miR-335 suppresses migration and invasion by targeting ROCK1 in osteosarcoma cells

Intelligent structure prediction and visualization analysis of non-coding RNA in osteosarcoma research

Background

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common bone malignant tumor in children and adolescents. Recent research indicates that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been associated with OS occurrence and development, with significant progress made in this field. However, there is no intelligent structure prediction and literature visualization analysis in this research field. From the perspective of intelligent knowledge structure construction and bibliometrics, this study will comprehensively review the role of countries, institutions, journals, authors, literature citation relationships and subject keywords in the field of ncRNAs in OS. Based on this analysis, we will systematically analyze the characteristics of the knowledge structure of ncRNAs in OS disease research and identify the current research hotspots and trends.

Methods

The Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database was searched for articles on ncRNAs in OS between 2001 and 2023. This bibliometric analysis was performed using VOSviewers, CiteSpace, and Pajek.

Results

This study involved 15,631 authors from 2,631 institutions across 57 countries/regions, with a total of 3,642 papers published in 553 academic journals. China has the highest number of published papers in this research field. The main research institutions include Nanjing Medical University (n = 129, 3.54%), Shanghai Jiao Tong University (n = 128, 3.51%), Zhengzhou University (n = 110, 3.02%), and China Medical University (n = 109, 2.99%). Oncology Letters (n =139, 3.82%), European Review for Medical Pharmacological Sciences (120, 3.31%), and Molecular Medicine Reports (n = 95, 2.61%) are the most popular journals in this field, with Oncotarget being the most co-cited journal (Co-Citation = 4,268). Wei Wang, Wei Liu, and Zhenfeng Duan published the most papers, with Wang Y being the most co-cited author. "miRNA", "lncRNA" and "circRNA" are the main focuses of ncRNAs in OS studies. Key themes include "migration and invasion", "apoptosis and proliferation", "prognosis", "biomarkers" and "chemoresistance". Since 2020, hotspots and trends in ncRNA research in OS include "tumor microenvironment", "immune" and "exosome".

Conclusion

This study represents the first comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the knowledge structure and development of ncRNAs in OS. These findings highlight current research hotspots and frontier directions, offering valuable insights for future studies on the role of ncRNAs in OS.

miRNAs orchestration of gallbladder cancer - Particular emphasis on diagnosis, progression and drug resistance

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is characterized by a highly invasive nature and a poor prognosis, with adenocarcinoma being the main histological subtype. According to statistical data, patients diagnosed with advanced GBC have a survival rate of less than 5% for 5 years. Despite the novel therapeutic techniques, the unsatisfactory results could be related to the underlying biology of tumor cells and resistance to chemotherapy. Early diagnosis is more important than clinical therapy as it assists in determining the pathological stage of cancer and facilitates the selection of appropriate medication. Hence, it is very important to understand the precise pathogenesis of GBC and to discover potential novel biomarkers for early diagnosis of GBC. Non-coding RNAs, such as microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs, have been found to influence the transcriptional regulation of target genes associated with cancer, either directly or indirectly. microRNAs are a group of small, non-coding, single-stranded RNAs that are expressed endogenously. miRNAs play significant roles in various fundamental cellular processes. Therefore, miRNAs have the potential to serve as valuable biomarkers and therapeutic targets for GBC.

Signal Pathways and microRNAs in Osteosarcoma Growth and the Dual Role of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Oncogenesis

The major challenges in Osteosarcoma (OS) therapy are its heterogeneity and drug resistance. The development of new therapeutic approaches to overcome the major growth mechanisms of OS is urgently needed. The search for specific molecular targets and promising innovative approaches in OS therapy, including drug delivery methods, is an urgent problem. Modern regenerative medicine focuses on harnessing the potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) because they have low immunogenicity. MSCs are important cells that have received considerable attention in cancer research. Currently, new cell-based methods for using MSCs in medicine are being actively investigated and tested, especially as carriers for chemotherapeutics, nanoparticles, and photosensitizers. However, despite the inexhaustible regenerative potential and known anticancer properties of MSCs, they may trigger the development and progression of bone tumors. A better understanding of the complex cellular and molecular mechanisms of OS pathogenesis is essential to identify novel molecular effectors involved in oncogenesis. The current review focuses on signaling pathways and miRNAs involved in the development of OS and describes the role of MSCs in oncogenesis and their potential for antitumor cell-based therapy.

Tumor-suppressing effects of miR-381-3p in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia via ROCK1 downregulation

MicroRNA (miR)-381-3p is the newly discovered tumor-associated miRNA, which is frequently associated with diverse human malignancies; but, it is still unknown about its effect on acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in children. This work focused on exploring miR-381-3p's effect on childhood AML and identifying the possible mechanisms facilitating new treatment development. Using qRT-PCR analysis, miR-381-3p expression remarkably reduced in pediatric AML patients and AML cell lines (HL-60 and U937). Following transfection of miR-381-3p mimic or inhibitor into HL-60 and U937 cells, we conducted MTT assay to evaluate cell proliferation, flow cytometry (FCM) to measured cell apoptosis and cell cycle, whereas Transwell assays to detect cell invasion and migration. Our results demonstrated that miR-381-3p overexpression remarkably repressed cell growth, invasion and migration; additionally, miR-381-3p overexpression resulted in arrest of cell cycle and enhanced cell apoptosis. In contrast, miR-381-3p knockdown led to an opposite effect. Moreover, we predicted miR-381's target gene and validated it by luciferase reporter assay and TargetScan, separately. We identified miR-381-3p's binding site in ROCK1 3'-UTR. As revealed by Western-blot (WB) assay, miR-381-3p overexpression notably suppressed ROCK1 level. Moreover, restoring ROCK1 expression abolished miR-381-3p's inhibition on cell proliferation, invasion and migration. Data in this work indicated the role of miR-381-3p as the tumor suppressor within pediatric AML by targeting ROCK1. Therefore, miR-381-3p might serve as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of pediatric AML.

Circular RNA ROCK1, a novel circRNA, suppresses osteosarcoma proliferation and migration via altering the miR-532-5p/PTEN axis

As the most prevalent bone tumor in children and adolescents, the pathogenesis and metastasis of osteosarcoma (OS) remain largely unclear. Here, we investigated the expression and function of a novel circular RNA (circRNA), circROCK1-E3/E4, which is back-spliced from exons 3 and 4 of Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) in OS. We found that circROCK1-E3/E4, regulated by the well-known RNA-binding protein quaking (QKI), was downregulated in OS and correlated with unfavorable clinical features of patients with OS. Functional proliferation and cell motility assays indicated that circROCK1-E3/E4 serves as a tumor suppressor in OS cells. Mechanistically, circROCK1-E3/E4 suppressed proliferation and migration by upregulating phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) through microRNA-532-5p (miR-532-5p) sponging. In the constructed nude mouse model, circROCK1-E3/E4 inhibited tumor growth and lung metastasis in vivo. This study demonstrates the functions and molecular mechanisms of circROCK1-E3/E4 in the progression of OS. These findings may identify novel targets for the molecular therapy of OS.

Understanding the role of a circular RNA molecule in bone cancer may provide a foundation for potential therapies. The factors underlying the development and progression of osteosarcoma, an aggressive bone cancer most common in young people, remain unclear. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), derived from RNA splicing events, have multiple functions in diseases such as cancer. Yong Wang at Zhejiang University, China, and co-workers had already demonstrated that the ROCK1 gene plays critical roles in osteosarcoma progression. Now, they have identified a novel circRNA called circROCK1-E3/E4 derived from ROCK1, which acts as a tumor suppressor in osteosarcoma. In experiments on human cell lines and mouse models, they found that circROCK1-E3/E4 regulates a key pathway that suppresses the proliferation and migration of cancer cells. Poor prognosis is linked to downregulated levels of this circRNA.

The Roles of Noncoding RNAs in the Development of Osteosarcoma Stem Cells and Potential Therapeutic Targets

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the common bone tumor in children and adolescents. Because of chemotherapy resistance, the OS patients have a poor prognosis. The one reason of chemotherapeutic resistance is the development of cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs represent a small portion of tumor cells with the capacity of self-renewal and multipotency, which are associated with tumor initiation, metastasis, recurrence and drug resistance. Recently, noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been reported to critically regulate CSCs. Therefore, in this review article, we described the role of ncRNAs, especially miRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs, in regulating CSCs development and potential mechanisms. Specifically, we discussed the role of multiple miRNAs in targeting CSCs, including miR-26a, miR-29b, miR-34a, miR-133a, miR-143, miR-335, miR-382, miR-499a, miR-1247, and let-7days. Moreover, we highlighted the functions of lncRNAs in regulating CSCs in OS, such as B4GALT1-AS1, DANCR, DLX6-AS1, FER1L4, HIF2PUT, LINK-A, MALAT1, SOX2-OT, and THOR. Due to the critical roles of ncRNAs in regulation of OS CSCs, targeting ncRNAs might be a novel strategy for eliminating CSCs for OS therapy.

