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Macvanin MT, Gluvic ZM, Zaric BL, Essack M, Gao X, Isenovic ER. New biomarkers: prospect for diagnosis and monitoring of thyroid disease. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1218320. [PMID: 37547301 PMCID: PMC10401601 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1218320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
After the metabolic syndrome and its components, thyroid disorders represent the most common endocrine disorders, with increasing prevalence in the last two decades. Thyroid dysfunctions are distinguished by hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, or inflammation (thyroiditis) of the thyroid gland, in addition to the presence of thyroid nodules that can be benign or malignant. Thyroid cancer is typically detected via an ultrasound (US)-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) and cytological examination of the specimen. This approach has significant limitations due to the small sample size and inability to characterize follicular lesions adequately. Due to the rapid advancement of high-throughput molecular biology techniques, it is now possible to identify new biomarkers for thyroid neoplasms that can supplement traditional imaging modalities in postoperative surveillance and aid in the preoperative cytology examination of indeterminate or follicular lesions. Here, we review current knowledge regarding biomarkers that have been reliable in detecting thyroid neoplasms, making them valuable tools for assessing the efficacy of surgical procedures or adjunctive treatment after surgery. We are particularly interested in providing an up-to-date and systematic review of emerging biomarkers, such as mRNA and non-coding RNAs, that can potentially detect thyroid neoplasms in clinical settings. We discuss evidence for miRNA, lncRNA and circRNA dysregulation in several thyroid neoplasms and assess their potential for use as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjana T. Macvanin
- Department of Radiobiology and Molecular Genetics, VINČA Institute of Nuclear Sciences - National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Zoran M. Gluvic
- Clinic for Internal Medicine, Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Zemun Clinical Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Bozidarka L. Zaric
- Department of Radiobiology and Molecular Genetics, VINČA Institute of Nuclear Sciences - National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Magbubah Essack
- Computer Science Program, Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering Division (CEMSE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
- Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Xin Gao
- Computer Science Program, Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering Division (CEMSE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
- Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Esma R. Isenovic
- Department of Radiobiology and Molecular Genetics, VINČA Institute of Nuclear Sciences - National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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2
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Mondin A, Bertazza L, Barollo S, Pedron MC, Manso J, Piva I, Basso D, Merante Boschin I, Iacobone M, Pezzani R, Mian C, Censi S. Validation of miRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, and possible therapeutic targets in medullary thyroid cancers. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1151583. [PMID: 37361540 PMCID: PMC10285659 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1151583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is a rare type of neuroendocrine tumor that produces a hormone called calcitonin (CT). Thyroidectomy is the preferred treatment for MTC, as chemotherapy has been shown to have limited effectiveness. Targeted therapy approaches are currently being used for patients with advanced, metastatic MTC. Several studies have identified microRNAs, including miR-21, as playing a role in the development of MTC. Programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) is a tumor suppressor gene that is an important target of miR-21. Our previous research has shown that high levels of miR-21 are associated with low PDCD4 nuclear scores and high CT levels. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of this pathway as a novel therapeutic target for MTC. Methods We used a specific process to silence miR-21 in two human MTC cell lines. We studied the effect of this anti-miRNA process alone and in combination with cabozantinib and vandetanib, two drugs used in targeted therapy for MTC. We analyzed the effect of miR-21 silencing on cell viability, PDCD4 and CT expression, phosphorylation pathways, cell migration, cell cycle, and apoptosis. Results Silencing miR-21 alone resulted in a reduction of cell viability and an increase in PDCD4 levels at both mRNA and protein levels. It also led to a reduction in CT expression at both mRNA and secretion levels. When combined with cabozantinib and vandetanib, miR-21 silencing did not affect cell cycle or migration but was able to enhance apoptosis. Conclusion Silencing miR-21, although not showing synergistic activity with TKIs (tyrosine kinase inhibitors), represents a potential alternative worth exploring as a therapeutic target for MTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Mondin
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Loris Bertazza
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Susi Barollo
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Pedron
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Jacopo Manso
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Ilaria Piva
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Daniela Basso
- Laboratory Medicine, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Isabella Merante Boschin
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Gastroenterological Sciences (DiSCOG), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Maurizio Iacobone
- Endocrine Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Raffaele Pezzani
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Caterina Mian
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Simona Censi
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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Chao F, Zhang Y, Lv L, Wei Y, Dou X, Chang N, Yi Q, Li M. Extracellular Vesicles Derived circSH3PXD2A Inhibits Chemoresistance of Small Cell Lung Cancer by miR-375-3p/YAP1. Int J Nanomedicine 2023; 18:2989-3006. [PMID: 37304971 PMCID: PMC10256819 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s407116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a subtype of lung cancer with high malignancy and poor prognosis. Rapid acquisition of chemoresistance is one of the main reasons leading to clinical treatment failure of SCLC. Studies have indicated that circRNAs participate in multiple processes of tumor progression, including chemoresistance. However, the molecular mechanisms of circRNAs driving the chemoresistance of SCLC are not well specified. Methods The differentially expressed circRNAs were screened by transcriptome sequencing of chemoresistant and chemosensitive SCLC cells. The EVs of SCLC cells were isolated and identified by ultracentrifugation, Western blotting, transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis and EVs uptake assays. The expression levels of circSH3PXD2A in serum and EVs of SCLC patients and healthy individuals were detected by qRT‒PCR. The characteristics of circSH3PXD2A were detected by Sanger sequencing, RNase R assay, nuclear-cytoplasmic fraction assay, and fluorescence in situ hybridization assay. The mechanisms of circSH3PXD2A inhibiting SCLC progression were studied by bioinformatics analysis, chemoresistance assay, proliferation assay, apoptosis assay, transwell assay, pull-down assay, luciferase reporting assay, and mouse xenograft assay. Results It was identified that the circSH3PXD2A was a prominently downregulated circRNA in chemoresistant SCLC cells. The expression level of circSH3PXD2A in EVs of SCLC patients was negatively associated with chemoresistance, and the combination of EVs-derived circSH3PXD2A and serum ProGRP (Progastrin-releasing peptide) levels had better indications for DDP-resistant SCLC patients. CircSH3PXD2A inhibited the chemoresistance, proliferation, migration, and invasion of SCLC cells through miR-375-3p/YAP1 axis in vivo and in vitro. SCLC cells cocultured with EVs secreted by circSH3PXD2A-overexpressing cells exhibited decreased chemoresistance and cell proliferation. Conclusion Our results manifest that EVs-derived circSH3PXD2A inhibits the chemoresistance of SCLC through miR-375-3p/YAP1 axis. Moreover, EVs-derived circSH3PXD2A may serve as a predictive biomarker for DDP-resistant SCLC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengmei Chao
