YY1-mediated up-regulation of lncRNA LINC00466 facilitates glioma progression via miR-508/CHEK1

BACKGROUND

The abnormal expression of lncRNA LINC00466 (LINC00466) has been demonstrated in several tumor types. However, the expression pattern and functions of LINC00466 in glioma remain uninvestigated.

METHODS

A reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was utilized to analyze LINC00466 in human glioma tissues and cell lines. Luciferase reporter assays were performed to explore whether YY1 could bind to the promoter region of LINC00466. Cell counting kit-8, flow cytometry, colony-formation, transwell migration and invasion assays were carried out to determine the involvement of INC00466 in glioma. Luciferase assays and pulldown assays were conducted to verify the binding sites.

RESULTS

We report that LINC00466 expression is increased in glioma cells and tissues. YY1 transcription factor (YY1) can bind directly to the LINC00466 promoter region. Clinical studies revealed that the elevated expression of LINC00466 is closely correlated with an advanced World Health Organization grade (p = 0.008), Karnofsky Performance Status score (p = 0.004) and a short overall survival (p = 0.0035) of glioma patients. Functional assays revealed that LINC00466 knockdown distinctly suppresses glioma cell proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal progress, and also promotes apoptosis. Moreover, dual-luciferase reporter assays indicated that LINC00466 acts as an endogenous sponge via binding to miR-508 and decreasing its expression. Luciferase assays and RT-PCR assays demonstrated that checkpoint kinase 1 (CHEK1) is a target of miR-508, and LINC00466 modulates CHEK1 levels by competing for miR-508. LINC00466 may exhibit its anti-oncogenic roles through targeting the miR-508/CHEK1 axis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings identified a novel glioma-related long non-coding RNA, LINC00466, which may provide a potential novel prognostic and therapeutic target for glioma.

Evaluation of the potential role of long non-coding RNA LINC00961 in luminal breast cancer: a case-control and systems biology study

Background

Luminal subtype is the most common subgroup of breast cancer (BC), accounting for more than 70% of this cancer. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a group of RNAs which play critical roles in diverse cellular processes. It is proved that dysregulation of them can contribute to the development of various cancers, including BC. LINC00961 was reported to be downregulated in several cancers, however, its expression level in BC remains largely unknown. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the possible role of LINC00961 in luminal A and B subtypes of BC.

Methods

To obtain novel lncRNAs associated with different cancers and differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) between BC tumor and normal tissues, Lnc2Cancer and GDC databases were used, respectively. After performing literature review, the expression level of the selected lncRNA (LINC00961) was evaluated in 79 luminal A and B BC specimens and adjacent non-cancerous tissues by Quantitative Reverse Transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). LINC00961 expression was also evaluated in two luminal A BC cell lines, compared to a normal breast cell line. The comparison of the differences between tumor and adjacent non-tumor samples was performed by paired sample t-test. Moreover, correlation analysis between LINC00961 expression and clinicopathological features was performed using the chi-square, fisher exact, and independent t-test. In order to investigate the possible roles of LINC00961 in luminal A and B BC, different bioinformatics analyses such as functional annotation of the LINC00961 co-expressed genes and protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks construction were also performed.

Results

LINC00961 was selected as a significant DElncRNA which had not been studied in BC. According to q-RT PCR assay, LINC00961 was downregulated in luminal BC tissues and cell lines. Its expression was correlated with smoking status and the age of menarche in luminal BC patients. Also, the results of the bioinformatics analysis were consistent with the data obtained from q-RT PCR assay. The final results indicated that LINC00961 might be involved in multiple cancer-associated pathways such as chemokine, Ras and PI3K–Akt signaling pathways, GPCR ligand binding, and signal transduction in luminal subtypes of BC. CDH5, GNG11, GNG8, SELL, S1PR1, CCL19, FYN, ACAN, CD3E, ACVRL1, CAV1, and PPARGC1A were identified as the top hub genes of the PPI networks across luminal subgroup.

Conclusion

Our findings suggested that LINC00961 was significantly downregulated in luminal A and B subtypes of BC. Moreover, bioinformatics analysis provided a basis for better identification of the potential role of LINC00961 in luminal subtype of BC.

New insights into long non-coding RNAs in non-small cell lung cancer

Lung cancer is a malignant tumor that seriously threatens human life and health. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for 85 % of all lung cancer cases, and its global 5-year survival rate is only approximately 5%. Thus, the identification of new prognostic biomarkers has become one of the most urgent challenges in NSCLC research. Long noncoding RNAs (LncRNAs) are a kind of noncoding RNA whose length exceeds 200 nucleotides (nt). LncRNAs are transcribed by RNA pol II and can be subjected to posttranscriptional modifications such as blocking, polyadenylation and splicing; moreover, their expression profiles are more specific than those of mRNAs. Emerging evidence confirms that lncRNAs are associated with the occurrence and development of NSCLC and play an important role in NSCLC drug resistance. The purpose of this review was to describe the roles of lncRNAs in the development, diagnosis and prognosis of NSCLC and to explore new evidence of lncRNAs in the treatment of NSCLC drug resistance. This review provides a new perspective of lncRNAs in the treatment of NSCLC.

Connecting the Missing Dots: ncRNAs as Critical Regulators of Therapeutic Susceptibility in Breast Cancer

Whether acquired or de novo, drug resistance remains a significant hurdle in achieving therapeutic success in breast cancer (BC). Thus, there is an urge to find reliable biomarkers that will help in predicting the therapeutic response. Stable and easily accessible molecules such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are regarded as valuable prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets since they act as crucial regulators of the various mechanisms involved in BC drug resistance. Here, we reviewed the current literature on ncRNAs as mediators of resistance to systemic therapies in BC. Interestingly, upon integrating data results from individual studies, we concluded that miR-221, miR-222, miR-451, Urothelial Carcinoma Associated 1 (UCA1), and Growth arrest-specific 5 (GAS5) are strong candidates as prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets since they are regulating multiple drug resistance phenotypes in BC. However, further research around their clinical implications is needed to validate and integrate them into therapeutic applications. Therefore, we believe that our review may provide relevant evidence for the selection of novel therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers for BC and will serve as a foundation for future translational research in the field.

High JAK2 Protein Expression Predicts a Poor Prognosis in Patients with Resectable Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Background

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most fatal malignancies worldwide. The JAK/STAT signaling pathway is involved in pancreatic cancer tumorigenesis. However, the prognostic value of JAK2 expression in resectable PDAC is unclear.

Method

In this study, we performed a clinicopathological analysis of 62 resectable PDAC cases with a primary focus on survival. JAK2 expression was examined by immunohistochemistry. The relationship between JAK2 expression and clinicopathological features and prognosis was analyzed.

Results

Survival curve analyses revealed that high levels of JAK2 expression predict a poor prognosis in resectable PDAC patients. Multivariate analysis confirmed that JAK2 expression can predict the prognosis of PDAC.

Conclusions

Assessment of JAK2 protein expression may be a promising method to predict prognosis in patients with resectable PDAC.

Long Non-coding RNA LINC00115 Contributes to the Progression of Colorectal Cancer by Targeting miR-489-3p via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are tumor-related regulators and have been found to be involved in the underlying molecular mechanisms of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the role of lncRNA LINC00115 during CRC progression is not entirely elucidated. In this study, we discovered that LINC00115 was significantly overexpressed in CRC, and its overexpression predicted poor patient outcomes. Downregulation of LINC00115 markedly inhibited CRC cell proliferation, increased cell apoptosis, and suppressed cell migration and invasion. Moreover, downregulation of LINC00115 led to the inactivation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling. Bioinformatics analysis identified miR-489-3p as a candidate target of LINC00115. Furthermore, we revealed an inverse correlation between LINC00115 and miR-489-3p in CRC tissues. Importantly, by luciferase reporter assay, we found that miR-489-3p might directly target LINC00115, and downregulation of miR-489-3p could rescue the biological effects induced by the absence of LINC0015. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that LINC00115 serves as an oncogene in CRC metastasis. Deeper understanding of the LINC00115/miR-489-3p axis might provide potential therapeutic targets against CRC metastasis.