The role of miR-129-5p in cancer: a novel therapeutic target

MiRNA-129-5p belongs to the microRNA-129 (miRNA-129) family. MiRNA-129-5p is expressed in many tissues and organs of the human body, and it regulates a wide range of biological functions. The abnormal expression of miRNA-129-5p is related to the occurrence and development of a variety of malignant tumors. MiRNA-129-5p plays an important role in the tumorigenesis process and functions by promoting or inhibiting tumors. However, the role of miRNA-129-5p in cancer remains controversial. This article reviews the different biological functions of miRNA-129-5p in cancer and provides ideas for research in this field to guide the development of targeted therapies and drugs for malignant tumors.

Functions and Targets of miR-335 in Cancer

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs (18~25 nt in length) that act as master regulators of eukaryotic gene expression. They might play an oncogenic or tumor-suppressive role in multiple cancers. In recent decades, several studies have focused on the functions and mechanisms of miR-335 in cancer. The expression level of miR-335 in tissues and cells varies with cancer types, and miR-335 has been proposed as a potential biomarker for the prognosis of cancer. Besides, miR-335 may serve as an oncogene or tumor suppressor via regulating different targets or pathways in tumor initiation, development, and metastasis. Furthermore, miR-335 also influences tumor microenvironment and drug sensitivity. MiR-335 is regulated by various factors such as lncRNAs and microRNAs. In this review, we reveal the functions and targets of miR-335 in various cancers and its potential application as a possible biomarker in prognostic judgment and treatment of malignant tumors.

Exosome-transmitted miRNA-335-5p promotes colorectal cancer invasion and metastasis by facilitating EMT via targeting RASA1

Exosomal microRNA (miRNA) secretion has been characterized as a vital factor in intercellular communication among cancer cells. However, little is known about cancer-secreted miRNAs specifically involved in metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC). Here, we found that exosomes derived from metastatic CRC cell line SW620 promoted migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of CRC cells. The profiling of exosome miRNAs revealed that microRNA (miR)-335-5p was highly expressed in exosomes from metastatic SW620 cells compared to those derived from primary SW480 cells. miR-335-5p was transmitted from metastatic SW620 cells to CRC cells via exosomes and promoted migration, invasion, and EMT of CRC cells. Moreover, exosome-transmitted miRNA-335-5p promotes CRC cell invasion and metastasis by facilitating EMT via targeting RAS p21 protein activator 1 (RASA1). Overexpression of RASA1 abolished the promotive effects of exosomal miR-335-5p on CRC cell migration, invasion, and EMT. Collectively, our data revealed that exosomal miR-335-5p derived from metastatic CRC cells promotes CRC cell invasion and metastasis by facilitating EMT via targeting RASA1, which may serve as a potential therapeutic target for CRC metastasis.

Long non-coding RNA EWSAT1 promoted metastasis and actin cytoskeleton changes via miR-24-3p sponging in osteosarcoma

Non‐coding RNAs are closely associated with tumorigenesis in multiple malignant tumours, including osteosarcoma (OS). Long non‐coding RNA Ewing sarcoma‐associated transcript 1 (EWSAT1) plays a role in metastasis, and actin cytoskeletal changes in OS remain unclear. In the current study, we showed that EWSAT1 expression was up‐regulated in OS and that an elevation in the EWSAT1 expression level was correlated with poor prognosis in patients with OS. Functionally, we showed that knockdown of EWSAT1 suppressed migration and induced actin stress fibre degradation in MNNG/HOS and 143B cells. Moreover, we found that ROCK1 was a key downstream effector in EWSAT1‐mediated cell migration and actin stress fibre changes. Furthermore, we demonstrated that ROCK1 and EWSAT1 shared a similar microRNA response element of microRNA‐24‐3p (miR‐24‐3p). Moreover, we verified that miR‐24‐3p suppressed ROCK1 and its mediated migration and actin stress fibres change by direct targeting. EWSAT1 promoted ROCK1‐mediated migration and actin stress fibre formation through miR‐24‐3p sponging. Lastly, through an in vivo study, we demonstrated that EWSAT1 promoted lung metastasis in OS. According to the above‐mentioned results, we suggest that EWSAT1 acts as an oncogene and that EWSAT1/miR‐24‐3p/ROCK1 axial could be a new target in the treatment of OS.

MicroRNAs signatures, bioinformatics analysis of miRNAs, miRNA mimics and antagonists, and miRNA therapeutics in osteosarcoma

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) involved in key signaling pathways and aggressive phenotypes of osteosarcoma (OS) was discussed, including PI3K/AKT/MTOR, MTOR AND RAF-1 signaling, tumor suppressor P53- linked miRNAs, NOTCH- related miRNAs, miRNA -15/16 cluster, apoptosis related miRNAs, invasion-metastasis-related miRNAs, and 14Q32-associated miRNAs cluster. Herrin, we discussed insights into the targeted therapies including miRNAs (i.e., tumor-suppressive miRNAs and oncomiRNAs). Using bioinformatics tools, the interaction network of all OS-associated miRNAs and their targets was also depicted.

Extracellular Vesicles of Human Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells Contain MicroRNAs Associated to Proto-Oncogenes: Implications in Cytokinesis

The human Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells (hPDLSCs) exhibit self-renewal capacity and clonogenicity potential. The Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) secreted by hPDLSCs are particles containing lipids, proteins, mRNAs, and non-coding RNAs, among which microRNAs, that are important in intercellular communication. The purpose of this study was the analysis of the non-coding RNAs contained in the EVs derived from hPDLSCs using Next Generation Sequencing. Moreover, our data were enriched using bioinformatic tools. The analysis highlighted the presence of non-coding RNAs and five microRNAs: MIR24-2, MIR142, MIR335, MIR490, and MIR296. Our results show that these miRNAs target the genes classified in two terms of the Gene Ontology: "Ras protein signal transduction" and "Actin/microtubule cytoskeleton organization." Noteworthy, the in-deep analysis of our EVs highlights that the miRNAs could be implicated in the silencing of proto-oncogenes involved in 12 different types of tumors.

LncRNA FOXD3-AS1 Mediates AKT Pathway to Promote Growth and Invasion in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Through Regulating RICTOR

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has high morbidity and mortality, but current therapeutic methods cannot effectively improve patient's prognosis. FOXD3-AS1, a new identified long noncoding RNA, is dysregulated in several cancers and functions as a carcinogenic or tumor-suppressor factor. However, the function of FOXD3-AS1 in HCC has not been reported. Materials and Methods: Quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction was applied to evaluate the expression of FOXD3-AS1 in HCC tissues and cell lines. miRDB and TargetScan websites were utilized to predict the interaction network of FOXD3-AS1 as a competing endogenous RNA. The interaction was confirmed by luciferase reporter assay and RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. The effect of FOXD3-AS1 on HCC cells (Huh6) were measured by cell counting kit (CCK)-8, BrdU cell proliferation assay, Transwell invasion assay, and wound healing assay. Results: FOXD3-AS1 was overexpressed in HCC, and HCC patients with the high level of FOXD3-AS1 had a poor prognosis. In addition, FOXD3-AS1 knockdown considerably inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of Huh6 cells. Besides, FOXD3-AS1 functioned as a sponge of miR-335, and RICTOR was a direct target gene of miR-335. Furthermore, FOXD3-AS1 could enhance the level of RICTOR through sponging miR-335. Moreover, the knockdown of FOXD3-AS1 could competitively bind with miR-335 to suppress RICTOR expression, thereby inhibiting the growth of Huh6 cells through the deactivation of AKT signaling pathway. Conclusions: FOXD3-AS1 is crucial for the tumorigenesis and progression of HCC. The interaction among FOXD3-AS1, miR-335, and RICTOR provides a novel insight for understanding the molecular mechanism of HCC, and FOXD3-AS1, miR-335, and RICTOR can be regarded as the potential targets for HCC treatment.

