Retracted : MicroRNA‐126 Inhibits Proliferation, Migration, Invasion, and EMT in Osteosarcoma by Targeting ZEB1

Targeting signaling pathways in osteosarcoma: Mechanisms and clinical studies

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a highly prevalent bone malignancy among adolescents, accounting for 40% of all primary malignant bone tumors. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with limb-preserving surgery has effectively reduced patient disability and mortality, but pulmonary metastases and OS cells' resistance to chemotherapeutic agents are pressing challenges in the clinical management of OS. There has been an urgent need to identify new biomarkers for OS to develop specific targeted therapies. Recently, the continued advancements in genomic analysis have contributed to the identification of clinically significant molecular biomarkers for diagnosing OS, acting as therapeutic targets, and predicting prognosis. Additionally, the contemporary molecular classifications have revealed that the signaling pathways, including Wnt/β-catenin, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, JAK/STAT3, Hippo, Notch, PD-1/PD-L1, MAPK, and NF-κB, have an integral role in OS onset, progression, metastasis, and treatment response. These molecular classifications and biological markers have created new avenues for more accurate OS diagnosis and relevant treatment. We herein present a review of the recent findings for the modulatory role of signaling pathways as possible biological markers and treatment targets for OS. This review also discusses current OS therapeutic approaches, including signaling pathway-based therapies developed over the past decade. Additionally, the review covers the signaling targets involved in the curative effects of traditional Chinese medicines in the context of expression regulation of relevant genes and proteins through the signaling pathways to inhibit OS cell growth. These findings are expected to provide directions for integrating genomic, molecular, and clinical profiles to enhance OS diagnosis and treatment.

Deciphering the Signaling Mechanisms of Osteosarcoma Tumorigenesis

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the predominant primary bone tumor in the pediatric and adolescent populations. It has high metastatic potential, with the lungs being the most common site of metastasis. In contrast to many other sarcomas, OS lacks conserved translocations or genetic mutations; instead, it has heterogeneous abnormalities, including somatic DNA copy number alteration, ploidy, chromosomal amplification, and chromosomal loss and gain. Unfortunately, clinical outcomes have not significantly improved in over 30 years. Currently, no effective molecularly targeted therapies are available for this disease. Several genomic studies showed inactivation in the tumor suppressor genes, including p53, RB, and ATRX, and hyperactivation of the tumor promoter genes, including MYC and MDM2, in OS. Alterations in the major signaling pathways, including the PI3K/AKT/mTOR, JAK/STAT, Wnt/β-catenin, NOTCH, Hedgehog/Gli, TGF-β, RTKs, RANK/RANKL, and NF-κB signaling pathways, have been identified in OS development and metastasis. Although OS treatment is currently based on surgical excision and systematic multiagent therapies, several potential targeted therapies are in development. This review focuses on the major signaling pathways of OS, and we propose a biological rationale to consider novel and targeted therapies in the future.

Molecular mechanism, regulation, and therapeutic targeting of the STAT3 signaling pathway in esophageal cancer (Review)

Esophageal cancer (EC) is the seventh most common cancer globally, and the overall 5-year survival rate is only 20%. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is aberrantly activated in EC, and its activation is associated with a poor prognosis. STAT3 can be activated by canonical pathways such as the JAK/STAT3 pathway as well as non-canonical pathways including the Wnt/STAT3 and COX2/PGE2/STAT3 pathways. Activated STAT3, present as phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3), can be transported into the nucleus to regulate downstream genes, including VEGF, cyclin D1, Bcl-xL, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), to promote cancer cell proliferation and induce resistance to therapy. Non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), play a vital role in regulating the STAT3 signaling pathway in EC. Several miRNAs promote or suppress the function of STAT3 in EC, while lncRNAs and circRNAs primarily promote the effects of STAT3 and the progression of cancer. Additionally, various drugs and natural compounds can target STAT3 to suppress the malignant behavior of EC cells, providing novel insights into potential EC therapies.

Increasing miR-126 Can Prevent Brain Injury after Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Rats by Regulating ZEB1

Background

Studies have found that microRNA (miR) is abnormally expressed in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and is considered a therapeutic target for ICH.

Objective

To investigate the expression and role of miR-126 in the ICH rat model.

Methods

The ICH rat model was established, and miR-126 agomir and ZEB1 antagomir were injected into the lateral ventricle of ICH rats. The neurological function and water content of brain tissue were evaluated 48 hours later. Brain tissue around the hematoma of rats was taken to detect the expression of miR-126, ZEB1, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6). The luciferase reporter gene was applied to analyze the relationship between miR-126 and ZEB1.

Results

miR-126 was downregulated in the ICH rat model, while ZEB1 was upregulated. miR-126 agomir or ZEB1 antagomir injection could improve neurological function and cerebral edema in ICH rats. In addition, it could also reduce the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and GFAP in the brain tissue of ICH rats. Luciferase reporter gene showed that ZEB1 could be targeted and regulated by miR-126.

Conclusion

miR-126 is downregulated in ICH rats, and miR-126 can reduce brain injury in ICH rats by inhibiting ZEB1 expression.

Research progress of matrine's anticancer activity and its molecular mechanism

BACKGROUND

and ethnopharmacological relevance: Matrine (MT), a type of alkaloid extracted from the Sophora family of traditional Chinese medicine, has been documented to exert a variety of pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-viral, anti-fibrosis, and cardiovascular protection. Sophora flavescens Aiton is a traditional Chinese medicine that is bitter and cold. Additionally, it also exhibits the effects of clearing heat, eliminating dampness, expelling insects, and promoting urination. Malignant tumors are the most important medical issue and are also the second leading cause of death worldwide. Numerous natural substances have recently been revealed to have potent anticancer properties, and several have been used in clinical trials.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

To summarize the antitumor effects and associated mechanisms of MT, we compiled this review by combining a huge body of relevant literature and our previous research.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

As demonstrated, we grouped the pharmacological effects of MT via a PubMed search. Further, we described the mechanism and current pharmacological research on MT's antitumor activity.

RESULTS

Additionally, extensive research has demonstrated that MT possesses superior antitumor properties, including accelerating cell apoptosis, inhibiting tumor cell growth and proliferation, inducing cell cycle arrest, inhibiting cancer metastasis and invasion, inhibiting angiogenesis, inducing autophagy, reversing multidrug resistance and inhibiting cell differentiation, thus indicating its significant potential for cancer treatment and prognosis.

CONCLUSION

This article summarizes current advances in research on the anticancer properties of MT and its molecular mechanism, to provide references for future research.

Metastatic Progression of Osteosarcomas: A Review of Current Knowledge of Environmental versus Oncogenic Drivers

Simple Summary

Osteosarcomas are heterogeneous bone tumors with complex genetic and chromosomic alterations. The numerous patients with metastatic osteosarcoma have a very poor prognosis, and only those who can have full surgical resection of the primary tumor and of all the macro metastasis can survive. Despite the recent improvements in prediction and early detection of metastasis, big efforts are still required to understand the specific mechanisms of osteosarcoma metastatic progression, in order to reveal novel therapeutic targets.

Abstract

Metastases of osteosarcomas are heterogeneous. They may grow simultaneously with the primary tumor, during treatment or shortly after, or a long time after the end of the treatment. They occur mainly in lungs but also in bone and various soft tissues. They can have the same histology as the primary tumor or show a shift towards a different differentiation path. However, the metastatic capacities of osteosarcoma cells can be predicted by gene and microRNA signatures. Despite the identification of numerous metastasis-promoting/predicting factors, there is no efficient therapeutic strategy to reduce the number of patients developing a metastatic disease or to cure these metastatic patients, except surgery. Indeed, these patients are generally resistant to the classical chemo- and to immuno-therapy. Hence, the knowledge of specific mechanisms should be extended to reveal novel therapeutic approaches. Recent studies that used DNA and RNA sequencing technologies highlighted complex relations between primary and secondary tumors. The reported results also supported a hierarchical organization of the tumor cell clones, suggesting that cancer stem cells are involved. Because of their chemoresistance, their plasticity, and their ability to modulate the immune environment, the osteosarcoma stem cells could be important players in the metastatic process.

