ZFAS1 Promotes Colorectal Cancer Metastasis Through Modulating miR-34b/SOX4 Targeting

The functions and mechanisms of long non-coding RNA in colorectal cancer

CRC poses a significant challenge in the global health domain, with a high number of deaths attributed to this disease annually. If CRC is detected only in its advanced stages, the difficulty of treatment increases significantly. Therefore, biomarkers for the early detection of CRC play a crucial role in improving patient outcomes and increasing survival rates. The development of a reliable biomarker for early detection of CRC is particularly important for timely diagnosis and treatment. However, current methods for CRC detection, such as endoscopic examination, blood, and stool tests, have certain limitations and often only detect cases in the late stages. To overcome these constraints, researchers have turned their attention to molecular biomarkers, which are considered a promising approach to improving CRC detection. Non-invasive methods using biomarkers such as mRNA, circulating cell-free DNA, microRNA, LncRNA, and proteins can provide more reliable diagnostic information. These biomarkers can be found in blood, tissue, stool, and volatile organic compounds. Identifying molecular biomarkers with high sensitivity and specificity for the early and safe, economic, and easily measurable detection of CRC remains a significant challenge for researchers.

Long Non-coding RNA ZFAS1 Regulates Fibrosis and Scortosis in the Cell Model of Diabetic Nephropathy Through miR-525-5p/SGK1 Axis

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a common clinical syndrome in diabetic patients. Functional characterization of non-coding (ncRNAs) involved in the progression of DN can provide insights into the diagnosis and therapeutic management of DN. Human kidney proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) were challenged by high glucose (HG, 50 mM) as a cell model of DN. The expression level of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) ZFAS1 was quantified by qRT-PCR. The proteins and cytokines related to fibrosis and scortosis in DN (NLRP3, GSDMD-N, IL-1β and Caspase 1, fibronectin, collagen I, collagen III, IL-1β, and IL-18) were examined by western blot or ELISA. RNA precipitation and luciferase reporter activity experiments were conducted to assess the molecular associations. ZFAS1 and SGK1 were highly induced in HK-2 cells challenged with HG, while miR-525-5p downregulated upon HG treatment. ZFAS1 knockdown attenuated HG-induced fibrosis and scortosis in HK-2 cells by reducing the levels of NLRP3, GSDMD-N, Caspase 1, fibronectin, collagen I/III, IL-1β, and IL-18. Mechanically, ZFAS1 knockdown protected HK-2 cells from HG-induced injury by upregulating miR-525-5p and repressing SGK1 expression. Overall, our results suggest that knocking down ZFAS1 may be formulated as a protective strategy in ameliorating DN progression through regulating miR-525-5p/SGK1 pathway. Targeting ZFAS1 could be further explored as a potential approach for the management of DN.

CREB3 facilitates Donafenib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma cells via the LSD1/CoREST/p65 axis by transcriptionally activating long noncoding RNA ZFAS1

OBJECTIVE

Drug resistance greatly limits the therapeutic effect of a drug. This study aimed to explore the role of long noncoding RNA ZFAS1 in Donafenib resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells.

METHODS

The expression of CREB3, ZFAS1, and p65 in HCC cell lines was measured by RT-qPCR and western blotting. After transfection with sh-ZFAS1, sh-CREB3, or sh-CREB3 + oe-p65 in Donafenib-resistent (DR) HCC cell lines, the transfection efficiency was evaluated by RT-qPCR and western blotting. The proliferation and IC50 to Donafenib of HCC cell lines was examined by MTT assay. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were examined by colony formation and flow cytometry assays. Then, the correlation amongst CREB3, ZFAS1, LSD1/CoREST, and p65 was analysed by ChIP, dual-luciferase reporter gene, and RIP assays.

RESULTS

ZFAS1, CREB3, and p65 were upregulated in HepG2-DR and Huh7-DR cells. Silencing of ZFAS1 or CREB3 enhanced the sensitivity of HCC cells to Donafenib, inhibited cell proliferation and IC50, and increased cell apoptosis, which were reversed by p65 overexpression. Mechanistically, CREB3 bound to ZFAS1 promoter to augment ZFAS1 transcriptional expression, and ZFAS1 recruited LSD1/CoREST to the p65 promoter region to decrease H3K4 methylation and elevate p65 transcriptional expression.

CONCLUSION

CREB3 overexpression contributed to Donafenib resistance in HCC cells by activating the ZFAS1/p65 axis.

