HOXA11‐AS regulates JAK‐STAT pathway by miR‐15a‐3p/STAT3 axis to promote the growth and metastasis in liver cancer

Hypoxia/inflammation-induced upregulation of HIF-1α and C/EBPβ promotes nephroblastoma cell EMT by improving HOXA11-AS transcription

Background

Homeobox (HOX) A11 antisense RNA (HOXA11-AS) has been identified as a cancer promoting lncRNA and is overexpressed in nephroblastoma. However, how HOXA11-AS is regulated in a hypoxic inflammatory environment has not been studied.

Methods

In this study, gene expression and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) ability were detected in the nephroblastoma cell line WiT49 under conditions of hypoxia and inflammation. Next, HOXA11-AS transcription factors were predicted by datasets and subsequently confirmed by CHIP-QPCR, EMSA, and dual-luciferase reporter assays. Moreover, the regulatory relationships of HOXA11-AS and its transcription factors were further confirmed by rescue experiments.

Results

Our results showed that a hypoxic microenvironment promoted HOXA11-AS expression and nephroblastoma progression, induced EMT, and activated the Wnt signaling pathway. Combined hypoxia and inflammation had a more substantial effect on nephroblastoma than either hypoxia or inflammation alone. HIF-1α and C/EBPβ were confirmed to be the transcription factors for HOXA11-AS. Silencing of HIF-1α or C/EBPβ downregulated HOXA11-AS expression and suppressed EMT and the Wnt signaling pathway in nephroblastoma cells exposed to a hypoxic or inflammatory microenvironment. HOXA11-AS overexpression partly reversed the effect of HIF-1α or C/EBPβ knockdown.

Conclusion

We demonstrated that hypoxia/inflammation-induced upregulation of HIF-1α and C/EBPβ promoted nephroblastoma EMT by improving HOXA11-AS transcription. HOXA11-AS might be a therapy target for nephroblastoma.

Mechanisms and therapeutic prospect of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway in liver cancer

Liver cancer (LC) poses a significant global health challenge due to its high incidence and poor prognosis. Current systemic treatment options, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, and immunotherapy, have shown limited effectiveness for advanced LC patients. Moreover, owing to the heterogeneous nature of LC, it is crucial to uncover more in-depth pathogenic mechanisms and develop effective treatments to address the limitations of the existing therapeutic modalities. Increasing evidence has revealed the crucial role of the Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway in the pathogenesis of LC. The specific mechanisms driving the JAK-STAT pathway activation in LC, participate in a variety of malignant biological processes, including cell differentiation, evasion, anti-apoptosis, immune escape, and treatment resistance. Both preclinical and clinical investigations on the JAK-STAT pathway inhibitors have exhibited potential in LC treatment, thereby opening up avenues for the development of more targeted therapeutic strategies for LC. In this study, we provide an overview of the JAK-STAT pathway, delving into the composition, activation, and dynamic interplay within the pathway. Additionally, we focus on the molecular mechanisms driving the aberrant activation of the JAK-STAT pathway in LC. Furthermore, we summarize the latest advancements in targeting the JAK-STAT pathway for LC treatment. The insights presented in this review aim to underscore the necessity of research into the JAK-STAT signaling pathway as a promising avenue for LC therapy.

Recent insights into the functions and mechanisms of antisense RNA: emerging applications in cancer therapy and precision medicine

The antisense RNA molecule is a unique DNA transcript consisting of 19-23 nucleotides, characterized by its complementary nature to mRNA. These antisense RNAs play a crucial role in regulating gene expression at various stages, including replication, transcription, and translation. Additionally, artificial antisense RNAs have demonstrated their ability to effectively modulate gene expression in host cells. Consequently, there has been a substantial increase in research dedicated to investigating the roles of antisense RNAs. These molecules have been found to be influential in various cellular processes, such as X-chromosome inactivation and imprinted silencing in healthy cells. However, it is important to recognize that in cancer cells; aberrantly expressed antisense RNAs can trigger the epigenetic silencing of tumor suppressor genes. Moreover, the presence of deletion-induced aberrant antisense RNAs can lead to the development of diseases through epigenetic silencing. One area of drug development worth mentioning is antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), and a prime example of an oncogenic trans-acting long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) is HOTAIR (HOX transcript antisense RNA). NATs (noncoding antisense transcripts) are dysregulated in many cancers, and researchers are just beginning to unravel their roles as crucial regulators of cancer's hallmarks, as well as their potential for cancer therapy. In this review, we summarize the emerging roles and mechanisms of antisense RNA and explore their application in cancer therapy.