Label-Free Monitoring of Histone Acetylation Using Aptamer-Functionalized Field-Effect Transistor and Quartz Crystal Microbalance Sensors

Chemical and enzymatic modifications of amino acid residues in protein after translation contain rich information about physiological conditions and diseases. Histone acetylation/deacetylation is the essential post-translational modification by regulating gene transcription. Such qualitative changes of biomacromolecules need to be detected in point-of-care systems for an early and accurate diagnosis. However, there is no technique to aid this issue. Previously, we have applied an aptamer-functionalized field-effect transistor (FET) to the specific protein biosensing. Quantitative changes of target protein in a physiological solution have been determined by detecting innate charges of captured protein at the gate-solution interface. Moreover, we have succeeded in developing an integrated system of FET and quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensors for determining the adsorbed mass and charge, simultaneously or in parallel. Prompted by this, in this study, we developed a new label-free method for detecting histone acetylation using FET and QCM sensors. The loss of positive charge of lysine residue by chemically induced acetylation of histone subunits (H3 and H4) was successfully detected by potentiometric signals using anti-histone aptamer-functionalized FET. The adsorbed mass was determined by the same anti-histone aptamer-functionalized QCM. From these results, the degree of acetylation was correlated to the charge-to-mass ratio of histone subunits. The histone required for the detection was below 100 nM, owing to the high sensitivity of aptamer-functionalized FET and QCM sensors. These findings will guide us to a new way of measuring post-translational modification of protein in a decentralized manner for an early and accurate diagnosis.

Strategies to target long non-coding RNAs in cancer treatment: progress and challenges

Background

Long non-coding RNAs are important regulators of gene expression and diverse biological processes. Their aberrant expression contributes to a verity of diseases including cancer development and progression, providing them with great potential to be diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Therefore, they can have a key role in personalized cancer medicine.

This review aims at introducing possible strategies to target long ncRNAs therapeutically in cancer. Also, chemical modification of nucleic acid-based therapeutics to improve their pharmacological properties is explained. Then, approaches for the systematic delivery of reagents into the tumor cells or organs are briefly discussed, followed by describing obstacles to the expansion of the therapeutics.

Main text

Long ncRNAs function as oncogenes or tumor suppressors, whose activity can modulate all hallmarks of cancer. They are expressed in a very restricted spatial and temporal pattern and can be easily detected in the cells or biological fluids of patients. These properties make them excellent targets for the development of anticancer drugs. Targeting methods aim to attenuate oncogenic lncRNAs or interfere with lncRNA functions to prevent carcinogenesis. Numerous strategies including suppression of oncogenic long ncRNAs, alternation of their epigenetic effects, interfering with their function, restoration of downregulated or lost long ncRNAs, and recruitment of long ncRNAs regulatory elements and expression patterns are recommended for targeting long ncRNAs therapeutically in cancer. These approaches have shown inhibitory effects on malignancy. In this regard, proliferation, migration, and invasion of tumor cells have been inhibited and apoptosis has been induced in different cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Downregulation of oncogenic long ncRNAs and upregulation of some growth factors (e.g., neurotrophic factor) have been achieved.

Conclusions

Targeting long non-coding RNAs therapeutically in cancer and efficient and safe delivery of the reagents have been rarely addressed. Only one clinical trial involving lncRNAs has been reported. Among different technologies, RNAi is the most commonly used and effective tool to target lncRNAs. However, other technologies need to be examined and further research is essential to put lncRNAs into clinical practice.

LncRNA TPT1-AS1 Sponges miR-23a-5p in Glioblastoma to Promote Cancer Cell Proliferation

Background: Long noncoding RNA (LncRNA) TPT1-AS1 is an oncogene in ovarian cancer and cervical cancer, while its role in glioblastoma (GBM) is unknown. The bioinformatics analysis in this study showed that miR-23a-5p may bind to TPT1-AS1. This study was performed to investigate the interactions between miR-23a-5p and TPT1-AS1 in GBM. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 GBM patients (40 males and 20 females, 24 to 60 years old, mean age 41.7 ± 7.8 years old) were enrolled at the First Hospital of Jilin University between April 2016 and April 2018. Gene expression levels were determined by qPCR and Western blot. Cell transfections were performed to analyze the interactions between TPT1-AS1, miR-23a-5p, and extracellular matrix protein 1 (ECM1). Cell proliferation was detected by cell proliferation assay. Results: The authors found miR-23a-5p was downregulated in GBM and TPT1-AS1 was upregulated in GBM, whereas the expression of these two was not significantly correlated. In GBM cells, overexpression of TPT1-AS1 did not affect the expression of miR-23a-5p, but upregulated ECM1. In cell proliferation assay, overexpression of TPT1-AS1 and ECM1 resulted in increased proliferation rate of GBM cells. Overexpression of miR-23a-5p attenuated the effects of overexpressing TPT1-AS1. Conclusions: TPT1-AS1 may sponge miR-23a-5p in GBM to promote cancer cell proliferation by upregulating ECM1.

LncRNA TBX5-AS1 Regulates the Tumor Progression Through the PI3K/AKT Pathway in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Purpose

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to play important roles in tumor biology. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of T-box transcription factor 5 antisense RNA 1 (TBX5-AS1) on aggressive phenotypes of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells and explore its regulatory pathway.

Methods

The expression of TBX5-AS1 in tissues, plasma, and cells was determined by qRT-PCR. Cell viability, proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis were assessed using MTT, colony formation, wound-healing, Transwell, and flow cytometry assay, respectively. Western blot analysis was performed to measure the expression of apoptosis-related proteins. Besides, transfected cells were exposed to PI3K activator (740Y-P) to verify the regulatory pathway.

Results

TBX5-AS1 expression was down-regulated in NSCLC tissues, plasma, and cells, and associated with lymph node metastasis and histological grade. Overexpression of TBX5-AS1 inhibited cell viability, colony formation, migration, and invasion, while it promoted apoptosis. Conversely, knockdown of TBX5-AS1 showed the completely opposite results. Additionally, western blot showed that the phosphorylation of PI3K and AKT was stimulated by TBX5-AS1 knockdown and suppressed by TBX5-AS1 overexpression. The addition of 740Y-P in transfected cells reversed the TBX5-AS1-induced inhibition of PI3K and AKT phosphorylation and effects on aggressive phenotypes of NSCLC cells.

Conclusion

The study confirmed the down-regulation of TBX5-AS1 in patients with NSCLC and its association with the progression. We innovatively proposed a possible model of TBX5-AS1-mediated gene regulation in NSCLC progression that TBX5-AS1 inhibited the aggressive phenotypes of NSCLC cells through inactivating the PI3K/AKT pathway. This finding provided a novel insight into NSCLC pathogenesis.

SLCO4A1-AS1 promotes cell growth and induces resistance in lung adenocarcinoma by modulating miR-4701-5p/NFE2L1 axis to activate WNT pathway

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) possessed essential functions in the biological behaviors of various human cancers. SLCO4A1 antisense RNA 1 (SLCO4A1-AS1) is a lncRNA that has been reported as a oncogenic regulator in colorectal cancer and bladder cancer. However, whether it exerted functions in the gene expression and cellular processes in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains still obscure. In the present research, we unveiled the high level of SLCO4A1-AS1 in LUAD tissues and cells. Moreover, functional assays indicated that SLCO4A-AS1 facilitated LUAD cell proliferation, motility, and cisplatin-resistance. Besides, mechanism investigation revealed that miR-4701-5p could interact with SLCO4A1-AS1 and directly target to NFE2L1. The expression correlation between miR-4701-5p and SLCO4A1-AS1 or NFE2L1 was found to be negative. Moreover, NFE2L1 was expressed at a same tendency with SLCO4A1-AS1 in LUAD tissues and cells. In addition, it was confirmed that NFE2L1 was involved in SLCO4A1-AS1-mediated activation of WNT pathway. According to rescue assays, NFE2L1 could involve in SLCO4A1-AS1-mediated LUAD cell growth. Conclusively, our study demonstrated that SLCO4A1-AS1 facilitated cell growth and enhanced the resistance of LUAD cells to chemotherapy via activating WNT pathway through miR-4701-5p/NFE2L1 axis.

