MiR-17-3p Facilitates Aggressive Cell Phenotypes in Colon Cancer by Targeting PLCD1 Through Affecting KIF14

KIF14 plays a role in the regulation of the cell cycle and has implications for prognosis in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Kinesin family member 14 (KIF14) is a significant multifunctional protein that has been linked to several malignancies. However, the varied expression profiles of KIF14 and its prognostic relevance in Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) have yet to be elucidated.

METHODS

Patients with ccRCC were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and ArrayExpress databases. A comparison of KIF14 expression levels between ccRCC and normal tissues was conducted using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. Logistic regression analysis was subsequently employed to evaluate the relationship between KIF14 expression and clinicopathological features. Furthermore, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) term analysis, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA), as well as CIBERSORT, were utilized to elucidate the enriched pathways and functions linked to KIF14 and to quantify the level of immune cell infiltration. Kaplan-Meier analysis was conducted to assess the correlation between KIF14 expression and survival. Additionally, KIF14 expression was downregulated in A498 ccRCC cells, and their proliferation, expansion capacity, cell cycle, and apoptosis were assessed through CCK-8 assays, colony formation assays, 7-AAD staining, and Annexin V/PI staining, respectively.

RESULTS

The findings of this study demonstrate that KIF14 mRNA levels are notably increased in ccRCC. Furthermore, a positive association was observed between KIF14 expression and cancer stage, nodal metastasis, and the infiltration of various immune cells in ccRCC. High levels of KIF14 were also found to be indicative of poor survival outcomes among ccRCC patients. Knockdown of KIF14 in A498 cells resulted in reduced proliferation, diminished colony formation capacity, cell cycle arrest, increased apoptosis, and downregulation of CyclinD1 and CDK4.

CONCLUSIONS

KIF14 down-regulates cell cycle proteins CyclinD1 and CDK4 to facilitate the proliferation of ccRCC cells, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target and prognostic biomarker in ccRCC.

RFC3 drives the proliferation, migration, invasion and angiogenesis of colorectal cancer cells by binding KIF14

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a deadly and aggressive type of cancer that has a high fatality rate. The expression levels of replication factor C subunit 3 (RFC3) and kinesin family member 14 (KIF14) have been reported to be increased in CRC. The current study aimed to explore the effects of RFC3 on the malignant behaviors of CRC cells and its possible underlying mechanism involving KIF14. RFC3 and KIF14 expression levels in CRC tissues were analyzed using TNMplot database and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis database bioinformatics tools. RFC3 and KIF14 levels in CRC cells were examined using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting. Cell Counting Kit-8 and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine assays were performed to assess cell proliferation. Cell apoptosis was determined using flow cytometric analysis. Wound healing and Transwell assays were adopted for the evaluation of cell migration and invasion. Tube formation assay in human umbilical vein endothelial cells was used to measure angiogenesis. Western blotting analysis was performed to determine the expression of apoptosis-, migration- and angiogenesis-associated proteins. Additionally, bioinformatics tools predicted the co-expression and interaction of RFC3 and KIF14, which was verified by a co-immunoprecipitation assay. RFC3 displayed elevated expression in CRC tissues and cells, and depletion of RFC3 halted the proliferation, migration, invasion and angiogenesis, while increasing the apoptosis of CRC cells; this was accompanied by changes in the expression levels of related proteins. In addition, RFC3 bound to KIF14 and interference with RFC3 reduced KIF14 expression. Moreover, KIF14 upregulation reversed the effects of RFC3 depletion on the aggressive cellular behaviors in CRC. In conclusion, RFC3 might interact with KIF14 to function as a contributor to the malignant development of CRC.

miR-17-92a-1 cluster host gene: a key regulator in colorectal cancer development and progression

Colorectal cancer (CRC), recognized among the five most prevalent malignancies and most deadly cancers, manifests multifactorial influences stemming from environmental exposures, dietary patterns, age, and genetic predisposition. Although substantial progress has been made in comprehending the etiology of CRC, the precise genetic components driving its pathogenesis remain incompletely elucidated. Within the expansive repertoire of non-coding RNAs, particular focus has centered on the miR-17-92a-1 cluster host gene (MIR17HG) and its associated miRNAs, which actively participate in diverse cellular processes and frequently exhibit heightened expression in various solid tumors, notably CRC. Therefore, the primary objective of this research is to undertake an extensive inquiry into the regulatory mechanisms, structural features, functional attributes, and potential diagnostic and therapeutic implications associated with this cluster in CRC. Furthermore, the intricate interplay between this cluster and the development and progression of CRC will be explored. Our findings underscore the upregulation of the miR-17-92a-1 cluster host gene (MIR17HG) and its associated miRNAs in CRC compared to normal tissues, thus implying their profound involvement in the progression of CRC. Collectively, these molecules are implicated in critical oncogenic processes, encompassing metastatic activity, regulation of apoptotic pathways, cellular proliferation, and drug resistance. Consequently, these findings shed illuminating insights into the potential of MIR17HG and its associated miRNAs as promising targets for therapeutic interventions in the management of CRC.

