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Lv Y, Yuan Z, Chen D, Chen Z, Zhu X, Ying X, Huang Y, Ji W, Qi D. Circular RNA LMBR1 inhibits bladder cancer progression by enhancing expression of the protein ALDH1A3. Noncoding RNA Res 2024; 9:1235-1248. [PMID: 39036604 PMCID: PMC11259990 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2024.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been identified as playing an integral role in the development of bladder cancer (BC). However, the mechanism by which circRNAs operate in the chemical carcinogenesis of BC remains unclear. Methods To explore this mechanism, we used RNA high-throughput sequencing to identify differentially expressed circRNA in bladder epithelial cells and chemically induced malignant transformed BC cells. Subsequently, in vitro experiments were conducted to investigate the biological function and molecular mechanism of circLMBR1 in BC. Finally, animal experiments were conducted to examine the clinical relevance of circLMBR1 in vivo. Results Our profiling of circular RNA expression during cellular malignant transformation induced by chemical carcinogens identified a subset of circRNAs associated with cell transformation. We verified that the expression of circLMBR1 in bladder epithelial malignant transformed cells was decreased compared with control cells, as well as in BC tissues and bladder cell lines. Furthermore, circLMBR1 was seen to inhibit the proliferation, invasion, and migration of BC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, circLMBR1 was found to exert its antitumor effect by binding to the protein ALDH1A3. Conclusions Our findings have revealed that circLMBR1 inhibits the progression of BC cells by binding to ALDH1A3 and upregulating its expression. As such, circLMBR1 serves as a promising predictor of BC and may provide a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Lv
- Department of Urology, Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510230, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Zusen Yuan
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei, PR China
| | - Dongmao Chen
- Department of Urology, The First People's Hospital of Zhaoqing, Zhaoqing, 526060, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Zhibin Chen
- Department of Urology, Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510230, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Xiaowei Zhu
- Department of Urology, The People's Hospital of Enping, Jiangmen, 529499, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Xiaoling Ying
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Yapeng Huang
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510062, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Weidong Ji
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510062, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Defeng Qi
- Department of Urology, Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510230, Guangdong, PR China
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2
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Hama Faraj GS, Hussen BM, Abdullah SR, Fatih Rasul M, Hajiesmaeili Y, Baniahmad A, Taheri M. Advanced approaches of the use of circRNAs as a replacement for cancer therapy. Noncoding RNA Res 2024; 9:811-830. [PMID: 38590433 PMCID: PMC10999493 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2024.03.012] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a broad name for a group of diseases in which abnormal cells grow out of control and are characterized by their complexity and recurrence. Although there has been progress in cancer therapy with the entry of precision medicine and immunotherapy, cancer incidence rates have increased globally. Non-coding RNAs in the form of circular RNAs (circRNAs) play crucial roles in the pathogenesis, clinical diagnosis, and therapy of different diseases, including cancer. According to recent studies, circRNAs appear to serve as accurate indicators and therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. However, circRNAs are promising candidates for cutting-edge cancer therapy because of their distinctive circular structure, stability, and wide range of capabilities; many challenges persist that decrease the applications of circRNA-based cancer therapeutics. Here, we explore the roles of circRNAs as a replacement for cancer therapy, highlight the main challenges facing circRNA-based cancer therapies, and discuss the key strategies to overcome these challenges to improve advanced innovative therapies based on circRNAs with long-term health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goran Sedeeq Hama Faraj
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Komar University of Science and Technology, Sulaymaniyah, 46001, Iraq
| | - Bashdar Mahmud Hussen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Science, Cihan University-Erbil, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, 44001, Iraq
- Department of Clinical Analysis, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, 44001, Iraq
| | - Snur Rasool Abdullah
- Medical Laboratory Science, Lebanese French University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, 44001, Iraq
| | - Mohammed Fatih Rasul
- Department of Pharmaceutical Basic Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tishk International University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | | | - Aria Baniahmad
- Institute of Human Genetics, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Mohammad Taheri
- Institute of Human Genetics, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- Urology and Nephrology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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3
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Zhang J, Luo Z, Zheng Y, Duan M, Qiu Z, Huang C. CircRNA as an Achilles heel of cancer: characterization, biomarker and therapeutic modalities. J Transl Med 2024; 22:752. [PMID: 39127679 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05562-4] [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: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of endogenous noncoding RNAs characterized by their lack of 5' caps and 3' poly(A) tails. These molecules have garnered substantial attention from the scientific community. A wide range of circRNA types has been found to be expressed in various tissues of the human body, exhibiting unique characteristics such as high abundance, remarkable stability, and tissue-specific expression patterns. These attributes, along with their detectability in liquid biopsy samples such as plasma, position circRNAs an ideal choice as cancer diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Additionally, several studies have reported that the functions of circRNAs are associated with tumor proliferation, metastasis, and drug resistance. They achieve this through various mechanisms, including modulation of parental gene expression, regulation of gene transcription, acting as microRNA (miRNA) sponges, and encoding functional proteins. In recent years, a large number of studies have focused on synthesizing circRNAs in vitro and delivering them to tumor tissue to exert its effects in inhibit tumor progression. Herein, we briefly discuss the biogenesis, characteristics, functions, and detection of circRNAs, emphasizing their clinical potential as biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. We also provide an overview the recent techniques for synthesizing circRNAs and delivery strategies, and outline the application of engineered circRNAs in clinical cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Zai Luo
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai, 200080, China.
| | - Yang Zheng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Mingyu Duan
- Department of Education, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 650 Xinsongjiang Road, Songjiang District, Shanghai, 201600, China
| | - Zhengjun Qiu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Chen Huang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai, 200080, China.
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4
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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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5
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Sun W, Zhou C, Peng C, Yang R, Li M, Geng J, Zhou J, Chen L, Li W. Diagnostic value of plasma circular RNA based on droplet digital polymerase chain reaction in lung adenocarcinoma. Lab Med 2024; 55:420-432. [PMID: 38048812 DOI: 10.1093/labmed/lmad101] [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] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasma circular (circ)RNAs detected by droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) may be ideal markers for liquid biopsy. However, ddPCR detection of circRNAs in plasma for diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma has been rarely reported. METHODS An RNA sequencing analysis was performed in plasma from patients with early lung adenocarcinoma and healthy individuals. Droplet digital PCR was used to verify the differentially expressed genes. RESULTS The copy numbers of circle RNALZIC (circLZIC)and circle RNACEP350 (circCEP350) in the plasma of lung adenocarcinoma patients were significantly higher than in plasma of healthy people, and the copy numbers in postoperative plasma of the same patients were significantly lower than those in preoperative plasma. CircLZIC and circCEP350 alone and in combination had diagnostic value in lung adenocarcinoma and early lung adenocarcinoma. CircLZIC and circCEP350 had more binding sites with multiple microRNAs. Their target genes were enriched in several signaling pathways. CONCLUSION The copy numbers of circLZIC and circCEP350 were higher in plasma of lung adenocarcinoma patients than in plasma of healthy controls, significantly correlated with tumor size and TNM stage, and closely related to the occurrence and development of tumors. These circRNAs may serve as molecular markers for the diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanying Sun
- Department of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
- Center for Clinical Medicine of Respiratory Disease (Tumor) in Anhui, Bengbu, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease in Anhui, Bengbu, China
| | - Changming Zhou
- Department of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
- Center for Clinical Medicine of Respiratory Disease (Tumor) in Anhui, Bengbu, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease in Anhui, Bengbu, China
| | - Caiqiu Peng
- Department of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
- Center for Clinical Medicine of Respiratory Disease (Tumor) in Anhui, Bengbu, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease in Anhui, Bengbu, China
| | - Ran Yang
- Department of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
- Center for Clinical Medicine of Respiratory Disease (Tumor) in Anhui, Bengbu, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease in Anhui, Bengbu, China
| | - Mengting Li
- Department of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
- Center for Clinical Medicine of Respiratory Disease (Tumor) in Anhui, Bengbu, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease in Anhui, Bengbu, China
| | - Jian Geng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Jihong Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Liang Chen
- School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
- Center for Clinical Medicine of Respiratory Disease (Tumor) in Anhui, Bengbu, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease in Anhui, Bengbu, China
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6
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Li Z, Yin S, Yang K, Zhang B, Wu X, Zhang M, Gao D. CircRNA Regulation of T Cells in Cancer: Unraveling Potential Targets. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6383. [PMID: 38928088 PMCID: PMC11204142 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126383] [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: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
T lymphocytes play a critical role in antitumor immunity, but their exhaustion poses a significant challenge for immune evasion by malignant cells. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), characterized by their covalently closed looped structure, have emerged as pivotal regulators within the neoplastic landscape. Recent studies have highlighted their multifaceted roles in cellular processes, including gene expression modulation and protein function regulation, which are often disrupted in cancer. In this review, we systematically explore the intricate interplay between circRNAs and T cell modulation within the tumor microenvironment. By dissecting the regulatory mechanisms through which circRNAs impact T cell exhaustion, we aim to uncover pathways crucial for immune evasion and T cell dysfunction. These insights can inform innovative immunotherapeutic strategies targeting circRNA-mediated molecular pathways. Additionally, we discuss the translational potential of circRNAs as biomarkers for therapeutic response prediction and as intervention targets. Our comprehensive analysis aims to enhance the understanding of immune evasion dynamics in the tumor microenvironment by facilitating the development of precision immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zelin Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China; (Z.L.); (B.Z.)
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China; (S.Y.); (X.W.)
| | - Shuanshuan Yin
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China; (S.Y.); (X.W.)
| | - Kangping Yang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China;
| | - Baojie Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China; (Z.L.); (B.Z.)
| | - Xuanhuang Wu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China; (S.Y.); (X.W.)
| | - Meng Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China; (Z.L.); (B.Z.)
| | - Dian Gao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China; (Z.L.); (B.Z.)