Serum LncRNA-ATB and FAM83H-AS1 as diagnostic/prognostic non-invasive biomarkers for breast cancer

AIMS

Circulating long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have proven to be useful non-invasive tools for diagnosis of various cancers. FAM83H antisense RNA 1 (FAM83H-AS1) and lncRNA activated by TGF β (lncRNA-ATB) are two lncRNAs that have been shown to play an important role in different cancer types including breast cancer. The primary aim of our study was to investigate the potential role of serum FAM83H-AS1 and lncRNA-ATB as diagnostic/prognostic markers for breast cancer patients.

MAIN METHODS

Serum expression levels of FAM83H-AS1 and lncRNA-ATB were analyzed in 90 breast cancer patients and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls using RT-qPCR.

KEY FINDINGS

We found that FAM83H-AS1 and lncRNA-ATB were significantly overexpressed in sera of breast cancer patients compared to controls (p = 0.000 for both). Analysis of receiver operating characteristic curve demonstrated that lncRNA-ATB had a higher area under curve (AUC) value than the conventional tumor marker cancer antigen 15-3 (CA15-3) (AUC: 0.844, p = 0.000 versus 0.738, p = 0.002) for early diagnosis of breast cancer in patients with stage I-II. On the other hand, FAM83H-AS1 showed a significant correlation with tumor-node metastasis (TNM) stages, large tumor size and lymph node metastasis, suggesting a prognostic rather than diagnostic value.

SIGNIFICANCE

This is the first study to demonstrate that serum lncRNA-ATB could be used as a non-invasive diagnostic marker for early stages of breast cancer. Furthermore, serum FAM83H-AS1 has a potential ability for monitoring of progression and staging of breast cancer.

Identification of New Potential LncRNA Biomarkers in Hirschsprung Disease

Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is a neurocristopathy defined by intestinal aganglionosis due to alterations during the development of the Enteric Nervous System (ENS). A wide spectrum of molecules involved in different signaling pathways and mechanisms have been described in HSCR onset. Among them, epigenetic mechanisms are gaining increasing relevance. In an effort to better understand the epigenetic basis of HSCR, we have performed an analysis for the identification of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) by qRT-PCR in enteric precursor cells (EPCs) from controls and HSCR patients. We aimed to test the presence of a set lncRNAs among 84 lncRNAs in human EPCs, which were previously related with crucial cellular processes for ENS development, as well as to identify the possible differences between HSCR patients and controls. As a result, we have determined a set of lncRNAs with positive expression in human EPCs that were screened for mutations using the exome data from our cohort of HSCR patients to identify possible variants related to this pathology. Interestingly, we identified three lncRNAs with different levels of their transcripts (SOCS2-AS, MEG3 and NEAT1) between HSCR patients and controls. We propose such lncRNAs as possible regulatory elements implicated in the onset of HSCR as well as potential biomarkers of this pathology.

Long Noncoding RNA GAS5 Regulates Macrophage Polarization and Diabetic Wound Healing

A central feature of diabetic (Db) wounds is the persistence of chronic inflammation, which is partly due to the prolonged presence of proinflammatory (M1) macrophages. Using in vivo and in vitro analyses, we have tested the hypothesis that long noncoding RNA GAS5 is dysregulated in Db wounds. We have assessed the contribution of GAS5 to the M1 macrophage phenotype, as well as the functional consequences of knocking down its expression. We found that expression of GAS5 is increased significantly in Db wounds and in cells isolated from Db wounds. Hyperglycemia induced GAS5 expression in macrophages in vitro. Overexpression of GAS5 in vitro promoted macrophage polarization toward an M1 phenotype by upregulating signal transducer and activator of transcription 1. Of most significance in our judgment, GAS5 loss-of-function enhanced Db wound healing. These data indicate that the relative level of long noncoding RNA GAS5 in wounds plays a key role in the wound healing response. Reductions in the levels of GAS5 in wounds appeared to enhance healing by promoting transition of M1 macrophages to M2 macrophages. Thus, our results suggest that targeting long noncoding RNA GAS5 may provide a therapeutic intervention for correcting impaired Db wound healing.

Hypoxia: a barricade to conquer the pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer (PC) remains one of the most extremely lethal malignancies worldwide due to late diagnosis and early metastasis, with a 1-year overall survival rate of approximately 20%. The hypoxic microenvironment, induced by intratumoral hypoxia, promotes tumor invasion and progression, leading to chemotherapy or radiotherapy resistance and eventual mortality after treatment of PC. However, the role of the hypoxic microenvironment in PC is complicated and requires further investigation. In this article, we review recent advances regarding the regulation of malignant behaviors in PC, which provide insight into the potential of hypoxic microenvironment activation therapy for the therapeutic agents.

Long Noncoding RNA HNF1A-AS1 Regulates Osteosarcoma Advancement Through Modulating the miR-32-5p/HMGB1 Axis

Background: Osteosarcoma (OS) is a primary malignant tumor in children and adolescents. Long noncoding RNA HNF1A antisense RNA 1 (HNF1A-AS1) is connected with OS development. However, there are few reports on the role and mechanism of HNF1A-AS1 in OS. Materials and Methods: Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was employed to assess the expression of HNF1A-AS1, miR-32-5p, and high-mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1). Western blot analysis was performed to detect the protein level of HMGB1. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), colony formation, transwell, or flow cytometer assays were applied to determine the proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of OS cells. The interaction between HNF1A-AS1 and miR-32-5p or HMGB1 was predicted by the starBase database and confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to analyze levels of HMGB1 in the OS cell supernatant. Results: HNF1A-AS1 and HMGB1 were upregulated, while miR-32-5p was downregulated, in OS tissues and cells. Functionally, HNF1A-AS1 depletion induced apoptosis and impeded proliferation, migration, and invasion of OS cells. Interestingly, HNF1A-AS1 bound to miR-32-5p to regulate the expression of HMGB1. Furthermore, miR-32-5p knockdown overturned the effects of HNF1A-AS1 knockdown on apoptosis, proliferation, migration, and invasion of OS cells. In addition, the effects of HNF1A-AS1 silencing on the malignant behaviors of OS cells were reserved by HMGB1 overexpression. In addition, HNF1A-AS1 regulated the HMGB1 level in the OS cell supernatant through the miR-32-5p/HMGB1 axis. Conclusion: Downregulation of HNF1A-AS1 blocked OS progression through the miR-32-5p/HMGB1 axis, which provides a possible target and prognostic biomarker for treatment of OS.

Long non-coding RNA NORAD exhaustion represses prostate cancer progression through inhibiting TRIP13 expression via competitively binding to miR-495-3p

Background

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a malignant heterogeneous tumor that threatens men's health. Long non-coding RNA activated by DNA damage (NORAD) and microRNA-495-3p (miR-495-3p) have been revealed to be concerned with the tumorigenesis and progression of diverse cancers. Nevertheless, the regulatory mechanism between NORAD and miR-495-3p in PCa is unclear.

Methods

The expression of NORAD, miR-495-3p, and thyroid hormone receptor interactor 13 (TRIP13) mRNA was detected with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The levels of Bcl-2, Bax, Cleaved-casp-3, TRIP13, cyclin D1, and PCNA were detected through western blot analysis. The proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of PCa cells were assessed through 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), flow cytometry, or transwell assays. The relationship between NORAD or TRIP13 and miR-495-3p was confirmed via dual-luciferase reporter, RIP, or RNA pull-down assays.

Results

NORAD and TRIP13 were upregulated while miR-495-3p was downregulated in PCa tissues and cells. Both NORAD silencing and miR-495-3p upregulation accelerated cell apoptosis and curbed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in PCa cells. Also, NORAD silencing repressed tumor growth in vivo. Notably, NORAD modulated TRIP13 expression by competitively binding to miR-495-3p. Furthermore, miR-495-3p repression reversed NORAD knockdown-mediated effects on the malignant behaviors of PCa cells. Moreover, TRIP13 enhancement overturned the effects of miR-495-3p overexpression on the proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of PCa cells.

Conclusion

NORAD depletion inhibited PCa advancement via the miR-495-3p/ TRIP13 axis, which provided a potential tactic for PCa treatment.

Clinicopathological significance and prognosis of long noncoding RNA SNHG16 expression in human cancers: a meta-analysis

Background

Recent studies have highlighted the important role of long non-coding RNA SNHG16 in various human cancers. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the effect of SNHG16 expression on clinicopathological features and prognosis in patients with different kinds of human cancers.

