Identification of core miRNA prognostic markers in patients with laryngeal cancer using bioinformatics analysis

The application of Raman spectroscopy for the diagnosis and monitoring of lung tumors

Raman spectroscopy is an optical technique that uses inelastic light scattering in response to vibrating molecules to produce chemical fingerprints of tissues, cells, and biofluids. Raman spectroscopy strategies produce high levels of chemical specificity without requiring extensive sample preparation, allowing for the use of advanced optical tools such as microscopes, fiber optics, and lasers that operate in the visible and near-infrared spectral range, making them increasingly suitable for a wide range of medical diagnostic applications. Metal nanoparticles and nonlinear optical effects can improve Raman signals, and optimized fiber optic Raman probes can make real-time, in vivo, single-point observations. Furthermore, diagnostic speed and spatial accuracy can be improved through the multimodal integration of Raman measurements and other technologies. Recent studies have significantly contributed to the improvement of diagnostic speed and accuracy, making them suitable for clinical application. Lung cancer is a prevalent type of respiratory malignancy. However, the use of computed tomography for detection and screening frequently reveals numerous smaller lung nodules, which makes the diagnostic process more challenging from a clinical perspective. While the majority of small nodules detected are benign, there are currently no direct methods for identifying which nodules represent very early-stage lung cancer. Positron emission tomography and other auxiliary diagnostic methods for non-surgical biopsy samples from these small nodules yield low detection rates, which might result in significant expenses and the possibility of complications for patients. While certain subsets of patients can undergo curative treatment, other individuals have a less favorable prognosis and need alternative therapeutic interventions. With the emergence of new methods for treating cancer, such as immunotherapies, which can potentially extend patient survival and even lead to a complete cure in certain instances, it is crucial to determine the most suitable biomarkers and metrics for assessing the effectiveness of these novel compounds. This will ensure that significant treatment outcomes are accurately measured. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the prospects of Raman spectroscopy and its applications in the diagnosis and analysis of lung tumors.

Lineage Plasticity and Stemness Phenotypes in Prostate Cancer: Harnessing the Power of Integrated "Omics" Approaches to Explore Measurable Metrics

Prostate cancer (PCa), the most frequent and second most lethal cancer type in men in developed countries, is a highly heterogeneous disease. PCa heterogeneity, therapy resistance, stemness, and lethal progression have been attributed to lineage plasticity, which refers to the ability of neoplastic cells to undergo phenotypic changes under microenvironmental pressures by switching between developmental cell states. What remains to be elucidated is how to identify measurements of lineage plasticity, how to implement them to inform preclinical and clinical research, and, further, how to classify patients and inform therapeutic strategies in the clinic. Recent research has highlighted the crucial role of next-generation sequencing technologies in identifying potential biomarkers associated with lineage plasticity. Here, we review the genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenetic events that have been described in PCa and highlight those with significance for lineage plasticity. We further focus on their relevance in PCa research and their benefits in PCa patient classification. Finally, we explore ways in which bioinformatic analyses can be used to determine lineage plasticity based on large omics analyses and algorithms that can shed light on upstream and downstream events. Most importantly, an integrated multiomics approach may soon allow for the identification of a lineage plasticity signature, which would revolutionize the molecular classification of PCa patients.

Hsa_circ_0049396 inhibited oral squamous cell carcinoma progression by regulating the miR-663b/ENDOU axis

BACKGROUND

Circular RNA (circRNAs) play an important role in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) progression and has been widely reported. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of a novel circRNA, circ_0049396, and its underlying mechanism in OSCC.

METHODS

The expression levels of circ_0049396, miR-663b, and theuridylate-specific endoribonuclease (ENDOU) were assessed by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). Cell proliferation and migration were evaluated using CCK-8 and Transwell assays, respectively. Western blotting was performed to measure the levels of the apoptosis-associated proteins (Bcl-2 and Bax). The functional role of circ _0049396 was further validated in a xenograft experiment in vivo. The interactions of miR-663b with circ_0049396/ENDOU were verified using the dual luciferase reporter, RNA pull-down, and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays.

RESULTS

The expression of circ_0049396 and ENDOU was downregulated in OSCC tissues and cells, whereas miR-663b was upregulated. Circ_0049396 overexpression weakened OSCC cell proliferation and migration but enhanced their apoptosis. Circ_0049396 overexpression suppresses tumorigenesis in vivo. The circ_0049396/miR-663b/ENDOU regulatory network predicted through bioinformatic analysis was validated using RNA pull-down, luciferase reporter, and RIP experiments. MiR-663b mimic enhanced the migratory and proliferative abilities of OSCC cells, but suppressed apoptosis. Furthermore, circ_0049396 or ENDOU overexpression partially reversed the malignant behavior of miR-663b-overexpressing OSCC cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study illustrated that circ_0049396 overexpression inhibited the malignant behavior of OSCC cells by regulating the miR-663b/ENDOU axis. Based on our findings, circ_0049396 can be used as a potential therapeutic agent for OSCC.

Promising Biomarkers in Head and Neck Cancer: The Most Clinically Important miRNAs

Head and neck cancers (HNCs) comprise a heterogeneous group of tumors that extend from the oral cavity to the upper gastrointestinal tract. The principal etiologic factors for oral tumors include tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption, while human papillomavirus (HPV) infections have been accused of a high incidence of pharyngeal tumors. Accordingly, HPV detection has been extensively used to categorize carcinomas of the head and neck. The diverse nature of HNC highlights the necessity for novel, sensitive, and precise biomarkers for the prompt diagnosis of the disease, its successful monitoring, and the timely prognosis of patient clinical outcomes. In this context, the identification of certain microRNAs (miRNAs) and/or the detection of alterations in their expression patterns, in a variety of somatic fluids and tissues, could serve as valuable biomarkers for precision oncology. In the present review, we summarize some of the most frequently studied miRNAs (including miR-21, -375, -99, -34a, -200, -31, -125a/b, -196a/b, -9, -181a, -155, -146a, -23a, -16, -29, and let-7), their role as biomarkers, and their implication in HNC pathogenesis. Moreover, we designate the potential of given miRNAs and miRNA signatures as novel diagnostic and prognostic tools for successful patient stratification. Finally, we discuss the currently ongoing clinical trials that aim to identify the diagnostic, prognostic, or therapeutic utility of miRNAs in HNC.