ASB16-AS1 up-regulated and phosphorylated TRIM37 to activate NF-κB pathway and promote proliferation, stemness, and cisplatin resistance of gastric cancer

In vivo delivery of PBAE/ZIF-8 enhances the sensitivity of colorectal cancer to doxorubicin through sh-LncRNA ASB16-AS1

The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of sh-LncRNA ASB16-AS1 on doxorubicin (DOX) resistance in colorectal cancer (CRC). First, an in vitro study was conducted to investigate the effects of LncRNA ASB16-AS1, miR-185-5p, and TEAD1 on drug resistance in CRC cells. Subsequently, utilizing nanotechnology, poly(beta amino esters) (PBAE)/zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8)@sh-LncRNA ASB16-AS1 nanoparticles (PZSNP) were synthesized and characterized, evaluating their cellular toxicity and hemolytic activity. Finally, a mouse subcutaneous tumor model was established by subcutaneous injection of SW480/DOX cell suspension to investigate the impact of PZSNP on the tumor. Under DOX treatment, downregulation of LncRNA ASB16-AS1, overexpression of miR-185-5p, or downregulation of TEAD1 suppressed the viability and proliferation of drug-resistant CRC cells while promoting apoptosis. Conversely, overexpression of LncRNA ASB16-AS1, inhibition of miR-185-5p, or overexpression of TEAD1 enhanced the viability and proliferation of drug-resistant CRC cells while inhibiting apoptosis. The synthesized PZSNP exhibited a spherical shape with an average particle size of 123.6 nm, possessed positive charge, displayed good stability. It effectively encapsulated shRNA and displayed low cellular toxicity and hemolytic activity. Under DOX treatment, significant tumor necrosis was observed in the PZSNP group, and tumor growth was suppressed without causing weight loss. LncRNA ASB16-AS1, miR-185-5p, and TEAD1 are involved in regulating cell viability, proliferation, and apoptosis, contributing to drug resistance in CRC cells. sh-LncRNA ASB16-AS1 enhances the sensitivity of CRC cells to DOX during treatment, and in vivo delivery of PZSNP may serve as an effective strategy to overcome chemotherapy resistance in CRC.

Assisting significance of lncRNA ASB16-AS1 in the early detection and prognosis prediction of patients with deep venous thrombosis

BACKGROUND

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a kind of vascular obstruction, that commonly and widely occurs in lower limbs. Due to the lack of obvious symptoms in the early stage, the rate of misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis is high. This study evaluated the expression and significance of lncRNA ASB16-AS1 (ASB16-AS1) in DVT aiming to identify a novel biomarker for its screening and monitoring.

METHODS

There were 77 DVT patients and 62 healthy individuals included in this study. Plasma ASB16-AS1 level was evaluated using PCR and compared between DVT and healthy groups. The diagnostic and prognostic values of ASB16-AS1 were assessed with ROC and Cox analyses. The correlation of ASB16-AS1 with patients' conditions, inflammation, and oxidative stress was evaluated by Spearman correlation analysis.

RESULTS

ASB16-AS1 was significantly upregulated in DVT (P < 0.001), which could discriminate DVT patients from healthy individuals with high sensitivity and specificity (AUC of ROC = 0.858). Increased ASB16-AS1 was associated with the incidence of complications (P = 0.033) and especially for pulmonary embolism in patients (P = 0.029). ASB16-AS1 was negatively correlated with prothrombin time (PT, r = -0.763), antithrombin level (AT, r = -0.711), and international normalized ratio (INR, r = -0.764), and showed positive correlation with fibrinogen (FIB, r = 0.793) and D-dimer (D-D, r = 0.731). Additionally, ASB16-AS1 was positively correlated with pro-inflammation cytokines (rIL-6 = 0.853, rIL-10 = -0.836, rhsCRP = 0.787) and pro-oxidative stress factors (rSOD = -0.751, rMDA = 0.842, r8-isoPGF2α = 0.840).

CONCLUSION

Upregulated ASB16-AS1 was identified as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker of DVT and was closely associated with inflammation and oxidative stress during DVT.

A genome-wide association study identifies genetic variants associated with hip pain in the UK Biobank cohort (N = 221,127)

Hip pain is a common musculoskeletal complaint that leads many people to seek medical attention. We conducted a primary genome-wide association study (GWAS) on the hip pain phenotype within the UK Biobank cohort. Sex-stratified GWAS analysis approach was also performed to explore sex specific variants associated with hip pain. We found seven different loci associated with hip pain at GWAS significance level, with the most significant single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) being rs77641763 within the EXD3 (p value = 2.20 × 10-13). We utilized summary statistics from the FinnGen cohort and a previous GWAS meta-analysis on hip osteoarthritis as replication cohorts. Four loci (rs509345, rs73581564, rs9597759, rs2018384) were replicated with a p value less than 0.05. Sex-stratified GWAS analyses revealed a unique locus within the CUL1 gene (rs4726995, p = 2.56 × 10-9) in males, and three unique loci in females: rs1651359966 on chromosome 7 (p = 1.15 × 10-8), rs552965738 on chromosome 9 (p = 2.72 × 10-8), and rs1978969 on chromosome 13 (p = 2.87 × 10-9). This study has identified seven genetic loci associated with hip pain. Sex-stratified analysis also revealed sex specific variants associated with hip pain in males and females. This study has provided a foundation for advancing research of hip pain and hip osteoarthritis.

Identification of core immune-related genes CTSK, C3, and IFITM1 for diagnosing Helicobacter pylori infection-associated gastric cancer through transcriptomic analysis

OBJECTIVES

To identify diagnostic genes and mechanisms linking Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection to gastric cancer.

METHODS

Gene expression profiles from GEO were analyzed using differential expression gene (DEG) analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and functional enrichment. A random forest (RF) model assessed immune-related diagnostic genes, examining their expression, diagnostic performance, prognostic value, and immune cell relationships. Expression patterns of core genes were evaluated with single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), and a regulatory network involving miRNA, mRNA, and transcription factors was built.

RESULTS

We identified 75 genes and developed an RF model including 15 immune-related genes, notably CTSK, NR4A3, C3, and IFITM1. Except for NR4A3, these genes showed higher expression in datasets, confirmed by in vitro tests. Their diagnostic performance had an AUC > 0.7, enhancing to >0.85 in a multi-gene model. Survival analysis linked gene upregulation to poorer prognosis, and scRNA-seq and immune cell infiltration analysis underscored their roles in immune dysregulation and pathogenicity in H. pylori-related gastric cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

CTSK, C3, and IFITM1 are crucial in H. pylori-related gastric cancer, forming a robust diagnostic model and guiding future diagnostic and therapeutic research.

