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Soureas K, Papadimitriou MA, Panoutsopoulou K, Pilala KM, Scorilas A, Avgeris M. Cancer quiescence: non-coding RNAs in the spotlight. Trends Mol Med 2023; 29:843-858. [PMID: 37516569 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2023.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Cancer quiescence reflects the ability of cancer cells to enter a reversible slow-cycling or mitotically dormant state and represents a powerful self-protecting mechanism preventing cancer cell 'damage' from hypoxic conditions, nutrient deprivation, immune surveillance, and (chemo)therapy. When stress conditions are restrained, and tumor microenvironment becomes beneficial, quiescent cancer cells re-enter cell cycle to facilitate tumor spread and cancer progression/metastasis. Recent studies have highlighted the dynamic role of regulatory non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in orchestrating cancer quiescence. The elucidation of regulatory ncRNA networks will shed light on the quiescence-proliferation equilibrium and, ultimately, pave the way for new treatment options. Herein, we have summarized the ever-growing role of ncRNAs upon cancer quiescence regulation and their impact on treatment resistance and modern cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Soureas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry - Molecular Diagnostics, Second Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 'P. & A. Kyriakou' Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria-Alexandra Papadimitriou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantina Panoutsopoulou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Katerina-Marina Pilala
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Andreas Scorilas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Margaritis Avgeris
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry - Molecular Diagnostics, Second Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 'P. & A. Kyriakou' Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece.
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2
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Zhai D, Zhou Y, Kuang X, Shao F, Zhen T, Lin Y, Wang Q, Shao N. Lnc NR2F1-AS1 Promotes Breast Cancer Metastasis by Targeting the MiR-25-3p/ZEB2 Axis. Int J Med Sci 2023; 20:1152-1162. [PMID: 37575267 PMCID: PMC10416723 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.86969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) substantially affect tumor metastasis and are aberrantly expressed in various cancers. However, its role in breast cancer (BC) remains unclear. Methods: A microarray assay of differentially expressed lncRNAs in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and non-EMT cells was performed. The prognostic value of lnc NR2F1-AS1 expression in patients with BC was analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Lnc NR2F1-AS1 expression levels in different BC cell lines were assessed using quantitative real-time PCR. The role of lnc NR2F1-AS1 in BC cell metastasis was investigated in vitro and in vivo. Dual luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation were performed to investigate the relationship between lnc NR2F1-AS1, miR-25-3p, and ZEB2. Results: High levels of lnc NR2F1-AS1 were observed in BC cells undergoing EMT and were closely correlated with adverse prognosis in patients with BC. Lnc NR2F1-AS1 knockdown significantly inhibited BC cell migration, invasiveness in vitro, and metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, lnc NR2F1-AS1 competitively binds to miR-25-3p to impede ZEB2 degradation, a positive EMT transcription factor in BC. Conclusions: Our study revealed a novel lnc NR2F1-AS1/miR-25-3p/ZEB2 axis in BC metastasis and that lnc NR2F1-AS1 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for BC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duanyang Zhai
- Breast Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Zhou
- Breast Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Division of Vascular Surgery, National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Vascular Disease Treatment, Engineering and Technology Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, Guangdong Engineering Laboratoty of Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaying Kuang
- Breast Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fangyuan Shao
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Tiantian Zhen
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Lin
- Breast Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qing Wang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Nan Shao
- Breast Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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3