Siglec-15 Promotes Tumor Progression in Osteosarcoma via DUSP1/MAPK Pathway

Recurrence and metastasis are important features of osteosarcoma (OS) that cause its poor prognosis. Aberrant expression of Sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectin 15 (Siglec-15) has been reported in various kinds of cancers. However, the expression and function of Siglec-15 in OS remain unclear. In cultured OS cells (143B cells and MNNG/HOS cells) and their xenograft mouse models, we found that downregulation of Siglec-15 could inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of by inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vitro and in vivo. Conversely, Siglec-15 overexpression promoted the growth, migration and invasion of OS cells in a significant manner. Then, we screened a number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between Siglec-15-knockdown group and control group by RNA-Seq assay. Among these DEGs, we found that dual-specificity phosphatase 1 (DUSP1/MKP1) was significantly downregulated after Siglec-15 silencing. We investigated the DUSP1 functions in influencing OS cells’ biology, and found that the proliferation, migration and invasion of OS cells were promoted by overexpressing DUSP1 and crucially, the proliferation, migration and invasion of Siglec-15-knockdown OS cells were rescued by overexpressing DUSP1. Mechanically, we further showed that DUSP1-mediated inhibition of p38/MAPK and JNK/MAPK expression was attenuated when Siglec-15 expression was inhibited, suggesting that Siglec-15 promotes the malignant progression of OS cells by suppressing DUSP1-mediated suppression of the MAPK pathway. Moreover, we showed that both Siglec-15 and DUSP1 were highly expressed in human OS tissues by immunohistochemistry. High Siglec-15 expression was associated with OS lung metastasis, and high DUSP1 expression was associated with the high Enneking stage. Kaplan–Meier analysis indicated that high expression of Siglec-15 could predict poor prognosis of OS patients. Altogether, these results showed that Siglec-15 expression promoted OS development and progression by activating DUSP1 and might be a novel target in OS treatment.

Effect of lncRNA XLOC_005950 knockout by CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing on energy metabolism and proliferation in osteosarcoma MG63 cells mediated by hsa-miR-542-3p

Cancer cells use glucose via glycolysis to maintain tumor cell proliferation. However, the effect of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) on glycolysis in osteosarcoma (OS) cells remains unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the involvement of the lncRNA XLOC_005950/hsa-microRNA (miR)-542-3p/phosphofructokinase, muscle (PFKM) axis in the regulation of glucose metabolism, cell proliferation and apoptosis in the progression of OS. lncRNA XLOC_005950, hsa-miR-542-3p and PFKM expression in OS tissues and cells was detected via reverse transcription-quantitative PCR analysis. CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing was used to knockout lncRNA XLOC_005950 expression in MG63 cells. Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, flow cytometry, PFKM activity, and glucose and lactic acid content determination were performed to assess the effects of lncRNA XLOC_005950 knockout and overexpression of hsa-miR-542-3p on the phenotypes of OS cells. The dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to confirm the targeting associations between lncRNA XLOC_005950, hsa-miR-542-3p and PFKM. The results demonstrated that lncRNA XLOC_005950 expression was upregulated in OS tissues and cells. Functional experiments indicated that lncRNA XLOC_005950 knockout decreased PFKM activity, the intracellular glucose and lactic acid content, and cell proliferation, while increasing apoptosis of OS cells. Furthermore, lncRNA XLOC_005950 knockout upregulated hsa-miR-542-3p expression and downregulated PFKM expression. Overexpression of hsa-miR-542-3p suppressed PFKM expression. Furthermore, lncRNA XLOC_005950, as the molecular sponge of miR-542-3p in OS, modulated the downstream target gene, PFKM. Taken together, the results of the present study suggest that lncRNA XLOC_005950 knockout may inhibit the progression of OS via hsa-miR-542-3p-mediated regulation of PFKM expression.

Molecular mechanisms underpinning sarcomas and implications for current and future therapy

Sarcomas are complex mesenchymal neoplasms with a poor prognosis. Their clinical management is highly challenging due to their heterogeneity and insensitivity to current treatments. Although there have been advances in understanding specific genomic alterations and genetic mutations driving sarcomagenesis, the underlying molecular mechanisms, which are likely to be unique for each sarcoma subtype, are not fully understood. This is in part due to a lack of consensus on the cells of origin, but there is now mounting evidence that they originate from mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs). To identify novel treatment strategies for sarcomas, research in recent years has adopted a mechanism-based search for molecular markers for targeted therapy which has included recapitulating sarcomagenesis using in vitro and in vivo MSC models. This review provides a comprehensive up to date overview of the molecular mechanisms that underpin sarcomagenesis, the contribution of MSCs to modelling sarcomagenesis in vivo, as well as novel topics such as the role of epithelial-to-mesenchymal-transition (EMT)/mesenchymal-to-epithelial-transition (MET) plasticity, exosomes, and microRNAs in sarcomagenesis. It also reviews current therapeutic options including ongoing pre-clinical and clinical studies for targeted sarcoma therapy and discusses new therapeutic avenues such as targeting recently identified molecular pathways and key transcription factors.

Role of ZEB family members in proliferation, metastasis and chemoresistance of prostate cancer cells: Revealing signaling networks

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. A variety of strategies including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy are applied for PCa treatment. PCa cells are responsive towards therapy at early stages, but they can obtain resistance in the advanced stage. Furthermore, their migratory ability is high in advanced stages. It seems that genetic and epigenetic factors play an important in this case. Zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox (ZEB) is a family of transcription with two key members including ZEB1 and ZEB2. ZEB family members are known due to their involvement in promoting cancer metastasis via EMT induction. Recent studies have shown their role in cancer proliferation and inducing therapy resistance. In the current review, we focus on revealing role of ZEB1 and ZEB2 in PCa. ZEB family members that are able to significantly promote proliferation and viability of cancer cells. ZEB1 and ZEB2 enhance migration and invasion of PCa cells via EMT induction. Overexpression of ZEB1 and ZEB2 is associated with poor prognosis of PCa. ZEB1 and ZEB2 upregulation occurs during PCa progression and can provide therapy resistance to cancer cells. PRMT1, Smad2, and non-coding RNAs can function as upstream mediators of the ZEB family. Besides, Bax, Bcl-2, MRP1, N-cadherin and E-cadherin can be considered as downstream targets of ZEB family in PCa.

ZEB1 Mediates Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell Osteogenic Differentiation Partly via Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling

Zinc finger E-box-binding homebox 1 (ZEB1) is a zinc-finger transcription factor best known for its role in promoting the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, which is also related to osteogenesis. Here, ZEB1 was investigated for its role in the commitment of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) to osteoblasts. In vitro, ZEB1 expression decreased following osteogenic differentiation. Furthermore, silencing of ZEB1 in BMSCs promoted osteogenic activity and mineralization. The increase in osteogenic differentiation induced by si-ZEB1 could be partly rescued by the inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin (si-β-catenin). In vivo, knockdown of ZEB1 in BMSCs inhibited the rapid bone loss of ovariectomized (OVX) mice. ZEB1 expression has also been negatively associated with bone mass and bone formation in postmenopausal women. In conclusion, ZEB1 is an essential transcription factor in BMSC differentiation and may serve as a potential anabolic strategy for treating and preventing postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP).

