MicroRNA-204-5p: A pivotal tumor suppressor

The biomarkers for maintenance Cancer stem cell features can be applicable in precision medicine of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a crucial role in tumor relapse, proliferation, invasion, and drug resistance in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This narrative review aims to synthesize data from articles published between 2019 and 2023 on biomarkers for detecting CSCs in HNSCC and changes in molecular pathways, genetics, epigenetics, and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in CSCs relevant to precision medicine approaches in HNSCC management. The search encompassed 41 in vitro studies and 22 clinical studies. CSCs exhibit diverse molecular profiles and unique biomarker expression patterns, offering significant potential for HNSCC diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis, thereby enhancing patient survival. Their remarkable self-renewal ability and adaptability are closely linked to tumorigenicity development and maintenance. Assessing biomarkers before and after therapy can aid in identifying various cell types associated with cancer progression and relapse. Screening for CSCs, senescent tumor cells, and cells correlated with the senescence process post-treatment has proven highly beneficial. However, the clinical application of precision medicine in HNSCC management is hindered by the lack of specific and definitive CSC biomarkers. Furthermore, our limited understanding of CSC plasticity, governed by genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic alterations during tumorigenesis, as well as the bidirectional interaction of CSCs with the tumor microenvironment, underscores the need for further research. Well-designed studies involving large patient cohorts are, therefore, essential to establish a standardized protocol and address these unresolved queries.

The Role of Circular RNA in the Pathogenesis of Chemotherapy-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Cancer Patients: Focus on the Pathogenesis and Future Perspective

Cardiotoxicity is a serious challenge cancer patients face today. Various factors are involved in cardiotoxicity. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are one of the effective factors in the occurrence and prevention of cardiotoxicity. circRNAs can lead to increased proliferation, apoptosis, and regeneration of cardiomyocytes by regulating the molecular pathways, as well as increasing or decreasing gene expression; some circRNAs have a dual role in cardiomyocyte regeneration or death. Identifying each of the pathways related to these processes can be effective on managing patients and preventing cardiotoxicity. In this study, an overview of the molecular pathways involved in cardiotoxicity by circRNAs and their effects on the downstream factors have been discussed.

Development of red blood cell-derived extracellular particles as a biocompatible nanocarrier of microRNA-204 (REP-204) to harness anti-neuroblastoma effect

Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial solid tumor in the pediatric population with a high degree of heterogeneity in clinical outcomes. Upregulation of the tumor suppressor miR-204 in neuroblastoma is associated with good prognosis. Although miR-204 has been recognized as a potential therapeutic candidate, its delivery is unavailable. We hypothesized that REP-204, the red blood cell-derived extracellular particles (REP) with miR-204 loading, can suppress neuroblastoma cells in vitro. After miR-204 loading by electroporation, REP-204, but not REP carriers, inhibited the viability, migration, and 3D spheroid growth of neuroblastoma cells regardless of MYCN amplification status. SWATH-proteomics revealed that REP-204 treatment may trigger a negative regulation of mRNA splicing by the spliceosome, suppression of amino acid metabolism and protein production, and prevent SLIT/ROBO signaling-mediated cell migration, to halt neuroblastoma tumor growth and metastasis. The therapeutic efficacy of REP-204 should be further investigated in preclinical models and clinical studies.

MicroRNA-204-5p Attenuates Oxidative Stress, Apoptosis and Inflammation by Targeting TXNIP in Diabetic Cataract

Diabetic cataract (DC) is a major cause of blindness in diabetic patients and it is characterized by early onset and rapid progression. MiR-204-5p was previously identified as one of the top five down-regulated miRNAs in human DC lens tissues. We aimed to determine the expression of miR-204-5p in human lens epithelial cells (HLECs) and explore its effects and mechanisms in regulating the progression of DC. The expression of miR-204-5p in the anterior capsules of DC patients and HLECs was examined by RT-qPCR. Bioinformatics tools were then used to identify the potential target of miR-204-5p. The relationship between miR-204-5p and the target gene was confirmed through a dual luciferase reporter assay. Additionally, the regulatory mechanism of oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation in DC was investigated by overexpressing miR-204-5p using miR-204-5p agomir. The expression of miR-204-5p was downregulated in the anterior capsules of DC patients and HLECs. Overexpression of miR-204-5p reduced ROS levels, pro-apoptosis genes (Bid, Bax, caspase-3), and IL-1β production in HG-treated HLECs. TXNIP was the direct target of miR-204-5p by dual luciferase reporter assay. Therefore, this study demonstrated that miR-204-5p effectively reduced oxidative damage, apoptosis, and inflammation in HLECs under HG conditions by targeting TXNIP. Targeting miR-204-5p could be a promising therapeutic strategy for the potential treatment of DC.

