Long noncoding RNA TCL6 binds to miR-106a-5p to regulate hepatocellular carcinoma cells through PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

The essential roles of lncRNAs/PI3K/AKT axis in gastrointestinal tumors

The role of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) in tumors, particularly in gastrointestinal tumors, has gained significant attention. Accumulating evidence underscores the interaction between various lncRNAs and diverse molecular pathways involved in cancer progression. One such pivotal pathway is the PI3K/AKT pathway, which serves as a crucial intracellular mechanism maintaining the balance among various cellular physiological processes for normal cell growth and survival. Frequent dysregulation of the PI3K/AKT pathway in cancer, along with aberrant activation, plays a critical role in driving tumorigenesis. LncRNAs modulate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway through diverse mechanisms, primarily by acting as competing endogenous RNA to regulate miRNA expression and associated genes. This interaction significantly influences fundamental biological behaviors such as cell proliferation, metastasis, and drug resistance. Abnormal expression of numerous lncRNAs in gastrointestinal tumors often correlates with clinical outcomes and pathological features in patients with cancer. Additionally, these lncRNAs influence the sensitivity of tumor cells to chemotherapy in multiple types of gastrointestinal tumors through the abnormal activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. These findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying gastrointestinal tumors and potential therapeutic targets. However, gastrointestinal tumors remain a significant global health concern, with increasing incidence and mortality rates of gastrointestinal tumors over recent decades. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the latest research on the interactions of lncRNA and the PI3K/AKT pathway in gastrointestinal tumor development. Additionally, it focuses on the functions of lncRNAs and the PI3K/AKT pathway in carcinogenesis, exploring expression profiles, clinicopathological characteristics, interaction mechanisms with the PI3K/AKT pathway, and potential clinical applications.

Non-coding RNA mediated regulation of PI3K/Akt pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma: Therapeutic perspectives

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the primary reasons for fatalities caused by cancer globally, highlighting the need for comprehensive knowledge of its molecular aetiology to develop successful treatment approaches. The PI3K/Akt system is essential in the course of HCC, rendering it an intriguing candidate for treatment. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as long ncRNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), are important mediators of the PI3K/Akt network in HCC. The article delves into the complex regulatory functions of ncRNAs in influencing the PI3K/Akt system in HCC. The study explores how lncRNAs, miRNAs, and circRNAs impact the expression as well as the function of the PI3K/Akt network, either supporting or preventing HCC growth. Additionally, treatment strategies focusing on ncRNAs in HCC are examined, such as antisense oligonucleotide-based methods, RNA interference, and small molecule inhibitor technologies. Emphasizing the necessity of ensuring safety and effectiveness in clinical settings, limitations, and future approaches in using ncRNAs as therapies for HCC are underlined. The present study offers useful insights into the complex regulation system of ncRNAs and the PI3K/Akt cascade in HCC, suggesting possible opportunities for developing innovative treatment approaches to address this lethal tumor.

Construction of a TP53 mutation-associated ceRNA network as prognostic biomarkers in hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) continues to endanger human health worldwide. Regulatory networks of competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) play important roles in HCC. TP53 is the second most often altered gene in HCC and has a significant role in regulating target genes such as miRNAs and lncRNAs.

Methods

Data from patients with TP53 mutation were collected through the cBioPortal database and differential analysis was performed to screen RNAs related to TP53 mutation. The lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA relationship was predicted by the miRcode, miRDB, and TargetScan databases. The ceRNA networks were screened and visualized by Cytoscape. Core ceRNA networks were generated by differential analysis, coexpression analysis, prognostic analysis and subcellular localization. Finally, methylation, mutation, PPI, GSEA, immunity and drug sensitivity analyses of MEX3A were performed to determine the role of MEX3A in HCC.

Results

We identified 1508 DEmRNAs, 85 DEmiRNAs and 931 DElncRNAs and obtained a ceRNA network including 28 lncRNAs, 4 miRNAs and 31 mRNAs. Twenty hub DERNAs in the TP53-altered-related ceRNA network were screened out by Cytoscape and the core ceRNA network (LINC00491/TCL6-hsa-miR-139-5p-MEX3A) was obtained by multiple analyses. In addition, we discovered that the methylation level of MEX3A was decreased and the mutation frequency was raised in HCC. Furthermore, elevated MEX3A expression was associated with alterations in the HCC immunological microenvironment.

Conclusion

We successfully constructed a reciprocal ceRNA network, which could provide new ideas for exploring HCC mechanisms and therapeutic approaches.

