lncRNA TUC338 is a potential diagnostic biomarker for bladder cancer

A transcribed ultraconserved noncoding RNA, uc.285+, promotes colorectal cancer proliferation through dual targeting of CDC42 by directly binding mRNA and protein

The transcribed ultraconserved region (T-UCR) belongs to a new type of lncRNAs that are conserved in homologous regions of the rat, mouse and human genomes. A lot of research has reported that differential expression of T-UCRs can influence the development of various cancers, revealing the ability of T-UCRs as new therapeutic targets or potential cancer biomarkers. Most studies on the molecular mechanisms of T-UCRs in cancer have focused on ceRNA regulatory networks and interactions with target proteins, but the present study reveals an innovative dual-targeted regulatory approach in which T-UCRs bind directly to mRNAs and directly to proteins. We screened T-UCRs that may be related to colorectal cancer (CRC) by performing a whole-genome T-UCR gene microarray and further studied the functional mechanism of T-UCR uc.285+ in the development of CRC. Modulation of uc.285+ affected the proliferation of CRC cell lines and influenced the expression of the CDC42 gene. We also found that uc.285+ promoted the proliferation of CRC cells by directly binding to CDC42 mRNA and enhancing its stability while directly binding to CDC42 protein and affecting its stability. In short, our research on the characteristics of cell proliferation found that uc.285+ has a biological function in promoting CRC proliferation. uc.285+ may have considerable potential as a new diagnostic biomarker for CRC.

A novel mitochondrial-related lncRNA signature mediated prediction of overall survival, immune landscape, and the chemotherapeutic outcomes for bladder cancer patients

OBJECTIVE

To develop a prognostic risk model for Bladder Cancer (BLCA) based on mitochondrial-related long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs).

METHODS

Transcriptome and clinical data of BLCA patients were retrieved from the TCGA database. Mitochondrial-related lncRNAs with independent prognostic significance were screened to develop a prognostic risk model. Patients were categorized into high- and low-risk groups using the model. Various methods including Kaplan-Meier (KM) analysis, ROC curve analysis, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), immune analysis, and chemotherapy drug analysis were used to verify and evaluate the model.

RESULTS

A mitochondrial-associated lncRNA prognostic risk model with independent prognostic significance was developed. High-risk group (HRG) patients exhibited significantly shorter survival periods compared to low-risk group (LRG) patients (P < 0.01). The risk score from the model was an independent predictor of BLCA prognosis, correlating with tumor grade, pathological stage, and lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05). The HRG showed significant positive correlations with high expressions of immune checkpoints (CTLA4, LAG3, PD-1, TIGIT, PD-L1, PD-L2, and TIM-3) and lower IC50 for chemotherapy drugs (cisplatin, docetaxel, paclitaxel, methotrexate, and vinblastine) (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The mitochondrial-related lncRNA-based prognostic risk model effectively predicts BLCA prognosis and can guide individualized treatment for BLCA patients.

Traditional Banxia Xiexin decoction inhibits invasion, metastasis, and epithelial mesenchymal transition in gastric cancer by reducing lncRNA TUC338 expression

Background

Banxia Xiexin decoction (BXD) is a classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula clinically used to treat chronic gastritis, gastric ulcers, gastric cancer, and many other gastrointestinal diseases. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to play an important role in maintaining the malignant phenotype of tumors. However, no relevant studies have shown whether Banxia Xiexin decoction regulates and controls lncRNA TUC338, and the effect of TUC338 on the regulation of gastric cancer invasion and metastasis remains unclear.

Purpose

To investigate the ability of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Banxia Xiexin decoction (BXD) to inhibit the migration and invasion of human gastric cancer AGS cells by regulating the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) TUC338.

