miR-204-5p regulates cell proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis by targeting IL-11 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Development of red blood cell-derived extracellular particles as a biocompatible nanocarrier of microRNA-204 (REP-204) to harness anti-neuroblastoma effect

Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial solid tumor in the pediatric population with a high degree of heterogeneity in clinical outcomes. Upregulation of the tumor suppressor miR-204 in neuroblastoma is associated with good prognosis. Although miR-204 has been recognized as a potential therapeutic candidate, its delivery is unavailable. We hypothesized that REP-204, the red blood cell-derived extracellular particles (REP) with miR-204 loading, can suppress neuroblastoma cells in vitro. After miR-204 loading by electroporation, REP-204, but not REP carriers, inhibited the viability, migration, and 3D spheroid growth of neuroblastoma cells regardless of MYCN amplification status. SWATH-proteomics revealed that REP-204 treatment may trigger a negative regulation of mRNA splicing by the spliceosome, suppression of amino acid metabolism and protein production, and prevent SLIT/ROBO signaling-mediated cell migration, to halt neuroblastoma tumor growth and metastasis. The therapeutic efficacy of REP-204 should be further investigated in preclinical models and clinical studies.

MicroRNAs: A novel signature in the metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a malignant epithelial tumor, characterized by squamous cell differentiation, it is the sixth leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. The increased mortality rate of ESCC patients is predominantly due to the advanced stage of the disease when discovered, coupled with higher risk of metastasis, which is an exceedingly malignant characteristic of cancer, frequently leading to a high mortality rate. Unfortunately, there is currently no specific and effective marker to predict and treat metastasis in ESCC. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNA molecules, approximately 22 nucleotides in length. miRNAs are vital in modulating gene expression and serve pivotal regulatory roles in the occurrence, progression, and prognosis of cancer. Here, we have examined the literature to highlight the intimate correlations between miRNAs and ESCC metastasis, and show that ESCC metastasis is predominantly regulated or regulated by genetic and epigenetic factors. This review proposes a potential role for miRNAs as diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers for metastasis in ESCC metastasis, with the ultimate aim of reducing the mortality rate among patients with ESCC.

MiR-204-5p-targeted AP1S2 is necessary for papillary thyroid carcinoma

MiR-204-5p, as a tumour suppressor, has been found in several cancers. However, whether miR-204-5p is involved in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) has not yet been investigated. In this study, we identified miR-204-5p as a down-regulated miRNA in PTC tissues, unveiling that the levels of miR-204-5p in serum of patients with PTC were linked to PTC risk, and that the expression in patients concomitant with both PTC and benign lesions was much lower than that in patients only with PTC. Furthermore, we documented that miR-204-5p inhibited proliferation, migration, invasion, and cell cycle progression and triggered apoptosis of PTC cells via cell biology experiments. Finally, we identified that AP1S2 was a target of miR-204-5p using RNA-seq, iTRAQ, and bioinformatics prediction. Overall, miR-204-5p functions as a suppressor for PTC pathogenesis via the miR-204-5p/AP1S2 axis.

MicroRNA-204-5p: A pivotal tumor suppressor

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-coding single-stranded RNA molecules with a length of approximately 18-25 nt nucleotides that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally. MiR-204-5p originates from the sixth intron of the transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 3 (TRPM3) gene. MiR-204-5p is frequently downregulated in various cancer types and is related to the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of cancer patients. So far, many studies have determined that miR-204-5p functions as a tumor suppressor for its extensive and powerful capacity to inhibit tumor proliferation, metastasis, autophagy, and chemoresistance in multiple cancer types. MiR-204-5p appears to be a promising prognostic biomarker and a therapeutic target for human cancers. This review summarized the latest advances on the role of miR-204-5p in human cancers.

Dysregulation of miR-204-5p/APLN axis affects malignant progression and cell stemness of esophageal cancer

OBJECTIVE

This study attempted to investigate the mechanism of miR-204-5p and its downstream gene in regulating bio-functions of esophageal cancer (EC).