Circular RNA 0060745, a Novel circRNA, Promotes Colorectal Cancer Cell Proliferation and Metastasis Through miR-4736 Sponging

Purpose

Recent studies have shown that noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) play essential roles in the development of a number of cancers. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been shown to contribute to the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods

In this study, the expression levels of circular RNA 0060745 (circ_0060745), and microRNA 4736 (miR-4736) were measured using qRT-PCR. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were used to evaluate the diagnostic value of circ_0060745. Transwell assay and cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) assay were used to determine the metastatic and proliferative capacity of CRC cells. The expression of chromosome segregation one like (CSE1L) was measured using Western blotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC). In addition, RNA pull-down assay and luciferase assay were performed to verify the targeted binding between miR-473,6 and circ_0060745, and between as miR-4736 and CSE1L.

Results

We showed that circ_0060745 was upregulated in CRC, and was associated with unfavorable clinicopathological characteristics. We also showed that circ_0060745 acted as an oncogene and promoted CRC cell proliferation and metastasis. Circ_0060745 was primarily located in the cytoplasm. Furthermore, miR-4736 was downregulated in CRC, was a downstream target of circ_0060745, and mediated proliferation and metastasis. We showed that circ_0060745 sequestered miR-4736, which resulted in CRC cell proliferation and metastasis. Finally, we showed that CSE1L, a downstream target of miR-4736, was upregulated in CRC and mediated suppression of proliferation and metastasis in CRC.

Conclusion

The results of this study showed that circ_0060745 promoted CRC cell proliferation and metastasis via modulation of miR-4736/CSE1L signaling. The Circ_0060745/miR-4736/CSE1L axis might be a novel target for the treatment of CRC.

CircHIPK3 promotes colorectal cancer cells proliferation and metastasis via modulating of miR-1207-5p/FMNL2 signal

Increasing evidences demonstrate that circular RNAs (circRNAs) are extensively implicated in various cancers including colorectal cancer (CRC). In the present study, we found that circRNA HIPK3 (circPIK3) was upregulated in CRC. We identified that circHIPK3 was closely related with unfavorable clinicopathological features in patients with CRC. Functional transwell assay and proliferation assay indicated that circHIPK3 served as an oncogene and promoted CRC cells migration, invasion and proliferation. Meanwhile, we found that formin like 2 (FMNL2) was a key downstream molecule in circHIPK3-induced metastasis and proliferation in CRC cells. We further verified that circHIPK3 was mainly located at cytoplasm through an immunofluorescence assay. An online bioinformatics screening and a GEO datasets analysis showed that microRNA 1207-5p (miR-1207-5p) was downregulated in CRC. Also, we found that miR-1207-5p shared a similar miR-1207-5p response elements (MREs-1207-5p). Meanwhile, we showed that miR-1207-5p suppressed CRC cells migration, invasion and proliferation via directly targeting of FMNL2. Even further, via a constructed luciferase assay, we indicated that circHIPK3 was another target of miR-1207-5p. Functionally, we proved that circHIPK3 enhanced FMNL2 mediated promotion of migration, invasion and proliferation by sponging of miR-1207-5p in CRC cells. In summary, the outcomes of this study illustrated that circHIPK3 promoted CRC cells migration, invasion and proliferation modulating of FMNL2 by sponging of miR-1207-5p. Our findings indicated that circHIPK3/miR-1207-5p/FMNL2 axis might be a new strategy in molecular treatment of CRC.

Current Smoking is Associated with Decreased Expression of miR-335-5p in Parenchymal Lung Fibroblasts

Cigarette smoking causes lung inflammation and tissue damage. Lung fibroblasts play a major role in tissue repair. Previous studies have reported smoking-associated changes in fibroblast responses and methylation patterns. Our aim was to identify the effect of current smoking on miRNA expression in primary lung fibroblasts. Small RNA sequencing was performed on lung fibroblasts from nine current and six ex-smokers with normal lung function. MiR-335-5p and miR-335-3p were significantly downregulated in lung fibroblasts from current compared to ex-smokers (false discovery rate (FDR) <0.05). Differential miR-335-5p expression was validated with RT-qPCR (p-value = 0.01). The results were validated in lung tissue from current and ex-smokers and in bronchial biopsies from non-diseased smokers and never-smokers (p-value <0.05). The methylation pattern of the miR-335 host gene, determined by methylation-specific qPCR, did not differ between current and ex-smokers. To obtain insights into the genes regulated by miR-335-5p in fibroblasts, we overlapped all proven miR-335-5p targets with our previously published miRNA targetome data in lung fibroblasts. This revealed Rb1, CARF, and SGK3 as likely targets of miR-335-5p in lung fibroblasts. Our study indicates that miR-335-5p downregulation due to current smoking may affect its function in lung fibroblasts by targeting Rb1, CARF and SGK3.

Down-regulation of GAS5 ameliorates myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion injury via the miR-335/ROCK1/AKT/GSK-3β axis

Growth arrest‐specific transcript 5 (GAS5), along non‐coding RNA (LncRNA), is highly expressed in hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)‐cardiomyocytes and promotes H/R‐induced apoptosis. In this study, we determined whether down‐regulation of GAS5 ameliorates myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and further explored its mechanism. GAS5 expression in cardiomyocytes and rats was knockdown by transfected or injected with GAS5‐specific small interfering RNA or adeno‐associated virus delivering small hairpin RNAs, respectively. The effects of GAS5 knockdown on myocardial I/R injury were detected by CCK‐8, myocardial enzyme test, flow cytometry, TTC and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) staining. qRT‐PCR and luciferase reporter assay were carried out to analyse the relationship between GAS5 and miR‐335. The regulation of GAS5 on Rho‐associated protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) expression, the activation of PI3K/AKT/GSK‐3β pathway and mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening was further evaluated. The results indicated that GAS5 knockdown enhanced the viability, decreased apoptosis and reduced the levels of lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase‐MB in H/R‐treatment cardiomyocytes. Meanwhile, down‐regulation of GAS5 limited myocardial infarct size and reduced apoptosis in I/R‐heart. GAS5 was found to bind to miR‐335 and displayed a reciprocal inhibition between them. Furthermore, GAS5 knockdown repressed ROCK1 expression, activated PI3K/AKT, thereby leading to inhibition of GSK‐3β and mPTP opening. These suppressions were abrogated by miR‐335 inhibitor treatment. Taken together, our results demonstrated that down‐regulation of GAS5 ameliorates myocardial I/R injury via the miR‐335/ROCK1/AKT/GSK‐3β axis. Our findings suggested that GAS5 may be a new therapeutic target for the prevention of myocardial I/R injury.

AC016405.3, a novel long noncoding RNA, acts as a tumor suppressor through modulation of TET2 by microRNA-19a-5p sponging in glioblastoma

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are crucial regulators in various malignancies including glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). In the present study, we screened out a new lncRNA, AC016405.3, through a previous genome-wide lncRNA microarray analysis in GBM. It showed that AC016405.3 was downregulated in GBM tissue specimens and cell lines, and it also illustrated that the downregulated AC016405.3 was closely correlated with several aggressive features of patients with GBM. Functionally, we found that overexpression of AC016405.3 suppressed GBM cells' proliferation and metastasis using a gain of function experiment. We further showed that microRNA (miR)-19a-5p, a carcinogenic miRNA, was a downstream miRNA of AC016405.3. AC016405.3 was revealed as a target of miR-19a-5p, and overexpression of miR-19a-5p reversed the inhibitive effect of AC016405.3 on GBM cell proliferation and metastasis. Furthermore, a novel downstream gene of miR-19a-5p, TET2, was identified through a constructed microarray analysis. We showed that TET2 was downregulated in GBM and was involved in miR-19a-5p-mediated proliferation and metastasis by directly being targeted. Finally, through a western blot assay and a series of functional CCK-8 and metastatic assays, we showed that AC016405.3 suppressed proliferation and metastasis through modulation of TET2 by sponging of miR-19a-5p in GBM cells. In summary, the findings of the current study identified a novel lncRNA and illustrated that AC016405.3, acting as an anti-oncogene, suppressed GBM cell proliferation and metastasis by regulating TET through miR-19a-5p sponging. Our present study might provide a new axis in the molecular treatment of GBM.

EPEL promotes the migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells by upregulating ROCK1

E2F-mediated cell proliferation enhancing long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) (EPEL) is a newly identified lncRNA involved in the regulation of lung cancer cell proliferation. However, its association with other types of cancer is unknown. The present study recruited patients with osteosarcoma and healthy controls. Tumor and adjacent healthy tissues were obtained from patients with osteosarcoma, and whole blood was extracted from patients and healthy controls. The expression levels of EPEL in tissues were detected by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The diagnostic value of serum EPEL for osteosarcoma was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. The association between serum levels of EPEL and basic clinical patient information was analyzed by χ² test. Subsequently, EPEL overexpression in osteosarcoma cell lines was established, and its effects on cell migration and invasion were explored by Transwell assay. The implications of EPEL overexpression on Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) expression were investigated by western blotting. The results revealed that EPEL was upregulated in tumor tissues compared with adjacent tissues. In addition, serum levels of EPEL were higher in patients with osteosarcoma compared with healthy controls, and were positively associated with distant tumor metastasis. Furthermore, EPEL overexpression promoted the migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells and induced overexpression of ROCK1. In conclusion, these results suggested that EPEL may promote the migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells by upregulating ROCK1.

