MicroRNA-378a-3p contributes to ovarian cancer progression through downregulating PDIA4

The emerging roles of miRNA-mediated autophagy in ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is one of the common tumors of the female reproductive organs. It has a high mortality rate, is highly heterogeneous, and early detection and primary prevention are very complex. Autophagy is a cellular process in which cytoplasmic substrates are targeted for degradation in lysosomes through membrane structures called autophagosomes. The periodic elimination of damaged, aged, and redundant cellular molecules or organelles through the sequential translation between amino acids and proteins by two biological processes, protein synthesis, and autophagic protein degradation, helps maintain cellular homeostasis. A growing number of studies have found that autophagy plays a key regulatory role in ovarian cancer. Interestingly, microRNAs regulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level and thus can regulate the development and progression of ovarian cancer through the regulation of autophagy in ovarian cancer. Certain miRNAs have recently emerged as important regulators of autophagy-related gene expression in cancer cells. Moreover, miRNA analysis studies have now identified a sea of aberrantly expressed miRNAs in ovarian cancer tissues that can affect autophagy in ovarian cancer cells. In addition, miRNAs in plasma and stromal cells in tumor patients can affect the expression of autophagy-related genes and can be used as biomarkers of ovarian cancer progression. This review focuses on the potential significance of miRNA-regulated autophagy in the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer.

Proteomics analysis of serum and urine identifies VCP and CTSA as potential biomarkers associated with multiple myeloma

AIMS

We analyzed the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in serum and urine in order to provide new potential biomarkers for MM.

METHODS

Data-Independent Acquisition-based proteomics of serum and urine was performed to identify potential biomarkers for MM patients. Then we performed Western Blotting (WB), ELISA along with their ROC curve analysis to confirm DEPs.

RESULTS

A total of 1653 proteins in serum and 4519 proteins in urine were identified using Data-Dependent Acquisition method. VCP was the only protein that showed significant differences in different comparison groups in both serum and urine. Pathway analysis revealed that protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum was the most relevant pathway associated with MM. Furthermore, the increased expression of HSP90B1, VCP, CTSA, HYOU1, PDIA4, and RAB7A was detected by WB. The results of ELISA indicated that a combination of VCP and CTSA provided a high area under curve (AUC) value of 0.883 (95 % CI, 0.769-0.997, p < 0.001) to diagnose NDMM. The combination of VCP, CTSA, ALB, and HGB exhibited better performance (AUC = 0.981), with 100 % specificity and 86.7 % sensitivity.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest VCP and CTSA exhibit potential as biomarkers for MM, which may be helpful in the molecular mechanisms and pathogenesis upon further investigation.

HPV16 E7 protein antagonizes TNF-α-induced apoptosis of cervical cancer cells via Daxx/JNK pathway

Human papillomavirus (HPV) E7 protein as an important viral factor was involved in the progression of cervical cancer by mediating the cellular signaling pathways. Daxx (Death domain-associated protein) can interact with a variety of proteins to affect the viral infection process. However, the interaction and its related function between HPV16 E7 and Daxx have not been adequately investigated. Here, it was found that HPV16 E7 can interact with Daxx in HeLa or C33A cells by co-immunoprecipitation. HPV16 E7 protein treatment can up-regulate Daxx protein expression, while the interference in Daxx expression and the agonists for JNK can both reduce the antagonistic effects of HPV16 E7 on TNF-α-induced apoptosis, suggesting that Daxx/JNK pathway may be involved in the anti-apoptotic activity of HPV16 E7.

LncRNA FAM225B Regulates PDIA4-Mediated Ovarian Cancer Cell Invasion and Migration via Modulating Transcription Factor DDX17

Objective

This study aimed to explore the roles and mechanisms of lncRNA FAM225B and PDIA4 in ovarian cancer.