Salvianolic acid A alleviates H2O2-induced endothelial oxidative injury via miR-204-5p

Oxidative stress induced endothelial dysfunction plays a particularly important role in promoting the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Salvianolic acid A (SalA) is a water-soluble component of traditional Chinese medicine Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge with anti-oxidant potency. This study aims to explore the regulatory effect of SalA on oxidative injury using an in vitro model of H2O2-induced injury in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). In the study, we determined cell viability, the activities of Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and Superoxide dismutase (SOD), cell proliferation rate and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Flow cytometry was used to detect cell apoptosis. Western-blotting was used to evaluate the expression of cell senescence, apoptosis, autophagy and pyroptosis protein factors. The expression level of miRNA was determined by qRT-PCR. Compared with H2O2-induced HUVECs, SalA promoted cell viability and cell proliferation rate; decreased LDH and ROS levels; and increased SOD activity. SalA also significantly attenuated endothelial senescence, inhibited cell apoptosis, reversed the increase of LC3 II/I ratio and NLRP3 accumulation. Furthermore, miR-204-5p was regulated by SalA. Importantly, miR-204-5p inhibitor had similar effect to that of SalA on H2O2-induced HUVECs. Our results indicated that SalA could alleviate H2O2-induced oxidative injury by downregulating miR-204-5p in HUVECs.

Topology and Dynamics of Transcriptome (Dys)Regulation

RNA transcripts play a crucial role as witnesses of gene expression health. Identifying disruptive short sequences in RNA transcription and regulation is essential for potentially treating diseases. Let us delve into the mathematical intricacies of these sequences. We have previously devised a mathematical approach for defining a "healthy" sequence. This sequence is characterized by having at most four distinct nucleotides (denoted as nt≤4). It serves as the generator of a group denoted as fp. The desired properties of this sequence are as follows: fp should be close to a free group of rank nt-1, it must be aperiodic, and fp should not have isolated singularities within its SL2(C) character variety (specifically within the corresponding Groebner basis). Now, let us explore the concept of singularities. There are cubic surfaces associated with the character variety of a four-punctured sphere denoted as S24. When we encounter these singularities, we find ourselves dealing with some algebraic solutions of a dynamical second-order differential (and transcendental) equation known as the Painlevé VI Equation. In certain cases, S24 degenerates, in the sense that two punctures collapse, resulting in a "wild" dynamics governed by the Painlevé equations of an index lower than VI. In our paper, we provide examples of these fascinating mathematical structures within the context of miRNAs. Specifically, we find a clear relationship between decorated character varieties of Painlevé equations and the character variety calculated from the seed of oncomirs. These findings should find many applications including cancer research and the investigation of neurodegenative diseases.

Disturbed flow regulates protein disulfide isomerase A1 expression via microRNA-204

Redox processes can modulate vascular pathophysiology. The endoplasmic reticulum redox chaperone protein disulfide isomerase A1 (PDIA1) is overexpressed during vascular proliferative diseases, regulating thrombus formation, endoplasmic reticulum stress adaptation, and structural remodeling. However, both protective and deleterious vascular effects have been reported for PDIA1, depending on the cell type and underlying vascular condition. Further understanding of this question is hampered by the poorly studied mechanisms underlying PDIA1 expression regulation. Here, we showed that PDIA1 mRNA and protein levels were upregulated (average 5-fold) in the intima and media/adventitia following partial carotid ligation (PCL). Our search identified that miR-204-5p and miR-211-5p (miR-204/211), two broadly conserved miRNAs, share PDIA1 as a potential target. MiR-204/211 was downregulated in vascular layers following PCL. In isolated endothelial cells, gain-of-function experiments of miR-204 with miR mimic decreased PDIA1 mRNA while having negligible effects on markers of endothelial activation/stress response. Similar effects were observed in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Furthermore, PDIA1 downregulation by miR-204 decreased levels of the VSMC contractile differentiation markers. In addition, PDIA1 overexpression prevented VSMC dedifferentiation by miR-204. Collectively, we report a new mechanism for PDIA1 regulation through miR-204 and identify its relevance in a model of vascular disease playing a role in VSMC differentiation. This mechanism may be regulated in distinct stages of atherosclerosis and provide a potential therapeutic target.