Programmed cell death-ligand 2: new insights in cancer

Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment, with the anti-PD-1/PD-L1 axis therapy demonstrating significant clinical efficacy across various tumor types. However, it should be noted that this therapy is not universally effective for all PD-L1-positive patients, highlighting the need to expedite research on the second ligand of PD-1, known as Programmed Cell Death Receptor Ligand 2 (PD-L2). As an immune checkpoint molecule, PD-L2 was reported to be associated with patient's prognosis and plays a pivotal role in cancer cell immune escape. An in-depth understanding of the regulatory process of PD-L2 expression may stratify patients to benefit from anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. Our review focuses on exploring PD-L2 expression in different tumors, its correlation with prognosis, regulatory factors, and the interplay between PD-L2 and tumor treatment, which may provide a notable avenue in developing immune combination therapy and improving the clinical efficacy of anti-PD-1 therapies.

Differentially expressed non-coding RNAs and their regulatory networks in liver cancer

The vast majority of human transcriptome is represented by various types of small RNAs with little or no protein-coding capability referred to as non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). Functional ncRNAs include microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), which are expressed at very low, but stable and reproducible levels in a variety of cell types. ncRNAs regulate gene expression due to miRNA capability of complementary base pairing with mRNAs, whereas lncRNAs and circRNAs can sponge miRNAs off their target mRNAs to act as competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs). Each miRNA can target multiple mRNAs and a single mRNA can interact with several miRNAs, thereby creating miRNA-mRNA, lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA, and circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks. Over the past few years, a variety of differentially expressed miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs (DEMs, DELs, and DECs, respectively) have been linked to cancer pathogenesis. They can exert both oncogenic and tumor suppressor roles. In this review, we discuss the recent advancements in uncovering the roles of DEMs, DELs, and DECs and their networks in aberrant cell signaling, cell cycle, transcription, angiogenesis, and apoptosis, as well as tumor microenvironment remodeling and metabolic reprogramming during hepatocarcinogenesis. We highlight the potential and challenges in the use of differentially expressed ncRNAs as biomarkers for liver cancer diagnosis and prognosis.

EBV and 1q Gains Affect Gene and miRNA Expression in Burkitt Lymphoma

Abnormalities of the long arm of chromosome 1 (1q) represent the most frequent secondary chromosomal aberrations in Burkitt lymphoma (BL) and are observed almost exclusively in EBV-negative BL cell lines (BL-CLs). To verify chromosomal abnormalities, we cytogenetically investigated EBV-negative BL patient material, and to elucidate the 1q gain impact on gene expression, we performed qPCR with six 1q-resident genes and analyzed miRNA expression in BL-CLs. We observed 1q aberrations in the form of duplications, inverted duplications, isodicentric chromosome idic(1)(q10), and the accumulation of 1q12 breakpoints, and we assigned 1q21.2-q32 as a commonly gained region in EBV-negative BL patients. We detected MCL1, ARNT, MLLT11, PDBXIP1, and FCRL5, and 64 miRNAs, showing EBV- and 1q-gain-dependent dysregulation in BL-CLs. We observed MCL1, MLLT11, PDBXIP1, and 1q-resident miRNAs, hsa-miR-9, hsa-miR-9*, hsa-miR-92b, hsa-miR-181a, and hsa-miR-181b, showing copy-number-dependent upregulation in BL-CLs with 1q gains. MLLT11, hsa-miR-181a, hsa-miR-181b, and hsa-miR-183 showed exclusive 1q-gains-dependent and FCRL5, hsa-miR-21, hsa-miR-155, hsa-miR-155*, hsa-miR-221, and hsa-miR-222 showed exclusive EBV-dependent upregulation. We confirmed previous data, e.g., regarding the EBV dependence of hsa-miR-17-92 cluster members, and obtained detailed information considering 1q gains in EBV-negative and EBV-positive BL-CLs. Altogether, our data provide evidence for a non-random involvement of 1q gains in BL and contribute to enlightening and understanding the EBV-negative and EBV-positive BL pathogenesis.

Overview of miR-106a Regulatory Roles: from Cancer to Aging

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) comprise a class of non-coding RNA with extensive regulatory functions within cells. MiR-106a is recognized for its super-regulatory roles in vital processes. Hence, the analysis of its expression in association with diseases has attracted considerable attention for molecular diagnosis and drug development. Numerous studies have investigated miR-106 target genes and shown that this miRNA regulates the expression of some critical cell cycle and apoptosis factors, suggesting miR-106a as an ideal diagnostic and prognostic biomarker with therapeutic potential. Furthermore, the reported correlation between miR-106a expression level and cancer drug resistance has demonstrated the complexity of its functions within different tissues. In this study, we have conducted a comprehensive review on the expression levels of miR-106a in various cancers and other diseases, emphasizing its target genes. The promising findings surrounding miR-106a suggest its potential as a valuable biomolecule. However, further validation assessments and overcoming existing limitations are crucial steps before its clinical implementation can be realized.