- Department of Cancer Epigenetics Program, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, People’s Republic of China
- Core Unit of National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Lv
- Department of Cancer Epigenetics Program, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yaqin Wei
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, People’s Republic of China
- Core Unit of National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyan Dou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, People’s Republic of China
- Core Unit of National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, People's Republic of China
| | - Na Chang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiyi Yi
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, People’s Republic of China
- Core Unit of National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, People's Republic of China
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Frost TC, Gartin AK, Liu M, Cheng J, Dharaneeswaran H, Keskin DB, Wu CJ, Giobbie-Hurder A, Thakuria M, DeCaprio JA. YAP1 and WWTR1 expression inversely correlates with neuroendocrine markers in Merkel cell carcinoma. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e157171. [PMID: 36719743 PMCID: PMC9974098 DOI: 10.1172/jci157171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundMerkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive neuroendocrine (NE) skin cancer caused by severe UV-induced mutations or expression of Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) large and small T antigens (LT and ST). Despite deep genetic differences between MCPyV-positive and -negative subtypes, current clinical diagnostic markers are indistinguishable, and the expression profile of MCC tumors is, to our knowledge, unexplored.MethodsHere, we leveraged bulk and single-cell RNA-Seq of patient-derived tumor biopsies and cell lines to explore the underlying transcriptional environment of MCC.ResultsStrikingly, MCC samples could be separated into transcriptional subtypes that were independent of MCPyV status. Instead, we observed an inverse correlation between a NE gene signature and the Hippo pathway transcription factors Yes1-associated transcriptional regulator (YAP1) and WW domain-containing transcriptional regulator 1 (WWTR1). This inverse correlation was broadly present at the transcript and protein levels in the tumor biopsies as well as in established and patient-derived cell lines. Mechanistically, expression of YAP1 or WWTR1 in a MCPyV-positive MCC cell line induced cell-cycle arrest at least in part through TEA domain-dependent (TEAD-dependent) transcriptional repression of MCPyV LT.ConclusionThese findings identify what we believe to be a previously unrecognized heterogeneity in NE gene expression within MCC and support a model of YAP1/WWTR1 silencing as essential for the development of MCPyV-positive MCC.FundingUS Public Health Service grants R35CA232128, P01CA203655, and P30CA06516.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas C. Frost
- Program in Virology, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology and
| | - Ashley K. Gartin
- Program in Virology, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology and
| | - Mofei Liu
- Department of Data Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI), Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jingwei Cheng
- Department of Medical Oncology and
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Agriculture, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Harita Dharaneeswaran
- Department of Medical Oncology and
- Merkel Cell Carcinoma Center of Excellence, Dana-Farber/Brigham Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Derin B. Keskin
- Department of Medical Oncology and
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Translational Immunogenomics Laboratory, DFCI, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Computer Science, Metropolitan College, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Section for Bioinformatics, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Catherine J. Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology and
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Translational Immunogenomics Laboratory, DFCI, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anita Giobbie-Hurder
- Department of Data Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI), Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Manisha Thakuria
- Merkel Cell Carcinoma Center of Excellence, Dana-Farber/Brigham Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - James A. DeCaprio
- Program in Virology, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology and
- Merkel Cell Carcinoma Center of Excellence, Dana-Farber/Brigham Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Weng D, He L, Chen X, Lin H, Ji D, Lu S, Ao L, Wang S. Integrated analysis of transcription factor-mRNA-miRNA regulatory network related to immune characteristics in medullary thyroid carcinoma. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1055412. [PMID: 36713370 PMCID: PMC9877459 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1055412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), a thyroid C cell-derived malignancy, is poorly differentiated and more aggressive than papillary, follicular and oncocytic types of thyroid cancer. The current therapeutic options are limited, with a third of population suffering resistance. The differential gene expression pattern among thyroid cancer subtypes remains unclear. This study intended to explore the exclusive gene profile of MTC and construct a comprehensive regulatory network via integrated analysis, to uncover the potential key biomarkers. Methods Multiple datasets of thyroid and other neuroendocrine tumors were obtained from GEO and TCGA databases. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) specific in MTC were identified to construct a transcription factor (TF)-mRNA-miRNA network. The impact of the TF-mRNA-miRNA network on tumor immune characteristics and patient survival was further explored by single-sample GSEA (ssGSEA) and ESTIMATE algorithms, as well as univariate combined with multivariate analyses. RT-qPCR, cell viability and apoptosis assays were performed for in vitro validation. Results We identified 81 genes upregulated and 22 downregulated in MTC but not in other types of thyroid tumor compared to the normal thyroid tissue. According to the L1000CDS2 database, potential targeting drugs were found to reverse the expressions of DEGs, with panobinostat (S1030) validated effective for tumor repression in MTC by in vitro experiments. The 103 DEGs exclusively seen in MTC were involved in signal release, muscle contraction, pathways of neurodegeneration diseases, neurotransmitter activity and related amino acid metabolism, and cAMP pathway. Based on the identified 15 hub genes, a TF-mRNA-miRNA linear network, as well as REST-cored coherent feed-forward loop networks, namely REST-KIF5C-miR-223 and REST-CDK5R2-miR-130a were constructed via online prediction and validation by public datasets and our cohort. Hub-gene, TF and miRNA scores in the TF-mRNA-miRNA network were related to immune score, immune cell infiltration and immunotherapeutic molecules in MTC as well as in neuroendocrine tumor of lung and neuroblastoma. Additionally, a high hub-gene score or a low miRNA score indicated good prognoses of neuroendocrine tumors. Conclusion The present study uncovers underlying molecular mechanisms and potential immunotherapy-related targets for the pathogenesis and drug discovery of MTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danfeng Weng
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Long He
- Department of Pain, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiangna Chen
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Huangfeng Lin
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Daihan Ji
- Department of Bioinformatics, Fujian Key Laboratory of Medical Bioinformatics, School of Medical Technology and Engineering, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shuting Lu
- Department of Bioinformatics, Fujian Key Laboratory of Medical Bioinformatics, School of Medical Technology and Engineering, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Lu Ao
- Department of Bioinformatics, Fujian Key Laboratory of Medical Bioinformatics, School of Medical Technology and Engineering, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China,*Correspondence: Shenglin Wang, ; Lu Ao,