The EMT transcription factor ZEB1 blocks osteoblastic differentiation in bone development and osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is an often-fatal mesenchyme-derived malignancy in children and young adults. Overexpression of EMT-transcription factors (EMT-TFs) has been associated with poor clinical outcome. Here, we demonstrated that the EMT-TF ZEB1 is able to block osteoblastic differentiation in normal bone development as well as in osteosarcoma cells. Consequently, overexpression of ZEB1 in osteosarcoma characterizes poorly differentiated, highly metastatic subgroups and its depletion induces differentiation of osteosarcoma cells. Overexpression of ZEB1 in osteosarcoma is frequently associated with silencing of the imprinted DLK-DIO3 locus, which encodes for microRNAs targeting ZEB1. Epigenetic reactivation of this locus in osteosarcoma cells reduces ZEB1 expression, induces differentiation, and sensitizes to standard treatment, thus indicating therapeutic options for ZEB1-driven osteosarcomas. © 2021 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

LncRNA SNHG16 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition by upregulating ITGA6 through miR-488 inhibition in osteosarcoma

BACKGROUND

Osteosarcoma is a primary cause of cancer-associated death in children and adolescents worldwide. Long non-coding RNAs SNHG16 (lncRNA SNHG16) and integrin subunit-a 6 (ITGA6) are recently reported to be involved in the tumorigenesis of osteosarcoma by multiple mechanisms. However, the correlation between SNHG16 and ITGA6 in osteosarcoma remains undetermined.

METHODS

Expression of miR-488, SNHG16 and ITGA6, as well as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) associated markers in osteosarcoma tissues and cell lines were examined by qRT-PCR or Western blotting. Effects of miR-488, SNHG16 and ITGA6 on cell migration, invasion were evaluated by wound-healing assay and transwell assay. Bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase reported assays were applied to assess the interaction among miR-488, SNHG16 and ITGA6. RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) was also used to verify SNHG16 and miR-488 interaction. Finally, animal study was used to detect the effect of SNHG16 on osteosarcoma in vivo.

RESULTS

SNHG16 and ITGA6 were significantly increased while miR-488 was decreased in osteosarcoma. ITGA6 was screened as a target gene of miR-488, and SNHG16 was sponged by miR-488 in osteosarcoma cells. MiR-488 overexpression and SNHG16 knockdown suppressed migration, invasion and EMT of osteosarcoma cells. Moreover, rescue assays proved that the influences of SNHG16 on osteosarcoma cells migration, invasion and EMT were dependent on miR-488 and ITGA6. In addition, the promotive effects of SNHG16 on osteosarcoma tumor growth and metastasis were further supported by xenograft tumor growth assay.

CONCLUSION

SNHG16 promoted migration, invasion and EMT of osteosarcoma by sponging miR-488 to release ITGA6.

Differential expression analysis and profiling of hepatic miRNA and isomiRNA in dengue hemorrhagic fever

Dengue virus causes dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and has been associated to fatal cases worldwide. The liver is one of the most important target tissues in severe cases, due to its intense viral replication and metabolic role. microRNAs role during infection is crucial to understand the regulatory mechanisms of DENV infection and can help in diagnostic and anti-viral therapies development. We sequenced the miRNome of six fatal cases and compared to five controls, to characterize the human microRNAs expression profile in the liver tissue during DHF. Eight microRNAs were differentially expressed, including miR-126-5p, a regulatory molecule of endothelial cells, miR-122-5p, a liver specific homeostasis regulator, and miR-146a-5p, an interferon-regulator. Enrichment analysis with predicted target genes of microRNAs revealed regulatory pathways of apoptosis, involving MAPK, RAS, CDK and FAS. Immune response pathways were related to NF- kB, CC and CX families, IL and TLR. This is the first description of the human microRNA and isomicroRNA profile in liver tissues from DHF cases. The results demonstrated the association of miR-126-5p, miR-122-5p and miR-146a-5p with DHF liver pathogenesis, involving endothelial repair and vascular permeability regulation, control of homeostasis and expression of inflammatory cytokines.

miRNA-128 modulates bone neoplasms cells proliferation and migration through the WNT/β-catenin and EMT signal pathways

BACKGROUND

Bone neoplasms present poor prognosis due to recurrence and metastasis. Although the role microRNAs (miRNAs) in inhibiting growth and metastasis of bone neoplasms has been investigated, the underlying potential molecular mechanisms mediated by miRNA-128 (miR-218) for the invasiveness of bone neoplasms cells are still not completely understood. The purpose of this study was to identify the regulatory mechanisms of miR-218 in bone neoplasms cells.

METHODS

Western blotting, quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), Counting Kit-8 assay, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining, luciferase activity assay immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry were used to analyze the regulatory effects of miR-218 on bone neoplasms cells.

RESULTS

Here, the results showed that transfection of miR-128 suppressed bone neoplasms cells proliferation, migration, and invasion. Genetic knockdown of miR-128 in bone neoplasms cells suppressed the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) signaling pathways. Activation of Wnt or EMT blocked miR-128-inhibited cells proliferation and migration in bone neoplasms cells. Exogenously introduced miR-128 markedly inhibited tumor regeneration in bone neoplasms xenograft models.

CONCLUSIONS

These results define a tumor-regulated function for miR-128 in bone neoplasms by down-regulation of the Wnt/β-catenin and EMT signal pathways, which provided a potential target for bone neoplasms gene therapy.

ZEB1: New advances in fibrosis and cancer

Zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) is an important transcription factor in epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) which participates in the numerous life processes, such as embryonic development, fibrosis and tumor progression. ZEB1 has multiple functions in human body and plays a crucial part in some life processes. ZEB1 is vital for the formation and development of the organs in the embryonic period. The abnormal expression of ZEB1 is a predictor for the poor prognosis or the poor survival in several cancers. ZEB1 contributes to the occurrence of fibrosis, cancer and even chemoresistance. Some research is indicated that fibrosis is finally developed into the cancers. Therefore, ZEB1 is probably taken as a biomarker in fibrosis or cancer. In this review, it is predicted of the structure of ZEB1 and the protein binding sites of ZEB1 with some protein, and it is discussed about the roles of ZEB1 in fibrosis and cancer progression to elaborate the potential applications of ZEB1 in clinic.

Role of microRNAs in the crosstalk between osteosarcoma cells and the tumour microenvironment

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary bone tumour, with a peak incidence in adolescents, and the five-year survival rate of patients with metastasis or recurrence is much lower than that of patients without metastasis and recurrence. OS is initiated and develops in a complex tumour microenvironment (TME) that contains many different components, such as osteoblasts, osteoclasts, mesenchymal stem cells, fibroblasts, immune cells, extracellular matrix (ECM), extracellular vesicles, and cytokines. The extensive interaction between OS and the TME underlies OS progression. Therefore, rather than targeting OS cells, targeting the key factors in the TME may yield novel therapeutic approaches. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play multiple roles in the biological behaviours of OS, and recent studies have implied that miRNAs are involved in mediating the communication between OS cells and the surrounding TME. Here, we review the TME landscape and the miRNA dysregulation of OS, describe the role of the altered TME in OS development and highlight the role of miRNA in the crosstalk between OS cells and the TME.

MicroRNA-126-5p suppresses cell proliferation, invasion and migration by targeting EGFR in liver cancer

BACKGROUND

The expression status and potential mechanistic involvement of microRNA (miR)-126-5p in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are still elusive currently. Here we set out to address this issue both in cell lines and in patients' tissues.

METHODS

The relative expression levels of endogenous miR-126-5p and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) were quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Cell viability and proliferation were measured by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and clonogenic assays, respectively. Cell invasive and migrative capacities were determined by transwell and wound healing assays, respectively. The regulatory action of miR-126-5p on EGFR was interrogated by luciferase reporter assay. Translational level of EGFR was analyzed by Western blotting.