MiR-144 Inhibits Tumor Growth and Metastasis in Osteosarcoma via Dual-suppressing RhoA/ROCK1 Signaling Pathway

Several microRNAs (miRNAs) have been found expressed differentially in osteosarcoma (OS), so they may function in the onset and progression of OS. In this study, we found that miR-144 significantly suppresses osteosarcoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion ability in vitro and inhibited tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Mechanically, we demonstrated that Ras homolog family member A (RhoA) and its pivotal downstream effector Rho-associated, coiled-coil-containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) were direct targets of miR-144. Moreover, the negative correlation between down-regulated miR-144 and up-regulated ROCK1/RhoA was verified in both OS cell lines and clinical patients' specimens. Functionally, RhoA with or without ROCK1 co-overexpression resulted a rescue phenotype on miR-144 inhibited cell growth, migration, and invasion abilities whereas individual overexpression of ROCK1 had no statistical significance compared with controls in miR-144-transfected SAOS2 and U2-OS cells. Taken together, this study demonstrates that miR-144 inhibited tumor growth and metastasis in OS via dual-suppressing of RhoA and ROCK1, which could be a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of OS.

MicroRNA-204 inhibits the proliferation, migration and invasion of human lung cancer cells by targeting PCNA-1 and inhibits tumor growth in vivo

Lung cancer accounts for ~20% of the total cancer-associated mortalities worldwide. Lung cancer is often diagnosed at advanced stages and is therefore difficult to treat. The biomarkers for diagnosis of lung cancer are limited and unreliable. In addition, the lack of availability of efficient chemotherapeutic agents and targets has resulted in limitations in the successful treatment of lung cancer. Previously, microRNAs (miRNA/miR) have been implicated in the onset and development of several types of cancer. The expression of miRNAs is often dysregulated in cancer cells; therefore, they are considered important therapeutic targets and agents. The present study examined the expression of miR-204 in 4 different lung cancer cell lines and 1 normal cell line. The results revealed that miR-204 was significantly downregulated (4–8-fold) in all the cancer cell lines (P<0.05). Overexpression of miR-204 in A549 lung cancer cells inhibited the proliferative, migratory and invasive capabilities of the lung cancer cells. Furthermore, miR-204 overexpression also induced apoptosis in the A549 lung cancer cells. Bioinformatics analysis revealed proliferating cell nuclear antigen 1 (PCNA-1) to be a potential target of miR-204. The reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that PCNA-1 was significantly upregulated (up to 5-fold) in the lung cancer cells (P<0.05), and the over-expression of miR-204 caused the downregulation of PCNA-1 in A549 lung cancer cells. Silencing of PCNA-1 in A549 cells exerted similar effects to that of miR-204 overexpression on the proliferative, migratory and invasive capabilities of A549 lung cancer cells. Additionally, the suppression of miR-204 in A549 cells transfected with Si-PCNA-1 did not rescue the effects of PCNA-1 silencing on cell proliferation, migration or invasion. Conversely, the overexpression of PCNA-1 in A549 cells transfected with miR-204 mimics promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of lung cancer cells. Furthermore, overexpression of miR-204 in xenograft tumors significantly inhibited their growth. Taken together, these results indicated that miR-204 regulates the proliferative, migratory and invasive capabilities of lung cancer cells by targeting PCNA-1.

MicroRNA-145 regulates the proliferation, migration and invasion of human primary colon adenocarcinoma cells by targeting MAPK1

Primary colon adenocarcinoma is responsible for high rates of mortality worldwide. The late diagnosis and lack of reliable biomarkers and therapeutic targets forms a bottleneck in the treatment of colon cancer. In the present study, the therapeutic potential of an important microRNA (miR), namely miR-145, was investigated in primary colon adenocarcinoma cells. The results revealed that the expression of miR-145 was significantly (P<0.05) downregulated in colon adenocarcinoma cells and the ectopic expression of miR-145 in colon cancer inhibited proliferation by promoting the apoptosis of SW480 primary colon adenocarcinoma cells. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis revealed that miR-145 exerts its effected by targeting mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in SW480 cells. This was confirmed by expression analysis wherein the expression of MAPK1 was significantly (P<0.05) upregulated in the primary colon adenocarcinoma cells and the ectopic expression of miR-145 inhibited the expression of MAPK1. By contrast, the silencing of MAPK1 had similar effects on the proliferation, migration and invasion of SW480 cells as that of the overexpression of miR-145. Furthermore, it was observed that the inhibition of miR-145 did not reverse the effects of MAPK1 silencing on SW480 cells. However, the overexpression of MAPK1 led to considerable reversal of the effects of the overexpression of miR-145 on the proliferation, migration and invasion of SW480 cells. The effects of the overexpression of miR-145 were also evaluated in vivo in xenografted mice and it was observed that the overexpression of miR-145 also inhibited tumor growth and volume in vivo. Taken together, it was concluded that miR-145 may prove to be an important therapeutic target for colon cancer.

Long non-coding RNA KCNQ1OT1 modulates oxaliplatin resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma through miR-7-5p/ ABCC1 axis

The underlying functions of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) on chemoresistance in multiple cancers have been testified. However, the function and mechanism of lncRNAs on chemoresistance in hepatocellular carcinoma are still confused. In this study, we concentrated on the function and mechanism of KCNQ1OT1 on oxaliplatin resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma. Results showed that KCNQ1OT1 was significantly up-regulated in oxaliplatin-resistant HepG2 and Huh7 cells. Moreover, knockdown of KCNQ1OT1 inhibited the cell proliferation, migration, invasion and reduced the expression of drug-resistant gene (MRP5, MDR1, LRP1). Additionally, bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-7-5p directly targeted the 3'-UTR of miR-7-5p and ABCC1 mRNA, indicating that KCNQ1OT1 regulated the expression of ABCC1 via endogenous sponging miR-7-5p. Conclusively, KCNQ1OT1 modulated oxaliplatin resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma through miR-7-5p/ABCC1 axis, indicating a novel approach for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

MiRNA-221 from tissue may predict the prognosis of patients with osteosarcoma

This study was aimed to investigate the relationship between miR-221 expression and prognosis in patients with osteosarcoma.miR-221 expression in 69 osteosarcoma specimens and corresponding noncancer tissues were characterized by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The associations of miR-221 expression with clinicopathologic factors and prognosis in patients with osteosarcoma were statistically analyzed.miR-221 expression in patients with osteosarcoma was significantly higher than in the corresponding noncancer tissues (P < .01). miR-221 overexpression was significantly associated with tumor stage, metastatic status, and response to chemotherapy pretreatment. Cox regression analysis revealed that miR-221expression, metastasis, and response to chemotherapy were independent prognostic indicators for osteosarcoma.miR-221 upregulation may predict clinical outcomes in patients with osteosarcoma.

Long noncoding RNA DANCR, working as a competitive endogenous RNA, promotes ROCK1-mediated proliferation and metastasis via decoying of miR-335-5p and miR-1972 in osteosarcoma

Background

Accumulating evidences indicate that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) including long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) acting as crucial regulators in osteosarcoma (OS). Previously, we reported that Rho associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1), a metastatic-related gene was negatively regulated by microRNA-335-5p (miR-335-5p) and work as an oncogene in osteosarcoma. Whether any long non-coding RNAs participate in the upstream of miR-335-5p/ROCK1 axial remains unclear.

Methods

Expression of differentiation antagonizing non-protein coding RNA (DANCR) and miR-335-5p/miR-1972 in osteosarcoma tissues were determined by a qRT-PCR assay and an ISH assay. Osteosarcoma cells’ proliferation and migration/invasion ability changes were measured by a CCK-8/EDU assay and a transwell assay respectively. ROCK1 expression changes were checked by a qRT-PCR assay and a western blot assay. Targeted binding effects between miR-335-5p/miR-1972 and ROCK1 or DANCR were verified by a dual luciferase reporter assay and a RIP assay. In vivo experiments including a nude formation assay as well as a CT scan were applied to detect tumor growth and metastasis changes in animal level.

