C1QTNF1-AS1 regulates the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating miR-221-3p/SOCS3

Suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 expression and its regulation in relation to inflammation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Background

The family of Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling (SOCS) acts as a controller of the duration and intensity of cytokine function by negatively regulating the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. SOCS' role in inflammatory diseases in animal models is well demonstrated. However, its role in the development of human disease is still under investigation. SOCS3 plays an important role in tumor development where its downregulation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various solid tumors such as triple-negative breast cancer.

Aim

The aim of this work was to study (1) the expression of SOCS3 in smokers' lungs and its relation to the degree of inflammation and (2) SOCS3 regulation by microRNA (miRNA) in alveolar-macrophage (AM)-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL).

Methods

Group A: 35 smokers' [19 with COPD (SC) and 16 without COPD (S)] and 9 nonsmokers (NS); SOCS3, TNFα in AM, and CD8+ T cells were quantified by immunohistochemistry, in lung tissue. Group B: additional 9 SC, 11 S, and 5 NS; AM-EVs expressing SOCS3 (CD14+SOCS3+) and SOCS3 suppressors miRNA-19a-3p and 221-3p in EVs were quantified by flow cytometry and PCR, in BAL.

Results

The percentage of SOCS3+ AM was higher in SC [68 (6.6-99)%] and S [48 (8-100)%] than in NS [9.6 (1.9-61)%; p = 0.002; p = 0.03] and correlated with % of TNFα+AM (r = 0.48; p = 0.0009) and CD8+ T cells (r = 0.44; p = 0.0029). In BAL, the CD14+SOCS3+ EVs/μL were increased in SC [33 (21-74)] compared to S [16 (8-37); p = 0.03] and NS [9 (7-21); p = 0.003]. Conversely, miRNA-19a-3p and miRNA-221-3p expression were increased in S when compared to SC [19 (2-53) vs. 3 (0.6-8); p = 0.03 and 3 (0.005-9.6) vs. 0.2 (0.08-0.7); p = 0.05].

Conclusions

The suppressor function of SOCS3 in COPD seems to be overridden by other factors and does not follow the animal-model paradigm. Expression of SOCS3 in BAL macrophage-derived EVs might be useful to assess the degree of inflammation and possible progression of COPD. Downregulation of SOCS3, by miRNA, in smokers without COPD might contribute to the risk of developing cancer in these patients.

MicroRNAs and their vital role in apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma: miRNA-based diagnostic and treatment methods

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies with high invasive and metastatic capability. Although significant advances have been made in the treatment of HCC, the overall survival rate of patients is still low. It is essential to explore accurate biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis along with therapeutic procedures to increase the survival rate of these patients. Anticancer therapies can contribute to induce apoptosis for the elimination of cancerous cells. However, dysregulated apoptosis and proliferation signaling pathways lead to treatment resistance, a significant challenge in improving efficient therapies. MiRNAs, short non-coding RNAs, play crucial roles in the progression of HCC, which regulate gene expression through post-transcriptional inhibition and targeting mRNA degradation in cancers. Dysregulated expression of multiple miRNAs is associated with numerous biological processes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and metastasis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), angiogenesis, and drug resistance in HCC. This review summarizes the role and potential efficacy of miRNAs in promoting and inhibiting cell proliferation and apoptosis in HCC, as well as the role of miRNAs in therapy resistance in HCC.

Blood exosome marker miRNA-30d-5p: Role and regulation mechanism in cell stemness and gemcitabine resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are different from regular cancer cells because of their self-renewal feature and differentiation potential, which establishes the backbone of the vital role of CSCs in the progress and drug resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of blood exosome-derived miRNA-30d-5p on the stemness and gemcitabine resistance of HCC cells and the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

The expression data of HCC-related miRNAs and mRNAs were downloaded from TCGA database and analyzed for differences. Employing the databases of starBase, TargetScan, miRDB, and mirDIP, we conducted target gene prediction upstream of mRNA. The expression of miRNA-30d-5p and SOCS3 mRNA was assayed by qRT-PCR, and the binding between them was validated by dual luciferase assay. CCK-8 was employed to evaluate cell viability and the IC50 value of gemcitabine. Cells were subjected to a sphere-forming assay to assess their ability to form spheres. Western blot was applied to evaluate the levels of cell surface marker proteins (Nanog, CD133, and Oct4) and exosome markers (CD9, CD81, and FLOT1).

RESULTS

Bioinformatics analysis found that SOCS3 expression was down-regulated in HCC. qRT-PCR showed that SOCS3 expression was notably lower in HCC cell lines than in normal liver cell WRL68. At the cellular functional level, SOCS3 overexpression inhibited the viability, sphere-forming ability, stemness, and gemcitabine resistance of HCC cells. Bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that miRNA-30d-5p was the upstream regulator of SOCS3 and highly expressed in HCC tissues and cells. Dual luciferase assay demonstrated that miRNA-30d-5p could bind SOCS3. Rescue experiments showed that upregulating SOCS3 could reverse the effects of miRNA-30d-5p overexpression on the viability, sphere-forming ability, and gemcitabine sensitivity of HCC cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Blood exosome-derived miRNA-30d-5p promoted the stemness and gemcitabine resistance of HCC cells by repressing SOCS3 expression. Hence, the miRNA-30d-5p/SOCS3 axis might be a therapeutic target for chemotherapy resistance and a feasible marker for the prognosis of HCC patients.

