1
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Al-Hawary SIS, Abdalkareem Jasim S, Altalbawy FMA, Kumar A, Kaur H, Pramanik A, Jawad MA, Alsaad SB, Mohmmed KH, Zwamel AH. miRNAs in radiotherapy resistance of cancer; a comprehensive review. Cell Biochem Biophys 2024; 82:1665-1679. [PMID: 38805114 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-024-01329-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
While intensity-modulated radiation therapy-based comprehensive therapy increases outcomes, cancer patients still have a low five-year survival rate and a high recurrence rate. The primary factor contributing to cancer patients' poor prognoses is radiation resistance. A class of endogenous non-coding RNAs, known as microRNAs (miRNAs), controls various biological processes in eukaryotes. These miRNAs influence tumor cell growth, death, migration, invasion, and metastasis, which controls how human carcinoma develops and spreads. The correlation between the unbalanced expression of miRNAs and the prognosis and sensitivity to radiation therapy is well-established. MiRNAs have a significant impact on the regulation of DNA repair, the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and stemness in the tumor radiation response. But because radio resistance is a complicated phenomena, further research is required to fully comprehend these mechanisms. Radiation response rates vary depending on the modality used, which includes the method of delivery, radiation dosage, tumor stage and grade, confounding medical co-morbidities, and intrinsic tumor microenvironment. Here, we summarize the possible mechanisms through which miRNAs contribute to human tumors' resistance to radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Farag M A Altalbawy
- Department of Chemistry, University College of Duba, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ashwani Kumar
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Sciences, Jain (Deemed-to-be) University, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560069, India
- Department of Pharmacy, Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, 303012, India
| | - Harpreet Kaur
- School of Basic & Applied Sciences, Shobhit University, Gangoh, Uttar Pradesh, 247341, India
- Department of Health & Allied Sciences, Arka Jain University, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, 831001, India
| | - Atreyi Pramanik
- School of Applied and Life Sciences, Divison of Research and Innovation, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | | | - Salim Basim Alsaad
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Al-Hadi University College, Baghdad, 10011, Iraq
| | | | - Ahmed Hussein Zwamel
- Medical Laboratory Technique College, The Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq
- Medical Laboratory Technique College, The Islamic University of Al Diwaniyah, Al Diwaniyah, Iraq
- Medical Laboratory Technique College, The Islamic University of Babylon, Babylon, Iraq
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2
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Shaikh MAJ, Altamimi ASA, Afzal M, Gupta G, Singla N, Gilhotra R, Almalki WH, Kazmi I, Alzarea SI, Prasher P, Singh SK, Dua K. Unraveling the impact of miR-21 on apoptosis regulation in glioblastoma. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 254:155121. [PMID: 38262269 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Glioblastoma is a prevalent form of carcinoma that exhibits a greater incidence rate across diverse demographics globally. Despite extensive global efforts, GBM continues to be a highly lethal disease that is characterized by a grim prognosis. There is a wealth of evidence suggesting that the pathophysiology of GBM is associated with the dysregulation of numerous cellular and molecular processes. The etiology of GBM may involve various cellular and molecular pathways, including EGFR, PDCD4, NF-κB, MAPK, matrix metalloproteinases, STAT, and Akt. MicroRNAs, short non-coding RNA molecules, regulate gene expression and mRNA translation after transcription but before translation to exert control over a wide range of biological functions. Extensive research has consistently demonstrated the upregulation of miRNA-21 in glioma, indicating its involvement in diverse biological pathways that facilitate tumor cell survival. By explaining the intricate interplay between miR-21 and the regulation of apoptosis in GBM, this review has the potential to significantly enhance our comprehension of the illness and provide potential targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Muhammad Afzal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacy Program, Batterjee Medical College, P.O. Box 6231, Jeddah 21442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gaurav Gupta
- Centre for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, India; School of Pharmacy, Graphic Era Hill University, Dehradun 248007, India; School of Pharmacy, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Mahal Road, Jagatpura, Jaipur, India.
| | - Neelam Singla
- School of Pharmacy, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Mahal Road, Jagatpura, Jaipur, India
| | - Ritu Gilhotra
- School of Pharmacy, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Mahal Road, Jagatpura, Jaipur, India
| | - Waleed Hassan Almalki
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Imran Kazmi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, 21589, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sami I Alzarea
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, 72341, Sakaka, Aljouf, Saudi Arabia
| | - Parteek Prasher
- Department of Chemistry, University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Energy Acres, Dehradun 248007, India
| | - Sachin Kumar Singh
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411, India; Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Kamal Dua
- Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia; Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
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3
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Hudson K, Mondia MW, Zhang Y, Saha S, Gibert MK, Dube C, Sun Y, Marcinkiewicz P, Fadul C, Abounader R. The role of microRNAs in brain metastasis. J Neurooncol 2024; 166:231-241. [PMID: 38194195 PMCID: PMC10834572 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-023-04541-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Brain metastasis (BM) is the most common type of brain tumor and frequently foreshadows disease progression and poor overall survival with patients having a median survival of 6 months. 70,000 new cases of BM are diagnosed each year in the United States (US) and the incidence rate for BM is increasing with improved detection. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that serve as critical regulators of gene expression and can act as powerful oncogenes and tumor suppressors. MiRNAs have been heavily implicated in cancer and proposed as biomarkers or therapeutic targets or agents. In this review, we summarize an extensive body of scientific work investigating the role of microRNAs in BM. We discuss miRNA dysregulation, functions, targets, and mechanisms of action in BM and present the current standing of miRNAs as biomarkers and potential therapeutics for BM. We conclude with future directions of miRNA basic and clinical research in BM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kadie Hudson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Mark Willy Mondia
- Department of Neurology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Shekhar Saha
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Myron K Gibert
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Collin Dube
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Yunan Sun
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Pawel Marcinkiewicz
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Camilo Fadul
- Department of Neurology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Roger Abounader
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, Department of Neurology, University of Virginia, University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
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4
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Guo J, Jin K, Tang T, Liu HM, Xie YA. A new biomarker to enhance the radiosensitivity of hepatocellular cancer: miRNAs. Future Oncol 2022; 18:3217-3228. [PMID: 35968820 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2022-0136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims: This review summarizes findings regarding miRNAs that modulate radiation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and evaluates their potential clinical therapeutic uses. Materials & methods: We searched the relevant English-language medical databases for papers on miRNAs and radiation therapy for tumors to identify miRNAs that are linked with radiosensitivity and radioresistance, focusing on those associated with HCC radiation. Results: There were 88 papers assessed for miRNAs associated with tumor radiation, 56 of which dealt with radiosensitization, 21 with radioresistance and 11 with radiosensitization for HCC. Conclusion: Further work in this area would enable future evaluation of radiation responses and the potential use of miRNAs as therapeutic agents in HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju Guo
- Graduate School of Guangxi Traditional Chinese Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530299, PR China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health & Birth Defects Prevention, Nanning, Guangxi, 530002, PR China
| | - Kai Jin
- Graduate School of Guangxi Traditional Chinese Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530299, PR China
| | - Ting Tang
- Graduate School of Guangxi Traditional Chinese Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530299, PR China
| | - Hong-Mei Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Guangxi Medical University & Cancer Institute of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, PR China
| | - Yu-An Xie
- Graduate School of Guangxi Traditional Chinese Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530299, PR China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health & Birth Defects Prevention, Nanning, Guangxi, 530002, PR China.,Experimental Research Department, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Guangxi Medical University & Cancer Institute of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, PR China.,Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Women & Children Care Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, 530002, PR China
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5
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Nieland L, van Solinge TS, Cheah PS, Morsett LM, El Khoury J, Rissman JI, Kleinstiver BP, Broekman ML, Breakefield XO, Abels ER. CRISPR-Cas knockout of miR21 reduces glioma growth. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2022; 25:121-136. [PMID: 35572197 PMCID: PMC9052041 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2022.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs), support the progression of glioma. miR-21 is a small, non-coding transcript involved in regulating gene expression in multiple cellular pathways, including the regulation of proliferation. High expression of miR-21 has been shown to be a major driver of glioma growth. Manipulating the expression of miRNAs is a novel strategy in the development of therapeutics in cancer. In this study we aimed to target miR-21. Using CRISPR genome-editing technology, we disrupted the miR-21 coding sequences in glioma cells. Depletion of this miRNA resulted in the upregulation of many downstream miR-21 target mRNAs involved in proliferation. Phenotypically, CRISPR-edited glioma cells showed reduced migration, invasion, and proliferation in vitro. In immunocompetent mouse models, miR-21 knockout tumors showed reduced growth resulting in an increased overall survival. In summary, we show that by knocking out a key miRNA in glioma, these cells have decreased proliferation capacity both in vitro and in vivo. Overall, we identified miR-21 as a potential target for CRISPR-based therapeutics in glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Nieland
- Departments of Neurology and Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Neuroscience Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Thomas S. van Solinge
- Departments of Neurology and Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Neuroscience Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Pike See Cheah
- Departments of Neurology and Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Neuroscience Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia
| | - Liza M. Morsett
- Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Joseph El Khoury
- Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Joseph I. Rissman
- Center for Genomic Medicine and Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Benjamin P. Kleinstiver
- Center for Genomic Medicine and Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Marike L.D. Broekman
- Departments of Neurology and Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Neuroscience Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, the Netherlands
- Department of Neurosurgery, Haaglanden Medical Center, 2512 VA The Hague, the Netherlands
| | - Xandra O. Breakefield
- Departments of Neurology and Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Neuroscience Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Erik R. Abels
- Departments of Neurology and Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Neuroscience Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, the Netherlands
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6