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Wieder R. Awakening of Dormant Breast Cancer Cells in the Bone Marrow. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15113021. [PMID: 37296983 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15113021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Up to 40% of patients with breast cancer (BC) have metastatic cells in the bone marrow (BM) at the initial diagnosis of localized disease. Despite definitive systemic adjuvant therapy, these cells survive in the BM microenvironment, enter a dormant state and recur stochastically for more than 20 years. Once they begin to proliferate, recurrent macrometastases are not curable, and patients generally succumb to their disease. Many potential mechanisms for initiating recurrence have been proposed, but no definitive predictive data have been generated. This manuscript reviews the proposed mechanisms that maintain BC cell dormancy in the BM microenvironment and discusses the data supporting specific mechanisms for recurrence. It addresses the well-described mechanisms of secretory senescence, inflammation, aging, adipogenic BM conversion, autophagy, systemic effects of trauma and surgery, sympathetic signaling, transient angiogenic bursts, hypercoagulable states, osteoclast activation, and epigenetic modifications of dormant cells. This review addresses proposed approaches for either eliminating micrometastases or maintaining a dormant state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Wieder
- Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and the Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 185 South Orange Avenue, MSB F671, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
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4
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Abstract
The genomics and pathways governing metastatic dormancy are critically important drivers of long-term patient survival given the considerable portion of cancers that recur aggressively months to years after initial treatments. Our understanding of dormancy has expanded greatly in the last two decades, with studies elucidating that the dormant state is regulated by multiple genes, microenvironmental (ME) interactions, and immune components. These forces are exerted through mechanisms that are intrinsic to the tumor cell, manifested through cross-talk between tumor and ME cells including those from the immune system, and regulated by angiogenic processes in the nascent micrometastatic niche. The development of new in vivo and 3D ME models, as well as enhancements to decades-old tumor cell pedigree models that span the development of metastatic dormancy to aggressive growth, has helped fuel what arguably is one of the least understood areas of cancer biology that nonetheless contributes immensely to patient mortality. The current review focuses on the genes and molecular pathways that regulate dormancy via tumor-intrinsic and ME cells, and how groups have envisioned harnessing these therapeutically to benefit patient survival.
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5
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Maroni P, Gomarasca M, Lombardi G. Long non-coding RNAs in bone metastasis: progresses and perspectives as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1156494. [PMID: 37143733 PMCID: PMC10153099 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1156494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In a precision medicine perspective, among the biomarkers potentially useful for early diagnosis of cancers, as well as to define their prognosis and eventually to identify novel and more effective therapeutic targets, there are the long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). The term lncRNA identifies a class of non-coding RNA molecules involved in the regulation of gene expression that intervene at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and epigenetic level. Metastasis is a natural evolution of some malignant tumours, frequently encountered in patients with advanced cancers. Onset and development of metastasis represents a detrimental event that worsen the patient's prognosis by profoundly influencing the quality of life and is responsible for the ominous progression of the disease. Due to the peculiar environment and the biomechanical properties, bone is a preferential site for the secondary growth of breast, prostate and lung cancers. Unfortunately, only palliative and pain therapies are currently available for patients with bone metastases, while no effective and definitive treatments are available. The understanding of pathophysiological basis of bone metastasis formation and progression, as well as the improvement in the clinical management of the patient, are central but challenging topics in basic research and clinical practice. The identification of new molecular species that may have a role as early hallmarks of the metastatic process could open the door to the definition of new, and more effective, therapeutic and diagnostic approaches. Non-coding RNAs species and, particularly, lncRNAs are promising compounds in this setting, and their study may bring to the identification of relevant processes. In this review, we highlight the role of lncRNAs as emerging molecules in mediating the formation and development of bone metastases, as possible biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis, and as therapeutic targets to counteract cancer spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Maroni
- Laboratory of Experimental Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Milano, Italy
| | - Marta Gomarasca
- Laboratory of Experimental Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Milano, Italy
- *Correspondence: Marta Gomarasca,
| | - Giovanni Lombardi