Methods

We performed a systematic search in electronic databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Web of Science, to investigate the potential association between SNHG16 expression and prognostic significance and clinical features in cancer patients. Odds ratios (ORs) or hazards ratios (HRs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were pooled to estimate the prognosis value of SNHG16 by StataSE 15.0 software.

Results

A total of 16 eligible studies with 1299 patients were enrolled in our meta-analysis. The results revealed that increased expression level of SNHG16 was significantly associated with larger tumor size (OR: 3.357; 95% CI: 2.173–5.185; P < 0.001), advanced TNM stage (OR: 2.930; 95% CI: 1.522–5.640; P = 0.001) and poor histological grade (OR: 3.943; 95% CI: 1.955–7.952; P < 0.001), but not correlated with smoking status (P = 0.489), sex (P = 0.932), distant metastasis (P = 0.052), or lymph node metastasis (P = 0.155). Moreover, the pooled HR showed that elevated expression SNHG16 was associated with a significantly poorer overall survival (OS) (HR = 1.866, 95% CI: 1.571–2.216, P < 0.001). For the set of cancer types, high expression of SNHG16 was significantly associated with shorter OS in patients with cancers of the urinary system (HR: 2.523, 95% CI:1.540–4.133; P <0.001), digestive system (HR: 2.406, 95% CI:1.556–3.721; P <0.001), and other cancers (including glioma and non-small cell lung cancer) (HR: 1.786, 95% CI:1.406–2.267; P <0.001).

Conclusions

LncRNA SNHG16 overexpression might serve as an unfavorable prognostic factor, which provides a basis for medical workers to evaluate the prognosis of patients and to help the decision-making process.

Downregulation of lncRNA ZFAS1 protects H9c2 cardiomyocytes from ischemia/reperfusion‑induced apoptosis via the miR‑590‑3p/NF‑κB signaling pathway

Long non‑coding RNA (lncRNA) ZNFX1 antisense RNA 1 (ZFAS1) is upregulated in acute myocardial infarction; however, the role of ZFAS1 in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury remains unknown. The present study aimed to detect microRNA (miR)‑590‑3p expression levels in cardiomyocytes subjected to I/R, and to investigate the effects of ZFAS1 on myocardial I/R injury. An in vitro model of I/R injury was established using rat H9c2 cardiomyocytes exposed to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R). It was demonstrated that ZFAS1 was upregulated and miR‑590‑3p was downregulated in the in vitro model of cardiac I/R injury. Western blotting results indicated that the protein expression levels of p50, tumor necrosis factor‑α (TNF‑α), interleukin (IL)‑6, Bax and cleaved caspase‑3 were upregulated, and the expression levels of Bcl‑2 and pro‑caspase‑3 were downregulated. Flow cytometry results revealed that downregulation of ZFAS1 reduced H/R‑induced apoptosis in H9c2 cells. In addition, downregulation of ZFAS1 significantly increased the expression of miR‑590‑3p, and p50 was identified as a target gene of miR‑590‑3p. Furthermore, with 12 h of hypoxia followed by 2 h of reoxygenation in H9c2 cells, ZFAS1 knockdown increased the expression levels of miR‑590‑3p, Bax and cleaved‑caspase‑3, and decreased the expression levels of Bcl‑2 and pro‑caspase‑3. It was also found that the miR‑590‑3p‑mimic transfection increased the expression levels of Bax and cleaved‑caspase‑3, and decreased the protein expression levels of p50, TNF‑α, IL‑6, Bcl‑2 and pro‑caspase‑3. In addition, TNF‑α treatment induced apoptosis of H9c2 cells, and the changes in Bax, Bcl‑2, cleaved‑caspase‑3 and pro‑caspase‑3 expression levels in a dose‑dependent manner. Collectively, the present results suggested that ZFAS1 was upregulated in H9c2 cells subjected to I/R injury, and that ZFAS1 knockdown protected against I/R‑induced myocardial cell apoptosis by directly interacting with miR‑590‑3p, via the NF‑κB pathway.

Long Intergenic Non-Protein Coding RNA 1089 Suppresses Cell Proliferation and Metastasis in Gastric Cancer by Regulating miRNA-27a-3p/Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) Axis

Aim

To explore the expression and biological function of long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 1089 (LINC01089) in gastric cancer (GC) progression and its underlying mechanism.

Methods

LINC01089 and microRNA-27a-3p (miR-27a-3p) expressions were detected with the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Cell proliferation, migration and invasion were evaluated by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and Transwell assay. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins were also measured by Western blot. The relationship between LINC01089 and miR-27a-3p was revealed by a bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assay.

Results

LINC01089 was significantly down-regulated in GC tissues, as well as GC cell lines. GC patients with lower LINC01089 expression were more likely to have poor outcomes. Overexpression of LINC01089 significantly suppressed GC cells growth, migration and invasion and forbade the EMT process. LINC01089 was directly targeted at miR-27a-3p. The transfection of miR-27a-3p mimics reversed the inhibitory effects on proliferative and metastatic abilities of GC cells with LINC01089 overexpression.

Conclusion

LINC01089 inhibits cell proliferation and metastasis in GC by targeting miR-27a-3p/EMT axis, which should be considered as a promising therapeutic target.

Altered Long Noncoding RNA Expression Profile in Multiple Myeloma Patients with Bisphosphonate-Induced Osteonecrosis of the Jaw

Bisphosphonates (BPs) are inhibitors of osteoclast-mediated bone resorption used for the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) patients with osteolytic lesions. Bisphosphonate-induced osteonecrosis of the jaw (BONJ) is an infrequent drug-caused adverse event of these agents. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a set of more than 200 base pairs, noncoding RNA molecules, which are critical posttranscriptional regulators of gene expression. Our study was aimed at evaluating 17 lncRNAs, whose targets were previously validated as key elements in MM, bone metabolism, and angiogenesis in MM subjects without BONJ (MM group), in MM subjects with BONJ (BONJ group), and a group of healthy controls (CTRL group). Our results demonstrated a different lncRNA profile in BONJ patients compared to MM patients and controls. Two lncRNAs (DANCR and MALAT1) were both downregulated compared to controls and MM, twelve (HOTAIR, MEG3, TP73-AS1, HOTTIP, HIF1A-AS2, MANTIS, CTD-2201E18, CTD1-2003C8, R-471B22, RP1-43E13, RP11-553L6.5, and RP1-286D6) were overexpressed in MM with BONJ, and one (H19) was upregulated compared with only MM. Two lncRNAs (JHDMD1 and MTMR9LP) had higher expression, but these differences were not statistically significant. The examined lncRNAs target several genes and metabolic pathways. An altered lncRNA signature could contribute to the onset of BONJ or have a protective action. Targeting these lncRNAs could offer a possibility for the prevention or therapy of BONJ.

PWRN1 Suppressed Cancer Cell Proliferation and Migration in Glioblastoma by Inversely Regulating hsa-miR-21-5p

Objective

To evaluate the expression and function of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) Prader-Willi region non-protein coding RNA 1 (PWRN1) in human glioblastoma (GBM).

Materials and Methods

QRT-PCR was applied to assess PWRN1 expression in human GBM tumors and GBM cell lines. PWRN1 was overexpressed by lentiviral infection in LN-229 and U-251 cells to evaluate its effect on GBM cell proliferation and migration in vitro, and xenograft in vivo. The endogenously competing target of PWRN1, human microRNA-21-5p (hsa-miR-21-5p) was evaluated by dual-luciferase activity assay and qRT-PCR. Also, hsa-miR-21-5p was upregulated in PWRN1-overexpressed GBM cells to evaluate the functional involvement of hsa-miR-21-5p in PWRN1-mediated GBM cell proliferation and migration.

Results

PWRN1 was downregulated in both human GBM tumors and GBM cell lines. In LN-229 and U-251, PWRN1 overexpression suppressed cancer cell proliferation and migration in vitro, and xenograft growth in vivo. Hsa-miR-21-5p was demonstrated to be the downstream competing target of PWRN1 in GBM. Conversely, upregulating hsa-miR-21-5p in LN-229 and U-251 cells reversed the tumor-suppressing effects of PWRN1 overexpression.

Conclusion

PWRN1 is markedly downregulated in GBM. Overexpressing PWRN1 has tumor inhibitory effect on GBM cells, likely via reversely suppressing the expression of tumor oncogenic factor of hsa-miR-21-5p.