| | - Shenglin Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China,Department of Bioinformatics, Fujian Key Laboratory of Medical Bioinformatics, School of Medical Technology and Engineering, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China,*Correspondence: Shenglin Wang, ; Lu Ao,
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Zhu S, Jiang N, Zhu J. miR-375 Regulates the Proliferation, Apoptosis and Colony Formation of Thyroid Cancer Cells via Targeting YAP1. J BIOMATER TISS ENG 2022. [DOI: 10.1166/jbt.2022.2978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) regulates cell proliferation and apoptosis. Abnormal miR-375 level was related to thyroid cancer. Software predicted a relationship between miR-375 and YAP1. Our study investigated whether miR-375 regulates YAP1 expression and affects
thyroid cancer cells. Methods: The tumor tissues and adjacent tissues of thyroid cancer patients were collected to measure miR-375 and YAP1 expression. The dual luciferase reporter experiment verified the regulation between miR-375 and YAP1. Thyroid cancer cell line B-CPAP and TPC-1
cells were divided into miR-NC group and miR-375 mimic group followed by analysis of cell proliferation by flow cytometry, caspase-3 activity, and cell clone formation ability by plate cloning assay. Results: Compared with adjacent cancer tissues, miR-375 in thyroid cancer tissues was
decreased and YAP1 was increased. miR-375 targets YAP1. Compared with Nthy-ori 3-1 cells, miR-375 in B-CPAP and TPC-1 cells was significantly reduced and YAP1 was increased. Transfection with miR-375 mimic significantly inhibited cell proliferation, increase caspase-3 activity, and reduced
the ability of cells to form clones. Conclusion: miR-375 can inhibit YAP1 expression, decrease the proliferation of thyroid cancer cells, induce cell apoptosis, and reduce clone formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunfu Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Fuyang District, Hangzhou, 311400, Zhejiang, China
| | - Neng Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Fuyang District, Hangzhou, 311400, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianjun Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Fuyang District, Hangzhou, 311400, Zhejiang, China
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Overexpression of miR-375 and L-type Amino Acid Transporter 1 in Pheochromocytoma and Their Molecular and Functional Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052413. [PMID: 35269556 PMCID: PMC8910416 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Pheochromocytoma (Pheo) is a tumor derived from chromaffin cells. It can be studied using 18F-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA)—positron emission tomography (PET) due to its overexpression of L-type amino acid transporters (LAT1 and LAT2). The oncogenic pathways involved are still poorly understood. This study examined the relationship between 18F-DOPA-PET uptake and LAT1 expression, and we explored the role of miR-375 and putative target genes. A consecutive series of 58 Pheo patients were retrospectively analyzed, performing 18F-DOPA-PET in 32/58 patients. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to assess the expression of LAT1, LAT2, phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT), miR-375, and the major components of the Hippo and Wingless/Integrated pathways. Principal germline mutations associated with hereditary Pheo were also studied. Pheo tissues had significantly higher LAT1, LAT2, and PNMT mRNA levels than normal adrenal tissues. MiR-375 was strongly overexpressed. Yes-associated protein 1 and tankyrase 1 were upregulated, while beta-catenin, axin2, monocarboxylate transporter 8, and Frizzled 8 were downregulated. A positive relationship was found between 18F-DOPA-PET SUV mean and LAT1 gene expression and for 24 h-urinary norepinephrine and LAT1. This is the first experimental evidence of 18F-DOPA uptake correlating with LAT1 overexpression. We also demonstrated miR-375 overexpression and downregulated (Wnt) signaling and identified the Hippo pathway as a new potentially oncogenic feature of Pheo.
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Asrani K, Torres AFC, Woo J, Vidotto T, Tsai HK, Luo J, Corey E, Hanratty B, Coleman I, Yegnasubramanian S, De Marzo AM, Nelson PS, Haffner MC, Lotan TL. Reciprocal YAP1 loss and INSM1 expression in neuroendocrine prostate cancer. J Pathol 2021; 255:425-437. [PMID: 34431104 PMCID: PMC8599638 DOI: 10.1002/path.5781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) is a rare but aggressive histologic variant of prostate cancer that responds poorly to androgen deprivation therapy. Hybrid NEPC-adenocarcinoma (AdCa) tumors are common, often eluding accurate pathologic diagnosis and requiring ancillary markers for classification. We recently performed an outlier-based meta-analysis across a number of independent gene expression microarray datasets to identify novel markers that differentiate NEPC from AdCa, including up-regulation of insulinoma-associated protein 1 (INSM1) and loss of Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1). Here, using diverse cancer gene expression datasets, we show that Hippo pathway-related genes, including YAP1, are among the top down-regulated gene sets with expression of the neuroendocrine transcription factors, including INSM1. In prostate cancer cell lines, transgenic mouse models, and human prostate tumor cohorts, we confirm that YAP1 RNA and YAP1 protein expression are silenced in NEPC and demonstrate that the inverse correlation of INSM1 and YAP1 expression helps to distinguish AdCa from NEPC. Mechanistically, we find that YAP1 loss in NEPC may help to maintain INSM1 expression in prostate cancer cell lines and we further demonstrate that YAP1 silencing likely occurs epigenetically, via CpG hypermethylation near its transcriptional start site. Taken together, these data nominate two additional markers to distinguish NEPC from AdCa and add to data from other tumor types suggesting that Hippo signaling is tightly reciprocally regulated with neuroendocrine transcription factor expression. © 2021 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaushal Asrani
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Alba F. C. Torres
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Juhyung Woo
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Thiago Vidotto
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Harrison K. Tsai
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Current address: Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Jun Luo
- Department of Urology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Eva Corey
- Department of Urology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Brian Hanratty
- Divisions of Human Biology and Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Ilsa Coleman
- Divisions of Human Biology and Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Srinivasan Yegnasubramanian
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Angelo M. De Marzo
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Urology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Peter S. Nelson
- Divisions of Human Biology and Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Michael C. Haffner
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Divisions of Human Biology and Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Tamara L. Lotan
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Urology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
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MicroRNA-375: potential cancer suppressor and therapeutic drug. Biosci Rep 2021; 41:229736. [PMID: 34494089 PMCID: PMC8458691 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20211494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
MiR-375 is a conserved noncoding RNA that is known to be involved in tumor cell proliferation, migration, and drug resistance. Previous studies have shown that miR-375 affects the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of human tumor cells via some key transcription factors, such as Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1), Specificity protein 1 (SP1) and signaling pathways (Wnt signaling pathway, nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) pathway and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling pathway) and is vital for the development of cancer. Additionally, recent studies have identified microRNA (miRNA) delivery system carriers for improved in vivo transportation of miR-375 to specific sites. Here, we discussed the role of miR-375 in different types of cancers, as well as molecular mechanisms, and analyzed the potential of miR-375 as a molecular biomarker and therapeutic target to improve the efficiency of clinical diagnosis of cancer.
