Correlation between down-expression of miR-431 and clinicopathological significance in HCC tissues

Role of Non-Coding RNAs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression: From Classic to Novel Clinicopathogenetic Implications

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a predominant malignancy with increasing incidences and mortalities worldwide. In Western countries, the progressive affirmation of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) as the main chronic liver disorder in which HCC occurrence is appreciable even in non-cirrhotic stages, constitutes a real health emergency. In light of this, a further comprehension of molecular pathways supporting HCC onset and progression represents a current research challenge to achieve more tailored prognostic models and appropriate therapeutic approaches. RNA non-coding transcripts (ncRNAs) are involved in the regulation of several cancer-related processes, including HCC. When dysregulated, these molecules, conventionally classified as "small ncRNAs" (sncRNAs) and "long ncRNAs" (lncRNAs) have been reported to markedly influence HCC-related progression mechanisms. In this review, we describe the main dysregulated ncRNAs and the relative molecular pathways involved in HCC progression, analyzing their implications in certain etiologically related contexts, and their applicability in clinical practice as novel diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic tools. Finally, given the growing evidence supporting the immune system response, the oxidative stress-regulated mechanisms, and the gut microbiota composition as relevant emerging elements mutually influencing liver-cancerogenesis processes, we investigate the relationship of ncRNAs with this triad, shedding light on novel pathogenetic frontiers of HCC progression.

The intervention effect of Aitongxiao prescription on primary liver cancer rats was evaluated based on high-throughput miRNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis

Liver cancer is a common malignant tumor known for its difficult treatment and poor prognosis. As a traditional Chinese medicine prescription, Aitongxiao prescription (ATXP) has been used in clinical treatment of primary liver cancer (PLC) for more than ten years, and its therapeutic effect is obvious and has been verified over time. However, the mechanism of ATXP in treating PLC has not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to detect the liver-protective effect of ATXP on a PLC rat model and explore its potential mechanism from the perspective of plasma extracellular vesicle miRNAs. Fifty SPF male SD rats were randomly selected, with six rats as the control group, and the remaining rats were injected with DEN to establish a primary liver cancer model. The model rats were randomly divided into the model group and the ATXP group. After 4 weeks of intervention, the liver-protective effect of ATXP was evaluated using plasma biochemical indicators and histopathological methods. Plasma extracellular vesicles were isolated and extracted, and identified by transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and western blot. Significant differentially expressed miRNAs in extracellular vesicles were screened by Illumina sequencing to explore the therapeutic targets of ATXP and conduct functional analysis. The results showed that ATXP significantly reduced plasma liver function in PLC rats and alleviated liver pathological damage. In addition, plasma extracellular vesicles were isolated and identified. According to the results of GO and KEGG analysis, they were related to multiple biological processes and covered multiple signaling pathways (PI3K-Akt and MAPK signaling pathways, etc.). The interaction between miR-199a-3p and MAP3K4 was determined by bioinformatics methods and dual-luciferase reporter gene detection, confirming that MAP3K4 is the target gene of miR-199a-3p. In conclusion, ATXP protects the liver from DEN-induced PLC, which may be related to the regulation of plasma extracellular vesicle miR-199a-3p. This study further reveals the mechanism of ATXP in treating liver cancer and provides a theoretical basis for subsequent research.

Potential roles of core and core+1 proteins during the chronic phase of hepatitis C virus infection

The HCV Core protein is a multifunctional protein that interacts with many viral and cellular proteins. In addition to the encapsidation of the viral genome, it can disturb various cellular pathways and impede antiviral cellular responses such as interferon (IFN) production. The Core protein can also disrupt the functions of immune cells against HCV. The Core protein helps viral infection persistency by interfering with apoptosis. The Core+1 protein plays a significant role in inducing chronic HCV infection through diverse mechanisms. We review some of the mechanisms by which Core and Core+1 proteins facilitate HCV infection to chronic infection. These proteins could be considered for designing more sufficient treatments and effective vaccines against HCV.