Methods

UHPLC‒MS/MS was used to analyze the chemical components of BXD. MTT was performed to determine the effects of BXD on the proliferation of AGS cells. qRT‒PCR was used to determine the expression of lncRNA TUC338 in gastric cancer tissues, paracarcinoma tissues, AGS human gastric cancer cells and GES-1 normal gastric mucosa cells and to evaluate the effects of BXD on the expression of lncRNA TUC338 in AGS cells. Lentiviral transfection was used to establish human gastric cancer AGS cells with knocked down lncRNA TUC338 expression. The effects of lncRNA TUC338 knockdown on the migration and invasion of AGS cells were observed by a scratch assay and Transwell migration assay, respectively. Western blotting was performed to analyze the effects of lncRNA TUC338 knockdown on epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in AGS cells. We performed quality control on three batches of BXD. We used UHPLC‒MS/MS to control the quality of three random batches of BXD used throughout the study.

Results

Ninety-five chemical components were identified from the water extract of BXD, some of which have anticancer effects. The expression of TUC.338 in gastric cancer tissues was higher than that in para-carcinoma tissues. BXD inhibited the invasion and migration of gastric cancer cells by inhibiting the expression of lncRNA TUC338, which reduced EMT. After knockdown of lncRNA TUC338, the migration and invasion of AGS cells were reduced; the expression of the EMT-related protein E-cadherin was increased, and the expression of N-cadherin and vimentin was reduced.

Conclusions

The present results suggest that BXD has potential as an effective treatment for gastric cancer through the inhibition of lncRNA TUC338 expression.

The value of urinary exosomal lncRNA SNHG16 as a diagnostic biomarker for bladder cancer

OBJECTIVE

To detect the expression level of urinary exosomal lncRNA SNHG16 in patients with bladder cancer and healthy individuals and explore its clinical application value in the diagnosis of bladder cancer.

METHODS

Urine samples were collected from 42 patients with bladder cancer and 42 healthy volunteers who visited Lu'an Hospital of Anhui Medical University and the Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University from January 2020 to December 2022. The expression levels of lncRNA SNHG16 in urinary exosomes of the two groups were detected by RT‒qPCR, and their correlation with clinical pathological parameters of bladder cancer patients was analysed. An Receiver Operating Characteristic(ROC) curve was drawn to analyse the diagnostic value of urinary exosomal lncRNA SNHG16 for bladder cancer and compared with urinary cytology.

RESULTS

The expression of urinary exosomal lncRNA SNHG16 in patients with bladder cancer was significantly higher (P < 0.05), and the expression level had no correlation with the age, sex, pathological T stage, pathological grade, or tumour size of bladder cancer patients (P > 0.05). The Area Under Curve(AUC) of urinary exosomal lncRNA SNHG16 in diagnosing bladder cancer was 0.791, which was superior to that of urinary cytology (AUC = 0.597).

CONCLUSION

Urinary exosomal lncRNA SNHG16 with high expression can serve as a potential diagnostic biological marker for bladder cancer.

Liquid biopsy in urothelial carcinoma: Detection techniques and clinical applications

The types of urothelial carcinoma (UC) include urothelial bladder cancer and upper tract urothelial carcinoma. Current diagnostic techniques cannot meet the needs of patients. Liquid biopsy is an accurate method of determining the molecular profile of UC and is a cutting-edge and popular technique that is expected to complement existing detection techniques and benefit patients with UC. Circulating tumor cells, cell-free DNA, cell-free RNA, extracellular vesicles, proteins, and metabolites can be found in the blood, urine, or other bodily fluids and are examined during liquid biopsies. This article focuses on the components of liquid biopsies and their clinical applications in UC. Liquid biopsies have tremendous potential in multiple aspects of precision oncology, from early diagnosis and treatment monitoring to predicting prognoses. They may therefore play an important role in the management of UC and precision medicine.

Identification and validation of a m7G-related lncRNA signature for predicting the prognosis and therapy response in hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

N7-methylguanosine (m7G) is one of the most common RNA posttranscriptional modifications; however, its potential role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unknown. We developed a prediction signature based on m7G-related long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) to predict HCC prognosis and provide a reference for immunotherapy and chemotherapy.

METHODS

RNA-seq data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and relevant clinical data were used. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were conducted to identify m7G-related lncRNAs with prognostic value to build a predictive signature. We evaluated the prognostic value and clinical relevance of this signature and explored the correlation between the predictive signature and the chemotherapy treatment response of HCC. Moreover, an in vitro study to validate the function of CASC19 was performed.

