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Moeinafshar A, Nouri M, Shokrollahi N, Masrour M, Behnam A, Tehrani Fateh S, Sadeghi H, Miryounesi M, Ghasemi MR. Non-coding RNAs as potential therapeutic targets for receptor tyrosine kinase signaling in solid tumors: current status and future directions. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:26. [PMID: 38200584 PMCID: PMC10782702 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03203-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
This review article presents an in-depth analysis of the current state of research on receptor tyrosine kinase regulatory non-coding RNAs (RTK-RNAs) in solid tumors. RTK-RNAs belong to a class of non-coding RNAs (nc-RNAs) responsible for regulating the expression and activity of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), which play a critical role in cancer development and progression. The article explores the molecular mechanisms through which RTK-RNAs modulate RTK signaling pathways and highlights recent advancements in the field. This include the identification of potential new RTK-RNAs and development of therapeutic strategies targeting RTK-RNAs. While the review discusses promising results from a variety of studies, encompassing in vitro, in vivo, and clinical investigations, it is important to acknowledge the challenges and limitations associated with targeting RTK-RNAs for therapeutic applications. Further studies involving various cancer cell lines, animal models, and ultimately, patients are necessary to validate the efficacy of targeting RTK-RNAs. The specificity of ncRNAs in targeting cellular pathways grants them tremendous potential, but careful consideration is required to minimize off-target effects, the article additionally discusses the potential clinical applications of RTK-RNAs as biomarkers for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. In essence, by providing a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of RTK-RNAs in solid tumors, this review emphasizes their potential as therapeutic targets for cancer while acknowledging the associated challenges and limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aysan Moeinafshar
- Center for Comprehensive Genetic Services, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Nouri
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Shokrollahi
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Masrour
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Center for Orthopedic Trans-Disciplinary Applied Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirmohammad Behnam
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahand Tehrani Fateh
- Center for Comprehensive Genetic Services, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Sadeghi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Miryounesi
- Center for Comprehensive Genetic Services, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Reza Ghasemi
- Center for Comprehensive Genetic Services, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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2
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Besharat ZM, Trocchianesi S, Verrienti A, Ciampi R, Cantara S, Romei C, Sabato C, Noviello TMR, Po A, Citarella A, Caruso FP, Panariello I, Gianno F, Carpino G, Gaudio E, Chiacchiarini M, Masuelli L, Sponziello M, Pecce V, Ramone T, Maino F, Dotta F, Ceccarelli M, Pezzullo L, Durante C, Castagna MG, Elisei R, Ferretti E. Circulating miR-26b-5p and miR-451a as diagnostic biomarkers in medullary thyroid carcinoma patients. J Endocrinol Invest 2023; 46:2583-2599. [PMID: 37286863 PMCID: PMC10632281 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-023-02115-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE/METHODS The determination of tumour biomarkers is paramount to advancing personalized medicine, more so in rare tumours like medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), whose diagnosis is still challenging. The aim of this study was to identify non-invasive circulating biomarkers in MTC. To achieve this goal, paired MTC tissue and plasma extracellular vesicle samples were collected from multiple centres and microRNA (miRNA) expression levels were evaluated. RESULTS The samples from a discovery cohort of 23 MTC patients were analysed using miRNA arrays. Lasso logistic regression analysis resulted in the identification of a set of circulating miRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers. Among them, miR-26b-5p and miR-451a, were highly expressed and their expression decreased during follow-up in disease-free patients in the discovery cohort. Circulating miR-26b-5p and miR-451a were validated using droplet digital PCR in a second independent cohort of 12 MTC patients. CONCLUSION This study allowed the identification and validation of a signature of two circulating miRNAs, miR-26b-5p and miR-451a, in two independent cohorts reporting a significant diagnostic performance for MTC. The results of this study offer advancements in molecular diagnosis of MTC proposing a novel non-invasive tool to use in precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z M Besharat
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - S Trocchianesi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - A Verrienti
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - R Ciampi
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - S Cantara
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Sciences, University of Siena, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - C Romei
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - C Sabato
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - T M R Noviello
- Biogem Scarl, Istituto di Ricerche Genetiche "Gaetano Salvatore", 83031, Ariano Irpino, Italy
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, University of Naples Federico II, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - A Po
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - A Citarella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - F P Caruso
- Biogem Scarl, Istituto di Ricerche Genetiche "Gaetano Salvatore", 83031, Ariano Irpino, Italy
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, University of Naples Federico II, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - I Panariello
- Thyroid Surgical Unit, IRCCS Fondazione G.Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - F Gianno
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Anatomo-Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - G Carpino
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - E Gaudio
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - M Chiacchiarini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - L Masuelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - M Sponziello
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - V Pecce
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - T Ramone
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - F Maino
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Sciences, University of Siena, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - F Dotta
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Sciences, University of Siena, 53100, Siena, Italy
- Tuscany Centre for Precision Medicine (CReMeP), 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - M Ceccarelli
- Biogem Scarl, Istituto di Ricerche Genetiche "Gaetano Salvatore", 83031, Ariano Irpino, Italy
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, University of Naples Federico II, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - L Pezzullo
- Thyroid Surgical Unit, IRCCS Fondazione G.Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - C Durante
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - M G Castagna
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Sciences, University of Siena, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - R Elisei
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - E Ferretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy.
