miR-210 inhibits cell migration and invasion by targeting the brain-derived neurotrophic factor in glioblastoma

Biosensor-Enhanced Organ-on-a-Chip Models for Investigating Glioblastoma Tumor Microenvironment Dynamics

Glioblastoma, an aggressive primary brain tumor, poses a significant challenge owing to its dynamic and intricate tumor microenvironment. This review investigates the innovative integration of biosensor-enhanced organ-on-a-chip (OOC) models as a novel strategy for an in-depth exploration of glioblastoma tumor microenvironment dynamics. In recent years, the transformative approach of incorporating biosensors into OOC platforms has enabled real-time monitoring and analysis of cellular behaviors within a controlled microenvironment. Conventional in vitro and in vivo models exhibit inherent limitations in accurately replicating the complex nature of glioblastoma progression. This review addresses the existing research gap by pioneering the integration of biosensor-enhanced OOC models, providing a comprehensive platform for investigating glioblastoma tumor microenvironment dynamics. The applications of this combined approach in studying glioblastoma dynamics are critically scrutinized, emphasizing its potential to bridge the gap between simplistic models and the intricate in vivo conditions. Furthermore, the article discusses the implications of biosensor-enhanced OOC models in elucidating the dynamic features of the tumor microenvironment, encompassing cell migration, proliferation, and interactions. By furnishing real-time insights, these models significantly contribute to unraveling the complex biology of glioblastoma, thereby influencing the development of more accurate diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Unravelling the Glioblastoma Tumour Microenvironment: Can Aptamer Targeted Delivery Become Successful in Treating Brain Cancers?

The key challenges to treating glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) are the heterogeneous and complex nature of the GBM tumour microenvironment (TME) and difficulty of drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The TME is composed of various neuronal and immune cells, as well as non-cellular components, including metabolic products, cellular interactions, and chemical compositions, all of which play a critical role in GBM development and therapeutic resistance. In this review, we aim to unravel the complexity of the GBM TME, evaluate current therapeutics targeting this microenvironment, and lastly identify potential targets and therapeutic delivery vehicles for the treatment of GBM. Specifically, we explore the potential of aptamer-targeted delivery as a successful approach to treating brain cancers. Aptamers have emerged as promising therapeutic drug delivery vehicles with the potential to cross the BBB and deliver payloads to GBM and brain metastases. By targeting specific ligands within the TME, aptamers could potentially improve treatment outcomes and overcome the challenges associated with larger therapies such as antibodies.

A review on the role of miR-210 in human disorders

MicroRNA-210 (miR-210) is a miRNA with imperative effects in the pathophysiology of human disorders. miR-210 is encoded by MIR210 gene on chromosome 11p15.5. The stem-loop of this miRNA resides in an intron of the AK123483 noncoding RNA. This miRNA is a major hypoxamir whose expression is increased in hypoxic condition in several types of cells. miR-210 has been shown to be up-regulated in almost all types of examined cancer types, except for bladder cancer, angiosarcoma and glioblastoma. Dysregulation of miR-210 in colorectal carcinoma, gastric cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia, glioblastoma and laryngeal carcinoma has been related with poor clinical outcomes. In the current review, we provide a comprehensive summary of participation of miR-210 in human disorders.

BDNF and its signaling in cancer

PURPOSE

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) belongs to the family of neurotrophic factors that can potentially increase cancer cell growth, survival, proliferation, anoikis, and migration by tyrosine kinase receptors TrkB and the p75NTR death receptor. The activation of BDNF/TrkB pathways leads to several downstream signaling pathways, including PI3K/Akt, Jak/STAT, PLCγ, Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK, NF-kB, and transactivation of EGFR. The current review aimed to provide an overview of the role of BDNF and its signaling in cancer.

METHODS

We searched a major medical database, PubMed, to identify eligible studies for a narrative synthesis.