RESULTS

Six m7G-related lncRNAs were identified to create a signature. This signature was considered an independent risk factor for the prognosis of patients with HCC. TIDE analyses showed that the high-risk group might be more sensitive to immunotherapy. ssGSEA indicated that the predictive signature was strongly related to the immune activities of HCC. HCC in high-risk patients was more sensitive to the common chemotherapy drugs bleomycin, doxorubicin, gemcitabine, and lenalidomide. In vitro knockdown of CASC19 inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of HCC cells.

CONCLUSION

We established a 6 m7G-related lncRNA signature that may assist in predicting the prognosis and response to chemotherapy and immunotherapy of HCC.

Blood-based liquid biopsy: insights into early detection, prediction, and treatment monitoring of bladder cancer

Bladder cancer (BC) is a clinical challenge worldwide with late clinical presentation, poor prognosis, and low survival rates. Traditional cystoscopy and tissue biopsy are routine methods for the diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of BC. However, due to the heterogeneity and limitations of tumors, such as aggressiveness, high cost, and limited applicability of longitudinal surveillance, the identification of tumor markers has attracted significant attention in BC. Over the past decade, liquid biopsies (e.g., blood) have proven to be highly efficient methods for the discovery of BC biomarkers. This noninvasive sampling method is used to analyze unique tumor components released into the peripheral circulation and allows serial sampling and longitudinal monitoring of tumor progression. Several liquid biopsy biomarkers are being extensively studied and have shown promising results in clinical applications of BC, including early detection, detection of microscopic residual disease, prediction of recurrence, and response to therapy. Therefore, in this review, we aim to provide an update on various novel blood-based liquid biopsy markers and review the advantages and current limitations of liquid biopsy in BC therapy. The role of blood-based circulating tumor cells, circulating tumor DNA, cell-free RNA, exosomes, metabolomics, and proteomics in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment monitoring, and their applicability to the personalized management of BC, are highlighted.

Advances in targeting of miR‑10‑associated lncRNAs/circRNAs for the management of cancer (Review)

With advancements in sequencing technologies, an increasing number of aberrantly expressed long-non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been identified in various types of cancer. lncRNAs and circRNAs are now well-established tumor-influencing factors in cancer, driving not only tumor proliferation and invasion, but also cancer progression, drug resistance and metastatic recurrence. The majority of lncRNAs and circRNAs influence cancer progression by targeting microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs). miR-10a and miR-10b, key members of the miR-10 family, have been shown to play important regulatory roles in cell proliferation, differentiation to cancer progression, and development. Manual evaluation and grouping according to different types of competing endogenous RNA and tumor was performed. The review outlined the current state of knowledge on the regulation of miR-10 family-related lncRNAs and circRNAs. The involvement of lncRNAs and circRNAs in the biogenesis, maturation and function of malignant tumors through the miR-10 family, and the key gene targets and signaling cascades that lncRNAs and circRNAs regulate through the miR-10 family were summarized. Based on the findings of this review, it can be hypothesized that lncRNAs and circRNAs targeting the miR-10 family may serve as diagnostic/prognostic markers and/or therapeutic targets for the management of cancer.

A novel cuproptosis-related lncRNA signature predicts the prognosis and immune landscape in bladder cancer

Background

Bladder cancer (BLCA) is one of the deadliest diseases, with over 550,000 new cases and 170,000 deaths globally every year. Cuproptosis is a copper-triggered programmed cell death and is associated with the prognosis and immune response of various cancers. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) could serve as a prognostic biomarker and is involved in the progression of BLCA.

Methods

The gene expression profile of cuproptosis-related lncRNAs was analyzed by using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Cox regression analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator analysis were performed to construct a cuproptosis-related lncRNA prognostic signature. The predictive performance of this signature was verified by ROC curves and a nomogram. We also explored the difference in immune-related activity, tumor mutation burden (TMB), tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE), and drug sensitivity between the high- and low-risk groups.