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7
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Hussain MS, Moglad E, Afzal M, Gupta G, Hassan Almalki W, Kazmi I, Alzarea SI, Kukreti N, Gupta S, Kumar D, Chellappan DK, Singh SK, Dua K. Non-coding RNA mediated regulation of PI3K/Akt pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma: Therapeutic perspectives. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 258:155303. [PMID: 38728793 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155303] [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: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the primary reasons for fatalities caused by cancer globally, highlighting the need for comprehensive knowledge of its molecular aetiology to develop successful treatment approaches. The PI3K/Akt system is essential in the course of HCC, rendering it an intriguing candidate for treatment. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as long ncRNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), are important mediators of the PI3K/Akt network in HCC. The article delves into the complex regulatory functions of ncRNAs in influencing the PI3K/Akt system in HCC. The study explores how lncRNAs, miRNAs, and circRNAs impact the expression as well as the function of the PI3K/Akt network, either supporting or preventing HCC growth. Additionally, treatment strategies focusing on ncRNAs in HCC are examined, such as antisense oligonucleotide-based methods, RNA interference, and small molecule inhibitor technologies. Emphasizing the necessity of ensuring safety and effectiveness in clinical settings, limitations, and future approaches in using ncRNAs as therapies for HCC are underlined. The present study offers useful insights into the complex regulation system of ncRNAs and the PI3K/Akt cascade in HCC, suggesting possible opportunities for developing innovative treatment approaches to address this lethal tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Sadique Hussain
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jaipur National University, Jagatpura, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302017, India
| | - Ehssan Moglad
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Afzal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacy Program, Batterjee Medical College, P.O. Box 6231, Jeddah 21442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gaurav Gupta
- Centre for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, India; Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Waleed Hassan Almalki
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Imran Kazmi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, 21589, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sami I Alzarea
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, 72341, Sakaka, Aljouf, Saudi Arabia
| | - Neelima Kukreti
- School of Pharmacy, Graphic Era Hill University, Dehradun 248007, India
| | - Saurabh Gupta
- Chameli Devi Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Khandwa Road, Village Umrikheda, Near Toll Booth, Indore, Madhya Pradesh 452020, India
| | - Dinesh Kumar
- School of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Dinesh Kumar Chellappan
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sachin Kumar Singh
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411, India; Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia; School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, 47500 Sunway City, Malaysia
| | - Kamal Dua
- Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia; Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia; Uttaranchal Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, India.
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8
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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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9
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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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10
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Wu Y, Tang H, Cui S, Liao Q, Zeng L, Tu Y. Hsa_circ_0051908 Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression by Regulating the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Process. Anal Cell Pathol (Amst) 2024; 2024:8645534. [PMID: 38715919 PMCID: PMC11074858 DOI: 10.1155/2024/8645534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Materials and Methods Hsa_circ_0051908 expression was determined using RT-qPCR. HCC cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and migration were assessed using CCK-8 assay, EdU staining, TUNEL staining, flow cytometry, and transwell assay. The molecular mechanism was analyzed using western blotting. In addition, the role of hsa_circ_0051908 in tumor growth was evaluated in vivo. Results Hsa_circ_0051908 expression was increased in both HCC tissues and cell lines. The proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells were significantly decreased after hsa_circ_0051908 knockdown, while cell apoptosis was notably increased. Furthermore, we found that hsa_circ_0051908 silencing downregulated vimentin and Snail and upregulated E-cadherin. In vivo, hsa_circ_0051908 silencing significantly inhibited the growth of the tumor. Conclusions Our data provide evidence that hsa_circ_0051908 promotes HCC progression partially by mediating the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process, and it may be used for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinbing Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huafei Tang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuzhong Cui
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Quanxing Liao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lisi Zeng
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yinuo Tu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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11
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Wu Y, Tang H, Liao Q, Tu Y, Fang S, He J, Cui S. Curcumol Inhibits the Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Regulating the Expression of hsa_circ_0028861. Cancer Biother Radiopharm 2024; 39:203-210. [PMID: 38181186 DOI: 10.1089/cbr.2023.0061] [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] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Hsa_circ_0028861, a newly discovered serum exosome circular RNA (circRNA), is greatly reduced in the serum of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the exact role of hsa_circ_0028861 in the progression of liver cancer is still unknown. Materials and Methods: Thirty patients with HCC were enrolled in this study. Hsa_circ_0028861 expression was explored via real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. The influence of curcumol on HCC cells were tested using CCK-8 assay, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining, cell wound healing assay, and migration assay, respectively. The related mechanism was determined by Western blot. A xenograft tumor model was constructed, and mice were administrated with curcumol. Results: The expression of hsa_circ_0028861 in tumor tissues was elevated of patients with HCC and in HCC cells. Curcumol treatment decreased the expression of hsa_circ_0028861 in HCC cells. Curcumol treatment could largely suppress the viability, proliferation, and migration of HCC cells by reducing hsa_circ_0028861 expression and mediating the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. Curcumol also effectively restrained tumor growth in the HCC mice model. Conclusions: Curcumol exerted an inhibitory role in HCC progression by downregulating hsa_circ_0028861 expression and mediating the EMT process, which provides evidence for screening new therapeutic targets and drug therapies for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinbing Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Huafei Tang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Quanxing Liao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yinuo Tu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuxian Fang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinfu He
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuzhong Cui
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
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12
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Li M, Pang X, Xu H, Xiao L. CircSCMH1 Accelerates Sorafenib Resistance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Regulating HN1 Expression via miR-485-5p. Mol Biotechnol 2024:10.1007/s12033-024-01054-4. [PMID: 38372878 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-024-01054-4] [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: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Sorafenib (SOR) is the first-line chemotherapeutic therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment, but SOR resistance is a key factor affecting the therapeutic effect. Emerging studies have suggested that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play an important role in the development of drug resistance in HCC cells. This paper aimed to elucidate the potential role and molecular mechanism of circRNA Scm polycomb group protein homolog 1 (circSCMH1) in SOR-resistant HCC cells. CircSCMH1, microRNA-485-5p (miR-485-5p), and hematological and neurological expressed 1 (HN1) contents were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assay was adopted to detect the SOR sensitivity of cells. Cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis were assessed using colony formation, 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU), transwell, and flow cytometry assays. Glucose metabolism was analyzed using commercial kits. HN1, B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X (Bax) protein levels were assessed using western blot. Binding between miR-485-5p and circSCMH1 or HN1 was verified using a dual-luciferase reporter. Xenograft tumor model was used to explore the function of circSCMH1 in vivo. CircSCMH1 expression and HN1 abundances were increased, but the miR-485-5p level was reduced in SOR-resistant HCC tissues and cells. Deficiency of circSCMH1 enhanced SOR sensitivity by suppressing cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and glucose metabolism and inducing cell apoptosis in SOR-resistant HCC cell lines (Huh7/SOR and Hep3B/SOR). Mechanistically, circSCMH1 sponged miR-485-5p to positively regulate HN1 expression. Importantly, circSCMH1 depletion inhibited tumor growth and increased SOR sensitivity in vivo. CircSCMH1 promoted SOR resistance in HCC cells at least partly through upregulating HN1 expression by sponging miR-485-5p. These findings elucidated a new regulatory pathway of chemo-resistance in SOR-resistant HCC cells and provided a possible circRNA-targeted therapy for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meixiang Li
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, No. 3002 Sungang West Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xionghao Pang
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, No. 3002 Sungang West Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Haixia Xu
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, No. 3002 Sungang West Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Liang Xiao
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, No. 3002 Sungang West Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
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13
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Kaushik K, Kumar H, Mehta S, Palanichamy JK. Hypoxia increases the biogenesis of IGF2BP3-bound circular RNAs. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:288. [PMID: 38329630 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09230-0] [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: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insulin-like Growth Factor 2 Binding Protein 3 (IGF2BP3) promotes cancer migration and invasion by binding to several coding and non-coding RNAs. Hypoxia stimulates tumor progression by upregulating Hypoxia Inducible Factors and downstream signaling. Quaking (QKI) gene, which is upregulated in hypoxia and promotes epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), induces circular RNAs. Therefore, the axis between IGF2BP3, QKI, circular RNAs and their respective host genes under hypoxia was studied. METHODS AND RESULTS Several IGF2BP3-bound circular RNAs were previously identified in HepG2. There were 13 circRNAs originating from 8 host genes bound to IGF2BP3. We confirmed their binding to IGF2BP3 in U87MG using an RNA Immunoprecipitation assay. MALAT1, an oncogenic lncRNA was also found to be associated with IGF2BP3. Three adherent cell lines expressing high levels of IGF2BP3 viz., HeLa, HepG2 and U87MG were cultured under normoxia (20%O2) and hypoxia (<0.2%O2) for 48-168 h. Expression of IGF2BP3, QKI, EMT markers, IGF2BP3-bound circRNAs and their host mRNAs expression were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) in both normoxia and hypoxia. The hypoxia markers viz., VEGF and CA9 were upregulated in all the cell lines in hypoxia at all time points along with an increase in SNAIL. We found 6 genes, viz., PHC3, CDYL, ANKRD17, ARID1A, NEIL3 and FNDC3B with increased expression both at the mRNA and circRNA level indicating their synergistic role in tumor initiation. Overall, we found that circRNA to mRNA expression was observed to be increased for most of the genes and time points of hypoxia in all the cell lines. IGF2BP3 and QKI were also upregulated in hypoxia indicating their role in circRNA biogenesis and stability. CONCLUSION Our data implies that hypoxia augments circRNA biogenesis which might subsequently play a role in tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kriti Kaushik
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, Convergence Block, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Hemant Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, Convergence Block, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Samriddhi Mehta
- Department of Biotechnology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Jayanth Kumar Palanichamy
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, Convergence Block, New Delhi, 110029, India.