The role of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomal microRNA-431-5p in survival and prognosis of colorectal cancer patients

We aim to discuss the role of miR-431-5p in colorectal cancer (CRC) progression via regulating peroxiredoxin 1 (PRDX1). miR-431-5p and PRDX1 expression were detected in CRC tissues and cells, and the relationship between miR-431-5p expression and prognosis of CRC patients was analyzed. Exosomes were extracted from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) and co-cultured with LoVo cells. MTT assay, flow cytometry and Transwell assay were implemented to test cell viability, apoptosis and invasion and migration ability, respectively. The tumor growth was determined as well, and the binding relation between miR-431-5p and PRDX1 was confirmed. miR-431-5p was downregulated and PRDX1 was upregulated in CRC, and miR-431-5p downregulation was associated with poor prognosis. hUCMSC-Exos suppressed the malignant behaviors of LoVo cells, and overexpression of miR-431-5p further aggravated the inhibitory effect of hUCMSC-Exos on LoVo cells. hUCMSC-Exos inhibited PRDX1 expression via miR-431-5p. PRDX1 was targeted by miR-431-5p. miR-431-5p serves as a prognostic biomarker in CRC, and hUCMSC-Exos transfer of miR-431-5p decelerates CRC cell growth by inhibiting PRDX1.

Metadherin-mediated mechanisms in human malignancies

Metadherin (MTDH) has been recognized as a novel protein that is critical for the progression of multiple types of human malignancies. Studies have reported that MTDH enhances the metastatic potential of cancer cells by regulating multiple signaling pathways. miRNAs and various tumor-related proteins have been shown to interact with MTDH, making it a potential therapeutic target as well as a biomarker in human malignancies. MTDH plays a critical role in inflammation, angiogenesis, hypoxia, epithelial-mesenchymal transition and autophagy. In this review, we present the function and mechanisms of MTDH for cancer initiation and progression.

Circulating Hsa-miR-431-5p as Potential Biomarker for Squamous Cell Vulvar Carcinoma and Its Premalignant Lesions

Vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) develops from high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) and differentiated vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (dVIN). This study aimed to assess the diagnostic value of circulating hsa-miR-431-5p in vulvar precancers and VSCC. Expression levels of hsa-miR-431-5p were analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR in plasma samples of 29 patients with vulvar precancers (HSIL or dVIN), 107 with VSCC as well as 15 healthy blood donors. We used hsa-miR-93-5p and hsa-miR-425-5p as normalizers. The levels of miR-431-5p were increased in the blood of patients with VSCC compared to those with vulvar precancers. Statistically significant differences in the survival rates (time to progression) were revealed for VSCC patients categorized by miR-431-5p levels. Low levels of circulating miR-431-5p were found to be indicative of unfavorable survival rates. In summary, our data reveal the diagnostic potential of circulating miR-431-5p in patients with vulvar precancers and VSCC.

Serum miRNA Signature in Rheumatoid Arthritis and "At-Risk Individuals"

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs which have been implicated as potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets in autoimmune diseases. This study examines circulatory miRNAs in RA patients and further investigates if a serum miRNA signature precedes clinical manifestations of disease in arthralgia or “at-risk individuals”.

Methods

Serum was collected from HC subjects (N = 20), RA patients (N = 50), and arthralgia subjects (N = 10), in addition to a subgroup of the RA patients post-methotrexate (MTX) (N = 18). The FirePlex miRNA Immunology-V2 panel was selected for multiplex analysis of 68 miRNAs in each sample. DNA intelligent analysis (DIANA)-mirPath and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) software were used to predict pathways targeted by the dysregulated miRNAs.