Results

In the present study, an elevated DNACR was found in osteosarcoma tissue specimens and in osteosarcoma cell lines, and the elevated DNACR was closely correlated with poor prognosis in clinical patients. Functional experiments illustrated that a depression of DANCR suppressed ROCK1-mediated proliferation and metastasis in osteosarcoma cells. The results of western blot assays and qRT-PCR assays revealed that DANCR regulated ROCK1 via crosstalk with miR-335-5p and miR-1972. Further cellular behavioral experiments demonstrated that DNACR promoted ROCK1-meidated proliferation and metastasis through decoying both miR-335-5p and miR-1972. Finally, the outcomes of in vivo animal models showed that DANCR promoted tumor growth and lung metastasis of osteosarcoma.

Conclusions

LncRNA DANCR work as an oncogene and promoted ROCK1-mediated proliferation and metastasis through acting as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) in osteosarcoma.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12943-018-0837-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Long noncoding RNA DANCR promotes colorectal cancer proliferation and metastasis via miR-577 sponging

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play key roles in various malignant tumors, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Long non-coding RNA differentiation antagonizing non-protein coding RNA (DANCR) is overexpressed in CRC patients, but whether it affects CRC proliferation and metastasis via regulation of heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) remains unclear. In the present study, we found that DANCR was highly expressed and correlated with proliferation and metastasis in CRC. In addition, we demonstrated that DANCR and HSP27 were both targets of microRNA-577 (miR-577) and shared the same binding site. Furthermore, we revealed that DANCR promoted HSP27 expression and its mediation of proliferation/metastasis via miR-577 sponging. Finally, using an in vivo study, we confirmed that overexpression of DANCR promoted CRC tumor growth and liver metastasis. The present study demonstrated the function of DANCR in CRC and might provide a new target in the treatment of CRC.

Clinical significance of circulating miR-25-3p as a novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in osteosarcoma

Background

Emerging evidence has suggested that circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) in body fluids have novel diagnostic and prognostic significance for patients with malignant diseases. The lack of useful biomarkers is a crucial problem of bone and soft tissue sarcomas; therefore, we investigated the circulating miRNA signature and its clinical relevance in osteosarcoma.

Methods

Global miRNA profiling was performed using patient serum collected from a discovery cohort of osteosarcoma patients and controls and cell culture media. The secretion of the detected miRNAs from osteosarcoma cells and clinical relevance of serum miRNA levels were evaluated using in vitro and in vivo models and a validation patient cohort.

Results

Discovery screening identified 236 serum miRNAs that were highly expressed in osteosarcoma patients compared with controls, and eight among these were also identified in the cell culture media. Upregulated expression levels of miR-17-5p and miR-25-3p were identified in osteosarcoma cells, and these were abundantly secreted into the culture media in tumor-derived exosomes. Serum miR-25-3p levels were significantly higher in osteosarcoma patients than in control individuals in the validation cohort, with favorable sensitivity and specificity compared with serum alkaline phosphatase. Furthermore, serum miR-25-3p levels at diagnosis were correlated with patient prognosis and reflected tumor burden in both in vivo models and patients; these associations were more sensitive than those of serum alkaline phosphatase.

Conclusions

Serum-based circulating miR-25-3p may serve as a non-invasive blood-based biomarker for tumor monitoring and prognostic prediction in osteosarcoma patients.

MicroRNA-129-5p suppresses cell proliferation, migration and invasion via targeting ROCK1 in osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary malignancy of the bone in teenagers and accounts for 20‑35% of all malignant primary bone tumors. Increasing evidence shows that microRNAs (miRNAs) are abnormally expressed in several types of human cancer. miRNAs are necessary to maintain the malignant phenotype of cancer cells and can function as either tumor suppressors or oncogenes. The present study aimed to measure the expression of miRNA‑129‑5p (miR‑129‑5p) in OS, determine the effects of miR‑129‑5p on the malignant behaviors of OS cells, and elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying the oncogenesis and progression of OS. The expression levels of miR‑129‑5p in OS tissues and cell lines were measured using reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‑qPCR) analysis. SAOS‑2 and U2OS cells were then transfected with miR‑129‑5p mimics or miR‑negative control. The effects of miR‑129‑5p on the proliferation, migration and invasion of SAOS‑2 and U2OS cells in vitro were then evaluated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, Transwell migration assay and invasion assays, respectively. In addition, bioinformatics analysis, a luciferase reporter assay, and RT‑qPCR and western blot analyses were used to examine whether Rho‑associated protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) was a direct target of miR‑129‑5p. The mRNA expression of ROCK1 in OS tissues was detected using RT‑qPCR analysis, and the biological roles of ROCK1 in OS cells were also evaluated. The results showed that miR‑129‑5p was significantly downregulated in the OS tissues and cell lines. The re‑expression of miR‑129‑5p suppressed the cell proliferation, migration and invasion of OS cells. In addition, ROCK1 was confirmed as a direct target of miR‑129‑5p. The mRNA expression of ROCK1 was high in OS tissues and inversely correlated with the expression of miR‑129‑5p. The downregulation of ROCK1 inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of OS cells. These findings suggested that miR‑129‑5p inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion in the development of OS via the negative regulation of ROCK1. The miR‑129‑5p/ROCK1 axis may serve as an efficient target in cancer therapy.

MiR-137 inhibited inflammatory response and apoptosis after spinal cord injury via targeting of MK2

Spinal cord injuries are common and troublesome disorder, which is mediated by various signal pathways and mechanisms. MK2 is also involved in numerous inflammatory diseases including spinal cord injury. The role of microRNA-137 (miR-137) and its detailed working mechanism in spinal cord injuries remain unclear. In the present study, we found that an elevated MK2 but a decreased miR-137 was expressed in serum specimens of patients with spinal cord injury and in hydrogen peroxide-treated C8-D1A and C8-B4 cells. Meanwhile, we suggested that upregulation of miR-137 could inhibit the expression of TNF-α and IL-6, two markers of inflammatory response after SCI, and apoptosis in hydrogen peroxide-treated C8-D1A and C8-B4 cells. Furthermore, we verified that MK2 was a direct target of miR-137 thorough a constructed luciferase assay. Even further, we elucidated that miR-137 could suppress the inflammatory response and apoptosis via negative regulation of MK2. Finally, through an animal model trial performed using mice, we demonstrated the protective effect of how miR-137 works on inflammatory response and apoptosis after spinal cord injury. Considering all the forementioned, our findings revealed that miR-137 inhibited inflammatory response and apoptosis after spinal cord injury via the targeting of MK2. The outcomes of the present study might indicate a new target in molecular treatment of SCI.

FUS-CHOP Promotes Invasion in Myxoid Liposarcoma through a SRC/FAK/RHO/ROCK-Dependent Pathway

Deregulated SRC/FAK signaling leads to enhanced migration and invasion in many types of tumors. In myxoid and round cell liposarcoma (MRCLS), an adipocytic tumor characterized by the expression of the fusion oncogene FUS-CHOP, SRC have been found as one of the most activated kinases. Here we used a cell-of-origin model of MRCLS and an MRCLS cell line to thoroughly characterize the mechanisms of cell invasion induced by FUS-CHOP using in vitro (3D spheroid invasion assays) and in vivo (chicken chorioallantoic membrane model) approaches. FUS-CHOP expression activated SRC-FAK signaling and increased the invasive ability of MRCLS cells. In addition, FAK expression was found to significantly correlate with tumor aggressiveness in sarcoma patient samples. The involvement of SRC/FAK activation in FUS-CHOP-mediated invasion was further confirmed using the SRC inhibitor dasatinib, the specific FAK inhibitor PF-573228, and FAK siRNA. Notably, dasatinib and PF573228 could also efficiently block the invasion of cancer stem cell subpopulations. Downstream of SRC/FAK signaling, we found that FUS-CHOP expression increases the levels of the RHO/ROCK downstream effector phospho-MLC2 (T18/S19) and that this activation was prevented by dasatinib or PF573228. Moreover, the ROCK inhibitor RKI-1447 was able to completely abolish invasion in FUS-CHOP-expressing cells. These data uncover the involvement of SRC/FAK/RHO/ROCK signaling axis in FUS-CHOP-mediated invasion, thus providing a rationale for testing inhibitors of this pathway as potential novel antimetastatic agents for MRCLS treatment.

