miR-520c and miR-373 upregulate MMP9 expression by targeting mTOR and SIRT1, and activate the Ras/Raf/MEK/Erk signaling pathway and NF-κB factor in human fibrosarcoma cells

The ability of microRNAs to regulate the immune response in ischemia/reperfusion inflammatory pathways

MicroRNAs play a crucial role in regulating the immune responses induced by ischemia/reperfusion injury. Through their ability to modulate gene expression, microRNAs adjust immune responses by targeting specific genes and signaling pathways. This review focuses on the impact of microRNAs on the inflammatory pathways triggered during ischemia/reperfusion injury and highlights their ability to modulate inflammation, playing a critical role in the pathophysiology of ischemia/reperfusion injury. Dysregulated expression of microRNAs contributes to the pathogenesis of ischemia/reperfusion injury, therefore targeting specific microRNAs offers an opportunity to restore immune homeostasis and improve patient outcomes. Understanding the complex network of immunoregulatory microRNAs could provide novel therapeutic interventions aimed at attenuating excessive inflammation and preserving tissue integrity.

From oncogenes to tumor suppressors: The dual role of ncRNAs in fibrosarcoma

Fibrosarcoma is a challenging cancer originating from fibrous tissues, marked by aggressive growth and limited treatment options. The discovery of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), has opened new pathways for understanding and treating this malignancy. These ncRNAs play crucial roles in gene regulation, cellular processes, and the tumor microenvironment. This review aims to explore the impact of ncRNAs on fibrosarcoma's pathogenesis, progression, and resistance to treatment, focusing on their mechanistic roles and therapeutic potential. A comprehensive review of literature from databases like PubMed and Google Scholar was conducted, focusing on the dysregulation of ncRNAs in fibrosarcoma, their contribution to tumor growth, metastasis, drug resistance, and their cellular pathway interactions. NcRNAs significantly influence fibrosarcoma, affecting cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and angiogenesis. Their function as oncogenes or tumor suppressors makes them promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Understanding their interaction with the tumor microenvironment is essential for developing more effective treatments for fibrosarcoma. Targeting ncRNAs emerges as a promising strategy for fibrosarcoma therapy, offering hope to overcome the shortcomings of existing treatments. Further investigation is needed to clarify specific ncRNAs' roles in fibrosarcoma and to develop ncRNA-based therapies, highlighting the significance of ncRNAs in improving patient outcomes in this challenging cancer.

Pluripotency-Associated microRNAs in Early Vertebrate Embryos and Stem Cells

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNA molecules, regulate a wide range of critical biological processes, such as proliferation, cell cycle progression, differentiation, survival, and apoptosis, in many cell types. The regulatory functions of miRNAs in embryogenesis and stem cell properties have been extensively investigated since the early years of miRNA discovery. In this review, we will compare and discuss the impact of stem-cell-specific miRNA clusters on the maintenance and regulation of early embryonic development, pluripotency, and self-renewal of embryonic stem cells, particularly in vertebrates.

Feedback Modulation between Human INO80 Chromatin Remodeling Complex and miR-372 in HCT116 Cells

Human INO80 chromatin remodeling complex (INO80 complex) as a transcription cofactor is widely involved in gene transcription regulation and is frequently highly expressed in tumor cells. However, few reports exist on the mutual regulatory mechanism between INO80 complex and non-coding microRNAs. Herein, we showed evidence that the INO80 complex transcriptionally controls microRNA-372 (miR-372) expression through RNA-Seq analysis and a series of biological experiments. Knocking down multiple subunits in the INO80 complex, including the INO80 catalytic subunit, YY1, Ies2, and Arp8, can significantly increase the expression level of miR-372. Interestingly, mimicking miR-372 expression in HCT116 cells, in turn, post-transcriptionally suppressed INO80 and Arp8 expression at both mRNA and protein levels, indicating the existence of a mutual regulatory mechanism between the INO80 complex and miR-372. The target relationship between miR-372 and INO80 complex was verified using luciferase assays in HCT116 colon cancer cells. As expected, miR-372 mimics significantly suppressed the luciferase activity of pMIR-luc/INO80 and pMIR-luc/Arp8 3'-UTR in cells. In contrast, the miR-372 target sites in the 3'-UTRs linked to the luciferase reporter were mutagenized, and both mutant sites lost their response to miR-372. Furthermore, the mutual modulation between the INO80 complex and miR-372 was involved in cell proliferation and the p53/p21 signaling pathway, suggesting the synergistic anti-tumor role of the INO80 complex and miR372. Our results will provide a solid theoretical basis for exploring miR-372 as a biological marker of tumorigenesis.

Small Non-Coding RNAs in Soft-Tissue Sarcomas: State of the Art and Future Directions

Soft-tissue sarcomas (STS) are a rare and heterogeneous group of tumors that arise from connective tissue and can occur anywhere in the body. Among the plethora of over 50 different STS types, liposarcoma (LPS) is one of the most common. The subtypes of STS are characterized by distinct differences in tumor biology that drive responses to pharmacologic therapy and disparate oncologic outcomes. Small non-coding RNAs (sncRNA) are a heterogeneous class of regulatory RNAs involved in the regulation of gene expression by targeting mRNAs. Among the several types of sncRNAs, miRNAs and tRNA-derived ncRNAs are the most studied in the context of tumor biology, and we are learning more about the role of these molecules as important regulators of STS tumorigenesis and differentiation. However, challenges remain in translating these findings and no biomarkers or therapeutic approaches targeting sncRNAs have been developed for clinical use. In this review, we summarize the current landscape of sncRNAs in the context of STS with an emphasis on LPS, including the role of sncRNAs in the tumorigenesis and differentiation of these rare malignancies and their potential as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Finally, we provide an appraisal of published studies and outline future directions to study sncRNAs in STS, including tRNA-derived ncRNAs.

MicroRNAs in the Pathogenesis, Prognostication and Prediction of Treatment Resistance in Soft Tissue Sarcomas

Soft tissue sarcomas are highly aggressive malignant neoplasms of mesenchymal origin, accounting for less than 1% of adult cancers, but comprising over 20% of paediatric solid tumours. In locally advanced, unresectable, or metastatic disease, outcomes from even the first line of systemic treatment are invariably poor. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), which are short non-coding RNA molecules, target and modulate multiple dysregulated target genes and/or signalling pathways within cancer cells. Accordingly, miRNAs demonstrate great promise for their utility in diagnosing, prognosticating and improving treatment for soft tissue sarcomas. This review aims to provide an updated discussion on the known roles of specific miRNAs in the pathogenesis of sarcomas, and their potential use in prognosticating outcomes and prediction of therapeutic resistance.