RESULTS

Pathological examinations demonstrate BDNF overexpression in human cancer, notably involving the prostate, lung, breast, and underlying tissues, associated with a higher death rate and poor prognosis. Therefore, measurement of BDNF, either for identifying the disease or predicting response to therapy, can be helpful in cancer patients. Expression profiling studies have recognized the role of microRNAs (miR) in modulating BDNF/TrkB pathways, such as miR-101, miR-107, miR-134, miR-147, miR-191, miR-200a/c, miR-204, miR-206, miR-210, miR-214, miR-382, miR-496, miR-497, miR-744, and miR-10a-5p, providing a potential biological mechanism by which targeted therapies may correlate with decreased BDNF expression in cancers. Clinical studies investigating the use of agents targeting BDNF receptors and related signaling pathways and interfering with the related oncogenic effect, including Entrectinib, Larotrectinib, Cabozantinib, Repotrectinib, Lestaurtinib, and Selitrectinib, are in progress.

CONCLUSION

The aberrant signaling of BDNF is implicated in various cancers. Well-designed clinical trials are needed to clarify the BDNF role in cancer progression and target it as a therapeutic method.

Recent insights into the microRNA-dependent modulation of gliomas from pathogenesis to diagnosis and treatment

Gliomas are the most lethal primary brain tumors in adults. These highly invasive tumors have poor 5-year survival for patients. Gliomas are principally characterized by rapid diffusion as well as high levels of cellular heterogeneity. However, to date, the exact pathogenic mechanisms, contributing to gliomas remain ambiguous. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), as small noncoding RNAs of about 20 nucleotides in length, are known as chief modulators of different biological processes at both transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels. More recently, it has been revealed that these noncoding RNA molecules have essential roles in tumorigenesis and progression of multiple cancers, including gliomas. Interestingly, miRNAs are able to modulate diverse cancer-related processes such as cell proliferation and apoptosis, invasion and migration, differentiation and stemness, angiogenesis, and drug resistance; thus, impaired miRNAs may result in deterioration of gliomas. Additionally, miRNAs can be secreted into cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), as well as the bloodstream, and transported between normal and tumor cells freely or by exosomes, converting them into potential diagnostic and/or prognostic biomarkers for gliomas. They would also be great therapeutic agents, especially if they could cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Accordingly, in the current review, the contribution of miRNAs to glioma pathogenesis is first discussed, then their glioma-related diagnostic/prognostic and therapeutic potential is highlighted briefly.

Long non-coding RNA PAXIP-AS1 promotes viability, invasion, and migration of HTR-8/SVneo cells through miR-210-3p/BDNF axis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this research was to explore the role and potential mechanism of long non-coding RNA PAXIP-AS1 in preeclampsia.

METHODS

To investigate the effects of PAXIP-AS1 on cell viability, migration, and invasion. The miR-210-3p-targeted relationship with lncRNA PAXIP-AS1 or BDNF was verified.

RESULTS

PAXIP-AS1 was inversely correlated with miR-210-3p and BDNF was targeted by miR-210-3p. BDNF was positively correlated with PAXIP-AS1 in the serum of preeclampsia patients. The promotion effects of PAXIP-AS1 on cell viability, migration, and invasion were reversed by miR-210-3p up-regulation or BDNF knockdown in trophoblast cells.

CONCLUSION

PAXIP-AS1 promoted the viability, migration, and invasion of trophoblast cells by regulating the miR-210-3p/BDNF axis.

LncRNA BC083743 Promotes the Proliferation of Schwann Cells and Axon Regeneration Through miR-103-3p/BDNF After Sciatic Nerve Crush

To investigate the underlying mechanism of lncRNA BC083743 in regulating the proliferation of Schwann cells (SCs) and axon regeneration after sciatic nerve crush (SNC), we used a rat model. Sciatic function index and the atrophy ratio of gastrocnemius muscle were evaluated. The relationship among BC083743, miR-103-3p, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and their regulation mechanism in the repair of SNC were investigated using in vivo and in vitro experiments. The expression changes of BC083743 were positively associated with that of BDNF following SNC, but the expression changes of miR-103-3p were inversely associated with that of BDNF. The SC proliferation and BDNF expression could be promoted by overexpression of BC083743, while they were inhibited by a miR-103-3p mimic. In addition, BC083743 interacted with and regulated miR-103-3p, thereby promoting BDNF expression and SC proliferation. BC083743 overexpression also promoted axon regeneration through miR-103-3p. In vivo experiments also indicated that BC083743 overexpression promoted the repair of SNC. In conclusion, LncRNA BC083743 promotes SC proliferation and the axon regeneration through miR-103-3p/BDNF after SNC.