The Role and Mechanism of TRIM Proteins in Gastric Cancer

Tripartite motif (TRIM) family proteins, distinguished by their N-terminal region that includes a Really Interesting New Gene (RING) domain with E3 ligase activity, two B-box domains, and a coiled-coil region, have been recognized as significant contributors in carcinogenesis, primarily via the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) for degrading proteins. Mechanistically, these proteins modulate a variety of signaling pathways, including Wnt/β-catenin, PI3K/AKT, and TGF-β/Smad, contributing to cellular regulation, and also impact cellular activities through non-signaling mechanisms, including modulation of gene transcription, protein degradation, and stability via protein-protein interactions. Currently, growing evidence indicates that TRIM proteins emerge as potential regulators in gastric cancer, exhibiting both tumor-suppressive and oncogenic roles. Given their critical involvement in cellular processes and the notable challenges of gastric cancer, exploring the specific contributions of TRIM proteins to this disease is necessary. Consequently, this review elucidates the roles and mechanisms of TRIM proteins in gastric cancer, emphasizing their potential as therapeutic targets and prognostic factors.

Cancer molecular subtyping using limited multi-omics data with missingness

Diagnosing cancer subtypes is a prerequisite for precise treatment. Existing multi-omics data fusion-based diagnostic solutions build on the requisite of sufficient samples with complete multi-omics data, which is challenging to obtain in clinical applications. To address the bottleneck of collecting sufficient samples with complete data in clinical applications, we proposed a flexible integrative model (CancerSD) to diagnose cancer subtype using limited samples with incomplete multi-omics data. CancerSD designs contrastive learning tasks and masking-and-reconstruction tasks to reliably impute missing omics, and fuses available omics data with the imputed ones to accurately diagnose cancer subtypes. To address the issue of limited clinical samples, it introduces a category-level contrastive loss to extend the meta-learning framework, effectively transferring knowledge from external datasets to pretrain the diagnostic model. Experiments on benchmark datasets show that CancerSD not only gives accurate diagnosis, but also maintains a high authenticity and good interpretability. In addition, CancerSD identifies important molecular characteristics associated with cancer subtypes, and it defines the Integrated CancerSD Score that can serve as an independent predictive factor for patient prognosis.

LncRNAs orchestration of gastric cancer - particular emphasis on the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment resistance

Gastric cancer (GC) remains a major public health challenge worldwide. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in the development, progression, and resistance to the treatment of GC, as shown by recent developments in molecular characterization. Still, an in-depth investigation of the lncRNA landscape in GC is absent. However, The objective of this systematic review is to evaluate our present understanding of the role that lncRNA dysregulation plays in the etiology of GC and treatment resistance, with a focus on the underlying mechanisms and clinical implications. Research that described the functions of lncRNA in angiogenesis, stemness, epigenetics, metastasis, apoptosis, development, and resistance to key treatments was given priority. In GC, it has been discovered that a large number of lncRNAs, including MALAT1, HOTAIR, H19, and ANRIL, are aberrantly expressed and are connected with disease-related outcomes. Through various methods such as chromatin remodeling, signal transduction pathways, and microRNA sponging, they modulate hallmark cancer capabilities. Through the activation of stemness programs, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and survival signaling, LncRNAs also control resistance to immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies. By clarifying their molecular roles further, we may be able to identify new treatment targets and ways to overcome resistance. This article aims to explore the interplay between lncRNAs, and GC. Specifically, the focus is on understanding how lncRNAs contribute to the etiology of GC and influence treatment resistance in patients with this disease.

TRIM37 interacts with EZH2 to epigenetically suppress PTCH1 and regulate stemness in glioma stem cells through sonic hedgehog pathway

BACKGROUND

Glioma stem cells (GSCs), which are known for their therapy resistance, play a substantial role in treatment inefficacy for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). TRIM37, a member of the tripartite motif (TRIM) protein family initially linked to a rare growth disorder, has been recognized for its oncogenic role. However, the mechanism by which TRIM37 regulates tumor growth in glioma and GSCs is unclear.

METHODS

For the in vitro experiments, gene expression was measured by western blotting, RT-qPCR, and immunofluorescence. Cell viability was detected by CCK-8, and cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. The interaction between Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2) and TRIM37 was verified by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP). The interaction between EZH2 and the PTCH1 promoter was verified using dual-luciferase reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). For the in vivo experiments, an orthotopically implanted glioma mouse model was used to validate tumor growth.

RESULTS

The expression of TRIM37 is higher in GSCs compared with matched non-GSCs. TRIM37 knockdown promotes apoptosis, decreased stemness in GSCs, and reduces tumor growth in GSCs xenografts of nude mice. TRIM37 and EZH2 co-localize in the nucleus and interact with each other. TRIM37 knockdown or EZH2 inhibition downregulates the protein expressions associated with the Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) pathway. EZH2 epigenetically downregulates PTCH1 to activate SHH pathway in GSCs.

CONCLUSIONS

TRIM37 maintains the cell growth and stemness in GSCs through the interaction with EZH2. EZH2 activates SHH stem cell signaling pathway by downregulating the expression of SHH pathway suppressor PTCH1. Our findings suggest that TRIM37 may be a potential therapeutic target for GBM.

Cancer stem cells: advances in knowledge and implications for cancer therapy

Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a small subset of cells in tumors that are characterized by self-renewal and continuous proliferation, lead to tumorigenesis, metastasis, and maintain tumor heterogeneity. Cancer continues to be a significant global disease burden. In the past, surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy were the main cancer treatments. The technology of cancer treatments continues to develop and advance, and the emergence of targeted therapy, and immunotherapy provides more options for patients to a certain extent. However, the limitations of efficacy and treatment resistance are still inevitable. Our review begins with a brief introduction of the historical discoveries, original hypotheses, and pathways that regulate CSCs, such as WNT/β-Catenin, hedgehog, Notch, NF-κB, JAK/STAT, TGF-β, PI3K/AKT, PPAR pathway, and their crosstalk. We focus on the role of CSCs in various therapeutic outcomes and resistance, including how the treatments affect the content of CSCs and the alteration of related molecules, CSCs-mediated therapeutic resistance, and the clinical value of targeting CSCs in patients with refractory, progressed or advanced tumors. In summary, CSCs affect therapeutic efficacy, and the treatment method of targeting CSCs is still difficult to determine. Clarifying regulatory mechanisms and targeting biomarkers of CSCs is currently the mainstream idea.