Results

We successfully constructed a cuproptosis-related lncRNA prognostic signature for BLCA including eight lncRNAs (RNF139-AS1, LINC00996, NR2F2-AS1, AL590428.1, SEC24B-AS1, AC006566.1, UBE2Q1-AS1, and AL021978.1). Multivariate Cox analysis suggested that age, clinical stage, and risk score were the independent risk factors for predicting prognosis of BLCA. Further analysis revealed that this signature not only had higher diagnostic efficiency compared to other clinical features but also had a good performance in predicting the 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year overall survival rate in BLCA. Notably, BLCA patients with a low risk score seemed to be associated with an inflamed tumor immune microenvironment and had a higher TMB level than those with a high risk score. In addition, patients with a high risk score had a higher TIDE score and a higher half maximal inhibitory concentration value of many therapeutic drugs than those with a low risk score.

Conclusion

We identified a novel cuproptosis-related lncRNA signature that could predict the prognosis and immune landscape of BLCA.

Silencing of long non-coding RNA TUC338 inhibits the malignant phenotype of nasopharyngeal cancer cells via modulating the miR-1226-3p/FGF2 axis

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been suggested as essential regulators in the cancer progression. LncRNA TUC338 was found to promote the malignancy of various cancers, however, the involvement of TUC338 in nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) has not been well characterized. Here, our results found the significant overexpression of TUC338 in NPC tissues. Higher level of TUC338 was also observed in NPC cells. Interestingly, NPC patients harboring overexpressed TUC338 have worse prognosis. Functional study indicated that down-regulated TUC338 remarkably suppressed the NPC cell proliferation and cell migration. Notably, depletion of TUC338 significantly inhibited the in vivo tumor growth. Mechanistically, TUC338 acted as molecular sponge of miR-1226-3p and attenuated the negative regulation of miR-1226-3p on the expression of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2). Down-regulation of TUC338 inhibited FGF2 expression in NPC cells and tumor tissues. Overexpression of FGF2 attenuated the suppressed NPC proliferation upon the depletion of TUC338. Our results demonstrated the novel function of TUC338/miR-1226-3p/FGF2 axis in NPC progression, suggesting the potential diagnosis and therapeutics significance of TUC338 in NPC.

LncRNA GAS5 Interacts with MicroRNA-10b to Inhibit Cell Proliferation and Migration and Induces Apoptosis in Colorectal Cancer

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to study the effects of the GAS5/microRNA-10b (miR-10b) axis on proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of colorectal cancer (CRC).

METHODS

The expression levels of GAS5 and miR-10b in CRC tissues and cells were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Wound healing experiment was used to detect the effects of GAS5 and miR-10b on the migration of CRC cells. The luciferase reporter gene experiment was used to verify miRNA targets. Immunohistochemical assay was used to detect the expression of proteins related to metastasis and apoptosis in tumor tissues.

RESULTS

The expression of GAS5 was downregulated in CRC tissues and cell lines. The overexpression of GAS5 can inhibit cell proliferation and progression, induce apoptosis in vitro, and inhibit the growth of CRC tumor in vivo. In contrast, the expression of miR-10b, a downstream target of GAS5, was increased in CRC tissues and cells. Suppression of the miR-10b gene can inhibit proliferation and metastasis and cause apoptosis of CRC cells. In addition, luciferase reports show that GAS5 inhibits the progression of CRC cells by binding to miR-10b. Rescue experiments showed that overexpressed miR-10b could reverse GAS5-mediated antitumor effect on CRC cells in vivo and in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

LncRNA GAS5 interacts with miR-10b to inhibit cell proliferation and migration and induces apoptosis in colorectal cancer. GAS5 and miR-10b could become potential therapeutic targets for CRC.

Screening and identification of differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis

BACKGROUND

Efforts to eradicate tuberculosis are largely threatened by drug-resistant tuberculosis, particularly, multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). Screening and identification potential biomarkers for MDR-TB is crucial to diagnose early and reduce the incidence of MDR-TB.

