LINC00511 facilitates Temozolomide resistance of glioblastoma cells via sponging miR-126-5p and activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling

Engineered smart materials for RNA based molecular therapy to treat Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive malignancy of the central nervous system (CNS) that remains incurable despite the multitude of improvements in cancer therapeutics. The conventional chemo and radiotherapy post-surgery have only been able to improve the prognosis slightly; however, the development of resistance and/or tumor recurrence is almost inevitable. There is a pressing need for adjuvant molecular therapies that can successfully and efficiently block tumor progression. During the last few decades, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have emerged as key players in regulating various hallmarks of cancer including that of GBM. The levels of many ncRNAs are dysregulated in cancer, and ectopic modulation of their levels by delivering antagonists or overexpression constructs could serve as an attractive option for cancer therapy. The therapeutic potential of several types of ncRNAs, including miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs, has been validated in both in vitro and in vivo models of GBM. However, the delivery of these RNA-based therapeutics is highly challenging, especially to the tumors of the brain as the blood-brain barrier (BBB) poses as a major obstacle, among others. Also, since RNA is extremely fragile in nature, careful considerations must be met while designing a delivery agent. In this review we have shed light on how ncRNA therapy can overcome the limitations of its predecessor conventional therapy with an emphasis on smart nanomaterials that can aide in the safe and targeted delivery of nucleic acids to treat GBM. Additionally, critical gaps that currently exist for successful transition from viral to non-viral vector delivery systems have been identified. Finally, we have provided a perspective on the future directions, potential pathways, and target areas for achieving rapid clinical translation of, RNA-based macromolecular therapy to advance the effective treatment of GBM and other related diseases.

Investigation of iso-propylchaetominine anticancer activity on apoptosis, cell cycle and Wnt signaling pathway in different cancer models

Dysregulation of the Wnt signaling pathway contributes to the development of many cancer types. Natural compounds produced with biotechnological systems have been the focus of research for being a new drug candidate both with unlimited resources and cost-effective production. In this study, it was aimed to reveal the effects of isopropylchaetominine on cytotoxic, cytostatic, apoptotic and Wnt signaling pathways in brain, pancreatic and prostate cancer. The IC50 values of isopropylchaetominine in U-87 MG, PANC1, PC3 and LNCaP cells were calculated as 91.94 μM, 41.68 μM, 54.54 μM and 7.86 μM in 72nd h, respectively. The metabolite arrests the cell cycle in G0/G1 phase in each cancer cells. Iso-propylchaetominine induced a 4.3-fold and 1.9-fold increase in apoptosis in PC3 and PANC1 cells, respectively. The toxicity of isopropylchaetominine in healthy fibroblast cells was assessed using the annexin V method, and no significant apoptotic activity was observed between the groups treated with the active substance and untreated. In U-87 MG, PANC1, PC3, and LNCaP cells under treatment with isopropylchaetominin, the expression levels of DKK3, TLE1, AES, DKK1, FRZB, DAB2, AXIN1/2, PPARD, SFRP4, APC and SOX17 tumor suppressor genes increased significantly. Decreases in expression of Wnt1, Wnt2, Wnt3, Wnt4, Wnt5, Wnt6, Wnt10, Wnt11, FRZ2, FRZ3, FRZ7, TCF7L1, BCL9, PYGO, CCND2, c-MYC, WISP1 and CTNNB1 oncogenic genes were detected. All these result shows that isopropylchaetominine can present promising new treatment strategy in different cancer types.

Function of Long Noncoding RNAs in Glioma Progression and Treatment Based on the Wnt/β-Catenin and PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathways

Gliomas are a deadly primary malignant tumor of the central nervous system, with glioblastoma (GBM) representing the most aggressive type. The clinical prognosis of GBM patients remains bleak despite the availability of multiple options for therapy, which has needed us to explore new therapeutic methods to face the rapid progression, short survival, and therapy resistance of glioblastomas. As the Human Genome Project advances, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have attracted the attention of researchers and clinicians in cancer research. Numerous studies have found aberrant expression of signaling pathways in glioma cells. For example, lncRNAs not only play an integral role in the drug resistance process by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin or PI3K/Akt signaling but are also involved in a variety of malignant biological behaviors such as glioma proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumor apoptosis. Therefore, the present review systematically assesses the existing research evidence on the malignant progression and drug resistance of glioma, focusing on the critical role and potential function of lncRNAs in the Wnt/β-catenin and PI3K/Akt classical pathways to promote and encourage further research in this field.

