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Fan JH, Li XM. Mesangial cell-derived CircRNAs in chronic glomerulonephritis: RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. Ren Fail 2024; 46:2371059. [PMID: 38946402 PMCID: PMC467094 DOI: 10.1080/0886022x.2024.2371059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been shown to play critical roles in the initiation and progression of chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN), while their role from mesangial cells in contributing to the pathogenesis of CGN is rarely understood. Our study aims to explore the potential functions of mesangial cell-derived circRNAs using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and bioinformatics analysis. METHODS Mouse mesangial cells (MMCs) were stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to establish an in vitro model of CGN. Pro-inflammatory cytokines and cell cycle stages were detected by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Flow Cytometry experiment, respectively. Subsequently, differentially expressed circRNAs (DE-circRNAs) were identified by RNA-seq. GEO microarrays were used to identify differentially expressed mRNAs (DE-mRNAs) between CGN and healthy populations. Weighted co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was utilized to explore clinically significant modules of CGN. CircRNA-associated CeRNA networks were constructed by bioinformatics analysis. The hub mRNAs from CeRNA network were identified using LASSO algorithms. Furthermore, utilizing protein-protein interaction (PPI), gene ontology (GO), pathway enrichment (KEGG), and GSEA analyses to explore the potential biological function of target genes from CeRNA network. In addition, we investigated the relationships between immune cells and hub mRNAs from CeRNA network using CIBERSORT. RESULTS The expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α was drastically increased in LPS-induced MMCs. The number of cells decreased significantly in the G1 phase but increased significantly in the S/G2 phase. A total of 6 DE-mRNAs were determined by RNA-seq, including 4 up-regulated circRNAs and 2 down-regulated circRNAs. WGCNA analysis identified 1747 DE-mRNAs of the turquoise module from CGN people in the GEO database. Then, the CeRNA networks, including 6 circRNAs, 38 miRNAs, and 80 mRNAs, were successfully constructed. The results of GO and KEGG analyses revealed that the target mRNAs were mainly enriched in immune, infection, and inflammation-related pathways. Furthermore, three hub mRNAs (BOC, MLST8, and HMGCS2) from the CeRNA network were screened using LASSO algorithms. GSEA analysis revealed that hub mRNAs were implicated in a great deal of immune system responses and inflammatory pathways, including IL-5 production, MAPK signaling pathway, and JAK-STAT signaling pathway. Moreover, according to an evaluation of immune infiltration, hub mRNAs have statistical correlations with neutrophils, plasma cells, monocytes, and follicular helper T cells. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide fundamental and novel insights for further investigations into the role of mesangial cell-derived circRNAs in CGN pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Hui Fan
- Department of Nephrology, Huaibei People’s Hospital, Huaibei, China
| | - Xiao Min Li
- Department of Nephrology, Huaibei People’s Hospital, Huaibei, China
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Huaibei People’s Hospital, Huaibei, China
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2
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Li J, Qian L, Ge M, Zhao J, Yang Y. hsa_circ_0000518 stimulates the malignant progression of hepatocellular carcinoma via regulating ITGA5 to activate the Warburg effect. Cell Signal 2024; 120:111243. [PMID: 38830562 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Studies have shown that the abnormal expression of circular RNA (circRNA) is inextricably linked to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recently, hsa_circ_0000518 (circ_0000518) was discovered in many cancer progressions. However, its function in HCC is still unclear. Through GEO database analysis combined with gene expression detection of HCC related clinical samples and cell lines, we identified that circ_0000518 was abnormally overexpressed in HCC. Cell and animal model experiments jointly indicated that circ_0000518 can stimulate HCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion and suppress apoptosis. Furthermore, we also found that knocking down the circ_0000518 could inhibit the Warburg effect in HCC cells. Mechanistically, circ_0000518 was found to be primarily localized in the cytoplasm, and sponge hsa-miR-326 (miR-326) promoted integrin alpha 5 (ITGA5) expression. In addition, circ_0000518 could enhance the stability of HuR-mediated ITGA5 mRNA, thereby activating the Warburg effect. In conclusion, this study elucidated that circ_0000518 was a cancer-promoting circRNA, which could enhance ITGA5 expression through competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNA) and RNA Binding Protein (RBP) mechanisms, thus facilitating the development of HCC. It provides a meaningful diagnostic and therapeutic target for HCC.
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MESH Headings
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/genetics
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/metabolism
- Humans
- Liver Neoplasms/pathology
- Liver Neoplasms/genetics
- Liver Neoplasms/metabolism
- RNA, Circular/genetics
- RNA, Circular/metabolism
- MicroRNAs/metabolism
- MicroRNAs/genetics
- Animals
- Cell Proliferation
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Warburg Effect, Oncologic
- Integrin alpha5/metabolism
- Integrin alpha5/genetics
- Cell Movement
- Mice, Nude
- Mice
- Apoptosis
- Disease Progression
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Male
- Integrins
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhai Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Liyuan Qian
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mengchen Ge
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jie Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Wujin Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yu Yang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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Zeng J, Feng Y, Lin L, Ye H, Shen H, Sun Y. Circ_0000069 promotes the development of hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating CCL25. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:827. [PMID: 38992592 PMCID: PMC11238365 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12594-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, influenced by aberrant circRNA expression. Investigating circRNA-miRNA-mRNA interactions can unveil underlying mechanisms of HCC and identify potential therapeutic targets. METHODS In this study, we conducted differential analyses of mRNAs, miRNAs, and circRNAs, and established their relationships using various databases such as miRanda, miRDB, and miTarBase. Additionally, functional enrichment and immune infiltration analyses were performed to evaluate the roles of key genes. We also conducted qPCR assays and western blotting (WB) to examine the expression levels of circRNA, CCL25, and MAP2K1 in both HCC cells and clinical samples. Furthermore, we utilized overexpression and knockdown techniques for circ_0000069 and conducted wound healing, transwell invasion assays, and a tumorigenesis experiment to assess the migratory and invasive abilities of HCC cells. RESULTS Our findings revealed significant differential expression of 612 upregulated genes and 1173 downregulated genes in HCC samples compared to normal liver tissue. Additionally, 429 upregulated circRNAs and 453 downregulated circRNAs were identified. Significantly, circ_0000069 exhibited upregulation in HCC tissues and cell lines. The overexpression of circ_0000069 notably increased the invasion and migration capacity of Huh7 cells, whereas the downregulation of circ_0000069 reduced this capability in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, this effect was counteracted by CCL25 silencing or overexpression, separately. Animal studies further confirmed that the overexpression of hsa_circ_0000069 facilitated tumor growth in xenografted nude mice, while the inhibition of CCL25 attenuated this effect. CONCLUSION Circ_0000069 appears to promote HCC progression by regulating CCL25, suggesting that both circ_0000069 and CCL25 can serve as potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junshao Zeng
- Department of Oncology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guigang City People's Hospital, Guigang, Guangxi, China
| | - Yi Feng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guigang City People's Hospital, No. 1, Zhong Shan Road, Guigang, 537100, Guangxi, China
| | - Liwen Lin
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guigang City People's Hospital, No. 1, Zhong Shan Road, Guigang, 537100, Guangxi, China
| | - Huifeng Ye
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guigang City People's Hospital, No. 1, Zhong Shan Road, Guigang, 537100, Guangxi, China
| | - Haoming Shen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Hunan Cancer Hospital &, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Yifan Sun
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guigang City People's Hospital, No. 1, Zhong Shan Road, Guigang, 537100, Guangxi, China.
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Li A, Wang R, Zhao Y, Zhao P, Yang J. Crosstalk between Epigenetics and Metabolic Reprogramming in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A New Sight. Metabolites 2024; 14:325. [PMID: 38921460 PMCID: PMC11205353 DOI: 10.3390/metabo14060325] [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: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic and metabolic reprogramming alterations are two important features of tumors, and their reversible, spatial, and temporal regulation is a distinctive hallmark of carcinogenesis. Epigenetics, which focuses on gene regulatory mechanisms beyond the DNA sequence, is a new entry point for tumor therapy. Moreover, metabolic reprogramming drives hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) initiation and progression, highlighting the significance of metabolism in this disease. Exploring the inter-regulatory relationship between tumor metabolic reprogramming and epigenetic modification has become one of the hot directions in current tumor metabolism research. As viral etiologies have given way to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)-induced HCC, it is urgent that complex molecular pathways linking them and hepatocarcinogenesis be explored. However, how aberrant crosstalk between epigenetic modifications and metabolic reprogramming affects MASLD-induced HCC lacks comprehensive understanding. A better understanding of their linkages is necessary and urgent to improve HCC treatment strategies. For this reason, this review examines the interwoven landscape of molecular carcinogenesis in the context of MASLD-induced HCC, focusing on mechanisms regulating aberrant epigenetic alterations and metabolic reprogramming in the development of MASLD-induced HCC and interactions between them while also updating the current advances in metabolism and epigenetic modification-based therapeutic drugs in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anqi Li
- College of Basic Medical Science, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China; (A.L.); (Y.Z.); (P.Z.)
| | - Rui Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China;
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Yuqiang Zhao
- College of Basic Medical Science, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China; (A.L.); (Y.Z.); (P.Z.)
| | - Peiran Zhao
- College of Basic Medical Science, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China; (A.L.); (Y.Z.); (P.Z.)
| | - Jing Yang
- College of Basic Medical Science, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China; (A.L.); (Y.Z.); (P.Z.)
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Li KZ, Liao XM, Li SQ, Wei HT, Liang ZJ, Ge LX, Zhou SF, Hu BL. Identification and diagnostic potential of hsa_circ_101303 in colorectal cancer: unraveling a regulatory network. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:671. [PMID: 38824581 PMCID: PMC11144310 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12458-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of novel circular RNAs (circRNAs) in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains to be determined. This study aimed to identify a novel circRNA involved in CRC pathogenesis, assess its diagnostic value, and construct a regulatory network. METHODS Differential expression analysis was conducted using circRNA datasets to screen for differentially expressed circRNAs. The expression of selected circRNAs was validated in external datasets and clinical samples. Diagnostic value of plasma circRNA levels in CRC was assessed. A competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was constructed for the circRNA using TCGA dataset. RESULTS Analysis of datasets revealed that hsa_circ_101303 was significantly overexpressed in CRC tissues compared to normal tissues. The upregulation of hsa_circ_101303 in CRC tissues was further confirmed through the GSE138589 dataset and clinical samples. High expression of hsa_circ_101303 was associated with advanced N stage, M stage, and tumor stage in CRC. Plasma levels of hsa_circ_101303 were markedly elevated in CRC patients and exhibited moderate diagnostic ability for CRC (AUC = 0.738). The host gene of hsa_circ_101303 was also found to be related to the TNM stage of CRC. Nine miRNAs were identified as target miRNAs for hsa_circ_101303, and 27 genes were identified as targets of these miRNAs. Subsequently, a ceRNA network for hsa_circ_101303 was constructed to illustrate the interactions between the nine miRNAs and 27 genes. CONCLUSIONS The study identifies hsa_circ_101303 as a highly expressed circRNA in CRC, which is associated with the progression of the disease. Plasma levels of hsa_circ_101303 show promising diagnostic potential for CRC. The ceRNA network for hsa_circ_101303 provides valuable insights into the regulatory mechanisms underlying CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke-Zhi Li
- Department of Research, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, No. 71 Hedi Road, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Xiao-Min Liao
- Department of Research, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, No. 71 Hedi Road, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Si-Qi Li
- Department of Research, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, No. 71 Hedi Road, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Hao-Tang Wei
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530031, China
| | - Zhi-Jian Liang
- Department of Research, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, No. 71 Hedi Road, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Liu-Xin Ge
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangxi Medical University, No. 22 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Su-Fang Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangxi Medical University, No. 22 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, China.
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education Project for Early Prevention and Treatment of Regional High-Risk Tumors & Key Laboratory of Biological Molecular Medicine Research, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China.
| | - Bang-Li Hu
- Department of Research, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, No. 71 Hedi Road, Nanning, 530021, China.