Methods

RT-qPCR and Western blot assays were performed to detect the expression levels of the lncRNAs FAM225B, DDX17, and PDIA4 in the serum of patients with ovarian cancer and cell lines. Cells were transfected with lncRNA FAM225B- and PDIA4-related vectors to determine the malignant phenotypes using functional experiments. The mutual binding of lncRNA FAM225B and DDX17 was verified using RNA pull-down and RIP assays.

Results

The expression of lncRNAs FAM225B and PDIA4 was decreased in the serum of patients with ovarian cancer and cell lines. Restoration of lncRNA FAM225B or PDIA4 reduced cell proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities and elevated the apoptosis rate, whereas suppression of lncRNA FAM225B or PDIA4 exhibited an inverse trend. RNA pull-down and RIP assays revealed a direct interaction between lncRNA FAM225B and DDX17. ChIP assay revealed a relationship between DDX17 and the PDIA4 promoter. LncRNA FAM225B and DDX17 positively regulate PDIA4 expression. Downregulation of PDIA4 expression counteracts the suppressive effect of lncRNA FAM225B overexpression in ovarian cancer cells.

Conclusion

This research study supports the fact that lncRNA FAM225B in ovarian cancer can upregulate PDIA4 by directly binding to DDX17, inhibiting the activities of ovarian cancer cells.

A novel extrachromosomal circular DNA related genes signature for overall survival prediction in patients with ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE

Ovarian cancer (OV) has a high mortality rate all over the world, and extrachromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA) plays a key role in carcinogenesis. We wish to study more about the molecular structure of eccDNA in the UACC-1598-4 cell line and how its genes are associated with ovarian cancer prognosis.

METHODS

We sequenced and annotated the eccDNA by Circle_seq of the OV cell line UACC-1598-4. To acquire the amplified genes of OV on eccDNA, the annotated eccDNA genes were intersected with the overexpression genes of OV in TCGA. Univariate Cox regression was used to find the genes on eccDNA that were linked to OV prognosis. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and cox regression models were used to create the OV prognostic model, as well as the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) curve and nomogram of the prediction model. By applying the median value of the risk score, the samples were separated into high-risk and low-risk groups, and the differences in immune infiltration between the two groups were examined using ssGSEA.

RESULTS

EccDNA in UACC-1598-4 has a length of 0-2000 bp, and some of them include the whole genes or gene fragments. These eccDNA originated from various parts of chromosomes, especially enriched in repeatmasker, introns, and coding regions. They were annotated with 2188 genes by Circle_seq. Notably, the TCGA database revealed that a total of 198 of these eccDNA genes were overexpressed in OV (p < 0.05). They were mostly enriched in pathways associated with cell adhesion, ECM receptors, and actin cytoskeleton. Univariate Cox analysis showed 13 genes associated with OV prognosis. LASSO and Cox regression analysis were used to create a risk model based on remained 9 genes. In both the training (TCGA database) and validation (International Cancer Genome Consortium, ICGC) cohorts, a 9-gene signature could successfully discriminate high-risk individuals (all p < 0.01). Immune infiltration differed significantly between the high-risk and low-risk groups. The model's area under the ROC curve was 0.67, and a nomograph was created to assist clinician.

CONCLUSION

EccDNA is found in UACC-1598-4, and part of its genes linked to OV prognosis. Patients with OV may be efficiently evaluated using a prognostic model based on eccDNA genes, including SLC7A1, NTN1, ADORA1, PADI2, SULT2B1, LINC00665, CILP2, EFNA5, TOMM.

Comprehensive Analysis of Purine-Metabolism-Related Gene Signature for Predicting Ovarian Cancer Prognosis, Immune Landscape, and Potential Treatment Options

Purine metabolism is an important branch of metabolic reprogramming and has received increasing attention in cancer research. Ovarian cancer is an extremely dangerous gynecologic malignancy for which there are no adequate tools to predict prognostic risk. Here, we identified a prognostic signature consisting of nine genes related to purine metabolism, including ACSM1, CACNA1C, EPHA4, TPM3, PDIA4, JUNB, EXOSC4, TRPM2, and CXCL9. The risk groups defined by the signature are able to distinguish the prognostic risk and the immune landscape of patients. In particular, the risk scores offer promising personalized drug options. By combining risk scores with clinical characteristics, we have created a more detailed composite nomogram that allows for a more complete and individualized prediction of prognosis. In addition, we demonstrated metabolic differences between platinum-resistant and platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer cells. In summary, we have performed the first comprehensive analysis of genes related to purine metabolism in ovarian cancer patients and created a feasible prognostic signature that will aid in risk prediction and support personalized medicine.