The Intergenic Type LncRNA (LINC RNA) Faces in Cancer with In Silico Scope and a Directed Lens to LINC00511: A Step toward ncRNA Precision

BACKGROUND

Long intergenic non-coding RNA, is one type of lncRNA, exerting various cellular activities, as does ncRNA, including the regulation of gene expression and chromatin remodeling. The abnormal expression of lincRNAs can induce or suppress carcinogenesis.

MAIN BODY

LincRNAs can regulate cancer progression through different mechanisms and are considered as potential drug targets. Genetic variations such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in lincRNAs may affect gene expression and messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) stability. SNPs in lincRNAs have been found to be associated with different types of cancer, as well. Specifically, LINC00511 has been known to promote the progression of multiple malignancies such as breast cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and others, making it a promising cancer prognostic molecular marker.

CONCLUSION

LincRNAs have been proved to be associated with different cancer types through various pathways. Herein, we performed a comprehensive literature and in silico databases search listing lncRNAs, lincRNAs including LINC00511, lncRNAs' SNPs, as well as LINC00511 SNPs in different cancer types, focusing on their role in various cancer types and mechanism(s) of action.

Comprehensive Analysis to Identify LINC00511-hsa-miR-625-5p-SEMA6A Pathway Fuels Progression of Skin Cutaneous Melanoma

Objective

Skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) is a highly lethal malignancy that poses a significant threat to human health. Recent research has shown that competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory networks play a critical role in the development and progression of various types of cancer, including SKCM. The objective of this study is to investigate the ceRNA regulatory network associated with the transmembrane protein semaphorin 6A (SEMA6A) and identify the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in SKCM.

Methods

Expression profiles of four RNAs, including pseudogenes, long non-coding RNAs, microRNAs, and mRNAs were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. The analysis was completed by bioinformatics methods, and the expression levels of the selected genes were verified by cell experiments.

Results

Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the LINC00511-hsa-miR-625-5p-SEMA6A ceRNA network was associated with SKCM prognosis. Furthermore, immune infiltration analysis indicated that the LINC00511-hsa-miR-625-5p-SEMA6A axis may have an impact on changes in the tumor immune microenvironment of SKCM.

Conclusion

The LINC00511-hsa-miR-625-5p-SEMA6A axis could be a promising therapeutic target and a prognostic biomarker for SKCM.

Role of COL6A2 in malignant progression and temozolomide resistance of glioma

BACKGROUND

Gliomas are one of the most common primary malignant tumors of the central nervous system, and have an unfavorable prognosis. Even combining precise surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the survival rate is still unsatisfactory. Chemotherapy resistance is one of main reasons for its adverse prognosis. As shown by several studies, glioma stem cells (GSCs) were correlated with radiotherapy/chemotherapy resistance and high relapse rate. This study aimed to find a new biomarker related to GSCs and chemotherapy resistance.

METHODS

TCGA, CGGA, GSE16011, GSE23806 and GDSC datasets were used to screen the genes related to GSCs, Temozolomide (TMZ) resistance, and survival. In the TCGA, GTEx, GSE16011 and CGGA datasets, mRNA level, prognostic value, and correlation with immune infiltration in the selected genes were analyzed through methods including Kaplan-Meier analysis, Cox analysis, the ESTIMATE algorithm, and the CIBERSORT algorithm. The expression of COL6A2 mRNA and protein in different groups was detected by RT-qPCR and western blot. A MTT assay and flow cytometry were used to measure the effect of COL6A2 on proliferation and apoptosis of glioma cells.

RESULTS

COL6A2 was positively correlated with glioma stemness and TMZ resistance. Its expression was up-regulated in GBM, and high expression was correlated with adverse prognosis. As shown by Cox analysis, COL6A2 was an independent prognostic factor for glioma. COL6A2 mRNA was increased with the glioma grade. It was over-expressed in MGMT non-methylation and IDH wild-type specimens. The results of in vitro experiments showed that COL6A2 promots proliferation of glioma cells and inhibits their apoptosis. Meanwhile, the expression of COL6A2 in TMZ-resistant glioma cells was significantly higher than that in ordinary glioma cells. As shown by GO and KEGG pathway analysis, COL6A2 was correlated with glioma proliferation, migration, invasion, and immunity. In particular, it was significantly positively correlated with PD-1, PD-L2, PD-L1, B7-H3, CTLA-4, IDO1 and TIM-3 expression, further verifying that it may play an important role in immune response. In addition, COL6A2 might influence immune cell infiltration in the glioma microenvironment.