RESULTS

MiR-126-5p was significantly down-regulated in both HCC patients' tissues and cell lines. Forced expression of miR-126-5p greatly compromised cell viability, proliferation, invasion and migration, while miR-126-5p-specific inhibitor promoted these oncogenic phenotypes. MiR-126-5p mimics inhibited endogenous expression of EGFR and suppressed EGFR 3'-untranslated region-fused luciferase activity. Co-expression of EGFR in miR-126-5p-proficient cells completely restored cell migrative and invasive capacities, while co-transfection with EGFR siRNA significantly inhibited miR-126-5p inhibitor-induced cell invasion and migration.

CONCLUSION

MiR-126-5p was aberrantly decreased in HCC and subsequently relieved the suppression on EGFR expression, which consequently contributed to the tumor biology of HCC.

Cellular plasticity and drug resistance in sarcoma

Sarcomas, originating from mesenchymal progenitor stem cells, are a group of rare malignant tumors with poor prognosis. Wide surgical resection, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy are the most common sarcoma treatments. However, sarcomas' response rates to chemotherapy are quite low and sarcoma cells can have intrinsic or acquired resistance after treatment with chemotherapeutics drugs, leading to the development of multi-drug resistance (MDR). Cancer cellular plasticity plays pivotal roles in cancer initiation, progression, therapy resistance and cancer relapse. Moreover, cancer cellular plasticity can be regulated by a multitude of factors, such as genetic and epigenetic alterations, tumor microenvironment (TME) or selective pressure imposed by treatment. Recent studies have demonstrated that cellular plasticity is involved in sarcoma progression and chemoresistance. It's essential to understand the molecular mechanisms of cellular plasticity as well as its roles in sarcoma progression and drug resistance. Therefore, this review focuses on the regulatory mechanisms and pathological roles of these diverse cellular plasticity programs in sarcoma. Additionally, we propose cellular plasticity as novel therapeutic targets to reduce sarcoma drug resistance.

High SENP3 Expression Promotes Cell Migration, Invasion, and Proliferation by Modulating DNA Methylation of E-Cadherin in Osteosarcoma

SENP3, a sentrin/SUMO2/3-specific protease, is recognized as a transcriptional factor that accumulates under cellular oxidative stress and plays a significant role in the removal of SUMO2/3 modification. In our study, we examined a TCGA dataset and found that the transcripts per million (TPM) value of SENP3 is high in sarcoma, including osteosarcoma (OS). We found that SENP3 was highly expressed in OS cancer tissues when compared with osteofibrous dysplasia tissues. The survival data of SENP3 in TCGA showed that the sarcoma patients with higher SENP3 expression levels showed poor prognosis. In vitro, SENP3 knockdown in OS cancer cells inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and induced apoptosis. In contrast, SENP3 overexpression reversed these effects. Next, we found that SENP3 inhibited the expression of E-cadherin (E-Cad) by increasing methylation of the E-Cad promoter. Finally, E-Cad expression was increased in the OS cell line MG63 following methylation, and the cell proliferation, migration, and invasion capacity were decreased. In summary, SENP3 played a significant role in OS carcinogenesis and may act as a potential biomarker in the diagnosis and treatment of OS.

Bone Microenvironment and Osteosarcoma Metastasis

The bone microenvironment is an ideal fertile soil for both primary and secondary tumors to seed. The occurrence and development of osteosarcoma, as a primary bone tumor, is closely related to the bone microenvironment. Especially, the metastasis of osteosarcoma is the remaining challenge of therapy and poor prognosis. Increasing evidence focuses on the relationship between the bone microenvironment and osteosarcoma metastasis. Many elements exist in the bone microenvironment, such as acids, hypoxia, and chemokines, which have been verified to affect the progression and malignance of osteosarcoma through various signaling pathways. We thoroughly summarized all these regulators in the bone microenvironment and the transmission cascades, accordingly, attempting to furnish hints for inhibiting osteosarcoma metastasis via the amelioration of the bone microenvironment. In addition, analysis of the cross-talk between the bone microenvironment and osteosarcoma will help us to deeply understand the development of osteosarcoma. The cellular and molecular protagonists presented in the bone microenvironment promoting osteosarcoma metastasis will accelerate the exploration of novel therapeutic strategies towards osteosarcoma.

Effects of microRNA regulation on antiangiogenic therapy resistance in non-small cell lung cancer

Antiangiogenic drugs have become a standard therapeutic regimen for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); however, many issues remain to be solved. Identifying specific markers to predict patient response to antiangiogenic drugs to ensure therapeutic efficacy would increase their clinical benefit. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the process of resistance to antiangiogenic therapy, as they regulate various key signaling pathways. Therefore, miRNAs may be used as targets for reversing tumor resistance to antiangiogenic therapy. This article reviews the molecular mechanisms of antiangiogenic therapy resistance and the specific mechanisms of miRNA regulation of resistance. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is one of multiple target genes of miRNAs, and is closely related to antiangiogenic research. Thus, it is described separately in this review article.

Pediatric sarcomas display a variable EpCAM expression in a histology-dependent manner

EpCAM is a transmembrane glycoprotein typically overexpressed in cancer of epithelial origin and mainly involved in the epithelial-to–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of tumor cells that spread and disseminate. Strategies for the targeting and capture of EpCAM-expressing tumor cells are showing promise in cancers prone to metastatize, both as diagnostic tools and potential therapies. Sarcomas are among the most aggressive tumors in children, with a common mesenchymal origin that comprises both soft tissue sarcomas (STS) and bone sarcomas. The aim of this study was to assess EpCAM expression in pediatric sarcomas and correlate its expression with disease progression. To do so, we analyzed a set of cell lines and primary tumor tissues from rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), Ewing sarcoma (ES), synovial sarcoma (SS) and desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) STS, or osteosarcoma (OS) bone cancer. We demonstrated that EpCAM was variably expressed in pediatric sarcomas, with DSRCT, a rare, aggressive and almost fatal tumor type, characterized by the highest EpCAM expression levels. Interestingly, although EpCAM expression was lower in RMS tumors, high levels at diagnosis correlated with reduced patients' overall survival (p < 0.05). Indeed, membrane-bound EpCAM was detected in circulating sarcoma tumor cells, revealing its potential to be used as dissemination biomarker in this type of childhood cancers. This reinforces the concept that pediatric sarcomas do express both epithelial and mesenchymal markers and reside in an intermediate condition that most likely contributes to their aggressive phenotype and low survival rate.

Capn4 contributes to tumor invasion and metastasis in gastric cancer via activation of the Wnt/β-catenin/MMP9 signalling pathways

Capn4, a small regulatory subunit of the calpain proteolytic system, functions as a potential tumor promoter in several cancers. However, the biological functions and molecular mechanisms of Capn4 in gastric cancer (GC) remain poorly understood. In the current study, we found that upregulation of Capn4 was detected frequently in GC tissues, and was associated with significantly worse survival among the GC patients. Multivariate analyses revealed that abundance of Capn4 was an independent predictive marker for the poor prognosis of GC. Further, Capn4 knockdown notably suppressed GC invasion and metastasis in vitro. Consistently, a xenograft assay showed that silencing of Capn4 in GC cells suppressed their dissemination to lung tissue in vivo. Moreover, our results indicated that Capn4 promotes gastric cancer metastasis by increasing MMP9 expression, and demonstrated that MMP9 is crucial for the pro-metastasis role of Capn4 in GC cells. Further investigation revealed that Capn4 regulated MMP9 expression via activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Mechanistically, we found that Capn4 can decreased β-catenin ubiquitination to enhance the protein stability of β-catenin in GC cells. Collectively, Capn4 has a central role in gastric cancer metastasis, which could be a potential diagnostic and therapeutic target for GC.

