LINC00319 promotes migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition process in cervical cancer by regulating miR-3127-5p/RPP25 axis

RNase P: Beyond Precursor tRNA Processing

Ribonuclease P (RNase P) was first described in the 1970's as an endoribonuclease acting in the maturation of precursor transfer RNAs (tRNAs). More recent studies, however, have uncovered non-canonical roles for RNase P and its components. Here, we review the recent progress of its involvement in chromatin assembly, DNA damage response, and maintenance of genome stability with implications in tumorigenesis. The possibility of RNase P as a therapeutic target in cancer is also discussed.

LINC00319: Unraveling the spectrum from gene regulation to clinical applications in cancer progression

LncRNAs are RNA transcripts that exceed 200 nucleotides in length and do not encode proteins. LINC00319 is a type of lncRNA that is highly expressed in various cancers and is regulated by CCL18 and MYC. High levels of LINC00319 are associated with poorer prognosis and more malignant clinical features in cancer patients. LINC00319 can regulate the expression of downstream genes, including 2 protein-coding genes and 11 miRNAs. It participates in controlling three signaling pathways and various cellular behaviors. LINC00319 and its downstream genes are potential targets for cancer therapy and are associated with common cancer treatments. This article reviews the abnormal expression of LINC00319 in human cancers and related molecular mechanisms, providing clues for further diagnosis and treatment.

The IncRNA SCIRT Promotes the Proliferative, Migratory, and Invasive Properties of Cervical Cancer Cells by Upregulating MMP-2/-9

Objective. The morbidity and mortality of cervical cancer (CC) rank the fourth-most common among cancers in females, seriously threatening women’s health and affecting their quality of life. However, the molecular mechanism of CC development remains poorly understood. This study investigates the role of lncRNA SCIRT in the development of CC. Methods. The expression profile of long noncoding RNA stem cell inhibitory RNA transcript (lncRNA SCIRT) in CC (n = 34), tumor-adjacent tissue, and CC cell culture was determined through fluorescence quantitative PCR. The knockdown /overexpressed lncRNA SCIRT vectors were constructed and transfected into cells, and the effects of knockdown or overexpression of lncRNA SCIRT on the proliferative, invasive, and migratory properties of CC cells were determined through Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), colony forming, and Transwell experiments. Western blot was employed to determine the knockdown/overexpression efficiency of SCIRT and its role on the expression of proteins (e-cadherin, n-cadherin, vimentin, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and MMP-2) in CC cells. Finally, SCIRT knockdown on the proliferative ability for CC cells was determined through tumorigenic experiment in nude mice. Results. LncRNA SCIRT was highly expressed in CC tissues and cells, and significantly linked with clinical/pathology-based characteristics of patients, including Federation Internationale of Gynecologie and Obstetrigue (FIGO) stage, tumor dimensions, and lymph-node metastasis. SCIRT knockdown markedly reduced CC proliferative, colony forming, and invasive properties, while overexpressing SCIRT promoted the proliferative and invasive properties of CC. Western blotting analysis demonstrated that SCIRT knockdown upregulated e-cadherin and downregulated n-cadherin, vimentin, MMP-9, and MMP-2. Meanwhile, overexpressing SCIRT of lncRNA SCIRT had the opposite effect. Tumorigenic experiment showed that SCIRT knockdown could markedly reduce CC proliferative property the nude mouse. Conclusion. LncRNA SCIRT was highly expressed in CC clinical cases. Knockdown/overexpressing SCIRT affected CC proliferative/invasive properties. Hence, lncRNA SCIRT is a promising drug-target and a new biological diagnostic molecule for CC patients.

CircPAPPA Regulates the Proliferation, Migration, Invasion, Apoptosis, and Cell Cycle of Trophoblast Cells Through the miR-3127-5p/HOXA7 Axis