- Laboratory of Experimental Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Milano, Italy
- Department of Athletics, Strength and Conditioning, Poznań University of Physical Education, Poznań, Poland
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6
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Ghafouri-Fard S, Khoshbakht T, Hussen BM, Baniahmad A, Taheri M, Samsami M. A review on the role of NR2F1-AS1 in the development of cancer. Pathol Res Pract 2022; 240:154210. [PMID: 36410172 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2022.154210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
NR2F1-AS1 is a natural antisense transcript with prominent roles in the carcinogenesis. It acts as an oncogene in almost all types of cancers except for cervical and colorectal cancers. It can act as a molecular sponge for miR-17, miR-371a-3p, miR-363, miR-29a-3p, miR-493-5p, miR-190a, miR-140, miR-642a, miR-363, miR-493-5p, miR-483-3p, miR-485-5p, miR-146a-5p, miR-877-5p, miR-338-3 P and miR-423-5p to influence expression of several cancer-related genes. Thus, the sponging role of NR2F1-AS1 is the most appreciated route of its contribution in the carcinogenesis. In addition, NR2F1-AS1 affects activity of IGF-1/IGF-1R/ERK, PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β and Hedgehog pathways. The current narrative review aims at summarization of the results of studies that highlighted the role of NR2F1-AS1 in the carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soudeh Ghafouri-Fard
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tayyebeh Khoshbakht
- Phytochemistry Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bashdar Mahmud Hussen
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Kurdistan Region, Erbil, Iraq; Center of Research and Strategic Studies, Lebanese French University, Kurdistan Region, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Aria Baniahmad
- Institute of Human Genetics, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Mohammad Taheri
- Institute of Human Genetics, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany; Urology and Nephrology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Majid Samsami
- Cancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Predictive and Prognostic Value of Non-Coding RNA in Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14122952. [PMID: 35740618 PMCID: PMC9221286 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14122952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
For decades since the central dogma, cancer biology research has been focusing on the involvement of genes encoding proteins. It has been not until more recent times that a new molecular class has been discovered, named non-coding RNA (ncRNA), which has been shown to play crucial roles in shaping the activity of cells. An extraordinary number of studies has shown that ncRNAs represent an extensive and prevalent group of RNAs, including both oncogenic or tumor suppressive molecules. Henceforth, various clinical trials involving ncRNAs as extraordinary biomarkers or therapies have started to emerge. In this review, we will focus on the prognostic and diagnostic role of ncRNAs for breast cancer.
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8
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Dormancy in Breast Cancer, the Role of Autophagy, lncRNAs, miRNAs and Exosomes. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23095271. [PMID: 35563661 PMCID: PMC9105119 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23095271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women for which numerous diagnostic and therapeutic options have been developed. Namely, the targeted treatment of BC, for the most part, relies on the expression of growth factors and hormone receptors by these cancer cells. Despite this, close to 30% of BC patients may experience relapse due to the presence of minimal residual disease (MRD) consisting of surviving disseminated tumour cells (DTCs) from the primary tumour which can colonise a secondary site. This can lead to either detectable metastasis or DTCs entering a dormant state for a prolonged period where they are undetectable. In the latter, cells can re-emerge from their dormant state due to intrinsic and microenvironmental cues leading to relapse and metastatic outgrowth. Pre- and clinical studies propose that targeting dormant DTCs may inhibit metastasis, but the choice between keeping them dormant or forcing their “awakening” is still controversial. This review will focus on cancer cells’ microenvironmental cues and metabolic and molecular properties, which lead to dormancy, relapse, and metastatic latency in BC. Furthermore, we will focus on the role of autophagy, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), miRNAs, and exosomes in influencing the induction of dormancy and awakening of dormant BC cells. In addition, we have analysed BC treatment from a viewpoint of autophagy, lncRNAs, miRNAs, and exosomes. We propose the targeted modulation of these processes and molecules as modern aspects of precision medicine for BC treatment, improving both novel and traditional BC treatment options. Understanding these pathways and processes may ultimately improve BC patient prognosis, patient survival, and treatment response.