MiRNAs in Alcohol-Related Liver Diseases and Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Step toward New Therapeutic Approaches?

Alcohol-related Liver Disease (ALD) is the primary cause of chronic liver disorders and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development in developed countries and thus represents a major public health concern. Unfortunately, few therapeutic options are available for ALD and HCC, except liver transplantation or tumor resection for HCC. Deciphering the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of these diseases is therefore of major importance to identify early biomarkers and to design efficient therapeutic options. Increasing evidence indicate that epigenetic alterations play a central role in the development of ALD and HCC. Among them, microRNA importantly contribute to the development of this disease by controlling the expression of several genes involved in hepatic metabolism, inflammation, fibrosis, and carcinogenesis at the post-transcriptional level. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge about miRNAs' functions in the different stages of ALD and their role in the progression toward carcinogenesis. We highlight that each stage of ALD is associated with deregulated miRNAs involved in hepatic carcinogenesis, and thus represent HCC-priming miRNAs. By using in silico approaches, we have uncovered new miRNAs potentially involved in HCC. Finally, we discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting miRNAs for the treatment of these diseases.

The cross-talk between LncRNAs and JAK-STAT signaling pathway in cancer

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are non-coding RNAs that were transcribed from the human genome and have become important regulators in a number of cellular activities, mostly via controlling gene expression. A growing body of evidence shows that lncRNAs regulate various factors to impact various biological activities that are related to tumorigenesis, including the Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway. lncRNAs influence the JAK-STAT signaling pathway either by directly targeting or via indirectly modulating other upstream or downstream pathways' components like members of the suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) family, and other genes that regulate cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Furthermore, lncRNAs can act as downstream effectors of the JAK-STAT pathway and mediates tumorigenesis. The relationship between JAK-STAT signaling and lncRNAs differs among various types of cancers. Besides, lncRNAs, as biological molecules, have been shown to play a dual role in either tumorigenesis or tumor suppression in various cancers. In this review, we focus on the reciprocated regulation and functions of lncRNAs and the JAK-STAT signaling pathway in cancer, as well as narrate the latest research progress on this association. A deeper understanding of this correlation may simplify the recognition of potential targets for clinical therapeutics.

Janus Kinase-Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription Inhibitors for the Treatment and Management of Cancer

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is the second-highest cause of mortality worldwide, killing nearly 9.6 million people annually. Despite the advances in diagnosis and treatment during the last couple of decades, it remains a serious concern due to the limitations of currently available cancer management strategies. Therefore, alternative strategies are highly required to overcome these glitches. In addition, many etiological factors such as environmental and genetic factors initiate the activation of the Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator of the transcription (STAT) pathway. This aberrant activation of the JAK-STAT pathway has been reported in various disease states, including inflammatory conditions, hematologic malignancies, and cancer. For instance, many patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms carry the acquired gain-of-function JAK2 V617F somatic mutation. This knowledge has dramatically improved our understanding of pathogenesis and has facilitated the development of therapeutics capable of suppressing the constitutive activation of the JAK-STAT pathway. Our aim is not to be expansive but to highlight emerging ideas towards preventive therapy in a modern view of JAK-STAT inhibitors. A series of agents with different specificities against different members of the JAK family of proteins is currently undergoing evaluation in clinical trials. Here we give a summary of how JAK-STAT inhibitors function and a detailed review of current clinical drugs for managing cancer as a new therapeutic approach.

The minor allele of rs17427875 in long non-coding RNA-HOXA11-AS influences the prognosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) via modulating miR-15a and STAT3 expression

Background: HOAX11-AS was reported to promote the progression of liver cancer via the signaling pathway of miR-15a-3p/STAT3. In this study, we investigated the effect of rs17427875 on the prognosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and its underlying molecular mechanisms.

Methods: 158 SAH patients were recruited and grouped according to their genotypes rs17427875. Peripheral blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were collected for subsequent analysis. Quantitative real-time PCR, luciferase assays, Western blot and ELISA were performed to analyze the correlations between the expression of lncRNA-HOXA11-AS, miR-15a, TNF-α and NF-κB.