MicroRNA expression in a phosphaturic mesenchymal tumour

Phosphaturic mesenchymal tumours are a heterogeneous set of bone and soft tissue neoplasms that can cause a number of paraneoplastic syndromes such as tumour induced osteomalacia. The term phosphaturic comes from the common finding that these tumours secrete high levels of fibroblast growth factor 23 which causes renal phosphate wasting leading to hypophosphatemia. Phosphaturic mesenchymal tumours are rare and diagnosis is difficult. A very active 68 year old male presented with bone pain and muscle weakness. He was hypophosphataemic and total alkaline phosphatase was markedly elevated. The patient was placed on vitamin D supplementation but his condition progressed. In the fifth year of presentation the patient required the use of a wheelchair and described “explosive” bone pain on physical contact. Serum 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D was low and serum fibroblast growth factor 23 was significantly elevated, raising suspicion of a phosphaturic mesenchymal tumour. A lesion was detected in his left femoral head and the patient underwent a total hip replacement. The patient displayed a rapid improvement to his condition and during a three year follow up period he returned to an active lifestyle. As molecular testing may help provide a robust diagnosis and is particularly useful in rare diseases we took a next generation sequencing approach to identify a differential expression of small RNAs in the resected tumour. Small RNAs are non-coding RNA molecules that play a key role in regulation of gene expression and can be used as specific biomarkers. We found an upregulation of miR-197. We also found a downregulation of miR-20b, miR-144 and miR-335 which is a small RNA profile typical of osteosarcoma. MiR-21, the most frequently upregulated microRNA in cancer, was downregulated. We conclude that the specific small RNA profile is typical of osteosarcoma except for the downregulation of oncogenic miR-21. Transcriptional plasticity of miR-197, which is computationally predicted to target fibroblast growth factor 23 messenger RNA, may be upregulated in a cellular effort to correct the ectopic expression of the protein.

MicroRNA-335 suppresses the proliferation, migration, and invasion of breast cancer cells by targeting EphA4

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that exert their functions by targeting specific mRNA sequences. Many studies have demonstrated that miRNAs are crucial for cancer progression, during which they can act as either oncogenes or tumor suppressors. Previous research has shown that miR-335 is downregulated in breast cancer, and it has been shown to be a breast cancer suppressor. In addition, emerging evidence indicates that erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular A4 (EphA4) is implicated in cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. However, little is known about the relationship between miR-335 and EphA4 in breast cancer. In the present study, we used bioinformatic and biochemical analyses to demonstrate that EphA4 is a direct downstream target of miR-335 in human breast cancer MCF-7 and MDA-MB-23 cells and revealed that miR-335 negatively regulates the expression of EphA4 in these cells. Further investigation revealed that miR-335 overexpression inhibits MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation and that this inhibition is attenuated by EphA4 coexpression. Similarly, miR-335 overexpression also inhibited growth and downregulated EphA4 expression in tumors in nude mice. Moreover, our results demonstrated that miR-335 overexpression suppresses migration and invasion in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells, an effect that was reversed by EphA4 overexpression. These findings confirmed that EphA4 is a direct target gene of miR-335 and that miR-335 suppresses breast cancer cell proliferation and motility in part by directly inhibiting EphA4 expression.

Long non-coding RNA MALAT1 for promoting metastasis and proliferation by acting as a ceRNA of miR-144-3p in osteosarcoma cells

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in various biological processes and diseases including osteosarcoma. Long non-coding RNA metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) is overly expressed in osteosarcoma. But the function and mechanism it works on in osteosarcoma proliferation and metastasis mediated by Rho associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) and Rho associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 2 (ROCK2) remain unclear. In the present study, an elevated MALAT1 was found in osteosarcoma tissues and cell lines, and the elevated MALAT1 was correlated with a poor prognosis in osteosarcoma patients. The functional experiments show that a decreased MALAT1 could remarkably inhibit osteosarcoma cell metastasis and proliferation but induce cell cycle arrest, indicating that MALAT1 functioned as an oncogene in osteosarcoma. Furthermore, we confirmed that MALAT1 and ROCK1/ROCK2 which were targeted by microRNA-144-3p (miR-144-3p) shared the same miR-144-3p combining site. Furthermore, the constructed luciferase assay verified that MALAT1 was a target of miR-144-3p. Additionally, the results of a qRT-PCR demonstrated that MALAT1 and miR-144-3p repressed each other's expression in a reciprocal manner. Finally, we affirmed that an overexpression of MALAT1 inhibited ROCK1/ROCK2 expression and its mediated metastasis and proliferation by working as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) via miR-144-3p.

In summary, the findings of this study based on the ceRNA theory, combining the research foundation of miR-144-3p, ROCK1 and ROCK2, taking MALAT1 as a new point of study, provided new insights into molecular level proliferation reversal and metastasis of osteosarcoma.

MicroRNA-335-5p Plays Dual Roles in Periapical Lesions by Complex Regulation Pathways

INTRODUCTION

MicroRNA-335-5p has been reported to regulate osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiations of mesenchymal stem cells. The aim of this study was to explore the function and regulation mechanism of miR-335-5p in apical periodontitis (AP).

METHODS

Total RNAs were extracted from human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (HPDLFs), 10 AP tissues, and 6 healthy periodontal ligament tissues using lysis buffer. Gene expression was detected using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The Dual Luciferase Assay (Promega, Madison, WI) was used to test miR-335-5p directly targeted urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) and the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL). Western Blot was used to detect protein expressions of RANKL, uPAR, and the fragile X-related 1 gene (FXR1). The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the secretions of interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and RANKL. Data were analyzed using the Student t test.

RESULTS

miR-335-5p acted as a positive mediator in HPDLF inflammation (P < .05). Two targets of miR-335-5p, uPAR and RANKL, were identified. Interestingly, uPAR was repressed by miR-335-5p at the basal level, but it can be relieved from miR-335-5p-mediated repression, which is called derepression, when HPDLFs were subjected to lipopolysaccharide stimulation. miR-335-5p promoted RANKL in HPDLFs regardless of whether or not it was under inflammatory conditions (P < .05). We proved FXR1 was responsible for the derepression of uPAR from miR-335-5p (P < .01). Both FXR1 and uPAR were positive mediators in HPDLF inflammation (P < .05). miR-335-5p, uPAR, RANKL, and FXR1 had the same expression profiles in HPDLF inflammation and AP tissues (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data showed that miR-335-5p may play dual roles in AP, and it might be considered as a target for therapeutic potency in clinical applications.

Long non-coding RNA TUG1 promotes migration and invasion by acting as a ceRNA of miR-335-5p in osteosarcoma cells

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) have been the focus of increasing attention due to the role they play in many diseases, including osteosarcoma. The function of taurine upregulated gene 1 (TUG1) and its mechanism in osteosarcoma remain unclear. In our research, we found that TUG1 was elevated and correlated with a poor prognosis in osteosarcoma patients. In addition, the following functional experiment showed that decreased TUG1 could remarkably inhibit osteosarcoma cell migration and invasion, indicating that TUG1 functioned as an oncogene in osteosarcoma. Moreover, we revealed that TUG1 and Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1), a metastasis-related gene targeted by microRNA-335-5p (miR-335-5p), had the same miR-335-5p combining site. The subsequent luciferase assay verified TUG1 was a target of miR-335-5p. Furthermore, the results of a real-time quantitative PCR showed that TUG1 and miR-335-5p could affect each other's expression. respectively. Finally, we affirmed that TUG1 affected ROCK1 expression and ROCK1-mediated migration/invasion by working as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) via miR-335-5p. In summary, the findings of this study, based on ceRNA theory, combining the research foundation of miR-335-5p and ROCK1, and taking TUG1 as a new study point, provide new insight into molecular-level reversing migration and invasion of osteosarcoma.