Exploring ncRNA-mediated pathways in sepsis-induced pyroptosis

Sepsis, a potentially fatal illness caused by an improper host response to infection, remains a serious problem in the world of healthcare. In recent years, the role of ncRNA has emerged as a pivotal aspect in the intricate landscape of cellular regulation. The exploration of ncRNA-mediated regulatory networks reveals their profound influence on key molecular pathways orchestrating pyroptotic responses during septic conditions. Through a comprehensive analysis of current literature, we navigate the diverse classes of ncRNAs, including miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs, elucidating their roles as both facilitators and inhibitors in the modulation of pyroptotic processes. Furthermore, we highlight the potential diagnostic and therapeutic implications of targeting these ncRNAs in the context of sepsis, aiming to cover the method for novel and effective strategies to mitigate the devastating consequences of septic pathogenesis. As we unravel the complexities of this regulatory axis, a deeper understanding of the intricate crosstalk between ncRNAs and pyroptosis emerges, offering promising avenues for advancing our approach to sepsis intervention. The intricate pathophysiology of sepsis is examined in this review, which explores the dynamic interaction between ncRNAs and pyroptosis, a highly regulated kind of programmed cell death.

Epigenetic regulation of temozolomide resistance in human cancers with an emphasis on brain tumors: Function of non-coding RNAs

Brain tumors, which are highly malignant, pose a significant threat to health and often result in substantial rates of mortality and morbidity worldwide. The brain cancer therapy has been challenging due to obstacles such as the BBB, which hinders effective delivery of therapeutic agents. Additionally, the emergence of drug resistance further complicates the management of brain tumors. TMZ is utilized in brain cancer removal, but resistance is a drawback. ncRNAs are implicated in various diseases, and their involvement in the cancer is particularly noteworthy. The focus of the current manuscript is to explore the involvement of ncRNAs in controlling drug resistance, specifically in the context of resistance to the chemotherapy drug TMZ. The review emphasizes the function of ncRNAs, particularly miRNAs, in modulating the growth and invasion of brain tumors, which significantly influences their response to TMZ treatment. Through their interactions with various molecular pathways, miRNAs are modulators of TMZ response. Similarly, lncRNAs also associate with molecular pathways and miRNAs, affecting the efficacy of TMZ chemotherapy. Given their functional properties, lncRNAs can either induce or suppress TMZ resistance in brain tumors. Furthermore, circRNAs, which are cancer controllers, regulate miRNAs by acting as sponges, thereby impacting the response to TMZ chemotherapy. The review explores the correlation between ncRNAs and TMZ chemotherapy, shedding light on the underlying molecular pathways involved in this process.

LncRNA ZFAS1 contributes to osteosarcoma progression via miR-520b and miR-520e-mediated inhibition of RHOC signaling

OBJECTIVES

We examined the expression of Lnc-ZFAS1 in osteosarcoma and comprehensively evaluated its effects on osteosarcoma in vitro and vivo. Moreover, we revealed the regulatory mechanism between Lnc-ZFAS1 and miR-520b/miR-520e-mediated RHOC and provided a novel clue for ameliorating osteosarcoma.

METHOD

The expression of Long non-coding RNA Zinc Finger Antisense 1 (LncRNA ZFAS1) osteosarcoma tissues and normal tissues in the TCGA database was analyzed. Then, LncRNA ZFAS1 expression was further verified in clinical samples and osteosarcoma cell lines (U2OS and KHOS), as well as the human osteoblast cell line hFOB1.19 by qRT-PCR. Thereafter, LncRNA ZFAS1 was overexpressed or silenced to explore its effects on cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT). The fundamental mechanism through which Lnc-ZFAS1 affects osteosarcoma progression was further investigated and verified.

RESULTS

We found that LncRNA ZFAS1 was upregulated in osteosarcoma, and Lnc-ZFAS1 overexpression facilitated osteosarcoma cells proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT, while Lnc-ZFAS1 silence exerted reverse influence. Mechanistically, Lnc-ZFAS1 functionally acted as a sponger of microRNA-520b (miR-520b) and microRNA-520e (miR-520e) to up-regulate Ras Homologue C (RHOC). In addition, depleted Lnc-ZFAS1 restrained osteosarcoma cells proliferation, migration, and invasion, which could be rescued by RHOC overexpression. Lnc-ZFAS1 was upregulated in osteosarcoma and Lnc-ZFAS1 could exert promoted impact upon osteosarcoma cells proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

Lnc-ZFAS1 acted sponger of miR-520b and miR-520e to promote RHOC, indicating that Lnc-ZFAS1/miR-520b/RHOC and Lnc-ZFAS1/miR-520e/RHOC axes might serve as potential therapeutic strategies against osteosarcoma.

lncRNA ZFAS1 Positively Facilitates Endothelial Ferroptosis via miR-7-5p/ACSL4 Axis in Diabetic Retinopathy