METHODS

Bioinformatics analysis was performed to select the mature miRNAs, mRNAs, and clinical data of EC. The miRNA-mRNA regulatory axis was predicted through bioinformatics and used Dual-luciferase analysis to verify the interaction between miR-204-5p and APLN. qRT-PCR was applied to analyze expression of miR-204-5p and APLN mRNA. Western blot was utilized to detect APLN protein expression. Functional assays like CCK-8, wound healing, Transwell, and stem cell sphere formation assays were launched to confirm proliferative, migratory, invasive and stemness of cells in different treatment groups.

RESULTS

MiR-204-5p was lowly expressed while its target gene APLN was highly expressed in tumor tissues. Besides, miR-204-5p overexpression hindered proliferation, invasion, migration, and stemness of EC cells. Additionally, dual-luciferase assay verified the interaction of miR-204-5p and APLN. MiR-204-5p could downregulate APLN level and its overexpression reduced the effect of APLN on EC cell functions.

CONCLUSION

Dysregulation of miR-204-5p/APLN axis was linked with malignant progression of EC. MiR-204-5p/APLN may be an underlying candidate for the design of anticarcinogens.

Non-coding RNA-based regulation of inflammation

Inflammation is a multifactorial process and various biological mechanisms and pathways participate in its development. The presence of inflammation is involved in pathogenesis of different diseases such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases and even, cancer. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) comprise large part of transcribed genome and their critical function in physiological and pathological conditions has been confirmed. The present review focuses on miRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs as ncRNAs and their potential functions in inflammation regulation and resolution. Pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors are regulated by miRNAs via binding to 3'-UTR or indirectly via affecting other pathways such as SIRT1 and NF-κB. LncRNAs display a similar function and they can also affect miRNAs via sponging in regulating levels of cytokines. CircRNAs mainly affect miRNAs and reduce their expression in regulating cytokine levels. Notably, exosomal ncRNAs have shown capacity in inflammation resolution. In addition to pre-clinical studies, clinical trials have examined role of ncRNAs in inflammation-mediated disease pathogenesis and cytokine regulation. The therapeutic targeting of ncRNAs using drugs and nucleic acids have been analyzed to reduce inflammation in disease therapy. Therefore, ncRNAs can serve as diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic targets in inflammation-related diseases in pre-clinical and clinical backgrounds.

DGUOK-AS1 acts as a tumorpromoter through regulatingmiR-204-5p/IL-11 axis in breast cancer

Breast cancer is one of the most lethal malignancies among women; however, the underlying molecular mechanism involved in the progression and metastasis of breast cancer remains unclear. Numerous studies have confirmed that long noncoding RNAs are abnormally expressed in breast cancer and play crucial roles in cell proliferation and metastasis. In the study, we evaluated the functional role and detailed mechanism of DGUOK-AS1 in breast cancer progression and metastasis. DGUOK-AS1 knockdown suppressed proliferation, migration, and invasion of breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, miR-204-5p was identified as an inhibitory target of DGUOK-AS1, which served as a tumor suppressor in breast cancer. Significantly, we found that the ectopic expression of miR-204-5p could counteract DGUOK-AS1-mediated promotion of cell proliferation and metastasis in breast cancer. Moreover, IL-11 was found to be the downstream target of miR-204-5p, and DGUOK-AS1 could protect IL-11 from miR-204-5p-mediated degradation. DGUOK-AS1 overexpression promoted breast cancer cell migration, angiogenesis, and macrophage migration, mediating by the increased secretion of IL-11, which was extremely important for cancer progression. Collectively, our studies reveal that DGUOK-AS1/miR-204-5p/IL-11 axis plays a significant role in the progression and metastasis of breast cancer, and DGUOK-AS1 might be a novel biomarker and therapeutic target for breast cancer.