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6
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Tian Y, Zhang M, Liu LX, Wang ZC, Liu B, Huang Y, Wang X, Ling YZ, Wang F, Feng X, Tu Y. Exploring non-coding RNA mechanisms in hepatocellular carcinoma: implications for therapy and prognosis. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1400744. [PMID: 38799446 PMCID: PMC11116607 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1400744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant contributor to cancer-related deaths in the world. The development and progression of HCC are closely correlated with the abnormal regulation of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs). Important biological pathways in cancer biology, such as cell proliferation, death, and metastasis, are impacted by these ncRNAs, which modulate gene expression. The abnormal expression of non-coding RNAs in HCC raises the possibility that they could be applied as new biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment targets. Furthermore, by controlling the expression of cancer-related genes, miRNAs can function as either tumor suppressors or oncogenes. On the other hand, lncRNAs play a role in the advancement of cancer by interacting with other molecules within the cell, which, in turn, affects processes such as chromatin remodeling, transcription, and post-transcriptional processes. The importance of ncRNA-driven regulatory systems in HCC is being highlighted by current research, which sheds light on tumor behavior and therapy response. This research highlights the great potential of ncRNAs to improve patient outcomes in this difficult disease landscape by augmenting the present methods of HCC care through the use of precision medicine approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Tian
- Research Center, The Huizhou Central People’s Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Huizhou, Guangdong, China
- School of Public Health, Benedictine University, Lisle, IL, United States
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Li-xia Liu
- Department of Ultrasound, Hebei Key Laboratory of Precise Imaging of Inflammation Related Tumors, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, China
| | - Zi-chao Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, Hebei Key Laboratory of Precise Imaging of Inflammation Related Tumors, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Central Laboratory, Hebei Key Laboratory of Cancer Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, China
| | - Youcai Huang
- Research Center, The Huizhou Central People’s Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Huizhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoling Wang
- Research Center, The Huizhou Central People’s Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Huizhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yun-zhi Ling
- Research Center, The Huizhou Central People’s Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Huizhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Furong Wang
- Department of Pathology, The Huizhou Central People’s Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Huizhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Feng
- Center of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Gaozhou People’s Hospital, Gaozhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanyang Tu
- Research Center, The Huizhou Central People’s Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Huizhou, Guangdong, China
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7
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Ma Y, Wang T, Zhang X, Wang P, Long F. The role of circular RNAs in regulating resistance to cancer immunotherapy: mechanisms and implications. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:312. [PMID: 38697964 PMCID: PMC11066075 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06698-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has rapidly transformed cancer treatment, yet resistance remains a significant hurdle, limiting its efficacy in many patients. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a novel class of non-coding RNAs, have emerged as pivotal regulators of gene expression and cellular processes. Increasing evidence indicates their involvement in modulating resistance to cancer immunotherapy. Notably, certain circRNAs function as miRNA sponges or interact with proteins, influencing the expression of immune-related genes, including crucial immune checkpoint molecules. This, in turn, shapes the tumor microenvironment and significantly impacts the response to immunotherapy. In this comprehensive review, we explore the evolving role of circRNAs in orchestrating resistance to cancer immunotherapy, with a specific focus on their mechanisms in influencing immune checkpoint gene expression. Additionally, we underscore the potential of circRNAs as promising therapeutic targets to augment the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy. Understanding the role of circRNAs in cancer immunotherapy resistance could contribute to the development of new therapeutic strategies to overcome resistance and improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Ma
- Department of Clinical Research, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Clinical Research, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xudong Zhang
- Department of Clinical Research, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Pinghan Wang
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Affiliated Women's and Children's Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, 610032, China
| | - Fangyi Long
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Affiliated Women's and Children's Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, 610032, China.
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Wang R, Zeng Y, Chen Z, Ma D, Zhang X, Wu G, Fan W. Shear-Sensitive circRNA-LONP2 Promotes Endothelial Inflammation and Atherosclerosis by Targeting NRF2/HO1 Signaling. JACC Basic Transl Sci 2024; 9:652-670. [PMID: 38984054 PMCID: PMC11228119 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacbts.2024.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Hemodynamic shear stress is a frictional force that acts on vascular endothelial cells and is essential for endothelial homeostasis. Physiological laminar shear stress (LSS) suppresses endothelial inflammation and protects arteries from atherosclerosis. Herein, we screened differentially expressed circular RNAs (circRNAs) that were significantly altered in LSS-stimulated endothelial cells and found that circRNA-LONP2 was involved in modulating the flow-dependent inflammatory response. Furthermore, endothelial circRNA-LONP2 overexpression promoted endothelial inflammation and atherosclerosis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, circRNA-LONP2 competitively sponged miR-200a-3p and subsequently promoted Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1, Yes-associated protein 1, and enhancer of zeste homolog 2 expression, thereby inactivating nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 signaling, promoting oxidative stress and endothelial inflammation, and accelerating atherosclerosis. LSS-induced down-regulation of circRNA-LONP2 suppresses endothelial inflammation, at least in part, by activating the miR-200a-3p-mediated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 signaling pathway. CircRNA-LONP2 may serve as a new therapeutic target for atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoyu Wang
- Department of Cardiology, the Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation and Vascular Diseases (Sun Yat-sen University)
| | - Yue Zeng
- Department of Cardiology, the Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation and Vascular Diseases (Sun Yat-sen University)
| | - Ziqi Chen
- Department of Cardiology, the Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation and Vascular Diseases (Sun Yat-sen University)
| | - Dongwei Ma
- Department of Cardiology, the Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation and Vascular Diseases (Sun Yat-sen University)
| | - Xiaozhe Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, the Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation and Vascular Diseases (Sun Yat-sen University)
| | - Guifu Wu
- Department of Cardiology, the Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation and Vascular Diseases (Sun Yat-sen University)
- Guangdong Innovative Engineering and Technology Research Center for Assisted Circulation, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Wendong Fan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation and Vascular Diseases (Sun Yat-sen University)
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
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9
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Dou C, Zhu H, Xie X, Huang C, Tan H, Cao C. Exosomal circ_0032704 confers sorafenib resistance to hepatocellular carcinoma and contributes to cancer malignant progression by modulating the miR-514a-3p/PD-L1 pathway. Ann Gastroenterol Surg 2024; 8:507-520. [PMID: 38707229 PMCID: PMC11066485 DOI: 10.1002/ags3.12772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aims to explore the role of circ_0032704 in sorafenib-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods The expression of circ_0032704, miR-514a-3p, and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) mRNA was detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). The expression of multidrug resistant-related proteins, migration/invasion-related proteins, exosome-related proteins, and PD-L1 protein was detected by western blot. Cell viability was detected by CCK-8 assay. Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were assessed by EdU assay, wound healing assay, and transwell assay. The binding between miR-514a-3p and circ_0032704 or PD-L1 was verified by RIP assay, pull-down assay, and dual-luciferase reporter assay. Cell- or serum-derived exosomes were isolated and identified by TEM and NTA. Xenograft models were established to determine the effect of circ_0032704 on drug resistance in vivo. Results Circ_0032704 was overexpressed in sorafenib-resistant HCC tissues and cells. Circ_0032704 knockdown reduced sorafenib resistance in HCC cells and inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of sorafenib-resistant HCC cells, while these effects were reversed by PD-L1 overexpression. We found that circ_0032704 positively regulated PD-L1 expression via targeting miR-514a-3p. Exosomes with circ_0032704 inhibition reduced sorafenib resistance in HCC cells and inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of sorafenib-resistant HCC cells. Exosomes with circ_0032704 inhibition also inhibited tumor growth in vivo. The expression of circ_0032704 in exosomes was stable and possessed diagnostic value. Conclusion Circ_0032704 enhanced sorafenib resistance in HCC and promoted the malignant development of sorafenib-resistant HCC. Circ_0032704 could be transported by exosomes, and exosomal circ_0032704 had diagnostic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengyun Dou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical SchoolUniversity of South ChinaHengyangHunanChina
| | - Hongbo Zhu
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical SchoolUniversity of South ChinaHengyangHunanChina
| | - Xia Xie
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical SchoolUniversity of South ChinaHengyangHunanChina
| | - Cuiqin Huang
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical SchoolUniversity of South ChinaHengyangHunanChina
| | - Hui Tan
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical SchoolUniversity of South ChinaHengyangHunanChina
| | - Chuangjie Cao
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical SchoolUniversity of South ChinaHengyangHunanChina
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10
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Arefnezhad R, Ashna S, Rezaei-Tazangi F, Arfazadeh SM, Seyedsalehie SS, Yeganeafrouz S, Aghaei M, Sanandaji M, Davoodi R, Abadi SRK, Vosough M. Noncoding RNAs and programmed cell death in hepatocellular carcinoma: Significant role of epigenetic modifications in prognosis, chemoresistance, and tumor recurrence rate. Cell Biol Int 2024; 48:556-576. [PMID: 38411312 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.12145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer with a high death rate in the world. The molecular mechanisms related to the pathogenesis of HCC have not been precisely defined so far. Hence, this review aimed to address the potential cross-talk between noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) and programmed cell death in HCC. All related papers in the English language up to June 2023 were collected and screened. The searched keywords in scientific databases, including Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar, were HCC, ncRNAs, Epigenetic, Programmed cell death, Autophagy, Apoptosis, Ferroptosis, Chemoresistance, Tumor recurrence, Prognosis, and Prediction. According to the reports, ncRNAs, comprising long ncRNAs, microRNAs, circular RNAs, and small nucleolar RNAs can affect cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis, as well as cell death-related processes, such as autophagy, ferroptosis, necroptosis, and apoptosis in HCC by regulating cancer-associated genes and signaling pathways, for example, phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt, extracellular signal-regulated kinase/MAPK, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways. It seems that ncRNAs, as epigenetic regulators, can be utilized as biomarkers in diagnosis, prognosis, survival and recurrence rates prediction, chemoresistance, and evaluation of therapeutic response in HCC patients. However, more scientific evidence is suggested to be accomplished to confirm these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Arefnezhad
- Coenzyme R Research Institute, Tehran, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sara Ashna
- Student Research Committee, Islamic Azad University Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Rezaei-Tazangi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | | | - Seyede Shabnam Seyedsalehie
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur, University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Shaghayegh Yeganeafrouz
- Department of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Medical branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Melika Aghaei
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mandana Sanandaji
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Tehran University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Massoud Vosough
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Institution for Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Experimental Cancer Medicine, Huddinge, Sweden
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11
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Wu L, Zhang Y, Ren J. Targeting non-coding RNAs and N 6-methyladenosine modification in hepatocellular carcinoma. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 223:116153. [PMID: 38513741 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of primary liver cancers, accounts for a significant portion of cancer-related death globally. However, the molecular mechanisms driving the onset and progression of HCC are still not fully understood. Emerging evidence has indicated that non-protein-coding regions of genomes could give rise to transcripts, termed non-coding RNA (ncRNA), forming novel functional driving force for aberrant cellular activity. Over the past decades, overwhelming evidence has denoted involvement of a complex array of molecular function of ncRNAs at different stages of HCC tumorigenesis and progression. In this context, several pre-clinical studies have highlighted the potentials of ncRNAs as novel therapeutic modalities in the management of human HCC. Moreover, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification, the most prevalent form of internal mRNA modifications in mammalian cells, is essential for the governance of biological processes within cells. Dysregulation of m6A in ncRNAs has been implicated in human carcinogenesis, including HCC. In this review, we will discuss dysregulation of several hallmark ncRNAs (miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs) in HCC and address the latest advances for their involvement in the onset and progression of HCC. We also focus on dysregulation of m6A modification and various m6A regulators in the etiology of HCC. In the end, we discussed the contemporary preclinical and clinical application of ncRNA-based and m6A-targeted therapies in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Wu
- Department of Cardiology and Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yingmei Zhang
- Department of Cardiology and Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jun Ren
- Department of Cardiology and Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China.
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12
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Liu J, Zhang X, Yang M, Zhang X. CircCOL1A1 promotes proliferation, migration, and invasion of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells and glutamine metabolism through GLS1 up-regulation by sponging miR-214-3p. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:211. [PMID: 38662258 PMCID: PMC11045592 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-024-05736-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circular ribose nucleic acids (circRNAs), an abundant type of noncoding RNAs, are widely expressed in eukaryotic cells and exert a significant impact on the initiation and progression of various disorders, including different types of cancer. However, the specific role of various circRNAs in colorectal cancer (CRC) pathology is still not fully understood. METHODS The initial step involved the use of quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) to assess the expression levels of circRNAs and messenger RNA (mRNA) in CRC cell lines and tissues. Subsequently, functional analyses of circCOL1A1 knockdown were conducted in vitro and in vivo through cell counting kit (CCK)-8, colony formation and transwell assays, as well as xenograft mouse model of tumor formation. Molecular expression and interactions were investigated using luciferase reporter assays, Western blot analysis, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), and immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS The RT-qPCR results revealed elevated levels of circCOL1A1 expressions in CRC tissues and cell lines as compared to the normal counterparts. In addition, circCOL1A1 expression level was found to be correlated with TNM stage, lymph node metastases, distant metastases, and invasion. Knockdown of circCOL1A1 resulted in impaired invasion, migration, and proliferation of CRC cells, and suppressed tumor generation in the animal model. We further demonstrated that circCOL1A1 could act as a sponge for miR-214-3p, suppressing miR-214-3p activity and leading to the upregulation of GLS1 protein to promote glutamine metabolism. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that circCOL1A1 functions as an oncogenic molecule to promote CRC progression via miR-214-3p/GLS1 axis, hinting on the potential of circCOL1A1 as a therapeutic target for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Liu
- Oncology Teaching and Research Office, Hebei Medical University, No. 361, Zhongshan East Road, Shijiazhuang City, 050017, Hebei, China
- Second Department of Oncology, Hebei General Hospital, No. 348 Heping West Road, Shijiazhuang City, 050051, Hebei Province, China
| | - Xianbo Zhang
- Second Department of Oncology, Hebei General Hospital, No. 348 Heping West Road, Shijiazhuang City, 050051, Hebei Province, China
| | - Meijian Yang
- Second Department of Oncology, Hebei General Hospital, No. 348 Heping West Road, Shijiazhuang City, 050051, Hebei Province, China
| | - Xianghong Zhang
- Department of Pathology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, No. 215, Heping West Road, Shijiazhuang City, 050000, Hebei, China.
