on protein levels of IL-6 and VEGFA in supernatant and angiogenesis induced by exogenous IL-6.

CONCLUSION

Overexpression of NKILA could inhibit cell proliferation, migration and promote apoptosis of breast cancer cells. It could also inhibit cell proliferation, migration and angiogenesis of HUVEC through inhibiting IL-6 secretion via NF-κB signaling pathway.

Up-regulation of MIAT aggravates the atherosclerotic damage in atherosclerosis mice through the activation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway

This study is performed to elucidate the role of long non-coding RNA myocardial infarction associated transcript (lncRNA MIAT) in vulnerable plaque formation in rats with atherosclerosis (AS) through the regulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. The mice model of AS was established, and the successful modeled AS mice were treated with overexpressed MIAT and silenced MIAT. The levels of blood lipids, atherosclerotic plaques (AP) formation, the lipid content, collagen content, apoptosis of aortic cells, angiogenesis as well as the expression of inflammatory factors, such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were determined through a series of experiments. MIAT was found to be upregulated in AS. Additionally, MIAT up-regulated the levels of blood lipids, promoted AP formation, increased the lipid content and decreased the collagen content of AP, promoted the apoptosis of aortic cells in AS mice by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Meanwhile, MIAT was determined to promote angiogenesis as well as the expression of inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) in AS mice through the activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Furthermore, MIAT activated the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway to participate in AS progression. Our study suggests that upregulation of MIAT can aggravate AS injury in AS mice via the activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, which could provide a novel target for the treatment of AS.

The TGFβ-Induced Long Non-coding RNA TBULC Promotes the Invasion and Migration of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Cells and Indicates Poor Prognosis

Objective: To investigate the biological function and clinicopathological significance of the TGFβ-induced long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) TBULC in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and to analyze its potential value in clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Methods: RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression level of TBULC in NSCLC cells and tissues, and the correlation between the TBULC expression level and clinicopathological characteristics was analyzed. A cytoplasmic/nuclear fractionation assay was performed to define the cellular localization of the TBULC. A rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) assay was performed to acquire the full-length sequence of the TBULC. Stable TBULC overexpression and TBULC knockdown cell clones were constructed by lentiviral infection, and Transwell assays were used to explore the effect of the TBULC on cell invasion and migration.

Results: Stimulation with TGFβ in NSCLC cell lines significantly upregulated the expression level of the nuclear-localized lncRNA TBULC. The RACE assay indicated that the full-length TBULC sequence was 1,020 nucleotides, and the sequence was located on chromosome 15. Cell function experiments showed that the TBULC played a crucial role in promoting NSCLC metastasis. Knockdown of TBULC significantly suppressed the invasion and migration of NSCLC cells, and overexpression of TBULC had the opposite effects. The expression level of TBULC in 106 NSCLC tumor tissues was significantly higher than that in adjacent normal tissues, and TBULC was proven to be an independent prognostic factor in NSCLC patients [p = 0.030, OR = 0.513 (0.281–0.936)].

Conclusion: The TGFβ-induced lncRNA TBULC was upregulated in NSCLC and promoted the invasion and migration of NSCLC cells. TBULC was an independent prognostic factor and might be a potential biomarker for predicting the prognosis of NSCLC patients.

LncRNA DLEU2 accelerates the tumorigenesis and invasion of non-small cell lung cancer by sponging miR-30a-5p

Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to participate in the pathogenesis of non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, how lncRNA deleted in lymphocytic leukaemia 2 (DLEU2) contributes to NSCLC remains undocumented. The clinical significance of lncRNA DLEU2 and miR‐30a‐5p expression in NSCLC was analysed by using fluorescence in situ hybridization and TCGA cohorts. Gain‐ and loss‐of‐function experiments as well as a NSCLC tumour model were executed to determine the role of lncRNA DLEU2 in NSCLC. DLEU2‐sponged miR‐30a‐5p was verified by luciferase reporter, and RIP assays. Herein, the expression of lncRNA DLEU2 was elevated in NSCLC tissues, and its high expression or low expression of miR‐30a‐5p acted as an independent prognostic factor of poor survival and tumour recurrence in NSCLC. Silencing of lncRNA DLEU2 repressed the tumorigenesis and invasive potential of NSCLC, whereas re‐expression of lncRNA DLEU2 showed the opposite effects. Furthermore, lncRNA DLEU2 harboured a negative correlation with miR‐30a‐5p expression in NSCLC tissues and acted as a sponge of miR‐30a‐5p, which reversed the tumour‐promoting effects of lncRNA DLEU2 by targeting putative homeodomain transcription factor 2 in NSCLC. Altogether, lncRNA DLEU2 promoted the tumorigenesis and invasion of NSCLC by sponging miR‐30a‐5p.