Results: The survival rate was remarkably higher in SAH patients carrying the AA genotype of rs17427875 when compared with those carrying the AT genotype. The expression of miR-15a was significantly repressed in the peripheral blood and CSF of SAH patients carrying the AT allele when compared with that in patients carrying the AA allele. MiR-15a showed a remarkable efficacy in inhibiting the luciferase activity of wild type lncRNA-HOXA11-AS and STAT3 in THP-1 cells. P-HOXA11-AS-T showed a stronger ability to suppress the expression of miR-15a and activate the expression of STAT3, TNF-α and NF-κB in THP-1 cells when compared with P-HOXA11-AS-A.

Conclusions: The findings demonstrated that the presence of the minor allele of rs17427875 in lncRNA-HOXA11-AS could increase the expression level of lncRNA-HOXA11-AS, thus elevating the expression level of STAT3 via down-regulating miR-15a, and increased STAT3 expression could aggravate inflammation to cause poor prognosis of SAH. Therefore, the rs17427875 polymorphism can be used as a potential biomarker for the prognosis of SAH.

Natural antisense RNA Foxk1-AS promotes myogenic differentiation by inhibiting Foxk1 activity

Background

Natural antisense RNAs are RNA molecules that are transcribed from the opposite strand of either protein-coding or non-protein coding genes and have the ability to regulate the expression of their sense gene or several related genes. However, the roles of natural antisense RNAs in the maintenance and myogenesis of muscle stem cells remain largely unexamined.

Methods

We analysed myoblast differentiation and regeneration by overexpression and knockdown of Foxk1-AS using lentivirus and adeno-associated virus infection in C2C12 cells and damaged muscle tissues. Muscle injury was induced by BaCl₂ and the regeneration and repair of damaged muscle tissues was assessed by haematoxylin–eosin staining and quantitative real-time PCR. The expression of myogenic differentiation-related genes was verified via quantitative real-time PCR, Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining.

Results

We identified a novel natural antisense RNA, Foxk1-AS, which is transcribed from the opposite strand of Foxk1 DNA and completely incorporated in the 3′ UTR of Foxk1. Foxk1-AS targets Foxk1 and functions as a regulator of myogenesis. Overexpression of Foxk1-AS strongly inhibited the expression of Foxk1 in C2C12 cells and in tibialis anterior muscle tissue and promoted myoblast differentiation and the regeneration of muscle fibres damaged by BaCl₂. Furthermore, overexpression of Foxk1-AS promoted the expression of Mef2c, which is an important transcription factor in the control of muscle gene expression and is negatively regulated by Foxk1.

Conclusion

The results indicated that Foxk1-AS represses Foxk1, thereby rescuing Mef2c activity and promoting myogenic differentiation of C2C12 cells and regeneration of damaged muscle fibres.

MiR-15a-3p regulates ferroptosis via targeting glutathione peroxidase GPX4 in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cancer-related deaths throughout the world. Ferroptosis is a recently regulated form of cell death, lately gains attention. MicroRNA-15a-3p (miR-15a-3p) plays a regulatory role in various kinds of cancers. However, the role of miR-15a-3p in cellular ferroptosis is still unclear. Here, we aimed to clarify whether miR-15a-3p could regulate the ferroptosis of CRC. Here we identified miR-15a-3p positively regulates ferroptosis via directly targeting glutathione peroxidase glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) in CRC. Overexpression of miR-15a-3p repressed GPX4 through binding to the 3'-untranslated region of GPX4, resulting in increased reactive oxygen species level, intracellular Fe²⁺ level, and malondialdehyde accumulation in vitro and in vivo. Correspondingly, suppression of miR-15a-3p reduced the sensitivity of CRC cells to erastin and GPX4. Taken together, these data demonstrate that miR-15a-3p regulates ferroptosis through targeting GPX4 in CRC cells, illustrating the novel role of microRNA in ferroptosis.

Non-coding RNAs in necroptosis, pyroptosis and ferroptosis in cancer metastasis

Distant metastasis is the main cause of death for cancer patients. Recently, the newly discovered programmed cell death includes necroptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis, which possesses an important role in the process of tumor metastasis. At the same time, it is widely reported that non-coding RNA precisely regulates programmed death and tumor metastasis. In the present review, we summarize the function and role of necroptosis, pyrolysis, and ferroptosis involving in cancer metastasis, as well as the regulatory factors, including non-coding RNAs, of necroptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis in the process of tumor metastasis.