Elaiophylin Inhibits Tumorigenesis of Human Lung Adenocarcinoma by Inhibiting Mitophagy via Suppression of SIRT1/Nrf2 Signaling

Lung adenocarcinoma (LADC), the most common type of lung cancer, is still one of the most aggressive and rapidly fatal tumor types, even though achievements in new therapeutic approaches have been developed. Elaiophylin as a C2 symmetrically glycosylated 16 macrolides has been reported to be a late-stage autophagy inhibitor with a potent anti-tumor effect on various cancers. This study investigated the anti-tumor effect of elaiophylin on human LADC for the first time in in vitro and in vivo models. The in vitro study in LADC A549 cells showed that elaiophylin significantly inhibited cell viability and induced cell apoptosis through the suppression of mitophagy and induction of cellular and mitochondrial oxidative stress. Proteomic analysis and molecular docking assay implicated that SIRT1 was likely the direct target of elaiophylin in A549 cells. Further mechanistic study verified that elaiophylin reduced Nrf2 deacetylation, expression, and transcriptional activity as well as cytoplasm translocation by downregulating SIRT1 expression and deacetylase activity. Additionally, SIRT1/Nrf2 activation could attenuate elaiophylin-induced mitophagy inhibition and oxidative stress. The in vivo study in the A549-xenograft mice model showed that the anti-tumor effect of elaiophylin was accompanied by the decreased expressions of SIRT1, Nrf2, Parkin, and PINK1. Thus, the present study reports that elaiophylin has potent anti-tumor properties in LADC, which effect is likely mediated through suppressing the SIRT1/Nrf2 signaling. In conclusion, elaiophylin may be a novel drug candidate for LADC and SIRT1 may be a new therapeutic target for such devastating malignancy.

Relaxin Affects Airway Remodeling Genes Expression through Various Signal Pathways Connected with Transcription Factors

Fibrosis is one of the parameters of lung tissue remodeling in asthma. Relaxin has emerged as a natural suppressor of fibrosis, showing efficacy in the prevention of a multiple models of fibrosis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the aptitudes of relaxin, in the context of its immunomodulatory properties, in the development of airway remodeling. WI-38 and HFL1 fibroblasts, as well as epithelial cells (NHBE), were incubated with relaxin. Additionally, remodeling conditions were induced with two serotypes of rhinovirus (HRV). The expression of the genes contributing to airway remodeling were determined. Moreover, NF-κB, c-Myc, and STAT3 were knocked down to analyze the pathways involved in airway remodeling. Relaxin decreased the mRNA expression of collagen I and TGF-β and increased the expression of MMP-9 (p < 0.05). Relaxin also decreased HRV-induced expression of collagen I and α-SMA (p < 0.05). Moreover, all the analyzed transcription factors—NF-κB, c-Myc, and STAT3—have shown its influence on the pathways connected with relaxin action. Though relaxin requires further study, our results suggest that this natural compound offers great potential for inhibition of the development, or even reversing, of factors related to airway remodeling. The presented contribution of the investigated transcription factors in this process additionally increases its potential possibilities through a variety of its activity pathways.

MMP9: A Tough Target for Targeted Therapy for Cancer

Having the capability to proteolyze diverse structural and signaling proteins, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), one of the best-studied secretory endopeptidases, has been identified as a crucial mediator of processes closely associated with tumorigenesis, such as the extracellular matrix reorganization, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, cell migration, new blood vessel formation, and immune response. In this review, we present the current state of knowledge on MMP9 and its role in cancer growth in the context of cell adhesion/migration, cancer-related inflammation, and tumor microenvironment formation. We also summarize recent achievements in the development of selective MMP9 inhibitors and the limitations of using them as anticancer drugs.

Correlations between vitronectin, miR-520, and miR-34 in patients with stenosis of coronary arteries

BACKGROUND

In-stent restenosis usually occurs by platelet activation, neointima formation, VSMC migration, and proliferation in the position of the vessel stent. The monocytes have a magnificent role in neointimal hyperplasia since these cells recruit to the site of vessel injury through chemokines and other secretion proteins. This study is focused on the investigation of vitronectin, miR-193, miR-34, and miR-520 expression levels in PBMCs isolated from stenosed patients.

METHODS

A total of sixty subjects undergoing coronary artery angiography containing patients with stent no restenosis (n = 20), in-stent restenosis (n = 20), and healthy participants (n = 20) participated in the study. The vitronectin, miR-193, miR-34, and miR-520 expression levels were measured by the RT-qPCR technique. Data were analyzed by SPSS software.

RESULTS

The vitronectin, miR-34, and miR-520 expression levels changed significantly in patients with vessel in-stent restenosis (p = 0.02, p = 0.02, and p = 0.01, respectively). Furthermore, there were inverse correlations between the expression levels of vitronectin gene and miR-34 (r =  - 0.44, p = 0.04) as well as miR-520 (r =  - 0.5, p=0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The molecular events in the vessel stenosis may be affected by targeting vitronectin with miR-520 and miR-34.

Potential Biomarkers of miR-371-373 Gene Cluster in Tumorigenesis

microRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA transcripts (20–24 nucleotides) that bind to their complementary sequences in the 3′-untranslated regions (3′-UTR) of targeted genes to negatively or positively regulate their expression. miRNAs affect the expression of genes in cells, thereby contributing to several important biological processes, including tumorigenesis. Identifying the miRNA cluster as a human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-specific miRNAs initially led to the identification of miR-371, miR-372, miR-373, and miR-373*, which can ultimately be translated into mature miRNAs. Recent evidence suggests that miR-371–373 genes are abnormally expressed in various cancers and act either as oncogenes or tumor suppressors, indicating they may be suitable as molecular biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prevention. In this article, we summarize recent studies linking miR-371–373 functions to tumorigenesis and speculate on the potential applications of miR-371–373 as biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Silent information regulator 1 suppresses epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in lung cancer cells via its regulation of mitochondria status

AIMS

Silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) is a NAD+-dependent protein-modifying enzyme involved in regulating gene expression, DNA damage repair, cell metabolism, and mitochondrial functions. Given that it acts as both a tumor promoter and suppressor, the complex mechanisms underlying SIRT1 signaling in cancer remain controversial. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a key role in the progression of carcinogenesis and tumors metastasis. Studies have shown that mitochondrial defects are critical in EMT process, and SIRT1 is found to regulate the generation and energy metabolism of mitochondria. Here, we elucidate a novel mechanism by which SIRT1 affects EMT in lung cancer cells via its regulation on mitochondria.

MAIN METHODS

SIRT1 signaling was detected in TGF-β1-induced EMT and was found to regulate mitochondria status, including mitochondrial biogenesis-related protein levels as detected by western blotting, mitochondrial structure observed by transmission electron microscopy, and respiratory functions analyzed by a respiration capacity assay. The effects of modulating SIRT1 expression on EMT and migration of lung cancer cells or normal cells were evaluated by in vitro and in vivo models.

KEY FINDINGS

We found that the regulation of SIRT1 signaling on the biogenesis or functions of mitochondria was critical to EMT. Overexpression of SIRT1 reduced EMT or metastasis potential of lung cancer cells by improving the quantity and quality of mitochondria, whereas silencing SIRT1 promote EMT in cancer cells, even in normal cells by disturbing mitochondria status.