Long non-coding RNAs and nuclear factor-κB crosstalk in cancer and other human diseases

The regulation of the pleiotropic transcription factor, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) by miRNAs and proteins is extensively studied. More recently, the NF-κB signaling was also reported to be regulated by several long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that constitute the major portion of the noncoding component of the human genome. The common NF-κB associated lncRNAs include NKILA, HOTAIR, MALAT1, ANRIL, Lethe, MIR31HG, and PACER. The lncRNA and NF-κB signaling crosstalk during cancer and other diseases such as cardiomyopathy, celiac disease, cerebral infarction, chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, Kawasaki disease, pregnancy loss, and rheumatoid arthritis. Some NF-κB related lncRNAs can affect gene expression without modulating NF-κB signaling. Most of the lncRNAs with a potential to modulate NF-κB signaling are regulated by NF-κB itself suggesting a feedback regulation. The discovery of lncRNAs have provided a new type of regulation for the NF-κB signaling and thus could be explored for therapeutic interventions. The manner in which lncRNA and NF-κB crosstalk affects human pathophysiology is discussed in this review. The challenges associated with the therapeutic interventions of this crosstalk are also discussed.

FAL1: A critical oncogenic long non-coding RNA in human cancers

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are characterized as a group of endogenous RNAs that are more than 200 nucleotides in length and have no protein-encoding function. More and more evidence indicates that lncRNAs play vital roles in various human diseases, especially in tumorigenesis. Focally amplified lncRNA on chromosome 1 (FAL1), a novel lncRNA with enhancer-like activity, has been identified as an oncogene in multiple cancers and high expression level of FAL1 is usually associated with poor prognosis. Dysregulation of FAL1 has been shown to promote the proliferation and metastasis of cancer cells. In the present review, we summarized and illustrated the functions and underlying molecular mechanisms of FAL1 in the occurrence and development of different cancers and other diseases. FAL1 has the potential to appear as a feasible diagnostic and prognostic tool and new therapeutic target for cancer patients though further investigation is needed so as to accelerate clinical application.

Long intergenic noncoding RNA LINC00284 knockdown reduces angiogenesis in ovarian cancer cells via up-regulation of MEST through NF-κB1

Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the major causes of cancer-related mortality in women worldwide. Long noncoding RNAs might play a role as oncogenes or tumor suppressors. Therefore, we investigated the effect and underlying mechanisms of long intergenic noncoding RNA (LINC00) 284 on angiogenesis in OC cells. Expression of LINC00284 in OC tissues and cells was determined. Next, the interaction between LINC00284 and mesoderm-specific transcript (MEST) was evaluated. Subsequently, OC cells were transfected with overexpressed (oe)-LINC00284, silenced (si)-LINC00284, si-NF-κB1, oe-MEST, or si-MEST plasmids to investigate the underlying mechanism of LINC00284 in OC. Afterwards, the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated protein x (Bax), VEGF, and CD31 was determined to assess the effect of LINC00284 on OC cell proliferation, invasion, migration angiogenesis, and apoptosis. Finally, the effect of LINC00284 on tumorigenesis was investigated in nude mice models of OC. LINC00284 was highly expressed in OC. si-LINC00284 increased expression of MEST. si-LINC00284 or si-NF-κB1 led to the reduction in cell proliferation, migration, invasion, tube formation, angiogenesis, and tumorigenic ability and promoted apoptosis in OC by down-regulating MMP-2, MMP-9, Bcl-2, VEGF, and CD31 and up-regulating Bax. These effects were all reversed following the si-MEST. In vivo experiments found the same results, confirming the aforementioned findings. Taken together, LINC00284 is involved in angiogenesis during OC development by recruiting NF-κB1 and down-regulating MEST.-Ruan, Z., Zhao, D. Long intergenic noncoding RNA LINC00284 knockdown reduces angiogenesis in ovarian cancer cells via up-regulation of MEST through NF-κB1.

Rhynchophyllin attenuates neuroinflammation in Tourette syndrome rats via JAK2/STAT3 and NF-κB pathways

The aim of this study was designed to investigate the effects of rhynchophyllin (RH) on neuroinflammation in Tourette syndrome (TS) rats. TS model was established in rats by the injection of selective 5-HT2A/2C agonist 1-(2, 5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI). Behavior in DOI-induced rats was tested. Inflammatory cytokines levels such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in serum and striatum were detected. The expression levels of janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and transcription activator 3 (STAT3) and nuclear factor (NF)-κB pathways in striatum were measured by Western blot. Data indicated that RH can significantly reduce the numbers of nodding experiment of TS rats. RH significantly decreased IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α in serum and striatum of TS rats, with altered expression of P-JAK2, P-STAT3, P-NF-κBp65, and P-IκBα in TS rats, as evidenced by Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry, suggesting that the regulation of JAK2/STAT3 and NF-κB pathways might be involved in the mechanism of RH on TS.