Decoding long non‑coding RNAs: Friends and foes in cancer development (Review)

Cancer remains a formidable adversary, challenging medical advancements with its dismal prognosis, low cure rates and high mortality rates. Within this intricate landscape, long non‑coding RNAs (lncRNAs) emerge as pivotal players, orchestrating proliferation and migration of cancer cells. Harnessing the potential of lncRNAs as therapeutic targets and prognostic markers holds immense promise. The present comprehensive review delved into the molecular mechanisms underlying the involvement of lncRNAs in the onset and progression of the top five types of cancer. By meticulously examining lncRNAs across diverse types of cancer, it also uncovered their distinctive roles, highlighting their exclusive oncogenic effects or tumor suppressor properties. Notably, certain lncRNAs demonstrate diverse functions across different cancers, confounding the conventional understanding of their roles. Furthermore, the present study identified lncRNAs exhibiting aberrant expression patterns in numerous types of cancer, presenting them as potential indicators for cancer screening and diagnosis. Conversely, a subset of lncRNAs manifests tissue‑specific expression, hinting at their specialized nature and untapped significance in diagnosing and treating specific types of cancer. The present comprehensive review not only shed light on the intricate network of lncRNAs but also paved the way for further research and clinical applications. The unraveled molecular mechanisms offer a promising avenue for targeted therapeutics and personalized medicine, combating cancer proliferation, invasion and metastasis.

Long non-coding RNAs in drug resistance across the top five cancers: Update on their roles and mechanisms

Cancer drug resistance stands as a formidable obstacle in the relentless fight against the top five prevalent cancers: breast, lung, colorectal, prostate, and gastric cancers. These malignancies collectively account for a significant portion of cancer-related deaths worldwide. In recent years, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as pivotal players in the intricate landscape of cancer biology, and their roles in driving drug resistance are steadily coming to light. This comprehensive review seeks to underscore the paramount significance of lncRNAs in orchestrating resistance across a spectrum of different cancer drugs, including platinum drugs (DDP), tamoxifen, trastuzumab, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), paclitaxel (PTX), and Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) across the most prevalent types of cancer. It delves into the multifaceted mechanisms through which lncRNAs exert their influence on drug resistance, shedding light on their regulatory roles in various facets of cancer biology. A comprehensive understanding of these lncRNA-mediated mechanisms may pave the way for more effective and personalized treatment strategies, ultimately improving patient outcomes in these challenging malignancies.

Decoding the regulatory landscape of lncRNAs as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for gastric and colorectal cancers

Colorectal cancer (CRC) and gastric cancer (GC) are major contributors to cancer-related mortality worldwide. Despite advancements in understanding molecular mechanisms and improved drug treatments, the overall survival rate for patients remains unsatisfactory. Metastasis and drug resistance are major challenges contributing to the high mortality rate in both CRC and GC. Recent research has shed light on the role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the development and progression of these cancers. LncRNAs regulate gene expression through various mechanisms, including epigenetic modifications and interactions with microRNAs (miRNAs) and proteins. They can serve as miRNA precursors or pseudogenes, modulating gene expression at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Additionally, circulating lncRNAs have emerged as non-invasive biomarkers for the diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction of drug therapy response in CRC and GC. This review explores the intricate relationship between lncRNAs and CRC/GC, encompassing their roles in cancer development, progression, and chemoresistance. Furthermore, it discusses the potential of lncRNAs as therapeutic targets in these malignancies. The interplay between lncRNAs, miRNAs, and tumor microenvironment is also highlighted, emphasizing their impact on the complexity of cancer biology. Understanding the regulatory landscape and molecular mechanisms governed by lncRNAs in CRC and GC is crucial for the development of effective diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, as well as novel therapeutic strategies. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge and paves the way for further exploration of lncRNAs as key players in the management of CRC and GC.

circNINL facilitates aerobic glycolysis, proliferation, invasion, and migration in lung cancer by sponging miR-3918 to mediate FGFR1 expression

Previously characterized as an oncogenic player in breast cancer, the function of circular RNA NINL (circNINL) in lung cancer (LC) remained elusive. This study aimed to delineate the biological role of circNINL in LC and to unveil its potential molecular mechanisms. We discovered elevated expression levels of circNINL and Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 1 (FGFR1) concomitant with diminished expression of microRNA-3918 (miR-3918) in LC specimens. Knockdown of circNINL led to a marked decrease in cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and aerobic glycolysis, alongside an upsurge in apoptosis in LC cells. Either downregulation of miR-3918 or overexpression of FGFR1 mitigated the suppressive impact of circNINL knockdown on LC pathogenesis. Mechanistic studies validated that circNINL served as a competitive endogenous RNA for miR-3918, thus influencing FGFR1 expression. Further, in vivo experiments using nude mouse xenograft models underscored that silencing circNINL substantially curtailed tumor growth in LC. Collectively, these findings illuminate that circNINL exacerbates LC malignancy via the miR-3918/FGFR1 axis, a process integrally linked with the activation of aerobic glycolysis.

LncRNA ASB16-AS1 accelerates cellular process and chemoresistance of ovarian cancer cells by regulating GOLM1 expression via targeting miR-3918

BACKGROUND

Reportedly, ovarian cancer (OC) is a major threat to women's health. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) ASB16-AS1 has been uncovered to participate in cancer progression. Nevertheless, the role of ASB16-AS1 in OC remains to be revealed.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to unveil the biological function of ASB16-AS1 and its underlying mechanisms in OC cells.

METHODS

QRT-PCR was done to test ASB16-AS1 expression in OC cells. Functional assays were performed to evaluate the malignant behaviors and cisplatin resistance of OC cells. Mechanistic analyses were done to investigate the regulatory molecular mechanism in OC cells.

RESULTS

ASB16-AS1 was found to be highly expressed in OC cells. ASB16-AS1 knockdown repressed proliferation, migration, and invasion of OC cells, while facilitating cell apoptosis. ASB16-AS1 was further validated to up-regulate GOLM1 through competitively binding with miR-3918. Moreover, miR-3918 overexpression was corroborated to suppress OC cell growth. Rescue assays further uncovered that ASB16-AS1 modulated the malignant processes of OC cells via targeting miR-3918/GOLM1 axis.

CONCLUSION

ASB16-AS1 facilitates the malignant processes and chemoresistance of OC cells via serving as miR-3918 sponge and positively modulating GOLM1 expression.

