miR-181c contributes to cisplatin resistance in non-small cell lung cancer cells by targeting Wnt inhibition factor 1

Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the development and therapeutic resistance of non-small cell lung cancer

Wnt/β-catenin signaling is a critical pathway that influences development and therapeutic response of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In recent years, many Wnt regulators, including proteins, miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs, have been found to promote or inhibit signaling by acting on Wnt proteins, receptors, signal transducers and transcriptional effectors. The identification of these regulators and their underlying molecular mechanisms provides important implications for how to target this pathway therapeutically. In this review, we summarize recent studies of Wnt regulators in the development and therapeutic response of NSCLC.

miR-181b-1-3p affects the proliferation and differentiation of chondrocytes in TD broilers through the WIF1/Wnt/β-catenin pathway

Thiram is a plant fungicide, its excessive use has exceeded the required environmental standards. It causes tibial dyschondroplasia (TD) in broilers which is a common metabolic disease that affects the growth plate of tibia bone. It has been studied that many microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the differentiation of chondrocytes however, their specific roles and mechanisms have not been fully investigated. The selected features of tibial chondrocytes of broilers were studied in this experiment which included the expression of miR-181b-1-3p and the genes related to WIF1/Wnt/β-catenin pathway in chondrocytes through qRT-PCR, western blot and immunofluorescence. The correlation between miR-181b-1-3p and WIF1 was determined by dual luciferase reporter gene assay whereas, the role of miR-181b-1-3p and WIF1/Wnt/β-catenin in chondrocyte differentiation was determined by mimics and inhibitor transfection experiments. Results revealed that thiram exposure resulted in decreased expression of miR-181b-1-3p and increased expression of WIF1 in chondrocytes. A negative correlation was also observed between miR-181b-1-3p and WIF1. After overexpression of miR-181b-1-3p, the expression of ACAN, β-catenin and Col2a1 increased but the expression of GSK-3β decreased. It was observed that inhibition of WIF1 increased the expression of ALP, β-catenin, Col2a1 and ACAN but decreased the expression of GSK-3β. It is concluded that miR-181b-1-3p can reverse the inhibitory effect of thiram on cartilage proliferation and differentiation by inhibiting WIF1 expression and activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. This study provides a new molecular target for the early diagnosis and possible treatment of TD in broilers.

The crosstalk between non-coding RNA polymorphisms and resistance to lung cancer therapies

Lung cancer (LC) is one of the most common cancer-related mortality in the world. Even with intensive multimodality therapies, lung cancer has a poor prognosis and a high morbidity rate. This review focused on the role of non-coding RNA polymorphisms such as lncRNAs and miRNAs in the resistance to LC therapies, which could open promising avenue for better therapeutic response. Of note, there is currently no valid biomarker to predict lung cancer sensitivity in patients during treatment. Since genetic variations cause many challenges in treating patients, genotyping of known polymorphisms must be thoroughly explored to find desirable treatment platforms. With this knowledge, individualized treatments could become more possible in management of LC.

Double-edged sword role of miRNA-633 and miRNA-181 in human cancers

Understanding the function and mode of operation of microRNAs (miRNAs) in cancer is of growing interest. The short non-coding RNAs known as miRNAs, which target mRNA in multicellular organisms, are described as controlling essential cellular processes. The miR-181 family and miR-633 are well-known miRNAs that play a key role in the development and metastasis of tumor cells. They may facilitate either tumor-suppressive or oncogenic function in malignant cells, according to mounting evidence. Metastatic cells that are closely linked to cancer cell migration, invasion, and angiogenesis can be identified by abnormal levels of miR-181 and miR-633. Numerous studies have demonstrated their capacity to control drug resistance, cell growth, apoptosis, and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis process. Interestingly, the levels of miR-181 and miR-633 and their potential target genes in the basic cellular process can vary depending on the type of cancer cells and their gene expression profile. Such miRNAs' interactions with other non-coding RNAs such as long non-coding RNAs and circular RNAs can influence tumor behaviors. Herein, we concentrated on the multifaceted roles of miR-181 and miR-633 and potential targets in human tumorigenesis, ranging from cell growth and metastasis to drug resistance.

Epigenetic regulation of human WIF1 and DNA methylation situation of WIF1 and GSTM5 in urothelial carcinoma

WNT inhibitory factor 1 (WIF1) is known to function as a tumor suppressor gene; it inhibits oncogene activation by preventing WNT signaling. This study investigated the epigenetic regulation of WIF1 gene in bladder cancer. We observed a positive relationship between WIF1 mRNA expression and survival probability of bladder cancer patients. The WIF1 gene expression could be enhanced by DNA demethylation drug 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC) and histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA), suggesting that epigenetic modifications could regulate WIF1 gene expression. Overexpression of WIF1 inhibited cell proliferation and migration in 5637 cells, confirming the tumor suppressor role of WIF1. 5-Aza-dC dose dependently increased WIF1 gene expression while reducing DNA methylation level, suggesting that reversing WIF1 DNA methylation could activate its gene expression. We collected the cancer tissues and urine pellets of bladder cancer patients and only urine pellets from non-bladder cancer volunteers for DNA methylation analysis, but the methylation level of WIF1 gene -184 to +29 did not differ between patients and controls. We also analyzed glutathione S-transferase Mu 5 (GSTM5) gene methylation level because GSTM5 DNA hypermethylation was suggested to be a tumor biomarker in our previous study. It confirmed a higher GSTM5 DNA methylation in bladder cancer patients than in controls. In summary, this study suggests that the 5-aza-dC activated WIF1 gene which showed an anti-cancer effect, while WIF1 promoter -184 to +29 did not provide a suitable methylation assay region in clinical samples. In contrast, GSTM5 promoter -258 to -89 is a useful region for DNA methylation assay because it shows a higher methylation level in bladder cancer patients.

