The long noncoding RNA AK002107 negatively modulates miR-140-5p and targets TGFBR1 to induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma

LncRNA WFDC21P interacts with SEC63 to promote gastric cancer malignant behaviors by regulating calcium homeostasis signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer is currently estimated to be the fifth leading common cancer in the world, and responsible for about one million new cases and an estimated 769,000 cancer-related deaths each year. WFDC21P is long non-coding RNA and has been reported to play critical roles in serval types of cancer. Our research aims to investigate the biological effects and molecular mechanism of WFDC21P in gastric cancer.

METHODS

Datasets (GSE53137, GSE58828, and GSE109476) in GEO database were used to screen differential expressed lncRNAs in gastric cancer by online GEO2R analysis tool. Quantitative RT-PCR was used to verify the above prediction in ten pairs of gastric cancer and corresponding paracancerous tissues. Pan-cancer analysis was used to analyze the expression of WFDC21P in different types of cancer. Small interfering RNAs were used to WFDC21P knockdown. CCK-8 and colony formation assays were used to measure the proliferation and tumorigenesis abilities. Wound healing and Transwell assay were used to detect the migration and invasion abilities. Proteins that interact with WFDC21P were predicted by catRAPID database. RNA pull down and RNA Immunoprecipitation were used to confirm the interaction. Western blotting was used to detect the key proteins level in calcium homeostasis signaling pathway. Loss-of-function and rescue assays were used to evaluate the biological function of SEC63 at the background of WFDC21P silencing.

RESULTS

WFDC21P was upregulated in gastric cancer tissues and cell lines. WFDC21P downregulation suppressed proliferation, tumorigenesis, migration, invasion, and promoted apoptosis in gastric cancer. SEC63 protein had the capability to bind with WFDC21P and the expression of SEC63 was regulated by WFDC21P. SEC63 was also upregulated in gastric cancer and exerted effects during tumor growth and metastasis.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirmed that lncRNA WFDC21P aggravated gastric cancer malignant behaviors by interacting with SEC63 to regulate the calcium homeostasis signaling pathway.

Aberrant expression of circular RNA DHPR facilitates tumor growth and metastasis by regulating the RASGEF1B/RAS/MAPK axis in hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are noncoding RNAs. Accumulating evidence suggests that circRNAs play a critical role in human biological processes, especially tumorigenesis, and development. However, the exact mechanisms of action of circRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unclear.

METHODS

Bioinformatic tools and RT-qPCR were used to identify the role of circDHPR, a circRNA derived from the dihydropteridine reductase (DHPR) locus, in HCC and para-carcinoma tissues. Kaplan-Meier analysis and the Cox proportional hazard model were used to analyze the correlation between circDHPR expression and patient prognosis. Lentiviral vectors were used to establish stable circDHPR-overexpressing cells. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that tumor proliferation and metastasis are affected by circDHPR. Mechanistic assays, including Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, dual-luciferase reporter assays, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and RNA immunoprecipitation, have demonstrated the molecular mechanism underlying circDHPR.

RESULTS

CircDHPR was downregulated in HCC, and low circDHPR expression was associated with poor overall survival and disease-free survival rates. CircDHPR overexpression inhibits tumor growth and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Further systematic studies revealed that circDHPR binds to miR-3194-5p, an upstream regulator of RASGEF1B. This endogenous competition suppresses the silencing effect of miR-3194-5p. We confirmed that circDHPR overexpression inhibited HCC growth and metastasis by sponging miR-3194-5p to upregulate the expression of RASGEF1B, which is regarded as a suppressor of the Ras/MAPK signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Aberrant circDHPR expression leads to uncontrolled cell proliferation, tumorigenesis, and metastasis. CircDHPR may serve as a biomarker and therapeutic target for HCC.

LncRNA ASB16-AS1 accelerates cellular process and chemoresistance of ovarian cancer cells by regulating GOLM1 expression via targeting miR-3918

BACKGROUND

Reportedly, ovarian cancer (OC) is a major threat to women's health. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) ASB16-AS1 has been uncovered to participate in cancer progression. Nevertheless, the role of ASB16-AS1 in OC remains to be revealed.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to unveil the biological function of ASB16-AS1 and its underlying mechanisms in OC cells.

METHODS

QRT-PCR was done to test ASB16-AS1 expression in OC cells. Functional assays were performed to evaluate the malignant behaviors and cisplatin resistance of OC cells. Mechanistic analyses were done to investigate the regulatory molecular mechanism in OC cells.