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13
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Chen H, Wen J, Zhang W, Ma W, Guo Y, Shen L, Zhang Z, Yang F, Zhang Y, Gao Y, Xu T, Yan Y, Li W, Zhang J, Mao S, Yao X. circKDM1A suppresses bladder cancer progression by sponging miR-889-3p/CPEB3 and stabilizing p53 mRNA. iScience 2024; 27:109624. [PMID: 38632984 PMCID: PMC11022052 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play crucial biological functions in various tumors, including bladder cancer (BCa). However, the roles and underlying molecular mechanisms of circRNAs in the malignant proliferation of BCa are yet unknown. CircKDM1A was observed to be downregulated in BCa tissues and cells. Knockdown of circKDM1A promoted the proliferation of BCa cells and bladder xenograft growth, while the overexpression of circKDM1A exerts the opposite effect. The dual-luciferase reporter assay revealed that circKDM1A was directly bound to miR-889-3p, acting as its molecular sponge to downregulate CPEB3. In turn, the CPEB3 was bound to the CPE signal in p53 mRNA 3'UTR to stabilize its expression. Thus, circKDM1A-mediated CPEB3 downregulation inhibits the stability of p53 mRNA and promotes BCa malignant progression. In conclusion, circKDM1A functions as a tumor suppressor in the malignant proliferation of BCa via the miR-889-3p/CPEB3/p53 axis. CircKDM1A may be a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target of BCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haotian Chen
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Urologic Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Wen
- Institute of Energy Metabolism and Health, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine Shanghai, Shanghai 200072, P.R. China
| | - Wentao Zhang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Urologic Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenchao Ma
- Department of Reproduction, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Yadong Guo
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Urologic Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liliang Shen
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated People’s Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Zhijin Zhang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Urologic Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fuhan Yang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Urologic Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Central Laboratory, Clinical Medicine Scientific and Technical Innovation Park, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Shanghai 200435, China
| | - Yaohui Gao
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianyuan Xu
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Urologic Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Yan
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Urologic Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Urologic Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junfeng Zhang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Urologic Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shiyu Mao
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Urologic Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xudong Yao
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Urologic Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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14
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Li L, Wang M, Chen Q, Zhang M, Chen Z, Han M, Zhao C, Xie Z, Dong Q, Zhang H. Intracellular Staphylococcus aureus infection in human osteoblasts: circRNA expression analysis. Heliyon 2024; 10:e28461. [PMID: 38560264 PMCID: PMC10979106 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) has the ability to invade human cortical bones and cause intracellular infections in osteoblasts, which may lead to a long-term infection that is difficult to eliminate. It is critical to identify the underlying mechanisms of the osteoblast response to the intracellular S. aureus. More recently, multiple circular RNA (circRNA) functions have been identified, including serving as protein scaffolds or miRNA sponges and being translated into polypeptides. The role that circRNAs play in intracellular S. aureus infection of osteoblasts has not, to our knowledge, been investigated. Here, we established an intracellular infection model of S. aureus in osteoblasts and compared the circRNA expression of osteoblasts between the infected and control groups using RNA sequencing technology, by which a significant difference was found. In total, 117 upregulated and 125 down-regulated differentially expressed circRNAs (DEcircRNAs) were identified, and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR was employed to validate the results of RNA sequencing. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses demonstrated that DEcircRNAs were enriched in processes associated with macromolecule modification, cellular component organization or biogenesis, and intracellular non-membrane-bound organelles. Finally, a potentially important network of circRNA-miRNA-mRNA based on the DEcircRNAs was constructed. Overall, this study revealed the circRNA expression profile of human osteoblasts infected by intracellular S. aureus for the first time, and identified the circRNAs that may contribute to the pathogenesis of infectious diseases caused by intracellular S. aureus infection in human osteoblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liubing Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Min Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Qi Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Mingxing Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Shuofang Hospital of Xinwu District, Wuxi, China
| | - Zhihao Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Mingxiao Han
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Chenhao Zhao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zonggang Xie
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Qirong Dong
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Haifang Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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15
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Tian Y, Han W, Lv K, Fu L, Zhou X. CircSNX6 promotes proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma via miR-383-5p/VEGFA signaling pathway. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8243. [PMID: 38589413 PMCID: PMC11001896 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58708-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The role of circular RNA (circRNAs) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been extensively studied. Previous research has highlighted the regulatory role of circSNX6 in HCC cells and tissues. However, the precise mechanism underlying HCC progression still requires comprehensive investigation. The study initially utilized quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to assess circSNX6 expression levels in HCC cell lines and tissues. Subsequently, the stability of circRNA was evaluated through Ribonuclease R and actinomycin D treatment assays. The impact of circSNX6 knockdown on proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis abilities was determined using various assays including colony formation, Transwell culture system, tube formation assay, and cell counting kit (CCK)-8 assays. Additionally, RNA immunoprecipitation chip and dual-luciferase reporter assays were employed to investigate the interactions between circSNX6 and miR-383-5p. Finally, an HCC xenograft tumor model in mice was established to assess the in vivo expression of circSNX6 and its functional role in HCC. Our findings revealed an elevated circSNX6 expression in HCC tissues, which was correlated with poor patient prognosis. Knockdown of circSNX6 suppressed HCC cell growth, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis. The downregulation of miR-383-5p, a target of circSNX6, significantly attenuated the tumor-suppressive effects induced by circSNX6 knockdown. Moreover, circSNX6 was found to modulate VEGFA expression by targeting miR-383-5p. The inhibition of HCC cell proliferation by miR-383-5p could be partially reversed by overexpressing VEGFA. Silencing circSNX6 also suppressed tumor formation and the metastasis of HCC cells in a mouse model. In summary, our findings suggest that circSNX6 promotes cell proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis in HCC by regulating the miR-383-5p/VEGFA pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Tian
- Department of General Surgery, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315100, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wenwen Han
- Department of Emergency, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315100, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kaiji Lv
- Department of General Surgery, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315100, Zhejiang, China
| | - Long Fu
- Department of General Surgery, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315100, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xinhua Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315100, Zhejiang, China.
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Dawoud A, Elmasri RA, Mohamed AH, Mahmoud A, Rostom MM, Youness RA. Involvement of CircRNAs in regulating The "New Generation of Cancer Hallmarks": A Special Depiction on Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 196:104312. [PMID: 38428701 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2024.104312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The concept of 'Hallmarks of Cancer' is an approach of reducing the enormous complexity of cancer to a set of guiding principles. As the underlying mechanism of cancer are portrayed, we find that we gain insight and additional aspects of the disease arise. The understanding of the tumor microenvironment (TME) brought a new dimension and led to the discovery of novel hallmarks such as senescent cells, non-mutational epigenetic reprogramming, polymorphic microbiomes and unlocked phenotypic plasticity. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are single-stranded, covalently closed RNA molecules that are ubiquitous across all species. Recent studies on the circRNAs have highlighted their crucial function in regulating the formation of human malignancies through a range of biological processes. The primary goal of this review is to clarify the role of circRNAs in the most common form of liver cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This review also addressed the topic of how circRNAs affect HCC hallmarks, including the new generation hallmarks. Finally, the enormous applications that these rapidly expanding ncRNA molecules serve in the functional and molecular development of effective HCC diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Dawoud
- Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry Department, Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Faculty of Biotechnology, German International University (GIU), 11835, New Administrative Capital, Egypt; School of Medicine, University of North California, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - R A Elmasri
- Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry Department, Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Faculty of Biotechnology, German International University (GIU), 11835, New Administrative Capital, Egypt
| | - A H Mohamed
- Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry Department, Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Faculty of Biotechnology, German International University (GIU), 11835, New Administrative Capital, Egypt; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - A Mahmoud
- Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry Department, Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Faculty of Biotechnology, German International University (GIU), 11835, New Administrative Capital, Egypt; Biotechnology School, Nile University, Giza 12677, Egypt
| | - M M Rostom
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo (GUC), Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - R A Youness
- Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry Department, Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Faculty of Biotechnology, German International University (GIU), 11835, New Administrative Capital, Egypt.
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Liu X, Feng Y, Wang L, Shi L, Ji K, Hu N, Du Y, Liu M, Wang M. Silencing of circ_0088036 inhibits growth and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma through miR-203/SP1 axis. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2024; 38:e23684. [PMID: 38533528 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Circular RNA (circRNA) circ_0088036 is a recently discovered circRNA known for its roles in rheumatoid arthritis. The study aimed to study the function of circ_0088036 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Circ_0088036 expressions were analyzed in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The relationship between circ_0088036 expressions and clinicopathological data of LUAD was assessed. The messenger RNA and protein levels were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. Cell viability, apoptosis, and invasion were tested by Cell Counting Kit-8, flow cytometry, and transwell assay. The direct interaction between microRNA-203 (miR-203) and circ_0088036 or specificity protein 1 (SP1) was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay, RNA pull-down, and RNA immunoprecipitation assays. Circ_0088036 was overexpressed in LUAD from the analysis of the GEO database. The poor prognosis was found in the patients with high expressions of circ_0088036. The level of Circ_0088036 was increased in LUAD tissues and cells. In terms of function, the deletion of circ_0088036 inhibited LUAD tumorigenesis in vitro by repressing cell growth, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In mechanism, circ_0088036 could competitively sponge miR-203, thereby affecting the expressions of the target gene SP1. In addition, lessening of miR-203 and enlarging of SP1 could eliminate the anticancer effect of short hairpin RNA-circ_0088036 on LUAD cells. Besides, the knockout of circ_0088036 hindered the growth of xenografted tumors in vivo. Circ_0088036 promoted the LUAD cell growth, invasion, and EMT via modulating the miR-203/SP1 axis in LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuhua Liu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yan Feng
- Department of Oncology, General Hospital of Heilongjiang Province Land Reclamation Bureau, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Linna Wang
- Department of Oncology, General Hospital of Heilongjiang Province Land Reclamation Bureau, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Lei Shi
- Department of Oncology, General Hospital of Heilongjiang Province Land Reclamation Bureau, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Kunxiang Ji
- Department of Oncology, General Hospital of Heilongjiang Province Land Reclamation Bureau, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Nan Hu
- Department of Oncology, General Hospital of Heilongjiang Province Land Reclamation Bureau, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yang Du
- Department of Oncology, General Hospital of Heilongjiang Province Land Reclamation Bureau, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Mingyang Liu
- Department of Oncology, General Hospital of Heilongjiang Province Land Reclamation Bureau, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Man Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
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18
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Chen S, Duan X, He Y, Chen W. METTL3 promotes osteogenic differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells by up-regulating m6A modification of circCTTN. Biosci Rep 2024; 44:BSR20231186. [PMID: 38358895 PMCID: PMC10932744 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20231186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) are promising seed cells in bone tissue engineering. circRNA and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation play important roles in osteogenic differentiation. Here, we investigated the potential relevance of a critical circRNA, hsa_circ_0003376 (circCTTN), and methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) in osteogenic differentiation of hUCMSCs. METHODS Expression of circCTTN after hUCMSC osteogenic induction was detected by qRT-PCR. Three databases (RMBase v2.0, BERMP, and SRAMP) were used to predict m6A sites of circCTTN. RNA was enriched by methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP), followed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction to detect m6A level of circCTTN after METTL3 overexpression and osteogenic induction. RNA pull-down, Western blotting, and protein mass spectrometry were performed to investigate the potential mechanisms by which METTL3 promoted m6A modification of circCTTN. Bioinformatic analyses based on database (STRING) search and co-immunoprecipitation were used to analyze the proteins that interacted with METTL3. RESULTS Overexpression of METTL3 promoted osteogenic differentiation of hUCMSCs and increased m6A level of circCTTN. Two potential m6A modification sites of circCTTN were predicted. No direct interaction between METTL3 and circCTTN was observed. Thirty-one proteins were pulled down by probes specific for circCTTN, including NOP2, and two m6A reading proteins, EIF3A and SND1. Bioinformatics analysis and co-immunoprecipitation showed that METTL3 interacted with EIF3A indirectly through NOP2. CONCLUSIONS METTL3 promotes the osteogenic differentiation of hUCMSCs by increasing the m6A level of circCTTN. However, METTL3 does not bind directly to circCTTN. METTL3 interacts with circCTTN indirectly through NOP2 and EIF3A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujiang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China school of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Prosthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoqiong Duan
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yanjin He
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China school of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Prosthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wenchuan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China school of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Prosthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Wang W, Han P, Li Z, Nie R, Wang K, Wang L, Liao H. LMGATCDA: Graph Neural Network With Labeling Trick for Predicting circRNA-Disease Associations. IEEE/ACM TRANSACTIONS ON COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY AND BIOINFORMATICS 2024; 21:289-300. [PMID: 38231821 DOI: 10.1109/tcbb.2024.3355093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Previous studies have proven that circular RNAs (circRNAs) are inextricably connected to the etiology and pathophysiology of complicated diseases. Since conventional biological research are frequently small-scale, expensive, and time-consuming, it is essential to establish an efficient and reasonable computation-based method to identify disease-related circRNAs. In this article, we proposed a novel ensemble model for predicting probable circRNA-disease associations based on multi-source similarity information(LMGATCDA). In particular, LMGATCDA first incorporates information on circRNA functional similarity, disease semantic similarity, and the Gaussian interaction profile (GIP) kernel similarity as explicit features, along with node-labeling of the three-hop subgraphs extracted from each linked target node as graph structural features. After that, the fused features are used as input, and further implied features are extracted by graph sampling aggregation (GraphSAGE) and multi-hop attention graph neural network (MAGNA). Finally, the prediction scores are obtained through a fully connected layer. With five-fold cross-validation, LMGATCDA demonstrated excellent competitiveness against gold standard data, reaching 95.37% accuracy and 91.31% recall with an AUC of 94.25% on the circR2Disease benchmark dataset. Collectively, the noteworthy findings from these case studies support our conclusion that the LMGATCDA model can provide reliable circRNA-disease associations for clinical research while helping to mitigate experimental uncertainties in wet-lab investigations.