Downregulation of TCL6 protected human trophoblast cells from LPS-induced inflammation and ferroptosis

Dysregulation of noncoding RNAs has been reported to have a close correlation with preeclampsia(PE)development. TCL6 was upregulated in patients with PE. In this study, we examined the impacts of TCL6 on modulating HTR-8/SVneo cells induced by LPS. LPS (100 and 200 ng/ml) was applied to induce inflammation in trophoblast cells HTR-8/SVneo. Cell viability, apoptosis, and transwell experiments were conducted. The ELISA methods were used for pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. MDA, GSH, and GPX kits were employed. Transfection was performed for expression regulation of TCL6, miR-485-5p, and TFRC in cells. Bioinformatic online tools were used to predict the targeting sites. Luciferase and RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR were done to verify the interactions of TCL6, miR-485-5p, and TFRC. RNA expression levels were measured using RT-qPCR, and protein expression of TFRC and GPX4 was detected using a western blot. The free Fe (II) contents were measured. LPS decreased viability, invasion, and migration but enhanced apoptosis, ferroptosis, and inflammation. TCL6 expression was enhanced by LPS induction. The knockdown of TCL6 increased HTR-8/SVneo cell viability and invasion but inhibited cell apoptosis, inflammation, and ferroptosis while inhibition of miR-485-5p could reverse this through TFRC regulation. Moreover, miR-485-5p was sponged by TCL6 and bound to TFRC. TCL6 protected trophoblast cells from LPS-induced injury through the TFRC pathway.

Long non-coding RNA TCL6 induced by SCRT1 promotes proliferation and metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer through PDK1/AKT signaling

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) ranks the most lethal malignancies around the world, nearly 85 % of lung cancers are NSCLC. Its high prevalence and morbidity pose a considerable burden to human health, identifying promising therapeutic targets for NSCLC is urgently needed. The essential function of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in multiple cellular progressions and pathophysiological processes are widely understood, thus we investigated the role of lncRNA T-cell leukemia/lymphoma 6 (TCL6) in NSCLC progression. LncRNA TCL6 level is increased in NSCLC samples and downregulation of lncRNA TCL6 inhibited NSCLC tumorigenesis. Moreover, Scratch Family Transcriptional Repressor 1 (SCRT1) can modulate lncRNA TCL6 expression in NSCLC cells, with lncRNA TCL6 promoting NSCLC development through Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Kinase 1 (PDK1)/AKT signaling by interacting with PDK1, thereby providing a novel framework for NSCLC research.

Long Non-Coding RNA T Cell Leukemia/Lymphoma 6 Inhibits the Proliferation and Invasion of Breast Cancer Cells by Down-Regulating miR-665

Breast cancer (BC), which is most commonly seen in women, has become the second most common cause of cancer death in the United States. The number of women dying from BC is increasing every year, especially in the developing countries that fall behind in terms of economy and technologies. Therefore, it is of great necessity to find potential targets to effectively treat this disease. In this study, RT-qPCR was performed to detect the expressions of TCL6, miR-665, and CD82. CCK-8 and immunofluorescence assays were conducted for the assessment of BC cell proliferation. The invasion and migration of BC cells were detected by transwell and wound healing assays, respectively. Luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the combination of TCL6 and miR-665, and the binding of miR-665 and CD82. Moreover, the proliferation and migration of related proteins were measured by western blot. The results showed that TCL6 was low expressed in BC cells, but overexpression of TCL6 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of BC cells. On the contrary, miR-665 was highly expressed in BC cells, while its expression was negatively correlated with TCL6 as suggested by RT-qPCR assay. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects of TCL6 overexpression on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of BC cells were reversed by miR-665 mimic. Afterwards, the binding sites between miR-665 and CD82 were verified by luciferase reporter assay. Overexpression of TCL6 increased the level of CD82 in BC cells, but this effect was reversed by miR-665 mimic as well. In conclusion, the present study has presented the fact that TCL6 could enhance the expression of CD82 by down-regulating the expression of miR-665.