Circulating miRNA as a Biomarker in Oral Cancer Liquid Biopsy

Oral cancer is currently challenging the healthcare system, with a high incidence among the population and a poor survival rate. One of the main focuses related to this malignancy is the urge to implement a viable approach for improving its early diagnosis. By introducing the use of liquid biopsy and the identification of potential biomarkers, aiming for a noninvasive approach, new advancements offer promising perspectives in the diagnosis of oral cancer. The present review discusses the potential of circulating miRNAs as oral cancer biomarkers identified in body fluids such as serum, plasma, and saliva samples of oral cancer patients. Existing results reveal an important implication of different miRNA expressions involved in the initiation, development, progression, and metastasis rate of oral malignancy. Liquid biomarkers can play a crucial role in the development of the concept of personalized medicine, providing a wide range of clinical applications and future targeted therapies.

miR-378a-3p promotes renal cell carcinoma proliferation, migration, and invasion by targeting TOB2

PURPOSE

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors of the urinary system, which has high metastasis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to participate in RCC progression. The present study aimed to understand the biological role and mechanism of miR-378a-3p in RCC.

METHODS

RT-qPCR assay was used to assess miR-378a-3p and transducer of ERBB2 (TOB2) expression in RCC tissues and cell lines. CCK-8, clone formation, scratch, and transwell assays were carried out to evaluate cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Furthermore, the target genes of miR-378a-3p were predicted by the online bioinformatics databases. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to validate the relationship between miR-378a-3p and TOB2.

RESULTS

miR-378a-3p was highly expressed in RCC tissues and RCC cell lines. Besides, miR-378a-3p accelerated the progression of RCC by mediating cell proliferation, migration and invasion. More importantly, TOB2 was confirmed as a potential target gene of miR-378a-3p. The results of loss-of-function experiments showed that inhibition of TOB2 reversed the inhibitory roles of miR-378a-3p inhibitor on RCC progression.

CONCLUSIONS

miR-378a-3p promoted cell proliferation, migration and invasion through regulating TOB2 in RCC, which indicated a promising target for the treatment of RCC.

MiR-378a-3p acts as a tumor suppressor in gastric cancer via directly targeting RAB31 and inhibiting the Hedgehog pathway proteins GLI1/2

OBJECTIVE

To improve the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer (GC), more effective therapeutic targets are urgently needed. Increasing evidence indicates that miRNAs are involved in the progression of various tumors, and RAS-associated protein in the brain 31 (RAB31) is upregulated and promotes the progression of multiple malignant tumors. Here, we focused on identifying RAB31-targeted miRNAs and elucidating their potential mechanism in the progression of GC.

METHODS

RAB31 and miR-378a-3p expression levels were detected in paired fresh GC tissues and GC cell lines. Bioinformatics analysis was used to predict the miRNAs targeting RAB31 and the relationships between RAB31 and other genes. Dual-luciferase reporter assays were applied to verify the targeted interaction relationship. CCK-8, colony formation, flow cytometry, wound healing, and Transwell assays were performed to assess the proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of GC cells. Tumorsphere formation assays were performed to assess the stemness of gastric cancer stem cells. Related proteins were detected by Western blot. Xenograft assays in nude mice were performed to explore the effect of miR-378a-3p in vivo.