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Ahmadpour S, Taghavi T, Sheida A, Tamehri Zadeh SS, Hamblin MR, Mirzaei H. Effects of microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs on chemotherapy response in glioma. Epigenomics 2022; 14:549-563. [PMID: 35473299 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2021-0439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioma is the most prevalent invasive primary tumor of the central nervous system. Glioma cells can spread and infiltrate into normal surrounding brain tissues. Despite the standard use of chemotherapy and radiotherapy after surgery in glioma patients, treatment resistance is still a problem, as the underlying mechanisms are still not fully understood. Non-coding RNAs are widely involved in tumor progression and treatment resistance mechanisms. In the present review, we discuss the pathways by which microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs can affect resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, as well as offer potential therapeutic options for future glioma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Ahmadpour
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Kashan, Kashan, Iran
| | | | - Amirhossein Sheida
- School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | | | - Michael R Hamblin
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Science, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein, 2028, South Africa
| | - Hamed Mirzaei
- Research Center for Biochemistry & Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
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7
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Chen M, Medarova Z, Moore A. Role of microRNAs in glioblastoma. Oncotarget 2021; 12:1707-1723. [PMID: 34434499 PMCID: PMC8378762 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive primary human brain cancer. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a set of small endogenous non-coding RNA molecules which play critical roles in different biological processes including cancer. The realization of miRNA regulatory functions in GBM has demonstrated that these molecules play a critical role in its initiation, progression and response to therapy. In this review we discuss the studies related to miRNA discovery and function in glioblastoma. We first summarize the typical miRNAs and their roles in GBM. Then we debate the potential for miRNA-based therapy for glioblastoma, including various delivery strategies. We surmise that future directions identified by these studies will point towards the necessity for therapeutic development and optimization to improve the outcomes for patients with glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Chen
- Precision Health Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.,Department of Radiology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Zdravka Medarova
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Anna Moore
- Precision Health Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.,Department of Radiology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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8
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Arghiani N, Matin MM. miR-21: A Key Small Molecule with Great Effects in Combination Cancer Therapy. Nucleic Acid Ther 2021; 31:271-283. [PMID: 33891511 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2020.0914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing incidence of various cancers indicates the urgent need for finding accurate early diagnostic markers and more effective treatments for these malignancies. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs with great potentials to enter into cancer clinics as both diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets. miR-21 is elevated in many cancers, and promotes cell proliferation, metastasis, and drug resistance. In recent years, many studies have shown that targeting miR-21 combined with conventional chemotherapeutic agents could enhance their therapeutic efficacy, and overcome drug resistance and cancer recurrence both in vitro and in animal models. In this review, we first summarize the effects and importance of miR-21 in various cancers, and explore its function in drug resistance of cancer cells. Next, the challenges and prospects for clinical translation of anti-miR-21, as a therapeutic agent, will be discussed in combination cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahid Arghiani
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Maryam M Matin
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.,Novel Diagnostics and Therapeutics Research Group, Institute of Biotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
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9
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Noncoding RNAs in Glioblastoma: Emerging Biological Concepts and Potential Therapeutic Implications. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13071555. [PMID: 33800703 PMCID: PMC8037102 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Since the completion of the Human Genome Project, noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) have emerged as an important class of genetic regulators. Several classes of ncRNAs, which include microRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), and piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), have been shown to play important roles in controlling developmental and disease processes. In this article, we discuss the potential roles of ncRNAs in regulating glioblastoma (GBM) formation and progression as well as potential strategies to exploit the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of ncRNAs in GBM. Abstract Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) have emerged as a novel class of genomic regulators, ushering in a new era in molecular biology. With the advent of advanced genetic sequencing technology, several different classes of ncRNAs have been uncovered, including microRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), and piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), which have been linked to many important developmental and disease processes and are being pursued as clinical and therapeutic targets. Molecular phenotyping studies of glioblastoma (GBM), the most common and lethal cancer of the adult brain, revealed that several ncRNAs are frequently dysregulated in its pathogenesis. Additionally, ncRNAs regulate many important aspects of glioma biology including tumour cell proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and self-renewal. Here, we present an overview of the biogenesis of the different classes of ncRNAs, discuss their biological roles, as well as their relevance to gliomagenesis. We conclude by discussing potential approaches to therapeutically target the ncRNAs in clinic.
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10
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Peng Q, Weng K, Li S, Xu R, Wang Y, Wu Y. A Perspective of Epigenetic Regulation in Radiotherapy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:624312. [PMID: 33681204 PMCID: PMC7930394 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.624312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiation therapy (RT) has been employed as a tumoricidal modality for more than 100 years and on 470,000 patients each year in the United States. The ionizing radiation causes genetic changes and results in cell death. However, since the biological mechanism of radiation remains unclear, there is a pressing need to understand this mechanism to improve the killing effect on tumors and reduce the side effects on normal cells. DNA break and epigenetic remodeling can be induced by radiotherapy. Hence the modulation of histone modification enzymes may tune the radiosensitivity of cancer cells. For instance, histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors sensitize irradiated cancer cells by amplifying the DNA damage signaling and inhibiting double-strand DNA break repair to influence the irradiated cells’ survival. However, the combination of epigenetic drugs and radiotherapy has only been evaluated in several ongoing clinical trials for limited cancer types, partly due to a lack of knowledge on the potential mechanisms on how radiation induces epigenetic regulation and chromatin remodeling. Here, we review recent advances of radiotherapy and radiotherapy-induced epigenetic remodeling and introduce related technologies for epigenetic monitoring. Particularly, we exploit the application of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) biosensors to visualize dynamic epigenetic regulations in single living cells and tissue upon radiotherapy and drug treatment. We aim to bridge FRET biosensor, epigenetics, and radiotherapy, providing a perspective of using FRET to assess epigenetics and provide guidance for radiotherapy to improve cancer treatment. In the end, we discuss the feasibility of a combination of epigenetic drugs and radiotherapy as new approaches for cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Peng
- Institute of Systems and Physical Biology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Institute of Engineering in Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Kegui Weng
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Institute of Engineering in Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Chongqing Cancer Hospital, Chongqing Cancer Institute, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Shitian Li
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Institute of Engineering in Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Richard Xu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Institute of Engineering in Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Yingxiao Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Institute of Engineering in Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Yongzhong Wu
- Chongqing Cancer Hospital, Chongqing Cancer Institute, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
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11
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Aloizou AM, Pateraki G, Siokas V, Mentis AFA, Liampas I, Lazopoulos G, Kovatsi L, Mitsias PD, Bogdanos DP, Paterakis K, Dardiotis E. The role of MiRNA-21 in gliomas: Hope for a novel therapeutic intervention? Toxicol Rep 2020; 7:1514-1530. [PMID: 33251119 PMCID: PMC7677650 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2020.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are the most common primary brain tumors in adults. They are generally very resistant to treatment and are therefore associated with negative outcomes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNA molecules that affect many cellular processes by regulating gene expression and, post-transcriptionally, the translation of mRNAs. MiRNA-21 has been consistently shown to be upregulated in glioma and research has shown that it is involved in a wide variety of biological pathways, promoting tumor cell survival and invasiveness. Furthermore, it has been implicated in resistance to treatment, both against chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In this review, we gathered the existent data on miRNA-21 and gliomas, in terms of its expression levels, association with grade and prognosis, the pathways it involves and its targets in glioma, and finally how it leads to treatment resistance. Furthermore, we discuss how this knowledge could be applied in clinical practice in the years to come. To our knowledge, this is the first review to assess in extent and depth the role of miRNA-21 in gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athina-Maria Aloizou
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, University of Thessaly, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Georgia Pateraki
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, University of Thessaly, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Vasileios Siokas
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, University of Thessaly, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Alexios-Fotios A Mentis
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, University of Thessaly, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece.,Public Health Laboratories, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Liampas
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, University of Thessaly, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - George Lazopoulos
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University General Hospital of Heraklion, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Leda Kovatsi
- Laboratory of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece
| | - Panayiotis D Mitsias
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Dimitrios P Bogdanos
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University General Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Viopolis 40500, Larissa, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Paterakis
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Thessaly, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Efthimios Dardiotis
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, University of Thessaly, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
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12
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Trevisan FA, Rodrigues AR, Lizarte Neto FS, Peria FM, Cirino MLDA, Tirapelli DPDC, Carlotti Júnior CG. Apoptosis related microRNAs and MGMT in glioblastoma cell lines submitted to treatments with ionizing radiation and temozolomide. Rep Pract Oncol Radiother 2020; 25:714-719. [PMID: 32684859 DOI: 10.1016/j.rpor.2020.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim To evaluate the effect of radiotherapy and temozolomide on the expression of miRNAs apoptotic (miRNAs-21, -221, -222 (anti-apoptotic) and miRNAs-15a, -16 (pro-apoptotic)) and the gene MGMT in glioblastoma cell lines. Background The limited knowledge of the molecular biology of malignant gliomas may hinder the development of therapeutic modalities. In this scenario, one of the greatest advances of recent years was the identification of microRNAs. These molecules have an important role in biological processes involving cancer, including glioblastoma. Materials and methods Trypan blue was used to verify the cell viability, and real time PCR to quantify the expression of microRNAs and gene 24, 48 and 120 h after exposure to treatments. Results There was a statistically significant decrease of expression of miR-15a between 48 and 120 h in line T98 G treated with radiation, increased expression of miR-15a between 24 and 120 h in line U251 treated with radiation and temozolomide, and increased expression of miR-16 between 24 and 120 h in line U251 treated with radiation alone and when combined with temozolomide. There was a decrease in MGMT gene expression, between 24 and 48 h in U343 cells treated with temozolomide. Conclusions Ionizing radiation and temozolomide modified the expression of miRNAs studied and MGMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Amstalden Trevisan
- Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Department of Surgery and Anatomy, 3900 Bandeirantes Avenue, Ribeirão Preto, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Andressa Romualdo Rodrigues
- Medical School of Franca, University of Franca (UNIFRAN), 201 Armando Salles Oliveira Avenue, Franca, 14404-600, Brazil
| | - Fermino Sanches Lizarte Neto
- Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Department of Surgery and Anatomy, 3900 Bandeirantes Avenue, Ribeirão Preto, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Maris Peria
- Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Department of Internal Medicine, 3900 Bandeirantes Avenue, Ribeirão Preto, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Múcio Luiz de Assis Cirino
- Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Department of Surgery and Anatomy, 3900 Bandeirantes Avenue, Ribeirão Preto, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Daniela Pretti da Cunha Tirapelli
- Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Department of Surgery and Anatomy, 3900 Bandeirantes Avenue, Ribeirão Preto, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Carlos Gilberto Carlotti Júnior
- Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Department of Surgery and Anatomy, 3900 Bandeirantes Avenue, Ribeirão Preto, 14049-900, Brazil
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13
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Wu CH, Chen CY, Yeh CT, Lin KH. Radiosensitization of Hepatocellular Carcinoma through Targeting Radio-Associated MicroRNA. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21051859. [PMID: 32182776 PMCID: PMC7084923 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21051859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. For patients who are resistant to monotherapy, multimodal therapy is a basic oncologic principle that incorporates surgery, radiotherapy (RT), and chemotherapy providing survival benefits for patients with most types of cancer. Although liver has low tolerance for radiation, high-precision RT for local HCC minimizes the likelihood of radiation-induced liver disease (RILD) in noncancerous liver tissue. RT have several therapeutic benefits, including the down-staging of tumors to make them resectable and repression of metastasis. The DNA damage response (DDR) is a cellular response to irradiation (IR), including DNA repair of injured cells and induction of programmed cell death, thereby resulting in maintenance of cell homeostasis. Molecules that block the activity of proteins in DDR pathways have been found to enhance radiotherapeutic effects. These molecules include antibodies, kinase inhibitors, siRNAs and miRNAs. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding regulatory RNAs binding to the 3'-untranslated regions (3'-UTR) of the messenger RNAs (mRNAs) of target genes, regulating their translation and expression of proteins. Thus, miRNAs and their target genes constitute complicated interactive networks, which interact with other molecules during carcinogenesis. Due to their promising roles in carcinogenesis, miRNAs were shown to be the potential factors that mediated radiosensitivity and optimized outcomes of the combination of systemic therapy and radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Heng Wu
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
| | - Cheng-Yi Chen
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan;
| | - Chau-Ting Yeh
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
| | - Kwang-Huei Lin
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
- Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +886-3-2118263
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14
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Seo YE, Suh HW, Bahal R, Josowitz A, Zhang J, Song E, Cui J, Noorbakhsh S, Jackson C, Bu T, Piotrowski-Daspit A, Bindra R, Saltzman WM. Nanoparticle-mediated intratumoral inhibition of miR-21 for improved survival in glioblastoma. Biomaterials 2019; 201:87-98. [PMID: 30802686 PMCID: PMC6451656 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2019.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 02/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and deadly form of malignant brain tumor in the United States, and current therapies fail to provide significant improvement in survival. Local delivery of nanoparticles is a promising therapeutic strategy that bypasses the blood-brain barrier, minimizes systemic toxicity, and enhances intracranial drug distribution and retention. Here, we developed nanoparticles loaded with agents that inhibit miR-21, an oncogenic microRNA (miRNA) that is strongly overexpressed in GBM compared to normal brain tissue. We synthesized, engineered, and characterized two different delivery systems. One was designed around an anti-miR-21 composed of RNA and employed a cationic poly(amine-co-ester) (PACE). The other was designed around an anti-miR-21 composed of peptide nucleic acid (PNA) and employed a block copolymer of poly(lactic acid) and hyperbranched polyglycerol (PLA-HPG). We show that both nanoparticle products facilitate efficient intracellular delivery and miR-21 suppression that leads to PTEN upregulation and apoptosis of human GBM cells. Further, when administered by convection-enhanced delivery (CED) to animals with intracranial gliomas, they both induced significant miR-21 knockdown and provided chemosensitization, resulting in improved survival when combined with chemotherapy. The challenges involved in optimizing the two delivery systems differed, and despite offering distinct advantages and limitations, results showed significant therapeutic efficacy with both methods of treatment. This study demonstrates the feasibility and promise of local administration of miR-21 inhibiting nanoparticles as an adjuvant therapy for GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Eun Seo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, United States
| | - Hee-Won Suh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, United States
| | - Raman Bahal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, United States
| | - Alexander Josowitz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, United States
| | - Junwei Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, United States
| | - Eric Song
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, United States
| | - Jiajia Cui
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, United States
| | - Seth Noorbakhsh
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, United States
| | - Christopher Jackson
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, United States
| | - Tom Bu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, United States
| | | | - Ranjit Bindra
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, United States
| | - W Mark Saltzman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, United States.
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15
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Krichevsky AM, Uhlmann EJ. Oligonucleotide Therapeutics as a New Class of Drugs for Malignant Brain Tumors: Targeting mRNAs, Regulatory RNAs, Mutations, Combinations, and Beyond. Neurotherapeutics 2019; 16:319-347. [PMID: 30644073 PMCID: PMC6554258 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-018-00702-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant brain tumors are rapidly progressive and often fatal owing to resistance to therapies and based on their complex biology, heterogeneity, and isolation from systemic circulation. Glioblastoma is the most common and most aggressive primary brain tumor, has high mortality, and affects both children and adults. Despite significant advances in understanding the pathology, multiple clinical trials employing various treatment strategies have failed. With much expanded knowledge of the GBM genome, epigenome, and transcriptome, the field of neuro-oncology is getting closer to achieve breakthrough-targeted molecular therapies. Current developments of oligonucleotide chemistries for CNS applications make this new class of drugs very attractive for targeting molecular pathways dysregulated in brain tumors and are anticipated to vastly expand the spectrum of currently targetable molecules. In this chapter, we will overview the molecular landscape of malignant gliomas and explore the most prominent molecular targets (mRNAs, miRNAs, lncRNAs, and genomic mutations) that provide opportunities for the development of oligonucleotide therapeutics for this class of neurologic diseases. Because malignant brain tumors focally disrupt the blood-brain barrier, this class of diseases might be also more susceptible to systemic treatments with oligonucleotides than other neurologic disorders and, thus, present an entry point for the oligonucleotide therapeutics to the CNS. Nevertheless, delivery of oligonucleotides remains a crucial part of the treatment strategy. Finally, synthetic gRNAs guiding CRISPR-Cas9 editing technologies have a tremendous potential to further expand the applications of oligonucleotide therapeutics and take them beyond RNA targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Krichevsky
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Initiative for RNA Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA.
| | - Erik J Uhlmann
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Initiative for RNA Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA
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16
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Protein Phosphatases-A Touchy Enemy in the Battle Against Glioblastomas: A Review. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11020241. [PMID: 30791455 PMCID: PMC6406705 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11020241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant tumor arising from brain parenchyma. Although many efforts have been made to develop therapies for GBM, the prognosis still remains poor, mainly because of the difficulty in total resection of the tumor mass from brain tissue and the resistance of the residual tumor against standard chemoradiotherapy. Therefore, novel adjuvant therapies are urgently needed. Recent genome-wide analyses of GBM cases have clarified molecular signaling mechanisms underlying GBM biology. However, results of clinical trials targeting phosphorylation-mediated signaling have been unsatisfactory to date. Protein phosphatases are enzymes that antagonize phosphorylation signaling by dephosphorylating phosphorylated signaling molecules. Recently, the critical roles of phosphatases in the regulation of oncogenic signaling in malignant tumor cells have been reported, and tumorigenic roles of deregulated phosphatases have been demonstrated in GBM. However, a detailed mechanism underlying phosphatase-mediated signaling transduction in the regulation of GBM has not been elucidated, and such information is necessary to apply phosphatases as a therapeutic target for GBM. This review highlights and summarizes the phosphatases that have crucial roles in the regulation of oncogenic signaling in GBM cells.
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17
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Malhotra A, Sharma U, Puhan S, Chandra Bandari N, Kharb A, Arifa PP, Thakur L, Prakash H, Vasquez KM, Jain A. Stabilization of miRNAs in esophageal cancer contributes to radioresistance and limits efficacy of therapy. Biochimie 2018; 156:148-157. [PMID: 30326253 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2018.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The five-year survival rate of esophageal cancer patients is less than 20%. This may be due to increased resistance (acquired or intrinsic) of tumor cells to chemo/radiotherapies, often caused by aberrant cell cycle, deregulated apoptosis, increases in growth factor signaling pathways, and/or changes in the proteome network. In addition, deregulation in non-coding RNA-mediated signaling pathways may contribute to resistance to therapies. At the molecular level, these resistance factors have now been linked to various microRNA (miRNAs), which have recently been shown to control cell development, differentiation and neoplasia. The increased stability and dysregulated expression of miRNAs have been associated with increased resistance to various therapies in several cancers, including esophageal cancer. Therefore, miRNAs represent the next generation of molecules with tremendous potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. However, detailed studies on miRNA-based therapeutic interventions are still in their infancy. Hence, in this review, we have summarized the current status of microRNAs in dictating the resistance/sensitivity of tumor cells to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In addition, we have discussed various strategies to increase radiosensitivity, including targeted therapy, and the use of miRNAs as radiosensitive/radioresistance biomarkers for esophageal cancer in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshay Malhotra
- Department of Animal Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Uttam Sharma
- Department of Animal Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Shyamly Puhan
- Department of Animal Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Naga Chandra Bandari
- Department of Animal Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Anjali Kharb
- Department of Animal Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - P P Arifa
- Department of Animal Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Lovlesh Thakur
- Department of Animal Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Hridayesh Prakash
- Laboratory Oncology Unit, Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, 110029, India; Institute of Virology and Immunology, Amity University, NOIDA, India.
| | - Karen M Vasquez
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Dell Pediatric Research Institute, 1400 Barbara Jordan Blvd, Austin, TX, 78723, USA
| | - Aklank Jain
- Department of Animal Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India.