Extracellular Vesicles Loaded miRNAs as Potential Modulators Shared Between Glioblastoma, and Parkinson's and Alzheimer's Diseases

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the deadliest brain tumor. Its poor prognosis is due to cell heterogeneity, invasiveness, and high vascularization that impede an efficient therapeutic approach. In the past few years, several molecular links connecting GBM to neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) were identified at preclinical and clinical level. In particular, giving the increasing critical role that epigenetic alterations play in both GBM and NDDs, we deeply analyzed the role of miRNAs, small non-coding RNAs acting epigenetic modulators in several key biological processes. Specific miRNAs, transported by extracellular vesicles (EVs), act as intercellular communication signals in both diseases. In this way, miRNA-loaded EVs modulate GBM tumorigenesis, as they spread oncogenic signaling within brain parenchyma, and control the aggregation of neurotoxic protein (Tau, Aβ-amyloid peptide, and α-synuclein) in NDDs. In this review, we highlight the most promising miRNAs linking GBM and NDDs playing a significant pathogenic role in both diseases.

circKMT2D contributes to H2O2-attenuated osteosarcoma progression via the miR-210/autophagy pathway

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been demonstrated to be involved in osteosarcoma (OS) development; however, the underlying mechanism of circKMT2D in OS progression remains unclear. The present study aimed to elucidate how circKMT2D could affect hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced OS progression. H₂O₂ (100 µmol/l) was used to treat MG63 and U2OS cells. The cell viability, invasive ability, apoptosis and circKMT2D expression were detected using Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, Transwell assay, flow cytometry and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, respectively. Furthermore, MG63 and U2OS cells transfected with circKMT2D short hairpin RNA and negative control were treated with H₂O₂, and circKMT2D expression and cell phenotype were determined. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was conducted to determine the association between circKMT2D and miR-210 expression level. Rescue experiments were conducted to examine the mechanisms through which circKMT2D and miR-210 could affect H₂O₂-treated MG63 cells. In addition, the effects of miR-210 on the expression of the autophagy-related proteins Beclin1 and p62 in H₂O₂-treated MG63 cells were detected by western blotting. An autophagy inhibitor was used to treat the MG63 cells, and whether miR-210 could affect the H₂O₂-treated MG63 cell phenotype through autophagy was investigated. The results demonstrated that H₂O₂ treatment promoted cell apoptosis and decreased cell viability, invasive ability and circKMT2D expression in MG63 and U2OS cells. Furthermore, circKMT2D knockdown decreased the cell viability and invasive ability and enhanced the apoptosis of H₂O₂-treated MG63 and U2OS cells. circKMT2D possessed binding sites for miR-210 and inhibited miR-210 expression. In H₂O₂-treated MG63 cells, miR-210 silencing partially reversed the circKMT2D knockdown-induced cell viability inhibition and apoptosis promotion. In addition, miR-210 elevated Beclin1 expression and decreased p62 expression in H₂O₂-treated MG63 cells. The use of the autophagy inhibitor partially reversed the miR-210 overexpression-induced promotion of apoptosis and inhibition of the viability and invasive ability of H₂O₂-treated MG63 cells. Taken together, these findings indicated that circKMT2D knockdown may contribute to the inhibition of H₂O₂-attenuated OS progression via miR-210/autophagy pathway.

Therapeutically Significant MicroRNAs in Primary and Metastatic Brain Malignancies

Simple Summary

The overall survival of brain cancer patients remains grim, with conventional therapies such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy only providing marginal benefits to patient survival. Cancers are complex, with multiple pathways being dysregulated simultaneously. Non-coding RNAs such as microRNA (miRNAs) are gaining importance due to their potential in regulating a variety of targets implicated in the pathology of cancers. This could be leveraged for the development of targeted and personalized therapies for cancers. Since miRNAs can upregulate and/or downregulate proteins, this review aims to understand the role of these miRNAs in primary and metastatic brain cancers. Here, we discuss the regulatory mechanisms of ten miRNAs that are highly dysregulated in glioblastoma and metastatic brain tumors. This will enable researchers to develop miRNA-based targeted cancer therapies and identify potential prognostic biomarkers.