Distinct expression and prognostic value of OTU domain-containing proteins in non-small-cell lung cancer

The ubiquitin-proteasome pathway is an important protein degradation regulatory system in cells. This pathway is also a reversible process that is strictly regulated, and the regulation of deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) represents an important facet of the process. Ovarian tumor-associated proteases domain-containing proteins (OTUDs), as a subfamily within the DUB family, serve an important role in regulatory mechanisms of several biological processes, through the regulation of gene transcription, cell cycle, immune response, inflammation and tumor growth processes, and may be important in the diagnosis of various diseases and constitute novel drug targets. However, the role of OTUDs in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has not been fully elucidated. In the present study, the Oncomine database was used to examine gene expression in NSCLC, and the prognostic value of each gene was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier analysis. The results indicated that high mRNA expression levels of OTUD1, OTUD3, OTUD4 and putative bifunctional UDP-N-acetylglucosamine transferase and deubiquitinase ALG13 were associated with improved prognosis in all NSCLC and adenocarcinoma, but not in squamous cell carcinoma. By contrast, high expression levels of OTUD2 mRNA were associated with poorer overall survival in patients with NSCLC. These data suggested that these OTUD isozymes may be a potential drug target for NSCLC.

Long Noncoding RNA HOXA-AS3 Integrates NF-κB Signaling To Regulate Endothelium Inflammation

The long noncoding RNA HOXA-AS3 has recently been reported to act as a critical regulator in inflammation-linked lung adenocarcinoma. However, the roles of HOXA-AS3 in endothelium inflammation and related vascular disorders remain poorly defined. In the current study, we identified HOXA-AS3 to be a critical activator to promote NF-κB-mediated endothelium inflammation. HOXA-AS3, a chromatin-associated regulator which colocalizes with NF-κB at specific gene promoters, was found to interact with NF-κB and positively regulate its activity through control of the expression of the NF-κB inhibitor protein IκBα and the acetylation status at the K310 site of p65. More importantly, clinicopathological analysis showed that HOXA-AS3 expression has a significant positive correlation with atherosclerosis. Thus, we conclude that HOXA-AS3 may serve as a crucial biomarker for the clinical diagnosis of atherosclerosis, as well as a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of multiple inflammatory vascular diseases. In addition, this study suggests the functional importance of HOXA-AS3 in the regulation of inflammatory disorders.

NF-κB/NKILA signaling modulates the anti-cancerous effects of EZH2 inhibition

A wealth of evidence supports the broad therapeutic potential of NF-κB and EZH2 inhibitors as adjuvants for breast cancer treatment. We contribute to this knowledge by elucidating, for the first time, unique regulatory crosstalk between EZH2, NF-κB and the NF-κB interacting long non-coding RNA (NKILA). We define a novel signaling loop encompassing canonical and non-canonical actions of EZH2 on the regulation of NF-κB/NKILA homeostasis, with relevance to breast cancer treatment. We applied a respective silencing approach in non-transformed breast epithelial cells, triple negative MDA-MB-231 cells and hormone responsive MCF-7 cells, and measured changes in EZH2/NF-κB/NKILA levels to confirm their interdependence. We demonstrate cell line-specific fluctuations in these factors that functionally contribute to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) remodelling and cell fate response. EZH2 inhibition attenuates MDA-MB-231 cell motility and CDK4-mediated MCF-7 cell cycle regulation, while inducing global H3K27 methylation and an EMT phenotype in non-transformed cells. Notably, these events are mediated by a cell-context dependent gain or loss of NKILA and NF-κB. Depletion of NF-κB in non-transformed cells enhances their sensitivity to growth factor signaling and suggests a role for the host microenvironment milieu in regulating EZH2/NF-κB/NKILA homeostasis. Taken together, this knowledge critically informs the delivery and assessment of EZH2 inhibitors in breast cancer.