Abnormal function of trophoblast cells is one of the important causes of preeclampsia (PE). Circular RNA (circRNA) is thought to be involved in the regulation of various diseases progression, including PE. However, the role of circRNA pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (circPAPPA) in PE is less studied. The expression levels of circPAPPA, miR-3127-5p, and homeobox A7 (HOXA7) were determined by quantitative real-time PCR. Cell proliferation was evaluated using MTT assay and colony formation assay. Besides, flow cytometry was used to detect cell apoptosis and cell cycle distribution. In addition, the interaction between miR-3127-5p and circPAPPA or HOXA7 was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation assay. CircPAPPA was lowly expressed in the placental tissues of PE patients. Knockdown of circPAPPA inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion, while induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in trophoblast cells. MiR-3127-5p could be targeted by circPAPPA, and its inhibitor reversed the effect of circPAPPA silencing on the biological function of trophoblast cells. Moreover, HOXA7 was a target of miR-3127-5p. HOXA7 overexpression reversed the effect of miR-3127-5p on the biological function of trophoblast cells. Our research indicated that circPAPPA positively regulated the biological function of trophoblast cells to mediate the progression of PE by miR-3127-5p/HOXA7 axis, which suggested that circPAPPA might be a potential biomarker for PE.

CircASAP1 promotes the development of cervical cancer through sponging miR-338-3p to upregulate RPP25

Circular RNAs have been identified as vital regulators to regulate the development of human cancers, including cervical cancer. Therefore, this study was designed to clarify the underlying mechanism of circASAP1 in cervical cancer. The real-time quantitative PCR assay was applied to quantify the expression levels of circASAP1, microRNA (miR)-338-3p, and ribonuclease P and MRP subunit p25 (RPP25) in cervical cancer tissues and cells. The cell proliferation ability was measured by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazol-3-ium bromide and colony-forming assays. The protein expression levels of cyclin D1, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and RPP25 were assessed by western blot assay. Flow cytometry assays were used to determine the apoptosis and cell cycle distribution of cervical cancer cells. The transwell assay was employed to test the migration and invasion abilities of cervical cancer cells. The interaction relationship between miR-338-3p and circASAP1 or RPP25 was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull-down assay. The xenograft experiment was established to clarify the functional role of circASAP1 inhibition in vivo. CircASAP1 was overexpressed in cervical cancer tissues and cells compared with negative groups. Additionally, the loss-of-functional experiments implied that knockdown of circASAP1 impeded proliferation, migration, and invasion while induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in cervical cancer cells along with repressed tumor growth in vivo through regulation of miR-338-3p. In addition, RPP25 was a target mRNA of miR-338-3p, and overexpression of miR-338-3p suppressed proliferation, migration, and invasion while induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in cervical cancer cells by suppressing RPP25 expression. Mechanistically, circASAP1 could function as a sponge for miR-338-3p to increase the expression of RPP25, and further regulated proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, and cell cycle program of cervical cancer cells, which might be potential markers for cervical cancer diagnosis.

Long non-coding RNA PVT1/microRNA miR-3127-5p/NCK-associated protein 1-like axis participates in the pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysm by regulating vascular smooth muscle cells

The long non-coding RNA plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (lncRNA PVT1) has been implicated in the progression of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). However, the detailed mechanism requires further analysis. Our study was aimed at interrogating the mechanism of PVT1 in an H₂O₂-induced AAA model in vitro. The expression of lncRNA PVT1, microRNA miR-3127-5p, and NCK-associated protein 1-like (NCKAP1L) was examined in AAA tissues and H₂O₂-treated vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Cell proliferation was assayed using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) and 5-Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) assays. Meanwhile, 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining was performed to assess cell apoptosis and caspase-3 activity. IL-1β and caspase-1 expression was also assessed using Western blotting to determine inflammasome activation in H₂O₂-treated VSMCs. Luciferase reporter assays addressed the possible interaction between miR-3127-5p and PVT1 or NCKAP1L, which was predicted by starBase analysis. PVT1 and NCKAP1L expression was elevated in AAA tissues and induced the AAA model in vitro, whereas miR-3127-5p showed the opposite trend. Functionally, PVT1 silencing promoted cell proliferation and reduced the apoptotic rate and inflammasome activation in H₂O₂-treated VSMCs. Mechanical investigation demonstrated that PVT1 acted as a sponge of miR-3127-5p to modulate NCKAP1L expression, resulting in suppression of VSMC proliferation, induction of apoptosis, and activation of inflammation. In conclusion, PVT1 participates in AAA progression through the miR-3127-5p/NCKAP1L axis and may be a promising biosignature and therapeutic target for AAA.