TRIM37 exacerbates hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury by facilitating IKKγ translocation

BACKGROUND

Hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is one of the major pathological processes associated with various liver surgeries. However, there is still a lack of strategies to protect against hepatic I/R injury because of the unknown underlying mechanism. The present study aimed to identify a potential strategy and provide a fundamental experimental basis for treating hepatic I/R injury.

METHOD

A classic 70% ischemia/reperfusion injury was established. Immunoprecipitation was used to identify direct interactions between proteins. The expression of proteins from different subcellular localizations was detected by Western blotting. Cell translocation was directly observed by immunofluorescence. HE, TUNEL and ELISA were performed for function tests.

RESULT

We report that tripartite motif containing 37 (TRIM37) aggravates hepatic I/R injury through the reinforcement of IKK-induced inflammation following dual patterns. Mechanistically, TRIM37 directly interacts with tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), inducing K63 ubiquitination and eventually leading to the phosphorylation of IKKβ. TRIM37 enhances the translocation of IKKγ, a regulatory subunit of the IKK complex, from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, thereby stabilizing the cytoplasmic IKK complex and prolonging the duration of inflammation. Inhibition of IKK rescued the function of TRIM37 in vivo and in vitro.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, the present study discloses some potential function of TRIM37 in hepatic I/R injury. Targeting TRIM37 might be potential for treatment against hepatic I/R injury.Targeting TRIM37 might be a potential treatment strategy against hepatic I/R injury.

Long non-coding RNAs and gastric cancer: An update of potential biomarkers and therapeutic applications

The frequent metastasis of gastric cancer (GC) complicates the cure and therefore the development of effective diagnostic and therapeutic approaches is urgently necessary. In recent years, lncRNA has emerged as a drug target in the treatment of GC, particularly in the areas of cancer immunity, cancer metabolism, and cancer metastasis. This has led to the demonstration of the importance of these RNAs as prognostic, diagnostic and therapeutic agents. In this review, we provide an overview of the biological activities of lncRNAs in GC development and update the latest pathological activities, prognostic and diagnostic strategies, and therapeutic options for GC-related lncRNAs.

Epigenetic programing of cancer stemness by transcription factors-non-coding RNAs interactions

Cancer 'stemness' is fundamental to cancer existence. It defines the ability of cancer cells to indefinitely perpetuate as well as differentiate. Cancer stem cell populations within a growing tumor also help evade the inhibitory effects of chemo- as well as radiation-therapies, in addition to playing an important role in cancer metastases. NF-κB and STAT-3 are representative transcription factors (TFs) that have long been associated with cancer stemness, thus presenting as attractive targets for cancer therapy. The growing interest in non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in the recent years has provided further insight into the mechanisms by which TFs influence cancer stem cell characteristics. There is evidence for a direct regulation of TFs by ncRNAs, such as, microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as well as circular RNAs (circRNAs), and vice versa. Additionally, the TF-ncRNAs regulations are often indirect, involving ncRNA-target genes or the sponging of other ncRNA species by individual ncRNAs. The information is rapidly evolving and this review provides a comprehensive review of TF-ncRNAs interactions with implications on cancer stemness and in response to therapies. Such knowledge will help uncover the many levels of tight regulations that control cancer stemness, providing novel opportunities and targets for therapy in the process.

UPS: Opportunities and challenges for gastric cancer treatment

Gastric cancer remains the fourth most frequently diagnosed malignancy and the fifth leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide owning to the lack of efficient drugs and targets for therapy. Accumulating evidence indicates that UPS, which consists of E1, E2, and E3 enzymes and proteasome, plays an important role in the GC tumorigenesis. The imbalance of UPS impairs the protein homeostasis network during development of GC. Therefore, modulating these enzymes and proteasome may be a promising strategy for GC target therapy. Besides, PROTAC, a strategy using UPS to degrade the target protein, is an emerging tool for drug development. Thus far, more and more PROTAC drugs enter clinical trials for cancer therapy. Here, we will analyze the abnormal expression enzymes in UPS and summarize the E3 enzymes which can be developed in PROTAC so that it can contribute to the development of UPS modulator and PROTAC technology for GC therapy.

A comprehensive review of the role of lncRNAs in gastric cancer (GC) pathogenesis, immune regulation, and their clinical applications

Gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth most common malignant tumor and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Although numerous studies have been conducted on advanced GC, the molecular mechanisms behind it remain obscure. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a family of RNA transcripts capable of regulating target genes at transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and translational stages. They do this by modifying mRNAs, miRNAs, and proteins. These RNAs are critical regulators of many biological processes, including gene epigenetics, transcription, and post-transcriptional levels. This article highlights recent results on lncRNAs involved in drug resistance, proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, apoptosis, autophagy, and immune response in GC. The potential clinical implications of lncRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in GC are also discussed.

PBK drives PARP inhibitor resistance through the TRIM37/NFκB axis in ovarian cancer

Resistance to PARP inhibitors (PARPi) remains a therapeutic challenge in ovarian cancer patients. PDZ-binding kinase (PBK) participates in the chemoresistance of many malignancies. However, the role of PBK in PARPi resistance of ovarian cancer is obscure. In the current study, we demonstrated that overexpression of PBK contributed to olaparib resistance in ovarian cancer cells. Knockdown of PBK sensitized olaparib-resistant SKOV3 cells to olaparib. Inhibition of PBK using a specific inhibitor enhanced the therapeutic efficiency of olaparib. Mechanically, PBK directly interacted with TRIM37 to promote its phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. which subsequently activates the NFκB pathway. Additionally, PBK enhanced olaparib resistance of ovarian cancer by regulating the NFκB/TRIM37 axis in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, PBK confers ovarian cancer resistance to PARPi through activating the TRIM37-mediated NFκB pathway, and targeted inhibition of PBK provided the new therapy to improve PARPi treatment outcomes for ovarian cancer patients.

An enzyme implicated in tumor progression also helps cancers thwart a commonly used type of targeted drug therapy. Beihua Kong and colleagues from Shandong University, Jinan, China, showed how PDZ-binding kinase (PBK), an enzyme that promotes the proliferation and spread of cancer cells, activates a signaling pathway that renders tumors resistant to treatment with olaparib. This precision anti-cancer drug works by blocking a protein called PARP that normally helps cells repair damaged DNA. The researchers showed how PBK interacts with another protein to stimulate a transcription factor previously shown to reduce the effectiveness of radiation and chemotherapy. Blocking the activity of PBK, either pharmacologically or genetically, enhanced the sensitivity of ovarian cancer cells to olaparib. A similar drug strategy could help improve outcomes for cancer patients undergoing PARP inhibitor treatment.