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18
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Li H, Jin X, Chen B, Li P, Li Q. Autophagy-regulating microRNAs: potential targets for improving radiotherapy. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2018; 144:1623-1634. [PMID: 29971533 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-018-2675-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Radiotherapy (RT) is one of the most important therapeutic strategies against cancer. However, resistance of cancer cells to radiation remains a major challenge for RT. Thus, novel strategies to overcome cancer cell radioresistance are urgent. Macroautophagy (hereafter referred to as autophagy) is a biological process by which damaged cell components can be removed and accordingly represent a cytoprotective mechanism. Because radiation-induced autophagy is associated with either cell death or radioresistance of cancer cells, a deeper understanding of the autophagy mechanism triggered by radiation will expedite a development of strategies improving the efficacy of RT. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in many biological processes. Mounting evidence indicates that many miRNAs are involved in regulation of the autophagic process induced by radiation insult, but the underlying mechanisms remain obscure. Therefore, a deep understanding of the mechanisms of miRNAs in regulating autophagy and radioresistance will provide a new perspective for RT against cancer. METHODS We summarized the recent pertinent literature from various electronic databases, including PubMed. We reviewed the radiation-induced autophagy response and its association of the role, function and regulation of miRNAs, and discussed the feasibility of targeting autophagy-related miRNAs to improve the efficacy of RT. CONCLUSION The beneficial or harmful effect of autophagy may depend on the types of cancer and stress. The cytoprotective role of autophagy plays a dominant role in cancer RT. For most tumor cells, reducing radiation-induced autophagy can improve the efficacy of RT. MiRNAs have been confirmed to take part in the autophagy regulatory network of cancer RT, the autophagy-regulating miRNAs therefore could be developed as potential targets for improving RT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongbin Li
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 509 Nanchang Road, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, China.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China.,Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Heavy Ion Radiation Application in Medicine, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiaodong Jin
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 509 Nanchang Road, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, China.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China.,Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Heavy Ion Radiation Application in Medicine, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, China
| | - Bing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Ping Li
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 509 Nanchang Road, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, China.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China.,Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Heavy Ion Radiation Application in Medicine, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 509 Nanchang Road, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, China. .,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China. .,Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Heavy Ion Radiation Application in Medicine, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, China.
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19
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Nakod PS, Kim Y, Rao SS. Biomimetic models to examine microenvironmental regulation of glioblastoma stem cells. Cancer Lett 2018; 429:41-53. [PMID: 29746930 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2018.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a malignant brain tumor, is the deadliest form of human cancer with low survival rates because of its highly invasive nature. In recent years, there has been a growing appreciation for the role that glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) play during tumorigenesis and tumor recurrence of GBM. GSCs are a specialized subset of GBM cells with stem cell-like features that contribute to tumor initiation and therapeutic resistance. Thus, to enhance therapeutic efficiency and improve survival, targeting GSCs and their microenvironmental niche appears to be a promising approach. To develop this approach, understanding GSC-microenvironment interactions is crucial. This review discusses various biomimetic model systems to understand the impact of biophysical, biochemical, and cellular microenvironmental cues on GSC behaviors. These models include two-dimensional or matrix-free environment models, engineered biomaterial-based three-dimensional models, co-culture models, and mouse and rat in vivo models. These systems have been used to study the effects of biophysical factors, modulation of signaling pathways, extracellular matrix components, and culture conditions on the GSC phenotype. The advantages and disadvantages of these model systems and their impact in the field of GSC research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinaki S Nakod
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Yonghyun Kim
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Shreyas S Rao
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA.
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20
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Fang C, Dai CY, Mei Z, Jiang MJ, Gu DN, Huang Q, Tian L. microRNA-193a stimulates pancreatic cancer cell repopulation and metastasis through modulating TGF-β2/TGF-βRIII signalings. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2018; 37:25. [PMID: 29433538 PMCID: PMC5809917 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-018-0697-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer characterizes high recurrence and poor prognosis. In clinical practice, radiotherapy is widely used for pancreatic cancer treatment. However, the outcome remains undesirable due to tumor repopulation and following recurrence and metastasis after radiation. So, it is highly needed to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms and accordingly develop therapeutic strategies. Our previous studies revealed that dying cells from chemoradiation could stimulate repopulation of surviving pancreatic cancer cells. However, we still knew little how dying cells provoke pancreatic cancer cell repopulation. We herein would explore the significance of TGF-β2 changes and investigate the modulation of microRNA-193a (miR-193a), and identify their contributions to pancreatic cancer repopulation and metastasis. METHODS In vitro and in vivo repopulation models were established to mimic the biological processes of pancreatic cancer after radiation. Western blot, real-time PCR and dual-luciferase reporter assays were accordingly used to detect miR-193a and TGF-β2/TGF-βRIII signalings at the level of molecular, cellular and experimental animal model, respectively. Flow cytometry analysis, wound healing and transwell assay, vascular endothelial cell penetration experiment, and bioluminescence imaging were employed to assessthe biological behaviors of pancreatic cancer after different treatments. Patient-derived tumor xenograft (PDX) mice models were established to evaluate the therapeutic potential of miR-193a antagonist on pancreatic cancer repopulation and metastasis after radiation. RESULTS miR-193a was highly expressed in the irradiated pancreatic cancer dying cells, accordingly elevated the level of miR-193a in surviving cells, and further promoted pancreatic cancer repopulation and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. miR-193a accelerated pancreatic cancer cell cycle and stimulated cell proliferation and repopulation through inhibiting TGF-β2/TGF-βRIII/SMADs/E2F6/c-Myc signaling, and even destroyed normal intercellular junctions and promoted metastasis via repressing TGF-β2/TGF-βRIII/ARHGEF15/ABL2 pathway. Knockdown of miR-193a or restoration of TGF-β2/TGF-βRIII signaling in pancreatic cancer cells was found to block pancreatic cancer repopulation and metastasis after radiation. In PDX models, the treatment in combination with miR-193a antagonist and radiation was found to dramatically inhibit pancreatic cancer cell repopulation and metastasis, and further improved the survival after radiation. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrated that miR-193a stimulated pancreatic cancer cell repopulation and metastasis through modulating TGF-β2/TGF-βRIII signalings, and miR-193a might be a potential therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer repopulation and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Fang
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Science bldg. Rm 205, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, New Songjiang Rd No.650, Songjiang District, Shanghai, 201620, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen-Yun Dai
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Science bldg. Rm 205, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, New Songjiang Rd No.650, Songjiang District, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Zhu Mei
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming-Jie Jiang
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Science bldg. Rm 205, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, New Songjiang Rd No.650, Songjiang District, Shanghai, 201620, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dian-Na Gu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Science bldg. Rm 205, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, New Songjiang Rd No.650, Songjiang District, Shanghai, 201620, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Huang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,The Comprehensive Cancer Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Tian
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Science bldg. Rm 205, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, New Songjiang Rd No.650, Songjiang District, Shanghai, 201620, China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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21
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Ni J, Bucci J, Chang L, Malouf D, Graham P, Li Y. Targeting MicroRNAs in Prostate Cancer Radiotherapy. Theranostics 2017; 7:3243-3259. [PMID: 28900507 PMCID: PMC5595129 DOI: 10.7150/thno.19934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy is one of the most important treatment options for localized early-stage or advanced-stage prostate cancer (CaP). Radioresistance (relapse after radiotherapy) is a major challenge for the current radiotherapy. There is great interest in investigating mechanisms of radioresistance and developing novel treatment strategies to overcome radioresistance. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level, participating in numerous physiological and pathological processes including cancer invasion, progression, metastasis and therapeutic resistance. Emerging evidence indicates that miRNAs play a critical role in the modulation of key cellular pathways that mediate response to radiation, influencing the radiosensitivity of the cancer cells through interplaying with other biological processes such as cell cycle checkpoints, apoptosis, autophagy, epithelial-mesenchymal transition and cancer stem cells. Here, we summarize several important miRNAs in CaP radiation response and then discuss the regulation of the major signalling pathways and biological processes by miRNAs in CaP radiotherapy. Finally, we emphasize on microRNAs as potential predictive biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets to improve CaP radiosensitivity.
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22
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Zhao Y, Cui X, Zhu W, Chen X, Shen C, Liu Z, Yang G, Liu Y, Zhao S. Synergistic regulatory effects of microRNAs on brain glioma cells. Mol Med Rep 2017; 16:1409-1416. [PMID: 29067452 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.6709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioma is among the most common types of cancer of the central nervous system and is difficult to cure. Due to the lack of glioma-specific treatments, patients with glioma exhibit high mortality rates. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) participate in the pathogenesis of glioma, and upregulation of specific miRNAs promotes cell proliferation, whereas apoptosis‑inducing miRNAs are markedly downregulated in the context of glioma. Therefore, miRNAs may be important contributors to the pathogenesis of glioma. In the present study, nine miRNAs were investigated as miRNA‑miRNA pairs, and the measured cell viabilities were consistent with the results of synergy predictions. Extensive synergy occurred among upregulated miRNAs in U87 cells, whereas downregulated miRNAs rarely exhibited synergism. Treatment with an miRNA‑miRNA pair exhibiting strong synergy increased the inhibitory effects of these miRNAs on tumor cells, and the combined inhibitory effects were increased compared with the sum of the individual inhibitory effects of each miRNA. Using cell viability assays, TUNEL staining, and flow cytometry, the present study demonstrates that cotransfection with miR‑20a and miR‑21inhibitors resulted in the highest synergistic effect on the promotion of apoptosis in U87 cells. The results of the present study provide important insights into the potential use of miRNAs in the treatment of glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilei Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P.R. China
| | - Xiaomeng Cui
- Institute of Measurement-Control Technology and Communications Engineering, Harbin University of Science and Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150010, P.R. China
| | - Wenliang Zhu
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, P.R. China
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P.R. China
| | - Chen Shen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P.R. China
| | - Zhendong Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P.R. China
| | - Guang Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P.R. China
| | - Yaohua Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P.R. China
| | - Shiguang Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P.R. China
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RNA Nanoparticle-Based Targeted Therapy for Glioblastoma through Inhibition of Oncogenic miR-21. Mol Ther 2017; 25:1544-1555. [PMID: 28109960 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2016.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Revised: 11/16/2016] [Accepted: 11/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeted inhibition of oncogenic miRNA-21 has been proposed to treat glioblastoma by rescuing tumor suppressors, PTEN and PDCD4. However, systemic delivery of anti-miR-21 sequences requires a robust and efficient delivery platform to successfully inhibit this druggable target. Three-way-junction (3WJ)-based RNA nanoparticles (RNP), artificially derived from pRNA of bacteriophage phi29 DNA packaging motor, was recently shown to target glioblastoma. Here, we report that multi-valent folate (FA)-conjugated 3WJ RNP constructed to harbor anti-miR-21 LNA sequences (FA-3WJ-LNA-miR21) specifically targeted and delivered anti-miR-21 LNA and knocked down miR-21 expression in glioblastoma cells in vitro and in vivo with favorable biodistribution. Systemically injected FA-3WJ-LNA-miR21 RNP efficiently rescued PTEN and PDCD4, resulting in glioblastoma cell apoptosis and tumor growth regression. Overall survival rate was also significantly improved by FA-3WJ-LNA-miR21 RNP. These results are indicative of the clinical benefit of FA-3WJ RNP-based gene therapy for the successful targeted therapy of developing and even recurring glioblastoma.