Emerging role of non-coding RNAs in resistance to platinum-based anti-cancer agents in lung cancer

Platinum-based drugs are the first line of therapeutics against many cancers, including lung cancer. Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Platinum-based agents target DNA and prevent replication, and transcription, leading to the inhibition of cell proliferation followed by cellular apoptosis. About twenty-three platinum-based drugs are under different stages of clinical trials, among cisplatin, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin are widely used for the treatment of various cancers. Among them, cisplatin is the most commonly used drug for cancer therapy, which binds with RNA, and hinders the cellular RNA process. However, long-term use of platinum-based drugs can cause different side effects and has been shown to develop chemoresistance, leading to poor clinical outcomes. Chemoresistance became an important challenge for cancer treatment. Platinum-based chemoresistance occurs due to the influence of intrinsic factors such as overexpression of multidrug resistance proteins, advancement of DNA repair mechanism, degradation, and deactivation of intracellular thiols. Recently, epigenetic modifications, especially non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) mediated gene regulation, grasp the attention for reversing the sensitivity of platinum-based drugs due to their reversible nature without altering genome sequence. ncRNAs can also modulate the intrinsic and non-intrinsic mechanisms of resistance in lung cancer cells. Therefore, targeting ncRNAs could be an effective approach for developing novel therapeutics to overcome lung cancer chemoresistance. The current review article has discussed the role of ncRNA in chemoresistance and its underlying molecular mechanisms in human lung cancer.

In Silico and In Vivo Evaluation of microRNA-181c-5p's Role in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a fatal disease, accounting for 75-85% of primary liver cancers. The conclusive research on miR-181c-5p's role in hepatocarcinogenesis, whether it has oncogenic effects or acts as a tumor repressor, is limited and fluctuating. Therefore, the current study aimed to elucidate the role of miR-181c-5p in HCC in silico and in vivo. The bioinformatics analysis of miR-181c-5p expression data in HCC using several databases strongly shed light on its involvement in HCC development, but also confirmed the fluctuating data around its role. miR-181c-5p was proven here to have an oncogenic role by increasing HepG2 cells' viability as confirmed by MTT analysis. In addition, miR-181c-5p was upregulated in the HCC positive control group and progressed the HCC development and malignant features by its forced expression in an HCC mouse model by targeted delivery using a LA-PAMAM polyplex. This is indicated by the cancerous gross and histological features, and the significant increase in liver function biomarkers. The functional enrichment bioinformatics analyses of miR-181c-5p-downregulated targets in HCC indicated that miR-181c-5p targets were significantly enriched in multiple pathways and biological processes involved in HCC development. Fbxl3, an example for miR-181c-5p potential targets, downregulation and its correlation with miR-181c-5p were validated by qPCR. In conclusion, miR-181c-5p is upregulated in HCC and has an oncogenic role enhancing HCC progression.

Mechanism of METTL14-mediated m6A modification in non-small cell lung cancer cell resistance to cisplatin

Methyltransferase-like 14 (METTL14) mediates N⁶-methyladenosine (m⁶A) modification to influence cancer progression. This study aims to determine the mechanism of METTL14-mediated m⁶A in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell resistance to cisplatin (DDP). METTL14, miR-19a-5p, RBM24, and AXIN1 expressions in NSCLC tissues/cells were determined. DDP-resistant cell line was obtained, followed by the interference of METTL14 expression. NSCLC cells were treated with DDP to establish a drug-resistant cell line, and METTL14 expression in cells was intervened. The IC50 of NSCLC cells to DDP was measured by CCK-8 assay. NSCLC cell proliferation and apoptosis were observed by clone formation assay and flow cytometry. The content of m⁶A in total RNA in tissues and cells of NSCLC patients was detected using m⁶A Methylation Quantification Kit. The expressions of DGCR8-bound pri-miR-19a and m⁶A-modified pri-miR-19a were detected. The binding relationships between miR-19a-5p and RBM24 and RBM24 and AXIN1 were validated using dual-luciferase assay and RNA immunoprecipitation. Finally, mouse xenograft tumor model was established to verify the role of METTL14 in vivo. METTL14 was highly expressed in NSCLC. METTL14 silencing diminished IC50 to DDP, repressed NSCLC cell proliferation, and enhanced apoptosis. METTL14-mediated m⁶A induced recognition and processing of pri-miR-19a by DGCR8, thus promoting the transition of pri-miR-19a to miR-19a-5p, repressing RBM24 expression, reducing the binding of RBM24 and AXIN1, and suppressing AXIN1 transcription. miR-19a-5p overexpression or RBM24/AXIN1 silencing abolished the effect of METTL14 silencing on NSCLC cell resistance to DDP. METTL14 silencing in vivo enhanced the suppressive role of DDP to tumor growth. Collectively, METTL14-mediated m⁶A modification facilitated NSCLC cell resistance to DDP via miR-19a-5p/RBM24/AXIN1 axis. KEY MESSAGES: • METTL14 is highly expressed NSCLC and further increased in DDP-resistant cells. • METTL14 silencing attenuates DDP resistance of NSCLC cells. • METTL14 promotes the nature of pri-miR-19a by upregulating pri-miR-19a m6A level. • miR-19a-5p targets RBM24, thus reducing the binding of RBM24 and AXIN1 and inhibiting AXIN1 transcription. • METTL14 silencing in vivo enhances the suppressive role of DDP to tumor growth.