Global cellular response to chemical perturbation of PLK4 activity and abnormal centrosome number

Centrosomes act as the main microtubule organizing center (MTOC) in metazoans. Centrosome number is tightly regulated by limiting centriole duplication to a single round per cell cycle. This control is achieved by multiple mechanisms, including the regulation of the protein kinase PLK4, the most upstream facilitator of centriole duplication. Altered centrosome numbers in mouse and human cells cause p53-dependent growth arrest through poorly defined mechanisms. Recent work has shown that the E3 ligase TRIM37 is required for cell cycle arrest in acentrosomal cells. To gain additional insights into this process, we undertook a series of genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screens to identify factors important for growth arrest triggered by treatment with centrinone B, a selective PLK4 inhibitor. We found that TRIM37 is a key mediator of growth arrest after partial or full PLK4 inhibition. Interestingly, PLK4 cellular mobility decreased in a dose-dependent manner after centrinone B treatment. In contrast to recent work, we found that growth arrest after PLK4 inhibition correlated better with PLK4 activity than with mitotic length or centrosome number. These data provide insights into the global response to changes in centrosome number and PLK4 activity and extend the role for TRIM37 in regulating the abundance, localization, and function of centrosome proteins.

LncRNA ARAP1-AS1 Promotes Bladder Cancer Development by Regulating the miR-3918/KIF20A Axis

This study is to clarify the effect of the long non-coding RNA ArfGAP with RhoGAP domain, ankyrin repeat and PH domain 1-antisense RNA 1 (ARAP1-AS1)/microRNA (miR)-3918/kinesin family member 20A (KIF20A) on bladder cancer cell function. ARAP1-AS1, miR-3918, and KIF20A expression levels in bladder cancer cells were determined using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The effects of ARAP1-AS1, miR-3918, and KIF20A on bladder cell activity, proliferation, apoptosis, and in vivo growth were examined using the cell counting kit-8, colony formation, caspase-3 activity, and xenograft tumor growth assays, respectively, in nude mice. The binding relationships among ARAP1-AS1, miR-3918, and KIF20A were analyzed using luciferase and RNA immunoprecipitation assays. ARAP1-AS1 and KIF20A were overexpressed in bladder cancer, while miR-3918 was underexpressed. The downregulation of ARAP1-AS1 or KIF20A expression significantly inhibited the viability and proliferation of cancer cells and promoted apoptosis, whereas low expression of miR-3918 or high expression of ARAP1-AS1/KIF20A showed the opposite effect. miR-3918 was sponged by ARAP1-AS1, and targeted KIF20A. In addition, miR-3918 expression was inversely correlated with ARAP1-AS1 and KIF20a expression levels in bladder cancer tissues. In addition, the rescue experiment showed that interference with miR-3918 could reverse the effect of low ARAP1-AS1 or KIF20A expression on bladder cancer cell malignancy. ARAP1-AS1 facilitates the malignant behavior of bladder cancer cells via the regulation of KIF20A expression by sponging miR-3918.

Long Non-Coding RNA in Gastric Cancer: Mechanisms and Clinical Implications for Drug Resistance

Gastric cancer (GC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with high recurrence and mortality rate. Chemotherapy, including 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), adriamycin (ADR), vincristine (VCR), paclitaxel (PTX), and platinum drugs, remains one of the fundamental methods of GC treatment and has efficiently improved patients’ prognosis. However, most patients eventually develop resistance to chemotherapeutic agents, leading to the failure of clinical treatment and patients’ death. Recent studies suggest that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in the drug resistance of GC by modulating the expression of drug resistance-related genes via sponging microRNAs (miRNAs). Moreover, lncRNAs also play crucial roles in GC drug resistance via a variety of mechanisms, such as the regulation of the oncogenic signaling pathways, inhibition of apoptosis, induction of autophagy, modulation of cancer stem cells (CSCs), and promotion of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. Some of lncRNAs exhibit great potential as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, as well as therapeutic targets for GC patients. Therefore, understanding the role of lncRNAs and their mechanisms in GC drug resistance may provide us with novel insights for developing strategies for individual diagnosis and therapy. In this review, we summarize the recent findings on the mechanisms underlying GC drug resistance regulated by lncRNAs. We also discuss the potential clinical applications of lncRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in GC.

MiR-3918 Inhibits Tumorigenesis of Glioma via Targeting EGFR to Regulate PI3K/AKT and ERK Pathways

Increasing evidence has demonstrated the miRNAs' action in cancerogenesis and tumor progression. Here, we explored the role and underlying mechanism of miR-3918 during glioma malignancy. miR-3918 and EGFR expression was detected in glioma tissues and tissues by RT-qPCR. The proliferative and migratory rate of glioma cells was assessed through CCK8 and Scratch wound-healing migration assay. Xenograft tumor mouse models were established for in vivo verification. A series of bioinformatics analysis coupled with luciferase reporter assays verified the targeted binding between miR-3918 and EGFR. Expression analyses demonstrated that miR-3918 was poorly expressed in glioma tissues while EGFR abundantly expressed. MiR-3918 overexpression impaired the proliferative and migratory capacities of glioma cells by inactivating PI3K/AKT and ERK pathways. Meanwhile, miR-3918 overexpression also retarded the growth of glioma xenograft. Mechanically, miR-3918 targeted EGFF which was further validated by the correlation of miR-3918 and EGFR expression in glioma tissues. When overexpressed, EGFR can restore the inactivated PI3K/AKT and ERK pathways caused by miR-3918 and influence the glioma cell proliferation and migration. Our findings are the first report that miR-3918/EGFR axis arrested the tumorigenesis of glioma via regulating PI3K/AKT and ERK pathways.

Long non-coding RNAs in gastrointestinal cancers: implications for protein phosphorylation

Phosphorylation of proteins is one of the most extensively investigated post-translational protein modifications. Threonine, serine and tyrosine in proteins are the most commonly phosphorylated amino acids. Dysregulated cancer-related signaling pathways due to aberrant phosphorylation status of the key protein(s) in these pathways exist in most malignancies. Intensive studies in the recent decade have implicated long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the precise regulation of protein phosphorylation in cancers. In this review, we systematically delve into recent advance that underlines the multidimensional role of lncRNAs in modulating protein phosphorylation, regulating cancerous signaling and impacting prognosis of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma, colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, esophageal cancer, and pancreatic cancer. LncRNAs regulate protein phosphorylation via directly binding to the target protein(s), interacting with the partner protein(s) of the target protein(s) or lncRNAs-encoded small peptides. Although there are still extensive studies on disclosing the intricate interactions between lncRNAs and proteins and their impacts on protein phosphorylation, we believe that targeting lncRNAs controlling phosphorylation of key protein(s) in cancerous signaling pathways might provide novel paths for precision therapeutics of GI cancers in the future.