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24
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The expression of miRNA-221 and miRNA-222 in gliomas patients and their prognosis. Neurol Sci 2016; 38:67-73. [DOI: 10.1007/s10072-016-2710-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Bronisz A, Godlewski J, Chiocca EA. Extracellular Vesicles and MicroRNAs: Their Role in Tumorigenicity and Therapy for Brain Tumors. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2016; 36:361-76. [PMID: 26983830 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-015-0293-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2015] [Accepted: 10/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs which mediate post-transcriptional gene regulation. Recently, microRNAs have also been found to be localized to the extracellular space, often encapsulated in secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs). This tandem of EVs and tissue-specific expressed/secreted microRNAs that can be taken up by neighboring or distant recipient cells, leading to changes in gene expression-suggests a cell-specialized role in physiological and pathological conditions. The complexity of solid tumors and their distinct pathophysiology relies on interactive communications between the various cell types in the neoplasm (tumor, endothelial, or macrophages, for instance). Understanding how such EV/microRNA-mediated communication occurs may actually lead to avenues for therapeutic exploitation and/or intervention, particularly for the most formidable cancers, such as those in the brain. In this review, the role of microRNAs/EVs in brain tumors will be discussed with emphasis on how these molecules could be utilized for tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Bronisz
- Department of Neurosurgery, Harvey Cushing Neuro-oncology Laboratories, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Jakub Godlewski
- Department of Neurosurgery, Harvey Cushing Neuro-oncology Laboratories, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - E Antonio Chiocca
- Department of Neurosurgery, Harvey Cushing Neuro-oncology Laboratories, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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Abstract
The control of malignant glioma cell cycle by microRNAs (miRNAs) is well established. The deregulation of miRNAs in glioma may contribute to tumor proliferation by directly targeting the critical cell-cycle regulators. Tumor suppressive miRNAs inhibit cell cycle through repressing the expression of positive cell-cycle regulators. However, oncogenic miRNAs promote the cell-cycle progression by targeting cell-cycle negative regulators. Recent studies have identified that transcription factors had involved in the expression of miRNAs. Transcription factors and miRNAs are implicated in regulatory network of glioma cell cycle, the deregulation of these transcription factors might be a cause of the deregulation of miRNAs. Abnormal versions of miRNAs have been implicated in the cell cycle of glioma. Based on those, miRNAs are excellent biomarker candidates and potential targets for therapeutic intervention in glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Ouyang
- a Department of Neurosurgery, Daping Hospital & Research Institute of Surgery , Third Military Medical University , Chongqing , China
| | - Lunshan Xu
- a Department of Neurosurgery, Daping Hospital & Research Institute of Surgery , Third Military Medical University , Chongqing , China
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- b State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Institute of Sericulture and Systems Biology , Southwest University , Chongqing , China
| | - Minhui Xu
- a Department of Neurosurgery, Daping Hospital & Research Institute of Surgery , Third Military Medical University , Chongqing , China
| | - Liang Yi
- a Department of Neurosurgery, Daping Hospital & Research Institute of Surgery , Third Military Medical University , Chongqing , China
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Lopes-Ramos CM, Habr-Gama A, Quevedo BDS, Felício NM, Bettoni F, Koyama FC, Asprino PF, Galante PA, Gama-Rodrigues J, Camargo AA, Perez RO, Parmigiani RB. Overexpression of miR-21-5p as a predictive marker for complete tumor regression to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer patients. BMC Med Genomics 2014; 7:68. [PMID: 25496125 PMCID: PMC4279677 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-014-0068-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2014] [Accepted: 11/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) followed by radical surgery is the preferred treatment strategy for locally advanced rectal cancer. However, complete tumor regression is observed in a significant proportion of patients after nCRT, making them ideal candidates for alternative treatment strategies to this considerably morbid procedure. Identification of such patients based on clinical findings (complete clinical response - cCR) is difficult mainly because it relies on subjective clinical and imaging studies. Our goal was to identify biomarkers capable of predicting complete response to nCRT. Methods We analyzed miRNA expression profile using deep sequencing in rectal tumor biopsies prior to nCRT. Differential expression was investigated by EdgeR for a training (n = 27) and a validation (n = 16) set of patients to identify miRNAs associated with treatment response (complete vs. incomplete). In vitro experiments with two cancer cell lines were also performed in order to evaluate the possible role of miRNAs on response to nCRT. Results We found 4 miRNAs differentially expressed between complete and incomplete responders to nCRT. In addition, validation was performed using an independent group of patients and miR-21-5p was confirmed as being overexpressed in complete responders. Overall sensitivity and specificity of miR-21-5p expression in predicting complete response to nCRT was 78% and 86% respectively. Interestingly, in a subset of patients with cCR followed by early local recurrence, the expression level of miR-21-5p was considerably low, similarly to incomplete responders. We also found SATB1, a miR-21-5p target gene and known multidrug resistance gene, whose expression was inversely correlated with miR-21-5p expression. Finally, we performed functional experiments and showed that miR-21-5p and SATB1 may be directly involved with poor response to nCRT in rectal cancer patients. Conclusions This study suggests miR-21-5p as a promising predictive biomarker, which should aid in the selection of patients with cCR to nCRT that potentially could be spared from radical surgery. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12920-014-0068-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Miranda Lopes-Ramos
- Centro de Oncologia Molecular, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, São Paulo, Brazil. .,Fundação Antônio Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Angelita Habr-Gama
- Angelita & Joaquim Gama Institute, São Paulo, Brazil. .,University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | | | - Natália Mariana Felício
- Angelita & Joaquim Gama Institute, São Paulo, Brazil. .,Hospital Alemão Oswaldo Cruz, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Fabiana Bettoni
- Centro de Oncologia Molecular, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | - Joaquim Gama-Rodrigues
- Angelita & Joaquim Gama Institute, São Paulo, Brazil. .,University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Anamaria Aranha Camargo
- Centro de Oncologia Molecular, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, São Paulo, Brazil. .,Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Rodrigo Oliva Perez
- Angelita & Joaquim Gama Institute, São Paulo, Brazil. .,University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil. .,Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Henriksen M, Johnsen KB, Andersen HH, Pilgaard L, Duroux M. MicroRNA expression signatures determine prognosis and survival in glioblastoma multiforme--a systematic overview. Mol Neurobiol 2014; 50:896-913. [PMID: 24619503 PMCID: PMC4225053 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-014-8668-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2013] [Accepted: 02/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Despite advances in our knowledge about glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) pathology, clinical challenges still lie ahead with respect to treatment in GBM due to high prevalence, poor prognosis, and frequent tumor relapse. The implication of microRNAs (miRNAs) in GBM is a rapidly expanding field of research with the aim to develop more targeted molecular therapies. This review aims to present a comprehensive overview of all the available literature, evaluating miRNA signatures as a function of prognosis and survival in GBM. The results are presented with a focus on studies derived from clinical data in databases and independent tissue cohorts where smaller samples sizes were investigated. Here, miRNA associated to longer survival (protective) and miRNA with shorter survival (risk-associated) have been identified and their signatures based on different prognostic attributes are described. Finally, miRNAs associated with disease progression or survival in several studies are identified and functionally described. These miRNAs may be valuable for future determination of patient prognosis and could possibly serve as targets for miRNA-based therapies, which hold a great potential in the treatment of this severe malignant disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Henriksen
- Laboratory for Cancer Biology, Institute of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 3B, 9220 Aalborg Ø, Denmark
| | - Kasper Bendix Johnsen
- Laboratory for Cancer Biology, Institute of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 3B, 9220 Aalborg Ø, Denmark
| | - Hjalte Holm Andersen
- Laboratory for Cancer Biology, Institute of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 3B, 9220 Aalborg Ø, Denmark
| | - Linda Pilgaard
- Laboratory for Cancer Biology, Institute of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 3B, 9220 Aalborg Ø, Denmark
| | - Meg Duroux
- Laboratory for Cancer Biology, Institute of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 3B, 9220 Aalborg Ø, Denmark
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miRNAs in tumor radiation response: bystanders or participants? Trends Mol Med 2014; 20:529-39. [PMID: 25153824 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2014.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2014] [Revised: 07/18/2014] [Accepted: 07/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
There is increasing interest in defining a functional association between miRNAs and tumor radiation response, with the double aim of rationally designing miRNA-based strategies to increase patient radiosensitivity and identifying novel biomarkers of treatment response. Although it has been demonstrated that several miRNAs directly regulate the expression of components of cell pathways relevant to radiosensitivity, and miRNA expression profiles change upon irradiation, understanding the causal role exerted by individual miRNAs in determining tumor radiation response is still at an early stage. Based on available experimental and clinical evidence, we discuss here the potential of miRNAs as targets and/or tools for modulating radioresponsivity at the clinical level, as well as possible predictive biomarkers, underlining present limits and future perspectives.