Decrease of miR-195 Promotes Chondrocytes Proliferation and Maintenance of Chondrogenic Phenotype via Targeting FGF-18 Pathway

Slow growth and rapid loss of chondrogenic phenotypes are the major problems affecting chronic cartilage lesions. The role of microRNA-195 (miR-195) and its detailed working mechanism in the fore-mentioned process remains unknown. Fibroblastic growth factor 18 (FGF-18) plays a key role in cartilage homeostasis; whether miR-195 could regulate FGF-18 and its downstream signal pathway in chondrocyte proliferation and maintenance of chondrogenic phenotypes still remains unclear. The present research shows elevated miR-195 but depressed FGF-18 expressed in joint fluid specimens of 20 patients with chronic cartilage lesions and in CH1M and CH3M chondrocytes when compared with that in joint fluid specimens without cartilage lesions and in CH1W and CH2W chondrocytes, respectively. The following loss of function test revealed that downregulation of miR-195 by transfection of miR-195 inhibitors promoted chondrocyte proliferation and expression of a type II collagen α I chain (Col2a1)/aggrecan. Through the online informatics analysis we theoretically predicted that miR-195 could bind to a FGF-18 3' untranslated region (3'UTR), also, we verified that a miR-195 could regulate the FGF-18 and its downstream pathway. The constructed dual luciferase assay further confirmed that FGF-18 was a direct target of miR-195. The executed anti-sense experiment displayed that miR-195 could regulate chondrocyte proliferation and Col2a1/aggrecan expression via the FGF-18 pathway. Finally, through an in vivo anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) model, downregulation of miR-195 presented a significantly protective effect on chronic cartilage lesions. Evaluating all of the outcomes of the current research revealed that a decrease of miR-195 protected chronic cartilage lesions by promoting chondrocyte proliferation and maintenance of chondrogenic phenotypes via the targeting of the FGF-18 pathway and that the miR-195/FGF-18 axis could be a potential target in the treatment of cartilage lesions.

miR-214-5p Targets ROCK1 and Suppresses Proliferation and Invasion of Human Osteosarcoma Cells

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small conserved RNAs regulating specific target genes in posttranscriptional levels. They have been involved in multiple processes of tumor progression, including cell proliferation. miR-214-5p (also miR-214*) is a newly identified miRNA, and its functions are largely unknown. In this study, we explore the role of miR-214-5p in the proliferation and invasion of human osteosarcoma (OS) cells. The results showed that miR-214-5p was sharply reduced in OS tissues and cell lines, compared with normal tissues and cell lines. In addition, the miR-214-5p mimic greatly increased the miR-214-5p level and significantly decreased the proliferation and invasion of HOS and G293 OS cells. In contrast, the miR-214-5p inhibitor had a completely opposite effect on the miR-214-5p level, cell proliferation, and cell invasion. Moreover, bioinformatics and luciferase reporter gene assays confirmed that miR-1908 targeted the mRNA 3'-UTR region of ROCK1, a characterized tumor promoter in OS. In conclusion, miR-214-5p was identified as a new tumor suppressor, which directly targeted ROCK1 and suppressed proliferation of human OS cells.

MicroRNA-335 and its target Rock1 synergistically influence tumor progression and prognosis in osteosarcoma

MicroRNA (miR)-335 and Rho-associated serine-threonine protein kinase 1 (Rock1) is ectopically expressed in multiple malignant tumors including osteosarcoma. The present study aimed to clarify whether the combined ectopically expressed miR-335 and Rock1 was correlated with clinicopathological features and prognosis in patients with osteosarcoma. The expression of miR-335 and Rock1 in 91 osteosarcoma tissue samples and 47 noncancerous bone tissues were determined respectively by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. The association between miR-335 and Rock1 expression with the clinicopathological features of osteosarcoma was calculated using the Pearson's χ² test. Spearman's correlation analysis was used to study the association between the miR-335 and Rock1 expression. Survival curves were drawn using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed using the Cox's proportional hazard regression model to allow the prognostic values to be assessed. Expression levels of miR-335 were significantly reduced in osteosarcoma tissues (P<0.001), compared with that in noncancerous bone tissues, while Rock1 expression was significantly increased in osteosarcoma tissues (P<0.001). A strong correlation between miR-335 and Rock1 expression was also shown (P<0.001). Decreased miR-335 expression was identified to be positively associated with higher clinical stage (P=0.004) and distant metastasis (P=0.016), while elevated expression levels of Rock1 was positively associated with a larger tumor size (P=0.013), higher clinical stage (P=0.027) and distant metastasis (P=0.022). The combined high expression of Rock1 and low expression of miR-335 was clearly associated with distant metastasis (P=0.010) and a higher clinical stage (P=0.010). Patients with elevated Rock1 or decreased miR-335 expression exhibited a worse overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) compared with patients with decreased Rock1 or increased miR-335 (P<0.001 for the two). In addition, patients with decreased miR-335 and increased Rock1 had the worst OS and DFS (P<0.001 for the two). In multivariate survival analysis, clinical stage (P=0.002 for DFS, P=0.015 for OS), distant metastasis (P=0.024 for DFS, P=0.002 for OS), low expression of miR-335 (P<0.001 for DFS, P=0.002 for OS) and combined depressed miR-335 and elevated Rock1 (P=0.021 for DFS, P=0.050 for OS) expression remained as the independent prognostic factors for DFS and OS. The present findings suggest that there may be an association between the combined downregulation of miR-335 and upregulation of Rock1 with tumor progression and adverse prognosis in patients with osteosarcoma.

Decrease of miR-622 expression suppresses migration and invasion by targeting regulation of DYRK2 in colorectal cancer cells

Background

More and more evidence indicates that microRNAs are present and involved in many tumor-related diseases. The function of microRNA-622 (miR-622) in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains controversial. Dual specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinase 2 (DYRK2) has been reported as a tumor suppressor gene in different cancers. The detailed regulation mechanism of DYRK2 in CRC remains unclear.

Methods

miR-622 and DYRK2 expression levels were detected at tissue and cellular level respectively by using real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Western blot, and immunohistochemical staining. Pearson’s correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between miR-622 and DYRK2. Transwell assay was applied to measure the effect of miR-622 on migration and invasion of SW1116 and SW480. We used dual luciferase reporter assay to confirm the targeted binding effect of miR-622 and DYRK2 3′-untranslated region (3′UTR). An antisense experiment was executed to further confirm the role miR-622 had played with regard to migration and invasion by targeting regulation of DYRK2 pathway in CRC cells.

Results

In our research, we found that the expression of miR-622 was elevated in CRC tissues and cell lines compared to that of nonCRC tissues and the normal human colon epithelial cell line NCM460. Correspondingly, the expression of DYRK2 in CRC tissues and cell lines showed a contrary tendency. The different expression level of DYRK2 was closely correlated with clinicopathological characteristics of CRC patients. We demonstrated that down-regulation of miR-622 could inhibit the ability of migration and invasion of CRC cell lines SW1116 and SW480. Also, we confirmed that DYRK2 was negatively regulated by miR-622 via a specific targeted binding site within the 3′UTR. We finally verified that the migration and invasion ability of CRC cells in the conducted DYRK2 3′UTR defect plasmid transfection group were lower compared to miR-622 and cotransfection group.

Conclusion

The findings of this study indicate that a decrease of miR-622 expression could suppress migration and invasion by targeting regulation of DYRK2 and miR-622/DYRK2 could be a potential molecular treating target of CRC.

miR-335 negatively regulates osteosarcoma stem cell-like properties by targeting POU5F1

Background

Evidence is accumulating to link cancer stem cells to the pathogenesis and progression of osteosarcoma. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of miR-335 in osteosarcoma stem cells.

Methods

Tumor spheroid culture and flow cytometry were applied to screen out osteosarcoma stem cells. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression level of miR-335 in MG63, U2OS and 143B osteosarcoma stem cells. The relationship of miR-335 expression with osteosarcoma stem cells was then analyzed. Transwell assay and transplantation assay were performed to elucidate biological effects of miR-335 on cell invasion and vivo tumor formation. Western Blot and luciferase assays were executed to investigate the regulation of POU5F1 by miR-335.

Results

The expression of miR-335 in osteosarcoma stem cells was lower than their differentiated counterparts. Cells expressing miR-335 possessed decreased stem cell-like properties. Gain or loss of function assays were applied to find that miR-335 antagonist promoted stem cell-like properties as well as invasion. Luciferase report and transfection assay showed that POU5F1 was downregulated by miR-335. Pre-miR-335 resulted in tumor enhanced sensitivity to traditional chemotherapy, whereas anti-miR-335 promoted chemoresistance. Finally, the inhibitory effect of miR-335 on in vivo tumor formation showed that combination of pre-miR-335 with cisplatin further reduced the tumor size, and miR-335 brought down the sphere formation capacity induced by cisplatin.

Conclusions

The current study demonstrates that miR-335 negatively regulates osteosarcoma stem cell-like properties by targeting POU5F1, and miR-335 could target CSCs to synergize with traditional chemotherapeutic agents to overcome osteosarcoma.

Up-regulation of CRKL by microRNA-335 methylation is associated with poor prognosis in gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

MicroRNAs have been suggested to play a vital role in regulating carcinogenesis, tumor progression and invasion. MiR-335 is involved in suppressing metastasis and invasion in various human cancers. However, the mechanisms responsible for the aberrant expression of miR-335 in gastric cancer (GC) remain unknown.

