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El-Aziz MKA, Dawoud A, Kiriacos CJ, Fahmy SA, Hamdy NM, Youness RA. Decoding hepatocarcinogenesis from a noncoding RNAs perspective. J Cell Physiol 2023; 238:1982-2009. [PMID: 37450612 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Being a leading lethal malignancy worldwide, the pathophysiology of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has gained a lot of interest. Yet, underlying mechanistic basis of the liver tumorigenesis is poorly understood. The role of some coding genes and their respective translated proteins, then later on, some noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) such as microRNAs have been extensively studied in context of HCC pathophysiology; however, the implication of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) in HCC is indeed less investigated. As a subclass of the ncRNAs which has been elusive for long time ago, lncRNAs was found to be involved in plentiful cellular functions such as DNA, RNA, and proteins regulation. Hence, it is undisputed that lncRNAs dysregulation profoundly contributes to HCC via diverse etiologies. Accordingly, lncRNAs represent a hot research topic that requires prime focus in HCC. In this review, the authors discuss breakthrough discoveries involving lncRNAs and circRNAs dysregulation that have contributed to the contemporary concepts of HCC pathophysiology and how these concepts could be leveraged as potential novel diagnostic and prognostic HCC biomarkers. Further, this review article sheds light on future trends, thereby discussing the pathological roles of lncRNAs and circRNAs in HCC proliferation, migration, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Along this line of reasoning, future recommendations of how these targets could be exploited to achieve effective HCC-related drug development is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa K Abd El-Aziz
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch, Assiut, Egypt
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Biology and Biochemistry Department, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire Hosted by Global Academic Foundation, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Alyaa Dawoud
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Caroline J Kiriacos
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sherif Ashraf Fahmy
- Chemistry Department, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire Hosted by Global Academic Foundation, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nadia M Hamdy
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rana A Youness
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Biology and Biochemistry Department, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire Hosted by Global Academic Foundation, Cairo, Egypt
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
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2
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Rao G, Peng X, Tian Y, Fu X, Zhang Y. Circular RNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma: biogenesis, function, and pathology. Front Genet 2023; 14:1106665. [PMID: 37485335 PMCID: PMC10361733 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1106665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Both genetic and environmental factors through a multitude of underlying molecular mechanisms participate in the pathogenesis of HCC. Recently, numerous studies have shown that circular RNAs (circRNAs), an emerging class of non-coding RNAs characterized by the presence of covalent bonds linking 3' and 5' ends, play an important role in the initiation and progression of cancers, including HCC. In this review, we outline the current status of the field of circRNAs, with an emphasis on the functions and mechanisms of circRNAs in HCC and its microenvironment. We also summarize and discuss recent advances of circRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. These efforts are anticipated to throw new insights into future perspectives about circRNAs in basic, translational and clinical research, eventually advancing the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guocheng Rao
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Cancer Center West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xi Peng
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Cancer Center West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yan Tian
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Cancer Center West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xianghui Fu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Cancer Center West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuwei Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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3
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Li X, Wang J, Lin W, Yuan Q, Lu Y, Wang H, Chen Y, Chen L, Dai P, Long H, Li X. circEXOC6B interacting with RRAGB, an mTORC1 activator, inhibits the progression of colorectal cancer by antagonizing the HIF1A-RRAGB-mTORC1 positive feedback loop. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:135. [PMID: 35739524 PMCID: PMC9219196 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01600-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In recent years, an increasing number of studies have indicated that circular RNA plays crucial roles in regulating tumor development and chemoresistance. Using two high-throughput RNA sequence datasets, we previously found that circEXOC6B was downregulated in colon cancer. However, its role and mechanism in colorectal cancer (CRC) remained unknown. Methods Real-time quantitative PCR was used to examine the expression of circEXOC6B in CRC tissues. In vivo and in vitro functional experiments were performed to determine the suppressor role of circEXOC6B in CRC progression. RNA pull-down, mass spectrometry, RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation, co-immunoprecipitation, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and immunofluorescence were applied to investigate the possible mechanisms connecting circEXOC6B to CRC growth and 5-fluorouracil-induced apoptosis. Chromatin immunoprecipitation, dual-luciferase assay, western blot, and immunohistochemistry were used to explore the mechanisms underlying the HIF1A regulation of RRAGB transcription. Results circEXOC6B was downregulated in CRC tissues, and its lower expression was associated with poor prognosis of patients. Functional experiments showed that circEXOC6B inhibited growth and increased the 5-fluorouracil-induced apoptosis of CRC cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, circEXOC6B inhibited the heterodimer formation of RRAGB by binding to it, thereby suppressing the mTORC1 pathway and HIF1A level. In addition, HIF1A upregulated the transcription of RRAGB by binding to its promoter region. Altogether, the results demonstrated that a HIF1A-RRAGB-mTORC1 positive feedback loop drives tumor progression in CRC, which could be interrupted by circEXOC6B. Conclusions circEXOC6B inhibits the progression of CRC and enhances the chemosensitivity of CRC cells to 5-fluorouracil by antagonizing the HIF1A-RRAGB-mTORC1 positive feedback loop. circEXOC6B is a possible therapeutic target for CRC treatment. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12943-022-01600-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomin Li
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Department of Pathology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China.,Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jianjun Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241002, Anhui Province, China
| | - Weihao Lin
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Department of Pathology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China.,Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Qinzi Yuan
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Department of Pathology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China.,Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yanxia Lu
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Department of Pathology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China.,Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Haowei Wang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Department of Pathology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China.,Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yujia Chen
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Department of Pathology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China.,Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Lixia Chen
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Department of Pathology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China.,Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Peiling Dai
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Department of Pathology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China.,Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Huaicheng Long
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Department of Pathology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China.,Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xuenong Li
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Department of Pathology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China. .,Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China.
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A Prognosis Marker Dynein Cytoplasmic 1 Heavy Chain 1 Correlates with EMT and Immune Signature in Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Bioinformatics and Experimental Analysis. DISEASE MARKERS 2022; 2022:6304859. [PMID: 35601740 PMCID: PMC9117040 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6304859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Background Liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) has had a continuous increase in incidence and mortality rates over the last 40 years. Dynein Cytoplasmic 1 Heavy Chain 1 (DYNC1H1) is a protein coding gene which encodes the cytoplasmic dynein heavy chain family. This is the first investigation into the expression of DYNC1H1 and its mechanisms of action in LIHC patients. Methods Based on the DYNC1H1 expression data from the TCGA database, we performed the DYNC1H1 expression, clinicopathological data, gene enrichment, and immune infiltration analysis. TIMER and CIBERSORT were used to assess immune responses of DYNC1H1 in LIHC. GEPIA, K-M survival analysis, and immunohistochemical staining pictures from the THPA were used to validate the results. In order to evaluate the diagnostic value of DYNC1H1, GEO datasets were analyzed by using ROC analysis. And quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was also carried out to evaluate the expression of DYNC1H1. Results DYNC1H1 expression levels were associated with T classification, pathologic stage, histologic grade, and serum AFP levels. DYNC1H1 is an independent factor for a poor prognosis in patients with LIHC. Further study showed that high expression of DYNC1H1 was enriched in epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the TGF β signaling pathway by GSEA analysis enrichment, indicating that DYNC1H1 might play a key role in the progression of CRC through EMT and immune response, which also had been validated by the experimental assays. Conclusions DYNC1H1 will provide a novel and important perspective for the mechanisms of LIHC by regulating EMT. This gene will be able to act as an efficacious tool for the early diagnosis and effective intervention of LIHC.