RESULTS

ASB16-AS1 was found to be highly expressed in OC cells. ASB16-AS1 knockdown repressed proliferation, migration, and invasion of OC cells, while facilitating cell apoptosis. ASB16-AS1 was further validated to up-regulate GOLM1 through competitively binding with miR-3918. Moreover, miR-3918 overexpression was corroborated to suppress OC cell growth. Rescue assays further uncovered that ASB16-AS1 modulated the malignant processes of OC cells via targeting miR-3918/GOLM1 axis.

CONCLUSION

ASB16-AS1 facilitates the malignant processes and chemoresistance of OC cells via serving as miR-3918 sponge and positively modulating GOLM1 expression.

M6A RNA methylation-mediated RMRP stability renders proliferation and progression of non-small cell lung cancer through regulating TGFBR1/SMAD2/SMAD3 pathway

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has the highest mortality rate among all malignancies worldwide. The role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the progression of cancers is a contemporary research hotspot. Based on an integrative analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas database, we identified lncRNA-RNA Component of Mitochondrial RNA Processing Endoribonuclease (RMRP) as one of the most highly upregulated lncRNAs that are associated with poor survival in NSCLC. Furthermore, N(6)-methyladenosine (m6A) was highly enriched within RMRP and enhanced its RNA stability. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that RMRP promoted NSCLC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. In terms of mechanism, RMRP recruited YBX1 to the TGFBR1 promotor region, leading to upregulation of the transcription of TGFBR1. The TGFBR1/SMAD2/SMAD3 pathway was also regulated by RMRP. In addition, RMRP promoted the cancer stem cells properties and epithelial mesenchymal transition, which promote the resistance to radiation therapy and cisplatin. Clinical data further confirmed a positive correlation between RMRP and TGFBR1. In short, our work reveals that m6A RNA methylation-mediated RMRP stability renders proliferation and progression of NSCLC through regulating TGFBR1/SMAD2/SMAD3 pathway.

Single cell sequencing reveals that CD39 inhibition mediates changes to the tumor microenvironment

Single-cell sequencing technologies have noteworthily improved our understanding of the genetic map and molecular characteristics of bladder cancer (BC). Here we identify CD39 as a potential therapeutic target for BC via single-cell transcriptome analysis. In a subcutaneous tumor model and orthotopic bladder cancer model, inhibition of CD39 (CD39i) by sodium polyoxotungstate is able to limit the growth of BC and improve the overall survival of tumor-bearing mice. Via single cell RNA sequencing, we find that CD39i increase the intratumor NK cells, conventional type 1 dendritic cells (cDC1) and CD8 + T cells and decrease the Treg abundance. The antitumor effect and reprogramming of the tumor microenvironment are blockaded in both the NK cells depletion model and the cDC1-deficient Batf3^-/- model. In addition, a significant synergistic effect is observed between CD39i and cisplatin, but the CD39i + anti-PD-L1 (or anti-PD1) strategy does not show any synergistic effects in the BC model. Our results confirm that CD39 is a potential target for the immune therapy of BC.

Identification of the Hub Genes and Potential Regulation Network in Chronic Hepatitis B via Bioinformatics Analysis

Background

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is a serious infectious disease which is induced by hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. This project was conducted to reveal the potential mechanism in CHB development via analyzing the public clinical data.

Methods

GSE33857 and GSE110217, obtained from the GEO database, were used for bioinformatics excavation. Briefly, the raw data of GSE33857 and GSE110217 were analyzed with the GEO2R, and then the expressed matrix files were generated. The matrix files was visualized as heat map with R software. The targets of the miRNAs were analyzed with the miRDIP database. The functional annotation and pathway enrichment were performed using “clusterProfiler” package in R software. The STRING database was utilized to analyze the interaction of the DEGs, and the PPI and miRNA-mRNA network were established according to the related results.

Results

93 downregulated genes and 17 upregulated genes in GES33857, and 111 downregulated and 40 upregulated genes in GSE110217 were identified as the hub nodes. The targets of the DEGs in the datasets were enriched in PI3K/AKT and MAPK pathways and associated with transcriptional regulation. Moreover, PPI and miRNA-mRNA networks were also established with the DEGs and related targets in the datasets. miR-122-5p, miR-125b-5p, miR-136-5p, miR-194-5p, miR-139-5p, miR-140-5p, miR-181a-5p, and miR-29b-3p were identified as the potential biomarkers in CHB.