Results

8 miRNA (miR-126-3p, let-7d-5p, miR-431-3p, miR-221-3p, miR-24-3p, miR-130a-3p, miR-339-5p, let-7i-5p) were significantly elevated in RA serum compared to HC (all p < 0.01) and 1 miRNA (miR-17-5p) was significantly lower in RA (p < 0.01). High specificity and sensitivity were determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Both miR-339-5p and let-7i-5p were significantly reduced post-MTX (both p < 0.01). MiR-126-3p, let-7d-5p, miR-431-3p, miR-221-3p, miR-24-3p, miR-130a-3p were also significantly elevated in subjects “at risk” of developing RA (all p < 0.05) compared to HC. IPA analysis of this miRNA signature identified downstream targets including key transcription factors NF-κB, STAT-1, STAT-3, cytokines IL-1β, TNF-α, and matrix-metalloproteases all importantly associated with RA pathogenesis.

Conclusion

This study identified six miRNAs that are altered in both RA and “at-risk individuals,” which potentially regulate key downstream pathways involved in regulating inflammation. These may have potential as predictive signature for disease onset and early progression.

Unique microRNA alterations in hepatocellular carcinomas arising either spontaneously or due to chronic exposure to Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) in B6C3F1/N mice

Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) is used in traditional Chinese medicine as a herbal supplement for improving memory. Exposure of B6C3F1/N mice to GBE in a 2-year National Toxicology Program (NTP) bioassay resulted in a dose-dependent increase in hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC). To identify key microRNAs that modulate GBE-induced hepatocarcinogenesis, we compared the global miRNA expression profiles in GBE-exposed HCC (GBE-HCC) and spontaneous HCC (SPNT-HCC) with age-matched vehicle control normal livers (CNTL) from B6C3F1/N mice. The number of differentially altered miRNAs in GBE-HCC and SPNT-HCC was 74 (52 up and 22 down) and 33 (15 up and 18 down), respectively. Among the uniquely differentially altered miRNAs in GBE-HCC, miR-31 and one of its predicted targets, Cdk1 were selected for functional validation. A potential miRNA response element (MRE) in the 3'-untranslated regions (3'-UTR) of Cdk1 mRNA was revealed by in silico analysis and confirmed by luciferase assays. In mouse hepatoma cell line HEPA-1 cells, we demonstrated an inverse correlation between miR-31 and CDK1 protein levels, but no change in Cdk1 mRNA levels, suggesting a post-transcriptional effect. Additionally, a set of miRNAs (miRs-411, 300, 127, 134, 409-3p, and 433-3p) that were altered in the GBE-HCCs were also altered in non-tumor liver samples from the 90-day GBE-exposed group compared to the vehicle control group, suggesting that some of these miRNAs could serve as potential biomarkers for GBE exposure or hepatocellular carcinogenesis. These data increase our understanding of miRNA-mediated epigenetic regulation of GBE-mediated hepatocellular carcinogenesis in B6C3F1/N mice.

MicroRNA-431 serves as a tumor inhibitor in breast cancer through targeting FGF9

Breast cancer has become an important public health problem. Moreover, the functions of microRNA-431 (miR-431) have been detected in human cancers other than breast cancer. Hence, we investigated the role of miR-431 in progression of breast cancer. RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis were performed to assess expression of miR-431 and genes. The regulatory mechanism of miR-431 was investigated using MTT, Transwell and luciferase reporter assay. Decreased miR-431 expression was identified in breast cancer, which was related to aggressive behavior. Furthermore, miR-431 restrained cell proliferation, metastasis and EMT in breast cancer. miR-431 induced apoptosis through enhancing Bax expression. In addition, miR-431 was found to directly target FGF9. Moreover, upregulation of FGF9 impaired the anti-tumor effect of miR-431 in breast cancer. miR-431 restrained cell viability and metastasis in breast cancer through targeting FGF9, indicating that miR-431 serves as a tumor inhibitor in breast cancer.