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9
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Luo D, Liu Y, Yuan S, Bi X, Yang Y, Zhu H, Li Z, Ji L, Yu X. The emerging role of NR2F1-AS1 in the tumorigenesis and progression of human cancer. Pathol Res Pract 2022; 235:153938. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2022.153938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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10
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LncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory axes in endometrial cancer: a comprehensive overview. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2022; 306:1431-1447. [PMID: 35182183 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-022-06423-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Recent research on tumorigenesis and progression has opened up an array of novel molecular mechanisms in the form of interactions between cellular non-coding RNAs (long non-coding RNA[lncRNA]/microRNA [miRNA]) and coding transcripts that regulate health and disease. Endometrial cancer (EC) is a prominent gynecological malignancy with a high incidence rate and poorly known etiology and prognostic factors that hinder the success of disease management. The emerging role of lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA interactions and their dysregulation in the pathophysiology of EC has been elucidated in many recent studies. METHODS A thorough literature review was conducted to explore information about lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA axes in EC. RESULTS Several lncRNAs act as molecular sponges that sequester various tumor suppressor miRNAs to inhibit their function, leading to the dysregulation of their target mRNA transcripts that contribute to the EC regulation. CONCLUSIONS This review summarizes these networks of molecular mechanisms and their contribution to different aspects of endometrial carcinogenesis, leading to a better conceptualization of the molecular pathways that underlie the disease and helping establish novel diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic intervention points to aid the curative intent of EC.
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11
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Metabolic Features of Tumor Dormancy: Possible Therapeutic Strategies. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030547. [PMID: 35158815 PMCID: PMC8833651 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Tumor recurrence still represents a major clinical challenge for cancer patients. Cancer cells may undergo a dormant state for long times before re-emerging. Both intracellular- and extracellular-driven pathways are involved in maintaining the dormant state and the subsequent awakening, with a mechanism that is still mostly unknown. In this scenario, cancer metabolism is emerging as a critical driver of tumor progression and dissemination and have gained increasing attention in cancer research. This review focuses on the metabolic adaptations characterizing the dormant phenotype and supporting tumor re-growth. Deciphering the metabolic adaptation sustaining tumor dormancy may pave the way for novel therapeutic approaches to prevent tumor recurrence based on combined metabolic drugs. Abstract Tumor relapse represents one of the main obstacles to cancer treatment. Many patients experience cancer relapse even decades from the primary tumor eradication, developing more aggressive and metastatic disease. This phenomenon is associated with the emergence of dormant cancer cells, characterized by cell cycle arrest and largely insensitive to conventional anti-cancer therapies. These rare and elusive cells may regain proliferative abilities upon the induction of cell-intrinsic and extrinsic factors, thus fueling tumor re-growth and metastasis formation. The molecular mechanisms underlying the maintenance of resistant dormant cells and their awakening are intriguing but, currently, still largely unknown. However, increasing evidence recently underlined a strong dependency of cell cycle progression to metabolic adaptations of cancer cells. Even if dormant cells are frequently characterized by a general metabolic slowdown and an increased ability to cope with oxidative stress, different factors, such as extracellular matrix composition, stromal cells influence, and nutrient availability, may dictate specific changes in dormant cells, finally resulting in tumor relapse. The main topic of this review is deciphering the role of the metabolic pathways involved in tumor cells dormancy to provide new strategies for selectively targeting these cells to prevent fatal recurrence and maximize therapeutic benefit.
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12
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Parker KA, Robinson NJ, Schiemann WP. The role of RNA processing and regulation in metastatic dormancy. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 78:23-34. [PMID: 33775829 PMCID: PMC8464634 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Tumor dormancy is a major contributor to the lethality of metastatic disease, especially for cancer patients who develop metastases years-to-decades after initial diagnosis. Indeed, tumor cells can disseminate during early disease stages and persist in new microenvironments at distal sites for months, years, or even decades before initiating metastatic outgrowth. This delay between primary tumor remission and metastatic relapse is known as "dormancy," during which disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) acquire quiescent states in response to intrinsic (i.e., cellular) and extrinsic (i.e., microenvironmental) signals. Maintaining dormancy-associated phenotypes requires DTCs to activate transcriptional, translational, and post-translational mechanisms that engender cellular plasticity. RNA processing is emerging as an essential facet of cellular plasticity, particularly with respect to the initiation, maintenance, and reversal of dormancy-associated phenotypes. Moreover, dysregulated RNA processing, particularly that associated with alternative RNA splicing and expression of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), can occur in DTCs to mediate intrinsic and extrinsic metastatic dormancy. Here we review the pathophysiological impact of alternative RNA splicing and ncRNAs in promoting metastatic dormancy and disease recurrence in human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly A. Parker
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Nathaniel J. Robinson
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - William P. Schiemann
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA,Corresponding Author: William P. Schiemann, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Wolstein Research Building, 2103 Cornell Road, Cleveland, OH 44106 Phone: 216-368-5763.