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14
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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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15
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Xie C, Hao X, Yuan H, Wang C, Sharif R, Yu H. Crosstalk Between circRNA and Tumor Microenvironment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Mechanism, Function and Applications. Onco Targets Ther 2024; 17:7-26. [PMID: 38283733 PMCID: PMC10812140 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s437536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common aggressive tumors in the world. Despite the availability of various treatments, its prognosis remains poor due to the lack of specific diagnostic indicators and the high heterogeneity of HCC cases. CircRNAs are noncoding RNAs with stable and highly specific expression. Extensive research evidence suggests that circRNAs mediate the pathogenesis and progression of HCC through acting as miRNA sponges, protein modulators, and translation templates. Tumor microenvironment (TME) has become a hotspot of immune-related research in recent years due to its effects on metabolism, secretion and immunity of HCC. Accordingly, understanding the role played by circRNAs in TME is important for the study of HCC. This review will discuss the crosstalk between circRNAs and TME in HCC. In addition, we will discuss the current deficiencies and controversies in research on circRNAs and predict future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxi Xie
- Hepatobiliary Center, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaopei Hao
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450008, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hao Yuan
- Hepatobiliary Center, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chongyu Wang
- The First Clinical Medical College of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Razinah Sharif
- Center for Healthy Ageing & Wellness, Faculty of Health Sciences, University Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, 50300, Malaysia
- Biocompatibility Laboratory, Centre for Research and Instrumentation, University Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM, Bangi, Selangor Darul Ehsan, 43600, Malaysia
| | - Haibo Yu
- Hepatobiliary Center, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People’s Republic of China
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Tan YR, Jiang BH, Feng WJ, He ZL, Jiang YL, Xun Y, Wu XP, Li YH, Zhu HB. Circ0060467 sponges miR-6805 to promote hepatocellular carcinoma progression through regulating AIFM2 and GPX4 expression. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:1796-1807. [PMID: 38244593 PMCID: PMC10866430 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205460] [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: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circular RNAs (circRNAs) represent a subset of non-coding RNAs implicated in the regulation of diverse biological processes, including tumorigenesis. However, the expression and functional implications of circ0060467 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain elusive. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the role of circ0060467 in modulating the progression of HCC. METHODS Differentially expressed circRNAs in HCC tissues were identified through circRNA microarray assays. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assays revealed the upregulation of circ0060467 in both HCC cell lines and tissues. Various assays were conducted to investigate the roles of circ0060467 in HCC progression. Additionally, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays and luciferase assays were carried out to assess the interactions between circ0060467, microRNA-6085 (miR-6085), apoptosis-inducing factor mitochondria-associated 2 (AIFM2), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) in HCC. RESULTS Microarray and qRT-PCR analyses demonstrated a marked elevation of circ0060467 in HCC tissues and cell lines. Knockdown of circ0060467 suppressed HCC cell proliferation. Luciferase reporter and RIP assays confirmed the binding of circ0060467, AIFM2, and GPX4 to miR-6805. Subsequent experiments revealed that circ0060467 competes with AIFM2 and GPX4, thereby inhibiting cancer cell ferroptosis by binding to miR-6085 and promoting hepatocellular carcinoma progression. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, circ0060467 modulates the levels of AIFM2 and GPX4, crucial regulators of tumor cell ferroptosis, by acting as a sponge for miR-6085 in HCC. Thus, circ0060467 may represent a novel diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye-Ru Tan
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan Province, China
| | - Bao-Hong Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan Province, China
| | - Wen-Jie Feng
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan Province, China
| | - Zhi-Long He
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yi-Ling Jiang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yi Xun
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan Province, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yue-Hua Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan Province, China
| | - Hong-Bo Zhu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan Province, China
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Xu Y, Xu T, Huang Y, Wan J, Jiang Z. Silencing hsa_circ_0032449 inhibits the pancreatic differentiation of human embryonic stem cells via the hsa_miR-195-5p/CCND1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Exp Cell Res 2024; 434:113879. [PMID: 38072304 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2023.113879] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Stem cell-derived β cells (SC-β cells) differentiated from stem cell-derived pancreatic progenitor (PP) cells are promising tools for enabling normal glucose control of islet transplants and have therapeutic potential for type 1 diabetes treatment. Pancreatic specification is essential for SC-β cell induction in vitro and low-quality PP cells may convert into derivatives of non-pancreatic lineages both in vivo and in vitro, impeding PP-derived β cell safety and differentiation efficiency. Circular RNA (circRNA) commonly determines the fate of stem cells by acting as competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA). Currently, the relationships between endogenous circRNA and pancreatic specification remain elusive. Herein, we used whole transcriptome sequencing analysis and functional experiments to reveal that deficiency of hsa_circ_0032449 resulted in posterior foregut-derived PP cells with a weakened the progenitor state with decreased expression of PDX1, NKX6.1 and CCND1. As differentiation processed into maturation, silencing of hsa_circ_0032449 suppressed PP cell development into functionally mature and glucose-responsive SC-β cells. These SC-β cells exhibited lower serum C-peptide levels compared with those of control groups in nude mice and had difficulties in reversing hyperglycemia in STZ-induced diabetic nude mice. Mechanistically, loss of hsa_circ_0032449 participated in PI3K-AKT signaling transduction by acting as a ceRNA to sponge miR-195-5p and by influencing the expression of the downstream target CCND1 at transcription and translation levels. Overall, our findings identified hsa_circ_0032449 as an essential PP cell-fate specification regulator, indicating a promising potential in clinical applications and basic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Xu
- Center of Gallbladder Disease, Shanghai East Hospital, Institute of Gallstone Disease, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Tianxin Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China; Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China; Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Jian Wan
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China; Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China.
| | - Zhaoyan Jiang
- Center of Gallbladder Disease, Shanghai East Hospital, Institute of Gallstone Disease, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
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Meng L, Wu H, Wu J, Ding P, He J, Sang M, Liu L. Mechanisms of immune checkpoint inhibitors: insights into the regulation of circular RNAS involved in cancer hallmarks. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:3. [PMID: 38177102 PMCID: PMC10766988 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06389-5] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Current treatment strategies for cancer, especially advanced cancer, are limited and unsatisfactory. One of the most substantial advances in cancer therapy, in the last decades, was the discovery of a new layer of immunotherapy approach, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), which can specifically activate immune cells by targeting immune checkpoints. Immune checkpoints are a type of immunosuppressive molecules expressed on immune cells, which can regulate the degree of immune activation and avoid autoimmune responses. ICIs, such as anti-PD-1/PD-L1 drugs, has shown inspiring efficacy and broad applicability across various cancers. Unfortunately, not all cancer patients benefit remarkably from ICIs, and the overall response rates to ICIs remain relatively low for most cancer types. Moreover, the primary and acquired resistance to ICIs pose serious challenges to the clinical application of cancer immunotherapy. Thus, a deeper understanding of the molecular biological properties and regulatory mechanisms of immune checkpoints is urgently needed to improve clinical options for current therapies. Recently, circular RNAs (circRNAs) have attracted increasing attention, not only due to their involvement in various aspects of cancer hallmarks, but also for their impact on immune checkpoints in shaping the tumor immune microenvironment. In this review, we systematically summarize the current status of immune checkpoints in cancer and the existing regulatory roles of circRNAs on immune checkpoints. Meanwhile, we also aim to settle the issue in an evidence-oriented manner that circRNAs involved in cancer hallmarks regulate the effects and resistance of ICIs by targeting immune checkpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingjiao Meng
- Department of Tumor Immunotherapy, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050035, China
- Research Center and Tumor Research Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050017, China
| | - Haotian Wu
- The Third Department of Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050011, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Comprehensive Treatment of Gastric Cancer, Shijiazhuang, 050011, China
| | - Jiaxiang Wu
- The Third Department of Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050011, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Comprehensive Treatment of Gastric Cancer, Shijiazhuang, 050011, China
| | - Ping'an Ding
- The Third Department of Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050011, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Comprehensive Treatment of Gastric Cancer, Shijiazhuang, 050011, China
| | - Jinchen He
- The Third Department of Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050011, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Comprehensive Treatment of Gastric Cancer, Shijiazhuang, 050011, China
| | - Meixiang Sang
- Research Center and Tumor Research Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050017, China.
- Science and Education Department, Shanghai Electric Power Hospital, Shanghai, 20050, China.
| | - Lihua Liu
- Department of Tumor Immunotherapy, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050035, China.
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Maltby CJ, Krans A, Grudzien SJ, Palacios Y, Muiños J, Suárez A, Asher M, Khurana V, Barmada SJ, Dijkstra AA, Todd PK. AAGGG repeat expansions trigger RFC1-independent synaptic dysregulation in human CANVAS Neurons. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.13.571345. [PMID: 38168171 PMCID: PMC10760133 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.13.571345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Cerebellar ataxia with neuropathy and vestibular areflexia syndrome (CANVAS) is a late onset, recessively inherited neurodegenerative disorder caused by biallelic, non-reference pentameric AAGGG(CCCTT) repeat expansions within the second intron of replication factor complex subunit 1 (RFC1). To investigate how these repeats cause disease, we generated CANVAS patient induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) derived neurons (iNeurons) and utilized calcium imaging and transcriptomic analysis to define repeat-elicited gain-of-function and loss-of-function contributions to neuronal toxicity. AAGGG repeat expansions do not alter neuronal RFC1 splicing, expression, or DNA repair pathway functions. In reporter assays, AAGGG repeats are translated into pentapeptide repeat proteins that selectively accumulate in CANVAS patient brains. However, neither these proteins nor repeat RNA foci were detected in iNeurons, and overexpression of these repeats in isolation did not induce neuronal toxicity. CANVAS iNeurons exhibit defects in neuronal development and diminished synaptic connectivity that is rescued by CRISPR deletion of a single expanded allele. These phenotypic deficits were not replicated by knockdown of RFC1 in control neurons and were not rescued by ectopic expression of RFC1. These findings support a repeat-dependent but RFC1-independent cause of neuronal dysfunction in CANVAS, with important implications for therapeutic development in this currently untreatable condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor J. Maltby
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Amy Krans
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Ann Arbor Veterans Administration Healthcare, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Samantha J. Grudzien
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yomira Palacios
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jessica Muiños
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- UM SMART Undergraduate Summer Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Andrea Suárez
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Melissa Asher
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Vikram Khurana
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sami J. Barmada
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Anke A. Dijkstra
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter K. Todd
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Ann Arbor Veterans Administration Healthcare, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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20
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Khalilian S, Tabari MAK, Omrani MA, Ghafouri-Fard S. Emerging functions and significance of circCDYL in human disorders. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 51:7. [PMID: 38085365 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08993-2] [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: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a group of non-coding transcripts in which a loop structure is shaped via a back splicing procedure. They have central roles in the regulation of gene expression. hsa_circ_0008285, alternatively named as circCDYL, is a circular RNA originated from the exon 4 of CDYL gene. It is produced by a back-splice incident and is mainly located in the cytoplasm. It has no internal ribosome entry site, open reading frame and intronic sequences. CircCDYL dysregulation has been reported in the malignant conditions including multiple myeloma, mantle cell lymphoma, breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, Wilms tumor, bladder cancer, colon cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma. It also has an emerging role in the pathophysiology of non-malignant conditions including myocardial infarction, gestational diabetes mellitus, membranous nephropathy, and abdominal aortic aneurysm. In the current study, we summarize the emerging roles of circCDYL in malignant and non-malignant conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheyda Khalilian
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- USERN Office, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amin Khazeei Tabari
- Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- USERN Office, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | | | - Soudeh Ghafouri-Fard
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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21
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Kong R, Wei W, Man Q, Chen L, Jia Y, Zhang H, Liu Z, Cheng K, Mao C, Liu S. Hypoxia-induced circ-CDYL-EEF1A2 transcriptional complex drives lung metastasis of cancer stem cells from hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Lett 2023; 578:216442. [PMID: 37852428 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is often associated with poor outcomes due to lung metastasis. ICAM-1+ circulating tumor cells, termed circulating cancer stem cells (CCSCs), possess stem cell-like characteristics. However, it is still unexplored how their presence indicates lung metastasis tendency, and particularly, what mechanism drives their lung metastasis. Here, we demonstrated that a preoperative CCSC count in 5 mL of blood (CCSC5) of >3 was a risk factor for lung metastasis in clinical HCC patients. The CSCs overexpressed with circ-CDYL entered the bloodstream and developed lung metastases in mice. Mechanistically, circ-CDYL promoted COL14A1 expression and thus ERK signaling to facilitate epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Furthermore, we uncovered that an RNA-binding protein, EEF1A2, acted as a novel transcriptional (co-) factor to cooperate with circ-CDYL and initiate COL14A1 transcription. A high circ-CDYL level is caused by HIF-1⍺-mediated transcriptional upregulation of its parental gene CDYL and splicing factor EIF4A3 under a hypoxia microenvironment. Hence, the hypoxia microenvironment enables the high-tendency lung metastasis of ICAM-1+ CCSCs through the HIF-1⍺/circ-CDYL-EEF1A2/COL14A1 axis, potentially allowing clinicians to preoperatively detect ICAM-1+ CCSCs as a real-time biomarker for precisely deciding HCC treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruijiao Kong
- Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200434, China; School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Wenxin Wei
- Clinical Research Institute and Department of Hepatic Surgery, The Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Qiuhong Man
- Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200434, China
| | - Liang Chen
- Department of Laboratory and Diagnosis, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China; No. 904 Hospital of the PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, Wuxi, 214000, China
| | - Yin Jia
- Department of Laboratory and Diagnosis, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200434, China
| | - Zixin Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Kai Cheng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wusong Branch, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Chuanbin Mao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong SAR, China; School of Materials Science & Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China.