METHODS

To screen the differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs in MDR-TB, the lncRNA and mRNA expression profiles in serum derived from healthy controls (HCs), individuals with MDR-TB and drug-sensitive tuberculosis (DS-TB) were analyzed by microarray assay and 10 lncRNAs were randomly selected for further validation by reverse transcription-quantitative real-time PCR(RT-qPCR). The biological functions of differentially expressed mRNAs as well as relationships between genes and signaling pathways were investigated using Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), respectively.

RESULTS

A total of 353 differentially expressed lncRNAs (312 upregulated) and 202 mRNAs (99 upregulated) were found in the MDR-TB group compared to HCs. And compared with the DS-TB group, 442 differentially expressed lncRNAs (115 upregulated) and 190 mRNAs (87 upregulated) were found in the MDR-TB group. The expression levels of lncRNA n335659 were found to differ significantly between each group by RT-qPCR. Compared with DS-TB group, the GO analysis showed that the differential mRNAs were mainly enriched in the processes associated with the detection of the chemical stimulus, the regulation of mRNA metabolic process and neutrophil activation in the MDR-TB group; the KEGG analysis indicated that the differential mRNAs between DS-TB and MDR-TB were mainly enriched in proteasome and Notch signaling pathway, which might reveal a fraction of the mechanism of MDR-TB. The discovery of the serum lncRNA n335659 might serve as a potential biomarker for MDR-TB and Notch signaling pathway provided a new clue for the investigation of the pathological mechanism of MDR-TB.

Biological functions and clinical significance of long noncoding RNAs in bladder cancer

Bladder cancer (BCa) is one of the 10 most common cancers with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), a large class of noncoding RNA transcripts, consist of more than 200 nucleotides and play a significant role in the regulation of molecular interactions and cellular pathways during the occurrence and development of various cancers. In recent years, with the rapid advancement of high-throughput gene sequencing technology, several differentially expressed lncRNAs have been discovered in BCa, and their functions have been proven to have an impact on BCa development, such as cell growth and proliferation, metastasis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), angiogenesis, and drug-resistance. Furthermore, evidence suggests that lncRNAs are significantly associated with BCa patients' clinicopathological characteristics, especially tumor grade, TNM stage, and clinical progression stage. In addition, lncRNAs have the potential to more accurately predict BCa patient prognosis, suggesting their potential as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for BCa patients in the future. In this review, we briefly summarize and discuss recent research progress on BCa-associated lncRNAs, while focusing on their biological functions and mechanisms, clinical significance, and targeted therapy in BCa oncogenesis and malignant progression.

Long non-coding RNAs in oncourology

For several decades, research in tumor biology has focused on the involvement of genes encoding a protein. Only recently has it been discovered that a whole class of molecules called non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play a key regulatory role in health and disease. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a group of noncoding RNAs longer than 200 nucleotides. It has been found that lncRNAs play a fundamental role in the biology of many types of tumors, including tumors of the genitourinary system. As a result, hundreds of clinical trials dedicated to oncourology have begun, using lncRNA as new biomarkers or treatments. Identifying new specific biomarkers, in the form of lncRNAs, will increase the ability to differentiate the tumor and other processes, determine the localization and extent of the tumor, and the ability to predict the course of the disease, and plan treatment. Therapy of tumors, especially malignant ones, is also a difficult task. When surgery and chemotherapy fail, radiation therapy becomes the treatment choice. Therefore, the possibility that lncRNAs could represent innovative therapeutic agents or targets is an exciting idea. However, the possibility of their use in modern clinical practice is limited, and this is associated with several problems at the pre-, analytical and post-analytical stages. Another problem in the study of lncRNAs is the large number and variety of their functions in tumors. Therefore, solving technological problems in lncRNAs study in oncourology may open up new possibilities for lncRNAs use in modern clinical practice.