CONCLUSION

COL6A2 high-expression is an indicator for adverse glioma prognosis, and is correlated with TMZ-resistant and immune response. Meanwhile, it may be a prospective biomarker for treatment.

Systematic characterization and biological functions of non-coding RNAs in glioblastoma

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most malignant and aggressive type of glioma. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are RNAs that do not encode proteins but widely exist in eukaryotic cells. The common characteristics of these RNAs are that they can all be transcribed from the genome without being translated into proteins, thus performing biological functions, particularly microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs. Studies have found that ncRNAs are associated with the occurrence and development of GBM, and there is a complex regulatory network among ncRNAs, which can regulate cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis and differentiation, thus provide a basis for the development of highly specific diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies in the future. The present review aimed to comprehensively describe the biogenesis, general features and functions of regulatory ncRNAs in GBM, and to interpret the potential biological functions of these ncRNAs in GBM as well as their impact on clinical diagnosis, treatment and prognosis and discusses the potential mechanisms of these RNA subtypes leading to cancer in order to contribute to the better design of personalized GBM therapies in the future.

Regulation of temozolomide resistance via lncRNAs: Clinical and biological properties of lncRNAs in gliomas (Review)

Gliomas are a primary types of intracranial malignancies and are characterized by a poor prognosis due to aggressive recurrence profiles. Temozolomide (TMZ) is an auxiliary alkylating agent that is extensively used in conjunction with surgical resection and forms the mainstay of clinical treatment strategies for gliomas. However, the frequent occurrence of TMZ resistance in clinical practice limits its therapeutic efficacy. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that long non‑coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can play key and varied roles in glioma progression. lncRNAs have been reported to inhibit glioma progression by targeting various signaling pathways. In addition, the differential expression of lncRNAs has also been found to mediate the resistance of glioma to several chemotherapeutic agents, particularly to TMZ. The present review article therefore summarizes the findings of previous studies in an aim to report the significance and function of lncRNAs in regulating the chemoresistance of gliomas. The present review may provide further insight into the clinical treatment of gliomas.

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) H19 in human cancer: From proliferation and metastasis to therapy

Initiation and development of cancer depend on multiple factors that mutations in genes and epigenetic level can be considered as important drivers. Epigenetic factors include a large family of members and understanding their function in cancer has been a hot topic. LncRNAs are RNA molecules with no capacity in synthesis of proteins, and they have regulatory functions in cells. LncRNAs are localized in nucleus and cytoplasm, and their abnormal expression is related to development of tumor. This manuscript emphasizes on the role of lncRNA H19 in various cancers and its association with tumor hallmarks. The function of lncRNA H19 in most tumors is oncogenic and therefore, tumor cells increase its expression for promoting their progression. LncRNA H19 contributes to enhancing growth and cell cycle of cancers and by EMT induction, it is able to elevate metastasis rate. Silencing H19 induces apoptotic cell death and disrupts progression of tumors. LncRNA H19 triggers chemo- and radio-resistance in cancer cells. miRNAs are dually upregulated/down-regulated by lncRNA H19 in increasing tumor progression. Anti-cancer agents reduce lncRNA H19 in impairing tumor progression and increasing therapy sensitivity. A number of downstream targets and molecular pathways for lncRNA H19 have been detected in cancers including miRNAs, RUNX1, STAT3, β-catenin, Akt2 and FOXM1. Clinical studies have revealed potential of lncRNA H19 as biomarker and its association with poor prognosis. LncRNA H19 can be transferred to cancer cells via exosomes in enhancing their progression.

Knockdown of LINC00511 decreased cisplatin resistance in non-small cell lung cancer by elevating miR-625 level to suppress the expression of leucine rich repeat containing eight volume-regulated anion channel subunit E

BACKGROUND

LINC00511 has been reported as a biomarker related to the prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but the molecular mechanism and exact functions of LINC00511 in chemoresistance of NSCLC remain to be elucidated.