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Knockdown of OLR1 weakens glycolytic metabolism to repress colon cancer cell proliferation and chemoresistance by downregulating SULT2B1 via c-MYC. Cell Death Dis 2021; 13:4. [PMID: 34921134 PMCID: PMC8683511 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-04174-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Chemoresistance is one of the major problems of colon cancer treatment. In tumors, glycolytic metabolism has been identified to promote cell proliferation and chemoresistance. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying glycolytic metabolism and chemoresistance in colon cancer remains enigmatic. Hence, this research was designed to explore the mechanism underlying the OLR1/c-MYC/SULT2B1 axis in the regulation of glycolytic metabolism, to affect colon cancer cell proliferation and chemoresistance. Colon cancer tissues and LoVo cells were attained, where OLR1, c-MYC, and SULT2B1 expression was detected by immunohistochemistry, RT-qPCR, and western blot analysis. Next, ectopic expression and knockdown assays were implemented in LoVo cells. Cell proliferation was detected by MTS assay and clone formation. Extracellular acidification, glucose uptake, lactate production, ATP/ADP ratio, and GLUT1 and LDHA expression were measured to evaluate glycolytic metabolism. Then, the transfected cells were treated with chemotherapeutic agents to assess drug resistance by MTS experiments and P-gp and SMAD4 expression by RT-qPCR. A nude mouse model of colon cancer transplantation was constructed for in vivo verification. The levels of OLR1, c-MYC, and SULT2B1 were upregulated in colon cancer tissues and cells. Mechanistically, OLR1 increased c-MYC expression to upregulate SULT2B1 in colon cancer cells. Moreover, knockdown of OLR1, c-MYC, or SULT2B1 weakened glycolytic metabolism, proliferation, and chemoresistance of colon cancer cells. In vivo experiments authenticated that OLR1 knockdown repressed the tumorigenesis and chemoresistance in nude mice by downregulating c-MYC and SULT2B1. Conclusively, knockdown of OLR1 might diminish SULT2B1 expression by downregulating c-MYC, thereby restraining glycolytic metabolism to inhibit colon cancer cell proliferation and chemoresistance.
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Huang Z, Xia H, Liu S, Zhao X, He R, Wang Z, Shi W, Chen W, Kang P, Su Z, Cui Y, Yam JWP, Xu Y. The Mechanism and Clinical Significance of Circular RNAs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:714665. [PMID: 34540684 PMCID: PMC8445159 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.714665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent malignant tumors worldwide. In view of the lack of early obvious clinical symptoms and related early diagnostic biomarkers with high specificity and sensitivity, most HCC patients are already at the advanced stages at the time of diagnosis, and most of them are accompanied by distant metastasis. Furthermore, the unsatisfactory effect of the follow-up palliative care contributes to the poor overall survival of HCC patients. Therefore, it is urgent to identify effective early diagnosis and prognostic biomarkers and to explore novel therapeutic approaches to improve the prognosis of HCC patients. Circular RNA (CircRNA), a class of plentiful, stable, and highly conserved ncRNA subgroup with the covalent closed loop, is dysregulated in HCC. Increasingly, emerging evidence have confirmed that dysregulated circRNAs can regulate gene expression at the transcriptional or post-transcriptional level, mediating various malignant biological behaviors of HCC cells, including proliferation, invasion, metastasis, immune escape, stemness, and drug resistance, etc.; meanwhile, they are regarded as potential biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognostic evaluation of HCC. This article reviews the research progress of circRNAs in HCC, expounding the potential molecular mechanisms of dysregulated circRNAs in the carcinogenesis and development of HCC, and discusses those application prospects in the diagnosis and prognosis of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyue Huang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Haoming Xia
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Shuqiang Liu
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xudong Zhao
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Risheng He
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Zhongrui Wang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Wenguang Shi
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Wangming Chen
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Pengcheng Kang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Zhilei Su
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yunfu Cui
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Judy Wai Ping Yam