Conclusion

Eight miRNAs, including miR-122-5p, miR-125b-5p, miR-136-5p, miR-194-5p, miR-139-5p, miR-140-5p, miR-181a-5p, and miR-29b-3p, were identified as the potential biomarkers in CHB, and the PPI and miRNA-mRNA networks were also established.

Involvement of microRNAs and their potential diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic role in hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for 85%-90% of primary liver cancer. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression by targeting the 3'UTR of mRNA. Abnormal expression and regulation of miRNAs are involved in the occurrence and progression of HCC, and miRNAs can also play a role in the diagnosis and treatment of HCC as oncogenes or tumor suppressors.

METHODS

In the past decades, a large number of studies have shown that miRNAs play an essential regulatory role in HCC and have potential as biomarkers for HCC. We reviewed the literature to summarize these studies.

RESULTS

By reviewing the literature, we retrospected the roles of miRNAs in the development, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of HCC, and put forward prospects for the further research on miRNAs in the precision treatment of HCC.

CONCLUSION

MicroRNAs are important regulators and biomarkers in the occurrence, progression, outcome, and treatment of HCC, and can provide new targets and strategies for improving the therapeutic effect of HCC.

microRNA-378a-3p regulates the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating PD-L1 and STAT3

Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) plays an essential role in the development or progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNA molecules that regulate gene expression during normal and pathophysiological events. Here, we explored the functions and detailed mechanisms of miR-378a-3p and PD-L1 in HCC progression. First, miR-378a-3p was selected by analyzing miRNA levels in two HCC Gene Expression Omnibus datasets. We found that miR-378a-3p levels exhibited a downward trend in HCC and were negatively correlated with PD-L1 levels. Additionally, a dual luciferase assay predicted that miR-378a-3p directly targets PD-L1. Moreover, the transfection of miR-378a-3p mimics into Li-7 and HuH-7 cells effectively decreased the PD-L1 mRNA and protein expression levels, and inhibited Treg differentiation in co-culture models by modulating the expression levels of certain cytokines. Furthermore, the overexpression of miR-378a-3p hindered cell proliferation and migration but facilitated apoptosis by repressing STAT3 signaling in HCC cells. In conclusion, miR-378a-3p appears to inhibit HCC tumorigenesis by regulating PD-L1 and STAT3 levels. Thus, miR-378a-3p may be a potential target for HCC therapy.

LncRNA RSU1P2-microRNA let-7a-Testis-Expressed Protein 10 axis modulates tumorigenesis and cancer stem cell-like properties in liver cancer

LncRNAs exert important functions in the modulation of tumorigenesis and cancer stem cell-like properties in liver cancer. However, the role of LncRNA Ras suppressor protein 1 pseudogene 2 (RSU1P2) in modulating tumorigenesis and cancer stem cell-like properties in liver cancer is still not known. In this study, the expression of LncRNA RSU1P2 was significantly elevated in liver cancer tissues and cells. Besides, knockdown of RSU1P2 repressed cell viability, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of liver cancer cells and the expressions of cancer stem cell-related genes, whereas facilitated the apoptosis of liver cancer cells. In addition, LncRNA RSU1P2 can interact with microRNA let-7a (let-7a), and repress let-7a expression. Testis-Expressed Protein 10 (Tex10) was identified to be a target of let-7a, and let-7a repressed Tex10 expression. Finally, RSU1P2 knockdown suppressed tumor volume, tumor weight, and EMT in a xenograft model. Therefore, LncRNA RSU1P2 promotes tumorigenesis and cancer stem cell-like properties in liver cancer through let-7a/Tex10 pathway.

High expression of small nucleolar RNA host gene 3 predicts poor prognosis and promotes bone metastasis in prostate cancer by activating transforming growth factor-beta signaling

Bone metastasis is closely related to tumor death in prostate cancer (PC). Long noncoding RNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 3 (SNHG3) has been implicated in the initiation and progression of multiple human cancers. Nevertheless, the biological function of SNHG3 in PC has not been elucidated. Our results indicated that SNHG3 was upregulated in bone metastasis-positive PC tissues compared to bone metastasis-negative PC tissues and adjacent normal tissues. High expression of SNHG3 indicates advanced clinicopathological features and predicts poor prognosis in patients with PC. Meanwhile, SNHG3 knockdown suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of PC cells and inhibited PC cell metastasis to the bone. Mechanistically, SNHG3 enhanced the expression of transforming growth factor beta receptor 1 (TGFBR1) and activated transforming growth factor-Beta (TGF-β) signaling by targeting miR-214-3p. Our study demonstrated the novel role of the SNHG3/miR-214-3p/TGF-β axis in tumor growth and bone metastasis in PC, indicating that SNHG3 may act as a biomarker and promising therapeutic target against PC.