Sp1-induced upregulation of the long noncoding RNA TINCR inhibits cell migration and invasion by regulating miR-107/miR-1286 in lung adenocarcinoma

Long non-coding RNA tissue differentiation-inducing non-protein coding (TINCR) is associated with the carcinogenesis of several cancers. However, little is known about the function and mechanism of TINCR in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Here, we aimed to analyze expression of TINCR and elucidate its mechanistic involvement in the progression of LUAD. The expression of TINCR was investigated according to Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis at first and then detected in 29 LUAD tissues and paired adjacent normal tissues using qRT-PCR. Results indicated that TINCR was evidently downregulated in LUAD. The association between TINCR and clinicopathological parameters was analyzed by Pearson's chi-square test, suggesting TINCR was closely correlated with TNM stage and lymph mode metastasis. Subsequently, the function role of TINCR was examined by gain- and loss-of-function studies in LUAD (A549 and NCI-H292) cells. As analyzed by the scratch wound-healing and transwell assays, results revealed that TINCR suppressed the migration and invasion of A549 and NCI-H292 cells. However, TINCR exerted no effects on the cell proliferation as determined by CCK8 assay. Furthermore, we reported that loss of Sp1 could inhibit TINCR expression. Expressions of miR-107/miR-1286 were detected by qRT-PCR assay in A549 and NCI-H292 cells after TINCR knockdown or overexpression. In addition, the direct binding ability of the predicted miR-107 or miR-1286 binding site on TINCR was validated by luciferase activity assay. Results indicated TINCR could constrain the expression of miR-107/miR-1286, and was a target of them in LUAD cells. Bioinformatics analyses showed that BTRC and RAB14 was the potential target gene of miR-107 and miR-1286, respectively. These data revealed a possible regulatory mechanism in which upregulation of TINCR induced by Sp1 could constrain the migration and invasion through regulating miR-107 or miR-1286 in LUAD cells. Conjointly, our findings provide a valuable insight into the regulatory mechanism of TINCR in LUAD, supportive to its potential of therapeutic target for LUAD patients.

Long non-coding RNA NKILA inhibits proliferation and migration of lung cancer via IL-11/STAT3 signaling

BACKGROUND

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in the development and progression of lots of cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is all lung cancer except small cell lung cancer (SCLC). The most common non-small cell lung cancer types include squamous cell carcinoma, large cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma, and some other common types. Increasing studies identified that a long non-coding RNA NKILA was negatively correlated with breast cancer metastasis while its clinical significance and potential role in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remain unclear. In the present study, we confirmed the function of lncRNA NKILA as well as the underlying mechanism in regulating the NSCLC.

METHODS

The expression of lncRNA NKILA was detected in both Lung cancer tissues and cell line including A549 and NCI-H1299 by quantitative real-time reverse transcription. A small interfering RNA (siRNA) that targeted NKILA was transfected into cells to inhibit the expression of NKILA. MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay and scratch experiments were performed to analyze the migration and proliferation of NCI-H1299 which were transfected with si-NKILA. Protein levels of genes that related with G0/G1 arrest markers p16, p21, and p27 markers were measured.

RESULTS

The expression of NKILA was significantly down regulated in lung cancer tissues when compared to matched normal tissue.

CONCLUSION

In summary, our results confirmed that low expression of lncRNA NKILA plays a role in the deterioration of NSCLC cells and this effect depends on IL-11/STAT3 signaling.

Rhynchophylline Attenuates Tourette Syndrome via BDNF/NF-κB Pathway In Vivo and In Vitro

Tourette syndrome (TS) is characterized by one of the chronic neuropsychiatric disorders in multiple children, and the pathogenesis of Tourette syndrome (TS) has not been previously elucidated.The aim of this study was designed to investigate the effects of rhynchophylline (RH) on Tourette syndrome (TS) in rats.TS model was established in rats and BV2 cells by the selective 5-HT2A/2C agonist 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI). Behavior evaluations including stereotypy recording and autonomic activity test were performed. Inflammatory cytokine levels such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in serum, striatum, and cell supernatant were detected. The expression levels of BDNF/NF-κB pathway in striatum and BV2 cells were measured by Western blot. Dopamine (DA) and dopamine receptor D 2 (D2) in striatum were also measured.Data indicated that RH significantly decreased IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α in serum, striatum, and cell supernatant of TS model, with altered expression of P-NF-κBp65, P-IκBα, and BDNF in TS rats, and DOI-induced BV2 cells, as evidenced by Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry analysis. RH also significantly reduced the levels of DA and D2 in striatum.Our results shown that the regulation of BDNF/NF-κB pathway might be involved in the effects of RH on TS model.