- Department of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - Yi Xu
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,Department of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China.,The Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Harbin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
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Li X, Wang J, Long H, Lin W, Wang H, Chen Y, Yuan Q, Li X. circCDYL2, Overexpressed in Highly Migratory Colorectal Cancer Cells, Promotes Migration by Binding to Ezrin. Front Oncol 2021; 11:716073. [PMID: 34485151 PMCID: PMC8416158 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.716073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies with high mortality worldwide, particularly due to metastasis. However, there are no clinically available strategies for treating CRC metastasis. Exploring the mechanisms underlying CRC metastasis is the key to improve the treatment of CRC with metastasis. Methods In this study, we generated the highly migratory CRC cell subline H-RKO using a repeated transwell migration assay to identify circRNAs involved in CRC migration by high-throughput RNA sequencing. Upregulated circRNAs were validated by RT-qPCR to identify the most elevated circRNA. The expression of this circRNA (circCDYL2) was evaluated in 40 pairs of CRC tissues and four CRC cell lines by RT-qPCR. Transwell migration and wound healing assays were performed to verify the function of circCDYL2 in cell migration. The cellular distribution of circCDYL2 was confirmed using PCR. RNA pulldown and RNA immunoprecipitation were used to confirm the interaction between circCDYL2 and Ezrin. Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and rescue experiments were used to determine the role of circCDYL2 in regulating Ezrin protein expression and AKT phosphorylation. Results Among the candidate circRNAs, circCDYL2 was the highest overexpressed circRNA in H-RKO compared to parental N-RKO cells. Furthermore, circCDYL2 expression was elevated in CRC tissues and cell lines. Gain- and loss-of-function assays indicated that circCDYL2 enhanced the migration of CRC cells. circCDYL2 was located in the cytoplasm of CRC cells and interacted with Ezrin to upregulate its protein levels, resulting in AKT phosphorylation. Ezrin knockdown abrogated the CRC cell migration induced by circCDYL2 overexpression. Conclusions Our study demonstrated for the first time that circCDYL2 promotes CRC migration by binding Ezrin and activating the AKT pathway. CircCDYL2 represents a potential therapeutic target for preventing CRC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomin Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianjun Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Huaicheng Long
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weihao Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haowei Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yujia Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qinzi Yuan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuenong Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Shen H, Liu B, Xu J, Zhang B, Wang Y, Shi L, Cai X. Circular RNAs: characteristics, biogenesis, mechanisms and functions in liver cancer. J Hematol Oncol 2021; 14:134. [PMID: 34461958 PMCID: PMC8407006 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-021-01145-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies globally. Despite aggressive and multimodal treatment regimens, the overall survival of HCC patients remains poor. MAIN: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) with covalently closed structures and tissue- or organ-specific expression patterns in eukaryotes. They are highly stable and have important biological functions, including acting as microRNA sponges, protein scaffolds, transcription regulators, translation templates and interacting with RNA-binding protein. Recent advances have indicated that circRNAs present abnormal expression in HCC tissues and that their dysregulation contributes to HCC initiation and progression. Furthermore, researchers have revealed that some circRNAs might serve as diagnostic biomarkers or drug targets in clinical settings. In this review, we systematically evaluate the characteristics, biogenesis, mechanisms and functions of circRNAs in HCC and further discuss the current shortcomings and potential directions of prospective studies on liver cancer-related circRNAs. CONCLUSION CircRNAs are a novel class of ncRNAs that play a significant role in HCC initiation and progression, but their internal mechanisms and clinical applications need further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Shen
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Boqiang Liu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Junjie Xu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Yifan Wang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