Long non-coding RNAs as new players in bladder cancer: Lessons from pre-clinical and clinical studies

The clinical management of bladder cancer (BC) has become an increasing challenge due to high incidence rate of BC, malignant behavior of cancer cells and drug resistance. The non-coding RNAs are considered as key factors involved in BC progression. The long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are RNA molecules and do not encode proteins. They have more than 200 nucleotides in length and affect gene expression at epigenetic, transcriptional and post-transcriptional phases. The lncRNAs demonstrate abnormal expression in BC cells and tissues. The present aims to identifying lncRNAs with tumor-suppressor and tumor-promoting roles, and evaluating their roles as regulatory of growth and migration. Apoptosis, glycolysis and EMT are tightly regulated by lncRNAs in BC. Response of BC cells to cisplatin, doxorubicin and gemcitabine chemotherapy is modulated by lncRNAs. LncRNAs regulate immune cell infiltration in tumor microenvironment and affect response of BC cells to immunotherapy. Besides, lncRNAs are able to regulate microRNAs, STAT3, Wnt, PTEN and PI3K/Akt pathways in affecting both proliferation and migration of BC cells. Noteworthy, anti-tumor compounds and genetic tools such as siRNA, shRNA and CRISPR/Cas systems can regulate lncRNA expression in BC. Finally, lncRNAs and exosomal lncRNAs can be considered as potential diagnostic and prognostic tools in BC.

LncRNA PITPNA-AS1 stimulates cell proliferation and suppresses cell apoptosis in glioblastoma via targeting miR-223-3p/EGFR axis and activating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a kind of malignant primary brain tumor, which is difficult to cure. Continuous researches have underlined that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) get widely involved in the occurrence and progression of tumors, and glioblastoma is included. In this paper, we identified lncRNA PITPNA antisense RNA 1 (PITPNA-AS1) and explored its in-depth regulatory mechanism in glioblastoma cells. Firstly, RT-qPCR examined that PITPNA-AS1 was highly expressed in glioblastoma. Then, PITPNA-AS1 role in glioblastoma was assessed via functional assays. The results demonstrated that depletion of PITPNA-AS1 inhibited the proliferation and promoted the apoptosis of glioblastoma cells. After confirming that PITPNA-AS1 mainly existed in cell cytoplasm, we conducted mechanism assays which disclosed that PITPNA-AS1 sequestered microRNA-223-3p (miR-223-3p) and modulated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression, thereby participating in the activation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Eventually, rescue assays validated PITPNA-AS1 sponged miR-223-3p to promote EGFR expression, thus activating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to accelerate proliferation and inhibit apoptosis of GBM cells. Overall, PITPNA-AS1 played an oncogenic role in glioblastoma which might be developed as a potential biomarker for glioblastoma diagnosis and treatment in the future.[Figure: see text].

Circulating lncRNA UCA1 and lncRNA PGM5-AS1 act as potential diagnostic biomarkers for early-stage colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common and significant malignant diseases worldwide. In the present study, we evaluated two long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in CRC patients as diagnostic markers for early-stage CRC.

METHODS

Using Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets GSE102340, GSE126092, GSE109454 and GSE115856, 14 differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified between cancer and adjacent tissues, among which, the two most differentially expressed were confirmed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in 200 healthy controls and 188 CRC patients. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was employed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy for CRC.

RESULTS

From four GEO datasets, three up-regulated and eleven down-regulated lncRNAs were identified in CRC tissues, among which, lncRNA urothelial carcinoma-associated 1 (UCA1) and lncRNA phosphoglucomutase 5-antisense RNA 1 (PGM5-AS1) were the most significantly up- and down-regulated lncRNAs in CRC patient plasma, respectively. The area under the ROC curve was calculated to be 0.766, 0.754 and 0.798 for UCA1, PGM5-AS1 and the combination of these two lncRNAs, respectively. Moreover, the diagnostic potential of these two lncRNAs was even higher for the early stages of CRC. The combination of UCA1 and PGM5-AS1 enhanced the AUC to 0.832, and when the lncRNAs were used with carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), the AUC was further improved to 0.874.

CONCLUSION

In the present study, we identified two lncRNAs, UCA1 and PGM5-AS1, in CRC patients' plasma, which have the potential to be used as diagnostic biomarkers of CRC.