Long non-coding RNA NEAT1 promotes the malignancy of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma by regulating the microRNA-204-5p/SEMA4B axis

Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is a highly invasive malignant tumor in the head and neck area. As an oncogene, long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) promotes cell proliferation, migration and invasion several types of cancer. The present study aimed to reveal the effects of NEAT1 on the progression of LSCC. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to detect relative mRNA expression levels of NEAT1, microRNA (miR)-204-5p and semaphorin (SEMA) 4B. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to analyze overall survival times. RNA in-situ hybridization (ISH) exhibited the distribution of NEAT1 and miR-204-5p in tissues. RNA fluorescence ISH was used to analyze the distribution of NEAT1 and miR-204-5p in the cells. Western blot analysis was used to detect the expression level of target proteins. Cell viability was analyzed using a MTT assay, while flow cytometry was used to determine cell apoptosis. Wound healing and Transwell invasion assays were used to value cell migration and invasion, respectively. RNA immunoprecipitation assay, bioinformatics prediction and a dual luciferase reporter assay were used to analyze the target relationship. The RT-qPCR results showed that NEAT1 was highly expressed and miR-204-5p had decreased expression in LSCC tissues and cells compared with that in the normal tissue and the 16HBE-14o cell line, respectively. Knockdown of NEAT1 using small interfering (si) RNA and overexpressed miR-204-5p both effectively inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of LSCC cells. Besides, further experiments revealed that miR-204-5p was a target of NEAT1. At the same time, silenced miR-204-5p reversed the anti-tumor effects of si-NEAT1. In addition, SEMA4B was targeted by miR-204-5p in LSCC cells and upregulated SEMA4B weakened the antitumor effects of miR-204-5p in LSCC cells. NEAT1 regulated the expression of SEMA4B by targeting miR-204-5p in LSCC cells. Overall, NEAT1 promoted the proliferation and invasion of LSCC cells by regulating the miR-204-5p/SEMA4B axis.

MicroRNA-Based Risk Score for Predicting Tumor Progression Following Radioactive Iodine Ablation in Well-Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Patients: A Propensity-Score Matched Analysis

Simple Summary

The three-tiered American Thyroid Association (ATA) risk stratification helps clinicians tailor decisions regarding follow-up modalities and the need for postoperative radioactive iodine (RAI) ablation and radiotherapy. However, a significant number of well-differentiated thyroid cancers (DTC) progress after treatment. Current follow-up modalities have also been proposed to detect disease relapse and recurrence but have failed to be sufficiently sensitive or specific to detect, monitor, or determine progression. Therefore, we assessed the predictive accuracy of the microRNA-based risk score in DTC with and without postoperative RAI. We confirm the prognostic role of triad biomarkers (miR-2f04, miR-221, and miR-222) with higher sensitivity and specificity for predicting disease progression than the ATA risk score. Compared to indolent tumors, a higher risk score was found in progressive samples and was associated with shorter survival. Consequently, our prognostic microRNA signature and nomogram provide a clinically practical and reliable ancillary measure to determine the prognosis of DTC patients.

Abstract

To identify molecular markers that can accurately predict aggressive tumor behavior at the time of surgery, a propensity-matching score analysis of archived specimens yielded two similar datasets of DTC patients (with and without RAI). Bioinformatically selected microRNAs were quantified by qRT-PCR. The risk score was generated using Cox regression and assessed using ROC, C-statistic, and Brier-score. A predictive Bayesian nomogram was established. External validation was performed, and causal network analysis was generated. Within the eight-year follow-up period, progression was reported in 51.5% of cases; of these, 48.6% had the T1a/b stage. Analysis showed upregulation of miR-221-3p and miR-222-3p and downregulation of miR-204-5p in 68 paired cancer tissues (p < 0.001). These three miRNAs were not differentially expressed in RAI and non-RAI groups. The ATA risk score showed poor discriminative ability (AUC = 0.518, p = 0.80). In contrast, the microRNA-based risk score showed high accuracy in predicting tumor progression in the whole cohorts (median = 1.87 vs. 0.39, AUC = 0.944) and RAI group (2.23 vs. 0.37, AUC = 0.979) at the cutoff >0.86 (92.6% accuracy, 88.6% sensitivity, 97% specificity) in the whole cohorts (C-statistics = 0.943/Brier = 0.083) and RAI subgroup (C-statistic = 0.978/Brier = 0.049). The high-score group had a three-fold increased progression risk (hazard ratio = 2.71, 95%CI = 1.86–3.96, p < 0.001) and shorter survival times (17.3 vs. 70.79 months, p < 0.001). Our prognostic microRNA signature and nomogram showed excellent predictive accuracy for progression-free survival in DTC.