Exploring the JAK/STAT Signaling Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Unraveling Signaling Complexity and Therapeutic Implications

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) continues to pose a substantial global health challenge due to its high incidence and limited therapeutic options. In recent years, the Janus Kinase (JAK) and Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT) pathway has emerged as a critical signaling cascade in HCC pathogenesis. The review commences with an overview of the JAK/STAT pathway, delving into the dynamic interplay between the JAK/STAT pathway and its numerous upstream activators, such as cytokines and growth factors enriched in pathogenic livers afflicted with chronic inflammation and cirrhosis. This paper also elucidates how the persistent activation of JAK/STAT signaling leads to diverse oncogenic processes during hepatocarcinogenesis, including uncontrolled cell proliferation, evasion of apoptosis, and immune escape. In the context of therapeutic implications, this review summarizes recent advancements in targeting the JAK/STAT pathway for HCC treatment. Preclinical and clinical studies investigating inhibitors and modulators of JAK/STAT signaling are discussed, highlighting their potential in suppressing the deadly disease. The insights presented herein underscore the necessity for continued research into targeting the JAK/STAT signaling pathway as a promising avenue for HCC therapy.

The cross-talk between LncRNAs and JAK-STAT signaling pathway in cancer

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are non-coding RNAs that were transcribed from the human genome and have become important regulators in a number of cellular activities, mostly via controlling gene expression. A growing body of evidence shows that lncRNAs regulate various factors to impact various biological activities that are related to tumorigenesis, including the Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway. lncRNAs influence the JAK-STAT signaling pathway either by directly targeting or via indirectly modulating other upstream or downstream pathways' components like members of the suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) family, and other genes that regulate cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Furthermore, lncRNAs can act as downstream effectors of the JAK-STAT pathway and mediates tumorigenesis. The relationship between JAK-STAT signaling and lncRNAs differs among various types of cancers. Besides, lncRNAs, as biological molecules, have been shown to play a dual role in either tumorigenesis or tumor suppression in various cancers. In this review, we focus on the reciprocated regulation and functions of lncRNAs and the JAK-STAT signaling pathway in cancer, as well as narrate the latest research progress on this association. A deeper understanding of this correlation may simplify the recognition of potential targets for clinical therapeutics.

DoxoDB: A Database for the Expression Analysis of Doxorubicin-Induced lncRNA Genes

Cancer and cardiovascular disease are the leading causes of death worldwide. Recent evidence suggests that these two life-threatening diseases share several features in disease progression, such as angiogenesis, fibrosis, and immune responses. This has led to the emergence of a new field called cardio-oncology. Doxorubicin is a chemotherapy drug widely used to treat cancer, such as bladder and breast cancer. However, this drug causes serious side effects, including acute ventricular dysfunction, cardiomyopathy, and heart failure. Based on this evidence, we hypothesize that comparing the expression profiles of cells and tissues treated with doxorubicin may yield new insights into the adverse effects of the drug on cellular activities. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed published RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data from doxorubicin-treated cells to identify commonly differentially expressed genes, including long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as they are known to be dysregulated in diseased tissues and cells. From our systematic analysis, we identified several doxorubicin-induced genes. To confirm these findings, we treated human cardiac fibroblasts with doxorubicin to record expression changes in the selected doxorubicin-induced genes and performed a loss-of-function experiment of the lncRNA MAP3K4-AS1. To further disseminate the analyzed data, we built the web database DoxoDB.

Evolving cognition of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway: autoimmune disorders and cancer

The Janus kinase (JAK) signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism of transmembrane signal transduction that enables cells to communicate with the exterior environment. Various cytokines, interferons, growth factors, and other specific molecules activate JAK-STAT signaling to drive a series of physiological and pathological processes, including proliferation, metabolism, immune response, inflammation, and malignancy. Dysregulated JAK-STAT signaling and related genetic mutations are strongly associated with immune activation and cancer progression. Insights into the structures and functions of the JAK-STAT pathway have led to the development and approval of diverse drugs for the clinical treatment of diseases. Currently, drugs have been developed to mainly target the JAK-STAT pathway and are commonly divided into three subtypes: cytokine or receptor antibodies, JAK inhibitors, and STAT inhibitors. And novel agents also continue to be developed and tested in preclinical and clinical studies. The effectiveness and safety of each kind of drug also warrant further scientific trials before put into being clinical applications. Here, we review the current understanding of the fundamental composition and function of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. We also discuss advancements in the understanding of JAK-STAT-related pathogenic mechanisms; targeted JAK-STAT therapies for various diseases, especially immune disorders, and cancers; newly developed JAK inhibitors; and current challenges and directions in the field.

