Proangiogenic signature in advanced laryngeal carcinoma after microRNA expression profiling

A Systematic Review of Circulating miRNAs Validated by Multiple Independent Studies in Laryngeal Cancer

Background and Objectives: Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is a common head and neck cancer with significant morbidity and mortality. Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as promising non-invasive biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. This systematic review aims to identify circulating miRNAs associated with LSCC, emphasizing those validated by at least two independent studies to improve reliability and clinical applicability. Methods: An extensive literature search was performed in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases up to October 2024, using keywords related to LSCC and circulating miRNAs. Studies involving human participants that provided quantitative data on circulating miRNA expression levels and their clinical correlations were included. Data extraction and quality assessment were conducted following standardized protocols, highlighting miRNAs reported in multiple studies. Results: Nine high-quality studies encompassing 660 patients with LSCC and 212 controls were included. Several miRNAs were consistently identified across these studies. miR-21-5p was upregulated in four studies and associated with advanced disease stages, lymph node metastasis, and decreased survival rates. miR-125b-5p and miR-126-3p were consistently downregulated, linked to advanced clinical stages and poor tumor differentiation. miR-27a-3p was upregulated in two studies and correlated with poor prognosis, promoting LSCC progression by targeting Smad4. Additionally, miR-33a-5p was identified as a potential diagnostic biomarker with high sensitivity and specificity. These miRNAs show potential as non-invasive biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of LSCC. Conclusions: This systematic review highlights specific circulating miRNAs-particularly miR-21-5p, miR-125b-5p, miR-126-3p, miR-27a-3p, and miR-33a-5p-as promising biomarkers for LSCC. The consistent findings across independent studies emphasize their potential clinical utility in early detection, prognostic assessment, and therapeutic targeting. However, further validation in larger and more diverse populations, along with the standardization of detection methods, is necessary before these biomarkers can be implemented in clinical practice.

Personalized Treatment Strategies via Integration of Gene Expression Biomarkers in Molecular Profiling of Laryngeal Cancer

Laryngeal cancer poses a substantial challenge in head and neck oncology, and there is a growing focus on customized medicine techniques. The present state of gene expression indicators in laryngeal cancer and their potential to inform tailored therapy choices are thoroughly examined in this review. We examine significant molecular changes, such as TP53, CDKN2A, PIK3CA, and NOTCH1 mutations, which have been identified as important participants in the development of laryngeal cancer. The study investigates the predictive and prognostic significance of these genetic markers in addition to the function of epigenetic changes such as the methylation of the MGMT promoter. We also go over the importance of cancer stem cell-related gene expression patterns, specifically CD44 and ALDH1A1 expression, in therapy resistance and disease progression. The review focuses on indicators, including PD-L1, CTLA-4, and tumor mutational burden (TMB) in predicting immunotherapy responses, highlighting recent developments in our understanding of the intricate interactions between tumor genetics and the immune milieu. We also investigate the potential for improving prognosis accuracy and treatment selection by the integration of multi-gene expression panels with clinicopathological variables. The necessity for uniform testing and interpretation techniques is one of the difficulties, in implementing these molecular insights into clinical practice, that are discussed. This review seeks to provide a comprehensive framework for promoting personalized cancer therapy by combining the most recent data on gene expression profiling in laryngeal cancer. Molecularly guided treatment options may enhance patient outcomes.

Hsa-miR-503-5p regulates CTDSPL to accelerate cisplatin resistance and angiogenesis of lung adenocarcinoma cells