Mechanism of microRNA-431-5p-EPB41L1 interaction in glioblastoma multiforme cells

INTRODUCTION

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a kind of malignant brain tumor prevalent in adults, with the characteristics well adapted to poorly immunogenic and hypoxic conditions. Effective treatment of GBM is impeded due to the high proliferation, migration and invasion of GBM cells. GBM cells migrate by degrading the extracellular matrix, so it is difficult to have GBM cells eradicated completely by surgery. This study aims to confirm that miR-431-5p could influence the proliferation, invasion and migration of human glioblastoma multiforme cells by targeting EPB41L1 (erythrocyte membrane protein band 4.1).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The expression levels of miR-431-5p and EPB41L1 were detected in GBM cells and tissues using qRT-PCR. Dual luciferase reporter gene assay and western blot were applied to confirm the targeting relationship between miR-431-5p and EPB41L1. GBM cell line U87 was used in MTT, flow cytometry, Transwell, and wound healing assays to determine cell proliferation, migration and invasion.

RESULTS

MiR-431-5p was overexpressed in GBM tissues while EPB41L1 was under-expressed. The results of dual luciferase reporter gene assay and western blot demonstrated that miR-431-5p could target EPB41L1 and suppress its expression. Down-regulating the expression of miR-431-5p or up-regulating the expression of EPB41L1 could inhibit the proliferation, invasion and migration but promote the apoptosis of GBM cells.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-431-5p facilitated the progression of GBM by inhibiting EPB41L1 expression.

Molecular Mechanisms Driving Progression of Liver Cirrhosis towards Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Chronic Hepatitis B and C Infections: A Review

Almost all patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a major type of primary liver cancer, also have liver cirrhosis, the severity of which hampers effective treatment for HCC despite recent progress in the efficacy of anticancer drugs for advanced stages of HCC. Here, we review recent knowledge concerning the molecular mechanisms of liver cirrhosis and its progression to HCC from genetic and epigenomic points of view. Because ~70% of patients with HCC have hepatitis B virus (HBV) and/or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, we focused on HBV- and HCV-associated HCC. The literature suggests that genetic and epigenetic factors, such as microRNAs, play a role in liver cirrhosis and its progression to HCC, and that HBV- and HCV-encoded proteins appear to be involved in hepatocarcinogenesis. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms, including immune checkpoints and molecular targets of kinase inhibitors, associated with liver cirrhosis and its progression to HCC.

Molecular Mechanisms Driving Progression of Liver Cirrhosis towards Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Chronic Hepatitis B and C Infections: A Review

Almost all patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a major type of primary liver cancer, also have liver cirrhosis, the severity of which hampers effective treatment for HCC despite recent progress in the efficacy of anticancer drugs for advanced stages of HCC. Here, we review recent knowledge concerning the molecular mechanisms of liver cirrhosis and its progression to HCC from genetic and epigenomic points of view. Because ~70% of patients with HCC have hepatitis B virus (HBV) and/or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, we focused on HBV- and HCV-associated HCC. The literature suggests that genetic and epigenetic factors, such as microRNAs, play a role in liver cirrhosis and its progression to HCC, and that HBV- and HCV-encoded proteins appear to be involved in hepatocarcinogenesis. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms, including immune checkpoints and molecular targets of kinase inhibitors, associated with liver cirrhosis and its progression to HCC.

[Continuous expression of miR-431 during lung development in Sprague-Dawley rats]

OBJECTIVE

To study the role of miR-431 in lung development and morphology.

METHODS

According to the stage of lung development in rats, Sprague-Dawley rats at embryonic day 16 (E16), embryonic day (E19), embryonic day (E21), postnatal day 1 (P1), postnatal day 3 (P3), postnatal day 7 (P7), postnatal day 14 (P14) and 10 weeks after birth (P10 weeks) were selected, and lung tissue samples were collected for observation. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and transmission electron microscopy were performed to observe the morphology of lung tissue. Fluorescence in situ hybridization and real-time PCR were used to measure the expression of miR-431 during the critical stages of lung development (E19, E21 and P3).