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Abdullah ST, Abdullah SR, Hussen BM, Younis YM, Rasul MF, Taheri M. Role of circular RNAs and gut microbiome in gastrointestinal cancers and therapeutic targets. Noncoding RNA Res 2024; 9:236-252. [PMID: 38192436 PMCID: PMC10771991 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2023.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal cancers are a huge worldwide health concern, which includes a wide variety of digestive tract cancers. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a kind of non-coding RNA (ncRNAs), are a family of single-stranded, covalently closed RNAs that have become recognized as crucial gene expression regulators, having an impact on several cellular functions in cancer biology. The gut microbiome, which consists of several different bacteria, actively contributes to the regulation of host immunity, inflammation, and metabolism. CircRNAs and the gut microbiome interact significantly to greatly affect the growth of GI cancer. Several studies focus on the complex functions of circRNAs and the gut microbiota in GI cancers, including esophageal cancer, colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, hepatocellular cancer, and pancreatic cancer. It also emphasizes how changed circRNA expression profiles and gut microbiota affect pathways connected to malignancy as well as how circRNAs affect hallmarks of gastrointestinal cancers. Furthermore, circRNAs and gut microbiota have been recommended as biological markers for therapeutic targets as well as diagnostic and prognostic purposes. Targeting circRNAs and the gut microbiota for the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers is also being continued to study. Despite significant initiatives, the connection between circRNAs and the gut microbiota and the emergence of gastrointestinal cancers remains poorly understood. In this study, we will go over the most recent studies to emphasize the key roles of circRNAs and gut microbiota in gastrointestinal cancer progression and therapeutic options. In order to create effective therapies and plan for the future gastrointestinal therapy, it is important to comprehend the functions and mechanisms of circRNAs and the gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Tharwat Abdullah
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Snur Rasool Abdullah
- Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Lebanese French University, Kurdistan Region, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Bashdar Mahmud Hussen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Science, Cihan University-Erbil, Kurdistan Region, 44001, Iraq
- Department of Clinical Analysis, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Kurdistan Region, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Yousif Mohammed Younis
- Department of Nursing, College of Nursing, Lebanese French University, Kurdistan Region, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Mohammed Fatih Rasul
- Department of Pharmaceutical Basic Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tishk International University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Mohammad Taheri
- Institute of Human Genetics, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- Urology and Nephrology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Tavabie OD, Salehi S, Aluvihare VR. The challenges and potential of microRNA-based therapy for patients with liver failure syndromes and hepatocellular carcinoma. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2024; 28:179-191. [PMID: 38487923 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2024.2331598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Morbidity and mortality from liver disease continues to rise worldwide. There are currently limited curative treatments for patients with liver failure syndromes, encompassing acute liver failure and decompensated cirrhosis states, outside of transplantation. Whilst there have been improvements in therapeutic options for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), there remain challenges necessitating novel therapeutic agents. microRNA have long been seen as potential therapeutic targets but there has been limited clinical translation. AREAS COVERED We will discuss the limitations of conventional non-transplant management of patients with liver failure syndromes and HCC. We will provide an overview of microRNA and the challenges in developing and delivering microRNA-based therapeutic agents. We will finally provide an overview of microRNA-based therapeutic agents which have progressed to clinical trials. EXPERT OPINION microRNA have great potential to be developed into therapeutic agents due to their association with critical biological processes which govern health and disease. Utilizing microRNA sponges to target multiple microRNA associated with specific biological processes may improve their therapeutic efficacy. However, there needs to be significant improvements in delivery systems to ensure the safe delivery of microRNA to target sites and minimize systemic distribution. This currently significantly impacts the clinical translation of microRNA-based therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Siamak Salehi
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London, UK
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22
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Du C, Yan Q, Wang Y, Ren L, Lu H, Han M, Wu Y, Wang Y, Ye M. Circular RNA AGAP1 Stimulates Immune Escape and Distant Metastasis in Renal Cell Carcinoma. Mol Biotechnol 2024; 66:454-466. [PMID: 37202649 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-023-00747-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most representative subtype of renal cancer, with a highly aggressive phenotype and extremely poor prognosis. Immune escape is one of the main reasons for ccRCC growth and metastasis, in which circular RNAs (circRNAs) play critical roles. Therefore, this research studied circAGAP1-associated mechanisms in immune escape and distant metastasis in ccRCC. circAGAP1/miR-216a-3p/MKNK2 was overexpressed or down-regulated by cell transfection. EdU assay, colony formation assay, scratch assay, Transwell assay, immunoblotting, and flow cytometry were used to evaluate cell proliferation, migration, invasion, EMT, and immune escape, respectively. Dual-luciferase reporting assay and RIP assay were used to evaluate the targeting relationship between circAGAP1/miR-216a-3p/MKNK2. Xenotransplantation in nude mice was used to evaluate the growth of ccRCC tumors in vivo. Here, circAGAP1 high expression was positively correlated with higher histological grade and distant metastasis and was a prognostic indicator for ccRCC. Depleting circAGAP1 effectively hampered the proliferative, invasive, and migratory capacities, EMT, and immune escape of ccRCC cells. Correspondingly, silencing circAGAP1 delayed tumor growth, distant metastasis, and immune escape in vivo. Mechanistically, circAGAP1 sponged the tumor suppressor miR-216a-3p, thereby preventing miR-216a-3p from inhibiting MAPK2. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that circAGAP1 exerts a tumor suppressor function through miR-216a-3p/MKNK2 during the immune escape and distant metastasis in ccRCC, and suggest that circAGAP1 may be a novel prognostic marker and therapeutic target for ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- ChangGuo Du
- Department of Urology Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Xianyang, No. 10 Biyuan Road, Qindu District, Xianyang City, 712099, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - QunFeng Yan
- Department of Urology Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Xianyang, No. 10 Biyuan Road, Qindu District, Xianyang City, 712099, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - YaHui Wang
- Department of Urology Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Xianyang, No. 10 Biyuan Road, Qindu District, Xianyang City, 712099, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Lei Ren
- Department of Urology Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Xianyang, No. 10 Biyuan Road, Qindu District, Xianyang City, 712099, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Hao Lu
- Department of Urology Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Xianyang, No. 10 Biyuan Road, Qindu District, Xianyang City, 712099, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Ming Han
- Department of Urology Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Xianyang, No. 10 Biyuan Road, Qindu District, Xianyang City, 712099, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yao Wu
- Department of Urology Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Xianyang, No. 10 Biyuan Road, Qindu District, Xianyang City, 712099, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - YanBin Wang
- Department of Urology Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Xianyang, No. 10 Biyuan Road, Qindu District, Xianyang City, 712099, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - MingBao Ye
- Department of Urology Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Xianyang, No. 10 Biyuan Road, Qindu District, Xianyang City, 712099, Shaanxi Province, China.
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Saleem A, Khan MU, Zahid T, Khurram I, Ghani MU, Ullah I, Munir R, Calina D, Sharifi-Rad J. Biological role and regulation of circular RNA as an emerging biomarker and potential therapeutic target for cancer. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:296. [PMID: 38340202 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09211-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a unique family of endogenous RNAs devoid of 3' poly-A tails and 5' end caps. These single-stranded circRNAs, found in the cytoplasm, are synthesized via back-splicing mechanisms, merging introns, exons, or both, resulting in covalently closed circular loops. They are profusely expressed across the eukaryotic transcriptome and offer heightened stability against exonuclease RNase R compared to linear RNA counterparts. This review endeavors to provide a comprehensive overview of circRNAs' characteristics, biogenesis, and mechanisms of action. Furthermore, aimed to shed light on the potential of circRNAs as significant biomarkers in various cancer types. It has been performed an exhaustive literature review, drawing on recent studies and findings related to circRNA characteristics, synthesis, function, evaluation techniques, and their associations with oncogenesis. CircRNAs are intricately associated with tumor progression and development. Their multifaceted roles encompass gene regulation through the sponging of proteins and microRNAs, controlling transcription and splicing, interacting with RNA binding proteins (RBPs), and facilitating gene translation. Due to these varied roles, circRNAs have become a focal point in tumor pathology investigations, given their promising potential as both biomarkers and therapeutic agents. CircRNAs, due to their unique biogenesis and multifunctionality, hold immense promise in the realm of oncology. Their stability, widespread expression, and intricate involvement in gene regulation underscore their prospective utility as reliable biomarkers and therapeutic targets in cancer. As our understanding of circRNAs deepens, advanced techniques for their detection, evaluation, and manipulation will likely emerge. These advancements might catalyze the translation of circRNA-based diagnostics and therapeutics into clinical practice, potentially revolutionizing cancer care and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayman Saleem
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Umer Khan
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Tazeen Zahid
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Iqra Khurram
- Centre for Applied Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Usman Ghani
- Centre for Applied Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Inam Ullah
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Rakhtasha Munir
- Centre for Applied Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Daniela Calina
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349, Craiova, Romania.
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24
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Fraboulet RM, Si Ahmed Y, Aubry M, Corre S, Galibert MD, Blum Y. Cirscan: a shiny application to identify differentially active sponge mechanisms and visualize circRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks. BMC Bioinformatics 2024; 25:53. [PMID: 38302900 PMCID: PMC10832221 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-024-05668-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-coding RNAs represent a large part of the human transcriptome and have been shown to play an important role in disease such as cancer. However, their biological functions are still incompletely understood. Among non-coding RNAs, circular RNAs (circRNAs) have recently been identified for their microRNA (miRNA) sponge function which allows them to modulate the expression of miRNA target genes by taking on the role of competitive endogenous RNAs (ce-circRNAs). Today, most computational tools are not adapted to the search for ce-circRNAs or have not been developed for the search for ce-circRNAs from user's transcriptomic data. RESULTS In this study, we present Cirscan (CIRcular RNA Sponge CANdidates), an interactive Shiny application that automatically infers circRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks from human multi-level transcript expression data from two biological conditions (e.g. tumor versus normal conditions in the case of cancer study) in order to identify on a large scale, potential sponge mechanisms active in a specific condition. Cirscan ranks each circRNA-miRNA-mRNA subnetwork according to a sponge score that integrates multiple criteria based on interaction reliability and expression level. Finally, the top ranked sponge mechanisms can be visualized as networks and an enrichment analysis is performed to help its biological interpretation. We showed on two real case studies that Cirscan is capable of retrieving sponge mechanisms previously described, as well as identifying potential novel circRNA sponge candidates. CONCLUSIONS Cirscan can be considered as a companion tool for biologists, facilitating their ability to prioritize sponge mechanisms for experimental validations and identifying potential therapeutic targets. Cirscan is implemented in R, released under the license GPL-3 and accessible on GitLab ( https://gitlab.com/geobioinfo/cirscan_Rshiny ). The scripts used in this paper are also provided on Gitlab ( https://gitlab.com/geobioinfo/cirscan_paper ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose-Marie Fraboulet
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, INSERM, IGDR (Institut de Genetique et Developpement de Rennes) - UMR 6290, ERL U1305, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, 35000, Rennes, France
| | - Yanis Si Ahmed
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, INSERM, IGDR (Institut de Genetique et Developpement de Rennes) - UMR 6290, ERL U1305, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, 35000, Rennes, France
| | - Marc Aubry
- INSERM, OSS (Oncogenesis Stress Signaling), UMR-S 1242, CLCC Eugene Marquis, Univ Rennes 1, 35000, Rennes, France
| | - Sebastien Corre
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, INSERM, IGDR (Institut de Genetique et Developpement de Rennes) - UMR 6290, ERL U1305, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, 35000, Rennes, France
| | - Marie-Dominique Galibert
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, INSERM, IGDR (Institut de Genetique et Developpement de Rennes) - UMR 6290, ERL U1305, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, 35000, Rennes, France
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Genomics, Hospital University of Rennes (CHU Rennes), 35000, Rennes, France
| | - Yuna Blum
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, INSERM, IGDR (Institut de Genetique et Developpement de Rennes) - UMR 6290, ERL U1305, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, 35000, Rennes, France.