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MicroRNAs in Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma: A State of the Art Review of the Regulatory Mechanisms and Future Perspectives. Cells 2021; 10:cells10040955. [PMID: 33924120 PMCID: PMC8074316 DOI: 10.3390/cells10040955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare malignant neoplasia with a variable clinical course, with complete remission often difficult to achieve. Genetic alterations lead to fundamental changes not only in hereditary MTC but also in the sporadic form, with close correlations between mutational status and prognosis. In recent years, microRNAs (miRNAs) have become highly relevant as crucial players in MTC etiology. Current research has focused on their roles in disease carcinogenesis and development, but recent studies have expounded their potential as biomarkers and response predictors to novel biological drugs for advanced MTC. One such element which requires greater investigation is their mechanism of action and the molecular pathways involved in the regulation of gene expression. A more thorough understanding of these mechanisms will help realize the promising potential of miRNAs for MTC therapy and management.
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Manso J, Censi S, Mian C. Epigenetic in medullary thyroid cancer: the role of microRNA in tumorigenesis and prognosis. Curr Opin Oncol 2021; 33:9-15. [PMID: 33093335 DOI: 10.1097/cco.0000000000000692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW MicroRNAs emerged as pivotal regulators of cell differentiation, growth, and cell death, suggesting their implication in tumorigenesis and prognosis of cancer. In the last decades, knowledge about the alterations of microRNAs in medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is increasing. In this review, we try to summarize the most relevant findings regarding microRNA dysregulation in MTC. RECENT FINDINGS A literature analysis was performed in MEDLINE for studies published up to August 2020. Comprehensively, at least 27 different microRNAs have been investigated in MTC showing evidence for overexpression or underexpression in comparison with normal thyroid tissue samples, healthy blood controls, or primary tumor site or hereditary form of MTC. We highlight the evidence in favor of a possible use of microRNAs for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment in MTC and their role in MTC pathogenesis. SUMMARY This review reveals the emerging complexity of the molecular genetic and epigenetic panorama in MTC. Further studies are needed to confirm and refine the findings on microRNA expression pattern in MTC. Thus, in the future, microRNA analysis could enter in clinical practice and may pave the way to new risk-stratification tools and novel therapeutic approaches for MTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Manso
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Endocrinology Unit, Padua University, Padua, Italy
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12
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Censi S, Bertazza L, Piva I, Manso J, Benna C, Iacobone M, Mondin A, Plebani M, Faggian D, Galuppini F, Pennelli G, Barollo S, Mian C. Serum miR-375 for Diagnostic and Prognostic Purposes in Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:647369. [PMID: 33854485 PMCID: PMC8039521 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.647369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Having previously demonstrated that tissue miR-375 expression in medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) tissues is linked to prognosis, the aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic and prognostic value of circulating miR-375 levels in MTC patients. METHODS A series of 68 patients with MTC was retrospectively retrieved and assessed in terms of their clinicopathological characteristics. MiR-375 levels were measured in all patients' presurgical blood samples. Both serum and tissue levels were tested prior to surgery in a subgroup of 57 patients. Serum miR-375 levels were also measured in serum from 49 patients with non-C-cell thyroid nodular diseases (non-CTN), 14 patients with pheochromocytoma, and 19 healthy controls. RESULTS Circulating miR-375 levels were 101 times higher in the serum of patients with MTC than in all other patients and controls, with no overlap (P < 0.01). No correlation emerged between serum and tissue miR-375 levels. Serum miR-375 levels were higher in MTC patients with N0 than in those with N1 disease (P = 0.01), and also in patients who were biochemically cured than in those who were not (P = 0.02). In the whole series of patients and controls, calcitonin (CT) and serum miR-375 levels were correlated at diagnosis (R2 = 0.40, P < 0.01), but in a U-shaped manner: a positive correlation was found with low CT levels, then the correlation turns negative as CT rises (in MTC patients). A negative correlation was indeed found in MTC patients between serum miR-375 and CT (R2 = -0.10, P = 0.01). On ROC curve analysis, a cut-off of 2.1 for serum miR-375 proved capable of distinguishing between MTC patients and the other patients and controls with a 92.6% sensitivity and a 97.6% specificity (AUC: 0.978, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Serum miR-375 levels can serve as a marker in the diagnosis of MTC, with a remarkable specificity. Serum miR-375 also proved a novel marker of prognosis in this disease. Further in vitro experiments to corroborate our results are currently underway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Censi
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Loris Bertazza
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Ilaria Piva
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Jacopo Manso
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Clara Benna
- Endocrine Surgery Unit, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Gastroenterological Sciences (DiSCOG), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Maurizio Iacobone
- Endocrine Surgery Unit, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Gastroenterological Sciences (DiSCOG), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Alberto Mondin
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Mario Plebani
- Laboratory Medicine, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Diego Faggian
- Laboratory Medicine, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Francesca Galuppini
- Surgical Pathology and Cytopathology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Gianmaria Pennelli
- Surgical Pathology and Cytopathology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Susi Barollo
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Caterina Mian
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- *Correspondence: Caterina Mian,
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Chiacchiarini M, Trocchianesi S, Besharat ZM, Po A, Ferretti E. Role of tissue and circulating microRNAs and DNA as biomarkers in medullary thyroid cancer. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 219:107708. [PMID: 33091426 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare neuroendocrine tumor comprising hereditary or sporadic form with frequent mutations in the rearranged during transfection (RET) or RAS genes. Diagnosis is based on the presence of thyroid tumor mass with altered levels of calcitonin (Ctn) and carcinoembryonal antigen (CEA) in the serum and/or in the cytological smears from fine needle aspiration biopsies. Treatment consists of total thyroidectomy, followed by tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKi) in case of disease persistence. During TKi treatment, Ctn and CEA levels can fluctuate regardless of tumor volume, metastasis or response to therapy. Research for more reliable non-invasive biomarkers in MTC is still underway. In this context, circulating nucleic acids, namely circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) and cell free DNA (cfDNA), have been evaluated by different research groups. Aiming to shed light on whether miRNAs and cfDNA are suitable as MTC biomarkers we searched three different databases, PubMed, Scopus, WOS and reviewed the literature. We classified 83 publications fulfilling our search criteria and summarized the results. We report data on miRNAs and cfDNA that can be evaluated for validation in independent studies and clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sofia Trocchianesi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Agnese Po