RESULTS

The E19 group had the formation of the lamellar body and type II alveolar epithelial cells in the fetal lung tissue. The number of lamellar bodies increased with the increasing gestational age, with aggregation and excretion. Pulmonary alveoli formed rapidly, the lung interstitium became thinner, and the microvascular system became mature after birth. Fluorescence in situ hybridization and real-time PCR showed that the expression of miR-431 gradually decreased with the increasing gestational age (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The systematic and continuous morphological data of lung development is obtained in this experiment. In addition, miR-431 may play an important role in the negative regulation of lung development, which provides basis and direction for further research on the mechanism of lung development and related diseases.

MicroRNA-431 affects trophoblast migration and invasion by targeting ZEB1 in preeclampsia

BACKGROUND

Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy complication that is characterized by higher blood pressure, together with higher protein quantity presence in the urine, which occurs after 20 weeks of gestation leading to severity of adverse maternal and fetal consequences. Some special microRNAs (miRNAs) expressed in placentas may be related to the occurrence of PE. Researchers have found that the expression of miR-431 in PE placentas was increased if compared with normal placentas; however, the effect and mechanism of miR-431 in PE are still unknown.

METHODS

In this study, we compared the expression levels of miR-431 and its putative target gene Zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) in 30 PE placentas and 30 normal placenta tissues. The effects of miR-431 and ZEB1 were verified by CCK-8 assay, transwell migration and invasion assay, cell cycle distribution assay and apoptosis assay in HTR-8/SVneo cells transfected with miR-431 mimic, siR-ZEB1 and their negative controls.

RESULTS

Results revealed that miR-431 was markedly added, while the mRNA and protein expressions of ZEB1 were decreased in PE placentas. The functional tests showed over-expression of miR-431 suppressed ZEB1 expression and decreased the migration and invasive capacity of trophoblast cells. MiR-431 overexpression induced apoptosis of HTR-8/SVneo cells, but it had no significant effect on cell proliferation and the distribution of cell cycle. In addition, siR-ZEB1 simulated the roles of miR-431 mimic. We found that miR-431 mimic and siR-ZEB1 reduced the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) with added E-cadherin expression and reduced vimentin expression in the cell line.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, we found that miR-431 inhibited the migration and invasion of trophoblastic cells by targeting ZEB1, which might give rise to the onset of PE.

miR-431-5p alters the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition markers by targeting UROC28 in hepatoma cells

OBJECTIVE

MicroRNA (miR)-431 plays an essential role in various human cancer types, particularly in the process of invasion. However, the function and mechanism of miR-431-5p in the invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain undefined.

METHODS

The expression levels of miR-431-5p and its potential target protein UROC28 in hepatocellular carcinoma cells and tissues were detected, and the levels of EMT markers in vivo and in vitro were also detected.

RESULTS

MiR-431-5p was downregulated in HCC cell lines and tissues and associated with vascular invasion and tumor encapsulation. Furthermore, miR-431-5p was able to influence the epithelialto-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in HCCLM3 and HUH7 cells. Mechanistically, it was discovered that miR-431-5p repressed invasion by targeting UROC28. Furthermore, miR-431-5p influenced the EMT markers in HCCLM3 and HUH7 cells by downregulating UROC28 expression. Similarly, in vivo assays confirmed that miR-431-5p upregulation in HCC cells remarkably inhibited tumor proliferation and influenced the EMT markers.

CONCLUSION

The current study has demonstrated that the miR-431-5p/UROC28 axis acts possible influence on the EMT in HCC. Upregulation of miR-431-5p could be an original approach for inhibiting tumor invasion.

Ecotropic viral integration site 1 regulates the progression of acute myeloid leukemia via MS4A3-mediated TGFβ/EMT signaling pathway