MicroRNAs as Predictors of Lung-Cancer Resistance and Sensitivity to Cisplatin

BACKGROUND

Platinum-based chemotherapy, cisplatin (DDP) specifically, is the main strategy for treating lung cancer (LC). However, currently, there is a lack of predictive drug-resistance markers, and there is increased interest in the development of a reliable and sensitive panels of markers for DDP chemotherapy-effectiveness prediction. MicroRNAs represent a perspective pool of markers for chemotherapy effectiveness.

OBJECTIVES

Data on miRNAs associated with LC DDP chemotherapy response are summarized and analyzed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comprehensive review of the data in the literature and an analysis of bioinformatics resources were performed. The gene targets of miRNAs, as well as their reciprocal relationships with miRNAs, were studied using several databases.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The complex analysis of bioinformatics resources and the literature indicated that the expressions of 12 miRNAs have a high predictive potential for LC DDP chemotherapy responses. The obtained information was discussed from the point of view of the main mechanisms of LC chemoresistance.

CONCLUSIONS

An overview of the published data and bioinformatics resources, with respect to the predictive microRNA markers of chemotherapy response, is presented in this review. The selected microRNAs and gene panel have a high potential for predicting LC DDP sensitiveness or DDP resistance as well as for the development of a DDP co-therapy.

MiR-181c sensitizes ovarian cancer cells to paclitaxel by targeting GRP78 through the PI3K/Akt pathway

Primary cytoreductive surgery with platinum-taxane-based chemotherapy is the standard treatment for ovarian cancer (OC) patients; however, resistance to chemotherapy is a contributing factor to OC mortality. Paclitaxel (PTX), the most widely used taxane, has become the first-line drug against OC. The molecular mechanism of PTX resistance is different from that of platinum-based agents and is still not completely elucidated. Our previous study showed that glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) is involved in the resistance of OC cells to PTX. However, little is known regarding endogenous inhibitors of this gene. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play critical roles in the regulation of gene expression; therefore, we sought to identify miRNA(s) with potential to target GRP78 under the hypothesis that miRNA(s) could serve as potential therapeutic targets. Here, we show that miR-181c, predicted to target GRP78, was downregulated in PTX-resistant OC cells and tissues. MiR-181c downregulated GRP78 expression and induced apoptosis by directly targeting its 3'-untranslated region (UTR). Overexpression of miR-181c sensitized resistant OC to PTX by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt pathway in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, our findings indicate that the delivery of miR-181c can efficiently suppress GRP78 expression and GRP78-mediated PTX resistance in OC and suggest that this strategy has therapeutic potential.

microRNAs in cancer chemoresistance: The sword and the shield

Cancer is a multifactorial disease and one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Cancer cells develop multiple strategies to reduce drug sensitivity and eventually lead to chemoresistance. Chemoresistance is initiated either by intrinsic factors or due to the prolonged use of chemotherapeutics as acquired resistance. Further, chemoresistance is also one of the major reasons behind tumor recurrence and metastasis. Therefore, overcoming chemoresistance is one of the primary challenges in cancer therapy. Several mechanisms are involved in chemoresistance. Among them, the key role of ABC transporters and tumor microenvironment have been well studied. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) regulation in tumor development, metastasis, and chemotherapy has got wider interest due to its role in regulating genes involved in cancer progression and therapy. Noncoding RNAs, including miRNAs, have been associated with the regulation of tumor-suppressor and tumor-promoter genes. Further, miRNA can also be used as a reliable diagnostic and prognostic marker to predict the stage and types of cancer. Recent evidences have revealed that miRNAs regulation also influences the function of drug transporters and the tumor microenvironment, which affects chemosensitivity to cancer cells. Therefore, miRNAs can be a promising target to reverse back chemosensitivity in cancer cells. This review comprehensively discusses the mechanisms involved in cancer chemoresistance and its regulation by miRNAs.

The Role of miR-181c in Mechanisms of Diabetes-Impaired Angiogenesis: An Emerging Therapeutic Target for Diabetic Vascular Complications

Diabetes mellitus is estimated to affect up to 700 million people by the year 2045, contributing to an immense health and economic burden. People living with diabetes have a higher risk of developing numerous debilitating vascular complications, leading to an increased need for medical care, a reduced quality of life and increased risk of early death. Current treatments are not satisfactory for many patients who suffer from impaired angiogenesis in response to ischaemia, increasing their risk of ischaemic cardiovascular conditions. These vascular pathologies are characterised by endothelial dysfunction and abnormal angiogenesis, amongst a host of impaired signaling pathways. Therapeutic stimulation of angiogenesis holds promise for the treatment of diabetic vascular complications that stem from impaired ischaemic responses. However, despite significant effort and research, there are no established therapies that directly stimulate angiogenesis to improve ischaemic complications such as ischaemic heart disease and peripheral artery disease, highlighting the immense unmet need. However, despite significant effort and research, there are no established therapies that directly stimulate angiogenesis in a clinical setting, highlighting the immense unmet need. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as powerful targets for multifaceted diseases including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This review highlights the potential role of microRNAs as therapeutic targets for rescuing diabetes-impaired angiogenesis, with a specific focus on miR-181c, which we have previously identified as an important angiogenic regulator. Here we summarise the pathways currently known to be regulated by miR-181c, which include the classical angiogenesis pathways that are dysregulated in diabetes, mitochondrial function and axonal guidance, and describe how these relate both directly and indirectly to angiogenesis. The pleiotropic actions of miR-181c across multiple key angiogenic signaling pathways and critical cellular processes highlight its therapeutic potential as a novel target for treating diabetic vascular complications.