The study aimed to assess the role of hsa-miR-503-5p in cisplatin resistance and angiogenesis in LUAD and its underlying mechanisms. Hsa-miR-503-5p expression in LUAD and the target gene downstream of hsa-miR-503-5p was predicted by bioinformatics analysis. Binding relationship between the two genes was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay. qRT-PCR was conducted for detecting gene expression in cells, CCK-8 for IC50 value, angiogenesis assay for human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) angiogenic ability, flow cytometry for apoptosis ability, transwell assay for migration ability, and western blot for detecting the protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR1), VEGFR2, and CTD small phosphatase like (CTDSPL). The results showed that hsa-miR-503-5p showed high expression, while its target gene CTDSPL presented decreased expression in LUAD. Hsa-miR-503-5p also had high expression in cisplatin-resistant LUAD cells. Knockdown of hsa-miR-503-5p resensitized LUAD cells to cisplatin, inhibited angiogenesis of drug-resistant cells, and reduced the protein expression of VEGFR1, VEGFR2, and EMT-related targets in cisplatin-resistant LUAD cells, but promoted the apoptosis ability. Hsa-miR-503-5p bound to CTDSPL gene and promoted cisplatin resistance and malignant progression of LUAD cells by negatively regulating CTDSPL. Our results revealed that hsa-miR-503-5p and CTDSPL may be novel targets for overcoming cisplatin resistance in LUAD.

Interactive role of miR-29, miR-93, miR-205, and VEGF in salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

Salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma (SACC) is one of the most common salivary gland tumors in which patients encounter local recurrence and lung metastases. Understanding prognostic biomarkers in SACC is essential for future development in prognosis and treatment. This study aimed to assess the expression level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its potential regulatory microRNAs in SACC for prognostic determination. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The expression of VEGF in SACC samples was assessed using immunohistochemistry. Potential regulatory microRNAs were evaluated using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Associations between VEGF and microRNAs expression and clinicopathological parameters were investigated.

RESULTS

VEGF expression levels positively correlated with histologic grade (p = .004) and treatment modality (p = .04). Decreased expression of miR-29a (p = .01) and increased expression of miR-93-5p and miR-205 (both p < .0001) were observed in SACC compared to normal salivary gland tissue. MiR-93-5p showed a positive association (p = .02) with VEGF overexpression.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed the downregulation of miR-29 and overexpression of miR-93 and miR-205 in the SACC group, and the correlation between miR-93 and VEGF suggests these biomarkers as potential prognostic markers in the future.

Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of microRNAs in Patients with Laryngeal Cancer: A Systematic Review

Laryngeal squamous cell cancer (LSCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors of the head and neck region, with a poor survival rate (5-year overall survival 50-80%) as a consequence of an advanced-stage diagnosis and high recurrence rate. Tobacco smoking and alcohol abuse are the main risk factors of LSCC development. An early diagnosis of LSCC, a prompt detection of recurrence and a more precise monitoring of the efficacy of different treatment modalities are currently needed to reduce the mortality. Therefore, the identification of effective diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for LSCC is crucial to guide disease management and improve clinical outcomes. In the past years, a dysregulated expression of small non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs), has been reported in many human cancers, including LSCC, and many miRNAs have been explored for their diagnostic and prognostic potential and proposed as biomarkers. We searched electronic databases for original papers that were focused on miRNAs and LSCC, using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol. According to the outcome, 566 articles were initially screened, of which 177 studies were selected and included in the analysis. In this systematic review, we provide an overview of the current literature on the function and the potential diagnostic and prognostic role of tissue and circulating miRNAs in LSCC.

Global microRNA expression profile in laryngeal carcinoma unveils new prognostic biomarkers and novel insights into field cancerization

