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Yin J, Wang M, Chen J, Li H, Zhuo J, Lu B, Cai Y. CircZCCHC2 (hsa_circ_0000854) promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression through modulating miR-936/BTBD7 axis and activating Rho/ROCK2 pathway. Noncoding RNA Res 2024; 9:437-446. [PMID: 38511064 PMCID: PMC10950570 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2023.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most aggressive and refractory cancers due to its high propensity to metastasize and the unavailability of efficacious treatments. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) participate in diverse biological activities in human cancers. Here, we detected the upregulation of a novel circRNA, circZCCHC2 (hsa_circ_0000854), in HCC samples and cells. The upregulation indicated an unfavorable prognosis in HCC patients. CircZCCHC2 accelerated cell growth and metastasis in vitro and tumorigenicity in vivo. Mechanistic investigations revealed that circZCCHC2 regulated BTBD7 expression by sponging miR-936. Moreover, the suppression of malignancy caused by circZCCHC2 knockdown could be sufficiently reversed by miR-936 inhibition. Additionally, the suppressed Rho/ROCK2 pathway conferred by circZCCHC2 knockdown could be restored by inhibiting miR-936 expression. Collectively, our findings reveal that circZCCHC2 plays an oncogenic role of in HCC progression by modulating the miR-936/BTBD7/Rho/ROCK2 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Yin
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School of medicine, Westlake university, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Mian Wang
- Department of Geriatric, Zhejiang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Jian Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School of medicine, Westlake university, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Huigang Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School of medicine, Westlake university, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Jianyong Zhuo
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School of medicine, Westlake university, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Bei Lu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School of medicine, Westlake university, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Yang Cai
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School of medicine, Westlake university, Hangzhou, 310006, China
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Brown JS. Comparison of Oncogenes, Tumor Suppressors, and MicroRNAs Between Schizophrenia and Glioma: The Balance of Power. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 151:105206. [PMID: 37178944 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105206] [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: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The risk of cancer in schizophrenia has been controversial. Confounders of the issue are cigarette smoking in schizophrenia, and antiproliferative effects of antipsychotic medications. The author has previously suggested comparison of a specific cancer like glioma to schizophrenia might help determine a more accurate relationship between cancer and schizophrenia. To accomplish this goal, the author performed three comparisons of data; the first a comparison of conventional tumor suppressors and oncogenes between schizophrenia and cancer including glioma. This comparison determined schizophrenia has both tumor-suppressive and tumor-promoting characteristics. A second, larger comparison between brain-expressed microRNAs in schizophrenia with their expression in glioma was then performed. This identified a core carcinogenic group of miRNAs in schizophrenia offset by a larger group of tumor-suppressive miRNAs. This proposed "balance of power" between oncogenes and tumor suppressors could cause neuroinflammation. This was assessed by a third comparison between schizophrenia, glioma and inflammation in asbestos-related lung cancer and mesothelioma (ALRCM). This revealed that schizophrenia shares more oncogenic similarity to ALRCM than glioma.
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Liu L, Han B, Liu L, Cui H, Liu H, Jia R, Zhang X, Lu X. Circ_0021573 acts as a competing endogenous RNA to promote the malignant phenotypes of human ovarian cancer cells. Reprod Biol 2023; 23:100704. [PMID: 36481473 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2022.100704] [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: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been reported to be implicated in the tumorigenesis and progression of ovarian cancer. Here, the study was designed to explore the activity of human circ_0021573 in ovarian cancer pathogenesis and its regulation through the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) crosstalk. Circ_0021573, microRNA (miR)- 936, and cullin 4B (CUL4B) were quantified by qRT-PCR and western blot. Cell proliferation ability was detected by XTT, 5-Ethynyl-2'-Deoxyuridine (EdU), and colony formation assays. Cell apoptosis, migration, and invasion were assessed by flow cytometry, wound-healing, and transwell assays, respectively. Dual-luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays were used to evaluate the direct relationship between miR-936 and circ_0021573 or CUL4B 3'UTR. Xenograft studies were applied to assess the role of circ_0021573 in tumor growth. Our data showed that circ_0021573 expression is enhanced in human ovarian cancer. Inhibition of circ_0021573 impedes cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and promotes apoptosis in vitro, as well as diminishes tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, circ_0021573 contains a miR-936 binding site, and miR-936 is a relevant mediator of circ_0021573 regulation. MiR-936 direct targets and inhibits CUL4B. MiR-936-mediated suppression of CUL4B hinders cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and accelerates apoptosis in vitro.. These data suggested that circ_0021573 might promote the malignant phenotypes of ovarian cancer cells by functioning as a ceRNA for miR-936 to induce CUL4B, which provided a promising target for the prevention and inhibition of ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lifang Liu