| | - Shanrong Liu
- Department of Laboratory and Diagnosis, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
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22
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Yang Q, Tian H, Guo Z, Ma Z, Wang G. The role of noncoding RNAs in the tumor microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2023; 55:1697-1706. [PMID: 37867435 PMCID: PMC10686793 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2023231] [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: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the leading fatal malignancy worldwide. The tumor microenvironment (TME) can affect the survival, proliferation, migration, and even dormancy of cancer cells. Hypoxia is an important component of the TME, and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is the most important transcriptional regulator. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), comprise a large part of the human transcriptome and play an important role in regulating the tumorigenesis of HCC. This review discusses the role of ncRNAs in hepatocarcinogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and angiogenesis in a hypoxic microenvironment, as well as the interactions between ncRNAs and key components of the TME. It further discusses their use as biomarkers and the potential clinical value of drugs, as well as the challenges faced in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Yang
- Laboratory for Noncoding RNA and CancerSchool of Life SciencesShanghai UniversityShanghai200444China
| | - Hui Tian
- Department of GeriatricsZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Ziyi Guo
- Laboratory for Noncoding RNA and CancerSchool of Life SciencesShanghai UniversityShanghai200444China
| | - Zhongliang Ma
- Laboratory for Noncoding RNA and CancerSchool of Life SciencesShanghai UniversityShanghai200444China
| | - Guangzhi Wang
- School of Medical ImagingWeifang Medical UniversityWeifang261053China
- Department of Medical Imaging CenterAffiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical UniversityWeifang261053China
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23
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Abaza T, El-Aziz MKA, Daniel KA, Karousi P, Papatsirou M, Fahmy SA, Hamdy NM, Kontos CK, Youness RA. Emerging Role of Circular RNAs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Immunotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16484. [PMID: 38003674 PMCID: PMC10671287 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly fatal malignancy with limited therapeutic options and high recurrence rates. Recently, immunotherapeutic agents such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have emerged as a new paradigm shift in oncology. ICIs, such as programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) inhibitors, have provided a new source of hope for patients with advanced HCC. Yet, the eligibility criteria of HCC patients for ICIs are still a missing piece in the puzzle. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have recently emerged as a new class of non-coding RNAs that play a fundamental role in cancer pathogenesis. Structurally, circRNAs are resistant to exonucleolytic degradation and have a longer half-life than their linear counterparts. Functionally, circRNAs possess the capability to influence various facets of the tumor microenvironment, especially at the HCC tumor-immune synapse. Notably, circRNAs have been observed to control the expression of immune checkpoint molecules within tumor cells, potentially impeding the therapeutic effectiveness of ICIs. Therefore, this renders them potential cancer-immune biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic regimen determinants. In this review, the authors shed light on the structure and functional roles of circRNAs and, most importantly, highlight the promising roles of circRNAs in HCC immunomodulation and their potential as promising biomarkers and immunotherapeutic regimen determinants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tasneem Abaza
- Biology and Biochemistry Department, Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Faculty of Biotechnology, German International University (GIU), Cairo 11835, Egypt; (T.A.); (M.K.A.E.-A.); (K.A.D.)
- Biotechnology and Biomolecular Chemistry Program, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt
| | - Mostafa K. Abd El-Aziz
- Biology and Biochemistry Department, Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Faculty of Biotechnology, German International University (GIU), Cairo 11835, Egypt; (T.A.); (M.K.A.E.-A.); (K.A.D.)
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch, Assiut 71631, Egypt
| | - Kerolos Ashraf Daniel
- Biology and Biochemistry Department, Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Faculty of Biotechnology, German International University (GIU), Cairo 11835, Egypt; (T.A.); (M.K.A.E.-A.); (K.A.D.)
- Biology and Biochemistry Department, Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire Hosted by Global Academic Foundation, Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Paraskevi Karousi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15701 Athens, Greece; (P.K.); (M.P.)
| | - Maria Papatsirou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15701 Athens, Greece; (P.K.); (M.P.)
| | - Sherif Ashraf Fahmy
- Department of Chemistry, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire Hosted by Global Academic Foundation, R5 New Garden City, New Capital, Cairo 11835, Egypt;
| | - Nadia M. Hamdy
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt;
| | - Christos K. Kontos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15701 Athens, Greece; (P.K.); (M.P.)
| | - Rana A. Youness
- Biology and Biochemistry Department, Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Faculty of Biotechnology, German International University (GIU), Cairo 11835, Egypt; (T.A.); (M.K.A.E.-A.); (K.A.D.)
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24
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Wei Y, Fu J, Zhang H, Ling Y, Tang X, Liu S, Yu M, Liu F, Zhuang G, Qian H, Zhang K, Yang P, Yang X, Yang Q, Ge S, Zhang B, Tan Y, Li L, Wang H. N6-methyladenosine modification promotes hepatocarcinogenesis through circ-CDYL-enriched and EpCAM-positive liver tumor-initiating exosomes. iScience 2023; 26:108022. [PMID: 37954137 PMCID: PMC10638478 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
CircRNAs play multiple roles in a variety of cellular processes. We found that Circ-CDYL is highly enriched in early HCC plasma exosomes. Moreover, EpCAM+ HCC cells and exosomes had significant Circ-CDYL levels. We postulated that Circ-CDYL-enriched and EpCAM-positive exosomes would function as liver tumor-initiating exosomes (LTi-Exos). As predicted, intercellular transfer of LTi-Exos activates the HDGF-PI3K-AKT-mTOR and HIF1AN-NOTCH2 axes in recipient cells, promoting malignancy. Upstream, we found that the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of Circ-CDYL exerted its action in HCC cells through a dual mechanism. First, it stimulated back-splicing processes via YTHDC1 to promote Circ-CDYL biogenesis. Second, it facilitates the active sorting of Circ-CDYL into exosomes via hnRNPA2/B1. Clinically, the combination of LTi-Exos and plasma alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) provides a promising early diagnostic biomarker for HCC with an AUC of 0.896. This study highlights the effect and mechanism by which m6A modification promotes hepatocarcinogenesis via modulation of the tumor microenvironment by LTi-Exos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Wei
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepato-biliary Surgery Institute, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingbo Fu
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepato-biliary Surgery Institute, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, China
| | - Hailing Zhang
- Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Ling
- Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuewu Tang
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, China
- Hepato-pancreato-biliary Center, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shuowu Liu
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepato-biliary Surgery Institute, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, China
| | - Miao Yu
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepato-biliary Surgery Institute, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, China
| | - Fuyan Liu
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepato-biliary Surgery Institute, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, China
| | - Guokun Zhuang
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepato-biliary Surgery Institute, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, China
| | - Haihua Qian
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepato-biliary Surgery Institute, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, China
| | - Kecheng Zhang
- Department of Biliary Tract Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pinhua Yang
- Department of Biliary Tract Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinwei Yang
- Department of Biliary Tract Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Yang
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepato-biliary Surgery Institute, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, China
| | - Shennian Ge
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepato-biliary Surgery Institute, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, China
| | - Baohua Zhang
- Department of Biliary Tract Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yexiong Tan
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepato-biliary Surgery Institute, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, China
| | - Liang Li
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepato-biliary Surgery Institute, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongyang Wang
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepato-biliary Surgery Institute, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, China
- National Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Cancer Institute, RenJi Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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25
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Yin H, Zhao Y, Han X, Li Q, Dong Q, Liu Y, Wang X, Yuan G, Pan Y. Circ_103128 is associated with the tumorigenesis of medulloblastoma. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:11339-11349. [PMID: 37369798 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-04999-2] [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: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Medulloblastoma (MB) is a primary malignant tumor of the brain. They are categorized as WHO grade IV neoplasms, and mostly occur in children. The traditional therapy for MB is surgery, followed by radiation and chemotherapy, but the clinical outcome is still poor and has a high possibility of recurrence. The mechanism underlying the development of MB should be further investigated to develop novel therapeutic strategies. METHODS Research has demonstrated that circRNAs contribute to tumorigenesis, but the functional mechanism of circRNAs in MB has not been fully explored and remains vague. The differentially expressed circRNAs between MB and normal cerebellar tissues were analyzed based on the microarray expression profiles to characterize the potential mechanism of circRNAs in MB. RESULTS The results revealed that circRNA_103128 was highly expressed in MB, and cellular and animal experiments were performed to verify its tumorigenic effect in MB. Furthermore, a bioinformatics analysis and literature review previous literature were performed, confirming miR-129-5p as a target gene downstream of circRNA_103128. In addition, SOX4 was predicted to be a downstream target protein of miR-129-5p. Subsequently, miR-129-5p expression was inhibited, which revealed the regulatory mechanism of circRNA_103128. The latter promotes MB cell growth, migration, and invasion by the sponge effect of miR-129-5p, thereby affecting the expression of SOX4. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to systematically demonstrate that circRNA_103128 may play an important regulatory role in MB through a sponge effect with miR-129 -5p, which affects SOX4 expression and regulates tumorigenesis and tumor cell development in MB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Yin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, No. 82 Linxia Road, Lanzhou, 730030, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingnan Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Ninth Hospital of Xi'an, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Gansu Provincial Central Hospital, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinsheng Han
- Department of Neurosurgery, Gansu Provincial Central Hospital, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiao Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, No. 82 Linxia Road, Lanzhou, 730030, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Dong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, No. 82 Linxia Road, Lanzhou, 730030, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Neurology of Gansu Province, No. 82 Linxia Road, Lanzhou, 730030, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoqing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Neurology of Gansu Province, No. 82 Linxia Road, Lanzhou, 730030, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoqiang Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Neurology of Gansu Province, No. 82 Linxia Road, Lanzhou, 730030, Gansu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yawen Pan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, No. 82 Linxia Road, Lanzhou, 730030, Gansu, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Neurology of Gansu Province, No. 82 Linxia Road, Lanzhou, 730030, Gansu, People's Republic of China.