Laryngeal carcinoma is still a worldwide burden that has shown no significant improvement during the last few decades regarding definitive treatment strategies. The lack of suitable biomarkers for personalized treatment protocols and delineating field cancerization prevents further progress in clinical outcomes. In the light of this perspective, MicroRNAs could be promising biomarkers both in terms of diagnostic and prognostic value. The aim of this prospective study is to find strong prognostic microRNA biomarkers for advanced laryngeal carcinoma and molecular signatures of field cancerization. Sixty patients were enrolled and four samples were collected from each patient: tumor surface and depth, peritumor normal mucosa, and control distant laryngeal mucosa. Initially, a global microRNA profile was conducted in twelve patients from the whole cohort and subsequently, we validated a selected group of 12 microRNAs with RT-qPCR. The follow-up period was 24 months (SD ± 13 months). Microarray expression profile revealed 59 dysregulated microRNAs. The validated expression levels of miR-93-5p (χ²(2) = 4.68, log-rank p = 0.03), miR-144-3p (χ²(2) = 4.53, log-rank p = 0.03) and miR-210-3p (χ²(2) = 4.53, log-rank p = 0.03) in tumor samples exhibited strong association with recurrence-free survival as higher expression levels of these genes predict worse outcome. Tumor suppressor genes miR-144-3p (mean rank 1.58 vs 2.14 vs 2.29, p = 0.000) and miR-145-5p (mean rank 1.57 vs 2.15 vs 2.28, p = 0.000) were significantly dysregulated in peritumor mucosa with a pattern of expression consistent with paired tumor samples thus revealing a signature of field cancerization in laryngeal carcinoma. Additionally, miR-1260b, miR-21-3p, miR-31-3p and miR-31-5p were strongly associated with tumor grade. Our study reports the first global microRNA profile specifically in advanced laryngeal carcinoma that includes survival analysis and investigates the molecular signature of field cancerization. We report two strong biomarkers of field cancerization and three predictors for recurrence in advance stage laryngeal cancer.

Dicer Enhances Bevacizumab-Related Inhibition of Hepatocellular Carcinoma via Blocking the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Pathway

Purpose

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family members contribute greatly to the development and angiogenesis of hypervascular hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We have previously shown that Dicer inhibited HCC growth. In this study, we aimed to determine the relationship between Dicer and VEGF in HCC.

Methods

Gain-of-function studies were performed to determine the effect of different treatments on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells. Expression of VEGF-A in xenograft tumor tissues was analysed using Western blotting, and that of CD31 using immunohistochemical analysis.

Results

We found that Dicer inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion of HCC cells by suppressing VEGF-A expression. Interestingly, VEGF-A165, which is the most prominent VEGF-A isoform, counteracted Dicer-induced inhibition of HCC cells. In addition, a monoclonal anti-VEGF antibody (bevacizumab) enhanced Dicer-induced inhibition of HCC in vitro and in vivo. Further, immunohistochemical analysis of CD31 indicated bevacizumab and Dicer synergized to reduce tumor microvessel density.

Conclusion

Our data demonstrated that Dicer enhanced bevacizumab-related inhibition of HCC cell via the VEGF pathway; therefore, Dicer in coordination with bevacizumab may provide another potential approach for HCC therapy.

Transient Hyperglycemia and Hypoxia Induce Memory Effects in AngiomiR Expression Profiles of Feto-Placental Endothelial Cells

Gestational diabetes (GDM) and preeclampsia (PE) are associated with fetal hyperglycemia, fetal hypoxia, or both. These adverse conditions may compromise fetal and placental endothelial cells. In fact, GDM and PE affect feto-placental endothelial function and also program endothelial function and cardiovascular disease risk of the offspring in the long-term. MicroRNAs are short, non-coding RNAs that regulate protein translation and fine tune biological processes. A group of microRNAs termed angiomiRs is particularly involved in the regulation of endothelial function. We hypothesized that transient hyperglycemia and hypoxia may alter angiomiR expression in feto-placental endothelial cells (fpEC). Thus, we isolated primary fpEC after normal, uncomplicated pregnancy, and induced hyperglycemia (25 mM) and hypoxia (6.5%) for 72 h, followed by reversal to normal conditions for another 72 h. Current vs. transient effects on angiomiR profiles were analyzed by RT-qPCR and subjected to miRNA pathway analyses using DIANA miRPath, MIENTURNET and miRPathDB. Both current and transient hypoxia affected angiomiR profile stronger than current and transient hyperglycemia. Both stimuli altered more angiomiRs transiently, i.e., followed by 72 h culture at control conditions. Pathway analysis revealed that hypoxia significantly altered the pathway ‘Proteoglycans in cancer’. Transient hypoxia specifically affected miRNAs related to ‘adherens junction’. Our data reveal that hyperglycemia and hypoxia induce memory effects on angiomiR expression in fpEC. Such memory effects may contribute to long-term adaption and maladaption to hyperglycemia and hypoxia.