Long non-coding RNA NKILA serves as a biomarker in the early diagnosis and prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-associated mortality worldwide. The prognosis of patients with CRC at an advanced stage is poor. Biomarkers currently used in clinical practice, including carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cancer antigen (CA) 19-9, lack sufficient sensitivity and specificity for early diagnosis and prediction, therefore there remains a requirement to improve the prognosis of patients with CRC. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been revealed to serve fundamental roles in various pathophysiological processes, including cancer initiation and progression. The present study investigated the expression and clinical significance of the lncRNA nuclear factor-κB interacting long non-coding RNA (NKILA) in CRC. It was identified that NKILA was downregulated in six CRC cell lines and tissues (n=173). Low NKILA expression was significantly associated with a poor differentiation grade, larger tumor size and advanced Tumor-Node-Metastases stages. Further statistical analyses revealed that low NKILA expression predicted poor overall survival (OS) rate and progression-free survival (PFS) rate. In addition, low NKILA expression was determined as an independent risk factor for poor OS and PFS. Furthermore, NKILA exhibited a relatively high sensitivity and specificity compared with CEA and CA19-9 in the early diagnosis of CRC. The serum level of NKILA was positively correlated with the level in tissues. In addition, a decreased NKILA level in serum was revealed to be partially restored post-operatively. In conclusion, low NKILA expression has been demonstrated to accelerate CRC progression and NKILA may be a potential novel biomarker in early diagnosis and prognosis of patients with CRC.

TGF-β-Mediated Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Cancer Metastasis

Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) is a secreted cytokine that regulates cell proliferation, migration, and the differentiation of a plethora of different cell types. Consistent with these findings, TGF-β plays a key role in controlling embryogenic development, inflammation, and tissue repair, as well as in maintaining adult tissue homeostasis. TGF-β elicits a broad range of context-dependent cellular responses, and consequently, alterations in TGF-β signaling have been implicated in many diseases, including cancer. During the early stages of tumorigenesis, TGF-β acts as a tumor suppressor by inducing cytostasis and the apoptosis of normal and premalignant cells. However, at later stages, when cancer cells have acquired oncogenic mutations and/or have lost tumor suppressor gene function, cells are resistant to TGF-β-induced growth arrest, and TGF-β functions as a tumor promotor by stimulating tumor cells to undergo the so-called epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The latter leads to metastasis and chemotherapy resistance. TGF-β further supports cancer growth and progression by activating tumor angiogenesis and cancer-associated fibroblasts and enabling the tumor to evade inhibitory immune responses. In this review, we will consider the role of TGF-β signaling in cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, EMT and cancer cell metastasis. In particular, we will highlight recent insights into the multistep and dynamically controlled process of TGF-β-induced EMT and the functions of miRNAs and long noncoding RNAs in this process. Finally, we will discuss how these new mechanistic insights might be exploited to develop novel therapeutic interventions.

LncRNA-ATB promotes TGF-β-induced glioma cells invasion through NF-κB and P38/MAPK pathway

Glioma constitutes the most aggressive primary intracranial malignancy in adults. We previously showed that long noncoding RNA activated by TGF-β (lncRNA-ATB) promoted the glioma cells invasion. However, whether lncRNA-ATB is involved in TGF-β-mediated invasion of glioma cells remains unknown. In this study, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis were used for detecting the mRNA and protein expression of related genes, respectively. Transwell assay was performed to assess the impact of lncRNA-ATB on TGF-β-induced glioma cells migration and invasion. Immunofluorescence staining was utilized to characterize related protein distribution. Results showed that TGF-β upregulated lncRNA-ATB expression in glioma LN-18 and U251 cells. Overexpression of lncRNA-ATB activated nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway and promoted P65 translocation into the nucleus, thus facilitated glioma cells invasion stimulated by TGF-β. Similarly, lncRNA-ATB markedly enhanced TGF-β-mediated invasion of glioma cells through activation P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (P38/MAPK) pathway. Moreover, both the NF-κB selected inhibitor pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate ammonium and P38/MAPK specific inhibitor SB203580 partly reversed lncRNA-ATB induced glioma cells invasion mediated by TGF-β. Collectively, this study revealed that lncRNA-ATB promotes TGF-β-induced glioma cell invasion through NF-κB and P38/MAPK pathway and established a detailed framework for understanding the way how lncRNA-ATB performs its function in TGF-β-mediated glioma invasion.

LKB1 suppresses glioma cell invasion via NF-κB/Snail signaling repression

Background

Liver kinase B1 (LKB1) is involved in various human diseases. Aberrant expression of LKB1 expression is involved in glioma progression and associated with prognosis, however, the specific mechanism involving NF-κB/Snail signaling pathways remain unknown.