Identification of Differentially Expressed Plasma lncRNAs As Potential Biomarkers for Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor in women and is not easy to diagnose. Increasing evidence has underscored that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important regulatory roles in the occurrence and progression of many cancers, including breast cancer. We aimed to identify lncRNAs in plasma as potential biomarkers for breast cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We analyzed the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets GSE22820, GSE42568, and GSE65194 to identify the common differential genes between cancer tissues and adjacent tissues. Then 14 lncRNAs were identified among the common differential genes and validated by using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction in 92 patients with breast cancer and 100 healthy controls. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to evaluate their diagnostic value for breast cancer.

RESULTS

Integrated analysis of the GEO datasets identified three significantly upregulated and 11 downregulated lncRNAs in breast cancer tissues. Compared with healthy controls, MIAT was significantly upregulated in breast cancer patient plasma, and LINC00968 and LINC01140 were significantly downregulated. ROC curve analysis suggested that these three lncRNAs can discriminate breast cancer from healthy individual with high specificity and sensitivity.

CONCLUSION

This research identified three differentially expressed lncRNAs in breast cancer patient plasma. Our data suggest that these three lncRNAs can be used as potential diagnostic biomarkers of breast cancer.

Knockdown of lncRNA TUC338 inhibits esophageal cancer cells migration and invasion

Background

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are firmly identified with the event and improvement of tumors. Therefore, elucidating the functions and mechanisms of related lncRNAs is significant for understanding the occurrence and advancement of tumors. The recently discovered lncRNA TUC338 has been shown to play the role of an oncogene in an assortment of tumors. Be that as it may, the articulation and elements of lncRNA TUC338 in esophageal cancer are as yet hazy. This investigation plans to explain the capacities and related molecular mechanisms of lncRNA TUC338 in esophageal malignancy.

Methods

Firstly, the expression of TUC338 in 50 instances of esophageal disease tissues and nearby tissues was detected by fluorescence reckonable PCR, and correlations with the clinic pathological characteristics of patients was further analyzed. Then, a lentiviral interference vector was designed and transfected into an esophageal cancer cell line, and knockdown was verified by fluorescence quantitative PCR. The effects of TUC338 knockdown on the proliferation, clone formation, and migration and infringement of esophageal malignancy cells were tested utilizing the CCK-8 assay, clone formation experiments, and Transwell experiments. Western blot detected the expression of invasion-related proteins.

Results

Fluorescence reckonable PCR exhibit that TUC338 was exceptionally communicated in esophageal cancer tissues, and was significantly related with metastasis and TNM stage in tolerant. Functional experiments showed that in esophageal disease cell lines, knocking down the declaration of TUC338 significantly inhibited cell multiplication, clone development, and intrusion and movement. Further experiments on molecular mechanisms showed that knocking down TUC338 inhibited statement of N-cadherin and vimentin in cells.

Conclusions

TUC338 is exceptionally communicated in esophageal malignancy tissues and can regulate cell proliferation and invasion.

TUC338 Promotes Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma Growth via Regulating EGFR/PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway

TUC338 is emerging as a novel vital long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) in human cancer; however, its role in diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) remains unknown. In this study, we found that TUC338 was remarkably upregulated in DLBCL tissues as compared to matched normal tissues. High TUC338 was closely related to advanced Ann Arbor stage, resistance to CHOP-like treatment, and high IPI (International Prognostic Index). Stable knockdown of TUC338 evidently inhibited cell proliferation and chemotherapy resistance to Adriamycin and induced apoptosis. Further, we found that TUC338 was able to directly bind to miR-28-5p and increased EGFR level, resulting in activating carcinogenic PI3K/AKT signaling, thereby facilitating DLBCL uncontrolled growth. Moreover, we also found that depletion of TUC338 led to the inactivation of EGFR/PI3K/AKT pathway in vivo by using the xenograft tumor model. Preclinically, DLBCL patients with high TUC338 had shorter survival time than those with low TUC338, and serum TUC338 level was identified as an excellent indicator for DLBCL diagnosis. In sum, our findings clearly indicate that TUC338 functions as an oncogenic lncRNA in DLBCL through activating EGFR/PI3K/AKT pathway via sponging and inhibiting miR-28-5p, which may be a promising target for DLBCL treatment.