Zika virus E protein dysregulate mir-204/WNT2 signalling in human fetal neural stem cells

Zika Virus (ZIKV) belongs to the family of flaviviruses, and is neurotrophic. It has been known to cause severe congenital disabilities including microcephaly in neonates. The virus has a specific preference towards neural stem cells (NSCs). ZIKV impairs proliferation and differentiation of NSCs during in-utero brain development of the fetus. However, molecular pathways involved in ZIKV induced alteration in NSCs are yet to be explored. In our previous study, we have described that ZIKV E protein dysregulates microRNA circuitry in NSCs and also impairs their proliferative and differentiation abilities. WNT signalling was found to be the target of differentially expressed miRNAs as suggested by PANTHER PATHWAY analysis of differentially expressed miRNA targets. In our current follow-up study, we investigate that WNT2 is downregulated in response to ZIKV E protein in human fetal NSCs and WNT2 is the molecular target of microRNA miR-204-5p. We provide pieces of evidences that miR-204-5p/WNT2 axis is involved in ZIKV induced impairment in the proliferation and immature differentiation of neural stem cells.

Downregulation of miR-135b-5p Suppresses Progression of Esophageal Cancer and Contributes to the Effect of Cisplatin

Esophageal cancer (EC) is one of the commonest human cancers, which accompany high morbidity. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a pivotal role in various cancers, including EC. Our research aimed to reveal the function and mechanism of miR-135b-5p. Our research identified that miR-135b-5p was elevated in EC samples from TCGA database. Correspondingly real-time PCR assay also showed the miR-135b-5p is also higher expressed in Eca109, EC9706, KYSE150 cells than normal esophageal epithelial cells (Het-1A). CCK8, Edu, wound healing, Transwell assay, and western blot demonstrated miR-135b-5p inhibition suppresses proliferation, invasion, migration and promoted the apoptosis in Eca109 and EC9706 cells. Moreover, the miR-135b-5p inhibition also inhibited xenograft lump growth. We then predicted the complementary gene of miR-135b-5p using miRTarBase, TargetScan, and DIANA-microT. TXNIP was estimated as a complementary gene for miR-135b-5p. Luciferase report assay verified the direct binding site for miR-135b-5p and TXNIP. Real-time PCR and western blot assays showed that the inhibition of miR-135b-5p remarkably enhanced the levels of TXNIP in Eca109 and EC9706 cells. Furthermore, cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloroplatinum II, DDP) decreased miR-135b-5p expression and increased TXNIP expression. Enhanced expression of miR-135b-5p attenuated the inhibitory ability of cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloroplatinum II, DDP) in Eca109 cells, accompanied by TXNIP downregulation. In conclusion, the downregulation of miR-135b-5p suppresses the progression of EC through targeting TXNIP. MiR-135b-5p/TXNIP pathway contributes to the anti-tumor effect of DDP. These findings may provide new insight into the treatment of EC.

lncRNA TUG1 regulates angiogenesis via the miR‑204‑5p/JAK2/STAT3 axis in hepatoblastoma