SIGNIFICANCE

Consequently, SIRT1 is an attractive therapeutic target for reversing EMT or tumor metastasis.

The Role of miRNAs in Extracellular Matrix Repair and Chronic Fibrotic Lung Diseases

The lung extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a key role in the normal architecture of the lung, from embryonic lung development to mechanical stability and elastic recoil of the breathing adult lung. The lung ECM can modulate the biophysical environment of cells through ECM stiffness, porosity, topography and insolubility. In a reciprocal interaction, lung ECM dynamics result from the synthesis, degradation and organization of ECM components by the surrounding structural and immune cells. Repeated lung injury and repair can trigger a vicious cycle of aberrant ECM protein deposition, accompanied by elevated ECM stiffness, which has a lasting effect on cell and tissue function. The processes governing the resolution of injury repair are regulated by several pathways; however, in chronic lung diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and idiopathic pulmonary disease (IPF) these processes are compromised, resulting in impaired cell function and ECM remodeling. Current estimates show that more than 60% of the human coding transcripts are regulated by miRNAs. miRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expressions and modulate cellular functions. This review is focused on the current knowledge of miRNAs in regulating ECM synthesis, degradation and topography by cells and their dysregulation in asthma, COPD and IPF.

MicroRNA-520c-3p Modulates Doxorubicin-Chemosensitivity in HepG2 Cells

BACKGROUND

Doxorubicin (DOX) is one of the most common drugs used in cancer therapy, including Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). Drug resistance is one of chemotherapy's significant problems. Emerging studies have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) could participate in regulating this mechanism. Nevertheless, the impact of miRNAs on HCC chemoresistance is still enigmatic.

OBJECTIVE

Investigating the role of microRNA-520c-3p (miR-520c-3p) in the enhancement of the anti-tumor effect of DOX against HepG2 cells.

METHODS

Expression profile for liver-related miRNAs (384 miRNAs) has been analyzed on HepG2 cells treated with DOX using qRT-PCR. miR-520c-3p, the most deregulated miRNA, was selected for combination treatment with DOX. The expression level for LEF1, CDK2, CDH1, VIM, Mcl-1 and p53 was evaluated in miR-520c-3p transfected cells. Cell viability, colony formation, wound healing as well as apoptosis assays have been demonstrated. Furthermore, Mcl-1 protein level was measured using the western blot technique.

RESULTS

The present data indicated that miR-520c-3p overexpression could render HepG2 cells chemo-sensitive to DOX through enhancing its suppressive effects on proliferation, migration, and induction of apoptosis. The suppressive effect of miR-520c-3p involved altering the expression levels of some key regulators of cell cycle, proliferation, migration and apoptosis, including LEF1, CDK2, CDH1, VIM, Mcl-1 and p53. Interestingly, Mcl-1 was found to be one of the potential targets of miR-520c-3p, and its protein expression level was down-regulated upon miR-520c-3p overexpression.

CONCLUSION

Our data referred to the tumor suppressor function of miR-520c-3p that could modulate the chemosensitivity of HepG2 cells towards DOX treatment, providing a promising therapeutic strategy in HCC.

Soft Tissue Sarcoma: An Insight on Biomarkers at Molecular, Metabolic and Cellular Level

Simple Summary

Soft tissue sarcoma is a rare mesenchymal malignancy. Despite the advancements in the fields of radiology, pathology and surgery, these tumors often recur locally and/or with metastatic disease. STS is considered to be a diagnostic challenge due to the large variety of histological subtypes with clinical and histopathological characteristics which are not always distinct. One of the important clinical problems is a lack of useful biomarkers. Therefore, the discovery of biomarkers that can be used to detect tumors or predict tumor response to chemotherapy or radiotherapy could help clinicians provide more effective clinical management.

Abstract

Soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) are a heterogeneous group of rare tumors. Although constituting only 1% of all human malignancies, STSs represent the second most common type of solid tumors in children and adolescents and comprise an important group of secondary malignancies. Over 100 histologic subtypes have been characterized to date (occurring predominantly in the trunk, extremity, and retroperitoneum), and many more are being discovered due to molecular profiling. STS mortality remains high, despite adjuvant chemotherapy. New prognostic stratification markers are needed to help identify patients at risk of recurrence and possibly apply more intensive or novel treatments. Recent scientific advancements have enabled a more precise molecular characterization of sarcoma subtypes and revealed novel therapeutic targets and prognostic/predictive biomarkers. This review aims at providing a comprehensive overview of the most relevant cellular, molecular and metabolic biomarkers for STS, and highlight advances in STS-related biomarker research.

miR-373 Suppresses Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis via Regulation of SIRT1/PGC-1α/NRF2 Axis in Pancreatic Cancer

Objective

Our study aimed to investigate function and mechanism of miR-373 in proliferation and apoptosis of pancreatic cancer (PC) cells by regulating NAD+-dependent histone deacetylase sirtulin 1 (SIRT1).

Materials and Methods

This experimental study included two PC cell lines AsPC-1 and PANC-1 in which expression levels of miR-373 and SIRT1 were manipulated. The level of miR-373 was detected by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) method. Expression levels of SIRT1, BCL-2, BAX, cleaved CASPASE-8/9/3, PARP, PGC-1α, NRF2, eNOS and iNOS were examined via RT-qPCR and western blotting, respectively. The binding sites of miR-373 on the SIRT1 were examined via dual-luciferase assay. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were examined by MTT assay, colony formation assay, Annexin-V/PI staining and TUNEL assay. The oxidative metabolic changes were monitored by reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) detection.

Results

miR-373 could specifically target the 3’-UTR of SIRT1 and reduce its expression in PC cells. Either elevated expression of miR-373 or partial loss of SIRT1 inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis. Accumulation of BAX and cleaved CASPASE-8/9/3, inhibition of PGC-1α/NRF2 pathway, increase oxidative stress and reduction of BCL-2 as well as uncleaved PARP were found in the presence of miR-373 or the absence of SIRT1. Overexpression of SIRT1 could reduce anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of miR-373.

Conclusion

Overall, this study concluded that miR-373-dependent SIRT1 inhibition displays anti-proliferative and pro- apoptotic roles in PC cells via PGC-1α/NRF2 pathway, which highlights miR-373 as a potential target for PC treatment.