Lung cancer cells and their sensitivity/resistance to cisplatin chemotherapy: Role of microRNAs and upstream mediators

Cisplatin (CP) is a well-known chemotherapeutic agent with excellent clinical effects. The anti-tumor activity of CP has been demonstrated in different cancers such as breast, cervical, reproductive, lung, brain, and prostate cancers. However, resistance of cancer cells to CP chemotherapy has led to its failure in eradication of cancer cells, and subsequent death of patients with cancer. Fortunately, much effort has been put to identify molecular pathways and mechanisms involved in CP resistance/sensitivity. It seems that microRNAs (miRs) are promising candidates in mediating CP resistance/sensitivity, since they participate in different biological aspects of cells such as proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, and differentiation. In this review, we focus on miRs and their regulation in CP chemotherapy of lung cancer, as the most malignant tumor worldwide. Oncogenic miRs trigger CP resistance in lung cancer cells via targeting various pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, Rab6, CASP2, PTEN, and Apaf-1. In contrast, onco-suppressor miRs inhibit oncogene pathways such as STAT3 to suppress CP resistance. These topics are discussed to determine the role of miRs in CP resistance/sensitivity. We also describe the upstream modulators of miRs such as lncRNAs, circRNAs, NF-κB, SOX2 and TRIM65 and their association with CP resistance/sensitivity in lung cancer cells. Finally, the effect of anti-tumor plant-derived natural compounds on miR expression during CP sensitivity of lung cancer cells is discussed.

LncRNAs and miRNAs participate in determination of sensitivity of cancer cells to cisplatin

Cisplatin is an extensively used chemotherapeutic substance for various types of human malignancies including sarcomas, carcinomas and lymphomas. Yet, the vast application of this drug is hampered by the emergence of chemoresistance in some treated patients. Several mechanisms such as degradation of the membrane transporters by cisplatin have been implicated in the pathogenesis of this event. Recent researches have also indicated the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as well as micoRNAs (miRNAs) in the emergence of resistance to cisplatin in several cancer types. For instance, up-regulation of miR-21 has been associated with resistance to this agent in ovarian cancer, oral squamous cell cancer, gastric malignancy and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). On the other hand, down-regulation of miR-218 has been implicated in emergence of chemoresistance in breast cancer and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. MALAT1 is implicated in the chemoresistance of bladder cancer cells, NSCLC, gastric cancer and cervical cancer. Most notably, the expression profile of resistance-associated miRNAs and lncRNAs can predict overall survival of cancer patients. Mechanistic assays have revealed that interference with expression of some miRNAs and lncRNAs can reverse the resistance phenotype in cancer cells. In this paper, we review the scientific writings on the role of lncRNAs and miRNAs in the evolution of chemoresistance to cisplatin in cancer cells.

Knockdown of microRNA-130b improves doxorubicin sensitivity in bladder urothelial carcinoma by negatively regulating cylindromatosis expression

INTRODUCTION

Chemotherapeutic resistance reduces the sensitivity of bladder urothelial carcinoma (BUC) to chemotherapeutic drugs and contributes a barrier leading to treatment failure. The purpose of this research project is to investigate the regulatory effects of miR-130b on chemotherapeutic drug resistance of BUC and its mechanism.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The relative expression of miRNA-130b and cylindromatosis (CYLD) was examined using real-time quantitative PCR. The cell proliferation and doxorubicin sensitivity were detected with the enhanced CCK-8 assay. The specific combination of miR-130b and CYLD was verified with the luciferase reporter gene assay. Protein expression was detected by Western blot.

RESULTS

Our study found that miR-130b was up-regulated in doxorubicin-insensitive BUC tissues and cell lines, and its high expression was negatively related to doxorubicin sensitivity in BUC. The miR-130b knockdown reduced the IC₅₀ of doxorubicin and improved doxorubicin sensitivity of J82/Dox and T24/Dox cells. For the regulation mechanism analysis of miR-130b, bioinformatics analysis software was used to predict the potential targets of miR-130b, including the CYLD gene. The following luciferase activities assay, quantitative real time-PCR and western blot identified the CYLD gene as a target of miR-130b. Knockdown of CYLD reversed miR-130b's regulatory roles in doxorubicin sensitivity in J82/Dox and T24/Dox cells.

CONCLUSIONS

High expression of miR-130b is negatively related to doxorubicin sensitivity in BUC, and knockdown of miR-130b improves doxorubicin sensitivity in BUC by negatively regulating CYLD expression. Our findings will provide guidance for the clinical chemotherapy of BUC.

Pinostilbene hydrate suppresses hepatic stellate cell activation via inhibition of miR-17-5p-mediated Wnt/β-catenin pathway

BACKGROUND

In the development of liver fibrosis, activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) contribute to the synthesis and deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. HSC activation is considered as a central driver of liver fibrosis. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to act as key regulators in HSC activation.

PURPOSE

Pinostilbene hydrate (PSH), a methylated derivative of resveratrol, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-tumour activities. However, the effects of PSH on HSC activation remain unclear.

METHODS

The effects of PSH on HSC activation were examined. Moreover, the roles of WNT inhibitory factor 1 (WIF1) and miR-17-5p in the effects of PSH on HSC activation were examined.