Sema3d Restrained Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression Through Inactivating Pi3k/Akt Signaling via Interaction With FLNA

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal malignant tumors worldwide due to the high incidence rate of metastasis and recurrence. Semaphorin 3d (Sema3d) has been shown to play a critical role in vascular development during early embryogenesis and several forms of cancer progression via regulating cell migration. However, the function of Sema3d in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains elusive. This study aimed to explore the function and mechanisms of Sema3d in HCC. In our study, Sema3d expression was significantly downregulated in HCC tissues and cell lines. Downregulated Sema3d was closely correlated with aggressive clinicopathological features and poor clinical outcomes in HCC patients. Moreover, overexpression of Sema3d in HCCLM3 cells was significantly inhibited and knockdown of Sema3d in PLC/PRF/5 cells promoted proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of HCC cells in vitro and tumor growth, EMT, and metastasis in vivo. Furthermore, the RNA sequencing and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) indicated that these phenotypic and functional changes in Sema3d-interfered HCC cells were mediated by the Pi3k/Akt signaling pathway, and co-IP–combined mass spectrometry indicated Sema3d might interact with FLNA. Finally, we proved that Sema3d exerted its tumor-restraining effect by interacting with FLNA to inactivate the Pi3k/Akt signaling pathway and remodel the cytoskeleton. Our data showed that Sema3d restrained hepatocellular carcinoma proliferation, invasion, and metastasis through inactivating Pi3k/Akt via interaction with FLNA, which may serve as a novel prognostic predictor and a potential therapeutic target for HCC patients.

Circ_0068087 Promotes High Glucose-Induced Human Renal Tubular Cell Injury through Regulating miR-106a-5p/ROCK2 Pathway

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Many studies have confirmed that circular RNA (circRNA) is an important target for regulating human disease progression. This study aimed to explore the role of circ_0068087 in diabetic nephropathy (DN) progression. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> High glucose (HG)-induced renal tubular cells (HK2) were used to mimic DN cell models in vitro. The expression levels of circ_0068087, microRNA (miR)-106a-5p, and Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing kinase 2 (ROCK2) were detected by quantitative real-time PCR. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were examined by cell counting kit-8 assay, 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine assay, colony formation assay, and flow cytometry. The protein levels were examined by Western blot analysis. Cell oxidative stress was assessed by measuring MDA level and SOD activity, and cell inflammation was evaluated by detecting the concentrations of inflammatory factors. RNA interaction was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull-down assay. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The present study showed that circ_0068087 was highly expressed in the serum of DN patients and HG-induced HK2 cells. Interference of circ_0068087 alleviated HG-induced apoptosis, oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis in HK2 cells, while accelerated cell proliferation. miR-106a-5p could be sponged by circ_0068087, and its inhibitor eliminated the regulation of circ_0068087 knockdown on HG-induced HK2 cell injury. ROCK2 was a target of miR-106a-5p, and its expression was suppressed by circ_0068087 knockdown. miR-106a-5p overexpression suppressed HG-induced HK2 cell injury, and this effect was reversed by ROCK2 upregulation. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Our data indicated that circ_0068087 downregulation mitigated HG-induced HK2 cell injury through the miR-106a-5p/ROCK2 axis, providing a potential circRNA-targeted therapy for DN.

Expression and clinical significance of lncRNA TCL6 in serum of patients with preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a common syndrome in pregnancy and a leading cause of mortality of pregnant females and their infants. To investigate the diagnostic and prognostic utility of lncRNA T-cell leukemia/lymphoma 6 (TCL6) in patients with preeclampsia, 120 singleton pregnant females with preeclampsia and another 100 healthy pregnant control subjects were analyzed in the present study. The expression of lncRNA TCL6 in the serum of the included patients was detected. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was applied to evaluate the efficiency of lncRNA TCL6 in terms of preeclampsia diagnosis and grading. Kaplan-Meier analysis was adopted to assess the effect of lncRNA TCL6 expression on the rate of adverse pregnancy. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine high-risk factors of adverse pregnancy. The results indicated that lncRNA TCL6 was significantly increased in the serum of patients with preeclampsia. Furthermore, TCL6 was elevated in subgroups of patients with early-onset or severe preeclampsia and with Haemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes and Low Platelet count syndrome in comparison with other patients with preeclampsia. High expression of TCL6 in pregnant females corresponded to a higher rate of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Severe preeclampsia, early-onset preeclampsia and high TCL6 expression were identified as independent risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes. For each unit increase in TCL6 expression, a 9.5-fold increase of the risk of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes was determined. Collectively, high expression of lncRNA TCL6 may assist the diagnosis and grading of preeclampsia and may be adopted as an independent risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 12 (PTPN12), negatively regulated by miR-106a-5p, suppresses the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma

Protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 12 (PTPN12) is abnormally expressed in many human cancers. However, its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is indeterminate. In this study, immunohistochemistry and Western blot were adopted to detect PTPN12 protein expression in HCC tissues and cell lines. MiR-106a-5p and PTPN12 mRNA expressions were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). siRNA was used to knockdown PTPN12 expression in HCC cells, and the multiplication, migration, and invasion of HCC cells were determined by cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) and Transwell assays. The interaction between PTPN12 and miR-106a-5p was verified by dual-luciferase reporter gene assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. In the present study, we demonstrated that PTPN12 expression in HCC tissues and cells was significantly decreased, which was associated with the tumor size, TNM stage, and lymph node metastasis of HCC patients. Functionally, knocking down PTPN12 significantly promoted the multiplication, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of HCC cells. PTPN12 was identified as the direct target of miR-106a-5p, and its expression was negatively modulated by miR-106a-5p. Besides, PTPN12 counteracted the promoting effects of miR-106a-5p on the viability, migration, invasion, and EMT of HCC cells. In conclusion, this study substantiates that PTPN12 inhibits the growth, migration, invasion, and EMT of HCC cells, and miR-106a-5p contributes to its dysregulation in HCC.

The role of ceRNA-mediated diagnosis and therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide due to its high degree of malignancy, high incidence, and low survival rate. However, the underlying mechanisms of hepatocarcinogenesis remain unclear. Long non coding RNA (lncRNA) has been shown as a novel type of RNA. lncRNA by acting as ceRNA can participate in various biological processes of HCC cells, such as tumor cell proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis and drug resistance by regulating downstream target gene expression and cancer-related signaling pathways. Meanwhile, lncRNA can predict the efficacy of treatment strategies for HCC and serve as a potential target for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC. Therefore, lncRNA serving as ceRNA may become a vital candidate biomarker for clinical diagnosis and treatment. In this review, the epidemiology of HCC, including morbidity, mortality, regional distribution, risk factors, and current treatment advances, was briefly discussed, and some biological functions of lncRNA in HCC were summarized with emphasis on the molecular mechanism and clinical application of lncRNA-mediated ceRNA regulatory network in HCC. This paper can contribute to the better understanding of the mechanism of the influence of lncRNA-mediated ceRNA networks (ceRNETs) on HCC and provide directions and strategies for future studies.

The Role of Long Non-Coding RNA and microRNA Networks in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Its Tumor Microenvironment

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common liver malignancy with high morbidity and poor prognosis. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in crucial biological processes of tumorigenesis and progression, and play four major regulatory roles, namely signal, decoy, guide, and scaffold, to regulate gene expression. Through these processes, lncRNAs can target microRNAs (miRNAs) to form lncRNA and miRNA networks, which regulate cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, drug resistance, and the tumor microenvironment. Here, we summarize the multifaceted functions of lncRNA and miRNA networks in the pathogenesis of HCC, the potential use of diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers, and novel therapeutic targets in HCC. This review also highlights the regulatory effects of lncRNA and miRNA networks in the tumor microenvironment of HCC.

Four Prognosis-Associated lncRNAs Serve as Biomarkers in Ovarian Cancer

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in ovarian cancer (OC) development. However, prognosis-associated lncRNAs (PALs) for OC have not been completely elucidated. Our study aimed to identify the PAL signature of OC. A total of 663 differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified in the databases. According to the weighted gene coexpression analysis, the highly correlated genes were clustered into seven modules related to the clinical phenotype of OC. A total of 25 lncRNAs that were significantly related to overall survival were screened based on univariate Cox regression analysis. The prognostic risk model constructed contained seven PALs based on the parameter λ_min, which could stratify OC patients into two risk groups. The results showed that the risk groups had different overall survival rates in both The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and two verified Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses confirmed that the risk model was an independent risk factor for OC. Gene enrichment analysis revealed that the identified genes were involved in some pathways of malignancy. The competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network included five PALs, of which four were selected for cell function assays. The four PALs were downregulated in 33 collected OC tissues and 3 OC cell lines relative to the control. They were shown to regulate the proliferative, migratory, and invasive potential of OC cells via Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and transwell assays. Our study fills the gaps of the four PALs in OC, which are worthy of further study.

Comprehensive analysis of lncRNA biomarkers in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma by lncRNA-mediated ceRNA network

Introduction

Kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) has a high incidence globally, and its pathogenesis remains unclear. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), as a molecular sponge, participates in the regulation of competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA). We aimed to construct a ceRNA network and screened out possible lncRNAs to predict KIRC prognosis.

Material and methods

All KIRC data were downloaded from the TCGA database and screened to find the possible target lncRNA; a ceRNA network was designed. Next, GO functional enrichment and KEGG pathway of differentially expressed mRNA related to lncRNA were performed. We used Kaplan-Meier curve analysis to predict the survival of these RNAs. We used Cox regression analysis to construct a model to predict KIRC prognosis.