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26
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Liu M, Lai M, Li D, Zhang R, Wang L, Peng W, Yang J, He W, Sheng Y, Xiao S, Nan A, Zeng X. Nucleus-localized circSLC39A5 suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma development by binding to STAT1 to regulate TDG transcription. Cancer Sci 2023; 114:3884-3899. [PMID: 37549641 PMCID: PMC10551608 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15906] [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: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence indicates that circular RNAs (circRNAs) are inextricably linked to cancer development. However, the function and mechanism of nucleus-localized circRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) still require investigation. Here, qRT-PCR and receiver-operating characteristic curve were used to detect the expression and diagnostic potential of circSLC39A5 for HCC. The biological function of circSLC39A5 in HCC was investigated in vitro and in vivo. Nucleoplasmic separation assay, fluorescence in situ hybridization, RNA pulldown, RNA immunoprecipitation, the HDOCK Server, the NucleicNet Webserver, crosslinking-immunoprecipitation, MG132 treatment, and chromatin immunoprecipitation were utilized to explore the potential molecular mechanism of circSLC39A5 in HCC. The results showed that circSLC39A5 was downregulated in both HCC tissues and plasma and was associated with satellite nodules and lymph node metastasis/vascular invasion. CircSLC39A5 was stably expressed in plasma samples under different storage conditions, showing good diagnostic potential for HCC (AUC = 0.915). CircSLC39A5 inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion, facilitated the apoptosis of HCC cells, and was associated with low expression of Ki67 and CD34. Remarkably, circSLC39A5 is mainly localized in the nucleus and binds to the transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), affecting its stabilization and expression. STAT1 binds to the promoter of thymine DNA glycosylase (TDG). Overexpression of circSLC39A5 elevates TDG expression and reverses the increase of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression and the overactive cell proliferation caused by TDG silencing. Our findings uncovered a novel plasma circRNA, circSLC39A5, which may be a potential circulating diagnostic marker for HCC, and the mechanism by which nucleus-localized circSLC39A5 exerts a transcriptional regulatory role in HCC by affecting STAT1/TDG/PCNA provides new insights into the mechanism of circRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiliang Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public HealthGuangxi Medical UniversityNanningChina
- Guangxi Colleges and Universities Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Highly Prevalent DiseasesGuangxi Medical UniversityNanningChina
| | - Mingshuang Lai
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public HealthGuangxi Medical UniversityNanningChina
- Guangxi Colleges and Universities Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Highly Prevalent DiseasesGuangxi Medical UniversityNanningChina
| | - Deyuan Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public HealthGuangxi Medical UniversityNanningChina
- Guangxi Colleges and Universities Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Highly Prevalent DiseasesGuangxi Medical UniversityNanningChina
| | - Ruirui Zhang
- Guangxi Colleges and Universities Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Highly Prevalent DiseasesGuangxi Medical UniversityNanningChina
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public HealthGuangxi Medical UniversityNanningChina
| | - Lijun Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public HealthGuangxi Medical UniversityNanningChina
- Guangxi Colleges and Universities Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Highly Prevalent DiseasesGuangxi Medical UniversityNanningChina
| | - Wenyi Peng
- Guangxi Colleges and Universities Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Highly Prevalent DiseasesGuangxi Medical UniversityNanningChina
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public HealthGuangxi Medical UniversityNanningChina
| | - Jialei Yang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public HealthGuangxi Medical UniversityNanningChina
- Guangxi Colleges and Universities Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Highly Prevalent DiseasesGuangxi Medical UniversityNanningChina
| | - Wanting He
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public HealthGuangxi Medical UniversityNanningChina
- Guangxi Colleges and Universities Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Highly Prevalent DiseasesGuangxi Medical UniversityNanningChina
| | - Yonghong Sheng
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public HealthGuangxi Medical UniversityNanningChina
- Guangxi Colleges and Universities Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Highly Prevalent DiseasesGuangxi Medical UniversityNanningChina
| | - Suyang Xiao
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public HealthGuangxi Medical UniversityNanningChina
- Guangxi Colleges and Universities Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Highly Prevalent DiseasesGuangxi Medical UniversityNanningChina
| | - Aruo Nan
- Guangxi Colleges and Universities Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Highly Prevalent DiseasesGuangxi Medical UniversityNanningChina
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public HealthGuangxi Medical UniversityNanningChina
| | - Xiaoyun Zeng
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public HealthGuangxi Medical UniversityNanningChina
- Guangxi Colleges and Universities Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Highly Prevalent DiseasesGuangxi Medical UniversityNanningChina
- Key Laboratory of Early Prevention and Treatment for Regional High Frequency Tumor (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of EducationNanningChina
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Early Prevention and Treatment for Regional High Frequency TumorNanningChina
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27
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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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Chen YC, Chen CY, Chiang TW, Chan MH, Hsiao M, Ke HM, Tsai I, Chuang TJ. Detecting intragenic trans-splicing events from non-co-linearly spliced junctions by hybrid sequencing. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:7777-7797. [PMID: 37497782 PMCID: PMC10450196 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad623] [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: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Trans-spliced RNAs (ts-RNAs) are a type of non-co-linear (NCL) transcripts that consist of exons in an order topologically inconsistent with the corresponding DNA template. Detecting ts-RNAs is often interfered by experimental artifacts, circular RNAs (circRNAs) and genetic rearrangements. Particularly, intragenic ts-RNAs, which are derived from separate precursor mRNA molecules of the same gene, are often mistaken for circRNAs through analyses of RNA-seq data. Here we developed a bioinformatics pipeline (NCLscan-hybrid), which integrated short and long RNA-seq reads to minimize false positives and proposed out-of-circle and rolling-circle long reads to distinguish between intragenic ts-RNAs and circRNAs. Combining NCLscan-hybrid screening and multiple experimental validation steps successfully confirmed that four NCL events, which were previously regarded as circRNAs in databases, originated from trans-splicing. CRISPR-based endogenous genome modification experiments further showed that flanking intronic complementary sequences can significantly contribute to ts-RNA formation, providing an efficient/specific method to deplete ts-RNAs. We also experimentally validated that one ts-RNA (ts-ARFGEF1) played an important role for p53-mediated apoptosis through affecting the PERK/eIF2a/ATF4/CHOP signaling pathway in breast cancer cells. This study thus described both bioinformatics procedures and experimental validation steps for rigorous characterization of ts-RNAs, expanding future studies for identification, biogenesis, and function of these important but understudied transcripts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chen Chen
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ying Chen
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Wei Chiang
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Hsien Chan
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Michael Hsiao
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Huei-Mien Ke
- Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Microbiology, Soochow University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Chen W, Ruan M, Zou M, Liu F, Liu H. Clinical Significance of Non-Coding RNA Regulation of Programmed Cell Death in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4187. [PMID: 37627215 PMCID: PMC10452865 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15164187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a widely prevalent and malignantly progressive tumor. Most patients are typically diagnosed with HCC at an advanced stage, posing significant challenges in the execution of curative surgical interventions. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) represent a distinct category of RNA molecules not directly involved in protein synthesis. However, they possess the remarkable ability to regulate gene expression, thereby exerting significant regulatory control over cellular processes. Notably, ncRNAs have been implicated in the modulation of programmed cell death (PCD), a crucial mechanism that various therapeutic agents target in the fight against HCC. This review summarizes the clinical significance of ncRNA regulation of PCD in HCC, including patient diagnosis, prognosis, drug resistance, and side effects. The aim of this study is to provide new insights and directions for the diagnosis and drug treatment strategies of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Fuchen Liu
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China; (W.C.); (M.R.)
| | - Hui Liu
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China; (W.C.); (M.R.)
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Niu Y, Fan L, Shi X, Wu J, Wang T, Hou X. Circ_0001715 accelerated lung adenocarcinoma process by the miR-1322/CANT1 axis. Diagn Pathol 2023; 18:91. [PMID: 37553672 PMCID: PMC10408075 DOI: 10.1186/s13000-023-01348-2] [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: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a type of lung cancer, which belongs to non-small cell lung cancer and has seriously endangered the physical and mental health of people. The study of circRNAs (circRNAs) has been increasingly hot in recent years, in which circRNAs also play an important regulatory role in cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the biological molecular mechanisms of circ_0001715 in the progression of LUAD. The expression of circ_0001715, miR-1322 and calcium-activated nucleotidase 1 (CANT1) in LUAD tissues and cell lines was assessed by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) and western bot assay. Clone formation assay, 5-Ethynyl-2'-Deoxyuridine (EDU) assay and wound healing assay were used to verify the proliferation ability of cells. Dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull-down assay were performed to characterize the interactions between the three factors. Finally, a mouse tumor model was constructed to assess the tumorigenicity of circ_0001715. RT-qPCR assay results showed that circ_0001715 expression was significantly increased in LUAD tissues and cell lines. Finally, knockdown of circ_0001715 could inhibit tumor growth in vivo. Circ_0001715 regulated the progression of LUAD through the miR-1322/CANT1 axis. The results of this study provided ideas for understanding the molecular mechanisms of circ_0001715 in LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Niu
- Department of Oncology, Bayannur Hospital, No.98 Ulanbuhe Road, Linhe District, Bayannaoer City, Inner Mongolia Province, 015000, PR China
| | - Lina Fan
- Department of Oncology, Bayannur Hospital, No.98 Ulanbuhe Road, Linhe District, Bayannaoer City, Inner Mongolia Province, 015000, PR China
| | - Xiaoyu Shi
- Department of Oncology, Bayannur Hospital, No.98 Ulanbuhe Road, Linhe District, Bayannaoer City, Inner Mongolia Province, 015000, PR China
| | - Jia Wu
- Department of Oncology, Bayannur Hospital, No.98 Ulanbuhe Road, Linhe District, Bayannaoer City, Inner Mongolia Province, 015000, PR China
| | - Tengqi Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Bayannur Hospital, No.98 Ulanbuhe Road, Linhe District, Bayannaoer City, Inner Mongolia Province, 015000, PR China.
| | - Xiaofeng Hou
- Department of Oncology, Bayannur Hospital, No.98 Ulanbuhe Road, Linhe District, Bayannaoer City, Inner Mongolia Province, 015000, PR China.