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30
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Gao X, Jin W. The emerging role of tumor-suppressive microRNA-218 in targeting glioblastoma stemness. Cancer Lett 2014; 353:25-31. [PMID: 25042866 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2014.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2014] [Revised: 07/09/2014] [Accepted: 07/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is by far the most common and most aggressive malignant primary tumor in humans and has poor outcomes despite many advances in treatment using combinations of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Recent studies demonstrate that GBM contains a subpopulation of cancer cells with stem cell characteristics, including self-renewal and multipotentiality, and that these cancer stem cells contribute to disease progression. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding regulatory RNA molecules that regulate a variety of cellular processes, including stem cell maintenance. An accumulating body of evidence shows that miR-218 may act as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting glioblastoma invasion, migration, proliferation and stemness through its different targets, indicating the great potential and relevance of miR-218 as a novel class of therapeutic target in glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingchun Gao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an 710021, China; Institute of Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, Key Laboratory for Thin Film and Microfabrication Technology of the Ministry of Education, Department of Instrument Science and Engineering, School of Electronic Information and Electronic Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Weilin Jin
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an 710021, China; Institute of Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, Key Laboratory for Thin Film and Microfabrication Technology of the Ministry of Education, Department of Instrument Science and Engineering, School of Electronic Information and Electronic Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China; School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
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31
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Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE microRNAs (miRNA) have been characterized as master regulators of the genome. As such, miRNAs are responsible for regulating almost every cellular pathway, including the DNA damage response (DDR) after ionizing radiation (IR). IR is a therapeutic tool that is used for the treatment of several types of cancer, yet the mechanism behind radiation response is not fully understood. RECENT ADVANCES It has been demonstrated that IR can alter miRNA expression profiles, varying greatly from one cell type to the next. It is possible that this variation contributes to the range of tumor cell responsiveness that is observed after radiotherapy, especially considering the extensive role for miRNAs in regulating the DDR. In addition, individual miRNAs or miRNA families have been shown to play a multifaceted role in the DDR, regulating multiple members in a single pathway. CRITICAL ISSUES In this review, we will discuss the effects of radiation on miRNA expression as well as explore the function of miRNAs in regulating the cellular response to radiation-induced damage. We will discuss the importance of miRNA regulation at each stage of the DDR, including signal transduction, DNA damage sensing, cell cycle checkpoint activation, DNA double-strand break repair, and apoptosis. We will focus on emphasizing the importance of a single miRNA targeting several mediators within a pathway. FUTURE DIRECTIONS miRNAs will continue to emerge as critical regulators of the DDR. Understanding the role of miRNAs in the response to IR will provide insights for improving the current standard therapy.
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32
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Berthois Y, Delfino C, Metellus P, Fina F, Nanni-Metellus I, Al Aswy H, Pirisi V, Ouafik L, Boudouresque F. Differential expression of miR200a-3p and miR21 in grade II-III and grade IV gliomas: evidence that miR200a-3p is regulated by O⁶-methylguanine methyltransferase and promotes temozolomide responsiveness. Cancer Biol Ther 2014; 15:938-50. [PMID: 24755707 DOI: 10.4161/cbt.28920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary brain tumor and is among the deadliest of human cancers. Dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) expression is an important step in tumor progression as miRNAs can act as tumor suppressors or oncogenes and may affect cell sensitivity to chemotherapy. Whereas the oncogenic miR21 has been shown to be overexpressed in gliomas, the expression and function of the tumor-supressor miR200a in GBMs remains unknown. In this study, we show that miR21 is upregulated in grade IV (GBMs) vs. grade II-III (LGs) gliomas, confirming that miR21 expression level is correlated with tumor grade, and that it may be considered as a marker of tumor progression. Conversely, miR200a is demonstrated for the first time to be downregulated in GBMs compared with LGs, and overexpression of miR200a in GBM cells is shown to promote TMZ-sensitivity. Interestingly, miR200a but not miR21 expression level is significantly higher in TMZ-responsive vs. -unresponsive tumoral glial cells in primary culture. Furthermore, miR200a appears negatively correlated with the expression of the DNA repair enzyme O (6)-methylguanine methyltransferase (MGMT), and the inhibition of MGMT activity results in an increase of miR200a expression in GBM cells. Taken together, these data strongly suggest that miR200a is likely to act as a crucial antitumoral factor regarding glioma progression. Interplay between miR200a and MGMT should be considered as potential mechanism involved in therapeutic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yolande Berthois
- Aix Marseille Université; Inserm; CRO2 UMR_S 911; Marseille, France
| | | | - Philippe Metellus
- Aix Marseille Université; Inserm; CRO2 UMR_S 911; Marseille, France; Departement de Neuropathologie; APHM; Hopital Timone; Marseille, France
| | - Frederic Fina
- Service de Transfert d'Oncologie Biologique; APHM; Hopital Nord; Marseille, France
| | | | - Hayat Al Aswy
- Aix Marseille Université; Inserm; CRO2 UMR_S 911; Marseille, France
| | - Victor Pirisi
- Aix Marseille Université; Inserm; CRO2 UMR_S 911; Marseille, France
| | - L'Houcine Ouafik
- Aix Marseille Université; Inserm; CRO2 UMR_S 911; Marseille, France; Service de Transfert d'Oncologie Biologique; APHM; Hopital Nord; Marseille, France
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Silencing miR-21 sensitizes non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells to ionizing radiation through inhibition of PI3K/Akt. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:617868. [PMID: 24804226 PMCID: PMC3997135 DOI: 10.1155/2014/617868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2013] [Revised: 02/28/2014] [Accepted: 03/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the role of microRNA-21 (miR-21) in radiotherapy resistance of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) and the underlying molecular mechanism. A549 cells were transfected with anti-miR-21 or the negative control oligonucleotides and real-time PCR was applied to detect miR-21 expression level. After ionizing radiation (IR), the survival fractions, proliferation, apoptosis, and expression of phosphorylated-Akt of A549 cells were determined by clonogenic survival analysis, MTT assay, flow cytometry, and Western blotting. Downregulation of miR-21 in radioresistant NSCLC A549 cells inhibited the colony-forming ability and proliferation of A549 cells after IR. Moreover, silencing miR-21 enhanced apoptosis of A549 cells induced by IR accompanied by decreased phosphorylated-Akt protein level. However, PI3K activator IGF-1 reversed suppression of phosphorylated-Akt protein level and promotion of apoptosis of A549 cells after IR caused by miR-21 knockdown. Silencing miR-21 in radioresistant NSCLC A549 cells sensitized them to IR by inhibiting cell proliferation and enhancing cell apoptosis through inhibition of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. This might help in sensitization of NSCLC to radiotherapy.
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Liu J, Zhu H, Yang X, Ge Y, Zhang C, Qin Q, Lu J, Zhan L, Cheng H, Sun X. MicroRNA-21 is a novel promising target in cancer radiation therapy. Tumour Biol 2014; 35:3975-9. [PMID: 24446181 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-014-1623-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2013] [Accepted: 01/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) represent an important nonprotein part of the human genome in tumor biology. Among the several types of miRNAs, microRNA-21 (miR-21) is dysregulated in several types of cancer and plays a key role in carcinogenesis, recurrence, and metastasis. Thus, it can be a potential target for cancer therapy including radiation therapy. In this review, we focus on miR-21, which has been identified in human cancer tissues, to suggest reasonable strategies for future research. miR-21 may have an influence on cell cycle, DNA damage repair, apoptosis, autophagy, and hypoxia of cancer during irradiation. We review the use of miR-21 in cancer radiation therapy and describe the known functions and possible underlying molecular mechanisms of miR-21 in radiosensitivity and radioresistance. Furthermore, the current and potential future applications of miR-21 in cancer radiation therapy are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Rd, Nanjing, 210029, China
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35
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Palumbo S, Miracco C, Pirtoli L, Comincini S. Emerging roles of microRNA in modulating cell-death processes in malignant glioma. J Cell Physiol 2014; 229:277-86. [PMID: 23929496 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.24446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2013] [Accepted: 08/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNA molecules that regulate protein expression by cleaving or repressing the translation of target mRNAs. In mammals, their function mainly represses the mRNA transcripts via imperfect complementary sequences in the 3'UTR of target mRNAs. Several miRNAs have been recently reported to be involved in modulation of different genes in tumors, including glioblastoma, the most frequent brain tumor in adults. Despite the improvements in treatments, survival of patients remains poor, and glioblastoma is one of the most lethal form of human cancer. To define novel strategies against this tumor, emerging research investigated miRNAs involvement in glioblastoma. In particular, this review is focused on miRNAs involved on the two principal programmed cell-death, apoptosis and autophagy, recently described from the literature. Moreover, the discovery of miRNAs role in glioma cell-death pathways has also revealed a new category of therapeutic targets, fundamental for this kind of tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Palumbo
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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36
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Li M, Li J, Liu L, Li W, Yang Y, Yuan J. MicroRNA in Human Glioma. Cancers (Basel) 2013; 5:1306-31. [PMID: 24202447 PMCID: PMC3875941 DOI: 10.3390/cancers5041306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2013] [Revised: 10/08/2013] [Accepted: 10/10/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioma represents a serious health problem worldwide. Despite advances in surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeting therapy, the disease remains one of the most lethal malignancies in humans, and new approaches to improvement of the efficacy of anti-glioma treatments are urgently needed. Thus, new therapeutic targets and tools should be developed based on a better understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of glioma. In this context, microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small, non-coding RNAs, play a pivotal role in the development of the malignant phenotype of glioma cells, including cell survival, proliferation, differentiation, tumor angiogenesis, and stem cell generation. This review will discuss the biological functions of miRNAs in human glioma and their implications in improving clinical diagnosis, prediction of prognosis, and anti-glioma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengfeng Li
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Chinese Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510080, China; E-Mails: (J.L.); (L.L.); (W.L.); (Y.Y.); (J.Y.)