L-Threonine upregulates the expression of β-defensins by activating the NF-κB signaling pathway and suppressing SIRT1 expression in porcine intestinal epithelial cells

The use of antimicrobial peptide (AMP), found in all forms of life and playing a pivotal role in the innate immune system, has been developed as a new strategy for maintaining intestinal health and reducing antibiotic usage due to its ability to resist pathogens and commensal microbes. The current study investigated the effects of l-threonine on β-defensin expression, the intestinal mucosal barrier and inflammatory cytokine expression in porcine intestinal epithelial cell lines (IPEC-J2). The results revealed that in IPEC-J2 cells, l-threonine significantly increased the expression of β-defensin (including pBD-1, pBD-2, and pBD-3) in a dose- and time-dependent manner (P < 0.05). By using different concentrations and treatment times of l-threonine, the results showed that the expression of β-defensin was upregulated to the greatest extent in IPEC-J2 cells cultured with 1 mM l-threonine for 24 h. Although the mRNA expression levels of β-defensins were markedly increased (P < 0.05), there was relatively little inducible pBD-1, pBD-2 and pBD-3 mRNA expression at the sub-confluent and confluent densities in comparison with post-confluent densities. Furthermore, we found that l-threonine enhanced the β-defensin expression by suppressing the expression of SIRT1, which increased acetylated p65 expression, and activating the NF-κB signaling pathway, which induced the translocation of p65 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. In addition, l-threonine significantly prevented LPS-induced intestinal mucosal barrier damage by attenuating the decreasing tendency of the mRNA expression of Mucin1 and Mucin2 (P < 0.05). Simultaneously, l-threonine enhanced the expression of β-defensins upon LPS challenge in IPEC-J2 cells (P < 0.05). l-Threonine obviously decreased the mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines compared to that in untreated cells (P < 0.05). In conclusion, l-threonine can upregulate β-defensin expression and reduce inflammatory cytokine expression in IPEC-J2 cells; meanwhile, l-threonine alleviates LPS-induced intestinal mucosal barrier damage in porcine intestinal epithelial cells. The l-threonine-mediated modulation of endogenous defensin expression may be a promising approach to reduce antibiotic use, enhance disease resistance and intestinal health in animals.

Research Progress of TXNIP as a Tumor Suppressor Gene Participating in the Metabolic Reprogramming and Oxidative Stress of Cancer Cells in Various Cancers

Thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) is a thioredoxin-binding protein that can mediate oxidative stress, inhibit cell proliferation, and induce apoptosis by inhibiting the function of the thioredoxin system. TXNIP is important because of its wide range of functions in cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, diabetes, and other diseases. Increasing evidence has shown that TXNIP expression is low in tumors and that it may act as a tumor suppressor in various cancer types such as hepatocarcinoma, breast cancer, and lung cancer. TXNIP is known to inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer cells by affecting metabolic reprogramming and can affect the invasion and migration of breast cancer cells through the TXNIP-HIF1α-TWIST signaling axis. TXNIP can also prevent the occurrence of bladder cancer by inhibiting the activation of ERK, which inhibits apoptosis in bladder cancer cells. In this review, we find that TXNIP can be regulated by binding to transcription factors or other binding proteins and can also be downregulated by epigenetic changes or miRNA. In addition, we also summarize emerging insights on TXNIP expression and its functional role in different kinds of cancers, as well as clarify its participation in metabolic reprogramming and oxidative stress in cancer cells, wherein it acts as a putative tumor suppressor gene to inhibit the proliferation, invasion, and migration of different tumor cells as well as promote apoptosis in these cells. TXNIP may therefore be of basic and clinical significance for finding novel molecular targets that can facilitate the diagnosis and treatment of malignant tumors.

A Potential Tumor Suppressor Gene Named miR-508-5p Inhibited the Proliferation and Invasion of Human Melanoma Cells by Targeting KIT

Melanoma is the main death cause of human skin cancer. Increasing evidences demonstrate that microRNAs act as key roles in mediating tumor occurrence and progression. MiR-508-5p has proved to participate in the development of various types of human malignancies. However, the role of miR-508-5p in melanoma remained unclear. In in vitro study, miR-508-5p level in peripheral blood samples of patients with melanoma and human melanoma A375 cells was downregulated compared to that in normal peripheral blood samples or normal human epidermal melanocytes (MHEM). MiR-508-5p overexpression significantly inhibited the cell proliferation, migration and invasion in A375 cells, and thus inhibiting KIT expression at both gene and protein levels. Furthermore, western blot analysis showed miR-508-5p reduced cell proliferation by targeting KIT to modulate RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK pathway. Taken together, we speculated that miR-508-5p functioned as an important suppressor in human melanoma by targeting KIT, suggesting miR-508-5p might be a promising tumor suppressor gene for further target therapies from bench to clinic.

The new horizon of liquid biopsy in sarcoma: the potential utility of circulating tumor nucleic acids

The diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of sarcoma are mainly dependent on tissue biopsy, which is limited in its ability to provide a panoramic view into the dynamics of tumor progression. In addition, effective biomarkers to monitor the progression and therapeutic response of sarcoma are lacking. Liquid biopsy, a recent technological breakthrough, has gained great attention in the last few decades. Nucleic acids (such as DNA, mRNAs, microRNAs, and long non-coding RNAs) that are released from tumors circulate in the blood of cancer patients and can be evaluated through liquid biopsy. Circulating tumor nucleic acids reflect the intertumoral and intratumoral heterogeneity, and thus liquid biopsy provides a noninvasive strategy to examine these molecules compared with traditional tissue biopsy. Over the past decade, a great deal of information on the potential utilization of circulating tumor nucleic acids in sarcoma screening, prognosis and therapy efficacy monitoring has emerged. Several specific gene mutations in sarcoma can be detected in peripheral blood samples from patients and can be found in circulating tumor DNA to monitor sarcoma. In addition, circulating tumor non-coding RNA may also be a promising biomarker in sarcoma. In this review, we discuss the clinical application of circulating tumor nucleic acids as blood-borne biomarkers in sarcoma.

Leading the invasion: The role of Cathepsin S in the tumour microenvironment

Elevated expression of the cysteine protease Cathepsin S has been correlated with a number of different cancer types in recent years. As tools have been developed to enable more accurate examination of individual cathepsin species, our knowledge and appreciation of the role that this protease plays in facilitating cancer has increased exponentially. This review focuses on our current understanding of the role of Cathepsin S within tumours and the surrounding microenvironment. While various publications have shown that Cathepsin S can be derived from tumour cells themselves, a plethora of more recent studies have identified that Cathepsin S can also be derived from other cell types within the tumour microenvironment including endothelial cells, macrophages and T cells. Furthermore, specific proteolytic substrates cleaved by Cathepsin S have also been identified which have reinforced our hypothesis that this protease facilitates key steps within tumours leading to their invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis.