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3
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Ricci C, Salvemini A, Dalmiglio C, Castagna MG, Cantara S. From Circulating Tumor Cells to Mirna: New Challenges in the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Medullary Thyroid Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4009. [PMID: 37568824 PMCID: PMC10417429 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15154009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a malignant tumor that arises from parafollicular C cells, which are responsible for producing calcitonin. The majority (75%) of MTC cases are sporadic forms, while the remaining (25%) have a hereditary component. In these hereditary cases, MTC can occur in conjunction with other endocrine disorders (i.e., pheochromocytoma) or as an isolated condition known as familial medullary thyroid carcinoma. The primary genetic mutation associated with the development of MTC, regardless of its hereditary or sporadic nature, is a point mutation in the RET gene. Evaluation of serum calcitonin levels represents the most reliable and sensitive marker for both the initial diagnosis and the postsurgical monitoring of MTC. Unfortunately, most patients do not achieve normalization of postsurgical serum calcitonin (CT) levels after surgery. Therefore, there is a need to find new biomarkers to be used with serum CT in order to increase test sensitivity and specificity. In this review, we summarize the literature from 2010 to 2023 to review the role of circulating tumor cells, cell-free DNA, and miRNA and their application in diagnosis, outcome of MTC, and response to treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Silvia Cantara
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (C.R.); (A.S.); (C.D.); (M.G.C.)
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4
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Tamaddon M, Azimzadeh M, Gifani P, Tavangar SM. Single-cell transcriptome analysis for cancer and biology of the pancreas: A review on recent progress. Front Genet 2023; 14:1029758. [PMID: 37091793 PMCID: PMC10115972 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1029758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Single-cell sequencing has become one of the most used techniques across the wide field of biology. It has enabled researchers to investigate the whole transcriptome at the cellular level across tissues, which unlocks numerous potentials for basic and applied studies in future diagnosis and therapy. Here, we review the impact of single-cell RNA sequencing, as the prominent single-cell technique, in pancreatic biology and cancer. We discuss the most recent findings about pancreatic physiology and pathophysiology owing to this technological advancement in the past few years. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, researchers have been able to discover cellular heterogeneity across healthy cell types, as well as cancer tissues of the pancreas. We will discuss the new immunological targets and new molecular mechanisms of progression in the microenvironment of pancreatic cancer studied using single-cell RNA sequencing. The scope is not limited to cancer tissues, and we cover novel developmental, evolutionary, physiological, and heterogenic insights that have also been achieved recently for pancreatic tissues. We cover all biological insights derived from the single-cell RNA sequencing data, discuss the corresponding pros and cons, and finally, conclude how future research can move better by utilizing single-cell analysis for pancreatic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Tamaddon
- Chronic Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mostafa Azimzadeh
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
- Medical Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
- Stem Cell Biology Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Peyman Gifani
- AI VIVO Ltd., Bioinnovation Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Genetic Department, Institute of Systems Biology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Seyed Mohammad Tavangar
- Chronic Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Pathology, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- *Correspondence: Seyed Mohammad Tavangar,
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5
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Significance of miRNAs on the thyroid cancer progression and resistance to treatment with special attention to the role of cross-talk between signaling pathways. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 243:154371. [PMID: 36791561 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Thyroid cancer (TC) is the most prevalent endocrine malignant tumor. It has many types, the Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC)(most common and follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC). Several risk factors have been associated with TC radiation exposure, autoimmunity, and genetics. Microribonucleic acids (miRNAs) are the most important genetic determinants of TC. They are small chains of nucleic acids that are able to inhibit the expression of several target genes. They could target several genes involved in TC proliferation, angiogenesis, apoptosis, development, and even resistance to therapy. Besides, they could influence the stemness of TC. Moreover, they could regulate several signaling pathways such as WNT/β-catenin, PI3K/AKT/mTOR axis, JAK/STAT, TGF- β, EGFR, and P53. Besides signaling pathways, miRNAs are also involved in the resistance of TC to major treatments such as surgery, thyroid hormone-inhibiting therapy, radioactive iodine, and adjuvant radiation. The stability and sensitivity of several miRNAs might be exploited as an approach for the usage of miRNAs as diagnostic and/or prognostic tools in TC.