Dysregulation of miRISC Regulatory Network Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Targeting PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains the third leading malignancy worldwide, causing high mortality in adults and children. The neuropathology-associated gene AEG-1 functions as a scaffold protein to correctly assemble the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) and optimize or increase its activity. The overexpression of oncogenic miRNAs periodically degrades the target tumor suppressor genes. Oncogenic miR-221 plays a seminal role in the carcinogenesis of HCC. Hence, the exact molecular and biological functions of the oncogene clusters miR-221/AEG-1 axis have not yet been examined widely in HCC. Here, we explored the expression of both miR-221 and AEG-1 and their target/associate genes by qRT-PCR and western blot. In addition, the role of the miR-221/AEG-1 axis was studied in the HCC by flow cytometry analysis. The expression level of the AEG-1 did not change in the miR-221 mimic, and miR-221-transfected HCC cells, on the other hand, decreased the miR-221 expression in AEG-1 siRNA-transfected HCC cells. The miR-221/AEG-1 axis silencing induces apoptosis and G2/M phase arrest and inhibits cellular proliferation and angiogenesis by upregulating p57, p53, RB, and PTEN and downregulating LSF, LC3A, Bcl-2, OPN, MMP9, PI3K, and Akt in HCC cells.

Elevated Plasma Levels of C1qTNF1 Protein in Patients with Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Glucose Disturbances

In recent years, research has provided increasing evidence for the importance of inflammatory etiology in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) pathogenesis. This study assessed the profile of inflammatory cytokines in the serum of patients with AMD and coexisting glucose disturbances (GD). This prospective population-based cohort study addressed the determinants and occurrence of cardiovascular, neurological, ophthalmic, psychiatric, and endocrine diseases in residents of Bialystok, Poland. To make the group homogenous in terms of inflammatory markers, we analyzed only subjects with glucose disturbances (GD: diabetes or prediabetes). Four hundred fifty-six patients aged 50–80 were included. In the group of patients without macular degenerative changes, those with GD accounted for 71.7%, while among those with AMD, GD accounted for 89.45%. Increased serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines were observed in both AMD and GD groups. C1qTNF1 concentration was statistically significantly higher in the group of patients with AMD, with comparable levels of concentrations of other proinflammatory cytokines. C1qTNF1 may act as a key mediator in the integration of lipid metabolism and inflammatory responses in macrophages. Moreover, C1qTNF1 levels are increased after exposure to oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), which plays a key role in atherosclerotic plaque formation and is also a major component of the drusen observed in AMD. C1qTNF1 may, therefore, prove to be a link between the accumulation of oxLDL and the induction of local inflammation in the development of AMD with concomitant GD.

mRNA and long non-coding RNA expression profiles of rotator cuff tear patients reveal inflammatory features in long head of biceps tendon

Background

This study aimed to identify the differentially expressed mRNAs and lncRNAs in inflammatory long head of biceps tendon (LHBT) of rotator cuff tear (RCT) patients and further explore the function and potential targets of differentially expressed lncRNAs in biceps tendon pathology.

Methods

Human gene expression microarray was made between 3 inflammatory LHBT samples and 3 normal LHBT samples from RCT patients. GO analysis and KEGG pathway analysis were performed to annotate the function of differentially expressed mRNAs. The real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was admitted to verify their expression. LncRNA-mRNA co-expression network, cis-acting element, trans-acting element and transcription factor (TF) regulation analysis were constructed to predict the potential molecular regulatory mechanisms and targets for LHB tendinitis.

Results

103 differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs, of which 75 were up-regulated and 28 were down-regulated, were detected to be differentially expressed in LHBT. The expressions of 4 most differentially expressed lncRNAs (A2MP1, LOC100996671, COL6A4P, lnc-LRCH1-5) were confirmed by qRT-PCR. GO functional analysis indicated that related lncRNAs and mRNAs were involved in the biological processes of regulation of innate immune response, neutrophil chemotaxis, interleukin-1 cell response and others. KEGG pathway analysis indicated that related lncRNAs and mRNAs were involved in MAPK signaling pathway, NF-kappa B signaling pathway, cAMP signaling pathway and others. TF regulation analysis revealed that COL6A4P2, A2MP1 and LOC100996671 target NFKB2.

Conclusions

LlncRNA-COL6A4P2, A2MP1 and LOC100996671 may regulate the inflammation of LHBT in RCT patients through NFKB2/NF-kappa B signaling pathway, and preliminarily revealed the pathological molecular mechanism of tendinitis of LHBT.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12920-022-01292-y.