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13
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Luo D, Liu Y, Li Z, Zhu H, Yu X. NR2F1-AS1 Promotes Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Progression Through Competing Endogenous RNA Regulatory Network Constructed by Sponging miRNA-146a-5p/miRNA-877-5p. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:736980. [PMID: 34650983 PMCID: PMC8505696 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.736980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of NR2F1-AS1 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains unknown. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the biological mechanism of NR2F1-AS1 in PDAC. The expression of NR2F1-AS1 was measured by using microarray data and real-time PCR. The effects of NR2F1-AS1 knockdown on proliferation, cell cycle progression, invasion in vitro and tumorigenesis in vivo were investigated. The mechanism of competitive endogenous RNAs was determined from bioinformatics analyses and validated by a dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. Potential target mRNAs from TargetScan 7.2 were selected for subsequent bioinformatics analysis. Key target mRNAs were further identified by screening hub genes and coexpressed protein-coding genes (CEGs) of NR2F1-AS1. NR2F1-AS1 was highly expressed in PDAC, and the overexpression of NR2F1-AS1 was associated with overall survival and disease-free survival. The knockdown of NR2F1-AS1 impaired PDAC cell proliferation, migration, invasion and tumorigenesis. NR2F1-AS1 competitively sponged miR-146a-5p and miR-877-5p, and low expression of the two miRNAs was associated with a poor prognosis. An integrative expression and survival analysis of the hub genes and CEGs demonstrated that the NR2F1-AS1–miR-146a-5p/miR-877-5p–GALNT10/ZNF532/SLC39A1/PGK1/LCO3A1/NRP2/LPCAT2/PSMA4 and CLTC ceRNA networks were linked to the prognosis of PDAC. In conclusion, NR2F1-AS1 overexpression was significantly associated with poor prognosis. NR2F1-AS1 functions as an endogenous RNA to construct a novel ceRNA network by competitively binding to miR-146a-5p/miR-877-5p, which may contribute to PDAC pathogenesis and could represent a promising diagnostic biomarker or potential novel therapeutic target in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Luo
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yunfei Liu
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhiqiang Li
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hongwei Zhu
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiao Yu
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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14
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Liu Y, Zhang P, Wu Q, Fang H, Wang Y, Xiao Y, Cong M, Wang T, He Y, Ma C, Tian P, Liang Y, Qin LX, Yang Q, Yang Q, Liao L, Hu G. Long non-coding RNA NR2F1-AS1 induces breast cancer lung metastatic dormancy by regulating NR2F1 and ΔNp63. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5232. [PMID: 34475402 PMCID: PMC8413371 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25552-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Disseminated tumor cells often fall into a long term of dormant stage, characterized by decreased proliferation but sustained survival, in distant organs before awakening for metastatic growth. However, the regulatory mechanism of metastatic dormancy and awakening is largely unknown. Here, we show that the epithelial-like and mesenchymal-like subpopulations of breast cancer stem-like cells (BCSCs) demonstrate different levels of dormancy and tumorigenicity in lungs. The long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) NR2F1-AS1 (NAS1) is up-regulated in the dormant mesenchymal-like BCSCs, and functionally promotes tumor dissemination but reduces