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Wei L, Sun J, Wang X, Huang Y, Huang L, Han L, Zheng Y, Xu Y, Zhang N, Yang M. Noncoding RNAs: an emerging modulator of drug resistance in pancreatic cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1226639. [PMID: 37560164 PMCID: PMC10407809 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1226639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is the eighth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Chemotherapy including gemcitabine, 5-fluorouracil, adriamycin and cisplatin, immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors and targeted therapy have been demonstrated to significantly improve prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients with advanced diseases. However, most patients developed drug resistance to these therapeutic agents, which leading to shortened patient survival. The detailed molecular mechanisms contributing to pancreatic cancer drug resistance remain largely unclear. The growing evidences have shown that noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), are involved in pancreatic cancer pathogenesis and development of drug resistance. In the present review, we systematically summarized the new insight on of various miRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs on drug resistance of pancreatic cancer. These results demonstrated that targeting the tumor-specific ncRNA may provide novel options for pancreatic cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Wei
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Research Center, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jujie Sun
- Department of Pathology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xingwu Wang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Research Center, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yizhou Huang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Research Center, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Linying Huang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Research Center, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Linyu Han
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Research Center, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yanxiu Zheng
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Research Center, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yuan Xu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Research Center, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Nasha Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ming Yang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Research Center, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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Hui Y, Wenguang Y, Wei S, Haoran W, Shanglei N, Ju L. circSLC4A7 accelerates stemness and progression of gastric cancer by interacting with HSP90 to activate NOTCH1 signaling pathway. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:452. [PMID: 37474578 PMCID: PMC10359325 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05976-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Gastric cancer stem cells (GCSCs) play critical roles in gastric cancer (GC) initiation and development. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) participate in diverse cancer biological processes and function as tumor suppressors or oncogenes. This study aims to discover the expression profile and functional roles of circRNAs in GCSCs. A spheroid formation assay was conducted to enrich GCSCs. Genome-wide sequencing of circRNAs showed that a novel circRNA, circSLC4A7, was one of the most upregulated circRNAs in GCSCs. CircSLC4A7 was localized to the nucleus, and its level was elevated in GC cells and tissues. Furthermore, circSLC4A7 increased CSC-like properties and drove cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, which were determined by gain- and loss-of-function experiments. Specific circRNA pull-down assays followed by mass spectrometry analysis, RNA immunoprecipitation, and dual RNA-fluorescence in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence assay were conducted and HSP90 was detected to interact with circSLC4A7 and mediate the oncogenic function of circSLC4A7 by activating the Notch1 signaling pathway in GC. This study highlights a novel oncogenic function of circSLC4A7 mediated by its binding with HSP90 and thus activating the Notch1 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Hui
- Center for post-doctoral studies, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Gastrointestinal Tumor, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of General Surgery, Jinan, Shandong, 250000, China
| | - Yuan Wenguang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Gastrointestinal Tumor, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of General Surgery, Jinan, Shandong, 250000, China
| | - Shang Wei
- Department of proctology, Jinan People's Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, 271100, China
| | - Wang Haoran
- Department of General Surgery, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Weifang Medical College, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, China
| | - Ning Shanglei
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250000, China.
| | - Liu Ju
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, 250000, China.
- Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, 250000, 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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ZHAO X, HE L. Hsa-circ-0006091 modulates the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma via the miR-622/CCNB1 axis. Turk J Med Sci 2023; 53:1367-1378. [PMID: 38813026 PMCID: PMC10763780 DOI: 10.55730/1300-0144.5703] [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: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/aim Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common type of cancer. We hypothesize that circular RNA-0006091 (circ-0006091) affects the progression of HCC. The study aims to investigate the effect of circ-0006091 in HCC cells. Materials and methods The levels of circ-0006091, microRNA-622 (miR-622), and cyclin B1 (CCNB1) were assayed using qRT-PCR and western blotting. The metastasis of the HCC cells was measured with wound healing and transwell assays. The protein expression levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were assayed with western blotting. Dual-luciferase reporter and RNA-pulldown assays were used to determine the link between miR-622 and circ-0006091 or CCNB1. Mice-based tests were used to determine the effect of circ-0006091 on the proliferation of HCC cells. Results The levels of circ-0006091 and CCNB1 were increased in the HCC cells, but miR-622 was down-regulated. Deficiency of circ-0006091 reduced the metastasis of the HCC cells, and silencing of circ-0006091 decreased the activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the same cells. Circ-0006091 modulated the CCNB1 level in the HCC cells via miR-622. Silencing of circ-0006091 suppressed the proliferation of the HCC cells in vivo. Conclusion Circ-0006091 regulated HCC cell metastasis via the miR-622/CCNB1 axis, a possible therapeutic target in managing HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng ZHAO
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Science Education, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou City,
China
| | - Ling HE
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Science Education, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou City,
China
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Yi J, Wang L, Hu G, Zhang Y, Du J, Ding J, Ji X, Shen H, Huang H, Ye F, Liu W. CircPVT1 promotes ER-positive breast tumorigenesis and drug resistance by targeting ESR1 and MAVS. EMBO J 2023; 42:e112408. [PMID: 37009655 PMCID: PMC10183818 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2022112408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms underlying estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast carcinogenesis and endocrine therapy resistance remain incompletely understood. Here, we report that circPVT1, a circular RNA generated from the lncRNA PVT1, is highly expressed in ERα-positive breast cancer cell lines and tumor samples and is functionally important in promoting ERα-positive breast tumorigenesis and endocrine therapy resistance. CircPVT1 acts as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to sponge miR-181a-2-3p, promoting the expression of ESR1 and downstream ERα-target genes and breast cancer cell growth. Furthermore, circPVT1 directly interacts with MAVS protein to disrupt the RIGI-MAVS complex formation, inhibiting type I interferon (IFN) signaling pathway and anti-tumor immunity. Anti-sense oligonucleotide (ASO)-targeting circPVT1 inhibits ERα-positive breast cancer cell and tumor growth, re-sensitizing tamoxifen-resistant ERα-positive breast cancer cells to tamoxifen treatment. Taken together, our data demonstrated that circPVT1 can work through both ceRNA and protein scaffolding mechanisms to promote cancer. Thus, circPVT1 may serve as a diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for ERα-positive breast cancer in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Yi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Antitumor Drug Transformation ResearchThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen UniversityXiamenChina
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Lei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Guo‐sheng Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Yue‐ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Jiao Du
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Jian‐cheng Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Xiang Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Hai‐feng Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Hai‐hua Huang
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated HospitalShantou University Medical CollegeShantouChina
| | - Feng Ye
- Department of Medical Oncology, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Antitumor Drug Transformation ResearchThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Wen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
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Hu M, Li X, Jiang Z, Xia Q, Hu Y, Guo J, Fu L. Exosomes and circular RNAs: promising partners in hepatocellular carcinoma from bench to bedside. Discov Oncol 2023; 14:60. [PMID: 37154831 PMCID: PMC10167081 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-023-00672-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by high morbidity and mortality, and a low 5-year survival rate. Exploring the potential molecular mechanisms, finding diagnostic biomarkers with high sensitivity and specificity, and determining new therapeutic targets for HCC are urgently needed. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been found to play a key role in the occurrence and development of HCC, while exosomes play an important role in intercellular communication; thus, the combination of circRNAs and exosomes may have inestimable potential in early diagnosis and curative therapy. Previous studies have shown that exosomes can transfer circRNAs from normal or abnormal cells to surrounding or distant cells; thereafter, circRNAs influence target cells. This review summarizes the recent progress regarding the roles of exosomal circRNAs in the diagnosis, prognosis, occurrence and development and immune checkpoint inhibitor and tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance of HCC to provide inspiration for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyuan Hu
- School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
- Department of Infection and Hepatology, Ningbo No. 2 Hospital, Ningbo, 315010, China
| | - Xue Li
- Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Zhenluo Jiang
- Department of Emergency, Ningbo No. 2 Hospital, Ningbo, 315010, China
| | - Qing Xia
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Ningbo No. 2 Hospital, Ningbo, 315010, China
| | - Yaoren Hu
- School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
- Department of Infection and Hepatology, Ningbo No. 2 Hospital, Ningbo, 315010, China
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo, 315010, China
| | - Junming Guo
- School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Liyun Fu
- School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China.
- Department of Infection and Hepatology, Ningbo No. 2 Hospital, Ningbo, 315010, China.
- Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China.
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo, 315010, China.
- Ningbo Clinical Research Center for Digestive System Tumors, Ningbo, 315010, China.