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a type of malignant tumor that is caused by malignant clone hematopoietic stem cells. The ecotropic viral integration site 1 (Evi1) is a zinc finger transcription factor, which is highly expressed in AML, and its expression level has been associated with poor prognosis of AML. Previous studies have indicated that Evi1 may regulate cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis by inhibiting the membrane-spanning-4-domains subfamily-A member-3 (MS4A3) gene in AML. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of Evi1 in the progression of AML. The results revealed that Evi1 was overexpressed in leukemia cells compared with normal T lymphocytes. MicroRNAs (miR)-133 and -431 that target Evi1 were investigated, and it was observed that there was a low expression of miR-431 in AML. The transfection of miR-431 was able to decrease the promoter methylation levels of the Evi1 gene in AML cells. The transfection of miR-431 also suppressed the migration and invasion of AML cells. The present study revealed that the transfection of miR-431 mimic was able to downregulate MS4A3 expression in AML cells. Furthermore, the expression levels of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers fibronectin, α-smooth muscle actin, and vimentin were downregulated following the transfection of miR-431 in AML cells. The overexpression of MS4A3 was also able to suppress miR-431-mediated inhibition of the expression of TGFβ and EMT markers in AML cells. The addition of TGFβ inhibited the downregulation of EMT markers by transfection of miR-431 in AML cells. The transfection of miR-431 suppressed the migration and invasion of AML cells, which was also abolished by the addition of TGFβ. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicated that Evi1 may be a potential molecular target of leukemia therapy via MS4A3-mediated TGFβ/EMT signaling pathway.

Analysis of microarrays of miR-34a and its identification of prospective target gene signature in hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Currently, some studies have demonstrated that miR-34a could serve as a suppressor of several cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Previously, we discovered that miR-34a was downregulated in HCC and involved in the tumorigenesis and progression of HCC; however, the mechanism remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to estimate the expression of miR-34a in HCC by applying the microarray profiles and analyzing the predicted targets of miR-34a and their related biological pathways of HCC.

METHODS

Gene expression omnibus (GEO) datasets were conducted to identify the difference of miR-34a expression between HCC and corresponding normal tissues and to explore its relationship with HCC clinicopathologic features. The natural language processing (NLP), gene ontology (GO), pathway and network analyses were performed to analyze the genes associated with the carcinogenesis and progression of HCC and the targets of miR-34a predicted in silico. In addition, the integrative analysis was performed to explore the targets of miR-34a which were also relevant to HCC.

RESULTS

The analysis of GEO datasets demonstrated that miR-34a was downregulated in HCC tissues, and no heterogeneity was observed (Std. Mean Difference(SMD) = 0.63, 95% confidence intervals(95%CI):[0.38, 0.88], P < 0.00001; P_{heterogeneity} = 0.08 I² = 41%). However, no association was found between the expression value of miR-34a and any clinicopathologic characteristics. In the NLP analysis of HCC, we obtained 25 significant HCC-associated signaling pathways. Besides, we explored 1000 miR-34a-related genes and 5 significant signaling pathways in which CCND1 and Bcl-2 served as necessary hub genes. In the integrative analysis, we found 61 hub genes and 5 significant pathways, including cell cycle, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, notching pathway, p53 pathway and focal adhesion, which proposed the relevant functions of miR-34a in HCC.

CONCLUSION

Our results may lead researchers to understand the molecular mechanism of miR-34a in the diagnosis, prognosis and therapy of HCC. Therefore, the interaction between miR-34a and its targets may promise better prediction and treatment for HCC. And the experiments in vivo and vitro will be conducted by our group to identify the specific mechanism of miR-34a in the progress and deterioration of HCC.

Identification of key microRNAs associated with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma by analyzing serum microRNA expressions

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism underlying diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

METHODS

Serum miRNA expression analysis for the serum samples of patients with DLBCL and those of controls was performed using the Illumina sequencing technology. Differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) were identified on the basis of the sequencing data. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction for the target genes of DEMs were also conducted. Moreover, the selected DEMs were verified using real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).

RESULTS

Fifty-one DEMs were identified between DLBCL disease and control groups, of which two were upregulated and 49 were downregulated. In total, 3631 target genes of DEMs were obtained, and hsa-miR-34a-5p had the most target genes. Among the 51 DEMs, 19 were significantly enriched in 41 KEGG pathways. hsa-miR-34a-5p was enriched in 15 pathways such as the p53 signaling pathway. hsa-miR-323b-3p was enriched in four pathways such as pathways in cancer. The PPI network revealed that hsa-miR-34a-5p had the most target genes such as tumor protein p53 (TP53), and hsa-miR-431-5p regulated tyrosine protein kinase Fyn (FYN). Furthermore, qRT-PCR results showed that hsa-miR-34a-5p was upregulated, whereas hsa-miR-323b-3p and hsa-miR-431-5p were downregulated.