RESULTS

PSH induced a significant reduction in HSC proliferation. PSH also effectively inhibited HSC activation, with reduced α-SMA and collagen expression. Notably, it was found that Wnt/β-catenin signalling was involved in the effects of PSH on HSC activation. PSH resulted in Wnt/β-catenin signalling inactivation, with a reduction in TCF activity as well as β-catenin nuclear translocation. Further studies showed that PSH inhibited Wnt/β-catenin signalling via regulation of WIF1 and miR-17-5p. Reduced HSC activation caused by PSH could be restored by loss of WIF1 or miR-17-5p mimics. Luciferase reporter assays further confirmed that WIF1 was a target of miR-17-5p.

CONCLUSION

PSH has a significant protective effect against HSC activation. In addition, we demonstrate that PSH enhances WIF1 expression and inhibits Wnt/β-catenin signalling via miR-17-5p, contributing to the suppression of HSC activation.

Upregulation of Akt/Raptor signaling is associated with rapamycin resistance of breast cancer cells

mTOR inhibitors are considered today to be one of the most promising anticancer drugs. Here to study the mechanism of the acquired resistance of MCF-7 breast cancer cells to mTOR inhibitors two different models of the cell resistance were used: rapamycin-resistant MCF-7/Rap subline developed under long-term rapamycin treatment, and metformin-resistant MCF-7/M subline obtained by long-term metformin treatment. We have found that both resistant sublines were characterized by common features: increased expression of mTOR-interacting Raptor protein, increased phosphorylation of Akt, and activation of growth-related transcriptional factor AP-1. Cell response to mTOR inhibitors was partially restored under treatment with PI3K inhibitor wortmannin supporting the direct connection between Akt activation and poor cell response to therapeutic drugs. Transfection of mir-181c, one of the positive regulators of Akt and mTOR, led to an increase in the cell resistance to both mTOR inhibitors, rapamycin and metformin, which correlated with Raptor overexpression and activation of Akt/AP-1 signaling. In general, the effect of Raptor overexpression in the resistant cells, as well as the ability of mir-181c to modulate the Raptor expression, can open novel perspectives in the treatment of rapalogues-resistant cancers, based on the drugs design targeting mir-181c/Raptor axis.

MiR-181c protects cardiomyocyte injury by preventing cell apoptosis through PI3K/Akt signaling pathway

Background

Cardiomyocyte apoptosis plays an important role in the development of heart failure, which leads to high mortality in patients with cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we are focused to identify the role of miRNA-181c in the regulating of myocardial tissue apoptosis in the doxorubicin (DOX) or hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) induced H9C2 cardiomyocyte injury.

Methods

DOX-induced heart failure animal model was established using mice. Total RNA was extracted from tissue and cell using Trizol. RT-PCR was conducted for real-time RNA quantification. H9c2 cells were collected and labeled using an Annexin V-PI apoptosis kit. Flow cytometry was conducted to identify the cell apoptosis. Rat cardiomyocyte H9c2 cell was treated by 16 hours' hypoxia and 2 hours' reoxygenation to induce cell apoptosis. TUNEL assay was employed for myocardial tissue apoptosis analysis.

Results

It was revealed that miR-181c was suppressed on the heart tissue of DOX-induced heart failure animal model. We observed miR-181c overexpression reduced apoptosis through TUNEL assay, which suggested the inhibitory effect of miR-181c on myocardial tissue apoptosis. Transfection of miR-181c mimic could decrease cell apoptosis in H/R treated H9C2 cells in vitro. Under the stimulation of H/R or DOX, miR-181c could downregulate protein expression of Fas, IL-6 and TNF-α, and upregulated Bcl2 and the phosphorylation of Akt.

Conclusions

Our study revealed that miR-181c protected heart failure by impeding cardiomyocyte apoptosis through PI3K/Akt pathway, implying the therapeutic role of miR-181c during the exacerbation of the cardiovascular disease.

Wnt-β-catenin Signaling Pathway, the Achilles' Heels of Cancer Multidrug Resistance

BACKGROUND

Most of the anticancer chemotherapies are hampered via the development of multidrug resistance (MDR), which is the resistance of tumor cells against cytotoxic effects of multiple chemotherapeutic agents. Overexpression and/or over-activation of ATP-dependent drug efflux transporters is a key mechanism underlying MDR development. Moreover, enhancement of drug metabolism, changes in drug targets and aberrant activation of the main signaling pathways, including Wnt, Akt and NF-κB are also responsible for MDR.

METHODS

In this study, we have reviewed the roles of Wnt signaling in MDR as well as its potential therapeutic significance. Pubmed and Scopus have been searched using Wnt, β-catenin, cancer, MDR and multidrug resistance as keywords. The last search was done in March 2019. Manuscripts investigating the roles of Wnt signaling in MDR or studying the modulation of MDR through the inhibition of Wnt signaling have been involved in the study. The main focus of the manuscript is regulation of MDR related transporters by canonical Wnt signaling pathway.

RESULT AND CONCLUSION

Wnt signaling has been involved in several pathophysiological states, including carcinogenesis and embryonic development. Wnt signaling is linked to various aspects of MDR including P-glycoprotein and multidrug resistance protein 1 regulation through its canonical pathways. Aberrant activation of Wnt/β- catenin signaling leads to the induction of cancer MDR mainly through the overexpression and/or over-activation of MDR related transporters. Accordingly, Wnt/β-catenin signaling can be a potential target for modulating cancer MDR.