Identification of functional long non-coding RNAs in gastric cancer by bioinformatics analysis

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been proven to play important roles in various cancers, including gastric cancer (GC). However, detailed knowledge about lncRNAs in GC is limited. Therefore we carried out an in-depth study of public data and found 83 differently expressed lncRNAs in GC. To further confirm the target genes of these lncRNAs, we constructed a co-expression network between lncRNAs and mRNAs and found three lncRNAs (MBNL1-AS1, HAND2-AS1 and MIR100HG) were at the core of the network. By coalition analysis of clinical information and the three lncRNAs' expression level from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and GSE15459 data sets, we found MIR100HG could be a potential prognostic factor. Clinical samples showed patients with higher MIR100HG expression had poorer prognosis, and further experiments demonstrated that MIR100HG was associated with proliferation, migration and invasion of GC cells. Hopefully, MIR100HG might be considered as a novel prognostic factor and biomarker for GC.

MALAT1 and BACH1 are prognostic biomarkers for triple-negative breast cancer

Aims

The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential correlation between metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) and the transcription factor BTB and CNC homology 1 (BACH1) and their clinicopathological significance in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).

Subjects and Methods

MALAT1 and BACH1 were detected by immunohistochemistry using TNBC tissue microarrays of 240 patients. The association between MALAT1 and BACH1 expression levels was statistically analyzed. Moreover, the prognostic roles as well as clinical and pathological significance of MALAT1 and BACH1 expression in TNBC were determined.

Statistical Analysis Used

Two-tailed Pearson correlation was used to examine the correlation of BACH1 and MALA1 expression. Comparisons of clinicopathological variables between different BACH1 and MALA1 expression groups were performed using χ² tests. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) curves were plotted with the Kaplan-Meier method and the differences in OS and DFS between three groups were compared by the log-rank test. Multiple comparisons were performed using χ² tests for subsequent individual group comparisons.

Results

MALAT1 and BACH1 expression was significantly correlated with tumor-node-metastasis stage, distant metastasis, pathological stage, and survival outcomes of patients. Patients with high MALAT1 and BACH1 expression exhibited shorter overall survival and disease-free survival.

Conclusions

These findings provide further insight into the expression pattern of MALAT1 and BACH1 in TNBC and suggest them as prognostic biomarkers for TNBC.

Emerging roles of long non-coding RNAs in breast cancer biology and management

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women with the highest mortality among this gender. Despite treatment strategies including surgery, hormone therapy and targeted therapy have recently advanced, innovative biomarkers are needed for the early detection, treatment and prognosis. An increasing number of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have shown great potential as crucial players in different stages of the breast cancer tumorigenesis, influencing cell death, metabolism, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), metastasis and drug resistance. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), specifically, are a class of RNA transcripts with a length greater than 200 nucleotides, which have also been shown to exerts oncogenic or tumour suppressive roles in the pathogenesis of breast cancer. LncRNAs are implicated in different molecular mechanisms by regulating gene expressions and functions at transcriptional, translational, and post-translational levels. Here, we aim to briefly discuss the latest existing body of knowledge regarding the key functions and the molecular mechanisms of some of the most relevant lncRNAs in the pathogenesis, treatment and prognosis of breast cancer.

LncRNA ELF3-AS1 Promotes Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer Cell Invasion and Migration by Downregulating miR-212

LncRNA ELF3-AS1 has been characterized as an oncogenic lncRNA in bladder cancer and oral cancer, whereas its role in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is unknown. In this study, the authors observed that ELF3-AS1 was upregulated in NSCLC tissues in comparison with that in paired nontumor tissues collected from 68 NSCLC patients. High expression levels of ELF3-AS1 predicted the poor survival of NSCLC patients. Expression levels of miR-212 were inversely and significantly correlated with the expression levels of ELF3-AS1 across NSCLC tissue samples. In NSCLC cells, overexpression of ELF3-AS1 led to downregulated miR-212 and increased methylation of miR-212 gene. In addition, overexpression of ELF3-AS1 inhibited the role of miR-212 in suppressing cancer cell invasion and migration. Therefore, ELF3-AS1 is upregulated in NSCLC and promotes cancer cell invasion and migration by downregulating miR-212 through methylation.

LINC00261 inhibits progression of pancreatic cancer by down-regulating miR-23a-3p

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are usually dysregulated in the progression of pancreatic cancer. This research aims to explore the function and mechanism of LINC00261 in pancreatic cancer cell viability, invasion and apoptosis. Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was applied to analyze the association between survival probability of patients and level of LINC00261 or miR-23a-3p in pancreatic cancer. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was conducted to analyze the levels of LINC00261 and miR-23a-3p. Cell viability, invasion and apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells were determined via MTT, transwell invasion assay, and flow cytometry, respectively. The target relationship between LINC00261 and miR-23a-3p was determined via dual-luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation assays. Low level of LINC00261 indicated low survival probability of pancreatic cancer patients. LINC00261 level was decreased in pancreatic cancer cells than that in normal pancreatic ductal epithelial cells. Addition of LINC00261 restrained cell viability and invasion and facilitated apoptosis. miR-23a-3p was negatively correlated with LINC00261 level and high expression of miR-23a-3p indicated low survival probability. miR-23a-3p was targeted by LINC00261 and attenuated the influence of LINC00261 on pancreatic cancer cell viability, invasion and apoptosis. In conclusion, LINC00261 overexpression repressed cell viability and invasion and enhanced apoptosis by decreasing miR-23a-3p expression in pancreatic cancer cells, indicating a new target for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Long noncoding RNA LINC01194 enhances the malignancy of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma by sponging miR-655 to increase SOX18 expression

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have undergone a comprehensive study for their involvements in tumor treatments. The purpose of our study was to explore the biological effects and regulatory mechanisms of lncRNA LINC01194 (LINC01194) in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). The levels of LINC01194 in 105 LSCC patients were detected by RT-qPCR. The diagnostic and prognostic value of LINC01194 in LSCC patients were statistically analyzed. The potential functions of LINC01194 in proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis of LSCC cells were evaluated. The interaction among LINC01194, miR-655 and SOX18 was explored by bioinformatics analysis, luciferase reporter assays and biotinylated RNA pull-down. We found that the expression levels of LINC01194 were highly expressed in LSCC, which was negatively correlated with the clinical outcome of LSCC patients. The area under the ROC curve for LINC01194 was up to 0.8388. Functional assays indicated that LINC01194 knockdown distinctly inhibited LSCC cells proliferation, induced apoptosis, and also attenuated LSCC cells migration and invasion in vitro. Furthermore, we elucidated that LINC01194 promoted SOX18 expression in LSCC cells via functioning as a molecular sponge for miR-655. Overall, based on our findings, LINC01194 served as a tumor promoter and potentially represents a novel prognostic indicator and therapeutic target in LSCC.

Non-coding RNAs in cancer: platforms and strategies for investigating the genomic "dark matter"

The discovery of the role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in the onset and progression of malignancies is a promising frontier of cancer genetics. It is clear that ncRNAs are candidates for therapeutic intervention, since they may act as biomarkers or key regulators of cancer gene network. Recently, profiling and sequencing of ncRNAs disclosed deep deregulation in human cancers mostly due to aberrant mechanisms of ncRNAs biogenesis, such as amplification, deletion, abnormal epigenetic or transcriptional regulation. Although dysregulated ncRNAs may promote hallmarks of cancer as oncogenes or antagonize them as tumor suppressors, the mechanisms behind these events remain to be clarified. The development of new bioinformatic tools as well as novel molecular technologies is a challenging opportunity to disclose the role of the "dark matter" of the genome. In this review, we focus on currently available platforms, computational analyses and experimental strategies to investigate ncRNAs in cancer. We highlight the differences among experimental approaches aimed to dissect miRNAs and lncRNAs, which are the most studied ncRNAs. These two classes indeed need different investigation taking into account their intrinsic characteristics, such as length, structures and also the interacting molecules. Finally, we discuss the relevance of ncRNAs in clinical practice by considering promises and challenges behind the bench to bedside translation.

LncRNA HMMR-AS1 promotes proliferation and metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma by regulating MiR-138/sirt6 axis

Purpose: Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) play critical roles in cancer development. In this study, we aimed to explore the function and possible molecular mechanism of HMMR-AS1 involved in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).