MicroRNAs and Their Influence on the ZEB Family: Mechanistic Aspects and Therapeutic Applications in Cancer Therapy

Molecular signaling pathways involved in cancer have been intensively studied due to their crucial role in cancer cell growth and dissemination. Among them, zinc finger E-box binding homeobox-1 (ZEB1) and -2 (ZEB2) are molecules that play vital roles in signaling pathways to ensure the survival of tumor cells, particularly through enhancing cell proliferation, promoting cell migration and invasion, and triggering drug resistance. Importantly, ZEB proteins are regulated by microRNAs (miRs). In this review, we demonstrate the impact that miRs have on cancer therapy, through their targeting of ZEB proteins. MiRs are able to act as onco-suppressor factors and inhibit the malignancy of tumor cells through ZEB1/2 down-regulation. This can lead to an inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) mechanism, therefore reducing metastasis. Additionally, miRs are able to inhibit ZEB1/2-mediated drug resistance and immunosuppression. Additionally, we explore the upstream modulators of miRs such as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), as these regulators can influence the inhibitory effect of miRs on ZEB proteins and cancer progression.

MiR-195 enhances cardiomyogenic differentiation of the proepicardium/septum transversum by Smurf1 and Foxp1 modulation

Cardiovascular development is a complex developmental process in which multiple cell lineages are involved, namely the deployment of first and second heart fields. Beside the contribution of these cardiogenic fields, extracardiac inputs to the developing heart are provided by the migrating cardiac neural crest cells and the proepicardial derived cells. The proepicardium (PE) is a transitory cauliflower-like structure located between the cardiac and hepatic primordia. The PE is constituted by an internal mesenchymal component surrounded by an external epithelial lining. With development, cells derived from the proepicardium migrate to the neighboring embryonic heart and progressive cover the most external surface, leading to the formation of the embryonic epicardium. Experimental evidence in chicken have nicely demonstrated that epicardial derived cells can distinctly contribute to fibroblasts, endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Surprisingly, isolation of the developing PE anlage and ex vivo culturing spontaneously lead to differentiation into beating cardiomyocytes, a process that is enhanced by Bmp but halted by Fgf administration. In this study we provide a comprehensive characterization of the developmental expression profile of multiple microRNAs during epicardial development in chicken. Subsequently, we identified that miR-125, miR-146, miR-195 and miR-223 selectively enhance cardiomyogenesis both in the PE/ST explants as well as in the embryonic epicardium, a Smurf1- and Foxp1-driven process. In addition we identified three novel long non-coding RNAs with enhanced expression in the PE/ST, that are complementary regulated by Bmp and Fgf administration and well as by microRNAs that selectively promote cardiomyogenesis, supporting a pivotal role of these long non coding RNAs in microRNA-mediated cardiomyogenesis of the PE/ST cells.

Anticancer properties and mechanism of action of the quassinoid ailanthone

Ailanthone (AIT) is a quassinoid natural product isolated from the worldwide-distributed plant Ailanthus altissima. The drug displays multiple pharmacological properties, in particular significant antitumor effects against a variety of cancer cell lines in vitro. Potent in vivo activities have been evidenced in mice bearing hepatocellular carcinoma, nonsmall cell lung cancer and castration-resistant prostate cancer. This review focusses on the mechanism of action of AIT, notably to highlight the capacity of the drug to activate DNA damage responses, to inhibit the Hsp90 co-chaperone p23 and to modulate the expression of several microRNA. The interconnexion between these effects is discussed. The unique capacity of AIT to downregulate oncogenic miR-21 and to upregulate the tumor suppressor miRNAs miR-126, miR-148a, miR-195, and miR-449a is presented. AIT exploits several microRNAs to exert its anticancer effects in distinct tumor types. AIT is one of the rare antitumor natural products that binds to and strongly inhibits cochaperone p23, opening interesting perspectives to treat cancers. However, the toxicity profile of the molecule may limit its development as an anticancer drug, unless it can be properly formulated to prevent AIT-induced gastro-intestinal damages in particular. The antitumor properties of AIT and analogs are underlined, with the aim to encourage further pharmacological studies with this underexplored natural product and related quassinoids. HIGHLIGHTS: Ailanthone (AIT) is an anticancer quassinoid isolated from Ailanthus altissima It inhibits proliferation and induces cell death of many cancer cell types The drug activates DNA damage response and targets p23 cochaperone Up or downregulation of several microRNA by AIT contributes to the anticancer activity Analogs or specific formulations must be developed to prevent the toxicity of AIT.

Leucine Zipper-EF-Hand Containing Transmembrane Protein 1 Is a Potential Prognostic Biomarker and Promotes Cell Progression in Prostate Cancer

Purpose

The leucine zipper-EF-hand containing transmembrane protein 1 (LETM1) is a mitochondrial protein that has been associated with the occurrence and development of malignant tumors. Previous studies have shown that LETM1 expression is increased in several types of human cancer and is associated with a poor clinical outcome. However, the role of LETM1 in prostate cancer (PCa) has not yet been determined. In this study, we investigated the clinicopathological significance of LETM1 expression and its role in PCa progression.

Methods

We assessed the expression of LETM1 and genes related to cancer stemness, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cell cycle, and PI3K/Akt signaling in 133 paraffin-embedded PCa tissue samples and cancer cells by using immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and Western blotting.

Results

LETM1 expression was significantly increased in PCa, and it was positively correlated with Gleason score, pathologic tumor (pT) stage, clinical stage, and high microvessel density. Survival analysis showed that patients with PCa with a high level of LETM1 expression exhibited a low overall survival. Cox regression analysis indicated that LETM1 is an independent poor prognostic PCa factor. Additionally, the expression of LETM1 was correlated with cancer cell stemness-associated genes, EMT-related genes, cell cycle regulatory genes, and PI3K/Akt signaling gene expression in PCa. Furthermore, knocking down LETM1 expression down-regulated the expression of stemness-related proteins, while inhibiting tumor spheroid formation, EMT-like changes, cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in PCa cells. Importantly, the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 strongly inhibited the expression of LETM1, pPI3K-p85, and pAkt (Thr308, Ser473) in PCa cells.

Conclusion

These results indicate that LETM1 expression is associated with cancer cell stemness, promotes EMT-like changes and cell proliferation and is a potential prognostic biomarker for PCa.

Role of JAK/STAT3 Signaling in the Regulation of Metastasis, the Transition of Cancer Stem Cells, and Chemoresistance of Cancer by Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition

The JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway plays an essential role in various types of cancers. Activation of this pathway leads to increased tumorigenic and metastatic ability, the transition of cancer stem cells (CSCs), and chemoresistance in cancer via enhancing the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT acts as a critical regulator in the progression of cancer and is involved in regulating invasion, spread, and survival. Furthermore, accumulating evidence indicates the failure of conventional therapies due to the acquisition of CSC properties. In this review, we summarize the effects of JAK/STAT3 activation on EMT and the generation of CSCs. Moreover, we discuss cutting-edge data on the link between EMT and CSCs in the tumor microenvironment that involves a previously unknown function of miRNAs, and also discuss new regulators of the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway.

The microRNA‑708‑5p/ZEB1/EMT axis mediates the metastatic potential of osteosarcoma

MicroRNA‑708‑5p (miR‑708‑5p) and epithelial‑​to‑mesenchymal transition (EMT) have been widely identified to contribute to the pathogenesis and progression of multiple cancers. However, the connection between miR‑708‑5p and EMT has not been sufficiently clarified. Therefore, our research aimed to investigate the impact of miR‑708‑5p on EMT and the metastasis of osteosarcoma (OS). We first analyzed the differentially expressed microRNAs (DEmiRNAs) from the GSE70367 dataset. We found that the expression of miR‑708‑5p was lower in OS cells. Overexpression of miR‑708‑5p was able to impair the migration and invasion of OS cells. Moreover, miR‑708‑5p inhibited EMT of OS cells MG63 and SaOS‑2, wherein E‑cadherin was increased, and N‑cadherin, vimentin, and Snail were decreased. Semaphorin 4C (SEMA4C), mitogen‑activated protein kinase kinase kinase 3 (MAP3K3), and zinc finger E‑box‑binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) were predicted as target genes of miR‑708‑5p by bioinformatics method. Only ZEB1, one of the EMT‑inducing transcription factors, was validated as the direct target gene of miR‑708‑5p in OS cells through dual‑luciferase reporter assay and Western blot analysis. Knockdown of ZEB1 was found to inhibit the metastasis of MG63 and SaOS‑2 cells, whereas ZEB1 over-expression promoted their metastasis. In summary, miR‑708‑5p impaired the metastasis and EMT of OS, which was found to be mediated by inhibition of ZEB1.