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6
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Censi S, Manso J, Mian C. Other markers of medullary thyroid cancer, not only calcitonin. Eur J Endocrinol 2023; 188:6990870. [PMID: 36651167 DOI: 10.1093/ejendo/lvac009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is a rare neuroendocrine tumor originating from parafollicular C-cells. It represents 2% of all thyroid malignancies and 0.4-1.4% of all thyroid nodules. MTC has a variable clinical course, with complete remission often difficult to achieve. An early diagnosis is still crucial in MTC management, enabling a radical surgical treatment, the only chance for curing the patient. Calcitonin (Ct) is a very sensitive MTC tumor marker in patients with thyroid nodules, although Ct-negative MTCs have been described, but not all clinical guidelines recommend the Ct routine measurement in thyroid nodules because of the absolute low prevalence of MTC in the general population and the consequent scarce positive predictive value of Ct. Moreover, the specificity of moderately high Ct levels is not high. Thus, the scientific community has been investigating the possible role of other tumor markers for MTC diagnosis and prognosis. AIM OF THE REVIEW The present review is an attempt to summarize the knowledge available today on the role of other serum markers for MTC alternative to Ct. CONCLUSIONS At present, literature data does not seem solid enough yet to establish effective flowcharts in evaluating a thyroid nodule for MTC, involving alternative serum markers, particularly in cases of moderately high CT levels. MTC is a rare diagnosis in thyroid nodules, and this makes the evaluation of any tumor serum marker accuracy problematic. More extensive and prospective studies are needed to shed more light on this intriguing challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Censi
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Endocrinology Unit; University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Jacopo Manso
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Endocrinology Unit; University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Caterina Mian
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Endocrinology Unit; University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy
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7
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Abstract
Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is a rare neuroendocrine disease, encompassing about 5% of all thyroid cancers. Due to its peculiar features, this rare tumour offers unique possibilities for translational research studies. It arises from neuroendocrine parafollicular cells in an endocrine organ, and appears as a nodule apparently indistinguishable from thyroid nodules. It has a very peculiar progression with micro metastases difficult to identify, often-remaining stable during years and suddenly undergoing a rapid and unrestrainable progression. Moreover, MTC is one of the neoplasms with the best genetic characterization either in its sporadic or familial form, providing a valuable background to test targeted drugs. In the era of precision medicine, this review aims to give an update on the diagnostic tools, the therapeutic options for advanced MTC, and the most promising opportunities for a personalized follow up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Fugazzola
- IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Milan and Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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8
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Jajin MG, Abooshahab R, Hooshmand K, Moradi A, Siadat SD, Mirzazadeh R, Chegini KG, Hedayati M. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-based untargeted metabolomics reveals metabolic perturbations in medullary thyroid carcinoma. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8397. [PMID: 35590091 PMCID: PMC9120505 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12590-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is a rare tumor that arises from parafollicular cells within the thyroid gland. The molecular mechanism underlying MTC has not yet been fully understood. Here, we aimed to perform plasma metabolomics profiling of MTC patients to explore the perturbation of metabolic pathways contributing to MTC tumorigenesis. Plasma samples from 20 MTC patients and 20 healthy subjects were obtained to carry out an untargeted metabolomics by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Multivariate and univariate analyses were employed as diagnostic tools via MetaboAnalyst and SIMCA software. A total of 76 features were structurally annotated; among them, 13 metabolites were selected to be differentially expressed in MTC patients compared to controls (P < 0.05). These metabolites were mainly associated with the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids and amino acid metabolisms, mostly leucine, glutamine, and glutamate, tightly responsible for tumor cells' energy production. Moreover, according to the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, metabolites with the area under the curve (AUC) value up to 0.90, including linoleic acid (AUC = 0.935), linolenic acid (AUC = 0.92), and leucine (AUC = 0.948) could discriminate MTC from healthy individuals. This preliminary work contributes to existing knowledge of MTC metabolism by providing evidence of a distinctive metabolic profile in MTC patients relying on the metabolomics approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morteza Ghazanfari Jajin
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Yazd, Iran
| | - Raziyeh Abooshahab
- Cellular and Molecular Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Bentley, 6102, Australia
| | | | - Ali Moradi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Yazd, Iran
| | - Seyed Davar Siadat
- Department of Mycobacteriology and Pulmonary Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.,Microbiology Research Center (MRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Koorosh Goodarzvand Chegini
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Yazd, Iran.