Paradoxical functions of long noncoding RNAs in modulating STAT3 signaling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the lethal and leading types of cancer threatening the globe with a high mortality rate. STAT3 is an oncogenic transcription factor that is aberrantly activated in several human malignancies including HCC. Many STAT3-driven genes control cell proliferation and survival, apoptotic resistance, cell cycle progression, metastasis, and chemotherapeutic resistance. STAT3 signaling is regulated by endogenous modulators such as protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP), suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS), protein inhibitor of activated STAT (PIAS), and various long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). Interestingly, lncRNAs have been reported to exhibit oncogenic and tumor suppressor functions, and these effects are mediated through diverse molecular mechanisms including sponging of microRNAs (miRs), transcription activation/inhibition, and epigenetic modifications. In this article, we have discussed the possible role of STAT3 signaling in hepatocarcinogenesis and various mechanisms by which lncRNAs impart their oncogenic or tumor suppressive action by modulating the STAT3 pathway in HCC.

STAM2 knockdown inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasion by affecting the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in gastric cancer

Signal transducing adaptor molecule 2 (STAM2) is a phosphotyrosine protein, which regulates receptor signaling and trafficking of mammalian cells. However, its role in gastric cancer (GC) remains undiscovered. In this study, we aimed to investigate the functions of STAM2 in GC. The mRNA and protein expression levels of STAM2 were measured by quantitative real-time PCR, western blot analysis, and immunohistochemistry. STAM2 was stably silenced in AGS and HGC-27 cells using small interfering RNA. The function of STAM2 in GC cells was further investigated by CCK-8 assay, EdU incorporation assay, flow cytometry, and scratch wound healing and Boyden chamber assays. Additionally, we conducted biological pathway enrichment analysis and rescue assays to explore the effects of STAM2 on JAK/STAT signaling pathway. Our results showed that STAM2 is remarkably highly expressed in GC tissues and cells, and overexpressed STAM2 is correlated with tumor size, advanced tumor node metastasis stage, and poor prognosis. In addition, STAM2 knockdown could significantly inhibit proliferation, block cell cycle, and restrain migration and invasion capabilities of GC cells. Mechanistically, we found that STAM2 knockdown effectively decreased the expressions of MMP2 and MMP9 and the phosphorylation levels of JAK2 and STAT3. Taken together, this study revealed that STAM2 knockdown could suppress malignant process by targeting the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in GC.

Knockdown of lncRNA X inactive specific transcript (XIST) radiosensitizes non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells through regulation of miR-16-5p/WEE1 G2 checkpoint kinase (WEE1) axis

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) X inactive specific transcript (XIST) is reported to play an oncogenic role in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the role of XIST in regulating the radiosensitivity of NSCLC cells remains unclear. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expressions of XIST and miR-16-5p in NSCLC in tissues and cells, and Western blot was used to assess the expression of WEE1 G2 checkpoint kinase (WEE1). Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation and flow cytometry assays were used to determine cell viability and apoptosis after NSCLC cells were exposed to different doses of X-rays. The interaction between XIST and miR-16-5p was confirmed by StarBase database, qRT-PCR and dual-luciferase reporter gene assays. TargetScan database was used to predict WEE1 as a target of miR-16-5p, and their targeting relationship was further validated by Western blot, qRT-PCR and dual-luciferase reporter gene assays. XIST was highly expressed in both NSCLC tissue and cell lines, and knockdown of XIST repressed NSCLC cell viability and cell survival, and facilitated apoptosis under the irradiation. MiR-16-5p was a target of XIST, and rescue experiments demonstrated that miR-16-5p inhibitors could reverse the role of XIST knockdown on radiosensitivity in NSCLC cells. WEE1 was validated as a target gene of miR-16-5p, and WEE1 could be negatively regulated by XIST. XIST promotes the radioresistance of NSCLC cells by regulating the expressions of miR-16-5p and WEE1, which can be a novel target for NSCLC therapy.