Non-coding RNA-associated competitive endogenous RNA regulatory networks: Novel diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities for hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as the most prevalent liver malignancy, is annually diagnosed in more than half a million people worldwide. HCC is strongly associated with hepatitis B and C viral infections as well as alcohol abuse. Obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) also significantly enhance the risk of liver cancer. Despite recent improvements in therapeutic approaches, patients diagnosed in advanced stages show poor prognosis. Accumulating evidence provides support for the regulatory role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in cancer. There are a variety of reports indicating the regulatory role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in different stages of HCC. Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) exert their effects by sponging miRNAs and controlling the expression of miRNA-targeted genes. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) perform their biological functions by acting as transcriptional regulators, miRNA sponges and protein templates. Diverse studies have illustrated that dysregulation of competing endogenous RNA networks (ceRNETs) is remarkably correlated with HCC-causing diseases such as chronic viral infections, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and liver fibrosis/cirrhosis. The aim of the current article was to provide an overview of the role and molecular mechanisms underlying the function of ceRNETs that modulate the characteristics of HCC such as uncontrolled cell proliferation, resistance to cell death, metabolic reprogramming, immune escape, angiogenesis and metastasis. The current knowledge highlights the potential of these regulatory RNA molecules as novel diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in HCC.

The role of ceRNA-mediated diagnosis and therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide due to its high degree of malignancy, high incidence, and low survival rate. However, the underlying mechanisms of hepatocarcinogenesis remain unclear. Long non coding RNA (lncRNA) has been shown as a novel type of RNA. lncRNA by acting as ceRNA can participate in various biological processes of HCC cells, such as tumor cell proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis and drug resistance by regulating downstream target gene expression and cancer-related signaling pathways. Meanwhile, lncRNA can predict the efficacy of treatment strategies for HCC and serve as a potential target for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC. Therefore, lncRNA serving as ceRNA may become a vital candidate biomarker for clinical diagnosis and treatment. In this review, the epidemiology of HCC, including morbidity, mortality, regional distribution, risk factors, and current treatment advances, was briefly discussed, and some biological functions of lncRNA in HCC were summarized with emphasis on the molecular mechanism and clinical application of lncRNA-mediated ceRNA regulatory network in HCC. This paper can contribute to the better understanding of the mechanism of the influence of lncRNA-mediated ceRNA networks (ceRNETs) on HCC and provide directions and strategies for future studies.

The nomogram based on the 6-lncRNA model can promote the prognosis prediction of patients with breast invasive carcinoma

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is a prognostic biomarker for many types of cancer. Here, we aimed to study the prognostic value of lncRNA in Breast Invasive Carcinoma (BRCA). We downloaded expression profiles from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets. Subsequently, we screened the differentially expressed genes between normal tissues and tumor tissues. Univariate Cox, LASSO regression, and multivariate Cox regression analysis were used to construct a lncRNA prognostic model. Finally, a nomogram based on the lncRNAs model was developed, and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to predict mRNAs related to the model, and to perform function and pathway enrichment. We constructed a 6-lncRNA prognostic model. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the 6-lncRNA model could be used as an independent prognostic factor for BRCA patients. We developed a nomogram based on the lncRNAs model and age, and showed good performance in predicting the survival rates of BRCA patients. Also, functional pathway enrichment analysis showed that genes related to the model were enriched in cell cycle-related pathways. Tumor immune infiltration analysis showed that the types of immune cells and their expression levels in the high-risk group were significantly different from those in the low-risk group. In general, the 6-lncRNA prognostic model and nomogram could be used as a practical and reliable prognostic tool for invasive breast cancer.