Long non-coding RNA X-inactive specific transcript suppresses the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma through microRNA-221-3p-targeted regulation of O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase

MicroRNA-221-3p (miR-221-3p) is an important regulator involved in the progression and prognosis of various cancers. In this study, we aimed to investigate the diagnostic and prognostic value of miR-221-3p expression along with long non-coding RNA X–inactive specific transcript (XIST), which was identified as its upstream regulator in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by bioinformatics analysis, and further validated by RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and dual-luciferase reporter assays. Their expression was measured in tumor tissues and corresponding non-tumor tissues by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), which revealed that XIST was weakly expressed in HCC cells and tumors, while miR-221-3p was overexpressed. Complete knockdown of XIST enhanced HCC cell proliferation and migration and inhibited apoptosis, as observed by MTT, transwell, and flow cytometry experiments, respectively. Animal studies validated that XIST knockdown induces tumor growth in vivo. In contrast, upregulation of XIST in HCC cells suppressed their proliferation and migration, stimulated apoptosis, and retarded the growth rate of tumors in vivo. These effects were partially reversed by upregulating miR-221-3p expression. Furthermore, we demonstrated that O⁶-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) is a downstream target of miR-221-3p. It was weakly expressed in HCC cells and tumors and showed a negative correlation with miR-221-3p. Forced MGMT expression repressed proliferation and migration and enhanced apoptosis in HCC cells. Nevertheless, these anti-tumor effects induced by MGMT overexpression could be abolished by miR-221-3p upregulation. Collectively, our findings reveal that XIST blocks the development of HCC through miR-221-3p-targeted regulation of MGMT. This reveals a new mechanism involved in the development of HCC.

miR-221/222 as biomarkers and targets for therapeutic intervention on cancer and other diseases: A systematic review

Among deregulated microRNAs (miRs) in human malignancies, miR-221 has been widely investigated for its oncogenic role and as a promising biomarker. Moreover, recent evidence suggests miR-221 as a fine-tuner of chronic liver injury and inflammation-related events. Available information also supports the potential of miR-221 silencing as promising therapeutic intervention. In this systematic review, we selected papers from the principal databases (PubMed, MedLine, Medscape, ASCO, ESMO) between January 2012 and December 2020, using the keywords “miR-221” and the specific keywords related to the most important hematologic and solid malignancies, and some non-malignant diseases, to define and characterize deregulated miR-221 as a valuable therapeutic target in the modern vision of molecular medicine. We found a major role of miR-221 in this view.

Association between serum miR-221-3p and intravenous immunoglobulin resistance in children with Kawasaki disease

OBJECTIVES

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) resistance was a major cause of coronary artery lesions in children with Kawasaki disease (KD). However, the cause of IVIG resistance in KD remains unknown. miR-221-3p has been confirmed involved in cardiovascular diseases and rheumatoid arthritis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between miR-221-3p and IVIG resistance in children with KD.

METHODS

Fifty-five KD patients and 29 healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled in this study. KD patients were divided into group of sensitive to IVIG (IVIG-response, n = 42) and group of resistant to IVIG (IVIG-resistance, n = 13), group of 10 KD patients with coronary artery lesions (CALs, KD-CALs) and group of 10 sex- and age-matched KD patients without CALs (KD-NCALs). Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to detect the levels of miR-221-3p.

RESULTS

Compared with the HCs group, miR-221-3p were significantly increased in the KD group (p < 0.05), and the IVIG-resistance group had higher levels of miR-221-3p than those in the IVIG-response group (p < 0.05). CRP (C-reactive protein), PCT (procalcitonin), NLR (neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio) were positively correlated with miR-221-3p in KD patients. In addition, the group of IVIG resistance had a higher level of Kobayashi Score (p < 0.001). The receiver operating characteristic curve showed that miR-221-3p had a better value for diagnosis IVIG resistance in children with KD than Kobayashi Score with the AUC of 0.811 (95% CI, 0.672-0.951), 0.793 (95% CI, 0.618-0.968), respectively. Additionally, miR-221-3p was elevated (p < 0.05) and showed an AUC value of 0.83 (95% CI, 0.648-1.000, p < 0.05) for the prediction of the complication of coronary artery abnormalities in the group of KD with CALs.

CONCLUSIONS

miR-221-3p might be involved in the pathogenesis of KD and IVIG resistance and miR-221-3p can be used as a new potential biomarker to predict IVIG resistance in children with KD.

Identification of the Prognostic Value Among Suppressor Of Cytokine Signaling Family Members in Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma

Background: Kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) has become one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide and remains a crucial cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality. Aberrant activation of the JAK/STAT pathway acts as an important role in KIRC. The suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) family members are the key negative regulators of the JAK/STAT pathway. SOCS family members have been verified to act as significant roles in regulating cellular responses to many cytokines and growth factors. However, whether the expression levels of SOCS affect the prognosis of patients with KIRC is still elusive.

Methods: We first evaluated the expression of SOCS family genes in KIRC and determined the correlation between SOCS expression and different clinicopathological features. Then, we analyzed the genetic alterations, potential functions, transcription factor targets, and immune infiltration of SOCS family members based on the information available on public databases. Finally, we assessed the prognostic value of differentially expressed SOCS family members.