Matrine suppresses breast cancer metastasis by targeting ITGB1 and inhibiting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition

Metastasis can be a fatal step in breast cancer progression. Effective therapies are urgently required due to the limited therapeutic options clinically available. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of matrine (MAT), a traditional Chinese medicine, on the proliferation and migration of human breast cancer cells and its underlying mechanisms of action. The proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells was inhibited and apoptosis was induced following treatment with MAT, as determined by MTT and Annexin-V-FITC/PI assays. Western blot analysis was used to detect the LC-3II/I levels and the results suggested that tumor autophagy is involved in the anti-tumor activity of MAT. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report that MAT inhibits MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cell motility, potentially by targeting integrin β1 (ITGB1) and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), as indicated by Transwell^® and siRNA interference assays. In conclusion, ITGB1 and EMT are involved in MAT-induced breast carcinoma cell death and the inhibition of metastasis. This may lead to the development of novel compounds for the treatment of breast cancer metastasis.

miRNA signatures in childhood sarcomas and their clinical implications

Progresses in multimodal treatments have significantly improved the outcomes for childhood cancer. Nonetheless, for about one-third of patients with Ewing sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, or osteosarcoma steady remission has remained intangible. Thus, new biomarkers to improve early diagnosis and the development of precision-targeted medicine remain imperative. Over the last decade, remarkable progress has been made in the basic understanding of miRNAs function and in interpreting the contribution of their dysregulation to cancer development and progression. On this basis, this review focuses on what has been learned about the pivotal roles of miRNAs in the regulation of key genes implicated in childhood sarcomas.

Epigenetic Regulation of miRNA Expression in Malignant Mesothelioma: miRNAs as Biomarkers of Early Diagnosis and Therapy

Asbestos exposure leads to epigenetic and epigenomic modifications that, in association with ROS-induced DNA damage, contribute to cancer onset. Few miRNAs epigenetically regulated in MM have been described in literature; miR-126, however, is one of them, and its expression is regulated by epigenetic mechanisms. Asbestos exposure induces early changes in the miRNAs, which are reversibly expressed as protective species, and their inability to reverse reflects the inability of the cells to restore the physiological miRNA levels despite the cessation of carcinogen exposure. Changes in miRNA expression, which results from genetic/epigenetic changes during tumor formation and evolution, can be detected in fluids and used as cancer biomarkers. This article has reviewed the epigenetic mechanisms involved in miRNA expression in MM, focusing on their role as biomarkers of early diagnosis and therapeutic effects.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids modulate the delivery of platelet microvesicle-derived microRNAs into human breast cancer cell lines

Breast cancer is one of the most frequent and malignant types of cancer in women, with an increasing morbidity and mortality rate; in particular, treatment of triple negative breast cancer remains a challenge, since the efforts made with targeted therapies were ineffective. Among surrounding cells influencing the biology of cancer cells, platelets are recognizing as novel players. Activated platelets release microvesicles (MVs) that, once delivered to cancer cells, modulate signaling pathways related to cell growth and dissemination; among factors contained in platelet-derived MVs, microRNAs are highly involved in cancer development. The growing interest in ω3 and ω6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) as adjuvants in anti-cancer therapy prompted us to investigate the ability of arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to modulate MV biological functions. AA induced differential enhancement of platelet-specific microRNAs (miR-223 and miR-126), an effect further enhanced by the presence of DHA. MVs can be delivered to and microRNAs internalized by breast cancer cells, although with different efficiency; analysis of kinetics of MV delivery, indeed, suggested that tumor cells fine-tune the uptake of specific microRNA. Finally, we demonstrated that physiological delivery of platelet miR-223 and miR-126 induced cellular effects in breast cancer cells, including cell cycle arrest, inhibition of migration and sensitivity to cisplatin. These results have been confirmed by exogenous expression of miR-223 and miR-126 through transient transfection experiments. Our preliminary data suggest that ω6/ω3-PUFA supplementation, by modulating microRNA delivery, enhances platelet anti-tumor activities, thus opening new avenues for add-on therapies in cancer patients.

Hydrogen peroxide inducible clone-5 sustains NADPH oxidase-dependent reactive oxygen species-c-jun N-terminal kinase signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma

Target therapy aiming at critical molecules within the metastatic signal pathways is essential for prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. Hic-5 (hydrogen peroxide inducible clone-5) which belongs to the paxillin superfamily, can be stimulated by a lot of metastatic factors, such as transforming growth factor (TGF-β), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Previous studies implicated Hic-5 cross-talks with the ROS-c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signal cascade in a positive feedback manner. In this report, we addressed this issue in a comprehensive manner. By RNA interference and ectopic Hic-5 expression, we demonstrated Hic-5 was essential for activation of NADPH oxidase and ROS generation leading to activation of downstream JNK and c-jun transcription factor. This was initiated by interaction of Hic-5 with the regulator and adaptor of NADPH oxidase, Rac1 and Traf4, respectively, which may further phosphorylate the nonreceptor tyrosine kinase Pyk2 at Tyr881. On the other hand, promoter activity assay coupled with deletion mapping and site directed mutagenesis strategies demonstrated the distal c-jun and AP4 putative binding regions (943–1126 bp upstream of translational start site) were required for transcriptional activation of Hic-5. Thus Hic-5 was both downstream and upstream of NADPH oxidase-ROS-JNK-c-jun cascade. This signal circuit was essential for regulating the expression of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) factors, such as Snail, Zeb1, E-cadherin, and matrix metalloproteinase 9, involved in HCC cell migration and metastasis. Due to the limited expression of Hic-5 in normal tissue, it can be a promising therapeutic target for preventing HCC metastasis.

The inhibition of miR-126 in cell migration and invasion of cervical cancer through regulating ZEB1

Background

Cervical cancer is a malignancy that’s common in female with high incidence and mortality worldwide. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) act a pivotal part in human cancer development. Our aim was to investigate the effect of miR-126 on cervical cancer and its underlying molecular mechanism.

Results

Firstly, RT-qPCR assay revealed that the expression of miR-126 was significantly downregulated in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines, compared with that in normal adjacent tissues and normal cervical epithelial cell line (Ect1/E6E7), respectively. Then, ZEB1 was verified as a target of miR-126 by using luciferase reporter assay. Inversely, the expression of ZEB1 was markedly upregulated in tumor tissues, and its mRNA level was negatively regulated by miR-126 expression in SiHa and Hela cells. Moreover, the capability of cell proliferation, migration and invasion was analyzed by CCK-8, wound healing assay and transwell assay, respectively. The results demonstrated that overexpression of miR-126 inhibited SiHa and Hela cell proliferation, migration and invasion, while ZEB1 abolished the inhibition induced by miR-126. Additionally, miR-126 suppressed MMP2 and MMP9 in mRNA and protein levels, as well as inhibited the protein expression of p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 in both SiHa and Hela cells, while ZEB1 rescued miR-126-induced suppression.

Conclusion

miR-126 functions as a tumor suppressor in cervical cancer cells in vitro, which inhibits the proliferation, migration and invasion by suppressing MMP2, MMP9 expression and inactivating JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway through targeting ZEB1, suggesting that miR-126 might be a novel potential target for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with cervical cancer.