The effect of swimming exercise and diet on the hypothalamic inflammation of ApoE-/- mice based on SIRT1-NF-κB-GnRH expression

A high-fat diet and sedentary lifestyle could accelerate aging and hypothalamic inflammation. In order to explore the regulatory mechanisms of lifestyle in the hypothalamus, swimming exercise and diet control were applied in the high-fat diet ApoE-/- mice in our study. 20-week-old ApoE-/- mice fed with 12-week high-fat diet were treated by high-fat diet, diet control and swimming exercise. The results showed that hypothalamic inflammation, glial cells activation and cognition decline were induced by high-fat diet. Compared with the diet control, hypothalamic inflammation, glial cells activation and learning and memory impairment were effectively alleviated by swimming exercise plus diet control, which was related to the increasing expression of SIRT1, inhibiting the expression of NF-κB and raising secretion of GnRH in the hypothalamus. These findings supported the hypothesis that hypothalamic inflammation was susceptible to exercise and diet, which was strongly associated with SIRT1-NF-κB-GnRH expression in the hypothalamus.

Non-Coding RNAs in Lung Tumor Initiation and Progression

Lung cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer affecting society today. Non-coding RNAs, such as microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), through the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and epigenetic changes they impose, have been found to be dysregulated to affect lung cancer tumorigenesis and metastasis. This review will briefly summarize hallmarks involved in lung cancer initiation and progression. For initiation, these hallmarks include tumor initiating cells, immortalization, activation of oncogenes and inactivation of tumor suppressors. Hallmarks involved in lung cancer progression include metastasis and drug tolerance and resistance. The targeting of these hallmarks with non-coding RNAs can affect vital metabolic and cell signaling pathways, which as a result can potentially have a role in cancerous and pathological processes. By further understanding non-coding RNAs, researchers can work towards diagnoses and treatments to improve early detection and clinical response.

Geniposide exhibits anticancer activity to medulloblastoma cells by downregulating microRNA-373

BACKGROUND

Medulloblastoma is a common tumor originates from central nervous system in children with metastatic potential. Geniposide is the major active ingredient separated from the fruit of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis. Herein, we tested the possible anticancer activity of geniposide on human medulloblastoma cells, as well as the potential underlying molecular mechanisms.

METHODS

Firstly, followed by geniposide incubation, cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of medulloblastoma Daoy cells, along with microRNA-373 (miR-373) expression were tested, respectively. Then, the influences of miR-373 overexpression in the reduction of medulloblastoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and the elevation of apoptosis, triggered by geniposide treatment, were re-investigated. Finally, the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway activity was analyzed.

RESULTS

Geniposide treatment inhibited medulloblastoma cell viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion, but promoted cell apoptosis. Surprisingly, miR-373 expression in medulloblastoma cells was obviously downregulated by geniposide treatment. miR-373 overexpression reversed the effects of geniposide on Daoy cells. Furthermore, geniposide hindered the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway by downregulating miR-373 expression.

CONCLUSION

Geniposide exhibited anticancer activity on human medulloblastoma cells and blocked Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway by downregulating miR-373 expression.

Restoration of microRNA-197 expression suppresses oncogenicity in fibrosarcoma through negative regulation of RAN

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) act as crucial regulators of biological pathways/processes by reinforcing transcriptional programs and moderating transcripts. Emerging evidences have shown the involvement of dysregulated miRNAs in pathophysiology of human diseases including several cancer types. Recently, miR-197-3p has been reported to play different roles in different cancers; however, its role in fibrosarcoma, a highly aggressive and malignant soft tissue sarcoma originated from the mesenchymal tissues, has not yet been studied. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the possible regulatory roles of miR-197-3p in the oncogenicity of fibrosarcoma. For this, we initially performed qRT-PCR of miR-197-3p, which we found to be downregulated in HT1080 human fibrosarcoma cells compared with IMR90-tert normal fibroblast cells. Subsequently, we performed gain-of-function study by employing several methods such as MTT assay, clonogenic assay, wound healing, flow cytometry cell cycle analysis, and acridine orange staining after transfecting HT1080 cells with miR-197-3p mimic. From these assays, we observed that miR-197-3p significantly inhibits viability, colony forming, and migration ability as well as triggers G2/M phase cell cycle arrest and autophagy in fibrosarcoma cells. To understand the mechanism through which miRNA performs these functions, we predicted its targets using TargetScan and performed pathway enrichment analysis after screening them by their expression in fibrosarcoma. Among the enriched targets, we found RAN (ras-related nuclear protein) to be a crucial target through which miR-197-3p represses tumorigenesis by binding to its 3´ UTR, validated by luciferase reporter assay. The tumor suppressive role of the miRNA was further confirmed by transfecting its mimic in RAN-overexpressed cells which showed significant attenuation in tumorigenic effect of RAN in fibrosarcoma as seen in different assays. Taken together, our study unveiled that miR-197-3p acts as an oncosuppressor in fibrosarcoma through G2/M phase arrest and induction of autophagy, and raises the possibility to act as a novel therapeutic intervention for the malignancy.

Circular RNA circDENND2A protects H9c2 cells from oxygen glucose deprivation-induced apoptosis through sponging microRNA-34a

Background/Aims: Myocardial ischemia (MI) is a serious threat to human health. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play an important role in many diseases including MI. The effect and mechanism of circDENND2A in MI have not been studied.Methods: We used oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) treatment to simulate MI in vitro. We detected circDENND2A and microRNA (miR)-34a levels by RT-qPCR. The transfection process used INTERFER and jetPRIME. Cell growth indexes including viability, apoptosis, and migration were detected by CCK8, flow cytometry, and transwell assays, respectively. In addition, the Bax, Cleaved-Caspase-3, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9 and pathway-related protein levels were tested by Western blot.Results: OGD upregulated circDENND2A expression in H9c2 cells. Overexpression of circDENND2A enhanced cell viability and migration but declined apoptosis under OGD. Silenced circDENND 2A played the opposite effects. circDENND2A negatively regulated miR-34a. miR-34a overexpression weakened the protective effects of circDENND2A in OGD-injury. Moreover, we considered circDENND2A and miR-34a may work via β-catenin and Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathways.Conclusion: circDENND2A overexpression enhanced OGD-inhibited cell viability and migration but declined OGD-promoted apoptosis by downregulating miR-34a and via β-catenin and Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathways.

Resveratrol inhibits high-glucose-induced inflammatory "metabolic memory" in human retinal vascular endothelial cells through SIRT1-dependent signaling

Diabetes induces vascular endothelial damage and this study investigated high-glucose-induced inflammation "metabolic memory" of human retinal vascular endothelial cells (HRVECs), the effects of resveratrol on HRVECs, and the underlying signaling. HRVECs were grown under various conditions and assayed for levels of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1); acetylated nuclear factor κB (Ac-NF-κB); NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3); and other inflammatory cytokines; and cell viability. A high glucose concentration induced HRVEC inflammation metabolic memory by decreasing SIRT1 and increasing Ac-NF-κB, NLRP3, caspase 1, interleukin-1β, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and tumor necrosis factor α, whereas exposure of HRVECs to a high glucose medium for 4 days, followed by a normal glucose concentration for an additional 4 days, failed to reverse these changes. A high glucose concentration also significantly reduced HRVEC viability. In contrast, resveratrol, a selective SIRT1 activator, markedly enhanced HRVEC viability and reduced the inflammatory cytokines expressions. In addition, high glucose reduced AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation and retained during the 4 days of the reversal period of culture. The effects of resveratrol were abrogated after co-treatment with the SIRT1 inhibitor nicotinamide and the AMPK inhibitor compound C. In conclusion, resveratrol was able to reverse high-glucose-induced inflammation "metabolic memory" of HRVECs by activation of the SIRT1/AMPK/NF-κB pathway.