LncRNA SNHG6 functions as a ceRNA to regulate neuronal cell apoptosis by modulating miR-181c-5p/BIM signalling in ischaemic stroke

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in the pathogenesis of brain and neurodegenerative disorders. As far as we know, the functions and potential mechanisms of small nucleolar RNA host gene 6 (SNHG6) in ischaemic stroke have not been explored. This study aimed to examine the functional role of SNHG6 in the ischaemic stroke. Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in mice and the oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD)-induced injury in neuronal cells were applied to mimic ischaemic stroke. TTC staining, quantitative real-time PCR, cell apoptosis assay, caspase-3 activity assay, Western blot, RNA immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assay were performed to evaluate the function and possible mechanisms of SNHG6 in the pathogenesis of ischaemic stroke. The results show that SNHG6 expression was significantly increased both OGD-induced neuronal cells and MCAO model mice. In vitro results showed that inhibition of SNHG6 increased cell viability, inhibited cell apoptosis and caspase-3 activity in OGD-induced neuronal cells. Consistently, knockdown of SNHG6 reduced brain infarct size and improved neurological scores in the MCAO mice. Mechanistic study further revealed that SNHG6 functioned as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for miR-181c-5p, which in turn repressed its downstream target of Bcl-2 interacting mediator of cell death (BIM) and inhibiting cell apoptosis. This study revealed a novel function of SNHG6 in the modulating neuronal apoptosis in the ischaemic stroke model, and the role of SNHG6 in the regulating of neuronal apoptosis was at least partly via targeting miR-181c-5p/BIM signalling pathway.

MicroRNA‑608 sensitizes non‑small cell lung cancer cells to cisplatin by targeting TEAD2

Cisplatin has been widely used as a conventional treatment for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, primary and acquired cisplatin resistances are frequently developed during the treatment of patients with NSCLC, leading to an increased mortality rate. Accumulating evidence demonstrated that aberrantly expressed microRNAs (miRs) are involved in the development of chemoresistance. In the present study, sensitivity of NSCLC cells to cisplatin was identified to increase following overexpression of miR-608. Conversely, sensitivity to cisplatin was reduced following miR-608 knockdown. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting analyses identified that TEA domain transcription factor 2 (TEAD2), a key regulator of cell stemness, was negatively regulated by miR-608 in NSCLC cells. By repressing TEAD2, miR-608 decreased the expression level of several target genes of the Hippo-yes-associated protein signaling pathway. Furthermore, TEAD2 mRNA was confirmed to be targeted by miR-608 in NSCLC cells via a dual-luciferase reporter assay. Importantly, the increased cisplatin sensitivity induced by miR-608 overexpression was reversed by transfection of TEAD2 in NSCLC cells. The present data suggested that miR-608 may represent a novel candidate biomarker for the evaluation of cisplatin sensitivity in patients with NSCLC.

Negative regulators of Wnt signaling in non-small cell lung cancer: Theoretical basis and therapeutic potency

Significant advances in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have been made over the past decade, and they predominantly involve molecular targets such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangements. However, despite the initial good response, drug resistance eventually develops. The Wnt signaling pathway has recently been considered important in embryonic development and tumorigenesis in many cancers, particularly NSCLC. Moreover, the aberrant Wnt pathway plays a significant role in NSCLC and is associated with cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, invasion and drug resistance, and the suppression of canonical or noncanonical Wnt signaling through various biological or pharmacological negative regulators has been proven to produce specific anticancer effects. Thus, blocking the Wnt pathway via its negative regulators may overcome the resistance of current treatment methods and lead to new treatment strategies for NSCLC. Therefore, in this review, we summarize recent studies on the role of negative regulators in Wnt signaling in NSCLC and the therapeutic potency of these molecules as agents and targets for NSCLC treatments.

MiR-181c affects estrogen-dependent endometrial carcinoma cell growth by targeting PTEN

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), which is a type of non-coding and single-stranded small molecule RNA, bind either completely or incompletely to 3'-UTR of the target gene mRNA to inhibit mRNA translation or degradation. In our study, we aimed to explore the roles and mechanisms of miR-181c in the apoptosis of RL95-2 human endometrial carcinoma cells. Cell activity and apoptosis were detected by cell counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and flow cytometry (FCM), respectively. Related mRNAs and proteins expression was determined by quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot assays, respectively. The binding capacity of PTEN-3'-UTR and miR-181c was assessed by luciferase reporter assay. The obtained results suggested that E2 evidently increased the cell activity of RL95-2 cells. In addition, miR-181c inhibitor suppressed the cell viability and enhanced the apoptosis capacity of E2-induced RL95-2 cells and distinctly reduced the miR-181c expression. We also found that miR-181c could bind to PTEN-3'-UTR and miR-181c inhibitor up-regulated the expression level of PTEN in E2-induced RL95-2 cells. Besides, overexpression of PTEN markedly promoted the apoptosis of E2-induced RL95-2 cells through regulating the Bax and Bcl-2 expression, and modulated the expression of AKT pathway, p53 and Cyclin D. In conclusion, our findings revealed that miR-181c affected the estrogen-dependent endometrial carcinoma cell growth by targeting PTEN. The potential effects of miR-181c on the apoptosis of E2-induced RL95-2 cells suggest that miR-181c could be an effective target for endometrial carcinoma therapies.