Molecular mechanism underlying miR-204-5p regulation of adipose-derived stem cells differentiation into cells from three germ layers

The limited differentiation ability of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) limits their application in stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine. Here, we explore the molecular mechanism by which miR-204-5p regulates ADSCs differentiation into cells derived from the three germ layers (i.e., adipocytes, neurocytes, and hepatocytes). Although miR-204-5p overexpression inhibited ADSCs differentiation into adipocytes, neurocyte and hepatocyte differentiation were promoted. Mechanistically, miR-204-5p inhibited the expression of PPARG by regulating the AMPK signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting ADSCs differentiation into adipocytes. Further, miR-204-5p regulated JAG1/NOTCH3 axis for the inhibition of differentiation into adipocytes and promotion of differentiation into neurocytes. miR-204-5p might also promote ADSCs differentiation into hepatocytes by upregulating E2F8. The findings of this study provide novel insights into the regulatory mechanisms underlying early embryonic development and will help to facilitate the application of ADSCs in stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine.

MicroRNA-204 Regulates Angiogenesis and Vasculogenic Mimicry in CD44+/CD24- Breast Cancer Stem-like Cells

Tumors have high requirements in terms of nutrients and oxygen. Angiogenesis is the classical mechanism for vessel formation. Tumoral vascularization has the function of nourishing the cancer cells to support tumor growth. Vasculogenic mimicry, a novel intratumoral microcirculation system, alludes to the ability of cancer cells to organize in three-dimensional (3D) channel-like architectures. It also supplies the tumors with nutrients and oxygen. Both mechanisms operate in a coordinated way; however, their functions in breast cancer stem-like cells and their regulation by microRNAs remain elusive. In the present study, we investigated the functional role of microRNA-204 (miR-204) on angiogenesis and vasculogenic mimicry in breast cancer stem-like cells. Using flow cytometry assays, we found that 86.1% of MDA-MB-231 and 92% of Hs-578t breast cancer cells showed the CD44+/CD24- immunophenotype representative of cancer stem-like cells (CSCs). The MDA-MB-231 subpopulation of CSCs exhibited the ability to form mammospheres, as expected. Interestingly, we found that the restoration of miR-204 expression in CSCs significantly inhibited the number and size of the mammospheres. Moreover, we found that MDA-MB-231 and Hs-578t CSCs efficiently undergo angiogenesis and hypoxia-induced vasculogenic mimicry in vitro. The transfection of precursor miR-204 in both CSCs was able to impair the angiogenesis in the HUVEC cell model, which was observed as a diminution in the number of polygons and sprouting cells. Remarkably, miR-204 mimics also resulted in the inhibition of vasculogenic mimicry formation in MDA-MB-231 and Hs-578t CSCs, with a significant reduction in the number of channel-like structures and branch points. Mechanistically, the effects of miR-204 were associated with a diminution of pro-angiogenic VEGFA and β-catenin protein levels. In conclusion, our findings indicated that miR-204 abrogates the angiogenesis and vasculogenic mimicry development in breast cancer stem-like cells, suggesting that it could be a potential tool for breast cancer intervention based on microRNA replacement therapies.

The association of miR-204 and mir-483 5p expression with clinicopathological features of Wilms tumor: Could this provide foresight?

BACKGROUND

Wilms tumor is the most common cancer of the kidney that occurs during childhood, and histologically, it mimics renal embryogenesis. With the development and improvement of up-to-date treatment protocols, the survival rates of Wilms tumor have increased. However, metastases or local relapses are still observed in 15% of patients. The search for reliable biomarkers to identify at-risk patients is ongoing to predict the variability in treatment success. Currently, the evaluation of clinical, histopathological and genetic features are common diagnostic methods; however, epigenetic features can be examined with microRNA expression analyses and might allow us to comment on the behavior of the tumor and treatment response.