Circular RNA circFNDC3B protects renal carcinoma by miR-99a downregulation

Various circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been reported to involve in carcinoma. This study explored the role and mechanism of circRNA circFNDC3B (circFNDC3B) in renal carcinoma (RC). The detection indicators in this paper were viability, colony, and migration, which respectively investigated by Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation, and migration assay. Reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction tested and cell transfection changed circFNDC3B and miR-99a expression. Moreover, western blot tested relate-proteins of proliferation, migration, and cell pathways were examined by western blot. circFNDC3B was upregulated at RC tissues. circFNDC3B enhanced cell viability, colony and migration, and miR-99a mimic played reverse impacts. Furthermore, circFNDC3B negatively regulated miR-99aand circFNDC3B restrained the janus kinase 1/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK1/STAT3) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) kinase (MEK)/ERK pathways by miR-99a downregulation. Overexpression of circFNDC3B enhanced cell viability, colony formation and migration by miR-99a downregulation via JAK1/STAT3 and MEK/ERK pathways.

HMGA1 exacerbates tumor progression by activating miR-222 through PI3K/Akt/MMP-9 signaling pathway in uveal melanoma

High-mobility group A1 (HMGA1), an architectural transcription factor, participates in different human tumors' biological progression. HMGA1 overexpression is associated with malignant cellular behavior in a wide range of cancers but the underlying mechanism remains poorly illuminated. In this study, we showed PI3K/Akt/MMP9 pathway activity could be positively regulated by HMGA1 using western blotting, real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunochemistry both in vitro (C918 and MUM-2B cell lines) and in vivo (xenograft mouse model). Later, MiRTarBase was used to identify the relationship between HMGA1 and miR-222-3p, we found miR-222 is positively regulated by HMGA1. Moreover, the proliferation and migration of UM cells significantly increased in the miR-222 mimics group and decreased in the miR-222 inhibitor group detected by the Annexin V-FITC apoptosis detection kit, CCK-8 and scratch wound-healing. The p-PI3K, p-Akt and MMP9 expressions were elevated in UM cells transfected with miR-222 mimics, and suppressed in the miR-222 inhibitor group. Together, our study highlights that HMGA1 acts as a pivotal regulator in UM tumor growth, proposing a critical viewpoint that HMGA1 expedites progression through the PI3K/Akt/MMP9 pathway and oncogenic miR-222 in UM.

Micromanaging aerobic respiration and glycolysis in cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Cancer cells possess a common metabolic phenotype, rewiring their metabolic pathways from mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation to aerobic glycolysis and anabolic circuits, to support the energetic and biosynthetic requirements of continuous proliferation and migration. While, over the past decade, molecular and cellular studies have clearly highlighted the association of oncogenes and tumor suppressors with cancer-associated glycolysis, more recent attention has focused on the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in mediating this metabolic shift. Accumulating studies have connected aberrant expression of miRNAs with direct and indirect regulation of aerobic glycolysis and associated pathways.

SCOPE OF REVIEW

This review discusses the underlying mechanisms of metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells and provides arguments that the earlier paradigm of cancer glycolysis needs to be updated to a broader concept, which involves interconnecting biological pathways that include miRNA-mediated regulation of metabolism. For these reasons and in light of recent knowledge, we illustrate the relationships between metabolic pathways in cancer cells. We further summarize our current understanding of the interplay between miRNAs and these metabolic pathways. This review aims to highlight important metabolism-associated molecular components in the hunt for selective preventive and therapeutic treatments.

MAJOR CONCLUSIONS

Metabolism in cancer cells is influenced by driver mutations but is also regulated by posttranscriptional gene silencing. Understanding the nuanced regulation of gene expression in these cells and distinguishing rapid cellular responses from chronic adaptive mechanisms provides a basis for rational drug design and novel therapeutic strategies.

miR-197-5p inhibits sarcomagenesis and induces cellular senescence via repression of KIAA0101

The abnormal expressions of microRNAs (miRNAs) are known to be associated with various pathophysiological processes that lead to the development of a plethora of diseases including cancer. Among several miRNAs studied so far, miR-197 has been reported to play a vital role either as an oncogene or tumor suppressor in different cancers. However, its role in carcinogenesis of fibrosarcoma has not yet been elucidated. Therefore, the current study investigated the role of miR-197-5p, which is significantly downregulated in HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells compared to IMR90-tert fibroblast cells. The transient overexpression of miR-197-5p causes a significant decrease in viability and proliferation of fibrosarcoma cells in both concentration- and time-dependent manners. Interestingly, we did not observe any significant changes in cell cycle pattern or apoptotic cell populations, but rather noticed cellular senescence of fibrosarcoma cells upon overexpression of miR-197-5p. Further, this miRNA suppresses the metastatic properties, such as migration, invasion, and anchorage-independent growth of fibrosarcoma possibly through targeting KIAA0101, which is a proliferating cell nuclear antigen-associated factor and overexpressed in the malignancy. In nutshell, our result revealed that miR-197-5p acts as an oncosuppressor miRNA in fibrosarcoma through target regulation of KIAA0101, which can be exploited for developing RNA-based therapeutic strategies for the cure of this malignancy.

miR-92b-3p-TSC1 axis is critical for mTOR signaling-mediated vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation induced by hypoxia

Pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) undergo proliferation by the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway under hypoxia. Hypoxia induces expression of a specific set of microRNAs (miRNAs) in a variety of cell types. We integrated genomic analyses of both small non-coding RNA and coding transcripts using next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based RNA sequencing with the molecular mechanism of the mTOR signaling pathway in hypoxic PASMCs. These analyses revealed hypoxia-induced miR-92b-3p as a potent regulator of the mTOR signaling pathway. We demonstrated that miR-92b-3p directly targets the 3′-UTR of a negative regulator in the mTOR signaling pathway, TSC1. mTOR signaling and consequent cell proliferation were promoted by enforced expression of miR-92b-3p but inhibited by knocking down endogenous miR-92b-3p. Furthermore, inhibition of miR-92b-3p attenuated hypoxia-induced proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Therefore, this study elucidates a novel role of miR-92b-3p as a hypoxamir in the regulation of the mTOR signaling pathway and the pathological VSMC proliferative response under hypoxia. These findings will help us better understand the miRNA-mediated molecular mechanism of the proliferative response of hypoxic VSMCs through the mTOR signaling pathway.