LncRNA AL592284.1 facilitates proliferation and metastasis of cervical cancer cells via miR-30a-5p/Vimentin/EMT axis

OBJECTIVE

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are implicated in cancer-related cellular behaviors. Our research aimed to explore the biological functions of lncRNA AL592284.1 (AL592284.1) in cervical cancer (CC).

METHODS

qRT-PCR was performed to examine AL592284.1 expressions in cell lines and tumor specimens. To study the roles of AL592284.1 on malignant behaviors in both in vitro and in vivo, Loss-of-function assays were carried out. Besides, bioinformatics prediction and dual-luciferase reporter assays were performed to reveal the interaction among AL592284.1 and its target genes. The functions of the AL592284.1/miR-30a-5p/Vimentin axis in CC cells was clarified by rescue assays.

RESULTS

We observed that the levels of AL592284.1 in CC were distinctly increased. Functional assays revealed that knockdown of AL592284.1 suppressed the proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT progress of CC cells. Luciferase reporter assay confirmed that miR-30a-5p/Vimentin regulatory axis is the direct downstream of AL592284.1. Rescue experiments indicated that AL592284.1 induced overexpression of Vimentin via sponging miR-30a-5p, resulting in the promotion of CC progression.

CONCLUSION

The present study proves that AL592284.1 plays an tumor-promotive role in CC via regulating the miR-30a-5p/Vimentin axis, and inhibition of AL592284.1 may pave the way for CC treatment.

Prognostic Value and Immunological Characteristics of a Novel RNA Binding Protein Signature in Cutaneous Melanoma

Background

The existing studies indicate that RNA binding proteins (RBPs) are closely correlated with the genesis and development of cancers. However, the role of RBPs in cutaneous melanoma remains largely unknown. Therefore, the present study aims to establish a reliable prognostic signature based on RBPs to distinguish cutaneous melanoma patients with different prognoses and investigate the immune infiltration of patients.

Methods

After screening RBPs from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases, Cox and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis were then used to establish a prediction model. The relationship between the signature and the abundance of immune cell types, the tumor microenvironment (TME), immune-related pathways, and immune checkpoints were also analyzed.

Results

In total, 7 RBPs were selected to establish the prognostic signature. Patients categorized as a high-risk group demonstrated worse overall survival (OS) rates compared to those of patients categorized as a low-risk group. The signature was validated in an independent external cohort and indicated a promising prognostic ability. Further analysis indicated that the signature wasan independent prognostic indicator in cutaneous melanoma. A nomogram combining risk score and clinicopathological features was then established to evaluate the 3- and 5-year OS in cutaneous melanoma patients. Analyses of immune infiltrating, the TME, immune checkpoint, and drug susceptibility revealed significant differences between the two groups. GSEA analysis revealed that basal cell carcinoma, notch signaling pathway, melanogenesis pathways were enriched in the high-risk group, resulting in poor OS.

Conclusion

We established and validated a robust 7-RBP signature that could be a potential biomarker to predict the prognosis and immunotherapy response of cutaneous melanoma patients, which provides new insights into cutaneous melanoma immunotherapeutic strategies.

The Biological Significance of Long noncoding RNAs Dysregulation and their Mechanism of Regulating Signaling Pathways in Cervical Cancer

Despite the remarkable decrease in cervical cancer incidence due to the availability of the HPV vaccine and implementation of screening programs for early detection in developed countries, this cancer remains a major health problem globally, especially in developing countries where most of the cases and mortality occur. Therefore, more understanding of molecular mechanisms of cervical cancer development might lead to the discovery of more effective diagnosis and treatment options. Research on long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) demonstrates the important roles of these molecules in many physiological processes and diseases, especially cancer. In the present review, we discussed the significance of lncRNAs altered expression in cervical cancer, highlighting their roles in regulating highly conserved signaling pathways, such as mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) pathways and their association with the progression of cervical cancer in order to bring more insight and understanding of this disease and their potential implications in cancer diagnosis and therapy.