Results

In the KIRC datasets, 1457 lncRNA, 54 miRNA and 2307 mRNA were screened out. The constructed ceRNA network contained 81 lncRNAs, nine miRNAs, and 17 mRNAs differentially expressed in KIRC. Survival analysis of all differentially expressed RNAs showed that 21 lncRNAs, four miRNAs, and two mRNAs were related to the overall survival rate. Cox regression analysis was performed again, and we found that eight lncRNAs were related to prognosis and used to construct predictive models. Three lnRNAs from independent samples were meaningful.

Conclusion

The construction of ceRNA network was involved in the process and transfer of KIRC, and three lncRNAs may be potential targets for predicting KIRC prognosis.

Construction and Comparison of ceRNA Regulatory Network for Different Age Female Breast Cancer

Studies have shown the difference appearing among the prognosis of patients in different age groups. However, the molecular mechanism implicated in this disparity have not been elaborated. In this study, expression profiles of female breast cancer (BRCA) associated mRNAs, lncRNAs and miRNAs were downloaded from the TCGA database. The sample were manually classified into three groups according to their age at initial pathological diagnosis: young (age ≤ 39 years), elderly (age ≥ 65 years), and intermediate (age 40-64 years). lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was respectively constructed for different age BRCA. Then, the biological functions of differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs) in ceRNA network were further investigated by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. Finally, survival analysis was used to identify prognostic biomarkers for different age BRCA patients. We identified 13 RNAs, 38 RNAs and 40 RNAs specific to patients aged ≤ 39 years, aged 40-64 years, and aged ≥ 65 years, respectively. Furthermore, the unique pathways were mainly enriched in cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction in patients aged 40-64 years, and were mainly enriched in TGF-beta signaling pathway in patients aged ≥ 65 years. According to the survival analysis, AGAP11, has-mir-301b, and OSR1 were respectively functioned as prognostic biomarkers in young, intermediate, and elderly group. In summary, our study identified the differences in the ceRNA regulatory networks and provides an effective bioinformatics basis for further understanding of the pathogenesis and predicting outcomes for different age BRCA.

Zfx-induced upregulation of UBE2J1 facilitates endometrial cancer progression via PI3K/AKT pathway

Emerging documents revealed that E2 enzyme family has been implicated in regulating the progression of numerous human cancers. Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 J1 (UBE2J1), a member of E2 enzyme family, has been reported to participate in the biological process of medulloblastoma, while little is known about its functionality in endometrial cancer (EC). Gene expression at the mRNA and protein levels were identified using RT-qPCR and western blot analysis, separately. The alteration on cell proliferation, adhesion, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process was determined through 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine, cell adhesion, wound healing and transwell assays as well as western blot analysis. The role of UBE2J1 in xenograft tumor in mice was determined. Luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were conducted to reveal the undering mechanism of UBE2J1. Our results indicated that UBE2J1 displayed high level in EC tissues and cells and predicted poor prognosis of EC patients. In addition, UBE2J1 depletion inhibited cell proliferation, adhesion, motion, EMT process invitro, and repressed tumor growth invivo. Rescue assays manifested that ethyl 2-amino-6-chloro-4-(1-cyano-2-ethoxy-2-oxoethyl)-4H-chromene-3-carboxylate treatment reversed the effects of UBE2J1 on PI3K/AKT pathway activation and malignant phenotypes of EC cells. Finally, zinc finger X-chromosomal protein (zfx), with high expression in EC tissues, was verified to activate UBE2J1 transcription by binding to UBE2J1 promoter. In conclusion, all facts signified that zfx-induced upregulation of UBE2J1 accelerated the progression of EC via regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, which suggested that UBE2J1 might be of great significance in probing into the underlying therapeutic strategies of EC.

Upregulation of Long Noncoding RNA_GAS5 Suppresses Cell Proliferation and Metastasis in Laryngeal Cancer via Regulating PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway

BACKGROUND

Laryngeal cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors among head and neck cancers. Accumulating studies have indicated that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in laryngeal cancer occurrence and progression, however, the functional roles and relative regulatory mechanisms of lncRNA growth arrest-specific transcript 5 (GAS5) in laryngeal cancer progression remain unclear.

METHODS

The expression of lncRNA GAS5 in both laryngeal cancer tissues and cell lines was evaluated using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assay. The relationships between lncRNA GAS5 expression and clinical parameters were also analyzed. To determine the biological function of lncRNA GAS5, a lncRNA GAS5-specific plasmid was first transfected into laryngeal cancer cells using lentiviral technology. Cell counting kit-8 assay, flow cytometry, and Transwell assays were used to detect in vitro cell proliferation, apoptosis, cycle distribution, and metastasis abilities, respectively. Furthermore, in vivo cell growth experiments were also performed using nude mice. Additionally, western blotting was performed to identify the underlying regulatory mechanism.