Results: The expression levels of SOCS2, SOCS4, SOCS6, SOCS7, and CISH were downregulated in KIRC, and all SOCS genes were associated with clinicopathological features of patients with KIRC. SOCS family members have been predominantly related to protein binding, signaling adaptor activity, and JAK/STAT cascade. We found that STAT3, STAT6, and IRF1 are the key transcription factors that may be participated in the regulation of SOCS. We also found an association between the expression levels of SOCS and the immune infiltrates of KIRC. Finally, we have illuminated that SOCS1 and SOCS3 are risky genes, whereas SOCS2, SOCS4, SOCS6, SOCS7, and CISH are some of the protective genes for patients with KIRC; based on these, we have created a KIRC prognostic index for predicting the prognosis of patients of KIRC.

Conclusion: Our study may contribute to further understanding the functions of SOCS genes in KIRC, which may help clinicians in selecting the appropriate drugs and predicting the outcomes for patients with KIRC.

The role of ceRNA-mediated diagnosis and therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide due to its high degree of malignancy, high incidence, and low survival rate. However, the underlying mechanisms of hepatocarcinogenesis remain unclear. Long non coding RNA (lncRNA) has been shown as a novel type of RNA. lncRNA by acting as ceRNA can participate in various biological processes of HCC cells, such as tumor cell proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis and drug resistance by regulating downstream target gene expression and cancer-related signaling pathways. Meanwhile, lncRNA can predict the efficacy of treatment strategies for HCC and serve as a potential target for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC. Therefore, lncRNA serving as ceRNA may become a vital candidate biomarker for clinical diagnosis and treatment. In this review, the epidemiology of HCC, including morbidity, mortality, regional distribution, risk factors, and current treatment advances, was briefly discussed, and some biological functions of lncRNA in HCC were summarized with emphasis on the molecular mechanism and clinical application of lncRNA-mediated ceRNA regulatory network in HCC. This paper can contribute to the better understanding of the mechanism of the influence of lncRNA-mediated ceRNA networks (ceRNETs) on HCC and provide directions and strategies for future studies.

MicroRNA-Based Risk Score for Predicting Tumor Progression Following Radioactive Iodine Ablation in Well-Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Patients: A Propensity-Score Matched Analysis

Simple Summary

The three-tiered American Thyroid Association (ATA) risk stratification helps clinicians tailor decisions regarding follow-up modalities and the need for postoperative radioactive iodine (RAI) ablation and radiotherapy. However, a significant number of well-differentiated thyroid cancers (DTC) progress after treatment. Current follow-up modalities have also been proposed to detect disease relapse and recurrence but have failed to be sufficiently sensitive or specific to detect, monitor, or determine progression. Therefore, we assessed the predictive accuracy of the microRNA-based risk score in DTC with and without postoperative RAI. We confirm the prognostic role of triad biomarkers (miR-2f04, miR-221, and miR-222) with higher sensitivity and specificity for predicting disease progression than the ATA risk score. Compared to indolent tumors, a higher risk score was found in progressive samples and was associated with shorter survival. Consequently, our prognostic microRNA signature and nomogram provide a clinically practical and reliable ancillary measure to determine the prognosis of DTC patients.

Abstract

To identify molecular markers that can accurately predict aggressive tumor behavior at the time of surgery, a propensity-matching score analysis of archived specimens yielded two similar datasets of DTC patients (with and without RAI). Bioinformatically selected microRNAs were quantified by qRT-PCR. The risk score was generated using Cox regression and assessed using ROC, C-statistic, and Brier-score. A predictive Bayesian nomogram was established. External validation was performed, and causal network analysis was generated. Within the eight-year follow-up period, progression was reported in 51.5% of cases; of these, 48.6% had the T1a/b stage. Analysis showed upregulation of miR-221-3p and miR-222-3p and downregulation of miR-204-5p in 68 paired cancer tissues (p < 0.001). These three miRNAs were not differentially expressed in RAI and non-RAI groups. The ATA risk score showed poor discriminative ability (AUC = 0.518, p = 0.80). In contrast, the microRNA-based risk score showed high accuracy in predicting tumor progression in the whole cohorts (median = 1.87 vs. 0.39, AUC = 0.944) and RAI group (2.23 vs. 0.37, AUC = 0.979) at the cutoff >0.86 (92.6% accuracy, 88.6% sensitivity, 97% specificity) in the whole cohorts (C-statistics = 0.943/Brier = 0.083) and RAI subgroup (C-statistic = 0.978/Brier = 0.049). The high-score group had a three-fold increased progression risk (hazard ratio = 2.71, 95%CI = 1.86–3.96, p < 0.001) and shorter survival times (17.3 vs. 70.79 months, p < 0.001). Our prognostic microRNA signature and nomogram showed excellent predictive accuracy for progression-free survival in DTC.