METHODS

RT-qPCR was used to evaluate the mRNA expression of LINC00511, miR-625, and leucine rich repeat containing 8 volume-regulated anion channel subunit E (LRRC8E). Western blotting detected the protein levels of Ki-67, MMP-9, cleaved-caspase-3. The interaction between miR-625 and LINC00511 or LRRC8E was verified by luciferase reporter assays. CCK-8, TUNEL, and Transwell assays were used to evaluate IC₅₀ value, proliferation, migration, and invasion of NSCLC cells.

RESULTS

In our study, it was discovered that the levels of LINC00511 and LRRC8E were increased, while miR-625 expression was decreased in NSCLC tissues, DDP-resistant NSCLC cells, and non-resistant NSCLC cells. LINC00511 depletion significantly curbed cell growth, IC₅₀ value, and metastasis in DDP-resistant NSCLC cells. In addition, the influence of LINC00511 deficiency on the DDP resistance in NSCLC was overturned by suppressing miR-625. Furthermore, LRRC8E overexpression abolished the promotive effect of miR-625 abundance on the DDP sensitivity in DDP-resistant NSCLC cells.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrated that LINC00511 increased DDP resistance in NSCLC by suppressing miR-625 to upregulate LRRC8E.

Long noncoding RNA SNHG4: a novel target in human diseases

Recently, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have attracted great attention from researchers. LncRNAs are non-protein-coding RNAs of more than 200 nucleotides in length. Multiple studies have been published on the relationship between lncRNA expression and the progression of human diseases. LncRNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 4 (SNHG4), a member of the lncRNA SNHG family, is abnormally expressed in a variety of human diseases, including gastric cancer, renal cell carcinoma, glioblastoma, neuroblastoma, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, osteosarcoma, cervical cancer, liver cancer, lung cancer, non-small-cell lung cancer, neonatal pneumonia, diabetic retinopathy, neuropathic pain, acute cerebral infarction, acute myeloid leukaemia, and endometriosis. In this paper, the structure of SNHG4 is first introduced, and then studies in humans, animal models and cells are summarized to highlight the expression and function of SNHG4 in the above diseases. In addition, the specific mechanism of SNHG4 as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) is discussed. The findings indicate that SNHG4 can be used as a biomarker for disease prognosis evaluation and as a potential target for disease diagnosis and treatment.

Molecular Classification of Breast Cancer Utilizing Long Non-Coding RNA (lncRNA) Transcriptomes Identifies Novel Diagnostic lncRNA Panel for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Simple Summary

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women today and accounts for thousands of cancer-related deaths each year. While some breast cancer subtypes can be easily diagnosed and targeted for therapy, triple-negative breast cancer, which lacks receptor expression, is the most challenging to diagnose and treat. In this study, we use multiple RNA sequencing data to look specifically at long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) expression portraits at the transcript level and to identify lncRNA-based biomarkers associated with each breast cancer subtype. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to validate their diagnostic potential, which was validated in two independent cohorts. Several lncRNA transcripts were found to be enriched in TNBC across all validation cohorts. Binary regression analysis identified a four lncRNA transcript signature with the highest diagnostic power for TNBC as potential novel biomarkers for diagnostic and therapeutic intervention. Interestingly, several of the identified lncRNAs were shown to have prognostic potential in TNBC.

Abstract

Breast cancer remains the world’s most prevalent cancer, responsible for around 685,000 deaths globally despite international research efforts and advances in clinical management. While estrogen receptor positive (ER+), progesterone receptor positive (PR+), and human epidermal growth factor receptor positive (HER2+) subtypes are easily classified and can be targeted, there remains no direct diagnostic test for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), except for the lack of receptors expression. The identification of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and the roles they play in cancer progression has recently proven to be beneficial. In the current study, we utilize RNA sequencing data to identify lncRNA-based biomarkers associated with TNBC, ER+ subtypes, and normal breast tissue. The Marker Finder algorithm identified the lncRNA transcript panel most associated with each molecular subtype and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to validate the diagnostic potential (area under the curve (AUC) of ≥8.0 and p value < 0.0001). Focusing on TNBC, findings from the discovery cohort were validated in an additional two cohorts, identifying 13 common lncRNA transcripts enriched in TNBC. Binary regression analysis identified a four lncRNA transcript signature (ENST00000425820.1, ENST00000448208.5, ENST00000521666.1, and ENST00000650510.1) with the highest diagnostic power for TNBC. The ENST00000671612.1 lncRNA transcript correlated with worse refractory free survival (RFS). Our data provides a step towards finding a novel diagnostic lncRNA-based panel for TNBC with potential therapeutic implications.