Liquiritigenin Inhibits Colorectal Cancer Proliferation, Invasion, and Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition by Decreasing Expression of Runt-Related Transcription Factor 2

Inhibition of tumor metastasis is one of the most important purposes in colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment. This study aimed to explore the effects of liquiritigenin, a flavonoid extracted from the roots of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch, on HCT116 cell proliferation, invasion, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). We found that liquiritigenin significantly inhibited HCT116 cell proliferation, invasion, and the EMT process, but had no influence on cell apoptosis. Moreover, liquiritigenin remarkably reduced the expression of runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) in HCT116 cells. Overexpression of Runx2 obviously reversed the liquiritigenin-induced invasion and EMT inhibition. Furthermore, liquiritigenin inactivated the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) pathway in HCT116 cells. Upregulation of Runx2 reversed the liquiritigenin-induced PI3K/AKT pathway inactivation. In conclusion, our research verified that liquiritigenin exerted significant inhibitory effects on CRC invasion and EMT process by downregulating the expression of Runx2 and inactivating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Liquiritigenin could be an effective therapeutic and preventative medicine for CRC treatment.

Prognostic significance of circulating microRNA-214 and -126 in dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma receiving amputation and chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

Dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma (OSA) receiving standard amputation and adjuvant chemotherapy demonstrate variable outcome with treatment; however, additional biomarkers would be helpful for predicting their outcome. In the present study, we assessed the potential of circulating microRNA-214 (miR-214) and - 126 (miR-126) to predict time to metastasis and death in dogs with OSA treated with amputation and chemotherapy.

RESULTS

Seventy-six dogs that fully met inclusion criteria were included in the analysis. The criteria included (1) a diagnosis of appendicular OSA without metastases at diagnosis, (2) treatment by amputation and chemotherapy using carboplatin, doxorubicin, cisplatin, or a combination of these agents. Circulating miR-214 and -126 levels at the time before treatment were measured by using RT-qPCR. High circulating miR-214 and serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) significantly predicted short disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Conversely, high circulating miR-126 significantly predicted prolonged DFS and OS. An integrated approach using circulating miR-214, - 126, and serum ALP showed better accuracy in the prediction of DFS and OS and identification of long-term survivors than prediction using only ALP. Other variables (age, weight, sex, monocyte counts, and primary tumor site) were associated with neither DFS nor OS. miRNA levels did not strongly correlate with histopathological indices.

CONCLUSIONS

Circulating miR-214, - 126, and an integrated prognostic score have strong potential to predict the outcome of canine appendicular OSA patients receiving amputation and chemotherapy.

Knockdown of Long Noncoding RNA CAT104 Inhibits the Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion of Human Osteosarcoma Cells by Regulating MicroRNA-381

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant bone tumor in children and adolescents. This study aimed to explore the effects of long noncoding RNA CAT104 and microRNA-381 (miR-381) on osteosarcoma cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis, as well as the underlying potential mechanism. We found that CAT104 was highly expressed in osteosarcoma MG63 and OS-732 cells. Knockdown of CAT104 significantly inhibited OS-732 cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, but promoted cell apoptosis. CAT104 regulated the expression of miR-381, and miR-381 participated in the effects of CAT104 on OS-732 cells. Zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) was a direct target gene of miR-381, which was involved in the regulatory roles of miR-381 in OS-732 cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis, as well as c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and Wnt/β-catenin pathways. In conclusion, our research verified that suppression of CAT104 exerted significant inhibitory effects on osteosarcoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by regulating the expression of miR-381 and downstream ZEB1, as well as JNK and Wnt/β-catenin pathways.

RETRACTED: miR-217 represses TGF-β1-induced airway smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration through targeting ZEB1

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy). This article has been retracted at the request of the Editor-in-Chief. The journal was alerted to several suspected image similarities within Figures 2C and 3B, between Figure 3B and 5E, and an image in Figure 3A appears to be present in another publication, as detailed here: https://pubpeer.com/publications/F4E8CA0032EF5375E7867504F3FC4A. These findings were confirmed as part of an internal investigation, and in addition, a portion of Figure 2C, ‘Scramble’ group appears to contain image similarities with Figure 5D ‘miR-217 mimic + ZEB1’ group. The journal requested the authors provide explanations and source data relating to these affected figures, but the Authors did not respond to these concerns. The Editor-in-Chief assessed this case and decided to retract the article.

GATA3 is downregulated in osteosarcoma and facilitates EMT as well as migration through regulation of slug

Background

GATA3 functions as a tumor suppressor and has been observed in multiple types of cancer, but the effects and mechanisms of GATA3 in osteosarcoma (OS) are not yet known.

Methods

The GATA3 expression in OS cells and tissues were detected using quantitative reverse-transcription PCR and Western blotting assay. CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, wound healing assay as well as transwell assay, were performed to determine the effects of GATA3 on cell proliferation, migration and invasion. ChIP and qChIP as well as luciferase assay were performed whether GATA3 transcriptionally regulated slug expression.

Results

GATA3 was downregulated in OS cells and tissues. The GATA3 expression was closely associated with tumor size as well as metastasis. GATA3 significantly suppressed OS cells proliferation, migration and invasion. EMT-associated transcript factor, slug, was transcriptionally inhibited by GATA3, thereby regulation of EMT in OS.

Conclusion

GATA3 serves as a tumor suppressor in OS and suppresses the progression and metastasis of OS through regulation of slug.

Upregulation of MiR-126 Delays the Senescence of Human Glomerular Mesangial Cells Induced by High Glucose via Telomere-p53-p21-Rb Signaling Pathway

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a microvascular complication of type 2 diabetes. The study of DKD mechanisms is the most important target for the prevention of DKD. Renal senescence is one of the important pathogeneses for DKD, but the mechanism of renal and cellular senescence is unclear. Decreased expression of circulating miR-126 is associated with the development of DKD and may be a promising blood-based biomarker for DKD. This study is to probe the effect and mechanism of miR-126 on the aging of human glomerular mesangial cells (HGMCs) induced by high glucose. HGMCs were cultured with Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI-1640) in vitro. The effect of high glucose on morphology of HGMCs was observed 72 h after intervention. The cell cycle was examined by flow cytometry. The telomere length was measured by Southern blotting. The expression levels of p53, p21 and Rb proteins in p53-p21-Rb signaling pathway and p-stat1, p-stat3 in JAK/STAT signaling pathway were detected by Western blotting respectively. The expression of miR-126 was examined by qRT-PCR. MiR-126 mimics was transfected into HGMCs. The effects of miR-126 mimics transfection on cell morphology, cell cycle, telomere length, p53, p21, Rb, p-stat1 and p-stat3 were observed. The results showed that high glucose not only arrested the cell cycle in G1 phase but also shortened the telomere length. High glucose led to high expression of p53, p21, Rb, p-stat1 and p-stat3 and premature senescence of HGMCs by activating the telomere-p53-p21-Rb and JAK/STAT signaling pathways. Moreover, the miR-126 was decreased in HGMCs induced by high glucose. It was suggested that the transfection of miR-126 mimics could inhibit the telomere-p53-p21-Rb and JAK/STAT signaling pathway activity in vitro and delay the senescence of HGMCs. The results may serve as a new strategy for the treatment of DKD.

Identification of Novel Target for Osteosarcoma by Network Analysis

Background

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a highly complicated bone cancer involving imbalance of signaling transduction networks in cells. Development of new anti-osteosarcoma drugs is very challenging, mainly due to lack of known key targets.

Material/Method

In this study, we attempted to reveal more promising targets for drug design by “Target-Pathway” network analysis, providing the new therapeutic strategy of osteosarcoma. The potential targets used for the treatment of OS were selected from 4 different sources: DrugBank, TCRD database, dbDEMC database, and recent scientific literature papers. Cytoscape was used for the establishment of the “Target-Pathway” network.

Results

The obtained results suggest that tankyrase 2 (TNKS2) might be a very good potential protein target for the treatment of osteosarcoma. An in vitro MTT assay proved that it is an available option against OS by targeting the TNKS2 protein. Subsequently, cell cycle and apoptosis assay by flow cytometry showed the TNKS2 inhibitor can obviously induce cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and mitotic cell death.