Materials and methods

In the present study, quantitative real-time PCR analysis was used to investigate the expression of LKB1 tumor tissue samples and cell lines. In glioma cell lines, CCK-8 assay, transwell invasion and migration assays were used to investigate the effects of LKB1on proliferation and invasion.

Results

We observed that LKB1 knockdown promoted glioma cell proliferation, migration and invasion. This effect was induced through NF-κB/Snail signaling activation. Also, LKB1 overexpression suppressed proliferation, migration, and invasion, which could be rescued by Snail overexpression.

Conclusion

Taken together, our results show that LKB1 knockdown promotes remarkably glioma cell proliferation, migration and invasion by regulating Snail protein expression through activating the NF-κB signaling. This may serve as a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target for glioma.

Genome-wide target interactome profiling reveals a novel EEF1A1 epigenetic pathway for oncogenic lncRNA MALAT1 in breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide, accounting for approximately 500,000 deaths each year. MALAT1 is a highly conserved long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), and its increased expression is associated with relapse and metastatic progression in breast cancer. We performed RNA reverse transcription-associated trap sequencing (RAT-seq) to characterize the genome-wide target interaction network for MALAT1 and showed that MALAT1 interacted with multiple pathway target genes that are closely related to tumor progression and metastasis. Notably, MALAT1 bound to the promoter regulatory element of the translation elongation factor 1-alpha 1 gene EEF1A1. Knockdown of MALAT1 by shRNA caused significant downregulation of EEF1A1 in breast cancer MDA-MB231 and SKRB3 cells. Using a luciferase reporter assay, we showed that knockdown of MALAT1 reduced the promoter activity of EEF1A1 in these two breast cancer cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay indicated that MALAT1 regulated EEF1A1 by altering the histone 3 lysine 4 (H3K4) epigenotype in the gene promoter. MALAT1 was overexpressed in breast cancer tissues and breast cancer cells. Knockdown of MALAT1 reduced cell proliferation and invasion by arresting cells at the G0/G1 phase. Ectopic overexpression of EEF1A1 reversed the altered tumor phenotypes induced by MALAT1 shRNA treatment. These data suggest an epigenetic mechanism by which MALAT1 lncRNA facilitates a pro-metastatic phenotype in breast cancer by trans-regulating EEF1A1.

Long non-coding RNA ZNFX1-AS1 promotes the tumor progression and metastasis of colorectal cancer by acting as a competing endogenous RNA of miR-144 to regulate EZH2 expression

Mounting evidences indicated that long non-coding RNA is dysregulated and involved in the pathology of tumors. However, the role of lncRNAs in colorectal cancer (CRC) progression is not fully determined. Differentially expressed lncRNA profile in CRC was conducted by lncRNA microarray in 15 pairs of CRC tissues and adjacent normal tissues, and validated by real-time PCR analysis in another 106 pairs of tissues. The biological effect of lncRNA ZNFX1-AS1 was evaluated by in vitro and in vivo assays. The regulation between lncRNA ZNFX1-AS1 and miR-144 was evaluated by a series of experiments. We found that lncRNA ZNFX1-AS1 expression was significantly upregulated in CRC tissues and cell lines, and the expression of lncRNA ZNFX1-AS1 was associated with aggressive tumor phenotype and poor prognosis in CRC. Functionally, knockdown of lncRNA ZNFX1-AS1 inhibited cell proliferation, invasion, in vitro and tumorigenesis and metastasis in vivo. Further investigation demonstrated that lncRNA ZNFX1-AS1 functioned as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for miR-144, thereby leading to the depression of its endogenous target gene Polycomb group protein enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2). We found that lncRNA ZNFX1-AS1 is significantly upregulated in CRC, and the newly identified lncRNA ZNFX1-AS1-miR-144-EZH2 axis is involved in the regulation of CRC progression, which might be used as potential therapeutic targets for CRC patients.

miR-196a-5p promotes metastasis of colorectal cancer via targeting IκBα

Background

MicroRNA-196a-5p (miR-196a-5p) has been reported to be involved in the metastatic process of several cancers. In present work, we aimed to investigate the effects of miR-196a-5p and its potential target IκBα on migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells.

Methods

CCK-8 assay, wound healing assay and cell invasion assay were performed to evaluate the cell proliferation, migration and invasion. In vivo metastasis models were used to investigate the tumor metastasis ability. Real-time PCR, immunofluorescence staining or western blot were utilized to detect the expression of miR-196a-5p, IκBα, p-IκBα, nuclear p65 and EMT markers including E-cadherin, N-cadherin and fibronectin. Dual luciferase reporter assay was carried out to determine whether there is a direct interaction between miR-196a-5p and IκBα mRNA.