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Ferretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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14
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Silaghi CA, Lozovanu V, Silaghi H, Georgescu RD, Pop C, Dobrean A, Georgescu CE. The Prognostic Value of MicroRNAs in Thyroid Cancers-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2608. [PMID: 32932713 PMCID: PMC7563665 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Thyroid cancer (TC) includes various phenotypes, from indolent to highly aggressive cancer. The limitations of the current prognostication systems to predict the recurrence risk and the variability in expression of the genes involved in the thyroid carcinogenesis uncover the need for new prognostic biomarkers by taking into account potential epigenetic differences. We aimed to summarize the current knowledge regarding the prognostic impact of microRNAs (miRNAs) in TC. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Both upregulated and downregulated miRNAs are significantly correlated with worse overall survival (hazard ratio (HR) = 5.94, 95% CI: 2.73-12.90, p < 0.001; HR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.26-0.96, p = 0.048) disease/recurrence-free survival (HR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.08-2.32, p = 0.003; HR = 0.37, 95%, CI: 0.24-0.60, p < 0.001). Sensitivity analysis revealed a significant association between the higher expression of miR-146b, miR-221, and miR-222 and the recurrence of papillary TC (OR = 9.11, 95% CI 3.00 to 27.52; p < 0.001; OR = 3.88, 95% CI 1.34 to 11.19, p < 0.001; OR = 6.56, 95% CI 2.75 to 15.64, p < 0.001). This research identified that miR-146b, miR-221, and miR-222 could serve as potential prognostic biomarkers in TC, particularly in PTC. Further studies are needed to strengthen these findings and sustain its clinical applicability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Alina Silaghi
- Department of Endocrinology, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, Victor Babes Street 8, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (C.A.S.); (V.L.); (C.E.G.)
| | - Vera Lozovanu
- Department of Endocrinology, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, Victor Babes Street 8, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (C.A.S.); (V.L.); (C.E.G.)
| | - Horatiu Silaghi
- Department of Surgery V, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, Victor Babes Street 8, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Raluca Diana Georgescu
- International Institute for The Advanced Studies of Psychotherapy and Applied Mental Health, Babeș-Bolyai University, Republicii Street 37, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cristina Pop
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Pathophysiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, Louis Pasteur Street 6A, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Anca Dobrean
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Babeş-Bolyai University, Republicii Street 37, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Carmen Emanuela Georgescu
- Department of Endocrinology, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, Victor Babes Street 8, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (C.A.S.); (V.L.); (C.E.G.)
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15
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Nanayakkara J, Tyryshkin K, Yang X, Wong JJM, Vanderbeck K, Ginter PS, Scognamiglio T, Chen YT, Panarelli N, Cheung NK, Dijk F, Ben-Dov IZ, Kim MK, Singh S, Morozov P, Max KEA, Tuschl T, Renwick N. Characterizing and classifying neuroendocrine neoplasms through microRNA sequencing and data mining. NAR Cancer 2020; 2:zcaa009. [PMID: 32743554 PMCID: PMC7380486 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcaa009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are clinically diverse and incompletely characterized cancers that are challenging to classify. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small regulatory RNAs that can be used to classify cancers. Recently, a morphology-based classification framework for evaluating NENs from different anatomical sites was proposed by experts, with the requirement of improved molecular data integration. Here, we compiled 378 miRNA expression profiles to examine NEN classification through comprehensive miRNA profiling and data mining. Following data preprocessing, our final study cohort included 221 NEN and 114 non-NEN samples, representing 15 NEN pathological types and 5 site-matched non-NEN control groups. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering of miRNA expression profiles clearly separated NENs from non-NENs. Comparative analyses showed that miR-375 and miR-7 expression is substantially higher in NEN cases than non-NEN controls. Correlation analyses showed that NENs from diverse anatomical sites have convergent miRNA expression programs, likely reflecting morphological and functional similarities. Using machine learning approaches, we identified 17 miRNAs to discriminate 15 NEN pathological types and subsequently constructed a multilayer classifier, correctly identifying 217 (98%) of 221 samples and overturning one histological diagnosis. Through our research, we have identified common and type-specific miRNA tissue markers and constructed an accurate miRNA-based classifier, advancing our understanding of NEN diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jina Nanayakkara
- Laboratory of Translational RNA Biology, Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, 88 Stuart Street, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Kathrin Tyryshkin
- Laboratory of Translational RNA Biology, Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, 88 Stuart Street, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Xiaojing Yang
- Laboratory of Translational RNA Biology, Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, 88 Stuart Street, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Justin J M Wong
- Laboratory of Translational RNA Biology, Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, 88 Stuart Street, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Kaitlin Vanderbeck
- Laboratory of Translational RNA Biology, Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, 88 Stuart Street, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Paula S Ginter
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Theresa Scognamiglio
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Yao-Tseng Chen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Nicole Panarelli
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Nai-Kong Cheung
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Frederike Dijk
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Iddo Z Ben-Dov
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Michelle Kang Kim
- Center for Carcinoid and Neuroendocrine Tumors of Mount Sinai, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Simron Singh
- Odette Cancer Center, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Pavel Morozov
- Laboratory of RNA Molecular Biology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Klaas E A Max
- Laboratory of RNA Molecular Biology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Thomas Tuschl
- Laboratory of RNA Molecular Biology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Neil Renwick
- Laboratory of Translational RNA Biology, Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, 88 Stuart Street, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
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16