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Li ZD, Li YL, Lu J, Liang S, Zhang C, Zeng LH. Recent research progress of circular RNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Oncol 2024; 13:1192386. [PMID: 38322286 PMCID: PMC10844539 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1192386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an extremely heterogeneous malignant tumor with a high morbidity and mortality. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are noncoding RNAs with high stability, organ/tissue/cell-specific expression and are conserved across species. Accumulating evidence suggested that circRNAs play crucial roles as microRNA sponges, protein sponges, scaffolds, recruiters and could even polypeptide encoders. Many studies have since revealed that circRNAs were aberrantly expressed in HCC and acted as crucial modulators of HCC carcinogenesis and progression. Furthermore, circRNAs have also been identified as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for HCC. In this review, we thoroughly outline and evaluate the function of circRNAs in HCC development, with an emphasis on the specific molecular pathways by which they participated in the formation and progression of HCC, and we address their potential for serving as clinical biomarkers in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-di Li
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yang-ling Li
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Clinical Cancer Pharmacology and Toxicology Research of Zhejiang Province, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jing Lu
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shang Liang
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ling-hui Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Zhou Z, Zhang R, Li X, Zhang W, Zhan Y, Lang Z, Tao Q, Yu J, Yu S, Yu Z, Zheng J. Circular RNA cVIM promotes hepatic stellate cell activation in liver fibrosis via miR-122-5p/miR-9-5p-mediated TGF-β signaling cascade. Commun Biol 2024; 7:113. [PMID: 38243118 PMCID: PMC10798957 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-05797-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation is considered as a central driver of liver fibrosis and effective suppression of HSC activation contributes to the treatment of liver fibrosis. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been reported to be important in tumor progression. However, the contributions of circRNAs in liver fibrosis remain largely unclear. The liver fibrosis-specific circRNA was explored by a circRNA microarray and cVIM (a circRNA derived from exons 4 to 8 of the vimentin gene mmu_circ_32994) was selected as the research object. Further studies revealed that cVIM, mainly expressed in the cytoplasm, may act as a sponge for miR-122-5p and miR-9-5p to enhance expression of type I TGF-β receptor (TGFBR1) and TGFBR2 and promotes activation of the TGF-β/Smad pathway, thereby accelerating the progression of liver fibrosis. Our results demonstrate a vital role for cVIM in promoting liver fibrosis progression and provide a fresh perspective on circRNAs in liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenxu Zhou
- Department of Hernia and Abdominal Wall Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Rongrong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Xinmiao Li
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Weizhi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Yating Zhan
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Zhichao Lang
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Qiqi Tao
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Jinglu Yu
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Suhui Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Zhengping Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Jianjian Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China.
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27
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Fang X, Ao X, Xiao D, Wang Y, Jia Y, Wang P, Li M, Wang J. Circular RNA-circPan3 attenuates cardiac hypertrophy via miR-320-3p/HSP20 axis. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2024; 29:3. [PMID: 38172650 PMCID: PMC10763352 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-023-00520-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circular RNAs are enriched in cardiac tissue and play important roles in the pathogenesis of heart diseases. In this study, we aimed to investigate the regulatory mechanism of a conserved heart-enriched circRNA, circPan3, in cardiac hypertrophy. METHODS Cardiac hypertrophy was induced by isoproterenol. The progression of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy was assessed by sarcomere organization staining, cell surface area measurement, and expression levels of cardiac hypertrophy markers. RNA interactions were detected by RNA pull-down assays, and methylated RNA immunoprecipitation was used to detect m6A level. RESULTS The expression of circPan3 was downregulated in an isoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy model. Forced expression of circPan3 attenuated cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, while inhibition of circPan3 aggravated cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Mechanistically, circPan3 was an endogenous sponge of miR-320-3p without affecting miR-320-3p levels. It elevated the expression of HSP20 by endogenously interacting with miR-320-3p. In addition, circPan3 was N6-methylated. Stimulation by isoproterenol downregulated the m6A eraser ALKBH5, resulting in N6-methylation and destabilization of circPan3. CONCLUSIONS Our research is the first to report that circPan3 has an antihypertrophic effect in cardiomyocytes and revealed a novel circPan3-modulated signalling pathway involved in cardiac hypertrophy. CircPan3 inhibits cardiac hypertrophy by targeting the miR-320-3p/HSP20 axis and is regulated by ALKBH5-mediated N6-methylation. This pathway could provide potential therapeutic targets for cardiac hypertrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Fang
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Xiang Ao
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Dandan Xiao
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Yu Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Yi Jia
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Peiyan Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Mengyang Li
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China.
| | - Jianxun Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China.
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Wei W, Liu K, Huang X, Tian S, Wang H, Zhang C, Ye J, Dong Y, An Z, Ma X, Wang B, Huang Y, Zhang X. EIF4A3-mediated biogenesis of circSTX6 promotes bladder cancer metastasis and cisplatin resistance. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:2. [PMID: 38163881 PMCID: PMC10759346 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02932-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cisplatin (CDDP)-based chemotherapy is a standard first-line treatment for metastatic bladder cancer (BCa) patients, and chemoresistance remains a major challenge in clinical practice. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have emerged as essential regulators in carcinogenesis and cancer progression. However, the role of circRNAs in mediating CDDP chemosensitivity has yet to be well elucidated in BCa. METHODS CircSTX6 (hsa_circ_0007905) was identified by mining the public circRNA datasets and verified by Sanger sequencing, agarose gel electrophoresis, RNase R treatment and qRT-PCR assays. Then, function experiments were performed to evaluate the effects of circSTX6 on BCa metastasis. Luciferase reporter assay, RNA pull-down, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), RNA stability assay, Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and Immunofluorescence (IF) were conducted to evaluate the interaction among circSTX6, miR-515-3p, PABPC1 and SUZ12. Animal experiments were performed to explore the function of circSTX6 in tumor metastasis and CDDP sensitivity. RESULTS We identified that circSTX6 was significantly upregulated in clinical samples and cells of BCa. Functionally, circSTX6 promoted cell migration and invasion both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, circSTX6 could act as a miR-515-3p sponge and abolish its effect on SUZ12. Moreover, circSTX6 was confirmed to increase the stability of SUZ12 mRNA by interacting with a mRNA stabilizer PABPC1 and subsequently promote the expression of SUZ12. Importantly, silencing of circSTX6 improved the chemosensitivity of CDDP-resistant bladder cancer cells to CDDP. Furthermore, in vivo analysis supported that knockdown of circSTX6 attenuated CDDP resistance in BCa tumors. CONCLUSION These studies demonstrate that circSTX6 plays a pivotal role in BCa metastasis and chemoresistance, and has potential to serve as a therapeutic target for treatment of BCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Wei
- Department of Urology, The Third Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
- Medical School of PLA, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Kan Liu
- Department of Urology, The Third Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Xing Huang
- Department of Urology, The Third Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
- Medical School of PLA, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Shuo Tian
- Department of Urology, The Third Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
- Medical School of PLA, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Hanfeng Wang
- Department of Urology, The Third Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
- Medical School of PLA, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Department of Urology, The Third Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Jiali Ye
- Department of Urology, The Third Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
- Medical School of PLA, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Yuhao Dong
- Department of Urology, The Third Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
- Medical School of PLA, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Ziyan An
- Department of Urology, The Third Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
- Medical School of PLA, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Xin Ma
- Department of Urology, The Third Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Baojun Wang
- Department of Urology, The Third Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China.
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Urology, The Third Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China.
| | - Xu Zhang
- Department of Urology, The Third Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China.
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Yu JH, Tan JN, Zhong GY, Zhong L, Hou D, Ma S, Wang PL, Zhang ZH, Lu XQ, Yang B, Zhou SN, Han FH. Hsa_circ_0020134 promotes liver metastasis of colorectal cancer through the miR-183-5p-PFN2-TGF-β/Smad axis. Transl Oncol 2024; 39:101823. [PMID: 37925795 PMCID: PMC10652212 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2023.101823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a distinct class of non-coding RNAs that play regulatory roles in the initiation and progression of tumors. With advancements in transcriptome sequencing technology, numerous circRNAs that play significant roles in tumor-related genes have been identified. In this study, we used transcriptome sequencing to analyze the expression levels of circRNAs in normal adjacent tissues, primary colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues, and CRC tissues with liver metastasis. We successfully identified the circRNA hsa_circ_0020134 (circ0020134), which exhibited significantly elevated expression specifically in CRC with liver metastasis. Importantly, high levels of circ0020134 were associated with a poor prognosis among patients. Functional experiments demonstrated that circ0020134 promotes the proliferation and metastasis of CRC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, upregulation of circ0020134 was induced by the transcription factor, PAX5, while miR-183-5p acted as a sponge for circ0020134, leading to partial upregulation of PFN2 mRNA and protein levels, thereby further activating the downstream TGF-β/Smad pathway. Additionally, downregulation of circ0020134 inhibited epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in CRC cells, which could be reversed by miR-183-5p inhibitor treatment. Collectively, our findings confirm that the circ0020134-miR-183-5p-PFN2-TGF-β/Smad axis induces EMT transformation within tumor cells, promoting CRC proliferation and metastasis, thus highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target for patients with CRC liver metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Hao Yu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China, 510120
| | - Jia-Nan Tan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China, 510120
| | - Guang-Yu Zhong
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China, 510120
| | - Lin Zhong
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China, 510120
| | - Dong Hou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China, 510120
| | - Shuai Ma
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China, 510120
| | - Peng-Liang Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China, 510120
| | - Zhi-Hong Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China, 510120
| | - Xu-Qiang Lu
- Department of General Surgery, Puning People's Hospital, Puning, China, 515399
| | - Bin Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China, 510120.
| | - Sheng-Ning Zhou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China, 510120.
| | - Fang-Hai Han
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China, 510120.
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Jia X, Huang J, Wu B, Yang M, Xu W. RNA-Seq profiling of circular RNAs in mice with lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury. Genomics 2024; 116:110755. [PMID: 38061481 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2023.110755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Acute lung injury (ALI) is a serious illness that develops suddenly, progresses rapidly, has a poor treatment response and a high mortality rate. Studies have found that circular RNAs (circRNA) play a critical role in several diseases, but their role in ALI remains unclear. The aim of this study was to identify circRNAs that are associated with ALI and investigate their potential molecular mechanisms. A comparison of lung circRNA and microRNA expression profiles in mice with ALI and controls was performed by RNA-sequencing. A bioinformatic analysis was conducted to identify differentially expressed (DE) RNAs, to construct competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks, and to analyze their function and pathways. Then, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was generated by the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes database, and hub genes were identified using Cytoscape. Furthermore, a key ceRNA subnetwork was constructed based on these hub genes. Overall, we found 239 DE circRNAs and 42 DE microRNAs in ALI mice compared to controls. Additionally, the molecular mechanism of ALI was further understood by building ceRNA networks based on these DE genes. ALI-induced circRNAs are mostly function in the inflammatory response and metabolic processes. Moreover, DE circRNAs are primarily involved in the nuclear factor (NF)-kappa B and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways. Seven hub genes were derived from the PPI network of 191 genes, followed by the construction of circRNA-miRNA-hub gene subnetworks. In this study, circRNA profiles are remarkably changed in mice with LPS-triggered ALI, and their potential contribution to the disease is revealed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianxian Jia
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, NO. 36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang 110000, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Jinhui Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, NO. 36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang 110000, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Bo Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, NO. 36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang 110000, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Miao Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, NO. 36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang 110000, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, NO. 36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang 110000, Liaoning Province, China.