Results

Using SW480 cell with miR-196-5p over-expressed plus SW620 and HCT116 cells with miR-196a-5p knockdown, we found that miR-196a-5p promoted cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro and facilitated liver metastasis in vivo. We also observed that miR-196a-5p knockdown or NF-κB pathway inhibition up-regulated E-cadherin while down-regulated N-cadherin and fibronectin. By contrast, miR-196a-5p over-expression promoted EMT process of CRC. Data of dual luciferase reporter assay indicated that miR-196a-5p targeted the IκBα. Moreover, miR-196a-5p down-regulated IκBα expression while up-regulated nuclear p65 expression. Additionally, over-expression of IκBα in CRC cells attenuated the effects of miR-196a-5p on cell migration, invasion and EMT.

Conclusions

miR-196a-5p may play a key role in EMT, invasion and metastasis of CRC cells via targeting the IκBα.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-018-5245-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

LncRNAs on guard

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as crucial regulators of gene expression in immune system. It has been reported that lncRNAs participate in regulation of immune responses through both transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms. In this review, we summarize the molecular functions of lncRNAs and discuss their binding to DNA, RNA and protein targets. We focus on the regulatory function of lncRNAs in both innate and adaptive immunity, as well as in autoimmunity and cancer immunology. In addition, we point out the limitation in current knowledge and future directions for the study of lncRNAs in the immune system.

LncRNA NKILA correlates with the malignant status and serves as a tumor-suppressive role in rectal cancer

NF-κB interacting lncRNA (NKILA) has been found to function as a tumor-suppressive role in various human cancers. However, the role of NKILA in rectal cancer is still unknown. The objective of this study is to investigate the clinical value and biological function of NKILA in rectal cancer. The association between NKILA expression and clinical variables including prognosis was estimated in rectal cancer patients. The gain-of-function study of NKILA in rectal cancer cell was conducted to evaluate the effect of NKILA on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and NF-κB signaling pathway. The results suggested NKILA expression was decreased in rectal cancer tissues and cells, and correlated with clinical stage, T classification, N classification and M classification. NKILA low-expression was an independent poor prognostic factor in rectal cancer patients. NKILA-inhibited rectal cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion via suppressing NF-κB signaling. In conclusion, NKILA serves as an antioncogenic lncRNA in rectal cancer.

NKILA inhibition protects retinal pigment epithelium cells from hypoxia by facilitating NFκB activation

Sustained retinal hypoxia causes injuries to retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. We studied expression and potential functions of nuclear factor-κB (NFκB) Interacting LncRNA (NKILA) in hypoxia-treated RPE cells. Hypoxia induced NKILA expression, NKILA-IκBα association and NFκB activation in ARPE-19 cells and primary human RPE cells. shRNA-mediated knockdown of NKILA facilitated NFκB activation, inhibiting RPE cell death and apoptosis. Conversely, exogenous overexpression of NKILA blocked hypoxia-induced NFκB activation, thereby exacerbating RPE cell apoptosis. Further studies show that hypoxia downregulated microRNA-103 (miR-103), the anti-NKILA microRNA, in RPE cells. Transfection of miR-103 mimic blocked hypoxia-induced NKILA expression to significantly boost NFκB activation, protecting RPE cells from hypoxia. Collectively, we conclude that hypoxia-induced NKILA expression negatively regulates NFκB to promote RPE cell death. Conversely, NKILA inhibition protects RPE cells from hypoxia by facilitating NFκB activation.

Aberrantly expressed lncRNAs identified by microarray analysis in CD4+T cells in asthmatic patients

The aim of the study was to determine the expression profiles of message RNAs and long non-coding RNAs in CD4⁺T cells of asthmatic patients and to explore the clinical value and biological function. Expression profiles in CD4⁺T cells of asthmatic patients and healthy controls were analyzed by microarray. We found 2725 lncRNAs and 3167 mRNAs differentially expressed. The data were validated by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction, with 3 up-regulated (ENST00000444682, ENST00000566098, ENST00000583179) and 1 down-regulated (ENST00000579468) lncRNAs found. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed the area under the curve was 0.7058, 0.9026, 0.8361, 0.8316, respectively. Spearman correlation analysis showed that ENST00000566098 was positively related with IL-13 and ENST00000579468 was positively related with peak expiratory flow. Bioinformatics analyses were performed to explore the function of lncRNAs. Specific lncRNAs aberrantly expressed in CD4⁺T cells may take part in the development of asthma and may be used as biomarkers for diagnosis.