MicroRNA-324-5p affects the radiotherapy response of cervical cancer via targeting ELAV-like RNA binding protein 1

Cervical cancer (CC) seriously threatens the health of women. Radiation therapy (RT) is the major treatment for CC. However, the recurrent CC can acquire resistance to RT. Thus, it is necessary to find a new method for reversing RT resistance in CC. It has been reported that miR-324-5p can suppress the progression of multiple cancers. However, whether it can reverse resistance to RT in CC remains unclear. qRT-PCR and Western blotting were used to detect gene and protein expression in CC cells, respectively. Cell proliferation was tested by CCK-8 assay and colony formation assay. In addition, cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Transwell assays were performed to detect cell migration. Dual luciferase reporter assay and TargetScan were used to explore the targets of microRNA-324-5p (miR-324-5p). MiR-324-5p was downregulated in CC cells. Overexpression of miR-324-5p sensitized CC cells to RT. In addition, miR-324-5p mimics significantly induced apoptosis and inhibits the migration of CC cells in the presence of ¹³⁷ Cs ionizing radiation. Furthermore, miR-324-5p sensitized CC cells to ionizing radiation by targeting ELAV-like RNA binding protein 1 (ELAVL1). MiR-324-5p overexpression affects the radiotherapy response of CC by targeting ELAVL1, which may serve as a new target for the treatment of CC.

LINC00319 promotes osteosarcoma progression by regulating the miR-455-3p/NFIB axis

BACKGROUND

Numerous studies have shown that aberrant expression of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) is associated with the development and metastasis of osteosarcoma (OS). However, the role and function of LINC00319 with respect to regulating OS progression is unknown. The present study aimed to reveal the function and related mechanism of LINC00319 in OS.

METHODS

The expression of LINC00319, miR-455-3p and nuclear factor IB (NFIB) in OS cells and tissues was determined using a reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The sublocalization of LINC00319 was predicted by the lncATLAS database (http://lncatlas.crg.eu) and RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was further performed to detect the subcellular localization of LINC00319. LINC00319, miR-455-3p and NFIB target sites were predicted by StarBase (http://starbase.sysu.edu.cn/index.php) and validated using a dual luciferase reporter gene assay. We subsequently performed LINC00319 gain- and loss-of-function studies to define the role of LINC00319 in OS cell migration.

RESULTS

PCR results showed that lncRNA LINC00319 exhibited high expression in tumor cells and tissue. Moreover, LINC00319 was positioned in the cytoplasm, which was identified by FISH. Knockdown of lncRNA LINC00319/NFIB or overexpression of miR-455-3p blocked the migration of OS cells. In addition, the inhibitory effect of migration with the knockdown of lncRNA LINC00319 was partially blocked by administration of miR-455-3p inhibitor.

CONCLUSIONS

lncRNA LINC00319 may promote OS progression by regulating the miR-455-3p/NFIB axis, which probably serves as an innovative potential indicator of prognosis and a target of therapy for OS.

LINC00319-Mediated miR-3127 Repression Enhances Bladder Cancer Progression Through Upregulation of RAP2A

Recent studies suggested that microRNA-3127 (miR-3127) was dysregulated in multiple tumor types and has important roles in tumorigenesis and cancer progression. However, its biological roles and the mechanisms that regulate its expression in bladder cancer (BCA) remain to be determined. The expression level of miR-3127 was measured in BCA tissues and its cellular functions were examined using both in vitro and in vivo experiments. The interaction between miR-3127 and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) LINC00319 was explored using RNA immunoprecipitation assay and luciferase reporter assays. We showed that miR-3127 expression was significantly downregulated in human BCA tissues and BCA cell lines. Lower miR-3127 levels were associated with worse survival in BCA patients. The overexpression of miR-3127 impaired BCA cell proliferation and invasion, and the knockdown of miR-3127 enhanced BCA cell proliferation and invasion in vitro. Importantly, miR-3127 was able to suppress cell growth in vivo. We demonstrated that miR-3127 repressed the proliferation and invasion of BCA cells though directly targeted the 3′-UTR of RAP2A, which served as a novel oncogene in BCA cells. The suppression of cell proliferation and invasion caused by miR-3127 overexpression could be partially abrogated by ectopic expression of RAP2A. Furthermore, high expression of LINC00319 was correlated with adverse survival in BCA patients. LINC00319 could bind directly with miR-3127 and inhibited its expression, and the tumor-promoting effects of LINC00319 could be reversed by re-expression of miR-3127 in BCA cells. Our findings indicated that lncRNA LINC00319-mediated miR-3127 repression promotes BCA progression through the upregulation of RAP2A. The re-introduction of miR-3127 or inhibition of LINC00319 might represent a promising therapeutic strategy for BCA treatment.