RESULTS

We report the first evidence that miR-378a-3p is downregulated in GC, whereas its overexpression inhibits proliferation, invasion, and migration as well as promotes apoptosis in GC cells. Mechanistically, miR-378a-3p inhibits the progression of GC by directly targeting RAB31. Restoring RAB31 expression partially offsets the inhibitory effect of miR-378a-3p. Further research revealed that miR-378a-3p inhibits GLI1/2 in the Hedgehog signaling pathway and attenuates the stemness of gastric cancer stem cells. Finally, xenograft assays showed that miR-378a-3p inhibits GC tumorigenesis in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-378a-3p inhibits GC progression by directly targeting RAB31 and inhibiting the Hedgehog signaling pathway proteins GLI1/2.

High expression of PDIA4 promotes malignant cell behavior and predicts reduced survival in cervical cancer

The protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) gene family plays important roles in the maintenance of several cellular functions. Previous studies have showed that protein disulfide isomerase family A member 4 (PDIA4) is aberrantly expressed in several types of cancer, and correlates with prognosis of patients. However, the role of PDIA4 in cervical cancer remains unclear. In the present study, the expression pattern of PDIA4 from both public database and immunohistochemical analysis in cervical samples was analyzed. Cell Counting Kit-8 and Transwell assays were performed to determine the effect of PDIA4 on cervical cancer cell proliferation and migration. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to provide the associated enriched pathways of PDIA4 in regulating cervical tumorigenesis. It was observed that mRNA expression and protein level of PDIA4 were upregulated in cervical cancer tissues. High expression of PDIA4 was significantly associated with poor overall survival (P=0.0095) and relapse-free survival (P=0.0019) in The Cancer Genome Atlas cohort. Knockdown of PDIA4 inhibited cervical cancer cell proliferation and migration. Moreover, PDIA4 affected the expression of proliferation-related molecules (cyclin D1 and PCNA) and migration-related molecules (E-cadherin and Vimentin). Additionally, GSEA revealed that PDIA4 was significantly associated with gene signatures involving glycan biosynthesis, glycosaminoglycan degradation and protein export. In conclusion, the present findings highlighted the importance of PDIA4 in cervical oncogenesis, and suggested that targeting PDIA4 may be a potential therapeutic application for cervical cancer.

Using Next-Generation Sequencing and Bioinformatic Methods to Predict New Genes That May Be Regulated by CD47 in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common cancers in the world, and the incidence and death rate of OSCC in men is twice that of women. CD47 is a ubiquitous cell surface transmembrane protein, also known as integrin-related protein (IAP). Previous studies have pointed out that CD47 can inhibit the growth of OSCC, but the detailed mechanism is not clear. This study aimed to explore the effect of CD47 gene expression profiles in OSCC. The OSCC cell lines, OECM-1 and OC-2, overexpressed CD47, and the expression profiles of mRNAs were analyzed through next-generation sequencing (NGS) with a bioinformatic approach. A total of 14 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were listed. In addition, ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) was used to analyze the molecular function (MF), biological process (BP), and cellular component (CC) network signaling. The human protein atlas (HPA) database was used to analyze gene expression and the survivability of human cancer. The results found that HSPA5, HYOU1, and PDIA4 were involved in the IPA network and when highly expressed, mediated the survivability of cancer. In addition, HSPA5 was positively and significantly correlated with CD47 expression (p < 0.0001) and induced by CD47-overexpression in the OECM-1 and OC-2 OSCC cancer cell lines. These findings provide important insights into possible new diagnostic strategies, including unfolded protein for OSCC-targeting CD47.