- The Laboratory of Cell and Genetics, the People's Hospital of Hebi, 458030 Hebi City, Henan, China
| | - Bingkai Han
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Exercise Physiology and Sports Medicine, College of Exercise and Health Sciences, Tianjin University of Sport, Tianjin City 301617, China
| | - Lixia Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the People's Hospital of Hebi, 458030 Hebi City, Henan, China
| | - Hongying Cui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the People's Hospital of Hebi, 458030 Hebi City, Henan, China
| | - Hao Liu
- The Laboratory of Cell and Genetics, the People's Hospital of Hebi, 458030 Hebi City, Henan, China
| | - Rui Jia
- Eproductive Center, the People's Hospital of Hebi, 458030 Hebi City, Henan, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhang
- The Laboratory of Cell and Genetics, the People's Hospital of Hebi, 458030 Hebi City, Henan, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Lu
- Sumy National Agrarian University, Sumy City 40021, Ukraine.
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Yue A, Chen M, Dai S, Zhang Y, Wei W, Fan L, Wang F, Zhang F, Yu H, Lu Y, Lei Y. Tastin promotes non-small-cell lung cancer progression through the ErbB4, PI3K/AKT, and ERK1/2 pathways. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2023; 248:519-531. [PMID: 36691332 PMCID: PMC10281536 DOI: 10.1177/15353702221147566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Tastin might be involved in tumorigenesis, but its role in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has not been adequately explored. This work aimed to examine tastin's role in NSCLC and to explore the underlying mechanism. The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), Gene Expression Database of Normal and Tumor tissues (GENT), and Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases were used. Four GEO datasets (GSE81089, GSE40419, GSE74706, and GSE19188) containing gene expression data for NSCLC and normal tissue samples were analyzed for tastin mRNA expression. Tastin expression levels in different tissues were compared using the GENT website. TCGA biolinks were used to download gene expression quantification (n = 594) and overall survival data (n = 535). In total, 30 lung adenocarcinoma and 25 lung squamous cell carcinoma cases were enrolled. In addition, four-week-old male BALB/c nude mice (n = 9/group) were used to establish xenograft mouse models. Furthermore, cultured HEK293T, A549, and NCI-H226 cells assessed. Immunoblot, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, immunohistochemistry, real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, lentiviral transduction, and MTT, colony formation, wound healing, and Transwell assays were carried out. Tastin expression levels were markedly increased in NSCLC tumor tissue specimens and correlated with a poorer prognosis. Silencing of tastin inhibited the proliferative and migratory abilities of NSCLC cells. Bioinformatic analysis suggested that tastin interacts with ErbB4. The PI3K/AKT and ERK1/2 downstream pathways were suppressed in tastin-deficient cells. In conclusion, tastin might be involved in NSCLC growth and invasion and is a potential therapeutic target in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andong Yue
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, P.R. China
| | - Maoxi Chen
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, P.R. China
- Department of Oncology, Anhui Chest Hospital, Hefei 230022, P.R. China
| | - Shihui Dai
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, P.R. China
| | - Yiyin Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, P.R. China
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, P.R. China
| | - Lulu Fan
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, P.R. China
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, P.R. China
| | - Fei Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, P.R. China
| | - Hanqing Yu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, P.R. China
| | - Yan Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, P.R. China
| | - Yu Lei
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, P.R. China
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Loss of miR-936 leads to acquisition of androgen-independent metastatic phenotype in prostate cancer. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17070. [PMID: 36224238 PMCID: PMC9556567 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20777-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) progresses from a hormone-sensitive, androgen-dependent to a hormone-refractory, androgen-independent metastatic phenotype. Among the many genes implicated, ANXA2, a calcium-dependent phospholipid binding protein, has been found to have a critical role in the progression of PCa into more invasive metastatic phenotype. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the absence of ANXA2 in early PCa and its recurrence in advanced stage are yet unknown. Moreover, recent studies have observed the deregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the development and progression of PCa. In this study, we found the down-regulation of miR-936 in metastatic PCa wherein its target ANXA2 was overexpressed. Subsequently, it has been shown that the downregulation of miRNA biogenesis by siRNA treatment in ANXA2-null LNCaP cells could induce the expression of ANXA2, indicating the miRNA mediated regulation of ANXA2 expression. Additionally, we demonstrate that miR-936 regulates ANXA2 expression by direct interaction at coding as well as 3'UTR region of ANXA2 mRNA by luciferase reporter assay. Furthermore, the overexpression of miR-936 suppresses the cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, cell migration, and invasion abilities of metastatic PCa PC-3 cells in vitro and tumor forming ability in vivo. These results indicate that miR-936 have tumor suppressor properties by regulating the over expression of ANXA2 in hormone-independent metastatic PCa. Moreover, our results suggest that this tumor suppressor miR-936 could be developed as a targeted therapeutic molecule for metastatic PCa control and to improve the prognosis in PCa patients.