A Novel Androgen-Induced lncRNA FAM83H-AS1 Promotes Prostate Cancer Progression via the miR-15a/CCNE2 Axis

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common types of tumors among males worldwide. However, the roles of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in PCa remain unclear. This study shows that lncRNA FAM83H-AS1 is upregulated in prostate adenocarcinoma, bladder urothelial carcinoma, and kidney renal papillary cell carcinoma samples. Androgen receptor (AR) signaling plays the most important role in PCa tumorigenesis and development. In this study, the results validate that AR signaling is involved in upregulating FAM83H-AS1 expression in PCa cells. Loss-of-function assays demonstrate that FAM83H-AS1 acts as an oncogene in PCa by modulating cell proliferation, cell cycle, and migration. Bioinformatics analysis demonstrates that FAM83H-AS1 is remarkably related to the regulation of the cell cycle and DNA replication through affecting multiple regulators related to these pathways, such as CCNE2. Mechanically, we found that FAM83H-AS1 plays its roles through sponging miR-15a to promote CCNE2 expression. These findings indicate that FAM83H-AS1 is a novel diagnostic and therapeutic marker for PCa.

Long Non-Coding RNA HOXA11-AS Modulates Proliferation, Apoptosis, Metastasis and EMT in Cutaneous Melanoma Cells Partly via miR-152-3p/ITGA9 Axis

Background

Long non-coding RNA homeobox A11 antisense RNA (HOXA11-AS) was showed to participate in the progression of different kinds of tumors, but the specific role of HOXA11-AS in cutaneous melanoma is not entirely unambiguous.

Methods

The levels of HOXA11-AS, microRNA-152-3p (miR-152-3p) and integrin alpha9 (ITGA9) were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Cell proliferation was detected via 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-y1)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT), and apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry. The assessment of cell metastasis was performed by transwell migration and invasion assays. The protein levels were detected through Western blot. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was utilized to explore the target relationship among HOXA11-AS, miR-152-3p and ITGA9. The effect of HOXA11-AS on melanoma in vivo was investigated via xenograft experiment.

Results

HOXA11-AS and ITGA9 were up-regulated while miR-152-3p was down-regulated in melanoma. Knockdown of HOXA11-AS refrained cell proliferation, metastasis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) but induced apoptosis in melanoma cells. HOXA11-AS targeted miR-152-3p and overexpression of HOXA11-AS mitigated the miR-152-3p-induced effects on melanoma cellular behaviors. ITGA9 was a target of miR-152-3p and miR-152-3p inhibitor relieved the repression on proliferation, metastasis and EMT while elevation on apoptosis caused by si-ITGA9 via elevating ITGA9. HOXA11-AS knockdown restrained ITGA9 expression via up-regulating miR-152-3p. Suppression of HOXA11-AS inhibited melanoma progression in part through increasing miR-152-3p and decreasing ITGA9 expression in vivo.

Conclusion

HOXA11-AS modulated proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis and EMT in melanoma cells by regulating miR-152-3p/ITGA9 axis in part. HOXA11-AS could promote melanoma development and be used as a promising biomarker in the diagnosis and treatment for cutaneous melanoma.

Micro-RNA gene expressions during cardiopulmonary bypass

INTRODUCTION

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CBP) is the most widely used method in cardiac surgery. During the CPB procedure, studies are conducted to maintain myocardial perfusion adequacy, reduce oxidative stress caused by immune reactions, and understand the longevity of the procedure. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have come to the fore to understand the changes in the CPB. In vivo studies have shown that many different miRNAs regulate critical signaling molecules including cytokines, growth factors, transcription factors, proapoptotic, and antiapoptotic proteins. Our study aims to investigate the changes of miR-34a, miR-15a, and miR-320a gene expression in extracorporeal circulation.

METHODS

Fifteen patients who underwent elective open-heart surgery were included in the study. Serum plasma samples were taken from the patients preoperatively, at the time of CPB, and at 24 h postoperatively. Gene expression of miR-34a, miR-15a, and miR-320a in plasma samples was studied. Differences in gene expression were compared.

RESULTS

miR-15a gene expression increased during CPB compared with preoperative levels (p < .001). This increase was decreased after the operation (p < .05). miR-34a gene expression increased significantly during CPB (p < .01). Similar to the other two gene expressions, miR-320a gene expression was significantly increased during CPB (p < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

miRNAs may play a key role in the initiation and maintenance of pathophysiological cascades during CPB. Our study showed the gene expression of miR-34a, miR-15a, and miR-320a in the CPB process. Our study will be a pioneer among future studies to investigate the molecular pathophysiology of the CPB process.