Silencing interleukin 1α underlies a novel inhibitory role of miR-181c-5p in alleviating low-grade inflammation of rats with irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder of unknown etiology. Studies have found a close relation between IBS and microRNAs (miRNAs), but the study concerning the relationship between IBS and miR-181c-5p in IBS is still blank. Thus, this study aims to explore the role of miR-181c-5p in IBS via interleukin 1α (IL1A). Initially, microarray analysis was used to retrieve the genes related to IBS and to predict miRNAs regulating IL1A gene. IBS model was then established with abdominal withdraw reflection (AWR) and Bristol stool grading in mice measured. Afterwards, the functional role of miR-181c-5p in IBS was determined using the ectopic expression, depletion and reporter assay experiments, as well as miR-181c-5p and IL1A expression detected. Subsequently, expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-2 (IL-2), and IL-6 were detected to further determine the effects of miR-181c-5p and IL1A on inflammation in IBS. miR-181c-5p and IL1A might be involved in IBS. miR-181c-5p was found to be decreased while IL1A was increased in IBS rats. In addition, miR-181c-5p could target and inhibit expression of IL1A, and IBS mice exhibited elevated AWR and Bristol stool grading, namely 6 to 7 points (70.4 [38 of 54]). Moreover, with the overexpression of miR-181c-5p or silencing of IL1A, the expression of TNF-α, IL-2, and IL-6 was decreased. Collectively, this study suggested that overexpressed miR-181c-5p could silence IL1A, thus inhibiting low-grade inflammation in IBS rats. miR-181c-5p/IL1A is expected to serve as a novel target for the treatment of IBS.

Human Mitotic Centromere-Associated Kinesin Is Targeted by MicroRNA 485-5p/181c and Prognosticates Poor Survivability of Breast Cancer

PURPOSE

This study aims to evaluate the prognostic value of human Mitotic Centromere-Associated Kinesin (MCAK), a microtubule-dependent molecular motor, in breast cancers. The posttranscriptional regulation of MCAK by microRNAs will also be explored.

METHODS

The large-scale gene expression datasets of breast cancer (total n=4,677) were obtained from GEO, NKI, and TCGA database. Kaplan-Meier and Cox analyses were used for survival analysis. MicroRNAs targeting MCAK were predicted by bioinformatic analysis and validated by a dual-luciferase reporter assay.

RESULTS

The expression of MCAK was significantly associated with aggressive features of breast cancer, including tumor stage, Elston grade, and molecular subtypes, for global gene expression datasets of breast cancer (p<0.05). Overexpression of MCAK was significantly associated with poor outcome in a dose-dependent manner for either ER-positive or ER-negative breast cancer. Evidence from bioinformatic prediction, coexpression assays, and gene set enrichment analyses suggested that miR-485-5p and miR-181c might target MCAK and suppress its expression. A 3'UTR dual-luciferase target reporter assay demonstrated that miR-485-5p and miR-181c mimics specifically inhibited relative Firefly/Renilla luciferase activity by about 50% in corresponding reporter plasmids. Further survival analysis also revealed that miR-485-5p (HR=0.59, 95% CI 0.37-0.92) and miR-181c (HR=0.54, 95% CI 0.34-0.84) played opposite roles of MCAK (HR=2.80, 95% CI 1.77-4.57) and were significantly associated with better outcome in breast cancers.

CONCLUSION

MCAK could serve as a prognostic biomarker for breast cancers. miR-485-5p and miR-181c could specifically target and suppress the MCAK gene expression in breast cancer cells.

The Roles of MicroRNA in Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the most devastating malignancy in the world. Beyond genetic research, epigenomic studies—especially investigations of microRNAs—have grown rapidly in quantity and quality in the past decade. This has enriched our understanding about basic cancer biology and lit up the opportunities for potential therapeutic development. In this review, we summarize the involvement of microRNAs in lung cancer carcinogenesis and behavior, by illustrating the relationship to each cancer hallmark capability, and in addition, we briefly describe the clinical applications of microRNAs in lung cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Finally, we discuss the potential therapeutic use of microRNAs in lung cancer.

miR-552-5p facilitates osteosarcoma cell proliferation and metastasis by targeting WIF1

miR-552 promotes tumor growth and metastasis in colorectal cancer. However, the function of miR-552 in osteosarcoma remains unclear. The current study investigated the role and mechanism of miR-552-5p in the proliferation, migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells. miR-552-5p was significantly upregulated in osteosarcoma tissues and cell lines compared with adjacent normal tissues and normal osteoblast cells. Knockdown of miR-552-5p significantly reduced the proliferation of MG63 and U2OS cells, and inhibited cell migration and invasion. Wnt inhibitory factor 1 (WIF1) was the direct target gene of miR-552-5p in osteosarcoma cells. Overexpression of miR-552-5p markedly decreased the expression of WIF1 in MG63 and U2OS cells. A negative association was identified between the expression levels of miR-552-5p and WIF1 in osteosarcoma tissues. Furthermore, the expression of WIF1 was downregulated in osteosarcoma tissues and cell lines. Finally, knockdown of WIF1 in MG63 and U2OS cells treated with miR-552-5p inhibitors rescued their ability to proliferate, migrate and invade. Overall, the results indicated that miR-552-5p promoted osteosarcoma development and progression by inhibiting WIF1. Therefore, miR-552-5p may serve as a new therapeutic target for treatment of patients with osteosarcoma.

