The depletion of Circ-PRKDC enhances autophagy and apoptosis in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia via microRNA-653-5p/Reelin mediation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway

Subtyping and prognostic model construction based on vesicle-mediated transport-related genes in colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is impacted by various environmental and genetic variables. Dysregulation of vesicle-mediated transport-related genes (VMTRGs) has been observed in many malignancies, but their effect on prognosis in CRC remains unclear.

METHODS

CRC samples were clustered into varying subtypes per differential expression of VMTRGs. R package was utilized to explore differences in survival, immune, and drug sensitivity among different disease subtypes. According to differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between subtypes, regression analysis was employed to build a riskscore model and identify independent prognostic factors. The model was validated through a Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset. Immune landscape, immunophenoscore (IPS), and Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) scores for different risk groups were calculated.

RESULTS

Two subtypes of CRC were identified based on VMTRGs, which showed significant differences in survival rates, immune cell infiltration abundance, immune functional activation levels, and immune checkpoint expression levels. Cluster2 exhibited higher sensitivity to anti-tumor drugs such as Nilotinib, Cisplatin, and Oxaliplatin compared to Cluster1. DEGs were mainly enriched in biological processes such as epidermis development, epidermal cell differentiation, and receptor-ligand activity, and signaling pathways like pancreatic secretion. The constructed 13-gene riskscore model demonstrated good predictive ability for CRC patients' prognosis. Furthermore, differences in immune landscape, IPS, and TIDE scores were observed among different risk groups.

CONCLUSION

This study successfully obtained two CRC subtypes with distinct survival statuses and immune levels based on differential expression of VMTRGs. A 13-gene risk model was constructed. The findings had important implications for prognosis and treatment of CRC.

Unveiling autophagy complexity in leukemia: The molecular landscape and possible interactions with apoptosis and ferroptosis

Autophagy is a self-digestion multistep process in which causes the homeostasis through degradation of macromolecules and damaged organelles. The autophagy-mediated tumor progression regulation has been a critical point in recent years, revealing the function of this process in reduction or acceleration of carcinogenesis. Leukemia is a haematological malignancy in which abnormal expansion of hematopoietic cells occurs. The current and conventional therapies from chemotherapy to cell transplantation have failed to appropriately treat the leukemia patients. Among the mechanisms dysregulated in leukemia, autophagy is a prominent one in which can regulate the hallmarks of this tumor. The protective autophagy inhibits apoptosis and ferroptosis in leukemia, while toxic autophagy accelerates cell death. The proliferation and invasion of tumor cells are tightly regulated by the autophagy. The direction of regulation depends on the function of autophagy that is protective or lethal. The protective autophagy accelerates chemoresistance and radio-resistsance. The non-coding RNAs, histone transferases and other pathways such as PI3K/Akt/mTOR are among the regulators of autophagy in leukemia progression. The pharmacological intervention for the inhibition or induction of autophagy by the compounds including sesamine, tanshinone IIA and other synthetic compounds can chance progression of leukemia.

Advancements in the Regulatory Role of microRNAs in Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Mechanisms and Clinical Implications

microRNAs (miRNAs), tiny, non-coding RNA molecules, fine-tune the expression of target genes through interacting with mRNAs. These miRNAs are involved in a wide range of biological processes, encompassing cell division, death, blood cell production, and tumor development. When these miRNAs become dysfunctional, they can promote the invasion and spread of cancer cells in various human malignancies, including leukemia. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the preeminent malignancy affecting children, is a blood cancer marked by the uncontrollable growth of immature lymphoid cells that displace healthy blood precursors in the bone marrow. Despite a decline in ALL mortality rates over the past two decades, a significant proportion of deaths still results from a lack of effective diagnostic and prognostic markers that can guide treatment decisions and overcome drug resistance. The analysis of miRNA expression patterns in ALL could lead to more precise disease classification, earlier diagnosis, and better prognostic outcomes in the near future. The connection between miRNA dysfunction and the biology of ALL suggests that these molecules could represent promising therapeutic targets. Therefore, this review delves into the regulatory mechanisms of miRNAs in pediatric ALL, exploring how miRNA-based diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic strategies offer unique advantages and hold promise for clinical applications.