Hepatoblastoma is the most common malignant hepatic tumour type with hypervascularity in early childhood. In recent decades, emerging evidence has proven that long non‑coding RNAs (lncRNAs) serve an important oncogenic role in the pathogenesis of hepatoblastoma. However, the underlying mechanism of lncRNA taurine upregulated 1 (TUG1) in the angiogenesis of hepatoblastoma remains unknown. The expression patterns of TUG1 and microRNA (miR)‑204‑5p were detected in hepatoblastoma tissues and cell lines via reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR and were analysed using a Pearson's correlation test. A tube formation assay was performed using human umbilical vein endothelial cells to assess the vasculogenic activity of treated HuH‑6 cells. ELISA was used to detect the level of the secretory proangiogenic factor VEGFA in the culture media of HuH‑6 cells. A dual luciferase reporter assay was performed to validate the binding relationships of TUG1/miR‑204‑5p and miR‑204‑5p/Janus kinase 2 (JAK2). Moreover, western blotting was conducted to measure the protein expression levels of VEGFA, phosphorylated (p)‑JAK2, JAK2, p‑STAT3 and STAT3. It was identified that TUG1 was upregulated, while miR‑204‑5p was downregulated in hepatoblastoma tissues and cells. TUG1 knockdown inhibited angiogenesis induced by hepatoblastoma cells. Furthermore, miR‑204‑5p was identified as a target of TUG1. The results demonstrated that TUG1 attenuated the inhibitory effect of miR‑204‑5p on the JAK2/STAT3 pathway and promoted angiogenesis in hepatoblastoma cells. In summary, TUG1 was upregulated in hepatoblastoma and suppressed miR‑204‑5p, thereby activating the downstream signalling pathway of JAK2/STAT3 to facilitate angiogenesis. The present findings will provide novel targets for the treatment of hepatoblastoma.

Inflammation-Induced Tumorigenesis and Metastasis

Inflammation, especially chronic inflammation, plays a pivotal role in tumorigenesis and metastasis through various mechanisms and is now recognized as a hallmark of cancer and an attractive therapeutic target in cancer. In this review, we discuss recent advances in molecular mechanisms of how inflammation promotes tumorigenesis and metastasis and suppresses anti-tumor immunity in various types of solid tumors, including esophageal, gastric, colorectal, liver, and pancreatic cancer as well as hematopoietic malignancies.

Integrated analysis of competing endogenous RNA in esophageal carcinoma

Background

The Competing endogenous RNA (CeRNA) network plays important roles in the development and progression of multiple human cancers. Increasing attention has been paid to CeRNA in esophageal carcinoma (ESCA).

Methods

We explored The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and then analyzed the RNAs of 142 samples to obtain long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), micro RNAs (miRNAs), and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) with different expression trends alongside the progress of ESCA. A series test of cluster (STC) analysis was carried out to identify a set of unique model expression tendencies. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis were used to validate the function of key genes that were obtained from the STC analysis.

Results

Through our analysis, 272 lncRNAs, 87 miRNAs, and 692 mRNAs showed upward expression or downward expression trends, and these molecules were tightly involved in cell cycle, pathways in cancer, metabolic processes, and protein phosphorylation, among others. Ultimately, we constructed a CeRNA network containing a total of 71 lncRNAs, 56 miRNAs, and 125 mRNAs. The overall survival (OS) was analyzed using univariate Cox regression analysis to clarify the relationship between these key molecules from the CeRNA network and the prognosis of ESCA patients. Through survival analysis, we finally screened out two lncRNAs (DLEU2, RP11-890B15.3), three miRNAs (miR-26b-3p, miR-92a-3p, miR-324-5p), and one mRNA (SIK2) as crucial prognostic factors for ESCA.

Conclusions

The novel CeRNA network that we constructed will provide new novel prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for patients with ESCA.