| | - Liang Shi
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
| | - Xiujun Cai
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
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Liu H, Cheng J, Xu H, Wan Z. Lidocaine has antitumor effect on hepatocellular carcinoma via the circ_DYNC1H1/miR-520a-3p/USP14 axis. Open Life Sci 2021; 16:766-780. [PMID: 34435133 PMCID: PMC8354378 DOI: 10.1515/biol-2021-0072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Lidocaine can inhibit the malignant development of various human cancers. Circular RNA (circRNA) dynein 1 heavy chain gene (circ_DYNC1H1) acted as a pro-cancer molecule in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to explore whether the function of lidocaine was related to the oncogenic circ_DYNC1H1 in HCC. Colony formation assay and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-y1)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay were used for proliferation detection. Cell apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry, and migration or invasion was determined by the transwell assay. The levels of circ_DYNC1H1, microRNA-520a-3p (miR-520a-3p), and ubiquitin-specific protease 14 (USP14) were examined using the quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Protein levels were measured using western blot. The binding between miR-520a-3p and circ_DYNC1H1 or USP14 was confirmed by the dual-luciferase reporter assay. In vivo assay was conducted by a xenograft model in mice. Lidocaine reduced proliferation, migration, and invasion but promoted apoptosis in HCC cells. The circ_DYNC1H1 expression was downregulated in lidocaine-treated HCC cells. The inhibitory effect of lidocaine on HCC progression was weakened after circ_DYNC1H1 overexpression. miR-520a-3p was a target of circ_DYNC1H1, and the function of lidocaine was related to the regulation of circ_DYNC1H1/miR-520a-3p axis. USP14 served as a target for miR-520a-3p, and circ_DYNC1H1 could sponge miR-520a-3p to regulate the USP14 expression. The lidocaine-induced suppression of HCC development was also achieved by mediating the miR-520a-3p/USP14 axis. In vivo assay revealed that lidocaine suppressed the tumor growth of HCC by reducing the expression of circ_DYNC1H1 to affect the levels of miR-520a-3p and USP14. Our results clarified that lidocaine impeded tumor progression via targeting the circ_DYNC1H1/miR-520a-3p/USP14 axis in HCC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 745 WuLuo Road, Hongshan District, Wuhan 430070, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jing Cheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 745 WuLuo Road, Hongshan District, Wuhan 430070, Hubei Province, China
| | - Heng Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 745 WuLuo Road, Hongshan District, Wuhan 430070, Hubei Province, China
| | - Zhenzhen Wan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 745 WuLuo Road, Hongshan District, Wuhan 430070, Hubei Province, China
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10
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Competing Endogenous RNAs in Cervical Carcinogenesis: A New Layer of Complexity. Processes (Basel) 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/pr9060991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression by binding to complementary sequences within target mRNAs. Apart from working ‘solo’, miRNAs may interact in important molecular networks such as competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) axes. By competing for a limited pool of miRNAs, transcripts such as long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and mRNAs can regulate each other, fine-tuning gene expression. Several ceRNA networks led by different lncRNAs—described here as lncRNA-mediated ceRNAs—seem to play essential roles in cervical cancer (CC). By conducting an extensive search, we summarized networks involved in CC, highlighting the major impacts of such dynamic molecular changes over multiple cellular processes. Through the sponging of distinct miRNAs, some lncRNAs as HOTAIR, MALAT1, NEAT1, OIP5-AS1, and XIST trigger crucial molecular changes, ultimately increasing cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and inhibiting apoptosis. Likewise, several lncRNAs seem to be a sponge for important tumor-suppressive miRNAs (as miR-140-5p, miR-143-3p, miR-148a-3p, and miR-206), impairing such molecules from exerting a negative post-transcriptional regulation over target mRNAs. Curiously, some of the involved mRNAs code for important proteins such as PTEN, ROCK1, and MAPK1, known to modulate cell growth, proliferation, apoptosis, and adhesion in CC. Overall, we highlight important lncRNA-mediated functional interactions occurring in cervical cells and their closely related impact on cervical carcinogenesis.