| | - Mehdi Hedayati
- Cellular and Molecular Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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9
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Tamaddon M, Azimzadeh M, Tavangar SM. microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs as biomarkers for polycystic ovary syndrome. J Cell Mol Med 2022; 26:654-670. [PMID: 34989136 PMCID: PMC8817139 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is known as the most common metabolic/endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age. Its complicated causality assessment and diagnostic emphasized the role of non‐coding regulatory RNAs as molecular biomarkers in studying, diagnosing and even as therapeutics of PCOS. This review discusses a comparative summary of research into microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that are molecularly or statistically related to PCOS. We categorize the literature in terms of centering on either miRNAs or lncRNAs and discuss the combinatory studies and promising ideas as well. Additionally, we compare the pros and cons of the prominent research methodologies used for each of the abovementioned research themes and discuss how errors can be stopped from propagation by selecting correct methodologies for future research. Finally, it can be concluded that research into miRNAs and lncRNAs has the potential for identifying functional networks of regulation with multiple mRNAs (and hence, functional proteins). This new understanding may eventually afford clinicians to control the molecular course of the pathogenesis better. With further research, RNA (with statistical significance and present in the blood) may be used as biomarkers for the disease, and more possibilities for RNA therapy agents can be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Tamaddon
- Chronic Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mostafa Azimzadeh
- Stem Cell Biology Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.,Medical Nanotechnology & Tissue Engineering Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.,Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Tavangar
- Chronic Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Pathology, Dr. Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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10
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Ren R, Yuan Z, Xu Z. miRNA-144 targeting DNAJC3-AS1 reverses the resistance of the breast cancer cell line Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 to doxorubicin. Bioengineered 2021; 12:9885-9892. [PMID: 34895046 PMCID: PMC8810046 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.1999373] [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] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the role of miRNA-144 (miR-144) targeting of the long noncoding DNAJC3-AS1 in regulating breast cancer chemosensitivity. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was employed to detect the levels of miR-144 in different drug-resistant cells. MTT assays were used to measure the proliferation of cells in different treatment groups. The apoptosis rate of transfected cells was detected by flow cytometry. Western blotting was used to detect levels of DNAJC3-AS1 protein and of autophagy-related proteins. A double luciferase report experiment was performed to evaluate the targeting effect of miR-144 on DNAJC3-AS1. The level of miR-144 was significantly downregulated in MCF-7 doxorubicin-resistant cells. Upregulated expression of miR-144 increased the doxorubicin sensitivity of drug-resistant cells and the rate of apoptosis. DNAJC3-AS1 was the direct target of miR-144; overexpression of DNAJC3-AS1 significantly rescued the apoptosis induced by miR-144 and reversed the inhibition of autophagy by miR-144. Overexpression of miR-144 can reduce drug resistance in breast cancer cells by inhibiting autophagy or targeting DNAJC3-AS1 for downregulation. miR-144/DNAJC3-AS1 provide a new target for reducing drug resistance in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiping Ren
- Chemoradiotherapy Center of Oncology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Zhejiang, Ningbo, 315000, RPChina
| | - Zuguo Yuan
- Chemoradiotherapy Center of Oncology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Zhejiang, Ningbo, 315000, RPChina
| | - Zhengyang Xu
- Chemoradiotherapy Center of Oncology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Zhejiang, Ningbo, 315000, RPChina
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11
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Romano C, Martorana F, Pennisi MS, Stella S, Massimino M, Tirrò E, Vitale SR, Di Gregorio S, Puma A, Tomarchio C, Manzella L. Opportunities and Challenges of Liquid Biopsy in Thyroid Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7707. [PMID: 34299334 PMCID: PMC8303548 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Thyroid cancer is the most common malignancy of the endocrine system, encompassing different entities with distinct histological features and clinical behavior. The diagnostic definition, therapeutic approach, and follow-up of thyroid cancers display some controversial aspects that represent unmet medical needs. Liquid biopsy is a non-invasive approach that detects and analyzes biological samples released from the tumor into the bloodstream. With the use of different technologies, tumor cells, free nucleic acids, and extracellular vesicles can be retrieved in the serum of cancer patients and valuable molecular information can be obtained. Recently, a growing body of evidence is accumulating concerning the use of liquid biopsy in thyroid cancer, as it can be exploited to define a patient's diagnosis, estimate their prognosis, and monitor tumor recurrence or treatment response. Indeed, liquid biopsy can be a valuable tool to overcome the limits of conventional management of thyroid malignancies. In this review, we summarize currently available data about liquid biopsy in differentiated, poorly differentiated/anaplastic, and medullary thyroid cancer, focusing on circulating tumor cells, circulating free nucleic acids, and extracellular vesicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Romano
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico—San Marco”, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.R.); (F.M.); (M.S.P.); (S.S.); (M.M.); (E.T.); (S.R.V.); (S.D.G.); (A.P.); (C.T.)
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Federica Martorana
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico—San Marco”, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.R.); (F.M.); (M.S.P.); (S.S.); (M.M.); (E.T.); (S.R.V.); (S.D.G.); (A.P.); (C.T.)
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Stella Pennisi
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico—San Marco”, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.R.); (F.M.); (M.S.P.); (S.S.); (M.M.); (E.T.); (S.R.V.); (S.D.G.); (A.P.); (C.T.)