Long non-coding RNAs: Biogenesis, functions, and clinical significance in gastric cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most prevalent malignant tumor types and the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Its morbidity and mortality are very high due to a lack of understanding about its pathogenesis and the slow development of novel therapeutic strategies. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs with a length of more than 200 nt. They play crucial roles in a wide spectrum of physiological and pathological processes by regulating the expression of genes involved in proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, cell cycle, invasion, metastasis, DNA damage, and carcinogenesis. The aberrant expression of lncRNAs has been found in various cancer types. A growing amount of evidence demonstrates that lncRNAs are involved in many aspects of GC pathogenesis, including its occurrence, metastasis, and recurrence, indicating their potential role as novel biomarkers in the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic targets of GC. This review systematically summarizes the biogenesis, biological properties, and functions of lncRNAs and highlights their critical role and clinical significance in GC. This information may contribute to the development of better diagnostics and treatments for GC.

Development of a Prognostic Model Based on the Identification of EMT-Related lncRNAs in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Background

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains the most incurable subtype of breast cancer owing to high heterogeneity, aggressive nature, and lack of treatment options. It is generally acknowledged that epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is the key step in tumor metastasis.

Methods

With the application of TCGA and GEO databases, we identified EMT-related lncRNAs by the Cox univariate regression analysis. Optimum risk scores were calculated and used to divide TNBC patients into high-/low-risk subgroups by the median value using the Lasso regression analysis. The Kaplan–Meier and ROC curve analyses were applied for model validation. Then, we assessed the risk model from multi-omic aspects including immune infiltration, drug sensitivity, mutability spectrum, signaling pathways, and clinical indicators. We also analyzed the expression pattern of lncRNAs involved in the model using qRT-PCR in TNBC cell lines and constructed the ceRNA network.

Results

The risk model was composed of EMT-related long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), which seemed to be valuable in the prognostic prediction of TNBC patients. The model could act as an independent prognostic factor of TNBC and showed a robust prognostic ability in the stratification analysis. Further investigation demonstrated that the expression of lncRNAs was different between high aggressive and low aggressive TNBC cell lines, as well as TNBC patients.

Conclusions

Together, our study successfully established a risk model with great accuracy and efficacy in the prognostic prediction of TNBC patients.

Non-Coding RNAs in Gastric Cancer: From Malignant Hallmarks to Clinical Applications

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most lethal malignancies worldwide. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying gastric carcinogenesis remain largely unknown. Over the past decades, advances in RNA-sequencing techniques have greatly facilitated the identification of various non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in cancer cells, including microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs). Accumulating evidence has revealed that ncRNAs are essential regulators in GC occurrence and development. However, ncRNAs represent an emerging field of cancer research, and their complex functionality remains to be clarified. Considering the lack of viable biomarkers and therapeutic targets in GC, further studies should focus on elucidating the intricate relationships between ncRNAs and GC, which can be translated into clinical practice. In this review, we summarize recent research progress on how ncRNAs modulate the malignant hallmarks of GC, especially in tumor immune escape, drug resistance, and stemness. We also discuss the promising applications of ncRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in GC, aiming to validate their practical value for clinical treatment.

Systems pharmacology to reveal multi-scale mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine for gastric cancer

Because of the complex etiology, the treatment of gastric cancer is a formidable challenge for contemporary medical. The current treatment method focuses on traditional surgical procedures, supplemented by other treatments. Among these other treatments, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) plays an important role. Here, we used the systems pharmacology approach to reveal the potential molecular mechanism of PRGRC on gastric cancer which composes of Pinellia ternata(Thunb.) Breit., Rheum palmatumL., Gentiana scabraBunge, Radix Aucklandiae and Citrus aurantium L. This approach combines pharmacokinetics analysis with pharmacodynamics evaluation for the active compounds screening, targets prediction and pathways assessing. Firstly, through pharmacokinetic evaluation and target prediction models, 83 potential compounds and 184 gastric cancer-related targets were screened out. Then, the results of network analysis suggested that the targets of PRGRC were mainly involved two aspects: apoptosis and inflammation. Finally, we verified the reliability of the above analysis at the cellular level by using naringenin and luteolin with good pharmacokinetic activity as representative compounds. Overall, we found that PRGRC could influence the development of gastric cancer from a multi-scale perspective. This study provided a new direction for analyzing the mechanism of TCM.

Expression, prognosis value, and immune infiltration of lncRNA ASB16-AS1 identified by pan-cancer analysis

Long non-coding RNA known as ASB16 antisense RNA1 (ASB16-AS1) has been proven to be an oncogene, and the relationship between ASB16-AS1 and immunity is still under studied. This study aims to explore the expression and prognostic potential of ASB16-AS1, and to visualize the relationship between ASB16-AS1 expression and immune infiltration in pan-cancer analysis. We clarified ASB16-AS1 expression patterns and its relationship with prognosis through multi-platform and multi-database sources. We also verified the function of ASB16-AS1 in liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC). A  variety of immune cell content evaluation methods were used to mutually verify the correlation between ASB16-AS1 and immune infiltration. Finally, the relationships between ASB16-AS1 and molecular characteristics were further explored. In terms of comprehensive analysis, compared with non-tumor tissues, ASB16-AS1 was highly expressed in tumor tissues, and indicated the value of poor prognosis in multiple cancer types. Functional assays, such as counting kit-8 assay, transwell assay and scratch-wound assay verified that high ASB16-AS1 expression promoted tumor progression in LIHC. ASB16-AS1 was positively correlated with B cells, T cells CD4+ and T cells CD8+ in most cancer types, and negatively correlated with macrophages, dendritic cells and neutrophils in some cancer types. In addition, there were different interaction modes between ASB16-AS1 and molecular features, such as the relationship with oncogenic signaling pathways, showing that the high ASB16-AS1 expression was related to alterations in oncogenic signaling pathways. Our study emphasizes that ASB16-AS1 is a potential pan-cancer prognostic marker, whichs is associated with the immune infiltration in multiple cancer types.