CONCLUSION

hsa-miR-34a-5p may be directly regulated by TP53 and may be involved in DLBCL development via the p53 signaling pathway. Furthermore, hsa-miR-323b-3p may be related to DLBCL by participating in pathways in cancer. hsa-miR-431-5p may also play a role in DLBCL by regulating FYN.

The protective value of miR-204-5p for prognosis and its potential gene network in various malignancies: a comprehensive exploration based on RNA-seq high-throughput data and bioinformatics

Purpose

The prognostic role of miR-204-5p (previous ID: miR-204) is varied and inconclusive in diverse types of malignant neoplasm. Therefore, the purposes of the study comprehensively explore the overall prognostic role of miR-204-5p based on high-throughput microRNA sequencing data, and to investigate the potential role of miR-204-5p via bioinformatics approaches.

Materials and Methods

The data of microRNA sequencing and survival were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and the prognostic value of miR-204-5p was analyzed by using Kaplan-Meier and univariate cox regressions. Then a meta-analysis was conducted with all TCGA data and relevant studies collected from literature. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. The prospective molecular mechanism of miR-204-5p was also assessed at a functional level with Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and protein-to-protein interactions (PPI) network.

Results

From TCGA data, the prognostic value of miR-204-5p obviously varied among 20 types of cancers. The pooled HR was 0.928 (95% CI: 0.774-1.113, P = 0.386, 6203 cases of malignancies). For the meta-analysis based on 15 studies from literature, the pooled HR was 0.420 (95% CI: 0.306-0.576, P < 0.001, 1783 cases of malignancies) for overall survival (OS). Furthermore, the combined HR from both TCGA and literature was 0.708 (95% CI: 0.600-0.834, P < 0.001, 7986 cases of malignancies). Subgroup analyses revealed that miR-204-5p could act as a prognostic marker in cancers of respiratory system and digestive system. Functional analysis was conducted on genes predicted as targets (n = 2057) after the overlay genes from six out of twelve software were extracted. Two significant KEGG pathways were enriched (hsa04360: Axon guidance and hsa04722: Neurotrophin signaling pathway). PPI network revealed some hub genes/proteins (CDC42, SOS1, PIK3R1, MAPK1, PLCG1, ESR1, MAPK11, and AR).

Conclusions

The current study demonstrates that over-expression of miR-204-5p could be a protective factor for a certain group of cancers. Clinically, the low miR-204-5p level could gain a predictive value for a poor survival in cancers of respiratory system and digestive system. The detailed molecular mechanisms of miR-204-5p remain to be verified.

Genetic variants of cell cycle pathway genes predict disease-free survival of hepatocellular carcinoma

Disruption of the cell cycle pathway has previously been related to development of human cancers. However, associations between genetic variants of cell cycle pathway genes and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain largely unknown. In this study, we evaluated the associations between 24 potential functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of 16 main cell cycle pathway genes and disease‐free survival (DFS) of 271 HCC patients who had undergone radical surgery resection. We identified two SNPs, i.e., SMAD3 rs11556090 A>G and RBL2 rs3929G>C, that were independently predictive of DFS in an additive genetic model with false‐positive report probability (FPRP) <0.2. The SMAD3 rs11556090G allele was associated with a poorer DFS, compared with the A allele [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.46, 95% confidential interval (95% CI) = 1.13–1.89, P = 0.004]; while the RBL2 rs3929 C allele was associated with a superior DFS, compared with the G allele (HR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.57–0.96, P = 0.023). Additionally, patients with an increasing number of unfavorable genotypes (NUGs) of these loci had a significant shorter DFS (P_trend = 0.0001). Further analysis using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves showed that the model including the NUGs and known prognostic clinical variables demonstrated a significant improvement in predicting the 1‐year DFS (P = 0.011). Moreover, the RBL2 rs3929 C allele was significantly associated with increased mRNA expression levels of RBL2 in liver tissue (P = 1.8 × 10⁻⁷) and the whole blood (P = 3.9 × 10⁻¹⁴). Our data demonstrated an independent or a joint effect of SMAD3 rs11556090 and RBL2 rs3929 in the cell cycle pathway on DFS of HCC, which need to be validated by large cohort and biological studies.