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Stefania Stella
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico—San Marco”, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.R.); (F.M.); (M.S.P.); (S.S.); (M.M.); (E.T.); (S.R.V.); (S.D.G.); (A.P.); (C.T.)
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Michele Massimino
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico—San Marco”, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.R.); (F.M.); (M.S.P.); (S.S.); (M.M.); (E.T.); (S.R.V.); (S.D.G.); (A.P.); (C.T.)
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Elena Tirrò
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico—San Marco”, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.R.); (F.M.); (M.S.P.); (S.S.); (M.M.); (E.T.); (S.R.V.); (S.D.G.); (A.P.); (C.T.)
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Silvia Rita Vitale
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico—San Marco”, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.R.); (F.M.); (M.S.P.); (S.S.); (M.M.); (E.T.); (S.R.V.); (S.D.G.); (A.P.); (C.T.)
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Sandra Di Gregorio
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico—San Marco”, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.R.); (F.M.); (M.S.P.); (S.S.); (M.M.); (E.T.); (S.R.V.); (S.D.G.); (A.P.); (C.T.)
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Adriana Puma
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico—San Marco”, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.R.); (F.M.); (M.S.P.); (S.S.); (M.M.); (E.T.); (S.R.V.); (S.D.G.); (A.P.); (C.T.)
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Cristina Tomarchio
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico—San Marco”, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.R.); (F.M.); (M.S.P.); (S.S.); (M.M.); (E.T.); (S.R.V.); (S.D.G.); (A.P.); (C.T.)
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Livia Manzella
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico—San Marco”, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.R.); (F.M.); (M.S.P.); (S.S.); (M.M.); (E.T.); (S.R.V.); (S.D.G.); (A.P.); (C.T.)
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
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12
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MicroRNAs in Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma: A State of the Art Review of the Regulatory Mechanisms and Future Perspectives. Cells 2021; 10:cells10040955. [PMID: 33924120 PMCID: PMC8074316 DOI: 10.3390/cells10040955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare malignant neoplasia with a variable clinical course, with complete remission often difficult to achieve. Genetic alterations lead to fundamental changes not only in hereditary MTC but also in the sporadic form, with close correlations between mutational status and prognosis. In recent years, microRNAs (miRNAs) have become highly relevant as crucial players in MTC etiology. Current research has focused on their roles in disease carcinogenesis and development, but recent studies have expounded their potential as biomarkers and response predictors to novel biological drugs for advanced MTC. One such element which requires greater investigation is their mechanism of action and the molecular pathways involved in the regulation of gene expression. A more thorough understanding of these mechanisms will help realize the promising potential of miRNAs for MTC therapy and management.
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Zhang Q, Duan HX, Li RL, Sun JY, Liu J, Peng W, Wu CJ, Gao YX. Inducing Apoptosis and Suppressing Inflammatory Reactions in Synovial Fibroblasts are Two Important Ways for Guizhi-Shaoyao-Zhimu Decoction Against Rheumatoid Arthritis. J Inflamm Res 2021; 14:217-236. [PMID: 33542641 PMCID: PMC7851583 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s287242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives Guizhi-Shaoyao-Zhimu decoction (GSZD) is often applied to control rheumatoid arthritis (RA), gout, osteoarthritis, etc. In this study, bioinformatic analysis and experimental verification were used to uncover the integral mechanism profile of GSZD against RA. Materials and Methods The chemical compositions of GSZD were identified by UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS. MH7A cell model was established to screen active compounds in GSZD, and potential targets of these compounds were predicted through online database retrieval. The differential expression genes (DEGs) in synovial tissue of RA patients and normal controls were retrieved from the GEO database. DEGs and the predicated compounds targets were overlapped, and the overlapped genes were subsequently enriched by GO and KEGG analysis. The pathways with significant enrichments were further experimentally verified. Results A total of 19 constituents were identified from GSZD, and 11 compounds showed obviously antiproliferative effects on MH7A cells with IC50 < 100 μg/mL. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that IL-1β, IL-6, MAPK8, JAK2, CXCL8, and CASP3 were the main targets of GSZD, and the integral pharmacological mechanisms profile of GSZD might be related to anti-inflammation and proapoptosis. GSZD can promote the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MOMP) and induce apoptosis in MH7A cells. Furthermore, in vitro experiments showed GSZD can not only downregulate mRNA expressions of IL-1β (p<0.05), IL-6 (p<0.05), MMPs (p<0.05) and CCL5 (p<0.05) but also inhibit the nuclear transcription of NF-κB. GSZD also reduced the expressions of Bcl-2 (p<0.05), JAK2 (p<0.05), STAT-3 (p<0.05), whereas increase Bax (p<0.05), Caspase-3 (p<0.05) and caspase-9 (p<0.05). Conclusion Collectively, inducing synovial fibroblast apoptosis and inhibiting inflammatory response are two important ways for GSZD to RA, and our study proved bioinformatic analysis combined with experimental verification is a feasible method to explore the drug targets and mechanism of actions of TCMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611130, People's Republic of China