The Impact of Long Non-Coding RNAs in the Pathogenesis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the utmost deadly human malignancies. This type of cancer has been associated with several environmental, viral, and lifestyle risk factors. Among the epigenetic factors which contribute in the pathogenesis of HCC is dysregulation of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). These transcripts modulate expression of several tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes and alter the activity of cancer-related signaling axes. Several lncRNAs such as NEAT1, MALAT1, ANRIL, and SNHG1 have been up-regulated in HCC samples. On the other hand, a number of so-called tumor suppressor lncRNAs namely CASS2 and MEG3 are down-regulated in HCC. The interaction between lncRNAs and miRNAs regulate expression of a number of mRNA coding genes which are involved in the pathogenesis of HCC. H19/miR-15b/CDC42, H19/miR-326/TWIST1, NEAT1/miR-485/STAT3, MALAT1/miR-124-3p/Slug, MALAT1/miR-195/EGFR, MALAT1/miR-22/SNAI1, and ANRIL/miR-144/PBX3 axes are among functional axes in the pathobiology of HCC. Some genetic polymorphisms within non-coding regions of the genome have been associated with risk of HCC in certain populations. In the current paper, we describe the recent finding about the impact of lncRNAs in HCC.

Role and clinical significance of TGF‑β1 and TGF‑βR1 in malignant tumors (Review)

The appearance and growth of malignant tumors is a complicated process that is regulated by a number of genes. In recent years, studies have revealed that the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway serves an important role in cell cycle regulation, growth and development, differentiation, extracellular matrix synthesis and immune response. Notably, two members of the TGF-β signaling pathway, TGF-β1 and TGF-β receptor 1 (TGF-βR1), are highly expressed in a variety of tumors, such as breast cancer, colon cancer, gastric cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma. Moreover, an increasing number of studies have demonstrated that TGF-β1 and TGF-βR1 promote proliferation, migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of tumor cells by activating other signaling pathways, signaling molecules or microRNAs (miRs), such as the NF-κB signaling pathway and miR-133b. In addition, some inhibitors targeting TGF-β1 and TGF-βR1 have exhibited positive effects in in vitro experiments. The present review discusses the association between TGF-β1 or TGF-βR1 and tumors, and the development of some inhibitors, hoping to provide more approaches to help identify novel tumor markers to restrain and cure tumors.

Long Non-coding RNA LINC01969 Promotes Ovarian Cancer by Regulating the miR-144-5p/LARP1 Axis as a Competing Endogenous RNA

Accumulating evidence has shown that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can be used as biological markers and treatment targets in cancer and play various roles in cancer-related biological processes. However, the lncRNA expression profiles and their roles and action mechanisms in ovarian cancer (OC) are largely unknown. Here, we assessed the lncRNA expression profiles in OC tissues from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, and one upregulated lncRNA, LINC01969, was selected for further study. LINC01969 expression levels in 41 patients were verified using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The in vitro effects of LINC01969 on OC cell migration, invasion, and proliferation were determined by the CCK-8, ethynyl-2-deoxyuridine (EdU), wound healing, and Transwell assays. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) was evaluated using qRT-PCR and Western blotting. The molecular mechanisms of LINC01969 in OC were assessed through bioinformatics analysis, RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP), dual luciferase reporter gene assays, and a rescue experiment. Finally, in vivo experiments were conducted to evaluate the functions of LINC01969. The results of the current study showed that LINC01969 was dramatically upregulated in OC, and patients with lower LINC01969 expression levels tended to have better overall survival. Further experiments demonstrated that LINC01969 promoted the migration, invasion, and proliferation of OC cells in vitro and sped up tumor growth in vivo. Additionally, LINC01969, which primarily exists in the cytoplasm, boosted LARP1 expression by sponging miR-144-5p and promoted the malignant phenotypes of OC cells. In conclusion, the LINC01969/miR-144-5p/LARP1 axis is a newly identified regulatory signaling pathway involved in OC progression.

Sp1-mediated up-regulation of lnc00152 promotes invasion and metastasis of retinoblastoma cells via the miR-30d/SOX9/ZEB2 pathway

PURPOSE

Previously, we found that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) MEG3 may act as a tumour suppressor in retinoblastoma. Overall, however, little is known about the role of lncRNAs in retinoblastoma. Here, we aimed to determine the expression and clinical significance of lnc00152 in retinoblastoma.