CircRNA: a rising star in leukemia

Non-coding RNA are a class of RNA that lack the potential to encode proteins. CircRNAs, generated by a post-splicing mechanism, are a newly discovered type of non-coding RNA with multi-functional covalent loop structures. CircRNAs may play an important role in the occurrence and progression of tumors. Research has shown that circRNAs are aberrantly expressed in various types of human cancers, including leukemia. In this review, we summarize the expression and function of circRNAs and their impact on different types of leukemia. We also illustrate the function of circRNAs on immune modulation and chemoresistance in leukemia and their impact on its diagnosis and prognosis. Herein, we provide an understanding of recent advances in research that highlight the importance of circRNAs in proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and autophagy in different types of leukemia. Furthermore, circRNAs make an indispensable difference in the modulation of the immunity and chemoresistance of leukemia. Increasing evidence suggests that circRNAs may play a vital role in the diagnostic and prognostic markers of leukemia because of their prominent properties. More detailed preclinical studies on circRNAs are needed to explore effective ways in which they can serve as biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of leukemia in vivo.

CircRNA RNA hsa_circ_0008234 Promotes Colon Cancer Progression by Regulating the miR-338-3p/ETS1 Axis and PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been shown to play a crucial role in cancer occurrence and progression. This present work investigated the link between hsa_circ_0008234 and colon cancer. Data retrieved from GSE172229 was used to compare the circRNA profiles of colon cancer and surrounding non-tumorous tissues. The amount of RNA and protein in the molecules was determined using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot analysis, respectively. The cell proliferation ability was assessed using CCK8, EdU, colon formation, and nude mice tumorigenesis tests. Cell invasion and migration abilities were evaluated using transwell wound healing and mice lung metastasis model. Hsa_circ_0008234 piqued our interest because bioinformatics and qRT-PCR analyses revealed that it is upregulated in colon cancer tissue. Cell phenotypic studies suggest that hsa_circ_0008234 may significantly increase colon cancer cell aggressiveness. Mice experiments revealed that inhibiting hsa_circ_0008234 significantly reduced tumor growth and metastasis. Moreover, the fluorescence in situ hybridization experiment demonstrated that hsa_circ_0008234 is primarily found in the cytoplasm, implying that it potentially functions via a competitive endogenous RNA pathway. These findings indicated that hsa_circ_0008234 may act as a “molecular sponge” for miR-338-3p, increasing the expression of miR-338-target 3p’s ETS1. In addition, the traditional oncogenic pathway PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling was found to be the potential downstream pathway of the hsa_circ_0008234/miR-338-3p/ETS1 axis. In conclusion, hsa_circ_0008234 increases colon cancer proliferation, infiltration, and migration via the miR-338-3p/ETS1/PI3K/AKT axis; therefore, it could serve as a target and a focus for colon cancer therapy.

The roles and mechanisms of circular RNAs related to mTOR in cancers

BACKGROUND

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are stable molecules with covalently closed structures that have an irreplaceable role in the occurrence, progression, and even treatment of plenty of cancers. Mammalian/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a key regulator in cancers and plays several biological functions, such as proliferation, migration, invasion, autophagy, and apoptosis.

METHODS

All data were collected through PubMed and CNKI, using terms including "circRNA," "mTOR," "caner," "signaling pathway," "biomarker," "diagnosis," "treatment." Articles published in Chinese and English were included.

RESULTS

In this review, the expression, function, and mechanism of circRNA-associated mTOR in cancers were described. CircRNA-associated-mTOR can regulate the progression and therapy of a variety of cancers in multiple signaling pathways, such as phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mTOR, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/mTOR, and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mTOR axis. These cancers including esophageal carcinoma (circLPAR3, ciRS-7), gastric cancer (circNRIP1, hsa_circ_0010882, hsa_circ_0000117, hsa_circ_0072309, and circST3GAL6), colorectal cancer (hsa_circ_0000392, hsa_circ_0084927, hsa_circ_0104631, and circFBXW7), liver cancer (circC16orf62, hsa_circ_100338, hsa_circ_0004001, hsa_circ_0004123, hsa_circ_0075792, hsa_circ_0079299, and hsa_circ_0002130), pancreatic cancer (circ-IARS and circRHOBTB3), renal carcinoma (ciRS-7), bladder cancer (circUBE2K), prostate cancer (circMBOAT2 and circ-ITCH), ovarian cancer (circEEF2, circRAB11FIP1, circMYLK, and circTPCN), endometrial cancer (hsa_circ_0002577 and circWHSC1), lung cancer (circHIPK3, hsa_circ_0001666), thyroid cancer (hsa_circ_0007694 and hsa_circ_0008274), glioma (circGFRA1, circ-MAPK4, circPCMTD1, and hsa_circ_0037251), osteosarcoma (circTCF25), leukemia (circ-PRKDC), and breast cancer (hsa_circ_0000199, circUBAP2, and circWHSC1).