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11
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Xiong D, He R, Dang Y, Wu H, Feng Z, Chen G. The Latest Overview of circRNA in the Progression, Diagnosis, Prognosis, Treatment, and Drug Resistance of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 10:608257. [PMID: 33680930 PMCID: PMC7928415 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.608257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the main causes of tumor-related deaths worldwide. Due to the lack of obvious early symptoms and the lack of sensitive screening indicators in the early stage of HCC, the vast majority of patients are diagnosed with advanced or metastatic HCC, resulting in dissatisfactory treatment result. Therefore, it is urgent to determine effective and sensitive diagnostic and prognostic indicators and to determine new therapeutic targets. Circular RNA (circRNA) is a type of non-coding RNA that has been neglected for a long time. In recent years, it has been proved to play an important role in the development of many human diseases. Increasing evidence shows that change in circRNA expression has an extensive effect on the biological behavior of HCC. In this study, we comprehensively tracked the latest progress of circRNA in the pathogenesis of HCC, and reviewed its role as a biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis prediction in patients with HCC. In addition, we also summarized the potential of circRNA as therapeutic target in HCC and its relationship with HCC drug resistance, providing clues for the clinical development of circRNA-based therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Xiong
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Rongquan He
- Department of Medical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Yiwu Dang
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Huayu Wu
- Department of Cell Biology & Genetics, School of Preclinical Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Zhenbo Feng
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
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12
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Tang Y, Jiang M, Jiang HM, Ye ZJ, Huang YS, Li XS, Qin BY, Zhou RS, Pan HF, Zheng DY. The Roles of circRNAs in Liver Cancer Immunity. Front Oncol 2021; 10:598464. [PMID: 33614486 PMCID: PMC7890029 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.598464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are stable covalently closed non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). Many studies indicate that circRNAs are involved in the pathological and physiological processes of liver cancer. However, the functions of circRNAs in liver cancer immunity are less known. In this review, we summarized the functions of circRNAs in liver cancer, including proliferative, metastasis and apoptosis, liver cancer stemness, cell cycle, immune evasion, glycolysis, angiogenesis, drug resistance/sensitizer, and senescence. Immune escape is considered to be one of the hallmarks of cancer development, and circRNA participates in the immune escape of liver cancer cells by regulating natural killer (NK) cell function. CircRNAs may provide new ideas for immunotherapy in liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Tang
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Tumor, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Oncology, Lingnan Medical Research Center of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Oncology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mei Jiang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hai-Mei Jiang
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Tumor, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Oncology, Lingnan Medical Research Center of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Oncology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zeng Jie Ye
- Department of Oncology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu-Sheng Huang
- Department of Oncology, Lingnan Medical Research Center of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiu-Shen Li
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Tumor, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Oncology, Lingnan Medical Research Center of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Oncology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bin-Yu Qin
- Department of Oncology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui-Sheng Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Tumor, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Oncology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hua-Feng Pan
- Department of Oncology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Da-Yong Zheng
- Department of Oncology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary, Cancer Center, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Hepatology, TCM-Integrated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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13
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Ghafouri-Fard S, Bahroudi Z, Shoorei H, Abak A, Ahin M, Taheri M. microRNA-140: A miRNA with diverse roles in human diseases. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 135:111256. [PMID: 33434855 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNA-140 (miR-140) has been shown to be associated with the pathogenesis of a wide range of pathologies including osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, renal fibrosis, ischemic conditions, and most importantly neoplasia. This miRNA has been shown to be down-regulated in a diversity of cancers namely breast cancer, gastrointestinal cancers, lung cancer, and prostate cancer. miR-140 has a lot of immune-related targets. Moreover, several miR-140 targets regulate cell proliferation, cell cycle transition, and apoptosis. This miRNA has been shown to be sponged by a number of lncRNAs and circ-RNAs. miR-140 has essential roles in the determination of the sensitivity of neoplastic cells to chemotherapeutic agents such as temozolomide, doxorubicin, and cisplatin. Besides, expression quantities of miR-140 in cancer tissues can be used for the prediction of clinical outcomes of patients with neoplasia. In the present paper, we describe the impact of miR-140 in neoplastic and non-neoplastic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soudeh Ghafouri-Fard
- Urogenital Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Bahroudi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hamed Shoorei
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Atefe Abak
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Maliheh Ahin