METHODS

Expression of miR-335 in four GC cell lines and 231 GC tissues was determined by real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). DNA methylation status in the CpG islands upstream of miR-335 in GC cell lines and tissues was determined by methylation-specific PCR and bisulfite sequence-PCR. The effects of the demethylating agent 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine on cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, migration, and invasion were investigated in GC cell lines.

RESULTS

Cancer-specific methylation was detected in the upstream CpG-rich regions of miR-335, which dramatically silenced its transcriptional activity in GC cell lines and tissues. Low levels of miR-335 expression and high levels of miR-335 methylation in GC tissues were associated with poor clinical features and prognosis. Restoration of miR-335 expression in GC cells promoted cell apoptosis, inhibited tumor cell migration, invasion, and proliferation, and arrested the cell cycle at G0/G1 phase. Overexpression of miR-335 significantly reduced the activity of a luciferase reporter containing the 3' untranslated region of V-crk avian sarcoma virus CT10 oncogene homolog-like (CRKL).

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-335 functions as a tumor suppressor and may be silenced by promoter hypermethylation. It plays a role in inhibiting tumor cell migration, invasion, and proliferation, arresting the cell cycle at G0/G1 phase, and promoting apoptosis in GC cells through targeting CRKL.

miR-10b promotes invasion by targeting KLF4 in osteosarcoma cells

OBJECTIVE

Osteosarcoma is a common malignancy with high rate of metastasis. miR-10b has been reported to be expressed in many types of tumors abnormally and be associated with cancer carcinogenesis and progression. But the function of miR-10b in osteosarcoma is still unknown. So this study was aimed to investigate the role of miR-10b in osteosarcoma development.

METHODS

miR-10b expression in osteosarcoma tissues and osteosarcoma cells were detected using real time PCR. The effects of miR-10b on osteosarcoma cells proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion were detected using CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry, wound-healing assay and transwell assay, respectively. The relationship between miR-10b and KLF4 was evaluated using dual-luciferase assay, correlation analysis.

RESULTS

miR-10b was highly expressed in osteosarcoma tissues and osteosarcoma cells. Furthermore, inhibition of miR-10b in osteosarcoma cells depressed the cells proliferation, migration and invasion but promoted cells apoptosis. In addition, KLF4 was down-regulated by miR-10b and miR-10b expression was negatively related to KLF4 expression in osteosarcoma tissue, miR-10b participated in the process of osteosarcoma cells invasion by regulating KLF4 expression.

CONCLUSION

miR-10b is overexpressed in osteosarcoma and KLF4 is the direct target gene of miR-10b. Furthermore, miR-10b promotes osteosarcoma cells progression by downregulating KLF4 expression. These results suggest that miR-10b functions as an oncomiR and play an important role in osteosarcoma cellular processes at least partially through regulating KLF4; miR-10b may be a therapeutic target for osteosarcoma treatment.

Diverse roles of miR-335 in development and progression of cancers

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a series of small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional/translational level, are pivotal in cell differentiation, biological development, occurrence, and development of diseases, especially in cancers. Early studies have shown that miRNA-335 (miR-335) is widely dysregulated in human cancers and play critical roles in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. In this review, we aim to summarize the regulation of miR-335 expression mechanisms in cancers. We focus on the target genes regulated by miR-335 and its downstream signaling pathways involved in the biological effects of tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis both in vitro and in vivo, and analyze the relationships between miR-335 expression and the clinical characteristics of tumors as well as its effects on prognosis. The collected evidences support the potential use of miR-335 in prognosis and diagnosis as well as the therapeutic prospects of miR-335 in cancers.

miRNAs Related to Skeletal Diseases

miRNAs as non-coding, short, double-stranded RNA segments are important for cellular biological functions, such as proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. miRNAs mainly contribute to the inhibition of important protein translations through their cleavage or direct repression of target messenger RNAs expressions. In the last decade, miRNAs got in the focus of interest with new publications on miRNAs in the context of different diseases. For many types of cancer or myocardial damage, typical signatures of local or systemically circulating miRNAs have already been described. However, little is known about miRNA expressions and their molecular effect in skeletal diseases. An overview of published studies reporting miRNAs detection linked with skeletal diseases was conducted. All regulated miRNAs were summarized and their molecular interactions were illustrated. This review summarizes the involvement and interaction of miRNAs in different skeletal diseases. Thereby, 59 miRNAs were described to be deregulated in tissue, cells, or in the circulation of osteoarthritis (OA), 23 miRNAs deregulated in osteoporosis, and 107 miRNAs deregulated in osteosarcoma (OS). The molecular influences of miRNAs regarding OA, osteoporosis, and OS were illustrated. Specific miRNA signatures for skeletal diseases are described in the literature. Some overlapped, but also unique ones for each disease exist. These miRNAs may present useful targets for the development of new therapeutic approaches and are candidates for diagnostic evaluations.

microRNA and Bone Cancer

MicroRNA molecules have a variety of roles in cellular development and proliferation processes, including normal osteogenesis. These effects are exerted through post-translational inhibition of target genes. Altered miRNA expression has been demonstrated in several cancers, both in the tumor tissue and in the peripheral circulation. This may influence carcinogenesis if the specific miRNA targets are encoded by tumor suppressor genes or oncogenes. To date, most research investigating the role of microRNAs and primary bone tumors has focused on osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma. Several microRNAs including the miR-34 family have been implicated in osteosarcoma tumorigenesis via effects on the Notch signaling pathway. Progression, invasion, and metastasis of osteosarcoma tumor cells is also influenced by microRNA expression. In addition, microRNA expression may affect the response to chemotherapy in osteosarcoma and thus hold potential for future use as either a prognostic indicator or a therapeutic target. The EWS-FLI1 fusion protein produced in Ewing sarcoma has been shown to induce changes in miRNA expression. MicroRNA expression profiling may have some potential for prediction of disease progression and survival in Ewing sarcoma. There is limited evidence to support a role for microRNAs in other primary bone tumors, either malignant or benign; however, early work is suggestive of involvement in chondrosarcoma, multiple osteochondromatosis, and giant cell tumors of bone.

Comprehensive gene and microRNA expression profiling reveals miR-206 inhibits MET in lung cancer metastasis

MiRNAs associated with the metastasis of lung cancer remain largely unexplored. In this study, gene and miRNA expression profiling were performed to analyze the global expression of mRNAs and miRNAs in human high- and low-metastatic lung cancer cell strains. By developing an integrated bioinformatics analysis, six miRNAs (miR-424-3p, miR-450b-5p, miR-335-5p, miR-34a-5p, miR-302b-3p and miR-206) showed higher target gene degrees in the miRNA-gene network and might be potential metastasis-related miRNAs. Using the qRT-PCR method, the six miRNAs were further confirmed to show a significant expression difference between human lung cancer and normal tissue samples. Since miR-206 showed lower expression both in lung cancer tissues and cell lines, it was used as an example for further functional verification. The wound healing assay and transwell invasion assay showed that miR-206 mimics significantly inhibited the cell migration and invasion of the high-metastatic lung cancer 95D cell strain. One of its predicted targets in our miRNA-gene network, MET, was also obviously decreased at the protein level when miR-206 was overexpressed. Instead, miR-206 inhibitors increased MET protein expression, cell migration and invasion of the low-metastatic lung cancer 95C cell strain. Meanwhile, the luciferase assay showed that MET was a direct target of miR-206. Furthermore, MET gene silence showed a similar anti-migration and anti-invasion effect with miR-206 mimics in 95D cells and could partially attenuate the migration- and invasion-promoting effect of miR-206 inhibitors in 95C cells, suggesting that miR-206 targets MET in lung cancer metastasis. Finally, we also demonstrated that miR-206 can significantly inhibit lung cancer proliferation and metastasis in mouse models. In conclusion, our study provided a miRNA-gene regulatory network in lung cancer metastasis and further demonstrated the roles of miR-206 and MET in this process, which enhances the understanding of the regulatory mechanism in lung cancer metastasis.

Understanding the CREB1-miRNA feedback loop in human malignancies

cAMP response element binding protein 1 (CREB1, CREB) is a key transcription factor that mediates transcriptional responses to a variety of growth factors and stress signals. CREB1 has been shown to play a critical role in development and progression of tumors. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs. They post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression through pairing with the 3'-UTR of their target mRNAs and thus regulate initiation and progression of various types of human cancers. Recent studies have demonstrated that a number of miRNAs can be transcriptionally regulated by CREB1. Interestingly, CREB1 expression can also be modulated by miRNAs, thus forming a feedback loop. This review outlines the functional roles of CREB1, miRNA, and their interactions in human malignancies. This will help to define a relationship between CREB1 and miRNA in human cancer and develop novel therapeutic strategies.