Long Noncoding RNAs and Circular RNAs Regulate AKT and Its Effectors to Control Cell Functions of Cancer Cells

AKT serine-threonine kinase (AKT) and its effectors are essential for maintaining cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, mitochondrial morphogenesis (fission/fusion), ferroptosis, necroptosis, DNA damage response (damage and repair), senescence, and migration of cancer cells. Several lncRNAs and circRNAs also regulate the expression of these functions by numerous pathways. However, the impact on cell functions by lncRNAs and circRNAs regulating AKT and its effectors is poorly understood. This review provides comprehensive information about the relationship of lncRNAs and circRNAs with AKT on the cell functions of cancer cells. the roles of several lncRNAs and circRNAs acting on AKT effectors, such as FOXO, mTORC1/2, S6K1/2, 4EBP1, SREBP, and HIF are explored. To further validate the relationship between AKT, AKT effectors, lncRNAs, and circRNAs, more predicted AKT- and AKT effector-targeting lncRNAs and circRNAs were retrieved from the LncTarD and circBase databases. Consistently, using an in-depth literature survey, these AKT- and AKT effector-targeting database lncRNAs and circRNAs were related to cell functions. Therefore, some lncRNAs and circRNAs can regulate several cell functions through modulating AKT and AKT effectors. This review provides insights into a comprehensive network of AKT and AKT effectors connecting to lncRNAs and circRNAs in the regulation of cancer cell functions.

Linear and Circular Long Non-Coding RNAs in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: From Pathogenesis to Classification and Treatment

The coding regions account for only a small part of the human genome, and the remaining vast majority of the regions generate large amounts of non-coding RNAs. Although non-coding RNAs do not code for any protein, they are suggested to work as either tumor suppressers or oncogenes through modulating the expression of genes and functions of proteins at transcriptional, posttranscriptional and post-translational levels. Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) originates from malignant transformed B/T-precursor-stage lymphoid progenitors in the bone marrow (BM). The pathogenesis of ALL is closely associated with aberrant genetic alterations that block lymphoid differentiation and drive abnormal cell proliferation as well as survival. While treatment of pediatric ALL represents a major success story in chemotherapy-based elimination of a malignancy, adult ALL remains a devastating disease with relatively poor prognosis. Thus, novel aspects in the pathogenesis and progression of ALL, especially in the adult population, need to be further explored. Accumulating evidence indicated that genetic changes alone are rarely sufficient for development of ALL. Recent advances in cytogenic and sequencing technologies revealed epigenetic alterations including that of non-coding RNAs as cooperating events in ALL etiology and progression. While the role of micro RNAs in ALL has been extensively reviewed, less attention, relatively, has been paid to other non-coding RNAs. Herein, we review the involvement of linear and circular long non-coding RNAs in the etiology, maintenance, and progression of ALL, highlighting the contribution of these non-coding RNAs in ALL classification and diagnosis, risk stratification as well as treatment.

The role of miRNAs as a big master regulator of signaling pathways involved in lymphoblastic leukemia

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) belong to small noncoding RNAs, which have long attracted researchers' attention because of their potency in acting either as oncogenes or tumor-suppressors in cancers. acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are two known types of leukemia with high mortality rates in adults and children. On a molecular basis, various signaling pathways are active in both types, making researchers consider the potential role of miRNAs in activating or suppressing these pathways to further hinder cancer development. In this review, we summarized the potential miRNAs, especially circulating ones, involved in essential signaling pathways in the ALL and CLL patients which serve as biomarkers and valuable targets in the treatment fields.