Biomarkers for Bladder Cancer Diagnosis and Surveillance: A Comprehensive Review

Bladder cancer (BC) ranks as the sixth most prevalent cancer in the world, with a steady rise in its incidence and prevalence, and is accompanied by a high morbidity and mortality. BC is a complex disease with several molecular and pathological pathways, thus reflecting different behaviors depending on the clinical staging of the tumor and molecular type. Diagnosis and monitoring of BC is mainly performed by invasive tests, namely periodic cystoscopies; this procedure, although a reliable method, is highly uncomfortable for the patient and it is not exempt of comorbidities. Currently, there is no formal indication for the use of molecular biomarkers in clinical practice, even though there are several tests available. There is an imperative need for a clinical non-invasive testing for early detection, disease monitoring, and treatment response in BC. In this review, we aim to assess and compare different tests based on molecular biomarkers and evaluate their potential role as new molecules for bladder cancer diagnosis, follow-up, and treatment response monitoring.

Long noncoding RNA NNT-AS1 enhances the malignant phenotype of bladder cancer by acting as a competing endogenous RNA on microRNA-496 thereby increasing HMGB1 expression

The long noncoding RNA nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase antisense RNA 1 (NNT-AS1) is a key malignancy regulator in a variety of human cancers. In this study, we first measured the expression of NNT-AS1 in bladder cancer and examined its role in cancer progression. The mechanisms behind the oncogenic functions of NNT-AS1 in bladder cancer were explored. We found that NNT-AS1 was upregulated in bladder cancer tissues and cell lines. This increased expression demonstrated a significant correlation with advanced clinical stage, lymph node metastasis, and shorter overall survival. NNT-AS1 knockdown suppressed bladder cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and facilitated apoptosis in vitro and hindered tumor growth in vivo. NNT-AS1 functioned as a competing endogenous RNA for microRNA-496 (miR-496), and the suppressive effects of NNT-AS1 knockdown on malignant characteristics were abrogated by miR-496 silencing. HMGB1 was identified as a direct target gene of miR-496 in bladder cancer, and HMGB1 expression was enhanced by NNT-AS1 via sponging of miR-496. In conclusion, the NNT-AS1–miR-496–HMGB1 pathway plays a significant role in the aggressive behavior of bladder cancer and may lead to new NNT-AS1–based diagnostics and therapeutics.

Noncoding RNAs in Extracellular Fluids as Cancer Biomarkers: The New Frontier of Liquid Biopsies

The last two decades of cancer research have been devoted in two directions: (1) understanding the mechanism of carcinogenesis for an effective treatment, and (2) improving cancer prevention and screening for early detection of the disease. This last aspect has been developed, especially for certain types of cancers, thanks also to the introduction of new concepts such as liquid biopsies and precision medicine. In this context, there is a growing interest in the application of alternative and noninvasive methodologies to search for cancer biomarkers. The new frontiers of the research lead to a search for RNA molecules circulating in body fluids. Searching for biomarkers in extracellular body fluids represents a better option for patients because they are easier to access, less painful, and potentially more economical. Moreover, the possibility for these types of samples to be taken repeatedly, allows a better monitoring of the disease progression or treatment efficacy for a better intervention and dynamic treatment of the patient, which is the fundamental basis of personalized medicine. RNA molecules, freely circulating in body fluids or packed in microvesicles, have all the characteristics of the ideal biomarkers owing to their high stability under storage and handling conditions and being able to be sampled several times for monitoring. Moreover, as demonstrated for many cancers, their plasma/serum levels mirror those in the primary tumor. There are a large variety of RNA species noncoding for proteins that could be used as cancer biomarkers in liquid biopsies. Among them, the most studied are microRNAs, but recently the attention of the researcher has been also directed towards Piwi-interacting RNAs, circular RNAs, and other small noncoding RNAs. Another class of RNA species, the long noncoding RNAs, is larger than microRNAs and represents a very versatile and promising group of molecules which, apart from their use as biomarkers, have also a possible therapeutic role. In this review, we will give an overview of the most common noncoding RNA species detectable in extracellular fluids and will provide an update concerning the situation of the research on these molecules as cancer biomarkers.