- Department of Microbiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +86-20-87332748; Fax: +86-20-87331209
| | - Jun Li
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Chinese Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510080, China; E-Mails: (J.L.); (L.L.); (W.L.); (Y.Y.); (J.Y.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Chinese Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510080, China; E-Mails: (J.L.); (L.L.); (W.L.); (Y.Y.); (J.Y.)
- Department of Microbiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Wei Li
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Chinese Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510080, China; E-Mails: (J.L.); (L.L.); (W.L.); (Y.Y.); (J.Y.)
- Department of Microbiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Chinese Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510080, China; E-Mails: (J.L.); (L.L.); (W.L.); (Y.Y.); (J.Y.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jie Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Chinese Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510080, China; E-Mails: (J.L.); (L.L.); (W.L.); (Y.Y.); (J.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Functional Molecules from Oceanic Microorganisms (Sun Yat-sen University), Department of Education of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou 510080, China
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37
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Zhao WH, Wu SQ, Zhang YD. Downregulation of miR-124 promotes the growth and invasiveness of glioblastoma cells involving upregulation of PPP1R13L. Int J Mol Med 2013; 32:101-7. [PMID: 23624869 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2013.1365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2013] [Accepted: 03/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
microRNA-124 (miR-124) plays an important role in regulating growth, invasiveness, stem-like traits, differentiation and apoptosis of glioblastoma cells. PPP1R3L, an inhibitory member of the apoptosis-stimulating protein of p53 family (IASPP), is also able to affect growth, cell cycle progression, metastasis and apoptosis of various types of cancer. To investigate the regulation of PPP1R13L expression by miR-124 and their effects on proliferation, cell cycle transition and invasion in glioblastoma cells, U251 and U373 glioblastoma cells were transfected with miR-124 mimics, its negative control (NC) or an inhibitor. We found that miR-124 was downregulated in glioblastoma tissues, and inversely regulated PPP1R13L expression in U251 and U373 glioblastoma cells. PPP1R13L was found to be a direct target of miR-124 in glioblastoma cells. Overexpression of miR-124 inhibited proliferation, G1/S transition and invasiveness in glioblastoma cells. miR-124 downregulation-mediated malignant progression of glioblastoma was partly attributed to increased PPP1R13L expression. Consequently, our findings provide a molecular basis for the role of miR-124/PPP1R13L in the progression of human glioblastoma and suggest a novel target for the treatment of glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Hua Zhao
- National Hepatobiliary and Enteric Surgery Research Center, Central South University, Changsha 410008, P.R. China
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Koshkin PA, Chistiakov DA, Chekhonin VP. Role of microRNAs in mechanisms of glioblastoma resistance to radio- and chemotherapy. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2013; 78:325-34. [DOI: 10.1134/s0006297913040019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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MicroRNAs in the ionizing radiation response and in radiotherapy. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2013; 23:12-9. [PMID: 23453900 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2013.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2012] [Revised: 12/28/2012] [Accepted: 01/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Radiotherapy is a form of cancer treatment that utilizes the ability of ionizing radiation to induce cell inactivation and cell death, generally via inflicting DNA double-strand breaks. However, different tumors and their normal surrounding tissues are not equally sensitive to radiation, posing a major challenge in the field: to seek out factors that influence radiosensitivity. In this review, we summarize the evidence for microRNA (miRNA) involvement in the radioresponse and discuss their potential as radiosensitizers. MicroRNAs are endogenous small, noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression posttranscriptionally, influencing many processes including, as highlighted here, cellular sensitivity to radiation. Profiling studies demonstrate that miRNA expression levels change in response to radiation, while certain miRNAs, when overexpressed or knocked down, alter radiosensitivity. Finally, we discuss specific miRNA-target pairs that affect response to radiation and DNA damage as good potential targets for modulating radioresponsitivity.
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40
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Ilhan-Mutlu A, Wöhrer A, Berghoff AS, Widhalm G, Marosi C, Wagner L, Preusser M. Comparison of microRNA expression levels between initial and recurrent glioblastoma specimens. J Neurooncol 2013; 112:347-54. [PMID: 23420397 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-013-1078-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2012] [Accepted: 02/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most frequent primary brain tumour in adults. Recent therapeutic advances increased patient's survival, but tumour recurrence inevitably occurs. The pathobiological mechanisms involved in glioblastoma recurrence are still unclear. MicroRNAs are small RNAs proposed o have important roles for cancer including proliferation, aggressiveness and metastases development. There exist only few data on the involvement of microRNAs in glioblastoma recurrence. We selected the following 7 microRNAs with potential relevance for glioblastoma pathobiology by means of a comprehensive literature search: microRNA-10b, microRNA-21, microRNA-181b, microRNA-181c, microRNA-195, microRNA-221 and microRNA-222. We further selected 15 primary glioblastoma patients, of whom formalin fixed and paraffin embedded tissue (FFPE) of the initial and recurrence surgery were available. All patients had received first line treatment consisting of postoperative combined radiochemotherapy with temozolomide (n = 15). Non-neoplastic brain tissue samples from 3 patients with temporal lobe epilepsy served as control. The expression of the microRNAs were analysed by RT-qPCR. These were correlated with each other and with clinical parameters. All microRNAs showed detectable levels of expressions in glioblastoma group, whereas microRNA-10b was not detectable in epilepsy patients. MicroRNAs except microRNA-21 showed significantly higher levels in epilepsy patients when compared to the levels of first resection of glioblastoma. Comparison of microRNA levels between first and second resections revealed no significant change. Cox regression analyses showed no significant association of microRNA expression levels in the tumor tissue with progression free survival times. Expression levels of microRNA-10b, microRNA-21, microRNA-181b, microRNA-181c, microRNA-195, microRNA-221 and microRNA-222 do not differ significantly between initial and recurrent glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aysegül Ilhan-Mutlu
- Department of Medicine I/Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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41
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Mizoguchi M, Guan Y, Yoshimoto K, Hata N, Amano T, Nakamizo A, Sasaki T. Clinical implications of microRNAs in human glioblastoma. Front Oncol 2013; 3:19. [PMID: 23403472 PMCID: PMC3566410 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2013.00019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2012] [Accepted: 01/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most common and dismal brain tumors in adults. Further elucidation of the molecular pathogenesis of GBM is mandatory to improve the overall survival of patients. A novel small non-coding RNA molecule, microRNA (miRNA), appears to represent one of the most attractive target molecules contributing to the pathogenesis of various types of tumors. Recent global analyses have revealed that several miRNAs are clinically implicated in GBM, with some reports indicating the association of miRNA dysregulation with acquired temozolomide (TMZ) resistance. More recent studies have revealed that miRNAs could play a role in cancer stem cell (CSC) properties, contributing to treatment resistance. In addition, greater impact might be expected from miRNA-targeted therapies based on tumor-derived exosomes that contain numerous functional miRNAs, which could be transferred between tumor cells and surrounding structures. Tumor-derived miRNAs are now considered to be a novel molecular mechanism promoting the progression of GBM. Establishment of miRNA-targeted therapies based on miRNA dysregulation of CSCs could provide effective therapeutic strategies for TMZ-resistant GBM. Recent progress has revealed that miRNAs are not only putative biological markers for diagnosis, but also one of the most promising targets for GBM treatment. Here in, we summarize the translational aspects of miRNAs in the diagnosis and treatment of GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Mizoguchi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University Fukuoka, Japan
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Wuchty S, Arjona D, Bauer PO. Important miRs of pathways in different tumor types. PLoS Comput Biol 2013; 9:e1002883. [PMID: 23358700 PMCID: PMC3554575 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1002883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2012] [Accepted: 11/30/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We computationally determined miRs that are significantly connected to molecular pathways by utilizing gene expression profiles in different cancer types such as glioblastomas, ovarian and breast cancers. Specifically, we assumed that the knowledge of physical interactions between miRs and genes indicated subsets of important miRs (IM) that significantly contributed to the regression of pathway-specific enrichment scores. Despite the different nature of the considered cancer types, we found strongly overlapping sets of IMs. Furthermore, IMs that were important for many pathways were enriched with literature-curated cancer and differentially expressed miRs. Such sets of IMs also coincided well with clusters of miRs that were experimentally indicated in numerous other cancer types. In particular, we focused on an overlapping set of 99 overall important miRs (OIM) that were found in glioblastomas, ovarian and breast cancers simultaneously. Notably, we observed that interactions between OIMs and leading edge genes of differentially expressed pathways were characterized by considerable changes in their expression correlations. Such gains/losses of miR and gene expression correlation indicated miR/gene pairs that may play a causal role in the underlying cancers. We assume that a network of physical interactions between miRs and genes allows us to determine miRs that influence the expression of whole pathways in different tumor types. Specifically, we represented each pathway by an enrichment score and an array of miRs counting the number of genes in the pathway a given miR can bind. Despite the different nature of the considered tumor types, we obtained a large set of overlapping miRs using a machine-learning algorithm. Such associated miRs were enriched with literature-curated cancer and differentially expressed miRs and also coincided well with clusters of miRs that were experimentally indicated in numerous other cancer types. Focusing on such sets of miRs we observed that interactions with genes in differentially expressed pathways were characterized by massive gains/losses of expression correlations. Such drastic changes of miR and gene expression correlation indicate miR/gene pairs that may play a causal role in the underlying cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Wuchty
- National Center of Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America.