- Taleghani Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Taheri
- Urology and Nephrology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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14
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Li X, Li Y, Bai S, Zhang J, Liu Z, Yang J. NR2F1-AS1/miR-140/HK2 Axis Regulates Hypoxia-Induced Glycolysis and Migration in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancer Manag Res 2021; 13:427-437. [PMID: 33488124 PMCID: PMC7815091 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s266797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hypoxia is an important feature for the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Long noncoding RNA nuclear receptor subfamily 2 group F member 1 antisense RNA 1 (NR2F1-AS1) is dysregulated in HCC. However, the role and mechanism of N2RF1-AS1 in hypoxia-induced glycolysis and migration remain unclear. Materials and Methods Tumor tissues and adjacent samples were harvested from 40 HCC patients. HCC cells were treated by hypoxia. The levels of NR2F1-AS1, microRNA (miR)-140, and hexokinase 2 (HK2) were examined via quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction or Western blot. Glycolysis was analyzed via glucose uptake, lactate production, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels. Cell migration was analyzed via transwell assay. The target association was analyzed via dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation. Results NR2F1-AS1 level was enhanced in HCC tissues and cells. High expression of NR2F1-AS1 indicated poor overall survival. Silence of NR2F1-AS1 repressed hypoxia-induced glycolysis and migration in HCC cells. NR2F1-AS1 could regulate HK2 expression by modulating miR-140. miR-140 down-regulation or HK2 up-regulation mitigated the influence of NR2F1-AS1 silence on hypoxia-induced glycolysis and migration in HCC cells. Conclusion NR2F1-AS1 knockdown restrained hypoxia-induced glycolysis and migration in HCC cells via increasing miR-140 and decreasing HK2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xian 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Yize Li
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xian 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuang Bai
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xian 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xian 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengcai Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xian 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingyue Yang
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xian 710032, People's Republic of China
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15
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Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) is the most common digestive disease caused by disorders of neural crest development. Despite the known involvement of miR-140-5p in many human diseases, its biological role in Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) remains undefined. In this study, we sought to reveal the roles of miR-140-5p in the pathogenesis of HSCR. METHODS Quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting were used to measure the relative expression levels of miRNAs, mRNAs, and proteins in stenotic and dilated sections of the colon of 32 HSCR patients. Targets and proteins were evaluated by western blotting, and Transwell, CCK-8, and flow cytometry assays were adopted to detect the functional effects of miR-140-5p on SH-SY5Y cells. RESULTS miR-140-5p was significantly downregulated in HSCR tissue samples with increased expression of EGR2, and knockdown of miR-140-5p inhibited cell migration and proliferation and promoted apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cell lines. EGR2 expression was inversely correlated with that of miR-140-5p in cell lines. CONCLUSIONS miR-140-5p may influence the pathogenesis of HSCR by targeting EGR2.
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16
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Yang L, Xue H, Sun Y, Zhang L, Xue F, Ge R. CircularRNA-9119 protects hepatocellular carcinoma cells from apoptosis by intercepting miR-26a/JAK1/STAT3 signaling. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:605. [PMID: 32732872 PMCID: PMC7393165 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-02807-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a more common malignancy than the majority of cancers and ranks second in the world’s top causes of cancer-related mortality. The objective of the study was to investigate and explain how circularRNA-9119 (circ9119) regulated the properties of HCC cell lines. Cancer cells isolated from HCC patients and HCC cell lines showed clearly upregulated expression of circ9119 and Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) with decreased levels of miR-26a compared to healthy controls and normal hepatic cells. To determine the function of circ9119, circ9119 was silenced in HCC cells, resulting in significantly less proliferation of HCC cells and increasing apoptosis. Circ9119 silencing also resulted in the upregulation of miR-26a. Bioinformatics prediction and dual-luciferase reporter assays showed that circ9119 targeted miR-26a. Further studies revealed that miR-26a had the opposite effect on circ9119; the inhibition of miR-26a antagonized circ9119 silencing, leading to reduced cell proliferation and increased apoptosis, while the ectopic overexpression of miR-26a impaired cell growth. Additionally, we found that the JAK1 3′-UTR was targeted by miR-26a; a decrease in the levels of JAK1 protein and mRNA followed transfection of a miR-26a mimic. Administration of the JAK1 inhibitor, baricitinib, caused the activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and revealed an effect similar to that of circ9119 silencing on cell proliferation and apoptosis. These results showed that circ9119 could modulate apoptosis, and broadly, cell proliferation by competitively binding miR-26a, which targeted JAK1-STAT3, in HCC cell lines. This study is a novel description of circ9119 regulation of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixue Yang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery II, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Xue
- Department of Hepatic Surgery II, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanfu Sun
- Department of Hepatic Surgery II, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery II, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Xue
- Department of Hepatic Surgery II, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, China.