PDIA4 promotes glioblastoma progression via the PI3K/AKT/m-TOR pathway

Protein disulfide isomerase A4 (PDIA4) is highly expressed in clear cell ovarian carcinoma and lung cancer. Through analysis of TCGA database and CGGA database, we noted that PDIA4 is a key promotor of glioblastoma (GBM). However, the detailed role and molecular mechanism of PDIA4 in GBM remain unclear. In this study, the expression pattern and biological role of PDIA4 in GBM was investigated. PDIA4 was overexpressed in GBM tumor samples and cell lines and positively correlated with pathological grades in glioma patients. In addition, downregulation of PDIA4 promoted apoptosis and inhibited proliferation of GBM. Meanwhile, there was a concurrent decrease in aerobic glycolysis metabolites. Mechanistically, PDIA4 downregulation promoted the apoptosis of GBM cells by increased the expression of apoptosis pathway proteins (caspase 3, caspase 9 and Bax). Downregulation of PDIA4 decreased energy demand and inhibited GBM growth in vitro and in vivo. Besides, such effect also inhibited the PI3K/AKT/m-TOR pathway by inhibiting protein phosphorylation levels of PI3K, AKT and m-TOR. After addition of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway activator 740Y-P, the effect of PDIA4 knockdown on GBM was reversed. Therefore, we believe that PDIA4 regulates the proliferation via activating the PI3K/AKT/m-TOR pathway and suppression of apoptosis in glioblastoma. It could be used as a potential target for the treatment of GBM.

lncRNA ACTA2-AS1 inhibits malignant phenotypes of gastric cancer cells

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignancies in digestive system. Accumulating evidence reveals the critical role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in GC development. The study aimed to explore the functions and mechanism of lncRNA actin alpha 2, smooth muscle antisense RNA 1 (ACTA2-AS1) in GC. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses and subcellular fractionation assays showed that ACTA2-AS1 was lowly expressed in GC cells and was mainly distributed in the cytoplasm. Overexpressed ACTA2-AS1 inhibited GC cell viability, proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition process, as suggested by cell counting kit-8 assays, colony formation assays, wound healing assays, Transwell assays and Western blot analyses. Mechanistically, ACTA2-AS1 served as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to bind with miR-378a-3p and thereby, antagonized the inhibitory effect of miR-378a-3p on the expression of messenger RNA phosphatidylinositol specific phospholipase C X domain containing 2 (PLCXD2). The binding capacity between miR-378a-3p and ACTA2-AS1 (or PLCXD2) was detected by RNA pulldown assays, luciferase reporter assays and RNA immunoprecipitation assays. Moreover, PLCXD2 knockdown rescued the inhibitory effect of ACTA2-AS1 overexpression on malignant behaviors of GC cells. Overall, ACTA2-AS1 inhibits malignant phenotypes of GC cells by acting as a ceRNA to target miR-378a-3p/PLCXD2 axis.

Hypoxia-Induced miR-378a-3p Inhibits Osteosarcoma Invasion and Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition via BYSL Regulation

The bystin-like (BYSL) gene is expressed in a wide range of eukaryotes and is closely associated with tumor progression. However, its function and mechanism in osteosarcoma remain unclear. Herein, the protein expression and clinical role of BYSL in human osteosarcoma tissues were assessed. High expression of BYSL was positively related to the metastasis status and poor patient prognosis. Mechanistically, upregulation of BYSL enhanced Nrf2 expression under hypoxia in osteosarcoma cells. MicroRNAs are important epigenetic regulators of osteosarcoma development. Noteworthy, bioinformatics analysis, dual-luciferase reporter and rescue assays showed that miR-378a-3p inhibited BYSL expression by binding to its 3′-untranslated region. Analysis of miR-378a-3p function under hypoxia and normoxia showed that its upregulation suppressed osteosarcoma cells invasion and inhibited epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition by suppressing BYSL. Collectively, the results show that the miR-378a-3p/BYSL may associate with metastasis risk in osteosarcoma.

The Connection between MicroRNAs and Oral Cancer Pathogenesis: Emerging Biomarkers in Oral Cancer Management

Oral cancer is a common human malignancy that still maintains an elevated mortality rate despite scientific progress. Tumorigenesis is driven by altered gene expression patterns of proto-oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes. MicroRNAs, a class of short non-coding RNAs involved in gene regulation, seem to play important roles in oral cancer development, progression, and tumor microenvironment modulation. As properties of microRNAs render them stable in diverse liquid biopsies, together with their differential expression signature in cancer cells, these features place microRNAs at the top of promising biomarkers for diagnostic and prognostic values. In this review, we highlight eight expression levels and functions of the most relevant microRNAs involved in oral cancer development, progression, and microenvironment sustainability. Furthermore, we emphasize the potential of using these small RNA species as non-invasive biomarkers for the early detection of oral cancerous lesions. Conclusively, we highlight the perspectives and limitations of microRNAs as novel diagnostic tools, as well as therapeutic models.