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Anastasov N, Höfig I, Vasconcellos IG, Rappl K, Braselmann H, Ludyga N, Auer G, Aubele M, Atkinson MJ. Radiation resistance due to high expression of miR-21 and G2/M checkpoint arrest in breast cancer cells. Radiat Oncol 2012; 7:206. [PMID: 23216894 PMCID: PMC3573984 DOI: 10.1186/1748-717x-7-206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2012] [Accepted: 11/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is evidence that the extent of the G2/M arrest following irradiation is correlated with tumour cell survival and hence therapeutic success. We studied the regulation of cellular response to radiation treatment by miR-21-mediated modulation of cell cycle progression in breast cancer cells and analysed miR-21 expression in breast cancer tissue samples with long-term follow up. Methods The miR-21 expression levels were quantified (qRT-PCR) in a panel of 86 cases of invasive breast carcinomas in relation to metastasis free survival. The cellular radiosensitivity of human breast cancer cells after irradiation was determined comparing two cell lines (T47D and MDA-MB-361) by cell proliferation and colony forming assays. The influence of miR-21 overexpression or downregulation on cell cycle progression and G2/M checkpoint arrest after irradiation was assessed by flow cytometric analysis. Results The expression of miR-21 was transiently increased 8 hours after irradiation in the radioresistant T47D cells and significantly changed with lower extent in radiosensitive MDA-MB-361 cells. Anti-miR-21 treated breast cancer cells failed to exhibit the DNA damage-G2 checkpoint increase after irradiation. Apoptotic activity was significantly enhanced from 7% to 27% in T47D cells and from 18% to 30% in MDA-MB-361 cells 24 hours after 5 Gy irradiation. Additionally, we characterized expression of miR-21 in invasive breast carcinomas. In comparison to non-cancerous adjacent breast tissue, tumours samples had increased miR-21 expression that inversely correlated with the distant metastases-free survival of patients (p = 0.029). Conclusions Our data indicate that miR-21 expression in breast cancer cells contributes to radiation resistance by compromising cell cycle progression. These data point to the potential of combining radiotherapy with an anti-miR-21 as a potent G2/M check point inhibitor in overcoming radiation resistance of tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataša Anastasov
- Institute of Radiation Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Muenchen, Germany.
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McDermott R, Gabikian P, Sarvaiya P, Ulasov I, Lesniak MS. MicroRNAs in brain metastases: big things come in small packages. J Mol Med (Berl) 2012; 91:5-13. [PMID: 23138927 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-012-0971-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2012] [Revised: 10/12/2012] [Accepted: 10/12/2012] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Metastatic brain tumors provide a formidable obstacle in the survival of affected cancer patients, an obstacle that current treatment is essentially ineffective against. Our understanding of the metastatic cascade has demonstrated the role of incorrectly regulated protein expression and proved it to be a crucial component of this process. Recently, molecular studies have emphasized the role of microRNAs, small non-coding RNAs that alter protein expression, in the regulation of both normal and abnormal biological processes, including cancer and its metastasis to the brain. Furthermore, studies have demonstrated the ability to distinguish normal from cancerous cells, primary from secondary brain tumors, and correctly categorize metastatic brain tumor tissue of origin based solely on microRNA profiles. Interestingly, manipulation of microRNAs has proven effective in cancer treatment. With the promise of reduced toxicity, increased efficacy, and individually directed therapy, using microRNA in the treatment of metastatic brain tumors may prove very useful. In this review, we focus on the multiple potential microRNA targets for the treatment of metastatic brain lesions as well as current and future directions for its use in gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan McDermott
- The Brain Tumor Center, The University of Chicago, 5841 South Maryland Ave, M/C 3026, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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A systematic review of microRNA in glioblastoma multiforme: micro-modulators in the mesenchymal mode of migration and invasion. Mol Neurobiol 2012; 47:131-44. [PMID: 23054677 PMCID: PMC3538124 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-012-8349-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2012] [Accepted: 09/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an incurable form of brain cancer with a very poor prognosis. Because of its highly invasive nature, it is impossible to remove all tumor cells during surgical resection, making relapse inevitable. Further research into the regulatory mechanism underpinning GBM pathogenesis is therefore warranted, and over the past decade, there has been an increased focus on the functional role of microRNA (miRNA). This systematic review aims to present a comprehensive overview of all the available literature on the expression profiles and function of miRNA in GBM. Here, we have reviewed 163 papers and identified 253 upregulated, 95 downregulated, and 17 disputed miRNAs with respect to expression levels; 85 % of these miRNAs have not yet been functionally characterized. A focus in this study has been 26 interesting miRNAs involved in the mesenchymal mode of migration and invasion, demonstrating the importance of miRNAs in the context of the cellular niche. Both oncogenic and tumor-suppressive miRNAs were found to affect target genes involved in cell migration, cytoskeletal rearrangement, invasiveness, and angiogenesis. Clearly, the distinct functional properties of these miRNAs need further investigation and might hold a great potential in future molecular therapies targeting GBM.
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Huang S, Li XQ, Chen X, Che SM, Chen W, Zhang XZ. Inhibition of microRNA-21 increases radiosensitivity of esophageal cancer cells through phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 activation. Dis Esophagus 2012; 26:823-31. [PMID: 22958183 DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-2050.2012.01389.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The radioresistance of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is a great obstacle to treatment. Although it has been demonstrated that microRNA-21 (miR-21) can act as an 'oncogene' in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, its role in radioresistance remains unexplored. The aims of this study were to investigate the role of miR-21 in esophageal squamous carcinoma cells' radioresistance and to identify the possible mechanism. The relatively radioresistant esophageal squamous cancer TE-1 cells (TE-R60) was established by fractionated irradiation. By lentiviral transduction with miRZip-21, the miR-21 expression in TE-1 cells was stably downregulated, which was renamed as 'anti-miR-21 TE-1 cells.' The phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) was knocked down in anti-miR-21 TE-1 cells through short interfering RNA. The expression level of miR-21 and PTEN messenger RNA were measured by quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction or reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The expression level of PTEN, phospho-Akt, and Akt protein were detected by Western blot. Clongenic assay was used to analyze the cells' radiosensitivity. miR-21 was overexpressed, and PTEN was suppressed in established radioresistant TE-R60 cells compared with the parent cells (1.3-fold and 70.83%). The inhibition of miR-21 significantly increased the cells' radiosensitivity (P < 0.05) and the PTEN protein expression (2.3-fold) in TE-1 cells. In addition, phospho-Akt protein, downstream target of PTEN, reduced significantly in anti-miR-21 TE-1 cells. Knockdown of PTEN in anti-miR-21 TE-1 cells could abrogate the miR-21 inhibition-induced radiosensitization (P < 0.05). Inhibition of miR-21 increased radiosensitivity of esophageal cancer TE-1 cells, and this effect was possibly through the activation of PTEN. Inhibition of miR-21 may form a novel therapeutic strategy to increase the radiosensitivity of esophageal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Huang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China Center for Molecular Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
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Nikaki A, Piperi C, Papavassiliou AG. Role of microRNAs in gliomagenesis: targeting miRNAs in glioblastoma multiforme therapy. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2012; 21:1475-88. [PMID: 22809292 DOI: 10.1517/13543784.2012.710199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Gliomas consist of a very heterogeneous group of malignant tumors, accounting for 50 - 60% of primary brain tumors. Despite all the efforts of cytoreductive surgery in combination with intense chemoradiotherapy, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM, glioma grade IV) still has a dismal prognosis. Current research is focused on molecular targeting to overcome resistance to conventional therapy. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNAs, represent endogenous agents of RNA interference, dramatically changing expression of target proteins. Their role in brain physiology as well as GBM development has attracted intense research efforts pointing toward therapeutic potential and immediate targeting for sensitization of glioma cells to chemo and/or radiotherapy. AREAS COVERED This review is focused on the variable role of miRNAs in gliomagenesis and their possible clinical relevance in patient's survival and prognosis. It further addresses the potential application of selected miRNAs as therapeutic targets or agents in GMB, including data from clinical studies in other central nervous system tumors. EXPERT OPINION Although miRNA-targeted therapy is still in its initial stage and clinical trials with glioma/brain tumor patients are under recruitment or currently running, several miRNAs have been selected as promising tumor biomarkers, with increased potential to reduce disease progression in combination to conventional first-line therapy for gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Nikaki
- University of Athens, Medical School, Department of Biological Chemistry, Athens, Greece
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Chistiakov DA, Chekhonin VP. Contribution of microRNAs to radio- and chemoresistance of brain tumors and their therapeutic potential. Eur J Pharmacol 2012; 684:8-18. [PMID: 22484336 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2012.03.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2011] [Revised: 03/09/2012] [Accepted: 03/22/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastomas, particularly high grade brain tumors such as glioblastoma multiforme, are characterized by increased anaplasy, malignancy, proliferation, and invasion. These tumors exhibit high resistance to radiation therapy and treatment with anti-cancer drugs. The radio- and chemoresistance of gliomas is attributed to cancer stem cells (CSCs) that are considered as major contributors for maintenance and propagation of tumor cell mass, cancer malignancy and invasiveness, and tumor cell survival after courses of radiotherapy and medical interventions. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), key post-transcriptional gene regulators, have altered expression profiles in gliomas. Some of miRNAs whose expression is markedly up-regulated in brain tumors are likely to have a pro-oncogenic role through supporting growth, proliferation, migration, and survival of cancer stem and non-stem cells. In contrast, a population of miRNA possessing anti-tumor effects is suppressed in gliomas. In this review, we will consider miRNAs and their influence on radio- and chemoresistance of gliomas. These miRNAs harbor a great therapeutic significance as potent agents in future targeted anti-cancer therapy to sensitize glioma tumor cells and CSCs to cytotoxic effects of radiation exposure and treatment with anti-cancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitry A Chistiakov
- Department of Medical Nanobiotechnology, Pirogov Russian State Medical University, Moscow, Russia.
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Abstract
Conventional treatment of glioblastoma has advanced only incrementally in the last 30 years and still yields poor outcomes. The current strategy of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy has increased median survival to approximately 15 months. With the advent of molecular biology and consequent improved understanding of basic tumor biology, targeted therapies have become cornerstones for cancer treatment. Many pathways (RTKs, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, angiogenesis, etc.) have been identified in GBM as playing major roles in tumorigenesis, treatment resistance, or natural history of disease. Despite the growing understanding of the complex networks regulating GBM tumors, many targeted therapies have fallen short of expectations. In this paper, we will discuss novel therapies and the successes and failures that have occurred. One clear message is that monotherapies yield minor results, likely due to functionally redundant pathways. A better understanding of underlying tumor biology may yield insights into optimal targeting strategies which could improve the overall therapeutic ratio of conventional treatments.
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