MiR-30e suppresses proliferation of hepatoma cells via targeting prolyl 4-hydroxylase subunit alpha-1 (P4HA1) mRNA

Aberrant microRNA expression has been shown to be characteristic of many cancers. It has been reported that the expression levels of miR-30e are decreased in liver cancer tissues. However, the role of miR-30e in hepatocellular carcinoma remains poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated the significance of miR-30e in hepatocarcinogenesis. Bioinformatics analysis reveals a putative target site of miR-30e in the 3'-untranslated region (3'UTR) of prolyl 4-hydroxylase subunit alpha-1 (P4HA1) mRNA. Moreover, luciferase reporter gene assays verified that miR-30e directly targeted 3'UTR of P4HA1 mRNA. Then, we demonstrated that miR-30e was able to reduce the expression of P4HA1 at the levels of mRNA and protein using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. Enforced expression of miR-30e suppressed proliferation of HepG2 cells by 5-ethynyl-2-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay and reduced colony formation of these cells by colony formation analysis. Conversely, anti-miR-30e enhanced the proliferation of hepatoma cells in vitro. Interestingly, the ectopic expression of P4HA1 could efficiently rescue the inhibition of cell proliferation mediated by miR-30e in HepG2 cells. Meanwhile, silencing of P4HA1 abolished the anti-miR-30e-induced proliferation of cells. Clinically, quantitative real-time PCR showed that miR-30e was down-regulated in liver tumor tissues relative to their peritumor tissues. The expression levels of miR-30e were negatively correlated to those of P4HA1 mRNA in clinical liver tumor tissues. Thus, we conclude that miR-30e suppresses proliferation of hepatoma cells through targeting P4HA1 mRNA. Our finding provides new insights into the mechanism of hepatocarcinogenesis.

MicroRNA-431 inhibits migration and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by targeting the ZEB1-mediated epithelial-mensenchymal transition

MicroRNA-431 (miR-431) has been recognized as an oncogenic miRNA, being implicated in the initiation and development of human cancers. Recently, deregulation of miR-431 has been reported in several tumors. However, the clinical significance of miR-431 and its underlying role in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are poorly explored. Herein, we found that miR-431 expression was reduced in HCC tissues compared to noncancerous tissues. Otherwise, down-regulation of miR-431 was observed in aggressive tumor tissues. The levels of miR-431 expression in HCC cell lines were significantly lower than that in a nontransformed hepatic cell line. Clinical association analyses disclosed that a low level of miR-431 was prominently associated with poor prognostic features of HCC including venous infiltration, high Edmondson-Steiner grading and advanced tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) tumor stage. Our in vitro studies showed that up-regulation of miR-431 expression reduced cell invasion and migration in HCCLM3 cells. In contrast, down-regulation of miR-431 expression promoted SMMC-7721 cell invasion and migration. We found that up-regulation of miR-431 expression decreased zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) expression and inhibited the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) with increased E-cadherin expression and decreased vimentin expression in HCCLM3 cells. Otherwise, down-regulation of miR-431 expression increased ZEB1 expression and promoted EMT in SMMC-7721 cells. Significantly, ZEB1 was identified as a target of miR-431 in HCC. ZEB1 knockdown abrogated the effect of miR-431 silencing on EMT and cell mobility in SMMC-7721 cells. In conclusion, miR-431 inhibits migration and invasion of HCC cells by suppressing ZEB1-mediated EMT.