CircALMS1 Alleviates Pulmonary Microvascular Endothelial Cell Dysfunction in Pulmonary Hypertension

BACKGROUND

Circular RNAs can serve as regulators influencing the development of pulmonary hypertension (PH). However, their function in pulmonary vascular intimal injury remains undefined. Thus, we aimed to identify specifically expressed circular RNAs in pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMECs) under hypoxia and PH.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Deep RNA sequencing and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction revealed that circALMS1 (circular RNA Alstrom syndrome protein 1) was reduced in human PMECs under hypoxia (P<0.0001). Molecular biology and histopathology experiments were used to elucidate the roles of circALMS1 in regulating PMEC dysfunction among patients with PH. The circALMS1 expression was decreased in the plasma of patients with PH (P=0.0315). Patients with lower circALMS1 levels had higher risk of death (P=0.0006). Moreover, the circALMS1 overexpression of adeno-associated viruses improved right ventricular function and reduced pulmonary vascular remodeling in monocrotaline-PH and sugen/hypoxia-PH rats (P<0.05). Furthermore, circALMS1 overexpression promoted apoptosis and inhibited PMEC proliferation and migration under hypoxia by directly downregulating miR-17-3p (P<0.05). Dual luciferase assay confirmed the direct binding of circALMS1 to miR-17-3p and miR-17-3p binding to its target gene YT521-B homology domain-containing family protein 2 (YTHDF2) (P<0.05). The YTHDF2 levels were also downregulated in hypoxic PMECs (P<0.01). The small interfering RNA YTHDF2 reversed the effects of miR-17-3p inhibitors on PMEC proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. Finally, the results indicated that, although YTHDF2, as an N(6)-methyladenosine reader protein, contributes to the degradation of many circular RNAs, it could not regulate the circALMS1 levels in PMECs (P=0.9721).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study sheds new light on circALMS1-regulated dysfunction of PMECs by the miR-17-3p/YTHDF2 pathway under hypoxia and provides insights into the underlying pathogenesis of PH.

The Role of the Dysregulation of Long Non-Coding and Circular RNA Expression in Medulloblastoma: A Systematic Review

Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant brain tumor in childhood. Although recent multi-omic studies have led to advances in MB classification, there is still room for improvement with regard to treatment response and survival. Therefore, identification of new and less invasive biomarkers is needed to refine the diagnostic process and to develop more personalized treatment strategies. In this context, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) could be useful biomarkers for MB. In this article, we reviewed the role of two types of ncRNAs, long non-coding (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), as biomarkers for the diagnosis, subgroup classification, and prognosis of MB. We also reviewed potential candidates with specific functions and mechanisms of action in the disease. We performed a search in PubMed and Scopus using the terms ("long non coding RNAs" OR "lncRNAs") and ("circular RNAs" OR "circRNAs") AND "medulloblastoma" to identify biomarker discovery or functional studies evaluating the effects of these ncRNAs in MB. A total of 26 articles met the inclusion criteria. Among the lncRNAs, the tumorigenic effects of the upregulated lnc-IRX3-80 and lnc-LRRC47-78 were the most studied in MB. Among the circRNAs, the upregulation of circSKA3 and its functional impact in MB cell lines were the most consistent results, so this circRNA could be considered a potential biomarker in MB. Additional validation is required for many deregulated lncRNAs and circRNAs; therefore, further studies are warranted.

Four differentially expressed exosomal miRNAs as prognostic biomarkers and therapy targets in endometrial cancer: Bioinformatic analysis

Endometrial cancer (EC) is one of the most common gynecological malignancies worldwide. Accumulated evidence has demonstrated exosomes of cancer cells carry microRNAs (miRNAs) to nonmalignant cells to induce metastasis. Our study aimed to find possible biomarkers of EC. Data for miRNA expression related with exosome from EC patients were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database, and the miRNA expression profiles associated with exosomes of EC were downloaded from the National Center for Biotechnology Information. We used different algorithms to analyze the differential miRNA expression, infer the relative proportion of immune infiltrating cells, predict chemotherapy sensitivity, and comprehensively score each gene set to evaluate the potential biological function changes of different samples. The gene ontology analysis and Kyoto encyclopedia of genome genomics pathway analysis were performed for specific genes. A total of 13 differential miRNAs were identified, of which 4 were up-regulated. The 4 miRNAs, that is hsa-miR-17-3p, hsa-miR-99b-3p, hsa-miR-193a-5p, and hsa-miR-320d, were the hub exosomal miRNAs that were all closely related to the clinic phenotypes and prognosis of patients. This study preliminarily indicates that the 4 hub exosomal miRNAs (hsa-miR-17-3p, hsa-miR-99b-3p, hsa-miR-193a-5p, and hsa-miR-320d) could be used as prognostic biomarkers or therapy targets in EC. Further studies are required to make sure of their real feasibility and values in the EC clinic and the relative research.

Phospholipase Family Enzymes in Lung Cancer: Looking for Novel Therapeutic Approaches

Lung cancer (LC) is the second most common neoplasm in men and the third most common in women. In the last decade, LC therapies have undergone significant improvements with the advent of immunotherapy. However, the effectiveness of the available treatments remains insufficient due to the presence of therapy-resistant cancer cells. For decades, chemotherapy and radiotherapy have dominated the treatment strategy for LC; however, relapses occur rapidly and result in poor survival. Malignant lung tumors are classified as either small- or non-small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC and NSCLC). Despite improvements in the treatment of LC in recent decades, the benefits of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy are limited, although they have improved the prognosis of LC despite the persistent low survival rate due to distant metastasis in the late stage. The identification of novel prognostic molecular markers is crucial to understand the underlying mechanisms of LC initiation and progression. The potential role of phosphatidylinositol in tumor growth and the metastatic process has recently been suggested by some researchers. Phosphatidylinositols are lipid molecules and key players in the inositol signaling pathway that have a pivotal role in cell cycle regulation, proliferation, differentiation, membrane trafficking, and gene expression. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase enzymes and their emerging roles in LC.