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Zheng J, Yan X, Lu T, Song W, Li Y, Liang J, Zhang J, Cai J, Sui X, Xiao J, Chen H, Chen G, Zhang Q, Liu Y, Yang Y, Zheng K, Pan Z. CircFOXK2 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression and leads to a poor clinical prognosis via regulating the Warburg effect. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:63. [PMID: 36922872 PMCID: PMC10018916 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02624-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Warburg effect is well-established to be essential for tumor progression and accounts for the poor clinical outcomes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. An increasing body of literature suggests that circular RNAs (circRNAs) are important regulators for HCC. However, few circRNAs involved in the Warburg effect of HCC have hitherto been investigated. Herein, we aimed to explore the contribution of circFOXK2 to glucose metabolism reprogramming in HCC. METHODS In the present study, different primers were designed to identify 14 circRNAs originating from the FOXK2 gene, and their differential expression between HCC and adjacent liver tissues was screened. Ultimately, circFOXK2 (hsa_circ_0000817) was selected for further research. Next, the clinical significance of circFOXK2 was evaluated. We then assessed the pro-oncogenic activity of circFOXK2 and its impact on the Warburg effect in both HCC cell lines and animal xenografts. Finally, the molecular mechanisms of how circFOXK2 regulates the Warburg effect of HCC were explored. RESULTS CircFOXK2 was aberrantly upregulated in HCC tissues and positively correlated with poor clinical outcomes in patients that underwent radical hepatectomy. Silencing of circFOXK2 significantly suppressed HCC progression both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, circFOXK2 upregulated the expression of protein FOXK2-142aa to promote LDHA phosphorylation and led to mitochondrial fission by regulating the miR-484/Fis1 pathway, ultimately activating the Warburg effect in HCC. CONCLUSIONS CircFOXK2 is a prognostic biomarker of HCC that promotes the Warburg effect by promoting the expression of proteins and miRNA sponges that lead to tumor progression. Overall, circFOXK2 has huge prospects as a potential therapeutic target for patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zheng
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Organ Transplantation Research Center of Guangdong Province, Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Transplantation Medicine, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Biotherapy and Translational Medicine of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Xijing Yan
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Organ Transplantation Research Center of Guangdong Province, Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Transplantation Medicine, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Biotherapy and Translational Medicine of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Tongyu Lu
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Organ Transplantation Research Center of Guangdong Province, Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Transplantation Medicine, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Biotherapy and Translational Medicine of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Wen Song
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Organ Transplantation Research Center of Guangdong Province, Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Transplantation Medicine, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Biotherapy and Translational Medicine of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Jinliang Liang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Biotherapy and Translational Medicine of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Jiebin Zhang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Organ Transplantation Research Center of Guangdong Province, Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Transplantation Medicine, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Biotherapy and Translational Medicine of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Jianye Cai
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Organ Transplantation Research Center of Guangdong Province, Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Transplantation Medicine, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Biotherapy and Translational Medicine of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Xin Sui
- Surgical ICU of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Jiaqi Xiao
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Organ Transplantation Research Center of Guangdong Province, Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Transplantation Medicine, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Biotherapy and Translational Medicine of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Haitian Chen
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Organ Transplantation Research Center of Guangdong Province, Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Transplantation Medicine, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Biotherapy and Translational Medicine of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Guihua Chen
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Organ Transplantation Research Center of Guangdong Province, Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Transplantation Medicine, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Biotherapy and Translational Medicine of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Organ Transplantation Research Center of Guangdong Province, Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Transplantation Medicine, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Biotherapy and Translational Medicine of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
| | - Yubin Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Organ Transplantation Research Center of Guangdong Province, Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Transplantation Medicine, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Biotherapy and Translational Medicine of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
| | - Kanghong Zheng
- Department of General Surgery of Guangdong Tongjiang Hospital, Foshan, 528300, China.
| | - Zihao Pan
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
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Wu C, Huang X, Li M, Wang Z, Zhang Y, Tian B. Crosstalk between circRNAs and the PI3K/AKT and/or MEK/ERK signaling pathways in digestive tract malignancy progression. Future Oncol 2023; 18:4525-4538. [PMID: 36891896 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2022-0429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidence indicates that circular RNAs (circRNAs) may play an important role in regulating gene expression by binding to miRNAs through miRNA response elements. circRNAs are formed by back-splicing and have a covalently closed structure. The biogenesis of circRNAs also appears to be regulated by certain cell-specific and/or gene-specific mechanisms, and thus some circRNAs are tissue specific and tumor-expression specific. Furthermore, the high stability and tissue specificity of circRNAs may be of value for early diagnosis, survival prediction and precision medicine. This review summarizes current knowledge regarding the classification and functions of circRNAs and the role of circRNAs in regulating the PI3K/AKT and/or MEK/ERK signaling pathways in digestive tract malignancy tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Pancreatic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guoxue Alley, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xing Huang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guoxue Alley, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Mao Li
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guoxue Alley, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Zihe Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guoxue Alley, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guoxue Alley, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Bole Tian
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guoxue Alley, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
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Liu J, Niu L, Hao J, Yao Y, Yan M, Li H. circIPO7 dissociates caprin-1 from ribosomes and inhibits gastric cancer cell proliferation by suppressing EGFR and mTOR. Oncogene 2023; 42:980-993. [PMID: 36732659 PMCID: PMC10038803 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02610-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Circular RNA (circRNA) is a novel RNA molecule characterized by covalently closed loop structure. Since its discovery, researchers have shown that circRNA is not "splicing noise" but a participant of various pathophysiological processes through unique mechanisms. circIPO7, which was identified as an independent prognostic factor in gastric cancer (GC) patients, was downregulated in GC tissues and cells compared to paracarcinoma tissues and normal epithelial cells. circIPO7 overexpression significantly suppressed GC cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, circIPO7 directly binds with caprin-1, an RNA-binding protein involved in mRNA translation, sharing overlapping binding sites with G3BP1. Thus, the complex containing overexpressed circIPO7 blocked the caprin-1-G3BP1 interaction and dissociated caprin-1 and its target mRNAs (EGFR and mTOR) from ribosomes, resulting in their translational inhibition, followed by PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inactivation. We uncovered a novel molecular mechanism for circRNAs in GC development, identifying circIPO7 as a potential target for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Liling Niu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Jiaru Hao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Yuan Yao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Meinan Yan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China.
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, 300060, China.
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40
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Liu Z, Yang F, Xiao Z, Liu Y. Review of novel functions and implications of circular RNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1093063. [PMID: 36890830 PMCID: PMC9986438 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1093063] [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: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most frequent malignancies, with high incidence and mortality. As the majority of HCC patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage and die of recurrence and metastasis, its pathology and new biomarkers are needed. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a large subclass of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) with covalently closed loop structures and abundant, conserved, stable, tissue-specific expression in mammalian cells. CircRNAs exert multiple functions in HCC initiation, growth and progression, serving as promising biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic targets for this disease. This review briefly describes the biogenesis and biological functions of circRNAs and elucidates the roles of circRNAs in the development and progression of HCC, especially regarding epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), drug resistance and interactions with epigenetic modifications. In addition, this review highlights the implications of circRNAs as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for HCC. We hope to provide novel insight into the roles of circRNAs in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Liu
- Department of Combination of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, School of Medicine, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Fangming Yang
- Department of Digestive Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhun Xiao
- Department of Digestive Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yuexuan Liu
- Department of Combination of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, School of Medicine, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
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CircRNA-PI4KB Induces Hepatic Lipid Deposition in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease by Transporting miRNA-122 to Extra-Hepatocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021297. [PMID: 36674813 PMCID: PMC9863671 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Ectopic fat deposition in the liver, known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), affects up to 30% of the worldwide population. miRNA-122, the most abundant liver-specific miRNA, protects hepatic steatosis and inhibits cholesterol and fatty acid synthesis in NAFLD. Previously, we have shown that compared with its expression in healthy controls, miRNA-122 decreased in the liver tissue but gradually increased in the serum of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, suggesting that miRNA-122 could have been transported to the serum. Here, we aimed to confirm and unravel the mechanism of transportation of miRNA-122 to extra-hepatocytes. Our findings showed a decrease in the intra-hepatocyte miRNA-122 and an increase in the extra-hepatocyte (medium level) miRNA-122, suggesting the miRNA-122 "escaped" from the intra-hepatocyte due to an increased extra-hepatocyte excretion. Using bioinformatics tools, we showed that miRNA-122 binds to circPI4KB, which was further validated by an RNA pull-down and luciferase reporter assay. The levels of circPI4KB in intra- and extra-hepatocytes corresponded to that of miRNA-122, and the overexpression of circPI4KB increased the miRNA-122 in extra-hepatocytes, consequently accomplishing a decreased protective role of miRNA-122 in inhibiting the lipid deposition. The present study provides a new explanation for the pathogenesis of the hepatic lipid deposition in NAFLD.
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Novel hypoxia-induced HIF1α-circTDRD3-positive feedback loop promotes the growth and metastasis of colorectal cancer. Oncogene 2023; 42:238-252. [PMID: 36418471 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02548-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Tumor hypoxia and circular RNAs (circRNAs) are considered to play key roles in tumor progression and malignancy, respectively. Nevertheless, the biological functions and underlying mechanisms of specific circRNAs exposed to hypoxic microenvironments in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain largely elusive. Herein, a novel circRNA, circTDRD3, which is upregulated under hypoxic conditions, was identified. The expression of circTDRD3 was highly expressed in CRC tissues and positively correlated with overall survival, tumor size, lymph node invasion and clinical stage. CircTDRD3 facilitated CRC cell proliferation, migration and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, circTDRD3 promoted HIF1α expression by sponging miR-1231, which facilitated CRC progression. Meanwhile, HIF1α directly combined with TDRD3 promoter to increase the expression of TDRD3 pre-mRNA. Then HIF1a-induced PTBP1 accelerated the formation of circTDRD3. Our findings reveal that circTDRD3 facilitates the proliferation and metastasis of CRC through a positive feedback loop mediated by the HIF1α/PTBP1/circTDRD3/miR-1231/HIF1α axis. Therefore, circTDRD3 may serve as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for patients with CRC.
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Jiang L, Hao S, Lin L, Gao X, Xu J. fRNC: Uncovering the dynamic and condition-specific RBP-ncRNA circuits from multi-omics data. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:2276-2285. [PMID: 37035550 PMCID: PMC10073992 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.03.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The RNA binding protein (RBP) and non-coding RNA (ncRNA) interacting networks are increasingly recognized as the main mechanism in gene regulation, and are tightly associated with cellular malfunction and disease. Here, we present fRNC, a systems biology tool to uncover the dynamic spectrum of RBP-ncRNA circuits (RNC) by integrating transcriptomics, interactomics and proteomics data. fRNC constructs the RBP-ncRNA network derived from CLIP-seq or PARE experiments. Given scoring on nodes and edges according to differential analysis of expression data, it finds an RNC containing global maximum significant RBPs and ncRNAs. Alternatively, it can also capture the locally maximum scoring RNC according to user-defined starting nodes with the greedy search. When compared with existing tools, fRNC can detect more accurate and robust sub-network with scalability. As shown in the cases of esophageal carcinoma, breast cancer and Alzheimer's disease, fRNC enables users to analyze the collective behaviors between RBP and the interacting ncRNAs, and reveal novel insights into the disease-associated processes. The fRNC R package is available at https://github.com/BioinformaticsSTU/fRNC.
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Hsa_circ_0000851 promotes PDK1/p-AKT-mediated cell proliferation and migration by regulating miR-1183 in triple-negative breast cancer. Cell Signal 2023; 101:110494. [PMID: 36241055 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2022.110494] [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: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cause of cancer-related mortality in women worldwide. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a type of non-coding RNA, have garnered interest because of their unique looped structure. In recent years, circRNAs have been shown to be involved in various diseases, including carcinogenesis, and to serve as biomarkers for early risk assessment and survival prediction of different tumour types. This study aimed to identify a novel circRNA, hsa_circ_0000851, generated from the sixth intron of the oncogene TCF4, reported to be involved in BC pathogenesis. Our study showed that hsa_circ_0000851 was mainly located in the cytoplasm of BC cells and upregulated in BC cell lines and tissue samples. Higher hsa_circ_0000851 expression levels resulted in increased proliferation of BC cells both in vitro and in vivo, while treatment of BC cells with hsa_circ_0000851 siRNA decreased their proliferation. We found that hsa_circ_0000851 bound directly to miR-1183, accelerating the expression of its target gene PDK1, which facilities BC cell proliferation and migration through PDK1/p-AKT.