Abstract

Brain cancer is one among the rare cancers with high mortality rate that affects both children and adults. The most aggressive form of primary brain tumor is glioblastoma. Secondary brain tumors most commonly metastasize from primary cancers of lung, breast, or melanoma. The five-year survival of primary and secondary brain tumors is 34% and 2.4%, respectively. Owing to poor prognosis, tumor heterogeneity, increased tumor relapse, and resistance to therapies, brain cancers have high mortality and poor survival rates compared to other cancers. Early diagnosis, effective targeted treatments, and improved prognosis have the potential to increase the survival rate of patients with primary and secondary brain malignancies. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short noncoding RNAs of approximately 18–22 nucleotides that play a significant role in the regulation of multiple genes. With growing interest in the development of miRNA-based therapeutics, it is crucial to understand the differential role of these miRNAs in the given cancer scenario. This review focuses on the differential expression of ten miRNAs (miR-145, miR-31, miR-451, miR-19a, miR-143, miR-125b, miR-328, miR-210, miR-146a, and miR-126) in glioblastoma and brain metastasis. These miRNAs are highly dysregulated in both primary and metastatic brain tumors, which necessitates a better understanding of their role in these cancers. In the context of the tumor microenvironment and the expression of different genes, these miRNAs possess both oncogenic and/or tumor-suppressive roles within the same cancer.

Upregulation of miR-1825 inhibits the progression of glioblastoma by suppressing CDK14 though Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Mounting evidences displayed that miRNAs play crucial roles in tumor initiation and development. However, the regulation and relevant mechanism of miR-1825 in glioblastoma (GBM) remain unclear.

METHODS

qRT-PCR was used to detect miR-1825 and CDK14 mRNA expression. Western blot was applied for testing protein levels (VEGF, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, vimentin, β-catenin, c-myc, p-c-Jun). MTT and transwell assays were used for detecting GBM cell progression, including cell viability, migration, and invasion.

RESULTS

The results showed that miR-1825 was decreased in GBM tissue specimens by qRT-PCR and it was confirmed as a prognostic marker of GBM by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Moreover, we also found that miR-1825 upregulation suppressed GBM cell viability, tumor growth, invasion, and migration. Furthermore, CDK14 was first identified as the direct target of miR-1825 by Luciferase reporter assay. CDK14 acted as an oncogene in GBM development by immunohistochemistry. In addition, Western blot analysis demonstrated that miR-1825 regulated Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in GBM development.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, miR-1825 upregulation suppressed GBM progression by targeting CDK14 through Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

MiR-489-3p inhibits cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and induces apoptosis, by targeting the BDNF-mediated PI3K/AKT pathway in glioblastoma

Among astrocyte tumors, glioblastoma (GBM) is the most malignant glioma, highly aggressive and invasive, with extremely poor prognosis. Previous research has reported that microRNAs (miRNAs) participate in the progression of many cancers. Thus, this study aimed to explore the role and the underlying mechanisms of microRNA (miR)-489-3p in GBM progression. The expression of miR-489-3p and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Western blot analysis was used to detect BDNF protein and the PI3K/AKT pathway-related protein. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were analyzed using CKK-8 assay, flow cytometry, and transwell assay, respectively. The interaction between BDNF and miR-489-3p was explored by luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. MiR-489-3p was down-regulated and BDNF was up-regulated in GBM tissues and cells. MiR-489-3p re-expression or BDNF knockdown inhibited GBM cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and promoted apoptosis. BDNF was a target of miR-489-3p, and BDNF up-regulation reversed the effects of miR-489-3p on GBM cells. The protein levels of p-AKT and p-PI3K were notably reduced in GBM cells by overexpression of miR-489-3p, but were rescued following BDNF up-regulation. Therefore, miR-489-3p inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion, and induced apoptosis, by targeting the BDNF-mediated PI3K/AKT pathway in GBM, providing new strategies for clinical treatment of GBM.