METHODS

Lnc00152 and its downstream targets were selected using GEO datasets. The level of lnc00152 in primary patient samples was determined using RT-qPCR. Odds ratios of invasion and metastasis were calculated using logistic regression analysis. Recurrence-free survival was assessed using Cox regression analysis. Scratch wound healing, transwell and tumorigenesis assays were used to determine migration and invasion abilities of retinoblastoma cells in vitro and in vivo. Levels of EMT-related proteins were measured using Western blotting. Binding sites between lnc00152 and its targets were validated using dual-luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assays. Lnc00152 activating transcription factors were determined using ChIP assays.

RESULTS

We found that Lnc00152 was significantly up-regulated in retinoblastoma tumour tissues, and was a risk factor for tumour invasion, metastasis and recurrence. Lnc00152 overexpressing retinoblastoma cells exhibited a tendency to transform into mesenchymal cells, with significantly increased migration and invasion capacities, significantly decreased E-cadherin expression levels, and significantly increased N-cadherin, SOX9 and ZEB2 expression levels. In addition, we found that lnc00152, which was activated by Sp1, could inhibit miR-30d as an endogenous miRNA 'sponge', thereby regulating the expression of SOX9 and ZEB2.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate that Lnc00152 may be associated with retinoblastoma invasion, metastasis and prognosis. In addition, we conclude that Lnc00152, which can be activated by Sp1, can induce EMT via the miR-30d/SOX9/ZEB2 pathway and, by doing so, promote the invasion and metastasis of retinoblastoma cells.

microRNA-140: A miRNA with diverse roles in human diseases

MicroRNA-140 (miR-140) has been shown to be associated with the pathogenesis of a wide range of pathologies including osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, renal fibrosis, ischemic conditions, and most importantly neoplasia. This miRNA has been shown to be down-regulated in a diversity of cancers namely breast cancer, gastrointestinal cancers, lung cancer, and prostate cancer. miR-140 has a lot of immune-related targets. Moreover, several miR-140 targets regulate cell proliferation, cell cycle transition, and apoptosis. This miRNA has been shown to be sponged by a number of lncRNAs and circ-RNAs. miR-140 has essential roles in the determination of the sensitivity of neoplastic cells to chemotherapeutic agents such as temozolomide, doxorubicin, and cisplatin. Besides, expression quantities of miR-140 in cancer tissues can be used for the prediction of clinical outcomes of patients with neoplasia. In the present paper, we describe the impact of miR-140 in neoplastic and non-neoplastic disorders.

Prognostic significance of an autophagy-related long non-coding RNA signature in patients with oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

Traditional clinicopathological indices are insufficient in predicting the prognosis of patients diagnosed with oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC/OPSCC). Notably, autophagy and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate the development and progression of various types of cancer. The present study aimed to assess the association between autophagy-related lncRNAs and the prognosis of patients diagnosed with OSCC/OPSCC. Gene sequencing and clinicopathological data of patients with OSCC/OPSCC were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database, while gene set functional classification was downloaded from the Gene Set Enrichment Analysis database. Out of the 413 transcriptome data samples and 402 clinicopathological data samples retrieved, a total of nine autophagy-related lncRNAs, including PTCSC2, AC099850.3, LINC01963, RTCA-AS1, AP002884.1, UBAC2-AS1, AL512274.1, MIR600HG and AL354733.3, were screened. This was geared towards establishing a signature through gene co-expression network, univariate and Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator Cox regression analyses. Based on this signature, the patients were subdivided into a high-risk group and a low-risk group. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that the overall survival of the high-risk group was significantly lower than that of the low-risk group. Furthermore, principal components analysis demonstrated that the patients diagnosed with OSCC/OPSCC could be distinguished into low-survival and high-survival groups according to the signature. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses of clinicopathological data and the signature revealed that the signature could potentially be used as an independent prognostic factor for OSCC/OPSCC. In addition, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR analysis of clinical samples demonstrated the validity of the signature. In summary, the present study revealed that the signature based on autophagy-related lncRNAs potentially acts as an independent prognostic indicator for patients with OSCC/OPSCC. Furthermore, it promotes research on targeted diagnosis and treatment of patients diagnosed with OSCC/OPSCC.