RESULTS

In the current study, lncRNA GAS5 was downregulated in laryngeal cancer tissues and its low expression was closely associated with poor tumor differentiation, advanced TNM stage, lymph node metastasis, and shorter overall survival time. In addition, lncRNA GAS5 upregulation significantly inhibited laryngeal cancer cell proliferation both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, in response to lncRNA GAS5 overexpression, more laryngeal cancer cells were arrested at the G2/M stage, accompanied by increased cell apoptosis rates and suppressed migration and invasion capacities. Mechanistically, our data showed that the overexpression of lncRNA GAS5 significantly regulated the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

LncRNA GAS5 might act as a suppressor gene during laryngeal cancer development, as it suppressed cell proliferation and metastasis by regulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway; thus, lncRNA GAS5 is a promising therapeutic biomarker for the treatment of laryngeal cancer.

The emerging role of non-coding RNAs in the regulation of PI3K/AKT pathway in the carcinogenesis process

The PI3K/AKT pathway is an intracellular signaling pathway with an indispensable impact on cell cycle control. This pathway is functionally related with cell proliferation, cell survival, metabolism, and quiescence. The crucial role of this pathway in the development of cancer has offered this pathway as a target of novel anti-cancer treatments. Recent researches have demonstrated the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in controlling the PI3K/AKT pathway. Some miRNAs such as miR-155-5p, miR-328-3p, miR-125b-5p, miR-126, miR-331-3p and miR-16 inactivate this pathway, while miR-182, miR-106a, miR-193, miR-214, miR-106b, miR-93, miR-21 and miR-103/107 enhance activity of this pathway. Expression levels of PI3K/AKT-associated miRNAs could be used to envisage the survival of cancer patients. Numerous lncRNAs such as GAS5, FER1L4, LINC00628, PICART1, LOC101928316, ADAMTS9-AS2, SLC25A5-AS1, MEG3, AB073614 and SNHG6 interplay with this pathway. Identification of the impact of miRNAs and lncRNAs in the control of the activity of PI3K/AKT pathway would enhance the efficacy of targeted therapies against this pathway. Moreover, each of the mentioned miRNAs and lncRNAs could be used as a putative therapeutic candidate for the interfering with the carcinogenesis. In the current study, we review the role of miRNAs and lncRNAs in controlling the PI3K/AKT pathway and their contribution to carcinogenesis.

Hepigenetics: A Review of Epigenetic Modulators and Potential Therapies in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma is the fifth most common cancer worldwide and the second most lethal, following lung cancer. Currently applied therapeutic practices rely on surgical resection, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, or a combination thereof. These treatment options are associated with extreme adversities, and risk/benefit ratios do not always work in patients' favor. Anomalies of the epigenome lie at the epicenter of aberrant molecular mechanisms by which the disease develops and progresses. Modulation of these anomalous events poses a promising prospect for alternative treatment options, with an abundance of felicitous results reported in recent years. Herein, the most recent epigenetic modulators in hepatocellular carcinoma are recapitulated on.

LncRNA HAND2-AS1 suppressed the growth of triple negative breast cancer via reducing secretion of MSCs derived exosomal miR-106a-5p

Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a special type of breast cancer, its tumor cell metastasis rate is much higher than other types, and at the same time has a high rate of postoperative recurrence, which significantly threatens the health of women. Thus, it is urgent to explore a new treatment for TNBC.

Results: MiR-106a-5p was up-regulated in TNBC tissues and cells, and was positively correlated with the tumor grade, which indicated poor prognosis in TNBC patients. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can transport miR-106a-5p into TNBC cells via exosomes. Functional analysis showed exo-miR-106a-5p secreted by MSCs promoted tumor progression in TNBC cells. Furthermore, lncRNA HAND2-AS1 inhibited miR-106a-5p levels, and HAND2-AS1 was decreased in TNBC tissues and cells. Besides, overexpression of HAND2-AS1 reduced the secretion of exo-miR-106a-5p secretion from MSCs, thus suppressed TNBC development.

Conclusion: Our study revealed that HAND2-AS1 inhibited the growth of TNBC, which were mediated by the inhibitory effects of MSC-derived exosomal miR-106a-5p.

PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway-related long non-coding RNAs: roles and mechanisms in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common tumors worldwide with high prevalence and lethality. The oncogenic phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) pathway is a classic dysregulated pathway involved in the pathogenesis of HCC. However, the underlying mechanism for how PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway aberrantly activates HCC has not been entirely elucidated. The recognition of the functional roles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling axis sheds light on a new dimension to our understanding of hepatocarcinogenesis. In this review, we comprehensively summarize 67 dysregulated PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway-related lncRNAs in HCC. Many studies have indicated that the 67 dysregulated lncRNAs show oncogenic or anti-oncogenic effects in HCC by regulation on epigenetic, transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels and they play pivotal roles in the initiation of HCC in diverse biological processes like proliferation, metastasis, drug resistance, radio-resistance, energy metabolism, autophagy and so on. Besides, many of these lncRNAs are associated with clinicopathological features and clinical prognosis in HCC, which may provide a potential future application in the diagnosis and therapy of HCC.

Role of long noncoding RNA-mediated competing endogenous RNA regulatory network in hepatocellular carcinoma

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) are noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) that occupy over 90% of the human genome, and their main function is to directly or indirectly regulate messenger RNA (mRNA) expression and participate in the tumorigenesis and progression of malignances. In particular, some lncRNAs can interact with miRNAs as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) to modulate mRNA expression. Accordingly, these RNA molecules are interrelated and coordinate to form a dynamic lncRNA-mediated ceRNA regulatory network. Mounting evidence has revealed that lncRNAs that act as ceRNAs are closely related to tumorigenesis. To date, numerous studies have established many different regulatory networks in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and perturbations in these ceRNA interactions may result in the initiation and progression of HCC. Herein, we emphasize recent advances concerning the biological function of lncRNAs as ceRNAs in HCC, with the aim of elucidating the molecular mechanism underlying these HCC-related RNA molecules and providing novel insights into the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.

MIR106A-5p upregulation suppresses autophagy and accelerates malignant phenotype in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Dysregulated microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in carcinoma progression, metastasis, and poor prognosis. We demonstrated that in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), transactivated MIR106A-5p promotes a malignant phenotype by functioning as a macroautophagy/autophagy suppressor by targeting BTG3 (BTG anti-proliferation factor 3) and activating autophagy-regulating MAPK signaling. MIR106A-5p expression was markedly increased in NPC cases based on quantitative real-time PCR, miRNA microarray, and TCGA database analysis findings. Moreover, MIR106A-5p was correlated with advanced stage, recurrence, and poor clinical outcomes in NPC patients. In addition to three-dimensional cell culture assays, zebrafish and BALB/c mouse tumor models revealed that overexpressed MIR106A-5p targeted BTG3 and accelerated the NPC malignant phenotype by inhibiting autophagy. BTG3 promoted autophagy, and its expression was correlated with poor prognosis in NPC. Attenuation of autophagy, mediated by the MIR106A-5p-BTG3 axis, occurred because of MAPK pathway activation. MIR106A-5p overexpression in NPC was due to increased transactivation by EGR1 and SOX9. Our findings may lead to novel insights into the pathogenesis of NPC.

Abbreviations: ACTB: actin beta; ATG: autophagy-related; ATG5: autophagy related 5; BLI: bioluminescence; BTG3: BTG anti-proliferation factor 3; CASP3: caspase 3; ChIP: chromatin immunoprecipitation; CQ: chloroquine; Ct: threshold cycle; DAPI: 4ʹ,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole; DiL: 1,1ʹ-dioctadecyl-3,3,3ʹ,3ʹ-tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate; EBSS: Earle’s balanced salt solution; EGR1: early growth response 1; GAPDH: glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase; GEO: Gene Expression Omnibus; GFP: green fluorescent protein; IF: immunofluorescence; IHC: immunohistochemistry; ISH: in situ hybridization; MAP1LC3B: microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta; MIR106A-5p: microRNA 106a-5p; miRNAs: microRNAs; MKI67: marker of proliferation ki-67; mRNA: messenger RNA; MTOR: mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase; NPC: nasopharyngeal carcinoma; qRT-PCR: quantitative real-time PCR; siRNA: small interfering RNA; SOX9: SRY-box transcription factor 9; SQSTM1: sequestosome 1; TCGA: The Cancer Genome Atlas; WB: western blot.

Current advances of long non-coding RNAs mediated by wnt signaling in glioma

Glioma is the most common and aggressive brain tumor in the central nervous system (CNS), in which Wnt signaling pathway has been verified to play a pivotal role in regulating the initiation and progression. Currently, numerous studies have indicated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have critical functions across biological processes including cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, invasion and apoptosis via Wnt signaling pathway in glioma. This review depicts canonical and non-canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway properties and relative processing mechanisms in gliomas, and summarizes the function and regulation of lncRNAs mediated by Wnt signaling pathway in the development and progression of glioma. Ultimately, we hope to seek out promising biomarkers and reliable therapeutic targets for glioma.