Accumulating evidence has suggested the significant role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) in regulating ferroptosis, while its regulatory mechanism in diabetic retinopathy (DR) remains unelucidated. In this work, we first demonstrated that lncRNA zinc finger antisense 1 (ZFAS1) is upregulated in high glucose-cultured human retinal endothelial cells (hRECs) and ZFAS1 inhibition attenuated high glucose- (HG-) induced ferroptosis, which was evidenced by cell viability, total iron and ferrous iron levels, reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, and Glutathione Peroxidase 4 (GP_X4) expression detection. Mechanistically, we validated that ZFAS1 may act as a competing endogenous RNA by competitively binding with microRNA-7-5p (miR-7-5p) and modulating the expression of its downstream molecule acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4), which is now identified as a classic driver gene of ferroptosis process. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that HG-induced ZFAS1 elevation activates ferroptosis in hRECs and the ZFAS1/miR-7-5p/ACSL4 axis may serve as a therapeutic target for endothelial dysfunction in DR.

Tumor-associated macrophages improve hypoxia-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress response in colorectal cancer cells by regulating TGF-β1/SOX4

Hypoxia is a common feature of solid tumors that can induce endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS). This study aimed to explore the mechanism behind tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) improving the ERS response of colorectal cancer (CRC) under hypoxic conditions. Herein, it was demonstrated that TAMs reduce ERS by secreting TGF-β1 and activating SOX4/TMEM2 signaling in CRC cells. The expression levels of TGF-β1, SOX4, and TMEM2 in 20 pairs of tumor tissues and para-carcinoma tissues were assessed. A co-culture system of CRC cells with THP-1-derived macrophages under hypoxic conditions in vitro was investigated to determine the protective effect of TAMs on CRC cells. Moreover, to further verify the underlying mechanism, TGF-β1 and SOX4 were knocked down in the TAMs and CRC cells, respectively. The results exposed that TGF-β1, SOX4, and TMEM2 were abundantly expressed in tumor tissues. Moreover, the co-culture system revealed that macrophages stimulate TGF-β1 secretion under hypoxia, which depresses the CRC cells' ERS, further promoting cell proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis. Furthermore, increased TGF-β1 levels promoted the expression of SOX4 and TMEM2 in CRC cells. Conversely, the knockdown of SOX4 attenuated the protective effect of TAMs on TGF-β1-stimulated CRC cells. In conclusion, these results suggest that the elevated ERS induced by hypoxia in CRC cells could be relieved by TAMs via the secretion of TGF-β1. Finally, TGF-β1 suppresses undue ERS response in CRC cells by activating the SOX4-TMEM2 axis.

Differential Expression of Decorin in Metastasising Colorectal Carcinoma Is Regulated by miR-200c and Long Non-Coding RNAs

Decorin (DCN) is one of the matricellular proteins that participate in normal cells’ function as well as in cancerogenesis. While its expression in primary tumours is well known, there is limited data about its expression in metastases. Furthermore, the post-transcriptional regulation of DCN is still questionable, although it is well accepted that it is an important mechanism of developing metastatic cancer. The aim of our study was to analyse the expression of DCN and its potential regulatory ncRNAs in metastatic colorectal carcinoma (CRC). Nineteen patients with metastatic CRC were included. Using qPCR, we analysed the expression of DCN, miR-200c and five lncRNAs (LUCAT1, MALAT1, lncTCF7, XIST, and ZFAS1) in lymph node and liver metastases in comparison to the invasive front and central part of a primary tumour. Our results showed insignificant upregulation of DCN and significant upregulation for miR-200c, MALAT1, lncTCF7 and ZFAS1 in metastases compared to the primary tumour. miR-200c showed a positive correlation with DCN, and the aforementioned lncRNAs exhibited a significant positive correlation with miR-200c expression in metastatic CRC. Our results suggest that DCN as well as miR-200c, MALAT1, lncTCF7 and ZFAS1 contribute to the development of metastases in CRC and that regulation of DCN expression in CRC by ncRNAs is accomplished in an indirect manner.

RHO GTPase-Related Long Noncoding RNAs in Human Cancers

RHO GTPases are critical signal transducers that regulate cell adhesion, polarity, and migration through multiple signaling pathways. While all these cellular processes are crucial for the maintenance of normal cell homeostasis, disturbances in RHO GTPase-associated signaling pathways contribute to different human diseases, including many malignancies. Several members of the RHO GTPase family are frequently upregulated in human tumors. Abnormal gene regulation confirms the pivotal role of lncRNAs as critical gene regulators, and thus, they could potentially act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors. lncRNAs most likely act as sponges for miRNAs, which are known to be dysregulated in various cancers. In this regard, the significant role of miRNAs targeting RHO GTPases supports the view that the aberrant expression of lncRNAs may reciprocally change the intensity of RHO GTPase-associated signaling pathways. In this review article, we summarize recent advances in lncRNA research, with a specific focus on their sponge effects on RHO GTPase-targeting miRNAs to crucially mediate gene expression in different cancer cell types and tissues. We will focus in particular on five members of the RHO GTPase family, including RHOA, RHOB, RHOC, RAC1, and CDC42, to illustrate the role of lncRNAs in cancer progression. A deeper understanding of the widespread dysregulation of lncRNAs is of fundamental importance for confirmation of their contribution to RHO GTPase-dependent carcinogenesis.