METHODS

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between microRNA-204 and microRNA-483-5p expression with clinicopathological data and the effect on Wilms tumor survival. For this purpose, the expression levels of RNU6B, microRNA-204 and microRNA-483-5p were evaluated in tumor and normal tissue by qreal time-polymerase chain reaction. We also investigated the relationship between microRNA expression levels with the clinicopathological and histological features of Wilms tumor.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The results of our study indicate that the relative expression levels of microRNA-204 in Wilms tumor tissues were significantly lower than that in adjacent normal tissues. By contrast, tumor tissue had a higher microRNA-483-5p expression than the corresponding normal tissues. A statistically significant difference between microRNA-204 expression level with age and the presence of anaplasia was observed. The upregulation of microRNA-483-5p was found to have a significant correlation with patients after preoperative chemotherapy and complete tumor necrosis. Taken together, our data suggest that microRNA-204 could play a critical role as a tumor suppressor, whereas microRNA-483-5p acts as an oncogene in Wilms tumor progression. More importantly, microRNA-204 might be a novel predictive biomarker for anaplastic histology and could be useful for developing therapeutic interventions targeting this marker.

An off-the-shelf small extracellular vesicle nanomedicine for tumor targeting therapy

Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) have shown excellent prospects as drug delivery systems for cancer therapy. However, the inherent non-targeting and short blood circulation characteristics severely restrict their practical applications as a delivery system. In addition, post-encapsulating drugs into sEVs also remains challenging. Here, we constructed an engineered cell line that secreted multifunctional sEVs (termed NBsEV204) with 7D12 (an anti-EGFR nanobody) and hCD47 decorations on their surface, as well as high levels of miR-204-5p encapsulation. NBsEV204 exhibited extended blood circulation and improved macrophage-mediated phagocytosis of tumor cells by blocking CD47 signaling. Importantly, NBsEV204 specifically targeted EGFR+ tumor cells and showed robust tumor-suppressive effects both in vitro and in vivo. Overall, this study provides a convenient and feasible method to produce off-the-shelf anticancer sEV nanomedicine, which exhibits tremendous potential for clinical translation.

A novel CircRNA Circ_0001722 regulates proliferation and invasion of osteosarcoma cells through targeting miR-204-5p/RUNX2 axis

BACKGROUND

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most prevalent primary fatal bone neoplasm in adolescents and children owing to limited therapeutic methods. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are identified as vital regulators in a variety of cancers. However, the roles of circRNAs in OS are still unclear.

METHODS

Firstly, we evaluate the differentially expressed circRNAs in 3 paired OS and corresponding adjacent nontumor tissue samples by circRNA microarray assay, finding a novel circRNA, circ_001722, significantly upregulated in OS tissues and cells. The circular structure of candidate circRNA was confirmed through Sanger sequencing, divergent primer PCR, and RNase R treatments. Proliferation of OS cells was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The microRNA (miRNA) sponge mechanism of circRNAs was verified by dual-luciferase assay and RNA immunoprecipitation assay.

RESULTS

A novel circRNA, circ_001722, is significantly upregulated in OS tissues and cells. Downregulation of circ_0001722 can suppress proliferation and invasion of human OS cells in vitro and in vivo. Computational algorithms predict miR-204-5p can bind with circ_0001722 and RUNX2 mRNA 3'UTR, which is verified by Dual-luciferase assay and RNA immunoprecipitation assay. Further functional experiments show that circ_0001722 competitively binds to miR-204-5p and prevents it to decrease the level of RUNX2, which upregulates proliferation and invasion of human OS cells.

CONCLUSION

Circ_001722 is a novel tumor promotor in OS, and promotes the progression of OS via miR-204-5p/RUNX2 axis.

Critical genes in human photoaged skin identified using weighted gene co-expression network analysis