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Li J, Wang X, Shi L, Liu B, Sheng Z, Chang S, Cai X, Shan G. A Mammalian Conserved Circular RNA CircLARP1B Regulates Hepatocellular Carcinoma Metastasis and Lipid Metabolism. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2305902. [PMID: 37953462 PMCID: PMC10787103 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202305902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have emerged as crucial regulators in physiology and human diseases. However, evolutionarily conserved circRNAs with potent functions in cancers are rarely reported. In this study, a mammalian conserved circRNA circLARP1B is identified to play critical roles in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Patients with high circLARP1B levels have advanced prognostic stage and poor overall survival. CircLARP1B facilitates cellular metastatic properties and lipid accumulation through promoting fatty acid synthesis in HCC. CircLARP1B deficient mice exhibit reduced metastasis and less lipid accumulation in an induced HCC model. Multiple lines of evidence demonstrate that circLARP1B binds to heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein D (HNRNPD) in the cytoplasm, and thus affects the binding of HNRNPD to sensitive transcripts including liver kinase B1 (LKB1) mRNA. This regulation causes decreased LKB1 mRNA stability and lower LKB1 protein levels. Antisense oligodeoxynucleotide complementary to theHNRNPD binding sites in circLARP1B increases the HNRNPD binding to LKB1 mRNA. Through the HNRNPD-LKB1-AMPK pathway, circLARP1B promotes HCC metastasis and lipid accumulation. Results from AAV8-mediated hepatocyte-directed knockdown of circLARP1B or Lkb1 in mouse models also demonstrate critical roles of hepatocytic circLARP1B regulatory pathway in HCC metastasis and lipid accumulation, and indicate that circLARP1B may be potential target of HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingxin Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Xiaolin Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Liang Shi
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Boqiang Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Zhiyong Sheng
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233030, China
| | - Shuhui Chang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Xiujun Cai
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Ge Shan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Regional Medical Center for National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
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Li F, Liu J, Miao J, Hong F, Liu R, Lv Y, Yang Y, He A, Wang J. Circular RNA circXPO1 Promotes Multiple Myeloma Progression by Regulating miR-495-3p/DNA Damage-Induced Transcription 4 Axis. DNA Cell Biol 2024; 43:39-55. [PMID: 38079253 PMCID: PMC10825292 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2023.0288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematologic malignancy that results from uncontrolled plasma cell proliferation. Circular RNAs are versatile regulators that influence cancer aggression. The pathogenic mechanism of circXPO1 in MM is still unknown. In this study, the expression of circXPO1, miR-495-3p, and DNA damage-induced transcription 4 (DDIT4) was detected. Knockdown and overexpression assays were used to evaluate the effect of circXPO1 on MM. Specifically, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine and cell counting kit-8 assay were used to investigate cell proliferation. Meanwhile, flow cytometry was adopted to detect cell apoptosis and cell cycle. Apoptosis-associated and cell cycle-related proteins were detected by Western blot. Mechanistically, biotin RNA pull-down assay and dual-luciferase assay were implemented to verify the combination among miR495-3p and circXPO1 or DDIT4. The function of circXPO1 in vivo was explored in xenograft experiments. The results showed that circXPO1 was up-regulated in both MM samples and MM cell lines and miR-495-3p was down-regulated in MM patients. Silencing circXPO1 inhibited cell proliferation, increased apoptosis rates, and caused the G1 phase arrest. Overexpression of circXPO1 yielded opposite results. In addition, RNA pull-down experiment demonstrated the interaction between circXPO1 and miR-495-3p. Silencing miR-495-3p rescued the inhibitory function caused by the knockdown of circXPO1. DDIT4 was the target of miR-495-3p. Finally, silencing circXPO1 inhibited the growth of subcutaneous tumors in vivo. In conclusion, our findings showed that circXPO1 could promote MM progression via the miR-495-3p/DDIT4 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangmei Li
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an City, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an City, China
| | - Jiyu Miao
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an City, China
| | - Fei Hong
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an City, China
| | - Rui Liu
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an City, China
| | - Yang Lv
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an City, China
| | - Yun Yang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an City, China
| | - Aili He
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an City, China
| | - Jianli Wang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an City, China
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Kong Z, Lu Y, Yang Y, Chang K, Lin Y, Huang Y, Wang C, Zhang L, Xu W, Zhao S, Li Y. m6A-Mediated Biogenesis of circDDIT4 Inhibits Prostate Cancer Progression by Sequestrating ELAVL1/HuR. Mol Cancer Res 2023; 21:1342-1355. [PMID: 37647111 PMCID: PMC10690048 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-22-0271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
The pathologic significance of the circular RNA DDIT4 (circDDIT4), which is formed by backsplicing at the 3'-untranslated region (UTR) with a 5' splice acceptor site in exon 2 of linear DDIT4 mRNA, has yet to be determined. Our study found that circDDIT4 is downregulated in prostate cancer and functions as a tumor suppressor during prostate cancer progression. By competitively binding to ELAV-like RNA binding protein 1 (ELAVL1/HuR) through its 3'-UTR, circDDIT4 acts as a protein sponge to decrease the expression of prostate cancer-overexpressed anoctamin 7 (ANO7). This promotes prostate cancer cell apoptosis while inhibiting cell proliferation and metastasis. Furthermore, we discovered that N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification facilitates the biogenesis of circDDIT4. The methyltransferase complex consisting of WTAP/METTL3/METTL14 increases the level of circDDIT4, while the RNA demethylase FTO decreases it. IMPLICATIONS These findings suggest that abnormal cotranscriptional modification of m6A promotes prostate cancer initiation and progression via a circular RNA-protein-cell signaling network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Kong
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, State Key Lab of Genetic Engineering, MOE Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC (SIPPR, IRD), Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Yali Lu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, State Key Lab of Genetic Engineering, MOE Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC (SIPPR, IRD), Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Yue Yang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, State Key Lab of Genetic Engineering, MOE Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC (SIPPR, IRD), Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Kun Chang
- Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Yan Lin
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Yan Huang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, State Key Lab of Genetic Engineering, MOE Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC (SIPPR, IRD), Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Chenji Wang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, State Key Lab of Genetic Engineering, MOE Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC (SIPPR, IRD), Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, State Key Lab of Genetic Engineering, MOE Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC (SIPPR, IRD), Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Wei Xu
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Shimin Zhao
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, State Key Lab of Genetic Engineering, MOE Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC (SIPPR, IRD), Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology (IMIB), Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Yao Li
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, State Key Lab of Genetic Engineering, MOE Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC (SIPPR, IRD), Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, School of Life Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
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Hu Z, Chen Z, Jiang W, Fang D, Peng P, Yao S, Luo M, Wang L, Sun Z, Wang W, Wang X, Mao H, Ai F, Zhou P. Long Noncoding RNA ACTA2-AS1 Inhibits Cell Growth and Facilitates Apoptosis in Gastric Cancer by Binding with miR-6720-5p to Regulate ESRRB. Biochem Genet 2023; 61:2672-2690. [PMID: 37222961 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-023-10399-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is a common malignant tumor, posing a great threat to human's health and life. Previous studies have suggested aberrant expression of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in GC. This study elucidated the effects of lncRNA ACTA2-AS1 on the biological characteristics of GC. Gene expression in stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) samples compared with normal tissues and the correlation between gene expression and prognosis of STAD patients were analyzed using bioinformatic tools. Gene expression at protein and mRNA levels in GC and normal cells was tested by western blotting and RT-qPCR. The subcellular localization of ACTA2-AS1 in AGS and HGC27 cells was identified by nuclear-cytoplasmic fractionation and FISH assay. EdU, CCK-8, flow cytometry analysis, TUNEL staining assays were conducted to evaluate the role of ACTA2-AS1 and ESRRB on GC cellular behaviors. The binding relationship among ACTA2-AS1, miR-6720-5p and ESRRB was verified by RNA pulldown, luciferase reporter assay and RIP assay. LncRNA ACTA2-AS1 was underexpressed in GC tissues and cell lines. ACTA2-AS1 elevation suppressed GC cell proliferation and induced apoptosis. Mechanistically, ACTA2-AS1 directly bound to miR-6720-5p and subsequently promoted the expression of target gene ESRRB in GC cells. Furthermore, ESRRB knockdown reversed the influence of ACTA2-AS1 overexpression on GC proliferation and apoptosis. ACTA2-AS1 plays an antioncogenic role in GC via binding with miR-6720-5p to regulate ESRRB expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuchao Hu
- The Second Ward of Surgery, Sinophram Hanjiang Hospital, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhen Chen
- Department of Emergency, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 26 Shengli Street, Jiang'an District, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Emergency, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 26 Shengli Street, Jiang'an District, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Dazheng Fang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast, Sinopharm Dongfeng General Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Ping Peng
- The Second Ward of Internal Medicine, Sinophram Hanjiang Hospital, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Shouguo Yao
- Department of Thyroid and Breast, Sinopharm Dongfeng General Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Ming Luo
- Department of Thyroid and Breast, Sinopharm Dongfeng General Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast, Sinopharm Dongfeng General Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhengfu Sun
- Department of Thyroid and Breast, Sinopharm Dongfeng General Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast, Sinopharm Dongfeng General Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast, Sinopharm Dongfeng General Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Haibo Mao
- Department of Thyroid and Breast, Sinopharm Dongfeng General Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Fen Ai
- Department of Emergency, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 26 Shengli Street, Jiang'an District, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Peihua Zhou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Sinopharm Dongfeng General Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, No. 16, Daling Road, Zhangwan District, Shiyan, Hubei, China.
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35
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Yu L, Zheng J, Yu J, Zhang Y, Hu H. Circ_0067934: a circular RNA with roles in human cancer. Hum Cell 2023; 36:1865-1876. [PMID: 37592109 PMCID: PMC10587307 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-023-00962-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
A circular RNA (circRNA) is a non-coding RNA (ncRNA) derived from reverse splicing from pre-mRNA and is characterized by the absence of a cap structure at the 5' end and a poly-adenylated tail at the 3' end. Owing to the development of RNA sequencing and bioinformatics approaches in recent years, the important clinical value of circRNAs has been increasingly revealed. Circ_0067934 is an RNA molecule of 170 nucleotides located on chromosome 3q26.2. Circ_0067934 is formed via the reverse splicing of exons 15 and 16 in PRKCI (protein kinase C Iota). Recent studies revealed the upregulation or downregulation of circ_0067934 in various tumors. The expression of circ_0067934 was found to be correlated with tumor size, TNM stage, and poor prognosis. Based on experiments with cancer cells, circ_0067934 promotes cancer cell proliferation, migratory activity, and invasion when overexpressed or downregulated. The potential mechanism involves the binding of circ_0067934 to microRNAs (miRNAs; miR-545, miR-1304, miR-1301-3p, miR-1182, miR-7, and miR-1324) to regulate the post-transcriptional expression of genes. Other mechanisms include inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. Here, we summarized the biological functions and possible mechanisms of circ_0067934 in different tumors to enable further exploration of its translational applications in clinical diagnosis, therapy, and prognostic assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqing Yu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006 Jiangxi Province China
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006 Jiangxi Province China
| | - Jiacheng Zheng
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006 Jiangxi Province China
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006 Jiangxi Province China
| | - Jiali Yu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006 Jiangxi Province China
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006 Jiangxi Province China
| | - Yujun Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006 Jiangxi Province China
- The First Clinical Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006 Jiangxi Province China
| | - Huoli Hu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006 Jiangxi Province China
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36
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Zhong S, Chen C, Yang L, Jin M, Zeng Y, Zou GM, Zhang Q, Wang Y. Identification of circRNA-associated ceRNA networks in peripheral blood mononuclear cells as potential biomarkers for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Biosci Rep 2023; 43:BSR20230005. [PMID: 37650285 PMCID: PMC10619198 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20230005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is a common respiratory disorder with high morbidity and mortality globally, has a complex pathogenesis that is not fully understood. Some circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been recognized to serve as miRNA sponges for regulating target RNA transcripts during the processes of human diseases. In the present study, we aimed to investigate novel circRNA-associated biomarkers for COPD, 245 differentially expressed circRNAs were identified, including 111 up-regulated and 134 down-regulated circRNAs. These candidate circRNAs were enriched in inflammation-associated pathways (such as mTOR, B-cell receptor, and NF-κB signaling pathways) via Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses. A combination of two circRNAs (up-regulated hsa_circ_0067209 and down-regulated hsa_circ_0000673) demonstrated good diagnostic value (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] = 0.866) for COPD by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis and qRT-PCR validation. Subsequently, hsa-miR-8082 and hsa-miR-1248 were identified as targets for hsa_circ_0067209 and hsa_circ_0000673, respectively, via bioinformatics analysis and a dual-luciferase reporter assay, and the combination of these two miRNAs displayed better diagnosis potential for COPD (AUC = 0.967) than each other. Evaluation of COPD-related mRNA profiles revealed that the up-regulated genes ABR and TRPM6 were predicted downstream targets for hsa_circ_0067209/hsa-miR-8082, whereas the down-regulated gene RORC was a predicted downstream target for hsa_circ_0000673/hsa-miR-1248. In summary, hsa_circ_0067209 and hsa_circ_0000673 have potential as novel diagnostic biomarkers of COPD. In addition, competing endogenous RNA networks of hsa_circ_0067209/hsa-miR-8082/ABR/TRPM6 and hsa_circ_0000673/hsa-miR-1248/RORC may play critical regulation roles for COPD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Zhong
- College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, PR China
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, PR China
- Institute of Precision Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518036, PR China
| | - Chengshui Chen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, PR China
| | - Li Yang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, PR China
| | - Meiling Jin
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Zhongshan Affiliated Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200030, PR China
| | - Yiming Zeng
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian 362000, PR China
| | - Gang-Ming Zou
- School of Nursing and Dental Health. University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2528 McCarthy Mall, Webster Hall. Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - Qingying Zhang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, PR China
| | - Yun Wang
- College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, PR China
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Romeo M, Dallio M, Scognamiglio F, Ventriglia L, Cipullo M, Coppola A, Tammaro C, Scafuro G, Iodice P, Federico A. Role of Non-Coding RNAs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression: From Classic to Novel Clinicopathogenetic Implications. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5178. [PMID: 37958352 PMCID: PMC10647270 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15215178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a predominant malignancy with increasing incidences and mortalities worldwide. In Western countries, the progressive affirmation of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) as the main chronic liver disorder in which HCC occurrence is appreciable even in non-cirrhotic stages, constitutes a real health emergency. In light of this, a further comprehension of molecular pathways supporting HCC onset and progression represents a current research challenge to achieve more tailored prognostic models and appropriate therapeutic approaches. RNA non-coding transcripts (ncRNAs) are involved in the regulation of several cancer-related processes, including HCC. When dysregulated, these molecules, conventionally classified as "small ncRNAs" (sncRNAs) and "long ncRNAs" (lncRNAs) have been reported to markedly influence HCC-related progression mechanisms. In this review, we describe the main dysregulated ncRNAs and the relative molecular pathways involved in HCC progression, analyzing their implications in certain etiologically related contexts, and their applicability in clinical practice as novel diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic tools. Finally, given the growing evidence supporting the immune system response, the oxidative stress-regulated mechanisms, and the gut microbiota composition as relevant emerging elements mutually influencing liver-cancerogenesis processes, we investigate the relationship of ncRNAs with this triad, shedding light on novel pathogenetic frontiers of HCC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Romeo
- Hepatogastroenterology Division, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Piazza Miraglia 2, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.R.); (F.S.); (L.V.); (M.C.); (A.C.); (A.F.)