Emerging links between endosomal pH and cancer

Extracellular acidification is a well-known driver of tumorigenesis that has been extensively studied. In contrast, the role of endosomal pH is novel and relatively unexplored. There is emerging evidence from a growing number of studies showing that the pH of endosomal compartments controls proliferation, migration, stemness, and sensitivity to chemoradiation therapy in a variety of tumors. Endosomes are a crucial hub, mediating cellular communication with the external environment. By finely regulating the sorting and trafficking of vesicular cargo for degradation or recycling, endosomal pH determines the fate of plasma membrane proteins, lipids, and extracellular signals including growth factor receptors and their ligands. Several critical regulators of endosomal pH have been identified, including multiple isoforms of the family of electroneutral Na⁺/H⁺ exchangers (NHE) such as NHE6 and NHE9. Recent studies have shed light on molecular mechanisms linking endosomal pH to cancer malignancy. Manipulating endosomal pH by epigenetic reprogramming, small molecules, or nanoparticles may offer promising new options in cancer therapy. In this review, we summarize evidence linking endosomal pH to cancer, with a focus on the role of endosomal Na⁺/H⁺ exchangers and how they affect the prognosis of cancer patients, and also suggest how regulation of endosomal pH may be exploited to develop new cancer therapies.

Let-7b regulates the adriamycin resistance of chronic myelogenous leukemia by targeting AURKB in K562/ADM cells

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a malignant hematological disease, and drug resistance is often related to poor prognosis. MicroRNAs (miRNA) play a pivotal role in transcriptional regulation, cell development, and chemotherapy resistance. Here, we describe the effect of let-7b on resistant leukemia cells and examine the relevance of let-7b as a biomarker for adriamycin resistance. Results showed that let-7b was downregulated in K562/ADM (KA) cells, and the downregulation of let-7b in K562 and KA cells increased ADM resistance. The inhibition of let-7b subsequently induced the upregulation of AURKB. Finally, results proved that the Pi3k/Akt/Erk pathway was related to AURKB-activated resistance. Our research indicated that the underexpression of let-7b and overexpression of AURKB contributed to the resistance of CML, and its function is partly regulated by the Pi3k/Akt/Erk pathway. Thus, our further understand of its inhibitory effect may promise a new therapeutic strategy to overcome chemotherapeutic resistance in CML.

miR-483-5p promotes esophageal cancer progression by targeting KCNQ1

OBJECTIVES

miR-483-5p has been reported to be an oncogene of various cancers, but its functional and regulatory mechanisms in esophageal cancer (EC) remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the functional and molecular mechanisms of miR-483-5p in EC so as to provide a theoretical basis for exploring the therapeutic target for EC.

METHODS

miRNA expression profiles were downloaded from the TCGA-ESCA dataset to screen the target miRNA. Real-time quantitative PCR was performed to detect the transcriptional levels of miR-483-5p and KCNQ1 in EC cells. Western blot was conducted to determine the protein expression of KCNQ1. Cell Counting Kit-8 assay was carried out to assess cell proliferation. Transwell assay was performed to evaluate cell migration and invasion. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was conducted to verify the targeting relationship between miR-483-5p and KCNQ1.

RESULTS

miR-483-5p was up-regulated in EC cells and could bind to the 3'-untranslational region of KCNQ1. Over-expressing miR-483-5p suppressed KCNQ1 expression. Besides, miR-483-5p over-expression facilitated EC cell proliferation, migration and invasion, while its down-regulation triggered opposite result. Over-expressing miR-483-5p and KCNQ1 simultaneously could weaken the promoting effect of miR-483-5p over-expression on EC cell proliferation, migration and invasion.

CONCLUSION

miR-483-5p as an oncogene facilitated EC cell proliferation, migration and invasion by targeted silencing KCNQ1, which is likely to provide a basis for further exploring the molecular mechanism of EC progression.