Photoaging is unique to the skin and is accompanied by an increased risk of tumors. To explore the transcriptomic regulatory mechanism of skin photoaging, the epidermis, and dermis of 16 healthy donors (eight exposed and eight non-exposed) were surgically excised and detected using total RNA-Seq. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) identified the most relevant modules with exposure. The hub genes were identified using correlation, p-value, and enrichment analysis. The critical genes were identified using Support Vector Machine-Recursive Feature Elimination (SVM-RFE) and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression, then enriched using single-gene GSEA. A competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was constructed and validated using qRT-PCR. Compared with non-exposed sites, 430 mRNAs, 168 lncRNAs, and 136 miRNAs were differentially expressed in the exposed skin. WGCNA identified the module MEthistle and 12 intersecting genes from the 71 genes in this module. The enriched pathways were related to muscle. The critical genes were KLHL41, MYBPC2, and ERAP2. Single-gene GSEA identified the Hippo signaling pathway, basal cell carcinoma, cell adhesion molecules, and other pathways. Six miRNAs and 18 lncRNAs related to the critical genes constituted the ceRNA network and were verified using qPCR. The differential expression of KLHL41, MYBPC2, and ERAP2 at the protein level was verified using immunohistochemistry. KLHL41, MYBPC2, and ERAP2 genes are related to skin photoaging. The prediction model based on the three critical genes can indicate photoaging. These critical genes may have a role in skin photoaging by regulating cell growth, intercellular adhesion, and substance metabolism pathways.

Unraveling the Roles of miR-204-5p and HMGA2 in Papillary Thyroid Cancer Tumorigenesis

Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignant tumor with an increasing incidence rate. Although differentiated types of thyroid cancer generally present good clinical outcomes, some dedifferentiate into aggressive and lethal forms. However, the molecular mechanisms governing aggressiveness and dedifferentiation are still poorly understood. Aberrant expression of miRNAs is often correlated to tumor development, and miR-204-5p has previously been identified in papillary thyroid carcinoma as downregulated and associated with aggressiveness. This study aimed to explore its role in thyroid tumorigenesis. To address this, gain-of-function experiments were performed by transiently transfecting miR-204-5p in thyroid cancer cell lines. Then, the clinical relevance of our data was evaluated in vivo. We prove that this miRNA inhibits cell invasion by regulating several targets associated with an epithelial-mesenchymal transition, such as SNAI2, TGFBR2, SOX4 and HMGA2. HMGA2 expression is regulated by the MAPK pathway but not by the PI3K, IGF1R or TGFβ pathways, and the inhibition of cell invasion by miR-204-5p involves direct binding and repression of HMGA2. Finally, we confirmed in vivo the relationship between miR-204-5p and HMGA2 in human PTC and a corresponding mouse model. Our data suggest that HMGA2 inhibition offers promising perspectives for thyroid cancer treatment.

Gold Nanoparticles Inhibit PMA-Induced MMP-9 Expression via microRNA-204-5p Upregulation and Deactivation of NF-κBp65 in Breast Cancer Cells

OBJECTIVE

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy in females globally. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is crucial to the invasion, progression and spread of BC. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have an anti-tumorigenic role, but their therapeutic role in microRNAs (miRNAs) regulation has not been explored. This study determined the potential of AuNPs against MMP-9 overexpression/production and miRNA-204-5p regulation in BC cells.

METHODS

AuNPs were newly engineered, and their stability was analyzed using the zeta potential, polydispersity index, surface-plasmon-resonance peak and transmission electron microscopy. A bioinformatics algorithm was used to predict the pairing of miRNA in the 3'untranslated-region (3'UTR) of MMP-9 mRNA. TaqMan assays were carried out to quantify miRNA and mRNA, whereas MMP-9-specific immunoassays and gelatin zymography were used to determine protein secretion and activity. The binding of miRNA in MMP-9 mRNA 3'UTR was verified by luciferase reporter clone assays and transfection with anti-miRNAs. In addition, NF-κBp65 activity was determined and confirmed with parthenolide treatment.

RESULTS

Engineered AuNPs were highly stable and spherical in shape, with a mean size of 28.3 nm. Tested in MCF-7 BC cells, microRNA-204-5p directly regulates MMP-9. AuNPs inhibit PMA-induced MMP-9 mRNA and protein via hsa-miR-204-5p upregulation. Anti-miR-204 transfected MCF-7 cells demonstrated enhanced MMP-9 expression (p < 0.001), while AuNPs treatment attenuated MMP-9 expression in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Moreover, AuNPs also inhibit PMA-induced NF-κBp65 activation in anti-hsa-miR-204 transfected MCF-7 cells.

CONCLUSION

Engineered AuNPs were stable and non-toxic to BC cells. AuNPs inhibit PMA-induced MMP-9 expression, production and activation via NF-κBp65 deactivation and hsa-miR-204-5p upregulation. These novel therapeutic potentials of AuNPs on stimulated BC cells provide novel suggestions that AuNPs inhibit carcinogenic activity via inverse regulation of microRNAs.