Experimental Design: Firstly, we analyzed HMMR-AS1 expression in LUAD tissues with the sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Next, we evaluated the effects of HMMR-AS1 on LUAD cell proliferation and apoptosis, and its regulation of miR-138 by acting as a ceRNA. The animal model was used to support the in vitro experimental findings.

Results: HMMR-AS1 expression was significantly upregulated in LUAD tissues and was associated with larger tumor diameter, advanced TNM stage, lymph node metastasis, and shorter survival. Knockdown of HMMR-AS1 induced apoptosis and growth arrest in vitro and inhibited tumorigenesis in mouse xenografts. Mechanistically, HMMR-AS1 functioned as a ceRNA of miR-138, thereby leading to repression of its endogenous target sirt6. Moreover, knockdown of HMMR-AS1 dramatically inhibited tumor growth and metastasis of LUAD in vivo.

Conclusions: Taken together, HMMR-AS1 is significantly over-expressed in LUAD, and HMMR-AS1–miR-138–sirt6 axis play a critical role in LUAD tumorigenesis. Our findings highlight an oncogenic role of HMMR-AS1 in LUAD.

Silence of FOXD2-AS1 inhibited the proliferation and invasion of esophagus cells by regulating miR-145-5p/CDK6 axis

This study aimed to investigate the function of long non-coding RNA FOXD2 adjacent opposite strand RNA 1 (lncRNA FOXD2-AS1) during the progression of esophagus cancer (EC) and explore its underlying molecular mechanisms. The level of FOXD2-AS1 in EC tissues and paracancerous tissues was detected by using RT-qPCR; ROC curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of FOXD2-AS1 for EC. In addition, CCK8 assay and immunofluorescence staining assay were used to detect the proliferation of Eca-109 and TE-1 cells. To investigate the function of FOXD2-AS1 on cell apoptosis and cell cycle, flow cytometry was performed. To detect the invasion ability of EC cells, transwell invasion assay was performed. Starbase3.0 and Targetscan were used to predict the target genes of FOXD2-AS1 and miR-145-5p, and protein expressions were detected with western blot. We found FOXD2-AS1 was significantly upregulated in EC tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues, which was positively correlated with clinicopathological parameters of patients with EC. Downregulation of FOXD2-AS1 inhibited the proliferation and invasion by inducing apoptosis of EC cells. Moreover, FOXD2-AS1 may regulate the expression of CDK6 by targeting miR-145-3p. Meanwhile, silencing of FOXD2-AS1 caused G1 phase arrest of EC cells by reducing the expression of CDK6. In conclusion, silening FOXD2-AS1 significantly inhibited the proliferation and invasion of EC cells by regulating the miR-145-5p/CDK6 axis. Therefore, FOXD2-AS1 might be used as diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for EC.

STAT1-induced upregulation of lncRNA LINC01123 predicts poor prognosis and promotes the progression of endometrial cancer through miR-516b/KIF4A

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been proposed as suppressors or promoters in many tumor processes. LncRNA LINC01123 (LINC01123) was a newly identified lncRNA which was firstly functionally analyzed in lung cancer. However, its expression and function in other tumor types were rarely reported. In this study, we firstly confirmed that LINC01123 was highly expressed in both endometrial cancer (EC) tissues and cell lines using bioinformatics analysis and RT-CPR. Then, we preliminarily analyzed the mechanisms involved in overexpression of LINC01123 in EC, finding that STAT1 could bind directly to the LINC01123 promoter region and activate its transcription. Clinical research with 106 patients indicated that high expression of LINC01123 was associated with advanced clinical progression and poor clinical outcome of EC patients. Functionally, knockdown of LINC01123 suppressed the proliferation, migration and invasion of EC cells, and promoted apoptosis. Mechanistically, we observed that LINC01123 may act as an endogenous sponge by competing for miR-516b, thereby regulating KIF4A. Overall, our study revealed a novel LINC01123/miR-516b/KIF4A pathway regulatory axis in EC pathogenesis. LINC01123 may be a novel prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in EC.Abbreviations: EC: Endometrial cancer; LncRNA: Long non-coding RNA; EMT: epithelial-mesenchymal transition; miRNA: microRNA; qRT-PCR: Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction; SPSS: Statistical Package for Social Sciences; Chip: chromatin-immunoprecipitation, TCGA: The Cancer Genome Atlas; CCK-8: Cell Counting Kit-8; KIF4A: Chromosome-associated kinesin KIF4A.

LncRNA WTAPP1 promotes cancer cell invasion and migration in NSCLC by downregulating lncRNA HAND2-AS1

BACKGROUND

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) Wilms Tumor 1 Associated Protein Pseudogene 1 (WTAPP1) has been reported to be a critical player in the angiogenesis and migration of endothelial progenitor cells, while its involvement in cancer biology remains unknown. This study was carried out to investigate the role of WTAPP1 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS

The expression of WTAPP1 and lncRNA HAND2 Antisense RNA 1 (HAND2-AS1) in plasma and tissues from NSCLC patients was detected by qRT-PCR. A 5-year follow-up study was carried out to explore the prognostic value of WTAPP1 for NSCLC. Overexpression experiments were performed to analyze the interaction between WTAPP1 and HAND2-AS1. Cell invasion and migration were evaluated by Transwell assays.

RESULTS

The expression of WTAPP1 was upregulated in NSCLC. The survival analysis showed that low plasma levels of WTAPP1 were accompanied with high survival rate. HAND2-AS1 was downregulated in NSCLC and inversely correlated with WTAPP1 across tumor tissues. Overexpression of WTAPP1 resulted in downregulation of HAND2-AS1 in NSCLC cells, while overexpression of HAND2-AS1 did not affect the expression of WTAPP1. Overexpression of WTAPP1 led to promoted, while overexpression of HAND2-AS1 resulted in inhibited invasion and migration of NSCLC cells. In addition, overexpression of HAND2-AS1 partially attenuated the effects of overexpressing WTAPP1. In addition, WTAPP1 did not affect cancer cell proliferation.

CONCLUSION

WTAPP1 may promote cancer cell invasion and migration in NSCLC by downregulating lncRNA HAND2-AS1.

A four-long noncoding RNA signature predicts survival of hepatocellular carcinoma patients

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common neoplasm located in the liver. Accumulating evidence has highlighted that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are correlated with the survival of HCC patients. This study focuses on finding a lncRNA signature to predict the prognostic risk of HCC patients.

Methods

Statistical and machine learning analyses were conducted to analyze the lncRNA expression data and corresponding clinical data of 180 HCC patients collected from the public online Tanric and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases.

Results

From the training dataset, we obtained the four‐lncRNA model comprising RP11‐495K9.6, RP11‐96O20.2, RP11‐359K18.3, and LINC00556 which can divide HCC patients into two different groups with significantly different prognosis (n = 90, median 1.81, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.50‐4.91 vs 8.56 years, 95% CI: 6.96‐9.97, log‐rank test P < .001). The test dataset confirmed the prognostic ability of the signature (n = 90, median 1.95, 95% CI: 1.14‐4.08 vs 5.80 years, 95% CI: 3.11‐6.82, log‐rank test P = .007). Receiver operating characteristic curve displayed the better prediction efficiency of the four‐lncRNA signature than the tumor/node/metastasis stage. Cox analysis showed the four‐lncRNA signature was an independent predictor of HCC prognosis.

Conclusion

The four‐lncRNA signature can be used as an independent biomarker for HCC patients to predict the prognostic risk.

A three-lncRNA signature predicts clinical outcomes in low-grade glioma patients after radiotherapy

Although radiation therapy (RT) plays a critical role in the treatment of low-grade glioma (LGG), many patients suffer from adverse effects without experiencing survival benefits. In various carcinomas, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) contribute to pathogenic processes, including tumorigenesis, metastasis, chemoresistance, and radioresistance. Currently, the role of lncRNAs in the radiosensitivity of LGG is largely unknown. Here, we downloaded clinical data for 167 LGG patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas database and divided them between radiosensitive and radioresistant groups based on their clinical outcomes after receiving radiotherapy. We identified 37 lncRNAs that were differentially expressed (DElncRNAs) between the groups. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that their potential target mRNAs were mainly enriched in the PI3K-Akt and MAPK signaling pathways and in DNA damage response. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that increased expression of six lncRNAs was significantly associated with radiosensitivity. We then developed a risk signature based on three of the DElncRNAs that served as an independent biomarker for predicting LGG patient outcomes after radiotherapy. In vitro experiments further validated the biological function of these lncRNAs on low-grade glioma radiation response.