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Xu G, Zhang H, Shi Y, Yang F. Circular RNA circDOCK1 contributes to osteosarcoma progression by acting as a ceRNA for miR-936 to regulate LEF1. J Bone Oncol 2022; 36:100453. [PMID: 36147545 PMCID: PMC9486120 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbo.2022.100453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
CircDOCK1 knockdown relieved osteosarcoma cell malignant behaviors. CircDOCK1 functioned as a molecular sponge of miR-936. miR-936 directly targeted LEF1.
Background Osteosarcoma (OS) is a serious bone malignancy that commonly occurred in humans. Recent research suggested that circular RNA (circRNA) Dedicator of cytokinesis 1 (circDOCK1, also called hsa_circ_0020378) enrolled in the tumorigenesis of osteogenic sarcoma. This subject aimed to explore the precise role and mechanism of circDOCK1 on OS progression. Methods CircDOCK1, microRNA-936 (miR-936), and Lymphoid enhancer binding factor 1 (LEF1) levels were detected using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation, 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU), transwell, wound healing, and tube formation assays were used to assess OS cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis. Western blot analysis of protein levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), MMP9, and LEF1. According to bioinformatics software (circular RNA Interactome and TargetScan) analysis, the binding between miR-936 and circDOCK1 or LEF1 was predicted, followed by verification by a dual-luciferase reporter and RNA Immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays. Results Increased circDOCK1 and LEF1, and decreased miR-936 were found in OS tissues and cell lines. Furthermore, circDOCK1 silencing might suppress OS cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis in vitro. Bioinformatics analysis exhibited that circDOCK1 acted as a sponge for miR-936 and LEF1 was a downstream target of miR-936. Moreover, circDOCK1 functions through modulation of the miR-936/LEF1 axis. Conclusion CircDOCK1 knockdown might attenuate OS cell malignant biological behaviors by regulating the miR-936/GFRA1 axis, which may highlight the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of these molecules for OS treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Xu
- Department of Bone and Soft-Tissue Tumor, Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital/ Shanxi Hospital Affiliated to Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Haijiao Zhang
- The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Yuxia Shi
- Department of Bone and Soft-Tissue Tumor, Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital/ Shanxi Hospital Affiliated to Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Bone and Soft-Tissue Tumor, Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital/ Shanxi Hospital Affiliated to Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
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Freedman AN, Eaves LA, Rager JE, Gavino-Lopez N, Smeester L, Bangma J, Santos HP, Joseph RM, Kuban KC, O'Shea TM, Fry RC. The placenta epigenome-brain axis: placental epigenomic and transcriptomic responses that preprogram cognitive impairment. Epigenomics 2022; 14:897-911. [PMID: 36073148 PMCID: PMC9475498 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2022-0061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: The placenta-brain axis reflects a developmental linkage where disrupted placental function is associated with impaired neurodevelopment later in life. Placental gene expression and the expression of epigenetic modifiers such as miRNAs may be tied to these impairments and are understudied. Materials & methods: The expression levels of mRNAs (n = 37,268) and their targeting miRNAs (n = 2083) were assessed within placentas collected from the ELGAN study cohort (n = 386). The ELGAN adolescents were assessed for neurocognitive function at age 10 and the association with placental mRNA/miRNAs was determined. Results: Placental mRNAs related to inflammatory and apoptotic processes are under miRNA control and associated with cognitive impairment at age 10. Conclusion: Findings highlight key placenta epigenome-brain relationships that support the developmental origins of health and disease hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia N Freedman
- Department of Environmental Sciences & Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Lauren A Eaves
- Department of Environmental Sciences & Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Julia E Rager
- Department of Environmental Sciences & Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Curriculum in Toxicology & Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Noemi Gavino-Lopez
- Department of Environmental Sciences & Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Lisa Smeester
- Department of Environmental Sciences & Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jacqueline Bangma
- Department of Environmental Sciences & Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Hudson P Santos
- Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,School of Nursing and Health Studies, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33124, USA
| | - Robert M Joseph
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Karl Ck Kuban
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Child Neurology, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Thomas Michael O'Shea
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Rebecca C Fry
- Department of Environmental Sciences & Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Curriculum in Toxicology & Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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Wang J, Liu H. miR-551b is Associated with the Poor Prognosis and Malignant Development of Papillary Thyroid Cancer Through Regulating ERBB4. Horm Metab Res 2022; 54:113-118. [PMID: 35130572 DOI: 10.1055/a-1735-3318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The function of miR-551b has been widely reported in various human cancers, and its dysregulation in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) has also been disclosed, implying its potential regulator role in PTC. The aim of the study was to evaluate the function of miR-551b in PTC development and its potential mechanism. miR-551b was evaluated in PTC tissues and cells by RT-qPCR and associated with the clinicopathological features of patients. The biological effect of miR-551b on cellular processes of PTC was assessed with the CCK8 proliferation assay and the Transwell migration and invasion assay. The potential molecular mechanism was estimated with the dual-luciferase reporter assay. miR-551b was significantly upregulated in PTC, which showed a close relationship with the malignancy and development of PTC patients. miR-551b served as a prognostic biomarker negatively related to patients' survival together with the TNM stage. The overexpression of miR-551b exerted promoted effect on the development-related cellular processes of PTC, which was reversed by the overexpression of ERBB4. In conclusion, miR-551b could predict the poor prognosis of PTC patients and serve as a tumor promoter via suppressing ERBB4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Yidu Central Hospital of Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Haibo Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Yidu Central Hospital of Weifang, Shandong, China
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Valacchi G, Pambianchi E, Coco S, Pulliero A, Izzotti A. MicroRNA Alterations Induced in Human Skin by Diesel Fumes, Ozone, and UV Radiation. J Pers Med 2022; 12:176. [PMID: 35207665 PMCID: PMC8880698 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12020176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic alterations are a driving force of the carcinogenesis process. MicroRNAs play a role in silencing mutated oncogenes, thus defending the cell against the adverse consequences of genotoxic damages induced by environmental pollutants. These processes have been well investigated in lungs; however, although skin is directly exposed to a great variety of environmental pollutants, more research is needed to better understand the effect on cutaneous tissue. Therefore, we investigated microRNA alteration in human skin biopsies exposed to diesel fumes, ozone, and UV light for over 24 h of exposure. UV and ozone-induced microRNA alteration right after exposure, while the peak of their deregulations induced by diesel fumes was reached only at the end of the 24 h. Diesel fumes mainly altered microRNAs involved in the carcinogenesis process, ozone in apoptosis, and UV in DNA repair. Accordingly, each tested pollutant induced a specific pattern of microRNA alteration in skin related to the intrinsic mechanisms activated by the specific pollutant. These alterations, over a short time basis, reflect adaptive events aimed at defending the tissue against damages. Conversely, whenever environmental exposure lasts for a long time, the irreversible alteration of the microRNA machinery results in epigenetic damage contributing to the pathogenesis of inflammation, dysplasia, and cancer induced by environmental pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Valacchi
- Animal Science Department, Plants for Human Health Institute, North Carolina State University, Research Campus Kannapolis, Kannapolis, NC 28081, USA; (G.V.); (E.P.)
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Prevention, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Korea
| | - Erika Pambianchi
- Animal Science Department, Plants for Human Health Institute, North Carolina State University, Research Campus Kannapolis, Kannapolis, NC 28081, USA; (G.V.); (E.P.)
| | - Simona Coco
- Lung Cancer Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy;
| | | | - Alberto Izzotti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
- UOC Mutagenesis and Cancer Prevention, IRCCS San Martino Hospital, 16132 Genova, Italy
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