Conclusions

Tankyrase 2 (TNKS2), a member of the multifunctional poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs), could be a very useful protein target for the treatment of osteosarcoma.

Analyzing the disease module associated with osteosarcoma via a network- and pathway-based approach

Osteosarcoma is the most common type of primary malignant bone tumor observed in children and adolescents. The aim of the present study was to identify an osteosarcoma-related gene module (OSM) by looking for a dense module following the integration of signals from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) into the human protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. A dataset of somatic mutations in osteosarcoma was obtained from the dbGaP database and their testing P-values were incorporated into the PPI network from a recent study using the dmGWAS bioconductor package. An OSM containing 201 genes (OS genes) and 268 interactions, which were closely associated with immune response, intracellular signal transduction and cell activity was identified. Topological analysis of the OSM identified 11 genes, including APP, APPBP2, ATXN1, HSP90B1, IKZF1, KRTAP10-1, PAK1, PDPK1, SMAD4, SUZ12 and TP53 as potential diagnostic biomarkers for osteosarcoma. The overall survival analysis of osteosarcoma for those 11 genes based on a dataset from the Cancer Genome Atlas, identified APP, HSP90B1, SUZ12 and IKZF1 as osteosarcoma survival-related genes. The results of the present study should be helpful in understanding the diagnosis and treatment of osteosarcoma and its underlying mechanisms. In addition, the methodology used in the present study may be suitable for the analysis of other types of disease.

miR-18a-5p promotes cell invasion and migration of osteosarcoma by directly targeting IRF2

An increasing number of studies have suggested that microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the progress of many human cancers including osteosarcoma (OS). Especially, microRNA-18a-5p (miR-18a-5p) has been reported to associate with the occurrence, development and clinical outcomes of human cancers. Therefore, we investigated the functions of miR-18a-5p in OS. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) showed that miR-18a-5p was significantly upregulated in OS tissues and cell lines (MG-63 and Saos-2). The overexpression of miR-18a-5p was found to significantly promote cell migration and invasion in MG-63 cells via Transwell assay. Moreover, luciferase reporter assays indicated that interferon regulatory factor (IRF)2 was a direct target of miR-18a-5p. IRF2 was downregulated in MG-63 and Saos-2 cell lines. Furthermore, Transwell analysis showed that the knockout of IRF2 promoted cell migration and invasion in MG-63 cells. Carcinogenesis of miR-18a-5p was reversed by the overexpression of IRF2 in OS. In conclusion, miR-18a-5p promoted the invasion and migration of OS cells through inhibiting IRF2 expression. Thus, miR-18a-5p might act as a potential target for the diagnosis and treatment of OS in the future.

miR-205-5p inhibits cell migration and invasion in prostatic carcinoma by targeting ZEB1

Many studies have demonstrated that miRNAs have influence on tumorigenesis and progression of human cancers, including invasion and migration. Thus, the role of miR-205/ZEB1 axis for the migration and invasion of prostate cancer cells was explored in the present study. The miR-205-5p and zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) mRNA expression levels were observed in prostate cancer tissues or cell lines via reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), and the protein level of ZEB1 was measured by western blotting. Dual-Luciferase Reporter Assay was used to verify the relationship between miR-205-5p and ZEB1. In addition, cell migration and invasion was measured by Transwell assay. The results revealed that, compared with the control, downregulation of miR-205-5p was detected in prostate cancer tissues and cell lines, and miR-205-5p overexpression was found to inhibit cell migration and invasion. Moreover, miR-205-5p was confirmed to directly target ZEB1 in prostate cancer. Importantly, ZEB1 was identified to weaken the inhibitory effect of miR-205-5p in prostate cancer. In conclusion, miR-205-5p inhibited cell migration and invasion in prostatic carcinoma by targeting ZEB1 and miR-205-5p/ZEB1 axis shows potential to be developed in therapeutic strategies for prostate cancer.

Functional Role of Non-Coding RNAs during Epithelial-To-Mesenchymal Transition

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key biological process involved in a multitude of developmental and pathological events. It is characterized by the progressive loss of cell-to-cell contacts and actin cytoskeletal rearrangements, leading to filopodia formation and the progressive up-regulation of a mesenchymal gene expression pattern enabling cell migration. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition is already observed in early embryonic stages such as gastrulation, when the epiblast undergoes an EMT process and therefore leads to the formation of the third embryonic layer, the mesoderm. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition is pivotal in multiple embryonic processes, such as for example during cardiovascular system development, as valve primordia are formed and the cardiac jelly is progressively invaded by endocardium-derived mesenchyme or as the external cardiac cell layer is established, i.e., the epicardium and cells detached migrate into the embryonic myocardial to form the cardiac fibrous skeleton and the coronary vasculature. Strikingly, the most important biological event in which EMT is pivotal is cancer development and metastasis. Over the last years, understanding of the transcriptional regulatory networks involved in EMT has greatly advanced. Several transcriptional factors such as Snail, Slug, Twist, Zeb1 and Zeb2 have been reported to play fundamental roles in EMT, leading in most cases to transcriptional repression of cell⁻cell interacting proteins such as ZO-1 and cadherins and activation of cytoskeletal markers such as vimentin. In recent years, a fundamental role for non-coding RNAs, particularly microRNAs and more recently long non-coding RNAs, has been identified in normal tissue development and homeostasis as well as in several oncogenic processes. In this study, we will provide a state-of-the-art review of the functional roles of non-coding RNAs, particularly microRNAs, in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in both developmental and pathological EMT.

Long Noncoding RNA Urothelial Carcinoma-Associated 1 Promotes the Proliferation and Metastasis of Human Lung Tumor Cells by Regulating MicroRNA-144

Long noncoding RNA urothelial carcinoma-associated 1 (lncRNA UCA1) has gained more attention in recent years due to its oncogenic roles in various cancers. MicroRNA-144 (miR-144) participates in the regulation of the growth of many cancer cells. This study investigated the interaction between lncRNA UCA1 and miR-144 in lung cancer cells. The potential downstream protein of miR-144 was also assessed. Our results found that lncRNA UCA1 was highly expressed in human lung cancer A549, H517, H4006, H1299, and H1650 cells compared to normal embryonic lung WI-38 and HEL-1 cells. Knockdown of lncRNA UCA1 significantly inhibited lung cancer A549 cell viability, migration, invasion, and cell cycle progression, but promoted cell apoptosis. Besides, we found that lncRNA UCA1 was bound to miR-144. miR-144 participated in the regulation effects of lncRNA UCA1 on A549 cell viability, migration, invasion, cell cycle transition, and cell apoptosis. In addition, Pre-B-cell leukemia homeobox 3 (PBX3) was found to be a direct target gene of miR-144. Overexpression of PBX3 promoted A549 cell proliferation and metastasis. Suppression of PBX3 had an opposite effect.

∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition and metastasis by targeting matrix metalloproteinase-9 in endometrial cancer

Limited therapeutic interventions are clinically available for treating aggressive endometrial cancer (EC). Therefore, effective therapies are urgently required. Therefore, the present study investigated the role of ∆⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is reported to impact proliferative and migratory activities during impairment of cancer progression. In the present study, cell migration in response to THC was measured using transwell assays. Using western blot analysis, the levels of cannabinoid receptors in EC tissues were detected and pathways leading to the inhibition of cell migration by THC on human EC cells were determined. Results suggested that cannabinoid receptors were highly expressed in EC tissues. Furthermore, THC inhibited EC cell viability and motility by inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and downregulating matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) gene expression in aggressive human EC cells. The results have the potential to promote the development of novel compounds for the treatment of EC metastasis. The presnet findings suggest that THC may inhibit human EC cell migration through regulating EMT and MMP-9 pathways.