Inhibition of miR-483-5p improves the proliferation, invasion and inflammatory response of triple-negative breast cancer cells by targeting SOCS3

microRNAs (miRs) have been indicated to serve oncogenic or tumor suppressor roles. However, the role of miR-483-5p in breast cancer and its associated molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study, compared with adjacent normal tissues and MCF-10a cells, the expression level of miR-483-5p was upregulated in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) tissues and TNBC cell lines. Bioinformatic analysis and luciferase reporter assay confirmed the presence of miR-483-5p binding sites in the 3'-untranslated region of suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3). In addition, the expression level of SOCS3 protein in TNBC tissues was markedly lower compared with in adjacent tissues, and miR-483-5p expression was negatively correlated with SOCS3 expression in TNBC tissues. Cell proliferation and flow cytometry assays indicated that knockdown of miR-483-5p inhibited the proliferation and promoted apoptosis in the TNBC cell line BT-549. This effect was markedly attenuated by SOCS3 small interfering (si)RNA transfection. Additionally, wound healing and Transwell assays demonstrated that SOCS3 siRNA reversed the inhibitory effects of miR-483-5p inhibitor on the migration and invasion of BT-549 cells. Moreover, the decrease in miR-483-5p expression significantly reduced the secretion of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in BT-549 cells, while SOCS3 siRNA could partially reverse this effect. Additionally, SOCS3 overexpression reversed the effects of miR-483-5p mimic on the proliferation, migration, invasion and inflammation of BT-549 cells. Taken together, these data demonstrated that the inhibition of miR-483-5p could inhibit the proliferation, migration, invasion and inflammatory response, while promoting the apoptosis of TNBC cells by negatively regulating SOCS3. miR-483-5p may be a potential target for TNBC therapy.

miRNA-221-3p derived from M2-polarized tumor-associated macrophage exosomes aggravates the growth and metastasis of osteosarcoma through SOCS3/JAK2/STAT3 axis

Background: Enhanced infiltration of M2-polarized tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) is linked to osteosarcoma (OS) metastasis and growth. Here, we aim to explore a novel miR-221-3p shuttled by M2-TAM exosomes in the growth and metastasis of OS cells.

Methods: THP-1 monocytes-derived M2-TAMs were induced by PMA/interleukin (IL)-4/IL-13 and then co-cultured with OS 143B and Saos2 cells. Overexpression or downregulation models of miR-221-3p were conducted to probe the impacts of exosome-derived M2-TAMs in OS cells. OS cell proliferative ability, colony formation, invasion, migration and apoptotic level were measured by the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, colony formation, Transwell assay, and flow cytometry. Moreover, the SOCS3/JAK2/STAT3 axis in OS cells was testified by western blot, and a dual-luciferase reporter assay was conducted to confirm the link between miR-221-3p and SOCS3.

Results: OS cells enhanced M2 polarization of TAMs, which significantly promoted OS cells’ viability, colony formation, migration, invasion, and reduced apoptosis. Moreover, the exosomes enriched by miR-221-3p from M2-polarized TAMs (M2-TAMs) also aggravated the malignant behaviors of OS cells. However, down-regulation of miR-221-3p brought about contrary results. Further, in-vivo tests uncovered that overexpressing miR-221-3p enhanced OS cells’ growth. Mechanistically, SOCS3 was a downstream target of miR-221-3p, and up-regulation of miR-221-3p choked SOCS3 and activated JAK2/STAT3. However, the pharmacological intervention of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway obviously inhibited the malignant behaviors of OS cells, which were significantly reversed by miR-221-3p up-regulation.

Conclusion: The exosomal miR-221-3p derived from M2-TAMs aggravates OS progression via modulating the SOCS3/JAK2/STAT3 axis.

LncRNA NEAT1_1 suppresses tumor-like biologic behaviors of fibroblast-like synoviocytes by targeting the miR-221-3p/uPAR axis in rheumatoid arthritis

Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) are the predominant effector cells in the pathological progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Therefore, elucidating the underlying molecular mechanism of the biologic behaviors in RA-FLSs will be helpful in developing the potent targets for the treatment of RA. We have previously documented that the tumor-like biologic behaviors of RA-FLSs are exacerbated by urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR), a specifically up-regulated receptor in RA-FLSs. Here, we investigate the further mechanism of uPAR and clarify its function in RA-FLSs. We demonstrate that miR-221-3p positively correlates to uPAR and regulates uPAR level in RA-FLSs. Simultaneously, one long noncoding RNA, nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1_1 (NEAT1_1) is identified, which can predictively target miR-221-3p at three sites, indicating a strong possibility of being a competing endogenous RNA in RA-FLSs. Interestingly, NEAT1_1 and miR-221-3p can colocate in the nucleus and cytoplasm in RA-FLSs. Importantly, NEAT1_1 can act as a rheostat for the miR-221-3p/uPAR axis and the downstream JAK signaling. In line with the biologic function, NEAT1_1 negatively regulates the tumor-like characters, and cytokine secretions of RA-FLSs. Collectively, our data provide new insight into the mechanisms of NEAT1_1 in modulating RA-FLSs tumor-like behaviors. The targeting of NEAT1_1 and miR-221-3p/uPAR axis may have a promising therapeutic role in patients with RA.

EYA2 suppresses the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma via SOCS3-mediated blockade of JAK/STAT signaling

BACKGROUND

Somatic mutations are involved in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression, but the genetic mechanism associated to hepatocarcinogenesis remains poorly understood. We report that Eyes absent homolog 2 (EYA2) suppresses the HCC progression, while EYA2(A510E) mutation identified by exome sequencing attenuates the tumor-inhibiting effect of EYA2.