LncRNAMORT is upregulated in myocardial infarction and promotes the apoptosis of cardiomyocyte by downregulating miR-93

Background

Myocardial infarction (MI) affects the expression of a large number of lncRNAs, while the functions of those dysregulated lncRNAs are mostly unclear.

Materials and methods

Expression of MORT and miR-93 in hearth tissues and plasma of both MI mice and Sham mice and both MI patients and healthy controls was detected by RT-qPCR. Correlations of expression levels of MORT and miR-93 between hear tissues and plasma of MI mice were explored by performing linear regression.

Results

In the present study we found that MORT expression levels were higher, while expression levels of miR-93 were lower in both plasma and heart tissues of mice MI mice models compared with Sham mice. Plasma levels of MORT and miR-93 were largely consistent with expression levels of MORT and miR-93 in heart tissue of MI mice. MORT expression levels were also higher, while levels of miR-93 were also lower in plasma of MI patients compared with healthy controls. MORT and miR-93 were inversely correlated in MI patients but not in healthy controls. MORT overexpression resulted in inhibited miR-93 expression in cardiomyocytes (AC16 cell line), while miR-93 overexpression did not significantly affect MORT expression. MORT overexpression promoted cardiomyocyte apoptosis, while miR-93 overexpression played and opposite role and attenuated the effects of MORT overexpression.

Conclusion

Therefore, lncRNA MORT is upregulated in myocardial infarction and promotes the apoptosis of cardiomyocyte by downregulating miR-93.

Identification of long non-coding RNA SCARNA9L as a novel molecular target for colorectal cancer

The aim of the present study was to analyze the microarray data of human colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues and identify novel therapeutic targets for CRC. Microarray analysis from the GSE73360 and GSE84984 datasets was performed to identify novel long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that were differentially expressed in human CRC tissues. Additionally, small interfering RNAs were used to deplete the expression of the indicated lncRNAs in cells. Colony-formation, wound-closure, and transwell assays were performed on CRC cells to assess their proliferation and migration capacities. Through microarray analysis, SCARNA9L, SLMO2-ATP5E and LOC100132062 were identified as differentially expressed lncRNAs in CRC tissues. The present study demonstrated that the ablation of SCARNA9L inhibited cell proliferation and arrested the cell cycle of SW480 and SW620 CRC cells. Additionally, depletion of SCARNA9L restrained the migration of CRC cells in vitro. Overall, the present study investigated the potential involvement of SCARNA9L in CRC and suggests SCARNA9L as a potential biomarker.

Long non‑coding RNA NNT‑AS1 knockdown represses the progression of gastric cancer via modulating the miR‑142‑5p/SOX4/Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway

Patients with advanced gastric cancer (GC) have a poor prognosis with a median overall survival of 10–12 months. Long non-coding RNA nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase-antisense RNA1 (NNT-AS1) and sex-determining region Y-related high mobility group box 4 (SOX4) have been reported to be associated with the progression of various types of cancer; however, the regulatory mechanism between NNT-AS1 and SOX4 in GC is not completely understood. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression levels of NNT-AS1, microRNA (miR)-142-5p and SOX4. Western blotting was performed to assess the protein expression levels of SOX4, β-catenin, c-Myc, Bcl-2 and E-cadherin. The proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion of GC cells were determined using MTT, flow cytometry and Transwell assays. The relationship between miR-142-5p and NNT-AS1 or SOX4 was investigated using a dual-luciferase reporter assay. NNT-AS1 and SOX4 were upregulated, whereas miR-142-5p was downregulated in GC tissues and cells compared with normal tissues and cells. Both NNT-AS1 and SOX4 knockdown inhibited GC cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and enhanced GC cell apoptosis. Moreover, the results indicated that NNT-AS1 modulated SOX4 expression by sponging miR-142-5p. In addition, SOX4 overexpression reversed NNT-AS1 knockdown-mediated effects on GC cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion. NNT-AS1 knockdown blocked the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway via the miR-142-5p/SOX4 axis. Collectively, the present study indicated that NNT-AS1 knockdown decreased GC cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and induced GC cell apoptosis by regulating the miR-142-5p/SOX4/Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway axis.

LncTarD: a manually-curated database of experimentally-supported functional lncRNA-target regulations in human diseases

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are associated with human diseases. Although lncRNA–disease associations have received significant attention, no online repository is available to collect lncRNA-mediated regulatory mechanisms, key downstream targets, and important biological functions driven by disease-related lncRNAs in human diseases. We thus developed LncTarD (http://biocc.hrbmu.edu.cn/LncTarD/ or http://bio-bigdata.hrbmu.edu.cn/LncTarD), a manually-curated database that provides a comprehensive resource of key lncRNA–target regulations, lncRNA-influenced functions, and lncRNA-mediated regulatory mechanisms in human diseases. LncTarD offers (i) 2822 key lncRNA–target regulations involving 475 lncRNAs and 1039 targets associated with 177 human diseases; (ii) 1613 experimentally-supported functional regulations and 1209 expression associations in human diseases; (iii) important biological functions driven by disease-related lncRNAs in human diseases; (iv) lncRNA–target regulations responsible for drug resistance or sensitivity in human diseases and (v) lncRNA microarray, lncRNA sequence data and transcriptome data of an 11 373 pan-cancer patient cohort from TCGA to help characterize the functional dynamics of these lncRNA–target regulations. LncTarD also provides a user-friendly interface to conveniently browse, search, and download data. LncTarD will be a useful resource platform for the further understanding of functions and molecular mechanisms of lncRNA deregulation in human disease, which will help to identify novel and sensitive biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Beyond MicroRNAs: Emerging Role of Other Non-Coding RNAs in HPV-Driven Cancers

Persistent infection with high-risk Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) leads to the development of several tumors, including cervical, oropharyngeal, and anogenital squamous cell carcinoma. In the last years, the use of high-throughput sequencing technologies has revealed a number of non-coding RNA (ncRNAs), distinct from micro RNAs (miRNAs), that are deregulated in HPV-driven cancers, thus suggesting that HPV infection may affect their expression. However, since the knowledge of ncRNAs is still limited, a better understanding of ncRNAs biology, biogenesis, and function may be challenging for improving the diagnosis of HPV infection or progression, and for monitoring the response to therapy of patients affected by HPV-driven tumors. In addition, to establish a ncRNAs expression profile may be instrumental for developing more effective therapeutic strategies for the treatment of HPV-associated lesions and cancers. Therefore, this review will address novel classes of ncRNAs that have recently started to draw increasing attention in HPV-driven tumors, with a particular focus on ncRNAs that have been identified as a direct target of HPV oncoproteins.

The long non-coding RNA ILF3-AS1 increases the proliferation and invasion of retinoblastoma through the miR-132-3p/SMAD2 axis

A great deal of evidence suggests that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) function in the tumorigenesis of retinoblastoma (RB). However, the roles of lncRNA ILF3-AS1 in RB are still unclear. In the present study, our work revealed that the lncRNA ILF3-AS1 was increased in both RB tissues and cell lines. Repression of ILF3-AS1 suppressed both RB cell proliferation and invasion in vitro. ILF3-AS1 also promoted tumor growth in vivo. While exploring the mechanisms behind ILF3-AS1 in RB, we identified that ILF3-AS1 sponges with miR-132-3p that is expressed at low levels in RB tissues as well as attenuates RB progression. Furthermore, SMAD2 was confirmed to be a miR-132-3p target. Finally, we found that SMAD2 overexpression or miR-132-3p inhibitors recover the inhibitory effects of ILF3-AS1 suppression on RB progression. Collectively, these data indicate that ILF3-AS1 is involved in RB progression through the miR-132-3p/SMAD2 axis, providing a novel and promising biomarker that can be used for the treatment of RB.