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The role of microRNAs in the pathogenesis of thyroid cancer. Noncoding RNA Res 2020; 5:88-98. [PMID: 32637757 PMCID: PMC7327754 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2020.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Thyroid cancer is the most frequent type of cancers originating from the endocrine system. Early diagnosis leads to good clinical outcome in differentiated types of thyroid cancer. Yet, there are few treatment options for patients with medullary or anaplastic thyroid cancer. Thus, identification of molecular markers that explain the pathologic process during evolution of this cancer has practical significance. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to influence the activity of thyroid cancer-related signaling pathways such as MAPK pathway and RET gene. These small transcripts not only can differentiate malignant tissues from non-malignant tissues, but also have differential expression in different stages of thyroid cancer. Assessment of serum levels of miRNAs is a practical noninvasive method for follow-up of patients after thyroidectomy. Moreover, the therapeutic effects of a number of miRNAs have been verified in xenograft models of thyroid cancer. In the current review, we summarize the data regarding the role of miRNAs in thyroid cancer.
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Bai N, Hou D, Mao C, Cheng L, Li N, Mao X. MiR-376c-3p targets heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HBEGF) to inhibit proliferation and invasion in medullary thyroid carcinoma cells. Arch Med Sci 2020; 16:878-887. [PMID: 32542091 PMCID: PMC7286328 DOI: 10.5114/aoms.2019.85244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Aggressive medullary thyroid carcinomas (MTC) have a high mortality rate and the treatment for patients diagnosed with advanced MTC is comparatively ineffective. We hence aimed to test the effects of miR-376c-3p on MTC and to explore the relevant mechanism. MATERIAL AND METHODS Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and soft agar colony formation assay were applied to evaluate the proliferation of transfected MZ-CRC-1 cells. Wound healing and transwell assay were employed to evaluate MTC cell migration and invasion, respectively. Luciferase assay was performed to validate the downstream target of miR-376c-3p in MZ-CRC-1 cells. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to detect mRNA abundance of key genes. Western blot technique was used to analyze protein levels of HBEGF, E-cadherin, ZO-1, N-cadherin and vimentin. RESULTS MiR-376c-3p inhibited the viability, migration and invasion of MZ-CRC-1 cells. Moreover, miR-376c-3p mimic downregulated expression of N-cadherin and vimentin but upregulated that of E-cadherin and ZO-1 in MZ-CRC-1 cells. Results for the luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-376c-3p was able to bind the 3' untranslated region of heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HBEGF), of which overexpression nearly nullified the miR-376c-3p mimic-induced inhibitory effects in the MTC cells. CONCLUSIONS MiR-376c-3p showed suppressive effects on MZ-CRC-1 cells via targeting and downregulating HBEGF, suggesting that miR-376c-3p could potentially be targeted for the treatment of MTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Bai
- Department of Endocrinology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Jiangsu, China
| | - DeQiang Hou
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Jiangsu, China
| | - ChunPu Mao
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Liang Cheng
- Department of Endocrinology, Huai’an Second People’s Hospital, Huai’an, China
| | - Na Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - XiaoMing Mao
- Department of Endocrinology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Corresponding author: XiaoMing Mao, Department of Endocrinology, Nanjing First Hospital Nanjing Medical University, 68 Changle Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China, Phone: +86 2552887071, E-mail:
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18
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Fussey JM, Vaidya B, Kim D, Clark J, Ellard S, Smith JA. The role of molecular genetics in the clinical management of sporadic medullary thyroid carcinoma: A systematic review. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2019; 91:697-707. [PMID: 31301229 DOI: 10.1111/cen.14060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The significant variation in the clinical behaviour of sporadic medullary thyroid carcinoma (sMTC) causes uncertainty when planning the management of these patients. Several tumour genetic and epigenetic markers have been described, but their clinical usefulness remains unclear. The aim of this review was to evaluate the evidence for the use of molecular genetic and epigenetic profiles in the risk stratification and management of sMTC. METHODS MEDLINE and Embase databases were searched using the MeSH terms "medullary carcinoma", "epigenetics", "molecular genetics", "microRNAs"; and free text terms "medullary carcinoma", "sporadic medullary thyroid cancer", "sMTC", "RET", "RAS" and "miR". Articles containing less than ten subjects, not focussing on sMTC, or not reporting clinical outcomes were excluded. Risk of bias was assessed using a modified version of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS Twenty-three studies met the inclusion criteria, and key findings were summarized in themes according to the genetic and epigenetic markers studied. There is good evidence that somatic RET mutations predict higher rates of lymph node metastasis and persistent disease, and worse survival. There are also several good quality studies demonstrating associations between certain epigenetic markers such as tumour miR-183 and miR-375 expression and higher rates of lymph node and distant metastasis, and worse survival. CONCLUSIONS There is a growing body of evidence that tumour genetic and epigenetic profiles can be used to risk stratify patients with sMTC. Further research should focus on the clinical applicability of these findings by investigating the possibility of tailoring management to an individual's tumour mutation profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Mark Fussey
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter, UK
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Science, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Bijay Vaidya
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Science, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter, UK
| | - Dae Kim
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, St George's University Hospital, London, UK
| | - Jonathan Clark
- Sydney Head and Neck Cancer Institute, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Central Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sian Ellard
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Science, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Joel Anthony Smith
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter, UK
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Science, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
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19