| | - Marcello Dallio
- Hepatogastroenterology Division, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Piazza Miraglia 2, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.R.); (F.S.); (L.V.); (M.C.); (A.C.); (A.F.)
| | - Flavia Scognamiglio
- Hepatogastroenterology Division, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Piazza Miraglia 2, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.R.); (F.S.); (L.V.); (M.C.); (A.C.); (A.F.)
| | - Lorenzo Ventriglia
- Hepatogastroenterology Division, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Piazza Miraglia 2, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.R.); (F.S.); (L.V.); (M.C.); (A.C.); (A.F.)
| | - Marina Cipullo
- Hepatogastroenterology Division, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Piazza Miraglia 2, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.R.); (F.S.); (L.V.); (M.C.); (A.C.); (A.F.)
| | - Annachiara Coppola
- Hepatogastroenterology Division, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Piazza Miraglia 2, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.R.); (F.S.); (L.V.); (M.C.); (A.C.); (A.F.)
| | - Chiara Tammaro
- Biochemistry Division, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Piazza Miraglia 2, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.T.); (G.S.)
| | - Giuseppe Scafuro
- Biochemistry Division, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Piazza Miraglia 2, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.T.); (G.S.)
| | - Patrizia Iodice
- Division of Medical Oncology, AORN Azienda dei Colli, Monaldi Hospital, Via Leonardo Bianchi, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Federico
- Hepatogastroenterology Division, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Piazza Miraglia 2, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.R.); (F.S.); (L.V.); (M.C.); (A.C.); (A.F.)
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Zhu Q, Hu Y, Jiang W, Ou ZL, Yao YB, Zai HY. Circ-CCT2 Activates Wnt/β-catenin Signaling to Facilitate Hepatoblastoma Development by Stabilizing PTBP1 mRNA. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 17:175-197. [PMID: 37866478 PMCID: PMC10758885 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2023.10.004] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Circ-CCT2 (hsa_circ_0000418) is a novel circular RNA that stems from the CCT2 gene. However, the expression of circ-CCT2 and its roles in hepatoblastoma are unknown. Our study aims to study the circ-CCT2 roles in hepatoblastoma development. METHODS Hepatoblastoma specimens were collected for examining the expression of circ-CCT2, TAF15, and PTBP1. CCK-8 and colony formation assays were applied for cell proliferation analysis. Migratory and invasive capacities were evaluated through wound healing and Transwell assays. The interaction between circ-CCT2, TAF15, and PTBP1 was validated by fluorescence in situ hybridization, RNA pull-down, and RNA immunoprecipitation. SKL2001 was used as an agonist of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. A subcutaneous mouse model of hepatoblastoma was established for examining the function of circ-CCT2 in hepatoblastoma in vivo. RESULTS Circ-CCT2 was significantly up-regulated in hepatoblastoma. Overexpression of circ-CCT2 activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling and promoted hepatoblastoma progression, whereas knockdown of circ-CCT2 exerted opposite effects. Moreover, both TAF15 and PTBP1 were up-regulated in hepatoblastoma tissues and cells. TAF15 was positively correlated with the expression of circ-CCT2 and PTBP1 in hepatoblastoma. Furthermore, circ-CCT2 recruited and up-regulated TAF15 protein to stabilize PTBP1 mRNA and trigger Wnt/β-catenin signaling in hepatoblastoma. Overexpression of TAF15 or PTBP1 reversed knockdown of circ-CCT2-mediated suppression of hepatoblastoma progression. SKL2001-mediated activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling reversed the anti-tumor effects of silencing of circ-CCT2, TAF15, or PTBP1. CONCLUSIONS Circ-CCT2 stabilizes PTBP1 mRNA and activates Wnt/β-catenin signaling through recruiting and up-regulating TAF15 protein, thus promoting hepatoblastoma progression. Our findings deepen the understanding of hepatoblastoma pathogenesis and suggest potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, P.R. China
| | - Yu Hu
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, P.R. China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, P.R. China
| | - Zheng-Lin Ou
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, P.R. China
| | - Yuan-Bing Yao
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, P.R. China
| | - Hong-Yan Zai
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, P.R. China.
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Lu F, Gao J, Luo Y, Jin WL, Wang H, Li CX, Li X. CircCPSF6 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma cancer progression by regulating MAP4K4 through sponging miR-145-5p. Mol Cell Probes 2023; 71:101920. [PMID: 37442529 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2023.101920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aberrant expression of circRNAs is involved in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed at screening the pro-tumorigenic circular RNAs (circRNAs) in HCC and the mechanisms of circCPSF6 expression influencing HCC characteristics. METHOD circCPSF6 was identified in HCC tissues using high-throughput sequencing data, and its expression was verified in both HCC tissues and cell lines using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). CCK-8 and Transwell assays were used to evaluate the effects of circCPSF6 on HCC proliferation and migration. A xenograft mouse model was used to investigate the effects of circCPSF6 on HCC progression in vivo, and the significance of circCPSF6 in HCC was verified both in vivo and in vitro. circCPSF6-associated miRNAs and mRNAs were identified using bioinformatic analyses. Luciferase reporter, RNA pull-down, Fluorescence in situ hybridization, and RNA immunoprecipitation assays were performed to elucidate the circCPSF6 regulatory axis in HCC. RESULT CircCPSF6 expression was increased in HCC cell lines and tissues, and the expression of its parental mRNA was positively correlated with tumor severity and negatively correlated with survival. Mechanistic analyses of HCC cell lines showed that tumorigenesis was inhibited by circCPSF6 knockdown and promoted by its overexpression. Functional analyses revealed that circCPSF6 mediated HCC development by sponging miR-145-5p as a competing endogenous RNA. Furthermore, this sponging upregulated the miR-145-5p target gene MAP4K4, a classical pro-tumorigenic gene. CONCLUSION Our findings reveal a regulatory network that includes the circCPSF6-miR-145-5p-MAP4K4 axis. Elements of this axis are potential HCC biomarkers, as well as targets for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Lu
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Jing Gao
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Pulmonary Medicine, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Finland
| | - Yang Luo
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine, Gansu Province, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Wei-Lin Jin
- Institute of Cancer Neuroscience, Medical Frontier Innovation Research Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Haiping Wang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Chuan-Xing Li
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Xun Li
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China; Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine, Gansu Province, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China; Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China.
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Lu J, Ru J, Chen Y, Ling Z, Liu H, Ding B, Jiang Y, Ma J, Zhang D, Ge J, Li Y, Sun F, Chen D, Zheng S, Wu J. N 6 -methyladenosine-modified circSTX6 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression by regulating the HNRNPD/ATF3 axis and encoding a 144 amino acid polypeptide. Clin Transl Med 2023; 13:e1451. [PMID: 37877357 PMCID: PMC10599281 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play a significant role in the initiation and progression of various cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Circular syntaxin 6 (circSTX6, also known as hsa_circ_0007905) has been identified as a microRNA (miRNA) sponge in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. However, its full range of functions in terms of protein scaffold and translation remain largely unexplored in the context of HCC. METHODS The expression of circSTX6 and its encoded protein was examined in HCC tumour tissues. N6 -methyladenosine (m6 A) on circSTX6 was verified and quantified by methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (Me-RIP), RIP and dual luciferase reporter assays. The biological functions of circSTX6 and its encoded protein in HCC were clarified by in vitro and in vivo experiments. Mechanistically, the interaction between circSTX6 and heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein D (HNRNPD) was investigated by RNA pull-down, RIP and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)/IF. The regulatory effects of circSTX6 and HNRNPD on activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) mRNA were determined by mRNA stability and RIP assays. Furthermore, the presence of circSTX6-encoded protein was verified by mass spectrometry. RESULTS CircSTX6 and its encoded 144 amino acid polypeptide, circSTX6-144aa, were highly expressed in HCC tumour tissues and served as independent risk factors for overall survival in HCC patients. The expression of circSTX6 was regulated by METTL14 in an m6 A-dependent manner. Functionally, circSTX6 accelerated HCC proliferation and tumourigenicity and reinforced tumour metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, circSTX6 acted as a sponge for HNRNPD protein, facilitating its binding to ATF3 mRNA, consequently promoting ATF3 mRNA decay. Meanwhile, circSTX6-144aa promoted HCC proliferation, migration and invasion independent of circSTX6 itself. CONCLUSION Collectively, our study reveals that m6 A-modified circSTX6 drives malignancy in HCC through the HNRNPD/ATF3 axis, while its encoded circSTX6-144aa contributes to HCC progression independent of circSTX6. CirSTX6 and its encoded protein hold promise as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in HCC.
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Huang C, Xu R, Zhu X, Jiang H. m6A-modified circABCC4 promotes stemness and metastasis of prostate cancer by recruiting IGF2BP2 to increase stability of CCAR1. Cancer Gene Ther 2023; 30:1426-1440. [PMID: 37563361 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-023-00650-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is a malignant tumor of the urinary system. CircABCC4 has been demonstrated to promote the development of PCa; however, its regulatory mechanisms in PCa progression remain largely unknown. We found that circABCC4 was highly expressed in PCa tissues and cells, and elevated circABCC4 level indicated a poor overall survival of PCa patients. METTL3 overexpression increased circABCC4 expression via m6A modification in PCa cells. Functionally, knockdown of circABCC4 or METTL3 repressed PCa cell stemness, migration, and invasion in vitro and delayed PCa cancer growth and metastasis in vivo. circABCC4 knockdown-mediated inhibition in PCa cell stemness and metastasis could be counteracted by overexpression of wild-type circABCC4 with m6A sites. Mechanistically, circABCC4 recruited IGF2BP2 protein to CCAR1 mRNA, thereby enhancing CCAR1 mRNA stability and subsequent activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Overexpression of CCAR1 counteracted the inhibitory effect of circABCC4 silencing on PCa cell stemness and metastasis. These results revealed that m6A-modified circABCC4 by METTL3 facilitated PCa cell stemness and metastasis by interacting with IGF2BP2 to increase the stability and expression of CCAR and subsequent expression of Wnt/β-catenin target genes. Our findings suggest circABCC4 as a promising therapeutic target for PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changkun Huang
- Department of Urology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 410011, Changsha, Hunan Province, P.R. China
| | - Ran Xu
- Department of Urology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 410011, Changsha, Hunan Province, P.R. China
| | - Xuan Zhu
- Department of Urology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 410011, Changsha, Hunan Province, P.R. China.
| | - Hongyi Jiang
- Department of Urology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 410011, Changsha, Hunan Province, P.R. China.
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Zhu M, Chen D, Ruan C, Yang P, Zhu J, Zhang R, Li Y. CircRNAs: A Promising Star for Treatment and Prognosis in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14194. [PMID: 37762497 PMCID: PMC10532269 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814194] [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: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
CircRNAs are a class of endogenous long non-coding RNAs with a single-stranded circular structure. Most circRNAs are relatively stable, highly conserved, and specifically expressed in tissue during the cell and developmental stages. Many circRNAs have been discovered in OSCC. OSCC is one of the most severe and frequent forms of head and neck cancer today, with a poor prognosis and low overall survival rate. Due to its prevalence, OSCC is a global health concern, characterized by genetic and epigenomic changes. However, the mechanism remains vague. With the advancement of biotechnology, a large number of circRNAs have been discovered in mammalian cells. CircRNAs are dysregulated in OSCC tissues and thus associated with the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of OSCC patients. Research studies have demonstrated that circRNAs can serve as biomarkers for OSCC diagnosis and treatment. Here, we summarized the properties, functions, and biogenesis of circRNAs, focusing on the progress of current research on circRNAs in OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Rongxin Zhang
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China; (M.Z.); (D.C.); (C.R.); (J.Z.)
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China; (M.Z.); (D.C.); (C.R.); (J.Z.)