Epigenetic silencing of CDKN1A and CDKN2B by SNHG1 promotes the cell cycle, migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition progression of hepatocellular carcinoma

Enhanced SNHG1 (small nucleolar RNA host gene 1) expression has been found to play a critical role in the initiation and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with its detailed mechanism largely unknown. In this study, we show that SNHG1 promotes the HCC progression through epigenetically silencing CDKN1A and CDKN2B in the nucleus, and competing with CDK4 mRNA for binding miR-140-5p in the cytoplasm. Using bioinformatics analyses, we found hepatocarcinogenesis is particularly associated with dysregulated expression of SNHG1 and activation of the cell cycle pathway. SNHG1 was upregulated in HCC tissues and cells, and its knockdown significantly inhibited HCC cell cycle, growth, metastasis, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) both in vitro and in vivo. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and RNA immunoprecipitation assays demonstrate that SNHG1 inhibit the transcription of CDKN1A and CDKN2B through enhancing EZH2 mediated-H3K27me3 in the promoter of CDKN1A and CDKN2B, thus resulting in the de-repression of the cell cycle. Dual-luciferase assay and RNA pulldown revealed that SNHG1 promotes the expression of CDK4 by competitively binding to miR-140-5p. In conclusion, we propose that SNHG1 formed a regulatory network to confer an oncogenic function in HCC and SNHG1 may serve as a potential target for HCC diagnosis and treatment.

Bioinformatics analysis of LINC01554 and its co‑expressed genes in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality globally. Despite the remarkable improvements in comprehensive HCC treatment, the underlying mechanistic details of HCC remain elusive. We screened HCC patients for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GSE113850) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets. LINC01554 expression in 40 paired samples was determined by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and its clinical significance was assessed. LINC01554 was found to have a gain-of-function role in HCC in vitro. Additionally, the bioinformatics analysis of the genes co-expressed with LINC01554 was performed using the Co-LncRNA website, and potential molecular mechanisms were investigated using the Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes resources and validated by in vitro experiments. A total of 229 DEGs were identified from the GSE113850 dataset. Among the identified DEGs, three long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) (DIO3OS, LINC01554, and LINC01093) with |logFC| ≥2 and P<0.05 were screened. A total of 148 lncRNAs with |logFC| ≥1 and P<0.05 were identified from TCGA dataset. Low LINC01554 expression levels were significantly correlated with overall survival, pathological stage, hepatitis B infection, tumour size, portal vein tumour thrombus, and TNM stage. Using gain-of-function assays, we further showed that LINC01554 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of the HCCLM9 and SK-Hep1 cells and promoted G0/G1 arrest, but it did not significantly affect apoptosis. Western blotting revealed that LINC01554 overexpression resulted in increased ZO-1 and E-cadherin expression levels, but decreased N-cadherin and vimentin expression levels. Moreover, LINC01554 overexpression inhibited Akt, p-Akt, β-catenin, and p-Gsk3β expression. Our results showed that LINC01554 repressed HCC cell invasiveness and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition partly by inhibiting Wnt and PI3K-Akt signalling in vitro. Taken together, our findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying HCC tumourigenesis and implicate LINC01554 as a potential target for HCC therapy.

MicroRNA-140-5p Mediates Renal Fibrosis Through TGF-β1/Smad Signaling Pathway by Directly Targeting TGFBR1

Renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis is usually the final outcome of various end-stage renal diseases. Recent studies have reported that microRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in renal fibrosis. However, the biological function of microRNAs in renal fibrosis is complicated and remains unclear. In this study, our results show that miR-140-5p expression is significantly down-regulated in mice with unilateral ureteral obstruction and human proximal tubule epithelial cells (HK2) treated with TGF-β1. The knockdown of miR-140-5p upregulates the expression levels of collagen I, collagen IV, and α-SMA, decreases E-cadherin expression, and increases Smad-2/3 phosphorylation. In contrast, the overexpression of miR-140-5p decreases the expression levels of collagen I, collagen IV, and α-SMA, enhances E-cadherin expression, and inhibits the phosphorylation of Smad-2/3 in HK2 cells treated with TGF-β1. The dual-luciferase reporter assay revealed that TGFBR1 is a direct target gene of miR-140-5p. The enforced expression of miR-140-5p significantly inhibited the expression of TGFBR1 in HK2 cells. Furthermore, the knockdown of TGFBR1 has a similar effect of miR-140-5p overexpression on blocking the TGF-β1/smad signal pathway activation. In contrast, the overexpression of TGFBR1 reverses the effect of miR-140-5p inhibition on the activation of the TGF-β1/smad signal pathway. This study demonstrates that miR-140-5p regulates the TGF-β1/smad signaling pathway by suppressing the expression of TGFBR1. Therefore, miR-140-5p may have a therapeutic potential for preventing fibrotic kidney diseases through inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway by directly targeting TGFBR1.