| | - Hu-Xinyue Duan
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611130, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruo-Lan Li
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611130, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia-Yi Sun
- Innovation Research Institute, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611130, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Peng
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611130, People's Republic of China
| | - Chun-Jie Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611130, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong-Xiang Gao
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, People's Republic of China
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Luzón-Toro B, Villalba-Benito L, Fernández RM, Torroglosa A, Antiñolo G, Borrego S. RMRP, RMST, FTX and IPW: novel potential long non-coding RNAs in medullary thyroid cancer. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2021; 16:4. [PMID: 33407723 PMCID: PMC7789680 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-020-01665-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The relevant role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in cancer is currently a matter of increasing interest. Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is a rare neuroendocrine tumor (2-5% of all thyroid cancer) derived from the parafollicular C-cells which secrete calcitonin. About 75% of all medullary thyroid cancers are believed to be sporadic medullary thyroid cancer (sMTC), whereas the remaining 25% correspond to inherited cancer syndromes known as Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2 (MEN2). MEN2 syndrome, with autosomal dominant inheritance is caused by germline gain of function mutations in RET proto-oncogene. To date no lncRNA has been associated to MEN2 syndrome and only two articles have been published relating long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) to MTC: the first one linked MALAT1 with sMTC and, in the other, our group determined some new lncRNAs in a small group of sMTC cases in fresh tissue (RMST, FTX, IPW, PRNCR1, ADAMTS9-AS2 and RMRP). The aim of the current study is to validate such novel lncRNAs previously described by our group by using a larger cohort of patients, in order to discern their potential role in the disease. Here we have tested three up-regulated (RMST, FTX, IPW) and one down-regulated (RMRP) lncRNAs in our samples (formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissues from twenty-one MEN2 and ten sMTC patients) by RT-qPCR analysis. The preliminary results reinforce the potential role of RMST, FTX, IPW and RMRP in the pathogenesis of MTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berta Luzón-Toro
- Department of Maternofetal Medicine, Genetics and Reproduction, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBIS), University Hospital Virgen del Rocío/CSIC, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
- Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases CIBERER, Seville, Spain
| | - Leticia Villalba-Benito
- Department of Maternofetal Medicine, Genetics and Reproduction, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBIS), University Hospital Virgen del Rocío/CSIC, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
- Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases CIBERER, Seville, Spain
| | - Raquel María Fernández
- Department of Maternofetal Medicine, Genetics and Reproduction, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBIS), University Hospital Virgen del Rocío/CSIC, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
- Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases CIBERER, Seville, Spain
| | - Ana Torroglosa
- Department of Maternofetal Medicine, Genetics and Reproduction, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBIS), University Hospital Virgen del Rocío/CSIC, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
- Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases CIBERER, Seville, Spain
| | - Guillermo Antiñolo
- Department of Maternofetal Medicine, Genetics and Reproduction, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBIS), University Hospital Virgen del Rocío/CSIC, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
- Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases CIBERER, Seville, Spain
| | - Salud Borrego
- Department of Maternofetal Medicine, Genetics and Reproduction, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBIS), University Hospital Virgen del Rocío/CSIC, University of Seville, Seville, Spain.
- Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases CIBERER, Seville, Spain.