Melatonin inhibits epithelial‑to‑mesenchymal transition in gastric cancer cells via attenuation of IL‑1β/NF‑κB/MMP2/MMP9 signaling

Although melatonin has been shown to exert marked antitumor effects against a variety of cancers, the underlying mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. It has been hypothesized that the anticancer properties of melatonin are associated with its ability to suppress epithelial‑to‑mesenchymal transition (EMT) of cancer cells. In the present study, melatonin effectively suppressed interleukin (IL)‑1β‑induced EMT in human gastric adenocarcinoma (GA) cells. Sequential treatment of GA cells with melatonin after IL‑1β challenge markedly reversed the IL‑1β‑induced morphological changes, reduced cell invasion and migration, increased β‑catenin and E‑cadherin expression, and downregulated fibronectin, vimentin, Snail, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)2 and MMP9 expression. Moreover, IL‑1β‑induced activation of NF‑κB was attenuated following treatment with melatonin. Knockdown of NF‑κB significantly reduced the IL‑1β‑induced EMT in GA cells. Taken together, these findings indicate that melatonin may act by suppressing EMT and tumor progression by inhibiting NF‑κB activity.

The Nefarious Nexus of Noncoding RNAs in Cancer

The past decade has witnessed enormous progress, and has seen the noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) turn from the so-called dark matter RNA to critical functional molecules, influencing most physiological processes in development and disease contexts. Many ncRNAs interact with each other and are part of networks that influence the cell transcriptome and proteome and consequently the outcome of biological processes. The regulatory circuits controlled by ncRNAs have become increasingly more relevant in cancer. Further understanding of these complex network interactions and how ncRNAs are regulated, is paving the way for the identification of better therapeutic strategies in cancer.

The TGFβ-induced lncRNA TBILA promotes non-small cell lung cancer progression in vitro and in vivo via cis-regulating HGAL and activating S100A7/JAB1 signaling

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical roles in multiple cellular processes in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); however, the involvement of lncRNAs in the transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) signaling pathway, the critical tumor cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis pathway, remains poorly understood. To address this issue, we compared the lncRNAs expression patterns of NSCLC cells treated with and without TGFβ1 treatment. We observed that one of the most prominent hits, TGFβ-induced lncRNA (TBILA), promoted NSCLC progression and was upregulated in tumor tissues. Upregulated TBILA promotes human germinal center-associated lymphoma (HGAL) expression by binding to the Smad transcription factor complex, thereby enhancing RhoA activation. In addition, TBILA induces the S100A7-c-Jun activation domain-binding protein 1 (JAB1) pathway by binding to nuclear S100A7 and enhances pro-survival pathways in NSCLC. These findings have provided us with a new perspective regarding the regulation of the TGFβ signaling pathway in NSCLC and suggest that the lncRNA TBILA can serve as a target for anticancer therapies.

Long non-coding RNAs AC026904.1 and UCA1: a "one-two punch" for TGF-β-induced SNAI2 activation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in breast cancer

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) has received much attention as a major inducer of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) during cancer progression, mainly by activating a set of pleiotropic transcription factors including SNAI2/Slug. However, the involvement of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in TGF-β-induced Slug activation and EMT remains largely unknown.

Methods: In this study, we used microarray analysis to compare lncRNA expression profiles between TGF-β treated and untreated breast cancer cells. Then, the clinical significance of lncRNAs in breast cancer was investigated by qPCR and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. The molecular mechanisms and EMT-promoting effects in vitro were analyzed by confocal laser microscopy, Western blotting, chromosome conformation capture (3C), chromatin isolation by RNA purification (ChIRP), ChIP, luciferase reporter assay and transwell migration assay. Lastly, the pro-metastatic effects in vivo were evaluated by bioluminescent imaging and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining.

Results: We observed that TGF-β induced genome-wide changes in lncRNA levels in breast cancer cells, among which AC026904.1 and UCA1 were highly expressed in metastatic breast cancer and closely associated with poor prognosis. Mechanistic study revealed that AC026904.1 and UCA1 were upregulated by non-canonical and canonical TGF-β pathways, respectively. Further analysis showed that AC026904.1 functions as an enhancer RNA in the nucleus, whereas UCA1 exerts a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) activity in the cytoplasm. In addition, the biological functions of these two lncRNAs converged on the activation and maintenance of Slug, constituting a one-two punch in promoting EMT and tumor metastasis.

Conclusion: These findings uncover for the first time that AC026904.1 and UCA1 could cooperatively upregulate Slug expression at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels, exerting critical roles in TGF-β-induced EMT. The present work provides new evidence that lncRNAs function as key regulators of EMT and hold great promise to be used as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for metastatic breast cancer.