| | - Ruiliang Ge
- Department of Hepatic Surgery II, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, China.
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17
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Chen F, Ni X, Chen L, Wang X, Xu J. miR-939-3p promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition and may be used as a prognostic marker in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2020; 19:2727-2732. [PMID: 32218824 PMCID: PMC7068245 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.11361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide with a high morbidity and mortality rate. An increasing number of studies have demonstrated that microRNAs (miRNAs) serve an important role in HCC. The present study investigated the role of miR-939-3p in HCC. It was demonstrated that miR-939-3p was upregulated in HCC cell lines and HCC tissues compared with normal liver cell lines and paired normal tissues, respectively. It was also found that upregulation of miR-939-3p expression levels in HCC tissues was associated with a less favorable prognosis. Moreover, the overexpression of miR-939-3p in LM3 cells enhanced the metastatic capacity of these cells and promoted epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In contrast, miR-939-3p inhibition decreased the invasive capacity of HCC cells and EMT. Potential binding target of miR-939-3p to estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) were predicted using TargetScan. The expression levels of miR-939-3p were negatively associated with ESR1 in HCC tissues based on data from The Cancer Genome Atlas. A luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm ESR1 as a direct downstream target of miR-393-3p. The miR-939-3p/ESR1 axis may be a potential novel target for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Chen
- Department of Digestive Center, Tiantai Branch of Zhejiang Provincial Peoples' Hospital, Taizhou, Zhejiang 317200, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoying Ni
- Department of Digestive Center, Tiantai Branch of Zhejiang Provincial Peoples' Hospital, Taizhou, Zhejiang 317200, P.R. China
| | - Lingxiu Chen
- Department of Digestive Center, Tiantai Branch of Zhejiang Provincial Peoples' Hospital, Taizhou, Zhejiang 317200, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoyan Wang
- Department of Digestive Center, Tiantai Branch of Zhejiang Provincial Peoples' Hospital, Taizhou, Zhejiang 317200, P.R. China
| | - Ji Xu
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial Peoples' Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology of Zhejiang, Peoples' Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, P.R. China.,School of Clinical Medicine, Peoples' Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, P.R. China
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18
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Qiu L, Xu H, Ji M, Shang D, Lu Z, Wu Y, Tu Z, Liu H. Circular RNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma: Biomarkers, functions and mechanisms. Life Sci 2019; 231:116660. [PMID: 31319086 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.116660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a leading cause of cancer-related death with high invasive and metastatic potential, has a low survival rate. To improve the survival and quality of life in HCC patients, it is urgently needed to explore novel biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis of HCC, as well as therapeutic strategies. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of highly conserved, stable and abundant non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that can regulate gene expression at transcriptional or post-transcriptional levels. Recently, some circRNAs are identified to be potential biomarkers for HCC diagnosis and prognosis. Furthermore, some circRNAs are found to play oncogenic or suppressive roles in HCC progression by regulating various biological processes, including cell proliferation, migration, invasion and metastasis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), as well as apoptosis. In this review, we summarize recent findings of deregulated circRNAs, their functions and molecular mechanisms in HCC, and discuss their potential roles as diagnostic biomarkers, prognostic biomarkers, as well as therapeutic targets for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lipeng Qiu
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Han Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Mengchen Ji
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Dongsheng Shang
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Ziwen Lu
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Yihang Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China
| | - Zhigang Tu
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Hanqing Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China.
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