LncRNA PSMA3-AS1 promotes cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in ovarian cancer by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway via the miR-378a-3p/GALNT3 axis

The crucial roles of the long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the development of ovarian cancer (OC) have been extensively studied. According to the prediction result from the Kaplan-Meier Plotter database, high expression of lncRNA proteasome subunit α type-3 antisense RNA1 (PSMA3-AS1) is associated with the poor prognosis in patients with OC. Thus, the study aimed to investigate the role of lncRNA PSMA3-AS1 in OC. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that PSMA3-AS1 expression was significantly upregulated in OC cells and tissues. PSMA3-AS1 silencing inhibited OC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, as shown by results of cell counting kit-8, colony formation, wound healing, and Transwell assays, respectively. Additionally, PSMA3-AS1 deficiency suppressed tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, luciferase reporter and RNA pulldown assays implied that PSMA3-AS1 served as a competing endogenous RNA for miR-378a-3p to upregulate the expression of polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 3 (GALNT3). GALNT3 was a target gene of miR-378a-3p in OC. Moreover, PSMA3-AS1 activated the PI3K/Akt pathway by upregulating GALNT3 expression. Overall, PSMA3-AS1 promotes OC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and xenograft tumor growth by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway via the miR-378a-3p/GALNT3 axis.

MicroRNA-378a-3p contributes to ovarian cancer progression through downregulating PDIA4

OBJECTIVE

MicroRNAs, as essential players in tumorigenesis, have been demonstrated to have a revolutionary effect on human cancer research. Ovarian cancer is the primary reason of death among gynecologic malignancies. In view of this, it is significant to identify prognostic and predictive markers for treatment of ovarian cancer. The aim of this study was to probe into the effects of miR-378a-3p and protein disulfide-isomerase A4 (PDIA4) on the biological functions of ovarian cancer cells.

METHODS

miR-378a-3p expression and PDIA4 messenger RNA expression in human ovarian cancer cells, normal human ovarian epithelial cells, and serum of both ovarian cancer patients and healthy people were detected by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and the PDIA4 protein expression was tested by Western blot analysis. Ovarian cancer OVCAR3 and SKOV3 cells were transfected or cotransfected with miR-378a-3p mimic or pcDNA3.1-PDIA4 or their negative control plasmids to explore their roles in biological functions in ovarian cancer cells. Luciferase activity and RIPA assays were implemented to validate the interaction between miR-378a-3p and PDIA4. Western blot analysis was utilized to detect phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/serine/threonine kinase (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway-related protein expression and their phosphate expression levels.

RESULTS

miR-378a-3p was elevated and PDIA4 was decreased in ovarian cancer cells and serum. In addition, miR-378a-3p mimic induced ovarian cancer cell growth, while miR-378a-3p inhibitor and pcDNA3.1-PDIA4 presented an inverse trend. pcDNA3.1-PDIA4 partially eliminated the capabilities of miR-378a-3p mimic on ovarian cancer progression. Meanwhile, miR-378a-3p was found to negatively regulate PDIA4, and miR-378a-3p mimic increased the phosphorylation levels of AKT and PI3K, while pcDNA3.1-PDIA4 exhibited an opposite tendency. Furthermore, pcDNA3.1-PDIA4 largely eliminated the functions of miR-378a-3p mimic on phosphorylation levels of AKT and PI3K.

CONCLUSION

This study provides evidences that miR-378a-3p activates PI3K/AKT signaling pathway by modulating PDIA4 expression, thereby playing a role in promoting the growth of ovarian cancer cells. This study provides novel directions for targeted therapy of ovarian cancer.