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15
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Chiacchiarini M, Trocchianesi S, Besharat ZM, Po A, Ferretti E. Role of tissue and circulating microRNAs and DNA as biomarkers in medullary thyroid cancer. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 219:107708. [PMID: 33091426 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare neuroendocrine tumor comprising hereditary or sporadic form with frequent mutations in the rearranged during transfection (RET) or RAS genes. Diagnosis is based on the presence of thyroid tumor mass with altered levels of calcitonin (Ctn) and carcinoembryonal antigen (CEA) in the serum and/or in the cytological smears from fine needle aspiration biopsies. Treatment consists of total thyroidectomy, followed by tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKi) in case of disease persistence. During TKi treatment, Ctn and CEA levels can fluctuate regardless of tumor volume, metastasis or response to therapy. Research for more reliable non-invasive biomarkers in MTC is still underway. In this context, circulating nucleic acids, namely circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) and cell free DNA (cfDNA), have been evaluated by different research groups. Aiming to shed light on whether miRNAs and cfDNA are suitable as MTC biomarkers we searched three different databases, PubMed, Scopus, WOS and reviewed the literature. We classified 83 publications fulfilling our search criteria and summarized the results. We report data on miRNAs and cfDNA that can be evaluated for validation in independent studies and clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sofia Trocchianesi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Agnese Po
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Ferretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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Xu SL, Tian YY, Zhou Y, Liu LQ. Diagnostic value of circulating microRNAs in thyroid carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2020; 93:489-498. [PMID: 32379941 DOI: 10.1111/cen.14217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Thyroid cancer (TC) is the most common endocrine system tumour. Several studies had revealed the potential of circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) as novel biomarkers for the diagnosis of TC. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to summarize published studies and evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of circulating miRNAs in TC detection. METHODS In this meta-analysis, we systematically searched three databases: PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library. We used the bivariate mixed-effects regression model to calculate the pooled diagnostic parameters and conduct the summary receiver operator characteristic curve (SROC). All calculations were performed using stata software. RESULTS Thirty-five studies from 9 articles, including 663 TC patients, 519 patients with benign thyroid nodules (BTNs), and 84 healthy controls were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) and area under the SROC curve (AUC) were 0.81 (95% CI 0.75-0.86), 0.81 (95% CI 0.75-0.86), 4.3 (95% CI 3.2-5.6), 0.24 (95% CI 0.18-0.31), 18 (95% CI 12-28) and 0.88 (95% CI 0.85-0.90), respectively in BTN controls, and 0.81 (95% CI 0.75-0.86), 0.85 (95% CI 0.75-0.91), 5.3 (95% CI 3.3-8.7), 0.23 (95% CI 0.18-0.29), 24 (95% CI 14-39), 0.89 (95% CI 0.86-0.91) in healthy controls. The subgroup analysis found that multiple miRNA assays had higher diagnostic accuracy than single miRNA assays with sensitivity of 0.88, specificity of 0.89 and AUC of 0.94. CONCLUSION Circulating miRNAs have good values to diagnose TC and distinguish TC patients from BTN patients. MiRNAs can assist in the diagnosis of malignancy and avoid unnecessary surgery. In summary, circulating miRNAs should be added to our current clinical tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Lin Xu
- Department of Science and Technology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yu-Yang Tian
- Queen Mary School, Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Li-Qiao Liu
- Department of Science and Technology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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17
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Zhou M, Wu Y, Li H, Zha X. MicroRNA-144: A novel biological marker and potential therapeutic target in human solid cancers. J Cancer 2020; 11:6716-6726. [PMID: 33046994 PMCID: PMC7545670 DOI: 10.7150/jca.46293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. It has been reported that microRNA-144 (miR-144) is highly conserved and can combine complementarily with the 3'-UTRs of target gene mRNAs to inhibit mRNA translation or promote targeted mRNA degradation. MiR-144 is abnormally expressed and has been identified as a tumor suppressor in many types of solid tumors. Increasing evidence supports a crucial role for miR-144 in modulating physiopathologic processes, such as proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, migration and angiogenesis in different tumor cells. Apart from these functions, miR-144 can also affect drug sensitivity, cancer treatment and patient prognosis. In this review, we summarize the biological functions of miR-144, its direct targets and the important signal pathways through which it acts in relation to various tumors. We also discuss the role of miR-144 in tumor biology and its clinical significance in detail and offer novel insights into molecular targeting therapy for human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yuncui Wu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Hongwu Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230000, China
| | - Xiaojun Zha
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
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18
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Zheng-Pywell R, Cherian AJ, Enman M, Chen H, Abraham D. Carcinoembryonic antigen should be concurrently checked with calcitonin to identify distant metastases in medullary thyroid cancer. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENDOCRINE ONCOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.2217/ije-2019-0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: This study investigates if serum calcitonin or carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels can differentiate between locoregional and metastatic medullary thyroid cancer. Methods: A single institution retrospective analysis was performed on 88 patients with medullary thyroid cancer between 2008 and 2014. Results: In M0disease, calcitonin (p < 0.001) and CEA (p = 0.003) significantly decreased postoperatively. Not only was the correlation significant between calcitonin and CEA preoperatively (r = 0.72; p < 0.001) and postoperatively (r = 0.68; p < 0.001), calcitonin could extrapolate CEA levels (p < 0.001). These findings were statistically insignificant in metastatic disease. Conclusion: Independently, calcitonin and CEA fail to differentiate between locoregional and metastatic disease. Both are essential for prognostication: loss of concordance is suspicious for metastatic disease. Hence, discordant CEA and calcitonin levels should be an indication to pursue additional imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zheng-Pywell
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Anish Jacob Cherian