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Liu Y, Yang L, Yu M, Huang F, Zeng J, Lu Y, Yang C. Construction of a ceRNA network to reveal a vascular invasion associated prognostic model in hepatocellular carcinoma. Open Med (Wars) 2023; 18:20230795. [PMID: 37724126 PMCID: PMC10505303 DOI: 10.1515/med-2023-0795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study is to explore the prognostic value of vascular invasion (VI) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by searching for competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNA) network and constructing a new prognostic model for HCC. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between HCC and normal tissues were identified from GEO and TCGA. StarBase and miRanda prediction tools were applied to construct a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network. The DEGs between HCC with and without VI were also identified. Then, the hub genes were screened to build a prognostic risk score model through the method of least absolute shrinkage and selection operator. The prognostic ability of the model was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis. In result, there were 221 up-regulated and 47 down-regulated differentially expressed circRNAs (DEcircRNAs) in HCC compared with normal tissue. A circRNA-related ceRNA network was established, containing 11 DEcircRNAs, 12 DEmiRNAs, and 161 DEmRNAs. Meanwhile, another DEG analysis revealed 625 up-regulated and 123 down-regulated DEGs between HCC with and without VI, and then a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was built based on 122 VI-related DEGs. From the intersection of DEGs within the PPI and ceRNA networks, we obtained seven hub genes to build a novel prognostic risk score model. HCC patients with high-risk scores had shorter survival time and presented more advanced T/N/M stages as well as VI occurrence. In conclusion a novel prognostic model based on seven VI-associated DEGs within a circRNA-related ceRNA network was constructed in this study, with great ability to predict the outcome of HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 570102, P.R. China
| | - Lu Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 570102, P.R. China
| | - Mengsi Yu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830054, P.R. China
| | - Fen Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 570102, P.R. China
| | - Jiangzheng Zeng
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 570102, P.R. China
| | - Yanda Lu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 570102, P.R. China
| | - Changcheng Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, 31 Longhua Road, Haikou, Hainan 570102, P.R. China
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El-Aziz MKA, Dawoud A, Kiriacos CJ, Fahmy SA, Hamdy NM, Youness RA. Decoding hepatocarcinogenesis from a noncoding RNAs perspective. J Cell Physiol 2023; 238:1982-2009. [PMID: 37450612 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Being a leading lethal malignancy worldwide, the pathophysiology of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has gained a lot of interest. Yet, underlying mechanistic basis of the liver tumorigenesis is poorly understood. The role of some coding genes and their respective translated proteins, then later on, some noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) such as microRNAs have been extensively studied in context of HCC pathophysiology; however, the implication of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) in HCC is indeed less investigated. As a subclass of the ncRNAs which has been elusive for long time ago, lncRNAs was found to be involved in plentiful cellular functions such as DNA, RNA, and proteins regulation. Hence, it is undisputed that lncRNAs dysregulation profoundly contributes to HCC via diverse etiologies. Accordingly, lncRNAs represent a hot research topic that requires prime focus in HCC. In this review, the authors discuss breakthrough discoveries involving lncRNAs and circRNAs dysregulation that have contributed to the contemporary concepts of HCC pathophysiology and how these concepts could be leveraged as potential novel diagnostic and prognostic HCC biomarkers. Further, this review article sheds light on future trends, thereby discussing the pathological roles of lncRNAs and circRNAs in HCC proliferation, migration, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Along this line of reasoning, future recommendations of how these targets could be exploited to achieve effective HCC-related drug development is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa K Abd El-Aziz
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch, Assiut, Egypt
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Biology and Biochemistry Department, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire Hosted by Global Academic Foundation, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Alyaa Dawoud
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Caroline J Kiriacos
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sherif Ashraf Fahmy
- Chemistry Department, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire Hosted by Global Academic Foundation, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nadia M Hamdy
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rana A Youness
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Biology and Biochemistry Department, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire Hosted by Global Academic Foundation, Cairo, Egypt
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
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Gao P, Yang Y, Li X, Zhao Q, Liu Y, Dong C, Zhang Y, Liu D. Circular RNA hsa_circ_0098181 inhibits metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma by activating the Hippo signaling pathway via interaction with eEF2. Ann Hepatol 2023; 28:101124. [PMID: 37286166 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2023.101124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES The development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a multi-step process that accumulates genetic and epigenetic alterations, including changes in circular RNA (circRNA). This study aimed to understand the alterations in circRNA expression in HCC development and metastasis and to explore the biological functions of circRNA. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ten pairs of adjacent chronic hepatitis tissues and HCC tissues from patients without venous metastases, and ten HCC tissues from patients with venous metastases were analyzed using human circRNA microarrays. Differentially expressed circRNAs were then validated by quantitative real-time PCR. In vitro and in vivo assays were performed to assess the roles of the circRNA in HCC progression. RNA pull-down assay, mass spectrometry analysis, and RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation were conducted to explore the protein partners of the circRNA. RESULTS CircRNA microarrays revealed that the expression patterns of circRNAs across the three groups were significantly different. Among these, hsa_circ_0098181 was validated to be lowly expressed and associated with poor prognosis in HCC patients. Ectopic expression of hsa_circ_0098181 delayed HCC metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, hsa_circ_0098181 sequestered eukaryotic translation elongation factor 2 (eEF2) and dissociated eEF2 from filamentous actin (F-actin) to prevent F-actin formation, which blocked activation of the Hippo signaling pathway. In addition, the RNA binding protein Quaking-5 bound directly to hsa_circ_0098181 and induced its biogenesis. CONCLUSIONS Our study reveals changes in circRNA expression from chronic hepatitis, primary HCC, to metastatic HCC. Further, the QKI5-hsa_circ_0098181-eEF2-Hippo signaling pathway exerts a regulatory role in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Gao
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yuan Yang
- Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaowei Li
- Changping District Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Beijing Municipality, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yujin Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Chunnan Dong
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Experimental Center for Teaching, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Dianwu Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.
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Liu J, Zhao F, Chen LL, Su S. Dysregulation of circular RNAs in inflammation and cancers. FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 3:683-691. [PMID: 38933304 PMCID: PMC11197579 DOI: 10.1016/j.fmre.2023.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Emerging lines of evidence have shown that the production of the covalently closed single-stranded circular RNAs is not splicing errors, but rather a regulated process with distinct biogenesis and turnover. Circular RNAs are expressed in a cell type- and tissue-specific manner and often localize to specific subcellular regions or organelles for functions. The dysregulation of circular RNAs from birth to death is linked to the pathogenesis and progression of diverse diseases. This review outlines how aberrant circular RNA biogenesis, subcellular location, and degradation are linked to disease progression, focusing on metaflammation and cancers. We also discuss potential therapeutic strategies and obstacles in targeting such disease-related circular RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayu Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
- Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Fangqing Zhao
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
- School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Ling-Ling Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 200092, China
- School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Shicheng Su
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
- Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
- Department of Immunology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
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Zhong J, Xu A, Xu P, Su M, Wang P, Liu Z, Li B, Liu C, Jiang N. Circ_0000235 targets MCT4 to promote glycolysis and progression of bladder cancer by sponging miR-330-5p. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:283. [PMID: 37532687 PMCID: PMC10397263 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01582-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Warburg effect plays a crucial role in bladder cancer (Bca) development. However, the mechanism by which glycolysis is involved in Bca remains poorly understood. CircRNAs commonly play a regulatory role in tumor progression. Our study discovered and identified a novel circRNA, hsa_circ_0000235 (circ235), and investigated its role in the glycolytic process, which further results in the progression of Bca. We applied qRT-PCR to assess its clinicopathological relevance and evaluated its proliferation, migration, and glycolytic capacity. We investigated its mechanism using RNA immunoprecipitation, dual-luciferase reporters, and fluorescence in situ hybridization. The findings demonstrated that circ235 was dramatically increased in Bca tissues and was related to a worse prognosis. In vitro studies revealed that circ235 accelerated the rate of extracellular acidification and promoted glucose uptake and lactate manufacture in Bca cells. Additionally, it strengthened the proliferative and migratory capacities. Experiments on animals revealed that downregulating circ235 dramatically reduced carcinogenesis and tumor growth. Circ235 activates monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4) by sponging miR-330-5p, which promotes glycolysis and tumor growth. In conclusion, these findings suggest that circ235 may be a viable molecular marker and therapeutic target for Bca.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianye Zhong
- Department of Urology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Abai Xu
- Department of Urology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Laboratory of Urology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peng Xu
- Department of Urology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Minhong Su
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Urology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhe Liu
- Department of Urology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Boping Li
- Department of Urology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunxiao Liu
- Department of Urology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Ning Jiang
- Laboratory of Urology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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Wang H, Shan X, Peng Y, Zhou W. Circular RNAs in the chemoresistance of triple-negative breast cancer: A systematic review. Drug Dev Res 2023; 84:805-814. [PMID: 37114737 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.22069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to assess studies on circular RNAs (circRNAs) in the chemoresistance of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and provide relevant references for the development of new TNBC chemotherapy sensitivity biomarkers and therapeutic targets. The PubMed, Embase, Web of Knowledge, Cochrane Library, and four Chinese databases were searched up to January 27, 2023, and studies related to TNBC chemoresistance were included. The basic characteristics of the studies and the mechanisms of circRNAs in regulating TNBC chemoresistance were analyzed. A total of 28 studies published between 2018 and 2023 were included, and the chemotherapeutics included adriamycin, paclitaxel, docetaxel, 5-fluorouracil, lapatinib, and so forth. A total of 30 circRNAs were identified, 86.67% (n = 26) of these circRNAs were reported to act as microRNA (miRNA) sponges to regulate chemotherapy sensitivity, while only two circRNAs (circRNA-MTO1 and circRNA-CREIT) interacted with proteins. A total of 14, 12, and 2 circRNAs were reported to be associated with chemoresistance to adriamycin, taxanes, and 5-fluorouracil, respectively. Six circRNAs were found to act as miRNA sponges that promote chemotherapy resistance by regulating the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway. CircRNAs participate in the regulation of TNBC chemoresistance and can be used as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for improving chemotherapy sensitivity. However, further studies are needed to confirm the role of circRNAs in TNBC chemoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongmei Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory for Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology of Chongqing, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xuefeng Shan
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yang Peng
- Department of Endocrine and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Weiying Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory for Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology of Chongqing, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Rao G, Peng X, Tian Y, Fu X, Zhang Y. Circular RNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma: biogenesis, function, and pathology. Front Genet 2023; 14:1106665. [PMID: 37485335 PMCID: PMC10361733 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1106665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Both genetic and environmental factors through a multitude of underlying molecular mechanisms participate in the pathogenesis of HCC. Recently, numerous studies have shown that circular RNAs (circRNAs), an emerging class of non-coding RNAs characterized by the presence of covalent bonds linking 3' and 5' ends, play an important role in the initiation and progression of cancers, including HCC. In this review, we outline the current status of the field of circRNAs, with an emphasis on the functions and mechanisms of circRNAs in HCC and its microenvironment. We also summarize and discuss recent advances of circRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. These efforts are anticipated to throw new insights into future perspectives about circRNAs in basic, translational and clinical research, eventually advancing the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guocheng Rao
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Cancer Center West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xi Peng
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Cancer Center West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yan Tian
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Cancer Center West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xianghui Fu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Cancer Center West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuwei Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Gu A, Jaijyan DK, Yang S, Zeng M, Pei S, Zhu H. Functions of Circular RNA in Human Diseases and Illnesses. Noncoding RNA 2023; 9:38. [PMID: 37489458 PMCID: PMC10366867 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna9040038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) represent single-stranded RNA species that contain covalently closed 3' and 5' ends that provide them more stability than linear RNA, which has free ends. Emerging evidence indicates that circRNAs perform essential functions in many DNA viruses, including coronaviruses, Epstein-Barr viruses, cytomegalovirus, and Kaposi sarcoma viruses. Recent studies have confirmed that circRNAs are present in viruses, including DNA and RNA viruses, and play various important functions such as evading host immune response, disease pathogenesis, protein translation, miRNA sponges, regulating cell proliferation, and virus replication. Studies have confirmed that circRNAs can be biological signatures or pathological markers for autoimmune diseases, neurological diseases, and cancers. However, our understanding of circRNAs in DNA and RNA viruses is still limited, and functional evaluation of viral and host circRNAs is essential to completely understand their biological functions. In the present review, we describe the metabolism and cellular roles of circRNA, including its roles in various diseases and viral and cellular circRNA functions. Circular RNAs are found to interact with RNA, proteins, and DNA, and thus can modulate cellular processes, including translation, transcription, splicing, and other functions. Circular RNAs interfere with various signaling pathways and take part in vital functions in various biological, physiological, cellular, and pathophysiological processes. We also summarize recent evidence demonstrating cellular and viral circRNA's roles in DNA and RNA viruses in this growing field of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Gu
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, 225 Warren Street, Newark, NJ 070101, USA
| | - Dabbu Kumar Jaijyan
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, 225 Warren Street, Newark, NJ 070101, USA
| | - Shaomin Yang
- Department of Pain Medicine and Shenzhen Municipal Key Laboratory for Pain Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518052, China
| | - Mulan Zeng
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, 225 Warren Street, Newark, NJ 070101, USA
| | - Shaokai Pei
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, 225 Warren Street, Newark, NJ 070101, USA
| | - Hua Zhu
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, 225 Warren Street, Newark, NJ 070101, USA
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