Hypermethylation of microRNA-497-3p contributes to progression of thyroid cancer through activation of PAK1/β-catenin

MicroRNA-mediated epigenetic regulation of HDAC8 and HDAC6: Functional significance in cervical cancer

Cervical cancer, a leading global cause of female mortality, exhibits diverse molecular aberrations influencing gene expression and signaling pathways. Epigenetic factors, including histone deacetylases (HDACs) such as HDAC8 and HDAC6, along with microRNAs (miRNAs), play pivotal roles in cervical cancer progression. Recent investigations have unveiled miRNAs as potential regulators of HDACs, offering a promising therapeutic avenue. This study employed in-silico miRNA prediction, qRT-PCR co-expression studies, and Dual-Luciferase reporter assays to identify miRNAs governing HDAC8 and HDAC6 in HeLa, cervical cancer cells. Results pinpointed miR-497-3p and miR-324-3p as novel negative regulators of HDAC8 and HDAC6, respectively. Functional assays demonstrated that miR-497-3p overexpression in HeLa cells suppressed HDAC8, leading to increased acetylation of downstream targets p53 and α-tubulin. Similarly, miR-324-3p overexpression inhibited HDAC6 mRNA and protein expression, enhancing acetylation of Hsp90 and α-tubulin. Notably, inhibiting HDAC8 via miRNA overexpression correlated with reduced cell viability, diminished epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and increased microtubule bundle formation in HeLa cells. In conclusion, miR-497-3p and miR-324-3p emerge as novel negative regulators of HDAC8 and HDAC6, respectively, with potential therapeutic implications. Elevated expression of these miRNAs in cervical cancer cells holds promise for inhibiting metastasis, offering a targeted approach for intervention in cervical malignancy.

Transcriptomic and proteomic investigations identify PI3K-akt pathway targets for hyperthyroidism management in rats via polar iridoids from radix Scrophularia

High-polarity iridoids from Radix Scrophulariae (R. Scrophulariae) offer a range of benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumour, antibacterial, antiviral, and antiallergic effects. Although previous studies have indicated the potential of R. Scrophulariae for hyperthyroidism prevention and treatment, the specific active compounds involved and their mechanisms of action are not fully understood. This study explored the effects of high-polarity iridoid glycosides from R. Scrophulariae on hyperthyroidism induced in rats by levothyroxine sodium. The experimental design included a control group, a hyperthyroidism model group, and a group treated with iridoid glycosides. Serum triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) levels were quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses were applied to liver samples to identify differentially expressed genes and proteins. These analyses were complemented by trend analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. The effectiveness of key factors was further examined through molecular biology techniques. ELISA results indicated a notable increase in T3 and T4 in the hyperthyroid rats, which was significantly mitigated by treatment with iridoid glycosides. Transcriptomic analysis revealed 6 upregulated and 6 downregulated genes in the model group, showing marked improvement following treatment. Proteomic analysis revealed changes in 30 upregulated and 50 downregulated proteins, with improvements observed upon treatment. The PI3K-Akt signalling pathway was investigated through KEGG enrichment analysis. Molecular biology methods verified the upregulation of Spp1, Thbs1, PI3K, and Akt in the model group, which was reversed in the treatment group. This study revealed that highly polar iridoids from R. Scrophulariae can modulate the Spp1 gene and Thbs1 protein via the PI3K-Akt signalling pathway, suggesting a therapeutic benefit for hyperthyroidism and providing a basis for drug development targeting this condition.

miRNA-363-3p Hinders Proliferation, Migration, Invasion and Autophagy of Thyroid Cancer Cells by Controlling SYT1 Transcription to affect NF-κB

BACKGROUND

Thyroid cancer (TC) is a frequent endocrine malignant tumor with various pathologic types. miRNA-363-3p plays a pivotal part in the occurrence, development, prognosis, and treatment of cancer.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the mechanism of miRNA-363-3p in TC and provide a new idea for targeted therapy of TC.

METHODS

Differential miRNAs and downstream target mRNAs in TC tissues were predicted with bioinformatics analysis. Expression levels of miRNA-363-3p and Synaptotagmin I (SYT1) in TC cells were ascertained by qRT-PCR. Cell migration, invasion, and proliferation were detected by wound healing assay, transwell assay, colony formation assay, CCK-8, and BrdU fluorescence experiment, respectively. Flow cytometry was utilized to detect the levels of apoptosis and necrosis. Immunofluorescence assay was used for detecting autophagosome formation in cells, and the expression levels of autophagy-related proteins, as well as NF-κB related proteins, were measured by western blot. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was applied for detecting the interaction between miRNA-363-3p and SYT1.

RESULTS

miRNA-363-3p was prominently down-regulated in TC cells. miRNA-363-3p overexpression suppressed migration, invasion, and proliferation, promoting apoptosis and necrosis of TC cells. As the downstream target of miRNA-363-3p, SYT1 was up-regulated in TC cells. SYT1 overexpression reversed the inhibition of TC cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and autophagy mediated by miRNA-363-3p overexpression. In addition, miRNA-363-3p overexpression inhibited the activation of the NF-κB pathway in cells, while further overexpression of SYT1 weakened the inhibition of miRNA-363-3p overexpression on the NF-κB pathway.

CONCLUSION

miRNA-363-3p affected the NF-κB signaling pathway by down-regulating SYT1 expression to inhibit the malignant progression of TC cells, providing theoretical support for the treatment of TC.

Significance of miRNAs on the thyroid cancer progression and resistance to treatment with special attention to the role of cross-talk between signaling pathways

Thyroid cancer (TC) is the most prevalent endocrine malignant tumor. It has many types, the Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC)(most common and follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC). Several risk factors have been associated with TC radiation exposure, autoimmunity, and genetics. Microribonucleic acids (miRNAs) are the most important genetic determinants of TC. They are small chains of nucleic acids that are able to inhibit the expression of several target genes. They could target several genes involved in TC proliferation, angiogenesis, apoptosis, development, and even resistance to therapy. Besides, they could influence the stemness of TC. Moreover, they could regulate several signaling pathways such as WNT/β-catenin, PI3K/AKT/mTOR axis, JAK/STAT, TGF- β, EGFR, and P53. Besides signaling pathways, miRNAs are also involved in the resistance of TC to major treatments such as surgery, thyroid hormone-inhibiting therapy, radioactive iodine, and adjuvant radiation. The stability and sensitivity of several miRNAs might be exploited as an approach for the usage of miRNAs as diagnostic and/or prognostic tools in TC.