The miR-1224-5p/TNS4/EGFR axis inhibits tumour progression in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a common and aggressive malignancy. Although many molecular alterations have been observed in ESCC, the mechanisms underlying the development and progression of this disease remain unclear. In the present study, miR-1224-5p was identified to be downregulated in ESCC tissues compared to normal tissues, and its low expression was correlated with shorter survival time in patients. In vitro experiments showed that miR-1224-5p inhibited the proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion of ESCC cells. Mechanistic investigation revealed that miR-1224-5p directly targeted TNS4 and inhibited its expression, which led to the inactivation of EGFR-EFNA1/EPHA2-VEGFA (vascular endothelial growth factor A) signalling. Experiments in vivo confirmed the suppressive effect of miR-1224-5p on oesophageal cancer cells. By immunohistochemistry analysis of ESCC specimens, we found that TNS4 expression was positively correlated with that of VEGFA, and was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis and shorter survival time in patients. Together, our data suggest that miR-1224-5p downregulation is a frequent alteration in ESCC that promotes cell proliferation, migration, invasion and tumour growth by activating the EGFR-EFNA1/EPHA2-VEGFA signalling pathway via inhibition of TNS4 expression. Decreased miR-1224-5p and elevated TNS4 are unfavourable prognostic factors for ESCC patients.

Circ_0000527 promotes the progression of retinoblastoma by regulating miR-646/LRP6 axis

Background

Researches validate that circular RNAs (circRNAs) are dysregulated in a variety of malignancies and play an important role in regulating the malignant phenotype of tumor cells. Nevertheless, the role of circ_0000527 in retinoblastoma (RB) and its regulatory mechanisms remain largely unknown.

Methods

Real-time PCR (RT-PCR) was used to detect circ_0000527 and miR-646 expression in RB tissues and cells. The LRP6 expression in RB cells was detected by Western blot. The relationship between circ_0000527 expression and the clinicopathological parameters of RB patients was analyzed. Cell proliferation, apoptosis and metastasis were monitored by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), flow cytometry, and Transwell assay. The dual-luciferase reporter gene assay and RIP assay were employed to verify the targeting relationship between circ_0000527 and miR-646, miR-646 and LRP6.

Results

Circ_0000527 was highly expressed in both RB and RB cell lines, whose high expression level and degree of differentiation were significantly correlated with the increase in cTNM staging level. Overexpression of circ_0000527 contributed to RB cell proliferation, migration, invasion and suppressed cell apoptosis, while knocking down circ_0000527 inhibited the above malignant biological behavior. The underlying mechanism suggested that functioning as a endogenous competitive RNA, circ_0000527 directly targeted miR-646 and positively regulated LRP6 expression.

Conclusion

Circ_0000527 enhances the proliferation and metastasis of RB cells by modulating the miR-646/LRP6 axis.

LINC00028 regulates the development of TGFβ1-treated human tenon capsule fibroblasts by targeting miR-204-5p

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness worldwide with complex pathogenesis. The excessive proliferation and fibrosis of human tenon capsule fibroblasts (HTFs) trigger the scar formation after glaucoma filtration surgery. The purpose was to investigate the role of long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 28 (LINC00028) and mechanism in transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1)-treated HTFs. The detection of LINC00028 and miR-204-5p expression was conducted using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Cell proliferation was assessed by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Cell migration and invasion were monitored by transwell assay. The expression of Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related markers, including E-cadherin, α-Smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), fibronectin and β-catenin, and autophagy-related markers, including Beclin 1 and light chain 3 (LC3-II and LC3-I) at the protein level was quantified using western blot. The prediction of the relationship between LINC00028 and miR-204-5p was performed by the online tool miRcode, and the verification of the relationship between them was conducted using dual-luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay and RNA pull-down assay. The expression of LINC00028 was elevated in glaucoma tissues and TGFβ1-treated HTFs. LINC00028 downregulation blocked proliferation, migration, invasion, EMT, fibrosis and autophagy of TGFβ1-treated HTFs. MiR-204-5p was a target of LINC00028, and its reintroduction exerted a similar role of LINC00028 downregulation. The inhibition of miR-204-5p reversed the effects of LINC00028 downregulation in TGFβ1-treated HTFs. LINC00028 regulated proliferation, migration, invasion, EMT, fibrosis and autophagy to induce the development of HTFs by competitively targeting miR-204-5p, and LINC00028 was regarded as a promising biomarker for glaucoma filtration treatment.