METHODS

Whole-exome sequencing was performed on six pairs of human HCC primary tumors and matched adjacent tissues. Focusing on EYA2, expression level of EYA2 in human HCC samples was evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry. Loss- and gain-of-function studies, hepatocyte-specific deletion of EYA2 (Eya2-/-) in mice and RNA sequencing analysis were used to explore the functional effect and mechanism of EYA2 on HCC cell growth and metastasis. EYA2 methylation status was evaluated using Sequenom MassARRAY and publicly available data analysis.

RESULTS

A new somatic mutation p.Ala510Glu of EYA2 was identified in HCC tissues. The expression of EYA2 was down-regulated in HCC and associated with tumor size (P = 0.001), Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage (P = 0.016) and tumor differentiation (P = 0.048). High level of EYA2 was correlated with a favorable prognosis in HCC patients (P = 0.003). Results from loss-of-function and gain-of-function experiments suggested that knockdown of EYA2 enhanced, while overexpression of EYA2 attenuated, the proliferation, clone formation, invasion, and migration of HCC cells in vitro. Delivery of EYA2 gene had a therapeutic effect on inhibition of orthotopic liver tumor in nude mice. However, EYA2(A510E) mutation led to protein degradation by unfolded protein response, thus weakening the inhibitory function of EYA2. Hepatocyte-specific deletion of EYA2 in mice dramatically promoted diethylnitrosamine-induced HCC development. EYA2 was also down-regulated in HCC by aberrant CpG methylation. Mechanically, EYA2 combined with DACH1 to transcriptionally regulate SOCS3 expression, thus suppressing the progression of HCC via SOCS3-mediated blockade of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, we identified and validated EYA2 as a tumor suppressor gene in HCC, providing a new insight into HCC pathogenesis.

Long Non-Coding RNA C1QTNF1 Antisense RNA 1 Upregulates Hexokinase 2 by Sponging microRNA-484 to Promote the Malignancy of Colorectal Cancer

Purpose

The long noncoding RNA C1QTNF1 antisense RNA 1 (C1QTNF1-AS1) contributes to hepatocellular carcinoma development. However, its expression and roles in colorectal cancer (CRC) have not been fully explored. Therefore, this study determined the expression and roles of C1QTNF1-AS1 in CRC and elucidated its detailed mechanism of action.

Methods

C1QTNF1-AS1 expression in CRC tissues and cell lines was assessed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). We used Cell Counting Kit-8, flow cytometry, cell migration and invasion assays, and a xenograft tumor model to test the effects of C1QTNF1-AS1 on CRC malignancy. The associations among C1QTNF1-AS1, microRNA-484 (miR-484), and hexokinase 2 (HK2) were explored using luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation, RT–qPCR, and Western blotting.

Results

C1QTNF1-AS1 was overexpressed in CRC and related to poor prognosis. C1QTNF1-AS1 interference inhibited CRC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion but induced apoptosis. Furthermore, C1QTNF1-AS1 deficiency impaired tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, C1QTNF1-AS1 adsorbed miR-484, thereby increasing the expression of its target HK2. Rescue experiments revealed that the effects of C1QTNF1-AS1 deficiency in CRC cells were reversed by inhibiting miR-484 or upregulating HK2.

Conclusion

C1QTNF1-AS1 drives CRC progression by sponging miR-484 and consequently upregulating HK2. The C1QTNF1-AS1/miR-484/HK2 pathway may serve as a diagnostic and therapeutic target for CRC.

Extracellular vesicle-associated microRNA-221-3p secreted by drug-resistant lung cancer cells targets HMBOX1 to promote the progression of lung cancer

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have received increasing attention for their role as possible regulators of cancer. miR-221-3p is a microRNA (miR) up-regulated in EVs secreted by drug-resistant A549-GR lung cancer cells. However, the underlying mechanism through which miR-221-3p-containing EVs regulate the progression of lung cancer remains elusive. Here, we attempted to reveal the mechanism by which miR-221-3p-containing EVs secreted by drug-resistant lung cancer cells regulate the functions of surrounding cells during the progression of lung cancer. A gemcitabine-sensitive lung cancer cell line was treated with isolated drug-resistant lung cancer EVs followed by an evaluation of the proliferation and migration of sensitive lung cancer cell lines and their resistance to gemcitabine treatment. Moreover, the miR-221-3p target gene HMBOX1 was identified by the Targetscan database while the progression of lung cancer was detected by knocking down miR-221-3p or overexpressing HMBOX1, or by treating sensitive cell lines with Akt/mTOR activator and inhibitor, respectively. Furthermore, an in vivo study was performed to validate the relationship between miR-221-3p and HMBOX1 and their roles in the progression of lung cancer. The proliferation and migration of sensitive lung cancer cell lines and their resistance to drugs were significantly enhanced after the treatment with drug-resistant EVs. Knockdown of miR-221-3p (in the EV of drug-resistant lung cancer or overexpression of HMBOX1 in sensitive lung cancer cell lines) reduced the transformation of sensitive lung cell lines, whereas, the treatment of sensitive lung cell lines with Akt/mTOR activator or inhibitor significantly affected the progression of lung cancer. In vivo experiments further confirmed that miR-221-3p released by drug-resistant lung cancer cells targeted the HMBOX1 to regulate the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and affected the progression of lung cancer. We conclude that miR-221-3p-containing EVs secreted by drug-resistant lung cancer cells can potentially activate the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway by inhibiting HMBOX1, promoting the progression of lung cancer. The regulation of miR-221-3p represents a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of lung cancer.