Dual relationship between long non-coding RNAs and STAT3 signaling in different cancers: New insight to proliferation and metastasis

Uncontrolled growth and metastasis of cancer cells is an increasing challenge for overcoming cancer, and improving survival of patients. Complicated signaling networks account for proliferation and invasion of cancer cells that need to be elucidated for providing effective cancer therapy, and minimizing their malignancy. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are RNA molecules with a length of more than 200 nucleotides. They participate in cellular events, and their dysregulation in a common phenomenon in different cancers. Noteworthy, lncRNAs can regulate different molecular pathways, and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is one of them. STAT3 is a tumor-promoting factors in cancers due to its role in cancer proliferation (cell cycle progression and apoptosis inhibition) and metastasis (EMT induction). LncRNAs can function as upstream mediators of STAT3 pathway, reducing/enhancing its expression. This dual relationship is of importance in affecting proliferation and metastasis of cancer cells. The response of cancer cells to therapy such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy is regulated by lncRNA/STAT3 axis. Tumor-promoting lncRNAs including NEAT1, SNHG3 and H19 induces STAT3 expression, while tumor-suppressing lncRNAs such as MEG3, PTCSC3 and NKILA down-regulate STAT3 expression. Noteworthy, upstream mediators of STAT3 such as microRNAs can be regulated by lncRNAs. These complicated signaling networks are mechanistically described in the current review.

Design, synthesis, biological activity evaluation of 3-(4-phenyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-1H-pyrazole derivatives as potent JAK 2/3 and aurora A/B kinases multi-targeted inhibitors

In this study, a series of 3-(4-phenyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-1H-pyrazole derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their biological activities. Upon performing kinase assays, most of the compounds exhibited potent inhibition against JAK2/3 and Aurora A/B with the IC₅₀ values ranging from 0.008 to 2.52 μM. Among these derivatives, compound 10e expressed the most moderate inhibiting activities against all the four kinases with the IC₅₀ values of 0.166 μM (JAK2), 0.057 μM (JAK3), 0.939 μM (Aurora A), and 0.583 μM (Aurora B), respectively. Moreover, most of the derived compounds exhibited potent cytotoxicity against human chronic myeloid leukemia cells K562 and human colon cancer cells HCT116, while compound 10e expressed antiproliferative activities against K562 (IC₅₀₌6.726  μM). According to western blot analysis, compound 10e down-regulated the phosphorylation of STAT3, STAT5, Aurora A, and Aurora B in a dose-dependent manner in K562 and HCT116 cells. Cell cycle analysis revealed that compound 10e inhibited the proliferation of cells by inducing cell cycle arrest in the G2 phase. The molecular modeling suggested that compound 10e could maintain a binding mode similar to the binding mode of AT9832, a common JAK 2/3 and Aurora A/B kinases multi-target kinase inhibitor. Therefore, compound 10e might be a potential agent for cancer therapy deserving further research.

Natural antisense transcripts in the biological hallmarks of cancer: powerful regulators hidden in the dark

Natural antisense transcripts (NATs), which are transcribed from opposite strands of DNA with partial or complete overlap, affect multiple stages of gene expression, from epigenetic to post-translational modifications. NATs are dysregulated in various types of cancer, and an increasing number of studies focusing on NATs as pivotal regulators of the hallmarks of cancer and as promising candidates for cancer therapy are just beginning to unravel the mystery. Here, we summarize the existing knowledge on NATs to highlight their underlying mechanisms of functions in cancer biology, discuss their potential roles in therapeutic application, and explore future research directions.

Long Non-Coding RNAs in Liver Cancer and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis

This review aims to highlight the recent findings of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in liver disease. In particular, we focus on the functions of lncRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). We summarize the current research trend in lncRNAs and their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the treatment of HCC and NASH.

The long non-coding RNA HOXA11-AS promotes epithelial mesenchymal transition by sponging miR-149-3p in Colorectal Cancer

Background: Metastasis is the primary cause of death in colorectal cancer (CRC); the underlying mechanisms remain partly unknown. In this study, we aim to investigate the value of HOXA11-AS in survival evaluation and the potential role of HOXA11-AS/miR-149-3p axis in the CRC metastasis.

Methods: The expressions of HOXA11-AS, both in obtained CRC samples and adjacent noncancerous tissues, were analyzed in survival evaluation. Competing endogenous RNAs (CeRNAs) Analysis were employed to reveal the potential relationship between HOXA11-AS and miR-149-3p. It was further confirmed by Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Dual-luciferase reporter assay. Migration and invasion assay were used to verify the potential role of HOXA11-AS and miR-149-3p in the regulation of CRC metastasis. The potential pathway was explored by Western blot analysis.