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Schlosser S, Tümen D, Volz B, Neumeyer K, Egler N, Kunst C, Tews HC, Schmid S, Kandulski A, Müller M, Gülow K. HCC biomarkers - state of the old and outlook to future promising biomarkers and their potential in everyday clinical practice. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1016952. [PMID: 36518320 PMCID: PMC9742592 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1016952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common and deadly tumors worldwide. Management of HCC depends on reliable biomarkers for screening, diagnosis, and monitoring of the disease, as well as predicting response towards therapy and safety. To date, imaging has been the established standard technique in the diagnosis and follow-up of HCC. However, imaging techniques have their limitations, especially in the early detection of HCC. Therefore, there is an urgent need for reliable, non/minimal invasive biomarkers. To date, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is the only serum biomarker used in clinical practice for the management of HCC. However, AFP is of relatively rather low quality in terms of specificity and sensitivity. Liquid biopsies as a source for biomarkers have become the focus of clinical research. Our review highlights alternative biomarkers derived from liquid biopsies, including circulating tumor cells, proteins, circulating nucleic acids, and exosomes, and their potential for clinical application. Using defined combinations of different biomarkers will open new perspectives for diagnosing, treating, and monitoring HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Karsten Gülow
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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Wei Y, Wei L, Han T, Ding S. miR-3154 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression via suppressing HNF4α. Carcinogenesis 2022; 43:1002-1014. [PMID: 35917569 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgac067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in cancer proliferation, metastasis, drug resistance and apoptosis by targeting oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes. miR-3154 has been reported to be up-regulated in cervical cancer and leukemia, but its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. Here, we for the first time demonstrated that miR-3154 was elevated in HCC and liver cancer stem cells (CSCs). Up-regulated miR-3154 was associated with overall survival and disease-free survival of HCC patients. MiR-3154 knockdown inhibits HCC cells self-renewal, proliferation, metastasis, and tumorigenesis. Mechanistically, miR-3154 target directly to HNF4α. MiR-3154 knockdown upregulated HNF4α mRNA and protein expression. HNF4α interference abolish the differences of self-renewal, proliferation, metastasis, and tumorigenesis between miR-3154 knockdown cells and control hepatoma cells. Furthermore, miR-3154 expression was negatively correlated with HNF4α in HCC tissues. The combined HHC panels exhibited a better disease-free survival prognostic value for HCC patients than any of these components alone. More importantly, miR-3154 determines the responses of hepatoma cells to lenvatinib treatment. Analysis of patient cohort and patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) further suggest that miR-3154 might predict lenvatinib clinical benefit in HCC patients. In conclusion, we reveal the crucial role of miR-3514 in HCC progression and lenvatinib response, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Wei
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Lai Wei
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Tao Han
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Shuang Ding
- Department of Rheumatology & Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
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Peng S, Yi L, Liao L, Bin Y, Qu W, Hu H. Circ_0008285 knockdown represses tumor development by miR-384/RRM2 axis in hepatocellular carcinoma. Ann Hepatol 2022; 27:100743. [PMID: 35964907 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2022.100743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Circular RNA (circRNA) has attracted extensive attention in studies related to the malignant progression of cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Therefore, its molecular mechanism in HCC needs to be further explored. MATERIALS AND METHODS The expression levels of circ_0008285, microRNA (miR)-384 and ribonucleotide reductase subunit M2 (RRM2) mRNA were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Cell proliferation was analyzed using cell counting kit-8 assay and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine assay, cell apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry, and cell migration and invasion were detected by transwell assay. Protein level was detected by western blot. The relationships between miR-384 and circ_0008285 or RRM2 were predicted by bioinformatics software and validated by dual luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. RESULTS Circ_0008285 expression is elevated to HCC tissues and cell lines. Silencing of circ_0008285 inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of HCC cells but accelerated cell apoptosis in vitro and impeded HCC tumorigenesis in vivo. Mechanistically, circ_0008285 directly interacted with miR-384, and miR-384 silencing attenuated the effects of circ_0008285 interference on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis. RRM2 was a direct target of miR-384, and RRM2 overexpression reversed the effects of miR-384 overexpression on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis. In addition, circ_0008285 regulated RRM2 expression by sponging miR-384. CONCLUSION In this study, circ_0008285 could promote the malignant biological behaviors of HCC cells through miR-384/RRM2 axis and has the potential to become a therapeutic target for HCC, providing a new idea for targeted therapy of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Peng
- Department of Infectious, The Affiliated Zhuzhou Hospital Xiangya Medical College CSU, Hunan, China
| | - Lai Yi
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Zhuzhou Hospital Xiangya Medical College CSU, Hunan, China
| | - Lingzhi Liao
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Zhuzhou Hospital Xiangya Medical College CSU, Hunan, China
| | - Yuling Bin
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Zhuzhou Hospital Xiangya Medical College CSU, Hunan, China
| | - Weiming Qu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Zhuzhou Hospital Xiangya Medical College CSU, Hunan, China
| | - Hongsai Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Zhuzhou Hospital Xiangya Medical College CSU, Hunan, China.
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Nagaraju GP, Dariya B, Kasa P, Peela S, El-Rayes BF. Epigenetics in hepatocellular carcinoma. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:622-632. [PMID: 34324953 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary malignancy of the liver and has a high fatality rate. Genetic and epigenetic aberrations are commonly observed in HCC. The epigenetic processes include chromatin remodelling, histone alterations, DNA methylation, and noncoding RNA (ncRNA) expression and are connected with the progression and metastasis of HCC. Due to their potential reversibility, these epigenetic alterations are widely targeted for the development of biomarkers. In-depth understanding of the epigenetics of HCC is critical for developing rational clinical strategies that can provide a meaningful improvement in overall survival and prediction of therapeutic outcomes. In this article, we have summarised the epigenetic modifications involved in HCC progression and highlighted the potential biomarkers for diagnosis and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganji Purnachandra Nagaraju
- Department of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Begum Dariya
- Department of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Banasthali University, Banasthali, 304022, Rajasthan, India
| | - Prameswari Kasa
- Dr. L.V. Prasad Diagnostics and Research Laboratory, Khairtabad, Hyderabad 500004, India
| | - Sujatha Peela
- Department of Biotechnology, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University, Srikakulam, 532410 AP, India
| | - Bassel F El-Rayes
- Department of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
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Han Q, Wang M, Dong X, Wei F, Luo Y, Sun X. Non-coding RNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma: Insights into regulatory mechanisms, clinical significance, and therapeutic potential. Front Immunol 2022; 13:985815. [PMID: 36300115 PMCID: PMC9590653 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.985815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a complex and heterogeneous malignancy with high incidence and poor prognosis. In addition, owing to the lack of diagnostic and prognostic markers, current multimodal treatment options fail to achieve satisfactory outcomes. Tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), angiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), invasion, metastasis, metabolism, and drug resistance are important factors influencing tumor development and therapy. The intercellular communication of these important processes is mediated by a variety of bioactive molecules to regulate pathophysiological processes in recipient cells. Among these bioactive molecules, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), account for a large part of the human transcriptome, and their dysregulation affects the progression of HCC. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the potential regulatory mechanisms of ncRNAs in HCC, summarize novel biomarkers from somatic fluids (plasma/serum/urine), and explore the potential of some small-molecule modulators as drugs. Thus, through this review, we aim to contribute to a deeper understanding of the regulatory mechanisms, early diagnosis, prognosis, and precise treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Han
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Pharmacovigilance, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mengchen Wang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Pharmacovigilance, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xi Dong
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Pharmacovigilance, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Wei
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Pharmacovigilance, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Luo
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Pharmacovigilance, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yun Luo, ; Xiaobo Sun,
| | - Xiaobo Sun
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Pharmacovigilance, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yun Luo, ; Xiaobo Sun,
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Zhou Z, Cui X, Gao P, Zhang X, Zhu C, Sun B. Circular RNA circRASSF5 Functions as an Anti-Oncogenic Factor in Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Acting as a Competitive Endogenous RNA Through Sponging miR-331-3p. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2022; 9:1041-1056. [PMID: 36217445 PMCID: PMC9547604 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s376063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Recently, emerging studies have validated that circular RNAs participate in multiple biological progresses in various human malignant tumors, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, until now, the elucidated mechanism of circular RNAs is only the tip of the iceberg. In this study, we firstly identify a novel circular RNA circRASSF5 (the only circular RNA derived from the RASSF5 gene), and attempt to investigate its biological function and underlying mechanism in HCC. Methods qRT-PCR, Western blotting and IHC were applied to detect the expression of related genes. CCK-8 assay, EdU staining, wound healing and transwell assays were used to investigate HCC proliferation, migration and invasion abilities. Animal model studies were included to investigate the function of circRASSF5 in HCC tumorigenesis and metastasis. RNA pull-down assay, luciferase reporter assay and FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization) assay were performed to explore the potential biological mechanism underlying circRASSF5 function in HCC. Results CircRASSF5 is obviously downregulated in both HCC tissues and cell lines. Low level of circRASSF5 is negatively associated with larger tumor size, severe vascular invasion, more portal vein tumor embolus and unfavorable prognosis. Loss-of-function assay reveals that circRASSF5 remarkably impedes the growth and metastasis of HCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, circRASSF5 directly interacts with miR-331-3p as a sponge, and then enhances the expression of PH domain and leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatase (PHLPP), thus restraining the progression of HCC cells. Conclusion Altogether, we validate that circRASSF5 is a tumor suppressor in HCC, which competitively sponges with miR-331-3p and then enhances the tumor inhibitory effect of PHLPP, indicating the potential application value of circRASSF5 for HCC diagnosis and clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China,The Affiliated Changzhou NO.2 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaohan Cui
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China,The Affiliated Changzhou NO.2 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Peng Gao
- The Affiliated Changzhou NO.2 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xudong Zhang
- The Affiliated Changzhou NO.2 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chunfu Zhu
- The Affiliated Changzhou NO.2 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, People’s Republic of China,Correspondence: Chunfu Zhu, The Affiliated Changzhou NO.2 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, People’s Republic of China, Email
| | - Beicheng Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China,Beicheng Sun, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China, Email
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