MiR-210-3p Inhibits Proliferation and Migration of C6 Cells by Targeting Iscu

Glioma is the most common primary brain tumor and the most malignant type of glioma is glioblastoma with the character of high mortality, high recurrence rate and poor prognosis. MicroRNAs act as an important component in glioma development and thus may be a potential target for the treatment of glioma. There were some researches indicated that miR-210-3p played a role in glioma development, but if it can inhibit glioma growth, as well as the underlying mechanism, is still uncertain. In the present study, we investigated the effects of miR-210-3p and its potential target gene Iscu on glioma (C6) cells proliferation and migration in vitro as well as the influence of miR-210-3p on glioma growth in vivo. The results showed that miR-210-3p inhibited the proliferation and migration of C6 cells by regulating the expression of its target gene Iscu in vitro. We also demonstrated that glioma growth was suppressed in immunodeficient mice when they were implanted with C6 cells overexpressing miR-210-3p. Our data indicated that miR-210-3p played an important role in the prevention of glioma growth by targeting Iscu and so miR-210-3p/Iscu axis might be a potential target for the treatment of glioma.

Activation of BDNF-AS/ADAR/p53 Positive Feedback Loop Inhibits Glioblastoma Cell Proliferation

Despite progress in conventional treatment for glioblastoma (GBM), the prognosis remains poor due to high tumor recurrence. Therefore, identification of new molecular mechanisms is a pressing need for betterment of GBM patient outcomes. qRT-PCR was used to determine BDNF-AS expression in GBM cells. CCK-8, EdU incorporation, and caspase-3 activity assays were employed to analyze biological functions of BDNF-AS. RIP and RNA pull-down were conducted to detect the interactions among BDNF-AS, ADAR, and p53. Actinomycin D was utilized to examine the stability of p53 mRNA. ChIP and luciferase reporter assays were performed to detect transcriptional activation of BDNF-AS by p53. We found that BDNF-AS was significantly downregulated in GBM cell lines, and its overexpression inhibited GBM cell growth, and promoted apoptosis. Importantly, we illustrated that BDNF-AS coupled with ADAR protein to potentiate stability of p53 mRNA and thus upregulate p53. Interestingly, we further identified p53 as a transcription factor of BDNF-AS, activating transcription of BNDF-AS. This study firstly demonstrated that BDNF-AS acted as a tumor suppressor in GBM and the positive feedback circuit of BDNF-AS/ADAR/p53 served an important mechanism to control GBM proliferation. Targeting this auto-regulatory loop may provide a potential therapeutic strategy for GBM patients.

Glioblastoma: Role of Mitochondria N-acetylserotonin/Melatonin Ratio in Mediating Effects of miR-451 and Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor and in Coordinating Wider Biochemical Changes

A wide array of different factors and processes have been linked to the biochemical underpinnings of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and glioblastoma stem cells (GSC), with no clear framework in which these may be integrated. Consequently, treatment of GBM/GSC is generally regarded as very poor. This article provides a framework that is based on alterations in the regulation of the melatonergic pathways within mitochondria of GBM/GSC. It is proposed that the presence of high levels of mitochondria-synthesized melatonin is toxic to GBM/GSC, with a number of processes in GBM/GSC acting to limit melatonin’s synthesis in mitochondria. One such factor is the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, which increases cytochrome P450 (CYP)1b1 in mitochondria, leading to the ‘backward’ conversion of melatonin to N-acetylserotonin (NAS). N-acetylserotonin has some similar, but some important differential effects compared with melatonin, including its activation of the tyrosine receptor kinase B (TrkB) receptor. TrkB activation is important to GBM/GSC survival and proliferation. A plethora of significant, but previously disparate, data on GBM/GSC can then be integrated within this framework, including miR-451, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mTOR, 14-3-3 proteins, sirtuins, tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase, and the kynurenine pathways. Such a conceptualization provides a framework for the development of more effective treatment for this poorly managed condition.