Results: The expression of HOXA11-AS in the CRC tissue is significantly higher than the expression in adjacent noncancerous tissue (p<0.0001). High expressions of HOXA11-AS were noticeably correlated with clinicopathologic characteristics including advanced clinical stage (p=0.021), larger tumor size (p<0.001) and frequent tumor recurrence (p=0.001). The overall survival in HOXA11-AS-High group was significantly shorter than the HOXA11-AS-Low group (p<0.001). Advanced clinical stage, tumor size and high expression of HOXA11-AS were showed as independent prognostic prediction factors for the 5-year tumor relapse of CRC patients (p<0.001). HOXA11-AS acts as a potential molecular sponge for miR-149-3p, in the promotion of CRC metastasis. In the miR-149-3p mimic-treated group, the expression of E-cadherin was increased, whereas the expression of N-cadherin, Snail, Slug, TGF-β1, Wnt2b, Twist and C/EBPβ was decreased.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates that high expression of HOXA11-AS is correlated with CRC progression and poor prognosis and may promote metastasis via EMT by modulating miR-149-3p.

[Over-expression of miR-144 inhibits invasion of liver cancer SMMC-7721 cells in vitro by suppressing TLR/MyD88 pathway]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of over-expression of miR-144 on invasion of SMMC-7721 cells and Toll-like receptor (TLR)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

METHODS

The expressions of miR-144 was examined in normal human hepatocyte line HL-7702 and hepatocarcinoma cell line SMMC-7721 using realtime quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR). SMMC-7721 cells were divided into blank group, miR-144 NC group and miR-144 mimics group, and the expressions of miR-144 in each group were detected with qRT-PCR. Cell count kit-8 (CCK8) was used to assess the survival of SMMC-7721 cells, and the cell invasion was evaluated using Transwell assay. The expressions of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and TLR/MyD88 pathway-related proteins in the cells were detected with Western blotting; the effect of 40 μ mol/L MyD88 inhibitor on TLR/MyD88 pathway-related proteins was examined in SMMC-7721 cells.

RESULTS

Compared with normal human hepatocytes, SMMC-7721 cells expressed a significantly lower level of miR-144 (P < 0.05). CCK-8 assay showed that test showed that miR-144 over-expression significantly decreased the cell survival rate (P < 0.05), lowered the number of invasive cells, and decreased the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in SMMC-7721 cells (P < 0.05). The expressions of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), MyD88, phosphorylated nuclear factor-kappa B (pNF-κB) and NF-κB protein decreased significantly in miR-144 mimics group and TJ-M2010-2 group (P < 0.05) and were comparable between the two groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Overexpression of miR-144 decreases SMMC-7721 cell survival and invasion by inhibiting TLR/MyD88 pathway.

Role of VHL-JAK-STAT signaling pathway in central nervous system hemangioblastoma associated with von Hippel-Lindau disease

INTRODUCTION

Central nervous system hemangioblastoma is a benign tumor associated with or without von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease which is an autosomal dominant hereditary disease that results from a germline mutation in the VHL gene. A main axis of signaling pathways in central nervous system hemangioblastoma is VHL-HIF signaling pathway. Here, we propose an alternative VHL-JAK-STAT signaling pathway in hemangioblastoma and discuss the role.

METHODS

Using MACS method, Scl⁺ hemangioblast-like cells were isolated from multipotent nestin-expressing stem cells. Then, ubiquitination of JAK2 in those cells and immunoprecipitation between JAK2 and VHL were examined. Then, expressions of JAK2 and STAT3 in those cells and expressions of VHL-associated hemangioblastoma tissues were examined. In addition, the VHL genes of patients bearing hemangioblastoma were analyzed.

RESULTS

JAK2 and STAT3 in Scl⁺ hemangioblast-like cells were ubiquitinated after VHL- expression vector was transferred to those cells. Expressions of JAK2 and STAT3 in those cells were well recognized before the transfer, but those disappeared after the transfer. Expressions of both JAK2 and STAT3 in hemangioblastoma tissues were well shown. The VHL gene analysis revealed that patients bearing hemangioblastoma carried missense mutations in 5, small deletions in 2, large deletions in 4, and nonsense mutation in 1 CONCLUSIONS: VHL-JAK-STAT signaling pathway might play an important role in proliferation, angiogenesis, and maintenance of stem-cell-nature in hemangioblastoma as an alternative signaling pathway to supplement VHL-HIF signaling pathway.