Expression of miR-520c in intestinal type gastric adenocarcinoma

Background

MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that participate in post-transcriptional gene regulation in cells thereby playing active role in pathological conditions and have been nominated as new class of biomarkers in disease including cancer. miR-520c has been reported as potential oncogenic micro-RNA in several previous studies. Gastric cancer is the most common cancer of digestive tract and the fourth prevalent cancer worldwide with the intestinal-type gastric adenocarcinoma (IGA) the dominant type of gastric malignancies. This study aimed to explore miR-520c putative role, in IGA and patient's clinicopathological features.

Methods

Total RNA was first extracted from 42 pairs of IGA tissues and relevant non-tumorous adjacent tissues. cDNA was synthesized from extracted RNAs using specific primers for miR-520c. The level of miR-520c was quantified using SYBER Green Real-Time PCR master mix. The relationship between miR-520c expression and clinicopathological features were examined.

Results

Our study resulted in no differential expression of miR-520c in IGA. There was no significant correlation between miR-520c expression and clinicopathological features including tumor grade, genus and age groups.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first report about exploring miR-520c expression in IGA tissue samples. Our results do not verify miR-520c previously established oncogenic role in IGA.

MicroRNAs for the pediatric otolaryngologist

The scope of pediatric otolaryngology is broad and encompasses a wide variety of diseases in which the fundamental phenotype-causing abnormality exists at the level of gene regulation and expression. Development of novel molecular biology instruments to diagnose disease, monitor treatment response, and prevent recurrence will facilitate the delivery of appropriate surgical and adjuvant medical treatments with lower morbidity. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as a relatively new class of molecules that directly modulate gene expression and are abnormally expressed in a multitude of disease processes including those within the scope of pediatric otolaryngology. Functionally, miRNAs control multiple cellular functions including angiogenesis, cell proliferation, cell survival, genome stability, and inflammation. These short, non-protein coding RNA molecules are present and stable in tissue, blood, saliva, and urine, making them ideal disease biomarkers. The simple structure of miRNAs and their ability to directly modulate the expression of specific genes lends exciting therapeutic potential to miRNA-based therapies. Here we review the current literature of miRNAs as it relates to diseases within the scope of pediatric otolaryngology, and discuss their potential as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

MiR-373 exacerbates renal injury and fibrosis via NF-κB/MatrixMetalloproteinase-9 signaling by targeting Sirtuin1

BACKGROUND

Renal fibrosis is a final common pathway of chronic kidney disease. SIRT1, a NAD⁺-dependent protein deacetylase, deacetylates the p65 of NF-κB and shows protective effects in kidney disorders. miR-373 directly targets the 3'UTR of SIRT1. However, roles of miR-373 in renal fibrosis are unclear.

METHODS

TGF-β1, a critical regulator of fibrosis, was used to stimulate human kidney-2 cells to establish cell model for renal fibrosis. Unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) was performed as an in vivo model.

RESULTS

TGF-β1 induced the level of miR-373, reduced level of SIRT1, and promoted p65 acetylation and MMP-9 expression. These effects were reversed by the miR-373 inhibitor. In the animal model, UUO caused a consistent pattern as demonstrated in vitro.

CONCLUSION

These results indicated an undesired effect of miR-373 in the regulation of renal injury and fibrosis by targeting SIRT1-mediated NF-κB/MMP-9 signaling, which might provide a potential therapeutic strategy for renal fibrosis.

Caveolin-1 promotes Ewing sarcoma metastasis regulating MMP-9 expression through MAPK/ERK pathway

Ewing sarcoma (ES) is a bone and soft tissue sarcoma affecting mostly children and young adults. Caveolin-1 (CAV1) is a well-known target of EWS/FLI1, the main driver of ES, with an oncogenic role in ES. We have previously described how CAV1 is able to induce metastasis in ES via matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). In the present study we showed how CAV1 silencing in ES reduced MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Accordingly, chemical inhibition of MEK1/2 resulted in reduction in MMP-9 expression and activity that correlated with reduced migration and invasion. IQ Motif Containing GTPase Activating Protein 1 (IQGAP1) silencing reduced MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 phosphorylation and MMP-9 expression. Furthermore, IQGAP1 silenced cells showed a marked decrease in their migratory and invasive capacity. We demonstrated that CAV1 and IQGAP1 localize in close proximity at the cellular edge, thus IQGAP1 could be the connecting node between CAV1 and MEK/ERK in ES metastatic phenotype. Analysis of the phosphorylation profile of CAV1-silenced cells showed a decrease of p-ribosomal protein S6 (RPS6). RPS6 can be phosphorylated by p90 ribosomal S6 kinases (RSK) proteins. CAV1-silenced cells showed reduced levels of p-RSK1 and treatment with U0126 provoked the same effect. Despite not affecting ERK1/2 and RPS6 phosphorylation status neither MMP-9 expression nor activity, RSK1 silencing resulted in a reduced migratory and invasive capacity in vitro and reduced incidence of metastases in vivo in a novel orthotopic model. The present work provides new insights into CAV1-driven metastatic process in ES unveiling novel key nodes.

miR-373 suppresses gastric cancer metastasis by downregulating vimentin

MicroRNA-373 (miR-373) has been reported to be an oncogene in a number of solid human tumors. However, the role of miR‑373 in gastric cancer has not been completely elucidated and the mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study, we compared miR‑373 expression between clinical gastric cancer tissues and paired non‑tumorous tissues by reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The impact of miR‑373 on proliferation, migration and invasion in gastric cancer cells was additionally investigated. Hsa‑miR‑373 mimics were applied to mimic the function of endogenous miR‑373. A colony formation assay and flow cytometry were performed to analyze the proliferation of gastric cancer cells. Wound healing and Transwell invasion assays were employed to detect the migratory and invasive abilities of gastric cancer cells. Western blotting was used to test the expression of epithelial‑mesenchymal transition‑associated proteins. The results demonstrated that the level of miR‑373 in gastric cancer was upregulated compared with paired non‑tumorous tissues. It was confirmed that miR‑373 inhibited the migration and invasion of the gastric cancer cell lines SGC‑7901 and HGC‑27 by downregulating vimentin expression. The results of the present study demonstrated an oncogenic role of miR‑373 in the metastasis of human gastric cancer, and may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for gastric cancer.

Current diagnostics and treatment of fibrosarcoma -perspectives for future therapeutic targets and strategies

Adult-type fibrosarcoma is a rare and highly aggressive subtype of soft tissue sarcomas. Due to the existence of other spindle-cell shaped sarcomas, its diagnosis is always one of exclusion. The likelihood of misdiagnoses between similar tumour entities is high, and often leads to inappropriate tumour treatment. We summarize here the main features of fibrosarcoma. When fibrosarcoma is appropriately diagnosed, the patient`s overall prognosis is generally quite poor. Fibrosarcoma is characterized by its low sensitivity towards radio- and chemotherapy as well as by its high rate of tumour recurrences. Thus it is important to identify new methods to improve treatment of this tumour entity. We discuss some promising new directions in fibrosarcoma research, specifically focusing on more effective targeting of the tumour microenvironment. Communication between tumour cells and their surrounding stromal tissue play a crucial role in cancer progression, invasion, metastasis and chemosensitivity. The therapeutic potential of targeting the tumour microenvironment is addressed.