Efficacy and safety of osimertinib in treating EGFR-mutated advanced NSCLC: A meta-analysis

Osimertinib is the only Food and Drug Administration-approved third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine-kinase inhibitor (TKI). A meta-analysis was performed to aggregate the mixed results of published clinical trials to assess the efficacy and safety of osimertinib. A systematic search of the PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library electronic databases was performed to identify eligible literature. The primary endpoints were overall response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), and adverse events (AEs). A total of 3,086 advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients from 11 studies have been identified. The aggregate efficacy parameters for treatment-naïve patients with EGFR-TKI-sensitizing mutations are as follows: ORR 79% (95% CI 75-84%), DCR 97% (95% CI 95-99%), 6-month PFS 83% (95% CI 80-87%), and 12-month PFS 64% (95% CI 59-69%). The aggregate efficacy parameters for advanced NSCLC harboring T790M mutations after earlier-generation EGFR-TKI therapy are as follows: ORR 58% (95% CI 46-71%), DCR 80% (95% CI 63-98%), 6-month PFS 63% (95% CI 58-69%), and 12-month PFS 32% (95% CI 17-47%). EGFR-TKI-naïve patients with EGFR-positive mutations tend to have longer median PFS than EGFR-TKI-pretreated counterparts (19.17 vs. 10.58 months). The most common AEs were diarrhea and rash, of which the pooled incidences were 44 and 42%, respectively. Generally, osimertinib is a favorable treatment option for previously treated T790M mutation-positive advanced NSCLC as well as a preferable therapy for untreated EGFR mutation-positive advanced NSCLC. Additionally, osimertinib is well tolerated by most patients.

RETRACTED: miR-539 enhances chemosensitivity to cisplatin in non-small cell lung cancer by targeting DCLK1

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy). This article has been retracted at the request of the Editor-in-Chief. An Expression of Concern for this article was previously published while an investigation was conducted (see related editorial: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113812). This retraction notice supersedes the Expression of Concern published earlier. Concern was raised about the reliability of the flow cytometry data in Figures 2C, 3C and 6C, which appear to contain similar features as found in other publications, as detailed here: https://pubpeer.com/publications/96CACC6C7EAE327217D2319DC364C5; and here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1r0MyIYpagBc58BRF9c3luWNlCX8VUvUuPyYYXzxWvgY/edit#gid=262337249. Examples of suspected image duplication were also identified in Figures 4A+B, 6E+F, 7C. The journal requested the corresponding author comment on these concerns and provide the associated raw data. The authors did not respond to this request and therefore the Editor-in-Chief decided to retract the article.

CNPY2 enhances resistance to apoptosis induced by cisplatin via activation of NF-κB pathway in human non-small cell lung cancer

Platinum-based chemotherapeutic drugs, especial cisplatin, are the most common and effective anticancer drugs to treat the non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but the major obstacle of this treatment is the resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs due to the anti-apoptosis of cancer cells. In our study, we found that Canopy homolog 2 (CNPY2) is increased in NSCLC tissues compared to the normal lung tissues, and the upregulation of CNPY2 is correlated with poor survival. Next, colony formation, annexin V-binding and TUNEL assays revealed that overexpression of CNPY2 inhibits the apoptosis of NSCLC cells induced by cisplatin. Further assays demonstrated that the anti-apoptosis may be aroused by the hyperactivation of NF-κB signaling pathway, and blocking the NF-κB pathway promotes the apoptosis of CNPY2-upregulating cells. The above results suggest that CNPY2 can serves as a therapeutic target to promote the effect of chemotherapy in NSCLC.

MicroRNAs associated with therapy of non-small cell lung cancer

Background & Objective: The incidence of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been rising over the past several decades. Despite various therapeutic regimens and modern diagnostic techniques are developed, NSCLC still have an extremely poor prognosis due to drug resistance. Therefore, it is critical to find a novel precise diagnosis and effective treatment approach for NSCLC patients. MicroRNAs (MiRNAs) are a class of 18-25nt non-coding small RNAs, which have been shown to be involved profoundly in the pathogenesis such as cellular proliferation, differentiation, development, apoptosis and tumorigenesis in many human tumors including of NSCLC. We reviewed existing research literature regarding correlations between miRNAs and their target's response to anticancer treatment, and summarized the recent findings between miRNAs and therapy availability in NSCLC.

The efficacy and safety of alectinib in the treatment of ALK+ NSCLC: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Alectinib is a second-generation anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitor approved by the US Food and Drug Administration to treat crizotinib-refractory non-small cell lung cancer. We performed this meta-analysis to synthesize the results of different clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety of alectinib.

Methods

A search of 3 databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, was performed from the inception of each database through September 5, 2017. We have pooled the overall response rate (ORR), disease control rate, progression-free survival, and intracranial ORR to evaluate the efficacy of alectinib. Discontinuation rate, rate of dose reduction or interruption due to adverse events as well as the incidence of several adverse events were aggregated to evaluate its safety.

Results

A total of 8 studies with 626 patients have been included in our study. The pooled efficacy parameters are as follows: ORR 70% (95% CI: 57% to 82%), disease control rate 88% (95% CI: 82% to 94%), progression-free survival 9.36 months (95% CI: 7.38% to 11.34%), and intracranial ORR 52% (95% CI: 45% to 59%). ALK inhibitor-naïve patients tend to have better responses than crizotinib-pretreated patients. The aggregate discontinuation rate is 7% (95% CI: 4% to 10%), and the pooled rate of dose reduction or interruption is 33% (95% CI: 24% to 42%). The incidences of most adverse events were relatively low, while the incidences of 2 frequently reported adverse events, myalgia (18%) and anemia (25%), were even higher than with the first-generation ALK inhibitor crizotinib.

Conclusion

Generally, alectinib is a drug with preferable efficacy and tolerable adverse effects, and it is suitable for the treatment of intracranial metastases.