proliferation in lungs. Mechanistically, NAS1 binds to NR2F1 mRNA and recruits the RNA-binding protein PTBP1 to promote internal ribosome entry site (IRES)-mediated NR2F1 translation, thus leading to suppression of ΔNp63 transcription by NR2F1. Furthermore, ΔNp63 downregulatio results in epithelial-mesenchymal transition, reduced tumorigenicity and enhanced dormancy of cancer cells in lungs. Overall, the study links BCSC plasticity with metastatic dormancy, and reveals the lncRNA as an important regulator of both processes. Disseminated tumor cells often become dormant before awakening for metastatic growth. Here, the authors report that the lncRNA, NR2F1-AS1, is upregulated in dormant mesenchymal-like breast cancer stem-like cells and promotes dissemination but inhibits proliferation, leading to metastatic dormancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingjie Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM) & Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Peiyuan Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiuyao Wu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Houqin Fang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yansen Xiao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Cong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Tingting Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunfei He
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Chengxin Ma
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Pu Tian
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yajun Liang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Lun-Xiu Qin
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingcheng Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Qifeng Yang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Ji'nan, China
| | - Lujian Liao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guohong Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China. .,Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM) & Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
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15
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The Effect and Mechanism of lncRNA NR2F1-As1/miR-493-5p/MAP3K2 Axis in the Progression of Gastric Cancer. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2021; 2021:3881932. [PMID: 34335755 PMCID: PMC8294992 DOI: 10.1155/2021/3881932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background LncRNA NR2F1-AS1 has been identified as an oncogene in some human tumors, such as breast cancer, nonsmall cell lung cancer, and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Nonetheless, whether NR2F1-AS1 is involved in the progression of gastric cancer (GC) remains unknown. Methods The expression patterns of NR2F1-AS1, MAP3K2, and miR-493-5p in GC tissues and cells were detected by RT-qPCR. The protein expression of MAP3K2 was assessed by the Western blotting assay. The MTT assay and flow cytometry were performed to measure cell proliferation and cell apoptosis in GC cells. The transwell assay was adopted to assess cell migration in GC cells. The relationship between NR2F1-AS1, MAP3K2, and miR-493-5p was verified by a dual-luciferase reporter assay. Results The increased NR2F1-AS1 and MAP3K2 expressions were discovered in GC tissues and cells compared with control groups. Knockdown of NR2F1-AS1 and MAP3K2 dramatically suppressed cell proliferation and migration, while it enhanced cell apoptosis in GC cells. In addition, NR2F1-AS1 was found to be a sponge of miR-493-5p, and MAP3K2 was a downstream gene of miR-493-5p. Moreover, the expression of MAP3K2 was notably reduced by miR-493-5p, and NR2F1-AS1 counteracted the inhibition of miR-493-5p. Conclusion Thus, NR2F1-AS1 was verified to regulate GC cell progression by sponging miR-493-5p to upregulate MAP3K2 expression.