Enhancing E-cadherin expression via promoter-targeted miR-373 suppresses bladder cancer cells growth and metastasis

Previous studies showed that miR-373 had the capacity to induce tumor suppressor gene E-cadherin expression in prostate cancer cells. However, whether miR-373 can activate the expression of E-cadherin in human bladder cancer (BCa) cells and inhibit cells remains to be elucidated. Here, we found that both miR-373 and E-cadherin were low expressed in BCa tissues and cell lines, and significantly correlated with tumor stage, grade, and lymph node metastasis. In addition, decreased E-cadherin expression or low expression of both miR-373 and E-cadherin is associated with poor overall survival in patients with BCa. Transfection of miR-373 into BCa cells readily activated E-cadherin expression by targeting promoter. Moreover, miR-373 exhibited robust capacity to inhibit cells proliferation, suppress migration and invasion by enhancing E-cadherin expression, and significantly suppress the growth of xenografts and metastasis in nude mice. Altogether, our findings indicate that miR-373 may as a tumor suppressor in BCa by activating E-cadherin expression.

Immune Modulatory microRNAs Involved in Tumor Attack and Tumor Immune Escape

Current therapies against cancer utilize the patient's immune system for tumor eradication. However, tumor cells can evade immune surveillance of CD8+ T and/or natural killer (NK) cells by various strategies. These include the aberrant expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I antigens, co-inhibitory or costimulatory molecules, and components of the interferon (IFN) signal transduction pathway. In addition, alterations of the tumor microenvironment could interfere with efficient antitumor immune responses by downregulating or inhibiting the frequency and/or functional activity of immune effector cells and professional antigen-presenting cells. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified as major players in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression, thereby controlling many physiological and also pathophysiological processes including neoplastic transformation. Indeed, the cellular miRNA expression pattern is frequently altered in many tumors of distinct origin, demonstrating the tumor suppressive or oncogenic potential of miRNAs. Furthermore, there is increasing evidence that miRNAs could also influence antitumor immune responses by affecting the expression of immune modulatory molecules in tumor and immune cells. Apart from their important role in tumor immune escape and altered tumor-host interaction, immune modulatory miRNAs often exert neoplastic properties, thus representing promising targets for future combined immunotherapy approaches. This review focuses on the characterization of miRNAs involved in the regulation of immune surveillance or immune escape of tumors and their potential use as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers or as therapeutic targets.

MicroRNAs in Different Histologies of Soft Tissue Sarcoma: A Comprehensive Review

Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) constitute a rare tumour entity comprising over 50 histological subtypes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-protein coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression by targeting the 3'-untranslated region of messenger RNAs. They are involved in a variety of human diseases, including malignancies, such as endometrial cancer, osteosarcoma, bronchial carcinoma and breast cancer. In STS, various miRNAs are differentially expressed, thus contributing to development, progression and invasion. Therefore, the aim of the present review is to summarise current knowledge on the role of miRNAs in STS. Furthermore, the potential role of miRNAs as diagnostic, prognostic and predictive biomarkers is discussed.

MiR-211 inhibits cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition by targeting MMP9 in gastric cancer

Recent studies have demonstrated that the dysregulation of miRNAs are frequently associated with cancer progression including gastric cancer (GC). MiR-211 was found to act as tumor suppressor in GC, however, the functional role of miR-211 involved in GC cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process still to be investigated. In the study, we demonstrated that miR-211 was lower expression in gastric cancer tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues. Lower miR-211 expression was positively associated with distant metastasis and lymph node metastasis in GC patients. Survival curve by Kaplan-Meier method and log rank test revealed that lower miR-211 expression indicated a poor outcome in GC patients. Function assays showed that miR-211 inhibited cell invasion and cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in GC by upregulating E-cadherin expression and down-regulating twist1 and N-cadherin expression. Furthermore, we demonstrated that miR-211 suppressed cell EMT by targeting MMP9 expression in GC. These results showed that miR-211 acted as a tumor suppressor in GC and may be a potential target of GC treatment.

MicroRNA-29 Family Suppresses the Invasion of HT1080 Human Fibrosarcoma Cells by Regulating Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 Expression

Matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) is a potent protumorigenic, proangiogenic, and prometastatic enzyme that is overexpressed in metastatic cancer. Although there have been various studies on the MMP2 gene, further studies of regulatory factors are required to achieve inhibition of MMP2 enzyme activities. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play key roles in tumor metastasis. However, the specific functions of miRNAs in metastasis are unclear. In this study, we assessed the function of the microRNA-29 family (miR-29s) in HT1080 human fibrosarcoma cells and examined the regulatory mechanisms of these miRNAs on MMP2 activation. Using miRanda, TargetScan, and PicTar databases, miR-29s were identified as candidate miRNAs targeting MMP2. Gain-of-function studies showed that overexpression of miR-29s could inhibit the invasion of HT1080 cells, suggesting their tumor-suppressive roles in HT1080 cells. In addition, dual luciferase reporter assays indicated that miR-29s could inhibit the expression of the luciferase gene containing the 3'-untranslated region of MMP2 mRNA. Ectopic expression of miR-29s down-regulated the expression of MMP2. Moreover, ectopic expression of miR-29s reduced MMP2 enzyme activity. These results suggested that miR-29s could decrease the invasiveness of HT1080 cells by modulating MMP2 signaling. Taken together, our results demonstrated that miR-29s may serve as therapeutic targets to control tumor metastasis.

miR-429 inhibits metastasis by targeting KIAA0101 in Soft Tissue Sarcoma

Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are a heterogeneous group of rare tumors with high metastatic potential. There being only a handful of publication on metastasis of STS, we investigated the miRNA mediated target gene regulations in modulating the metastatic processes in this cancer. In this study, we amalgamated gene and miRNA expression profiles of high-grade STS samples with miRNA target predictions and identified miR-429 targeting KIAA0101 as a novel pair, which remain unexplored in STS metastasis. We validated their expression in metastatic fibrosarcoma cell line, HT1080 and performed several functional assays using miRNA mimics and KIAA0101 over-expression vector to confirm their role in metastasis. We observed miR-429 is downregulated in HT1080 cells and acting as an anti-metastatic miRNA that inhibited proliferation, migration, anchorage independent growth and invasion by de-repressing KIAA0101. Moreover, the renilla luciferase reporter assay confirmed that miR-429 targets KIAA0101 by binding to its 3^/UTR and influence its expression. Taken together, our work demonstrated miR-429 mediates deregulation of KIAA0101 by acting as an anti-metastatic miRNA that targets KIAA0101 pro-metastatic gene during metastasis of STS.