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Jiang M, Shi X, Zhu H, Wei W, Li J. Two GEO MicroRNA Expression Profile Based High-Throughput Screen to Identify MicroRNA-31-3p Regulating Growth of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma Cell by Targeting RASA2. Med Sci Monit 2019; 25:5170-5180. [PMID: 31298226 PMCID: PMC6642674 DOI: 10.12659/msm.916815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), a rare type of thyroid cancer, is a big challenge in clinical treatment. However, the pathogenesis of MTC remains poorly understand. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) were previously demonstrated to be involved in the pathogenesis of MTC, however, the roles of majority of miRNAs in MTC are still undetermined. Material/Methods Two GEO miRNA expression profiles (GSE40807, GSE97070) were downloaded, and the differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) of GSE40807 and GSE97070 were analyzed by bioinformatics methods. Expressions of miRNAs were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction; cell proliferation was examined through Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation and in vivo tumor growth assays; the interaction between miRNA and mRNA was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay; functional analysis of target genes was performed using the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID, www.david.ncifcrf.gov) software. Results Ten miRNAs were identified to be dysregulated in both GSE40807 and GSE97070 datasets, and miR-31-3p showed the highest change fold (Log fold change=−3.460625 in GSE40807 and Log fold change=−0.07084374 in GSE97070). MiR-31-3p expression was significantly downregulated in MTC, and low miR-31-3p expression showed a poor prognosis relative to high miR-31-3p expression (P<0.05). Functionally, miR-31-3p inhibited MTC cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Functional analysis also showed that the target genes of miR-31-3p were involved in numerous of biochemical processes and pathways, of which Ras signaling pathway was selected for further study. RASA2, overexpressed in MTC, were negatively regulated by miR-31-3p. In addition, we found that knockdown of RASA2 inhibited MTC cell proliferation. Conclusions Reduced expression level of miR-31-3p might play a key role in the tumorigenesis of MTC by targeting critical pathways, especially Ras signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Jiang
- Department of Radiology, Shenzhen Nanshan People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China (mainland)
| | - Xin Shi
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjian, China (mainland)
| | - Hua Zhu
- Department of Mental Health, Shenzhen Futian Hospital for Chronic Diseases, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China (mainland)
| | - Wu Wei
- Department of Emergency, Dongying District People's Hospital, Dongying, Shandong, China (mainland)
| | - Jinyan Li
- Department of Radiology, Shenzhen Nanshan People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China (mainland)
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20
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Zhang L, Lu D, Liu M, Zhang M, Peng Q. Identification and interaction analysis of key miRNAs in medullary thyroid carcinoma by bioinformatics analysis. Mol Med Rep 2019; 20:2316-2324. [PMID: 31322209 PMCID: PMC6691269 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2019.10463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is an endocrine tumor and comprises 5–10% of all primary thyroid malignancies. However, the biomechanical contribution to the development and progression of MTC remains unclear. In this study, To discover the key microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) and their potential roles in the tumorigenesis of MTC, the microarray datasets GSE97070, GSE40807 and GSE27155 were analyzed. The datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) and genes (DEGs) were accessed by R. Targets of DEMs and predicted using starBase, and functional and pathway enrichment analyses were performed using Metascape. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and an analysis of modules were constructed using NetworkAnalyst. Finally, a network was constructed to show the regulatory association between transcription factors (TFs), DEMs and downstream genes. A total of 5 DEMs were found both in GSE97070 and GSE40807, including 3 upregulated DEMs and 2 downregulated DEMs. The Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses from Metascape revealed that the target genes of upregulated DEMs were significantly enriched in adherens junction, kinase and protein binding, while the target genes of downregulated DEMs were mainly involved in non-canonical Wnt signaling pathway and RNA transport. From the PPI network, 13 nodes were screened as hub genes. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the top 5 modules were mostly enriched in the neurotrophin signaling pathway, mRNA surveillance pathway and MAPK signaling pathway. In addition, the TF-DEMs-target gene and DEGs regulatory network revealed that 17 TFs regulated 2 miRNAs, including upregulated or downregulated DEMs, CREB1 regulated all upregulated DEMs, and TGFB1 was an activator of hsa-miR-199a-3p and a repressor of hsa-miR-429. Taken together, the present study identified several miRNAs and potential biological mechanisms involved in the tumorigenesis of MTC. This study identified the key DEMs and potential mechanisms underlying the development of MTC, and provided a series of biomarkers and targets for the management of MTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijie Zhang
- Tumor Diagnosis and Treatment Center, PLA 901 Hospital, Hefei, Anhui 230031, P.R. China
| | - Donghui Lu
- Tumor Diagnosis and Treatment Center, PLA 901 Hospital, Hefei, Anhui 230031, P.R. China
| | - Meiqin Liu
- Tumor Diagnosis and Treatment Center, PLA 901 Hospital, Hefei, Anhui 230031, P.R. China
| | - Mingjin Zhang
- General Surgery Department, PLA 901 Hospital, Hefei, Anhui 230031, P.R. China
| | - Quan Peng
- General Surgery Department, PLA 901 Hospital, Hefei, Anhui 230031, P.R. China
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Wang L, Zhang Z, Yu X, Huang X, Liu Z, Chai Y, Yang L, Wang Q, Li M, Zhao J, Hou J, Li F. Unbalanced YAP-SOX9 circuit drives stemness and malignant progression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Oncogene 2018; 38:2042-2055. [PMID: 30401982 PMCID: PMC6756096 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-018-0476-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Yes-associated protein (YAP) has been identified as a key regulator of tissue homeostasis. However, the precise role and regulatory mechanism of YAP in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unclear. Here we report that the genetic or pharmacological inhibition of YAP repressed cancer stem cell (CSC)-like properties, including tumorsphere-forming potential, cell motility, and chemoresistance in vitro, and was sufficient to attenuate tumor growth and CSC marker expression in ESCC xenografts. Mechanistically, YAP transcriptionally activated its downstream target SOX9 via TEAD1-mediated binding. We also observed a positive correlation between YAP signaling and SOX9 expression in two independent clinical cohorts. Intriguingly, YAP-targeting microRNAs, including miR-506-3p, which were induced by SOX9, post-transcriptionally repressed YAP expression, contributing to a negative feedback mechanism. Dual inhibition of YAP and SOX9 robustly suppressed malignant phenotypes. Notably, ESCC samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset had frequent (44%) instances of YAP gene amplification and genetic inactivation of Hippo pathway regulators. Nuclear YAP expression was elevated in 197 ESCC tissues from a Chinese cohort. Together, our findings provide evidence that genetic hyperactivation of YAP unbalances the YAP–SOX9 feedback loop and confers CSC-like features in ESCC, suggesting that this YAP–SOX9 circuit represents a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianghai Wang
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Zhiyu Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China.,Department of Pathology and Medical Research Center, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaodan Yu
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China.,Department of Stomatology, First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, China
| | - Xuan Huang
- Department of Pathology and Medical Research Center, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zheng Liu
- Department of Pathology and Medical Research Center, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuhang Chai
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Lei Yang
- Department of Pathology and Medical Research Center, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Man Li
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Jin Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Jun Hou
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China.