MicroRNAs as Modulators of the Immune Response in T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is an aggressive haematological tumour driven by the malignant transformation and expansion of B-cell (B-ALL) or T-cell (T-ALL) progenitors. The evolution of T-ALL pathogenesis encompasses different master developmental pathways, including the main role played by Notch in cell fate choices during tissue differentiation. Recently, a growing body of evidence has highlighted epigenetic changes, particularly the altered expression of microRNAs (miRNAs), as a critical molecular mechanism to sustain T-ALL. The immune response is emerging as key factor in the complex multistep process of cancer but the role of miRNAs in anti-leukaemia response remains elusive. In this review we analyse the available literature on miRNAs as tuners of the immune response in T-ALL, focusing on their role in Natural Killer, T, T-regulatory and Myeloid-derived suppressor cells. A better understanding of this molecular crosstalk may provide the basis for the development of potential immunotherapeutic strategies in the leukemia field.

Identification of the circ_PRKDC/miR-20a-3p/RASA1 axis in regulating HaCaT keratinocyte migration

Migration of keratinocytes plays a crucial role in the re-epithelialization phase during wound healing. Circular RNA (circRNA) protein kinase, DNA-activated, catalytic subunit (circ_PRKDC, hsa_circ_0084443) has been identified as a regulator of keratinocyte migration. However, the molecular basis governing it remains unclear. The levels of circ_PRKDC, microRNA (miR)-20a-3p, and RAS p21 protein activator 1 (RASA1) were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) or western blot. Subcellular localization, Actinomycin D, and Ribonuclease (RNase) R assays were performed to characterise circ_PRKDC. Cell migration was gauged by transwell and wound-healing assays. A direct relationship between miR-20a-3p and circ_PRKDC or RASA1 was verified by dual-luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assays. Circ_PRKDC expression was reduced in wound skin during wound healing. Circ_PRKDC modulated migration of HaCaT keratinocytes. Mechanistically, circ_PRKDC directly targeted miR-20a-3p. The regulation of circ_PRKDC on HaCaT keratinocyte migration was mediated by miR-20a-3p. RASA1 was identified as a direct and functional target of miR-20a-3p, and miR-20a-3p-mediated inhibition of RASA1 impacted HaCaT keratinocyte migration. Circ_PRKDC acted as a post-transcriptional modulator of RASA1 expression through miR-20a-3p. Moreover, circ_PRKDC modulated migration of HaCaT keratinocytes by RASA1. Our findings demonstrated a novel molecular basis, the miR-20a-3p/RASA1 axis, for the regulation of circ_PRKDC on HaCaT keratinocyte migration.

MiR-27a-3p promotes the osteogenic differentiation by activating CRY2/ERK1/2 axis

Background

Osteoporosis seriously disturbs the life of people. Meanwhile, inhibition or weakening of osteogenic differentiation is one of the important factors in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis. It was reported that miR-27a-3p reduced the symptoms of osteoporosis. However, the mechanism by which miR-27a-3p in osteogenic differentiation remains largely unknown.

Methods

To induce the osteogenic differentiation in MC3T3-E1 cells, cells were treated with osteogenic induction medium (OIM). RT-qPCR was used to evaluate the mRNA expression of miR-27a-3p and CRY2 in cells. The protein levels of CRY2, Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), osteopontin (OPN), osteocalcin (OCN) and the phosphorylation level of extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) 1/2 in MC3T3-E1 cells were evaluated by western blotting. Meanwhile, calcium nodules and ALP activity were tested by alizarin red staining and ALP kit, respectively. Luciferase reporter gene assay was used to analyze the correlation between CRY2 and miR-27a-3p.

Results

The expression of miR-27a-3p and the phosphorylation level of ERK1/2 were increased by OIM in MC3T3-E1 cells, while CRY2 expression was decreased. In addition, OIM-induced increase of calcified nodules, ALP content and osteogenesis-related protein expression was significantly reversed by downregulation of miR-27a-3p and overexpression of CRY2. In addition, miR-27a-3p directly targeted CRY2 and negatively regulated CRY2. Meanwhile, the inhibitory effect of miR-27a-3p inhibitor on osteogenic differentiation was reversed by knockdown of CRY2 or using honokiol (ERK1/2 signal activator). Furthermore, miR-27a-3p significantly inhibited the apoptosis of MC3T3-E1 cells treated by OIM. Taken together, miR-27a-3p/CRY2/ERK axis plays an important role in osteoblast differentiation.

Conclusions

MiR-27a-3p promoted osteoblast differentiation via mediation of CRY2/ERK1/2 axis. Thereby, miR-27a-3p might serve as a new target for the treatment of osteoporosis.