DGCR5 Promotes Gallbladder Cancer by Sponging MiR-3619-5p via MEK/ERK1/2 and JNK/p38 MAPK Pathways

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is a highly aggressive malignant cancer with poor prognosis. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) DiGeorge syndrome critical region gene (DGCR5) has been reported to participate in various types of cancers, but its role in GBC remains largely unknown. This study aimed to explore the functions and mechanisms of DGCR5 in GBC. Here, we found that DGCR5 was upregulated in GBC tissues and cell lines. Through functional experiments, it was demonstrated that silence of DGCR5 significantly suppressed the cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in GBC cells. In addition, miR-3619-5p was predicted and further verified as the target of DGCR5. Moreover, miR-3619-5p was observed downregulated in GBC tissues and cell lines, and miR-3619-5p mimics repressed the GBC cell proliferation, migration, invasion and could be rescued by DGCR5 overexpression. Mechanistically, it was found that DGCR5 knockdown and miR-3619-5p mimics inactivated the MEK/ERK1/2 and JNK/p38 MAPK pathways. In addition, rescue experiments indicated that inhibition of MEK/ERK1/2 and JNK/p38 MAPK pathways could reverse the effects of DGCR5 overexpression on cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Finally, xenograft model assay was used to validate that knockdown of DGCR5 suppressed GBC via regulating MEK/ERK1/2 and JNK/p38 MAPK pathways in vivo. Taken together, it was uncovered in our study that DGCR5 exerts an oncogenic role by sponging miR-3619-5p and activating MEK/ERK1/2 and JNK/p38 MAPK pathways in GBC progression.

miR-4458 inhibits the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by suppressing the TGF-β signaling pathway via targeting TGFBR1

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal cancers in the world. MicroRNAs play a pivotal role in the progression of various cancers. To date, very little attention has been paid to miR-4458. Therefore, the aim of our study was to explore the function and underlying molecular mechanism of miR-4458 in HCC. We found that the expression of miR-4458 was reduced in HCC tissues and cell lines. Forced overexpression of miR-4458 inhibited the migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of HCC cells, while downregulation of miR-4458 promoted the aggressive phenotype. Furthermore, transforming growth factor beta receptor 1 (TGFBR1), the modulator of the TGF-β signaling pathway, was verified to be a novel target gene of miR-4458 by dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. Upregulated miR-4458 dramatically abolished TGFBR1 and p-Smad2/3 expression, thus blocking the TGF-β signaling pathway. Moreover, restoration of TGFBR1 partially rescued the miR-4458-mediated suppressive effect on the migration, invasion, and EMT and reactivated the TGF-β signaling pathway in HCC cells. In summary, our findings first demonstrated a mechanism of miR-4458 in HCC cell migration, invasion, and EMT by regulating the TGF-β signaling pathway via directly targeting TGFBR1.

MicroRNA-3651 promotes the growth and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by targeting PTEN

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in human worldwide. Evidence indicated that upregulation of microRNA-3651 (miR-3651) was observed in human HCC tissues. In this study, we explored the mechanisms by which miR-3651 regulated the proliferation, apoptosis and invasion of HCC.

Methods

The levels of miR-3651 in human HCC tissues were detected using qRT-PCR assay. In addition, transwell invasion and Western blot assay were conducted to detect cell invasion and apoptosis, respectively. Meanwhile, the dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to explore the interaction of miR-3651 and phosphate and tension homology deleted on chromsome ten (PTEN) in HCC.

Results

The levels of miR-3651 were upregulated in HCC tissues in comparison with the matched normal tissues. Overexpression of miR-3651 significantly promoted the proliferation and invasion of Huh-7 cells. In contrast, inhibition of miR-3651 markedly inhibited the proliferation and invasion of Huh-7 cells via promoting apoptosis. Moreover, downregulation of miR-3651 markedly inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay identified that PTEN was the directly binding target of miR-3651 in Huh-7 cells. Meanwhile, overexpression of miR-3651 obviously decreased the level of PTEN, and increased the expressions of p-p85 and p-Akt in Huh-7 cells.

Conclusion

These results indicated that miR-3651 might act as a potential oncogene in HCC by targeting PTEN. Therefore, miR-3651 might be a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of HCC.