Pancreatic Cancer and Its Microenvironment-Recent Advances and Current Controversies

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) causes annually well over 400,000 deaths world-wide and remains one of the major unresolved health problems. This exocrine pancreatic cancer originates from the mutated epithelial cells: acinar and ductal cells. However, the epithelia-derived cancer component forms only a relatively small fraction of the tumor mass. The majority of the tumor consists of acellular fibrous stroma and diverse populations of the non-neoplastic cancer-associated cells. Importantly, the tumor microenvironment is maintained by dynamic cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. In this article, we aim to review the most common drivers of PDAC. Then we summarize the current knowledge on PDAC microenvironment, particularly in relation to pancreatic cancer therapy. The focus is placed on the acellular stroma as well as cell populations that inhabit the matrix. We also describe the altered metabolism of PDAC and characterize cellular signaling in this cancer.

The Prognostic Signature and Potential Target Genes of Six Long Non-coding RNA in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Studies have shown that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) may act as the carcinogenic factor or tumor suppressor of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). This study aims to identify the prognostic value and potential target protein-coding genes (PCGs) of lncRNAs in LSCC. The LSCC datasets were collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Statistical and bioinformatic methods were used to establish and evaluate the prognostic model, identify the correlation between lncRNAs and clinical characteristics, and screen for PCGs co-expressed with lncRNAs. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) identified PCG modules associated with clinical characteristics. The expression of lncRNAs and PCGs was analyzed using our LSCC patients by RT-qPCR. LINC02154, LINC00528, SPRY4-AS1, TTTY14, LNCSRLR, and KLHL7-DT were selected to establish the prognostic model. The overall survival (OS) of low-risk patients forecasted by the model was significantly better than high-risk patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and concordance index (C-index) validated the accuracy of the prognostic model. Chi-square test showed that six lncRNAs were associated with one of the clinical characteristics, i.e., gender, clinical stage, T and N stage, respectively. WGCNA identified PCG modules associated with gender, clinical stage, T and N stage. We took the intersection of the PCG modules of WGCNA, the differentially expressed PCGs between LSCC and normal samples, and the PCGs co-expressed with six lncRNAs. The intersection PCGs survival analysis showed that four PCGs, i.e., STC2, TSPAN9, SMS, and TCEA3 affected the OS of LSCC. More importantly, the differential expression of six lncRNAs and four PCGs between LSCC and normal samples was verified by our LSCC patients. In conclusion, we successfully established a prognostic model based on six-lncRNA RiskScore and initially screened the potential target PCGs of six lncRNAs for further basic and clinical research.

USF1-mediated upregulation of lncRNA GAS6-AS2 facilitates osteosarcoma progression through miR-934/BCAT1 axis

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been certified as important regulators in tumorigenesis. LncRNA GAS6-AS2 (GAS6-AS2) was a newly identified tumor-related lncRNA, and its dysregulation and oncogenic effects in melanoma and bladder cancer had been reported in previous studies. However, the expression pattern and potential function of GAS6-AS2 in osteosarcoma (OS) have not been investigated. In this study, we identified a novel OS-related lncRNA GAS6-AS2. We found that GAS6-AS2 was distinctly upregulated in both OS specimens and cell lines. Distinct up-regulation of GAS6-AS2 in OS was correlated with advanced clinical stages and shorter survivals. In addition, USF1 could directly bind to the GAS6-AS2 promoter and contribute to its overexpression. Furthermore, GAS6-AS2 knockdown caused tumor suppressive effects via reducing cellular proliferation, migration and invasion, and promoting OS cell apoptosis. Besides, GAS6-AS2 directly bound to miR-934 and downregulated its expression. Mechanistically, GAS6-AS2 positively regulated the expression of BCAT1 through sponging miR-934. Taken together, our data illustrated how GAS6-AS2 played an oncogenic role in OS and might offer a potential therapeutic target for treating OS.

SP1-mediated upregulation of lncRNA SNHG4 functions as a ceRNA for miR-377 to facilitate prostate cancer progression through regulation of ZIC5

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been demonstrated to serve distinct roles in human tumorigenesis. Previous studies have found that lncRNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 4 (SNHG4) was dysregulated in several tumors. However, the expression, clinical significances, and action mechanisms of SNHG4 in prostate cancer (PCa) are still unclear.

METHODS

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was utilized to detect SNHG4 expression in tissue samples and PCa cells. Cell counting kit-8, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine, clonogenic formation, wound-healing, and transwell invasion assays were, respectively, used to evaluate cell proliferation, colony formation ability, migration, and invasion. Flow cytometric analysis was applied to assess cell apoptosis. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were conducted to determine the binding between SP1 and SNHG4 promoter. Luciferase reporter assay, qRT-PCR, and western blot analysis were carried out to explore and confirm the interaction among SNHG4, miR-377, and ZIC5.

RESULTS

SNHG4 was highly expressed in PCa and its upregulation was induced by transcription factor SP1. The high levels of SNHG4 were distinctly associated with tumor stage, lymph node metastasis, and reduced overall survival of patients with PCa. SNHG4 knockdown inhibited the growth, migration, and invasion of PCa cells. In addition, miR-377 was a target of SNHG4 and ZIC5 was a target gene of miR-377 in PCa. SNHG4 promoted ZIC5-mediated growth and metastasis through modulating miR-377.

CONCLUSION

Our findings illuminate how SNHG4 formed a regulatory network to display a tumor-promotive effect in PCa and revealed that SNHG4 may be a novel therapeutic target and prognostic marker for patients with PCa.

The Epigenetic Drug Discovery Landscape for Metabolic-associated Fatty Liver Disease

Despite decades of research, effective therapies for metabolic (dysfunction)-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) are lacking. An increasing body of evidence suggests that epigenetic dysregulation is frequent in MAFLD, and orchestrates many aspects of its development and progression. Furthermore, the high plasticity of epigenetic modifications in response to environmental cues renders epigenetics a novel area for therapeutic drug discovery. Over recent years, several epigenetics-based drugs and diagnostic biomarkers have entered clinical development and/or obtained regulatory approval. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of epigenetic regulation and programming during MAFLD, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodelling, transcriptional control, and noncoding (nc)RNAs. We also discuss the potential translational implications and challenges of epigenetics in the context of MAFLD.

Update on urine as a biomarker in cancer: a necessary review of an old story

Introduction: Cancer causes thousands of deaths worldwide each year. Therefore, monitoring of health status and the early diagnosis of cancer using noninvasive assays, such as the analysis of molecular biomarkers in urine, is essential. However, effective biomarkers for early diagnosis of cancer have not been established in many types of cancer.Areas covered: In this review, we discuss recent findings with regard to the use of urine composition as a biomarker in eleven types of cancer. We also highlight the use of urine biomarkers for improving early diagnosis.Expert opinion: Urinary biomarkers have been applied for clinical application of early diagnosis. The main limitation is a lack of integrated approaches for identification of new biomarkers in most cancer. The utilization of urinary biomarker detection will be promoted by improved detection methods and new data from different types of cancers. With the development of precision medicine, urinary biomarkers will play an increasingly important clinical role. Future early diagnosis would benefit from changes in the utilization of urinary biomarkers.

Up-regulation of long noncoding RNA LINC00858 is associated with poor prognosis in gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

The present study aimed to investigated the expression pattern of long noncoding RNA LINC00858 (LINC00858) in gastric cancer (GC) patients and its feasibility as a new prognostic biomarker.

METHODS

We examined LINC00858 expression in GC tissues and matched normal tissues from 189 patients using a quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The correlations of LINC00858 levels in GC patients with clinicopathologic features were analyzed using a chi-squared test. The influence of LINC00858 on the overall survival rate of GC patients was precisely calculated using Kaplan-Meier methods (log rank tests). Multivariate Cox regression assays were carried out for the identification of the independent risk factors for GC.

RESULTS

We observed that LINC00858 was distinctly up-regulated in GC tissues compared to adjacent non-tumor specimens (p < 0.01). Higher expression of LINC00858 in GC was found to be associated with TNM stage (p = 0.003) and lymphatic metastasis (p = 0.007). Using Kaplan-Meier assays, we found that patients with high expression levels of LINC00858 had a distinctly poor overall survival and disease-free survival compared to those with low expression levels of LINC00858 (p = 0.0102). Multivariate analyses confirmed that LINC00858 (p < 0.05) was an independent prognosis factor for GC patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The data obtained in our study indicate that LINC00858 may be used as a novel prognostic indicator in GC patients.