Curcumin and its derivatives in cancer therapy: Potentiating antitumor activity of cisplatin and reducing side effects

Curcumin is a phytochemical isolated from Curcuma longa with potent tumor-suppressor activity, which has shown significant efficacy in pre-clinical and clinical studies. Curcumin stimulates cell death, triggers cycle arrest, and suppresses oncogenic pathways, thereby suppressing cancer progression. Cisplatin (CP) stimulates DNA damage and apoptosis in cancer chemotherapy. However, CP has adverse effects on several organs of the body, and drug resistance is frequently observed. The purpose of the present review is to show the function of curcumin in decreasing CP's adverse impacts and improving its antitumor activity. Curcumin administration reduces ROS levels to prevent apoptosis in normal cells. Furthermore, curcumin can inhibit inflammation via down-regulation of NF-κB to maintain the normal function of organs. Curcumin and its nanoformulations can reduce the hepatoxicity, neurotoxicity, renal toxicity, ototoxicity, and cardiotoxicity caused by CP. Notably, curcumin potentiates CP cytotoxicity via mediating cell death and cycle arrest. Besides, curcumin suppresses the STAT3 and NF-ĸB as tumor-promoting pathways, to enhance CP sensitivity and prevent drug resistance. The targeted delivery of curcumin and CP to tumor cells can be mediated nanostructures. In addition, curcumin derivatives are also able to reduce CP-mediated side effects, and increase CP cytotoxicity against various cancer types.

Long Non-coding RNA ASNR Targeting miR-519e-5p Promotes Gastric Cancer Development by Regulating FGFR2

Gastric cancer (GC), as a common gastrointestinal tumor, is an important cause of death from cancer all around the world. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), a novel class of transcripts, have attracted great attention of researchers. However, the mechanisms of the clinical significance of most lncRNAs in human cancer are mainly undocumented. This research desires to explore the clinical significance, biological function, and mechanism of Lnc_ASNR (apoptosis suppressing-non-coding RNA) in GC. Cell proliferation, cell cycle, cell migration, and invasion abilities were respectively determined by 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo (-z-y1)-3,5-di-phenytetrazoliumromide (MTT), flow cytometry, wound healing, and Transwell assay (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, United States). The association of Lnc_ASNR, miR-519e-5p, and fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) was evaluated via luciferase reporter experiments. The tumor xenograft assay was conducted to confirm the results of cell experiments. High expressed Lnc_ASNR was detected in both GC cells and tissues using qRT-PCR. Downregulated Lnc_ASNR could reduce proliferation, migration, and invasion in GC cells, while upregulated Lnc_ASNR could promote the cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Moreover, the effect of Lnc_ASNR on migration and invasion ability is closely related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The bioinformatics analysis, luciferase assay, and Western blot demonstrated that Lnc_ASNR inhibited miR-519e-5p expression but increased FGFR2 expression. Lnc_ASNR and FGFR2 were both targeted to miR-519e-5p, and they were negatively correlated with the expression of miR-519e-5p. All investigations indicated that Lnc_ASNR functioned as a ceRNA targeting miR-519e-5p and facilitated GC development by regulating the pathway of miR-519e-5p/FGFR2.

The Multifaceted Role of Long Non-Coding RNA in Gastric Cancer: Current Status and Future Perspectives

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the major public health concerns. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been increasingly demonstrated to possess a strong correlation with GC and play a critical role in GC occurrence, progression, metastasis and drug resistance. Many studies have shed light on the understanding of the underlying mechanisms of lncRNAs in GC. In this review, we summarized the updated research about lncRNAs in GC, focusing on their roles in Helicobacter pylori infection, GC metastasis, tumor microenvironment regulation, drug resistance and associated signaling pathways. LncRNAs may serve as novel biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of GC and potential therapeutic targets. The research gaps and future directions were also discussed.

A novel Lnc408 maintains breast cancer stem cell stemness by recruiting SP3 to suppress CBY1 transcription and increasing nuclear β-catenin levels

Tumor initiation, development, and relapse may be closely associated with cancer stem cells (CSCs). The complicated mechanisms underlying the maintenance of CSCs are keeping in illustration. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), due to their multifunction in various biological processes, have been indicated to play a crucial role in CSC renewal and stemness maintenance. Using lncRNA array, we identified a novel lncRNA (named lnc408) in epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related breast CSCs (BCSCs). The lnc408 is high expressed in BCSCs in vitro and in vivo. The enhanced lnc408 is critical to BCSC characteristics and tumorigenesis. Lnc408 can recruit transcript factor SP3 to CBY1 promoter to serve as an inhibitor in CBY1 transcription in BCSCs. The high expressed CBY1 in non-BCSC interacts with 14-3-3 and β-catenin to form a ternary complex, which leads a translocation of the ternary complex into cytoplasm from nucleus and degradation of β-catenin in phosphorylation-dependent pattern. The lnc408-mediated decrease of CBY1 in BCSCs impairs the formation of 14-3-3/β-catenin/CBY1 complex, and keeps β-catenin in nucleus to promote CSC-associated CD44, SOX2, Nanog, Klf4, and c-Myc expressions and contributes to mammosphere formation; however, restoration of CBY1 expression in tumor cells reduces BCSC and its enrichment, thus lnc408 plays an essential role in maintenance of BCSC stemness. In shortly, these findings highlight that the novel lnc408 functions as an oncogenic factor by recruiting SP3 to inhibit CBY1 expression and β-catenin accumulation in nucleus to maintain stemness properties of BCSCs. Lnc408-CBY1-β-catenin signaling axis might serve as a new diagnostic and therapeutic target for breast cancer.

Circular RNA circPIKfyve acts as a sponge of miR-21-3p to enhance antiviral immunity through regulating MAVS in teleost fish

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of widespread and diverse covalently closed circular endogenous RNAs that exert crucial functions in regulating gene expression in mammals. However, the function and regulation mechanism of circRNAs in lower vertebrates are still unknown. Here, we discovered a novel circRNA derived from PIKfyve, named circPIKfyve, that is related to the antiviral responses in teleost fish. The results showed that circPIKfyve plays essential roles in host antiviral immunity and inhibition of SCRV replication. Moreover, we also found that the antiviral effect inhibited by miR-21-3p could be reversed with the addition of circPIKfyve. In mechanism, our data revealed that circPIKfyve is a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) of MAVS by sponging miR-21-3p, leading to activation of NF-κB/IRF3 pathway, which then enhance the innate antiviral responses. In addition, we firstly found that RNA binding protein QKI is involved in the formation and regulation of circPIKfyve. Our results provided a strong basis that circRNAs to play a regulatory role in antiviral immune responses in teleost fish.Importance: Here, we identified a novel circRNA, namely, circPIKfyve, that can act as a key regulator of the innate immune response in teleost fish. circPIKfyve acts as a molecular sponge by competitive adsorbing of miR-21-3p, thereby increasing the abundance of MAVS and activating the downstream NF-κB/IRF3 pathway to enhance the antiviral response. In addition, this study was the first to find that QKI protein is involved in regulating the formation of circPIKfyve in fish. The overall results of this study suggest that circPIKfyve plays an active regulatory role in the antiviral immune response of teleost fish.