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16
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Akkoc Y, Peker N, Akcay A, Gozuacik D. Autophagy and Cancer Dormancy. Front Oncol 2021; 11:627023. [PMID: 33816262 PMCID: PMC8017298 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.627023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis and relapse account for the great majority of cancer-related deaths. Most metastatic lesions are micro metastases that have the capacity to remain in a non-dividing state called “dormancy” for months or even years. Commonly used anticancer drugs generally target actively dividing cancer cells. Therefore, cancer cells that remain in a dormant state evade conventional therapies and contribute to cancer recurrence. Cellular and molecular mechanisms of cancer dormancy are not fully understood. Recent studies indicate that a major cellular stress response mechanism, autophagy, plays an important role in the adaptation, survival and reactivation of dormant cells. In this review article, we will summarize accumulating knowledge about cellular and molecular mechanisms of cancer dormancy, and discuss the role and importance of autophagy in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunus Akkoc
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nesibe Peker
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Arzu Akcay
- Yeni Yüzyıl University, School of Medicine, Private Gaziosmanpaşa Hospital, Department of Pathology, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Devrim Gozuacik
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Turkey.,Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey.,Sabancı University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Istanbul, Turkey
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17
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Ming H, Li B, Zhou L, Goel A, Huang C. Long non-coding RNAs and cancer metastasis: Molecular basis and therapeutic implications. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2021; 1875:188519. [PMID: 33548345 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2021.188519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Cancer metastasis, defined by the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) of tumor cells, disseminates from the primary site to progressively colonize in distant tissues, and accounts for most cancer-associated deaths. However, studies on the molecular basis of cancer metastasis are still in their infancy. Besides genetic mutations, accumulating evidence indicates that epigenetic alterations also contribute in a major way to the refractory nature of cancer metastasis. Considered as one of the essential epigenetic regulators, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can act as signaling regulators, decoys, guides and scaffolds, modulating key molecules in every step of cancer metastasis including dissemination of carcinoma cells, intravascular transit, and metastatic colonization. Although still having limited clinical application, it is encouraging to witness that several lncRNAs, including CCAT1 and HOTAIR, are under clinical evaluation as potential biomarkers for cancer staging and assessment of metastatic potential. In this review, we focus on the molecular mechanisms underlying lncRNAs in the regulation of cancer metastasis and discuss their clinical potential as novel therapeutic targets as well as their diagnostic and prognostic significance for cancer treatment. Gaining clear insights into the detailed molecular basis underlying lncRNA-modulated cancer metastasis may provide previously unrecognized diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for metastatic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Ming
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Bowen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Li Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ajay Goel
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics and Experimental Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1218 S. Fifth Avenue, Suite 2226, Biomedical Research Center, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA.
| | - Canhua Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
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18
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Gao Y, Shang S, Guo S, Li X, Zhou H, Liu H, Sun Y, Wang J, Wang P, Zhi H, Li X, Ning S, Zhang Y. Lnc2Cancer 3.0: an updated resource for experimentally supported lncRNA/circRNA cancer associations and web tools based on RNA-seq and scRNA-seq data. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:D1251-D1258. [PMID: 33219685 PMCID: PMC7779028 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa1006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
An updated Lnc2Cancer 3.0 (http://www.bio-bigdata.net/lnc2cancer or http://bio-bigdata.hrbmu.edu.cn/lnc2cancer) database, which includes comprehensive data on experimentally supported long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) associated with human cancers. In addition, web tools for analyzing lncRNA expression by high-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) are described. Lnc2Cancer 3.0 was updated with several new features, including (i) Increased cancer-associated lncRNA entries over the previous version. The current release includes 9254 lncRNA-cancer associations, with 2659 lncRNAs and 216 cancer subtypes. (ii) Newly adding 1049 experimentally supported circRNA-cancer associations, with 743 circRNAs and 70 cancer subtypes. (iii) Experimentally supported regulatory mechanisms of cancer-related lncRNAs and circRNAs, involving microRNAs, transcription factors (TF), genetic variants, methylation and enhancers were included. (iv) Appending experimentally supported biological functions of cancer-related lncRNAs and circRNAs including cell growth, apoptosis, autophagy, epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT), immunity and coding ability. (v) Experimentally supported clinical relevance of cancer-related lncRNAs and circRNAs in metastasis, recurrence, circulation, drug resistance, and prognosis was included. Additionally, two flexible online tools, including RNA-seq and scRNA-seq web tools, were developed to enable fast and customizable analysis and visualization of lncRNAs in cancers. Lnc2Cancer 3.0 is a valuable resource for elucidating the associations between lncRNA, circRNA and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Gao
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Shipeng Shang
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Shuang Guo
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Xin Li
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Hanxiao Zhou
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Hongjia Liu
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Yue Sun
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Junwei Wang
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Peng Wang
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Hui Zhi
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Xia Li
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Shangwei Ning
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Yunpeng Zhang
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
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