Thyroid Hormone Receptor Beta Induces a Tumor-Suppressive Program in Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer

The thyroid hormone receptor beta (TRβ), a key regulator of cellular growth and differentiation, is frequently dysregulated in cancers. Diminished expression of TRβ is noted in thyroid, breast, and other solid tumors and is correlated with more aggressive disease. Restoration of TRβ levels decreased tumor growth supporting the concept that TRβ could function as a tumor suppressor. Yet, the TRβ tumor suppression transcriptome is not well delineated and the impact of TRβ is unknown in aggressive anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC). Here, we establish that restoration of TRβ expression in the human ATC cell line SW1736 (SW-TRβ) reduces the aggressive phenotype, decreases cancer stem cell populations and induces cell death in a T3-dependent manner. Transcriptomic analysis of SW-TRβ cells via RNA sequencing revealed distinctive expression patterns induced by ligand-bound TRβ and revealed novel molecular signaling pathways. Of note, liganded TRβ repressed multiple nodes in the PI3K/AKT pathway, induced expression of thyroid differentiation markers, and promoted proapoptotic pathways. Our results further revealed the JAK1-STAT1 pathway as a novel, T3-mediated, antitumorigenic pathway that can be activated in additional ATC lines. These findings elucidate a TRβ-driven tumor suppression transcriptomic signature, highlight unexplored therapeutic options for ATC, and support TRβ activation as a promising therapeutic option in cancers. IMPLICATIONS: TRβ-T3 induced a less aggressive phenotype and tumor suppression program in anaplastic thyroid cancer cells revealing new potential therapeutic targets.

miR-221-3p Delivered by BMMSC-Derived Microvesicles Promotes the Development of Acute Myelocytic Leukemia

Objective: The study aims to investigate the effects of miR-221-3p in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMMSC)-derived microvesicles (MVs) on cell cycle, proliferation and invasion of acute myelocytic leukemia (AML).

Methods: Bioinformatics was used to predict differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) in AML. The morphology of BMMSC-derived MVs was observed under an electron microscope, and the positional relation of MVs and OCI-AML2 cells was observed by a fluorescence microscope. MTT, Transwell, and flow cytometry assays were used to analyze the effects of MVs on OCI-AML2 cells. The targeted relationship between miR-221-3p and CDKN1C was detected by dual luciferase assay.

Results: It was verified that miR-221-3p promoted the proliferation, invasion and migration of OCI-AML2 cells, and induced the cell cycle arrest in G1/S phase as well as inhibited cell apoptosis. Further studies showed that MVs promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of AML, and induced the cell cycle arrest in G1/S phase through miR-221-3p. It was confirmed that miR-221-3p can directly target CDKN1C to regulate cell cycle, proliferation and invasion of AML.

Conclusion: miR-221-3p in BMMSC-derived MVs regulated AML cell cycle, cell proliferation and invasion through targeting CDKN1C. miR-221-3p and CDKN1C were considered to be potential targets and biomarkers for the treatment of AML in clinic.

AEG-1/miR-221 Axis Cooperatively Regulates the Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Targeting PTEN/PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading malignancy worldwide, causing mortality in children and adults. AEG-1 is functioned as a scaffold protein for the proper assembly of RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) to optimize or increase its activity. The increased activity of oncogenic miRNAs leads to the degradation of target tumor suppressor genes. miR-221 is an oncogenic miRNA, that plays a seminal role in carcinogenesis regulation of HCC. However, the molecular mechanism and biological functions of the miR-221/AEG-1 axis have not been investigated extensively in HCC. Here, the expression of miR-221/AEG-1 and their target/associate genes was analyzed by qRT-PCR and Western blot. The role of the miR-221/AEG-1 axis in HCC was evaluated by proliferation assay, migration assay, invasion assay, and flow cytometry analysis. The expression level of miR-221 decreased in AEG-1 siRNA transfected HCC cells. On the other hand, there were no significant expression changes of AEG-1 in miR-221 mimic and miR-221 inhibitor transfected HCC cells and inhibition of miR-221/AEG-1 axis decreased cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and angiogenesis and induced apoptosis, cell cycle arrest by upregulating p57, p53, PTEN, and RB and downregulating LSF, MMP9, OPN, Bcl-2, PI3K, AKT, and LC3A in HCC cells. Furthermore, these findings suggest that the miR-221/AEG-1 axis plays a seminal oncogenic role by modulating PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in HCC. In conclusion, the miR-221/AEG-1 axis may serve as a potential target for therapeutics, diagnostics, and prognostics of HCC.