The long noncoding RNA NARL regulates immune responses via microRNA-mediated NOD1 downregulation in teleost fish

Increasing evidence shows that the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) is a major regulator and participates in the regulation of various physiological and pathological processes, such as cell proliferation, differentiation, metastasis, and apoptosis. Unlike mammals, however, the study of lncRNA in lower invertebrates is just beginning and the extent of lncRNA-mediate regulation remains unclear. Here, we for the first time identify an lncRNA, termed nucleotide oligomerization domain 1 (NOD1) antibacterial and antiviral-related lncRNA (NARL), as a key regulator for innate immunity in teleost fish. We found that NOD1 plays an important role in the antibacterial and antiviral process in fish and that the microRNA miR-217-5p inhibits NOD1 expression and thus weakens the NF-κB and the IRF3-driven signaling pathway. Furthermore, our results indicated that NARL functions as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for miR-217-5p to regulate protein abundance of NOD1; thus, invading microorganisms are eliminated and immune responses are promoted. Our study also demonstrates the regulation mechanism that lncRNA NARL can competitive adsorption miR-217-5p to regulate the miR-217-5p/NOD1 axis is widespread in teleost fish. Taken together, our results reveal that NARL in fish is a critical positive regulator of innate immune responses to viral and bacterial infection by suppressing a feedback to NOD1-NF-κB/IRF3-mediated signaling.

Role of Long Non-Coding RNAs in the Chemoresistance of Gastric Cancer: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

Accumulating evidence demonstrates that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a vital role in the chemoresistance of gastric cancer (GC). The present systematic review summarises the emerging role, potential targets or pathways and regulatory mechanisms of lncRNAs involved in chemoresistance and proposes a number of clinical implications of lncRNAs as novel therapeutic targets for GC.

METHODS

Studies on lncRNAs involved in the chemoresistance of GC published until July 2020 in the PubMed and Web of Science databases were systematically reviewed and the expression form, role in chemoresistance, targets or pathways, corresponding drugs and potential mechanisms of relevant lncRNAs were summarised in detail.

RESULTS

A total of 48 studies were included in this systematic review. Amongst these studies, 32 involved single drug resistance and 16 involved in multidrug resistance (MDR). The 48 studies collected described 38 lncRNAs in the drug-resistant cells of GC, including 33 upregulated and 5 downregulated lncRNAs. Cisplatin (DDP) was the most studied drug and lncRNA MALAT1 was the most studied lncRNA related to the chemoresistance of GC. The potential mechanisms of chemoresistance for lncRNAs in GC mainly included, amongst others, reduction of apoptosis, induction of autophagy, repair of DNA damage, promotion of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and regulation of the related signalling pathways.

CONCLUSION

LncRNAs play a vital role in the chemoresistance of GC and are novel therapeutic targets for the disease. Detailed chemoresistance mechanisms, translational studies and clinical trials on lncRNAs in GC are urgently needed.

Long noncoding RNA IRL regulates NF-κB-mediated immune responses through suppression of miR-27c-3p-dependent IRAK4 downregulation in teleost fish

Growing pieces of evidence show that the long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) as new regulators participate in the regulation of various physiological and pathological processes. The study of lncRNA in lower invertebrates is still unclear compared with that in mammals. Here, we identified a novel lncRNA, termed IRAK4-related lncRNA (IRL), as a key regulator for innate immunity in teleost fish. We find that miR-27c-3p inhibits IRAK4 expression and thus weakens the NF-κB-mediated signaling pathway. Furthermore, the Gram-negative bacterium Vibrio anguillarum and lipopolysaccharide significantly upregulated host lncRNA IRL expression. Results indicate that IRL functions as a competing endogenous RNA for miR-27c-3p to regulate protein abundance of IRAK4; thus, invading microorganisms are eliminated and immune responses are promoted. Our study also demonstrates the regulation mechanism that lncRNA IRL can competitively adsorb miRNA to regulate the miR-27c-3p/IRAK4 axis that is widespread in teleost fish.

Identification of a Ubiquitination-Related Gene Risk Model for Predicting Survival in Patients With Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is known as "the king of cancer," and ubiquitination/deubiquitination-related genes are key contributors to its development. Our study aimed to identify ubiquitination/deubiquitination-related genes associated with the prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients by the bioinformatics method and then construct a risk model. In this study, the gene expression profiles and clinical data of pancreatic cancer patients were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and the Genotype-tissue Expression (GTEx) database. Ubiquitination/deubiquitination-related genes were obtained from the gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Univariate Cox regression analysis was used to identify differentially expressed ubiquitination-related genes selected from GSEA which were associated with the prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients. Using multivariate Cox regression analysis, we detected eight optimal ubiquitination-related genes (RNF7, NPEPPS, NCCRP1, BRCA1, TRIM37, RNF25, CDC27, and UBE2H) and then used them to construct a risk model to predict the prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients. Finally, the eight risk genes were validated by the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database, the results showed that the protein expression level of the eight genes was generally consistent with those at the transcriptional level. Our findings suggest the risk model constructed from these eight ubiquitination-related genes can accurately and reliably predict the prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients. These eight genes have the potential to be further studied as new biomarkers or therapeutic targets for pancreatic cancer.

Natural antisense transcripts in the biological hallmarks of cancer: powerful regulators hidden in the dark

Natural antisense transcripts (NATs), which are transcribed from opposite strands of DNA with partial or complete overlap, affect multiple stages of gene expression, from epigenetic to post-translational modifications. NATs are dysregulated in various types of cancer, and an increasing number of studies focusing on NATs as pivotal regulators of the hallmarks of cancer and as promising candidates for cancer therapy are just beginning to unravel the mystery. Here, we summarize the existing knowledge on NATs to highlight their underlying mechanisms of functions in cancer biology, discuss their potential roles in therapeutic application, and explore future research directions.