Development of a nine-lncRNA signature as a novel prognostic marker of estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been demonstrated to be aberrantly expressed in several types of tumor, and dysregulated lncRNAs are suggested to play a prognostic role in breast cancer (BC). Estrogen receptor (ER) status is a prognostic factor in patients with ER-negative BC, which is associated with poor prognosis. Thus, the present study developed a prognostic lncRNA signature specifically for ER-negative BC, in order to predict the risk of post-surgery relapse and improve patient prognosis. A gene expression profile containing 1,631 lncRNAs was obtained by investigating and integrating publicly available cohorts of BC. Subsequently, a nine-lncRNA signature was developed and validated in two independent cohorts via the Cox regression model. Using the nine-lncRNA signature, patients in the discovery cohort were divided into high- and low-risk groups, with significantly different disease-free survival [DFS; hazard ratio (HR)=2.718, 95% confidence interval (CI)=2.115-3.494, P<0.0001]. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses demonstrated that the area under the curve reached 0.908. Similar results were obtained in the two independent cohorts (HR=1.499, 95% CI=0.950-2.365, P=0.04; HR=1.262, 95% CI=1.056-1.510, P=0.01), respectively. Furthermore, the nine lncRNAs were demonstrated to play important roles in the cell invasion and metastasis of different types of tumor. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified between the high- and low-risk groups were consistently high in the discovery and validation cohorts. Functional analysis indicated that these DEGs, as well as genes co-expressed with the nine lncRNAs, were involved in cancer-associated signaling pathways, all of which provide further evidence for the predictive ability of the nine-lncRNA signature. Overall, the present study developed a novel prognostic biomarker for ER-negative BC.

LncRNA HOXA11-AS promotes OSCC progression by sponging miR-98-5p to upregulate YBX2 expression

BACKGROUND

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a type of oral malignancy. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to be related to the occurrence and development of many cancers. Here, we aimed to study the role and molecular mechanism of lncRNA Homeobox A11 antisense RNA (HOXA11-AS) in OSCC.

METHODS

The expression levels of HOXA11-AS, miR-98-5p and Y box binding protein 2 (YBX2) were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), flow cytometry and transwell assays were utilized to determine the proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion of OSCC cells. Western blot (WB) analysis was conducted to measure the levels of apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), proliferation-related proteins and YBX2 protein. Besides, Dual-luciferase reporter, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and RNA pull down assays were carried out to examine the relationship among HOXA11-AS, miR-98-5p and YBX2. The mice xenograft models were constructed to further determine the effect of HOXA11-AS on OSCC tumor growth in vivo.

RESULTS

HOXA11-AS was highly expressed in OSCC tissues and cells. Knockdown of HOXA11-AS significantly reduced proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT, while promoted apoptosis of OSCC cells. MiR-98-5p was a target of HOXA11-AS, and its inhibitor could revert the inhibition effect of silenced-HOXA11-AS on the progression of OSCC. Also, YBX2 was a target of miR-98-5p, and its overexpression could invert the suppression effect of miR-98-5p overexpression on the progression of OSCC. YBX2 expression was regulated by HOXA11-AS and miR-98-5p. Furthermore, HOXA11-AS silencing could reduce the tumor growth of OSCC in vivo.

CONCLUSION

HOXA11-AS plays an active role in the progression of OSCC, and the discovery of HOXA11-AS/miR-98-5p/YBX2 axis provides new therapeutic targets for OSCC.

Nanoparticles Targeting STATs in Cancer Therapy

Over the past decades, an increase in the incidence rate of cancer has been witnessed. Although many efforts have been made to manage and treat this life threatening condition, it is still one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Therefore, scientists have attempted to target molecular signaling pathways involved in cancer initiation and metastasis. It has been shown that signal transducers and activator of transcription (STAT) contributes to the progression of cancer cells. This important signaling pathway is associated with a number of biological processes including cell cycle, differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis. It appears that dysregulation of the STAT signaling pathway promotes the migration, viability and malignancy of various tumor cells. Hence, there have been many attempts to target the STAT signaling pathway. However, it seems that currently applied therapeutics may not be able to effectively modulate the STAT signaling pathway and suffer from a variety of drawbacks such as low bioavailability and lack of specific tumor targeting. In the present review, we demonstrate how nanocarriers can be successfully applied for encapsulation of STAT modulators in cancer therapy.