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China. .,Department of Pathology and Medical Research Center, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
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Evaluation of miRNAs expression in medullary thyroid carcinoma tissue samples: miR-34a and miR-144 as promising overexpressed markers in MTC. Hum Pathol 2018; 79:212-221. [PMID: 29885402 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2018.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2018] [Revised: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare neoplasia derived from neural parafollicular C cells. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small regulatory RNAs with essential roles in the biology of cancers such as MTC and can be applied as diagnostic markers. According to previous studies, miR-144 and miR-34 and their two oncogenes target, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and AXL receptor tyrosine kinase (AXL), were selected for further investigations in our study. Thirty MTC samples as well as thirty adjacent normal thyroid tissues were applied in this study including 28 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) and 2 fresh-frozen MTC samples. RNA extraction and complementary DNA (cDNA) synthesis were performed for all samples. After primer pairs and probes were designed, real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) method was used, and the results were analyzed using 2-ΔΔCt method. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was applied to assess the diagnostic value of the two miRNAs. AXL protein level was measured in all clinical samples using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Both miRNAs were up-regulated in all clinical samples compared to the normal tissues. AXL was up-regulated in most clinical samples while mTOR was down-regulated in most samples. Furthermore, the level of AXL protein increased. ROC curve analysis demonstrated that increased expression of miR-34a and miR-144 in MTC patients had significant predictive value. The results demonstrated that high expression of miR-144 and miR-34a can be considered as biomarkers of MTC. However, there was no statistically significant correlation between the expression of these miRNAs and target genes in MTC clinical samples.
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Romeo P, Colombo C, Granata R, Calareso G, Gualeni AV, Dugo M, De Cecco L, Rizzetti MG, Zanframundo A, Aiello A, Carcangiu ML, Gloghini A, Ferrero S, Licitra L, Greco A, Fugazzola L, Locati LD, Borrello MG. Circulating miR-375 as a novel prognostic marker for metastatic medullary thyroid cancer patients. Endocr Relat Cancer 2018; 25:217-231. [PMID: 29298817 DOI: 10.1530/erc-17-0389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to identify circulating miRNAs as novel non-invasive biomarkers for prognosis and vandetanib response in advanced medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) patients. We prospectively recruited two independent cohorts of locally advanced/metastatic MTC patients including a subgroup of vandetanib-treated subjects: a discovery cohort (n = 20), including matched plasma/tissue samples (n = 17/20), and a validation cohort, yielding only plasma samples (n = 17). Plasma samples from healthy subjects (n = 36) and MTC patients in remission (n = 9) were used as controls. MTC (n = 17 from 8 patients included in discovery cohort) and non-neoplastic thyroid specimens (n = 3) were assessed by microarray profiling to identify candidate circulating miRNAs. qRT-PCR and in situ hybridization were carried out to validate the expression and localization of a selected miRNA within tissues, and qRT-PCR was also performed to measure miRNA levels in plasma samples. By microarray analysis, we identified 51 miRNAs differentially expressed in MTC. The most overexpressed miR, miR-375, was highly expressed by C cells compared to other thyroid cells, and more expressed in MTC than in reactive C-cell hyperplasia. MTC patients had significantly higher miR-375 plasma levels than healthy controls (P < 0.0001) and subjects in remission (P = 0.0004) as demonstrated by qRT-PCR analysis. miR-375 plasma levels were not predictive of vandetanib response, but, notably, high levels were associated with significantly reduced overall survival (HR 10.61, P < 0.0001) and were a strong prognostic factor of poor prognosis (HR 6.24, P = 0.00025) in MTC patients. Overall, our results unveil plasma miR-375 as a promising prognostic marker for advanced MTC patients, to be validated in larger cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Romeo
- Molecular Mechanisms UnitResearch Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Carla Colombo
- Division of Endocrine and Metabolic DiseasesIRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and TransplantationUniversity of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Granata
- Department of Head and Neck Medical OncologyFondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Calareso
- Department of RadiologyFondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Ambra Vittoria Gualeni
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology and Laboratory MedicineFondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Dugo
- Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics UnitDepartment of Applied Research and Technology Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Loris De Cecco
- Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics UnitDepartment of Applied Research and Technology Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Rizzetti
- Molecular Mechanisms UnitResearch Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Angela Zanframundo
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology and Laboratory MedicineFondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonella Aiello
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology and Laboratory MedicineFondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Carcangiu
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology and Laboratory MedicineFondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Annunziata Gloghini
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology and Laboratory MedicineFondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Ferrero
- Department of Pathophysiology and TransplantationFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of BiomedicalSurgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Lisa Licitra
- Department of Head and Neck Medical OncologyFondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
- Department of Medical OncologyUniversity of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Angela Greco
- Molecular Mechanisms UnitResearch Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Fugazzola
- Division of Endocrine and Metabolic DiseasesIRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and TransplantationUniversity of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Deborah Locati
- Department of Head and Neck Medical OncologyFondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Borrello
- Molecular Mechanisms UnitResearch Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
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