LncRNA PITPNA-AS1 promotes gastric cancer by increasing SOX4 expression via inhibition of miR-92a-3p

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer (GC) is a malignant tumor of digestive tract with high mortality. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms of GC and obtaining new molecular targets are particularly important for the prevention and treatment of GC. The discovery of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) provides the possibility for further elucidating the molecular mechanisms of GC and discovering new molecular markers.

AIM

Here, we aimed to explore the function and the mechanism of lncRNA PITPNA-AS1 in GC.

METHODS

High-throughput lncRNA microarray was used to compare the differences in expression profiles between tumor tissues and adjacent tissues, and to filtrate the differentially expressed lncRNAs in tumors. To analyze the relationship between lncRNA expression and clinicopathological parameters in GC. The apoptosis was detected by down-regulation of lncRNA. The effect of down-regulated lncRNA PITPNA-AS1 on the migration and invasion of GC cells was determined by wound healing and Transwell assays. The function of lncRNA PITPNA-AS1 on tumor growth was verified by tumor experiment in nude mice. Analysis of target interaction relationship was performed by luciferase assay.

RESULTS

The results of high throughput chip analysis identified that PITPNA-AS1 was up-regulated in GC tissues. Our data revealed that knockdown of PITPNA-AS1 was able to inhibit tumor development of GC cells. Meanwhile, PITPNA-AS1 could regulate SOX4 expression via targeting miR-92a-3p.

CONCLUSION

Thus, we concluded that PITPNA-AS1 induced the development of GC cells by inhibiting miR-92a-3p and inducing SOX4. Our finding presents novel insights of GC, which may provide an underlying therapeutic target for GC treatment.

Integrated whole transcriptome and small RNA analysis revealed multiple regulatory networks in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a global disease burden and a leading cause of cancer related deaths worldwide. The identification of aberrantly expressed messenger RNA (mRNA), long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), and microRNA (miRNA), and the resulting molecular interactions and signaling networks is essential for better understanding of CRC, identification of novel diagnostic biomarkers and potential development of therapeutic interventions. Herein, we performed microRNA (miRNA) sequencing on fifteen CRC and their non-tumor adjacent tissues and whole transcriptome RNA-Seq on six paired samples from the same cohort and identified alterations in miRNA, mRNA, and lncRNA expression. Computational analyses using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) identified multiple activated signaling networks in CRC, including ERBB2, RABL6, FOXM1, and NFKB networks, while functional annotation highlighted activation of cell proliferation and migration as the hallmark of CRC. IPA in combination with in silico prediction algorithms and experimentally validated databases gave insight into the complex associations and interactions between downregulated miRNAs and upregulated mRNAs in CRC and vice versa. Additionally, potential interaction between differentially expressed lncRNAs such as H19, SNHG5, and GATA2-AS1 with multiple miRNAs has been revealed. Taken together, our data provides thorough analysis of dysregulated protein-coding and non-coding RNAs in CRC highlighting numerous associations and regulatory networks thus providing better understanding of CRC.

The Role of non-coding RNAs in colorectal cancer, with a focus on its autophagy

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of malignant afflictions burdening people worldwide, mainly caused by shortages of effective medical intervention and poorly mechanistic understanding of the pathogenesis of CRC. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a type of heterogeneous transcripts without the capability of coding protein, but have the potency of regulating protein-coding gene expression. Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved catabolic process in which cytoplasmic contents are delivered to cellular lysosomes for degradation, resulting in the turnover of cellular components and producing energy for cell functions. A growing body of evidence reveals that ncRNAs, autophagy, and the crosstalks of ncRNAs and autophagy play intricate roles in the initiation, progression, metastasis, recurrence and therapeutic resistance of CRC, which confer ncRNAs and autophagy to serve as clinical biomarkers and therapeutic targets for CRC. In this review, we sought to delineate the complicated roles of ncRNAs, mainly including miRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs, in the pathogenesis of CRC, particularly focus on the regulatory role of ncRNAs in CRC-related autophagy, attempting to shed light on the complex pathological mechanisms, involving ncRNAs and autophagy, responsible for CRC tumorigenesis and development, so as to underpin the ncRNAs- and autophagy-based therapeutic strategies for CRC in clinical setting.