- Department of Endocrine Surgery, Christian Medical College Vellore, 632004, TN, India
| | - Macie Enman
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Herbert Chen
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Deepak Abraham
- Department of Endocrine Surgery, Christian Medical College Vellore, 632004, TN, India
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Sheikholeslami S, Shabani N, Shivaee S, Tavangar SM, Yeganeh M, Hedayati M, Lotfi J, Gholami H. Overexpression of mir-129-1, miR-146b, mir-183, and mir-197 in follicular thyroid carcinoma and adenoma tissues. Mol Cell Probes 2020; 51:101536. [PMID: 32081771 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2020.101536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) is responsible for approximately 10% of thyroid malignancies. Since this type of malignancy indicates no capsular and vascular invasions, adenoma and follicular carcinoma of thyroid are not distinguishable. It has been proved that microRNAs, which regulate approximately 30% of coding proteins, have an association with follicular thyroid adenoma (FTA) and carcinoma of the thyroid. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the expression of some miRNAs for detecting the most appropriate miRNA as potential biomarker in the diagnosis of FTA and FTC patients. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was applied to determine the expression levels of miR-129-1, miR-146b,-183 and miR-197 in 48 cases (16 FTC, 16 FTA and 16 hyperplasia/multinodular goiter (MNG) cases). The significance of miRNA differential expression levels among groups were assessed using Multivariate test by Statistical Package for Science Software (SPSS v.20) and Graph Pad Prism v.8. Results indicated that all of the miRNAs had significant overexpression in FTC and FTA versus MNG cases, and also increased expression level in FTC in comparison with FTA, however it was not significant. The results of ROC curve analysis determined the significant overexpression and prognostic value of miR-129-1 in FTA cases and miR-146b in both FTA and FTC cases compared to MNG group. Although all of the earlier mentioned microRNAs were overexpressed in FTC and FTA cases, the ROC curve results demonstrated that miR-129-1 had agreeable AUC for FTA cases. Therefore, it seems that it's cut-off point could be helpful in distinguishing between FTA and multinodular goiter cases. On the other hand, although miR-146b has excellent diagnostic value in both FTA and FTC groups, it seems that this microRNA is unable to act as a specific biomarker to discriminate between FTA and FTC cases. This data need to be confirmed in a large cohort study and other biological samples such as plasma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Sheikholeslami
- Cellular and Molecular Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Research Center, ShahidBeheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Noushin Shabani
- Cellular and Molecular Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Research Center, ShahidBeheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Setareh Shivaee
- Cellular and Molecular Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Research Center, ShahidBeheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Tavangar
- Department of Pathology, Shariati Hospital, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - MarjanZarif Yeganeh
- Cellular and Molecular Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Research Center, ShahidBeheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mehdi Hedayati
- Cellular and Molecular Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Research Center, ShahidBeheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Jabar Lotfi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, TarbiatModares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hanieh Gholami
- Cellular and Molecular Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Research Center, ShahidBeheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Pardini B, Sabo AA, Birolo G, Calin GA. Noncoding RNAs in Extracellular Fluids as Cancer Biomarkers: The New Frontier of Liquid Biopsies. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E1170. [PMID: 31416190 PMCID: PMC6721601 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11081170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Revised: 08/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The last two decades of cancer research have been devoted in two directions: (1) understanding the mechanism of carcinogenesis for an effective treatment, and (2) improving cancer prevention and screening for early detection of the disease. This last aspect has been developed, especially for certain types of cancers, thanks also to the introduction of new concepts such as liquid biopsies and precision medicine. In this context, there is a growing interest in the application of alternative and noninvasive methodologies to search for cancer biomarkers. The new frontiers of the research lead to a search for RNA molecules circulating in body fluids. Searching for biomarkers in extracellular body fluids represents a better option for patients because they are easier to access, less painful, and potentially more economical. Moreover, the possibility for these types of samples to be taken repeatedly, allows a better monitoring of the disease progression or treatment efficacy for a better intervention and dynamic treatment of the patient, which is the fundamental basis of personalized medicine. RNA molecules, freely circulating in body fluids or packed in microvesicles, have all the characteristics of the ideal biomarkers owing to their high stability under storage and handling conditions and being able to be sampled several times for monitoring. Moreover, as demonstrated for many cancers, their plasma/serum levels mirror those in the primary tumor. There are a large variety of RNA species noncoding for proteins that could be used as cancer biomarkers in liquid biopsies. Among them, the most studied are microRNAs, but recently the attention of the researcher has been also directed towards Piwi-interacting RNAs, circular RNAs, and other small noncoding RNAs. Another class of RNA species, the long noncoding RNAs, is larger than microRNAs and represents a very versatile and promising group of molecules which, apart from their use as biomarkers, have also a possible therapeutic role. In this review, we will give an overview of the most common noncoding RNA species detectable in extracellular fluids and will provide an update concerning the situation of the research on these molecules as cancer biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Pardini
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy.
- Unit of Molecular Epidemiology and Exposome, Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine (IIGM), 10126 Turin, Italy.
| | - Alexandru Anton Sabo
- Department of Pediatrics, Marie Curie Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children, 077120 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Giovanni Birolo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy
- Unit of Molecular Epidemiology and Exposome, Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine (IIGM), 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - George Adrian Calin
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
- Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNAs, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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