MiR-107 suppresses cell proliferation and tube formation of Ewing sarcoma cells partly by targeting HIF-1β

Regulation of the HIF switch in human endothelial and cancer cells

Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) are transcription factors that reprogram the transcriptome for cells to survive hypoxic insults and oxidative stress. They are important during embryonic development and reprogram the cells to utilize glycolysis when the oxygen levels are extremely low. This metabolic change facilitates normal cell survival as well as cancer cell survival. The key feature in survival is the transition between acute hypoxia and chronic hypoxia, and this is regulated by the transition between HIF-1 expression and HIF-2/HIF-3 expression. This transition is observed in many human cancers and endothelial cells and referred to as the HIF Switch. Here we discuss the mechanisms involved in the HIF Switch in human endothelial and cancer cells which include mRNA and protein levels of the alpha chains of the HIFs. A major continuing effort in this field is directed towards determining the differences between normal and tumor cell utilization of this important pathway, and how this could lead to potential therapeutic approaches.

Oncomeric Profiles of microRNAs as New Therapeutic Targets for Treatment of Ewing's Sarcoma: A Composite Review

Ewing's sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that forms in bones and soft tissues in the body, affecting mostly children and young adults. Current treatments for ES are limited to chemotherapy and/or radiation, followed by surgery. Recently, microRNAs have shown favourable results as latent diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in various cancers. Furthermore, microRNAs have shown to be a good therapeutic agent due to their involvement in the dysregulation of various molecular pathways linked to tumour progression, invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis. In this review, comprehensive data mining was employed to explore various microRNAs that might have therapeutic potential as target molecules in the treatment of ES.

Non-coding RNAs in metabolic reprogramming of bone and soft tissue sarcoma: Fundamental mechanism and clinical implication

Sarcomas, comprising approximately 1% of human malignancies, show a poor response to treatment and easy recurrence. Metabolic reprogramming play an important role in tumor development in sarcomas. Accumulating evidence shows that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) participate in regulating the cellular metabolism of sarcomas, which improves the understanding of the development of therapy-resistant tumors. This review addresses the regulatory roles of metabolism-related ncRNAs and their implications for sarcoma initiation and progression. Dysregulation of metabolism-related ncRNAs is common in sarcomas and is associated with poor survival. Emerging studies show that abnormal expression of metabolism-related ncRNAs affects cellular metabolism, including glucose, lipid, and mitochondrial metabolism, and leads to the development of aggressive sarcomas. This review summarizes recent advances in the roles of dysregulated metabolism-related ncRNAs in sarcoma development and stemness and describes their potential to serve as biological biomarkers for disease diagnosis and prognosis prediction, as well as therapeutic targets for treating refractory sarcomas.

Hypoxia and HIFs in Ewing sarcoma: new perspectives on a multi-facetted relationship

Hypoxia develops during the growth of solid tumors and influences tumoral activity in multiple ways. Low oxygen tension is also present in the bone microenvironment where Ewing sarcoma (EwS) - a highly aggressive pediatric cancer - mainly arises. Hypoxia inducible factor 1 subunit alpha (HIF-1-a) is the principal molecular mediator of the hypoxic response in cancer whereas EWSR1::FLI1 constitutes the oncogenic driver of EwS. Interaction of the two proteins has been shown in EwS. Although a growing body of studies investigated hypoxia and HIFs in EwS, their precise role for EwS pathophysiology is not clarified to date. This review summarizes and structures recent findings demonstrating that hypoxia and HIFs play a role in EwS at multiple levels. We propose to view hypoxia and HIFs as independent protagonists in the story of EwS and give a perspective on their potential clinical relevance as prognostic markers and therapeutic targets in EwS treatment.

LncRNA H19 promotes tumor angiogenesis in smokers by targeting anti-angiogenic miRNAs

A key concept in drug discovery is the identification of candidate therapeutic targets such as long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) because of their extensive involvement in neoplasms, and impressionability by smoking. Induced by exposure to cigarette smoke, lncRNA H19 targets and inactivates miR-29, miR-30a, miR-107, miR-140, miR-148b, miR-199a and miR-200, which control the rate of angiogenesis by inhibiting BiP, DLL4, FGF7, HIF1A, HIF1B, HIF2A, PDGFB, PDGFRA, VEGFA, VEGFB, VEGFC, VEGFR1, VEGFR2 and VEGFR3. Nevertheless, these miRNAs are often dysregulated in bladder cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, glioma, gastric adenocarcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, meningioma, non-small-cell lung carcinoma, oral squamous cell carcinoma, ovarian cancer, prostate adenocarcinoma and renal cell carcinoma. As such, the present perspective article seeks to establish an evidence-based hypothetical model of how a smoking-related lncRNA known as H19 might aggravate angiogenesis by interfering with miRNAs that would otherwise regulate angiogenesis in a nonsmoking individual.

Overexpression of microRNA-107 suppressed proliferation, migration, invasion, and the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and induced apoptosis by targeting Nin one binding (NOB1) protein in a hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma cell line (FaDu)

Hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HSCC) is one of the most common head and neck cancers, with a worst prognosis owing to its aggressivity. MicroRNA-107 (miR-107) is reported to regulate the progression of various cancers. Nevertheless, its implied function in HSCC remains unclear. This study is aimed to exploring the roles and potential mechanisms of miR-107 in HSCC. We found that miR-107 expression was significantly decreased in HSCC tissues compared with the para-cancer tissues. Moreover, miR-107 overexpression by miR-107 mimics decreased FaDu cell viability, led to cell cycle arrest in G1/S phase, accelerated apoptosis, and reduced cell migration and invasion. MiR-107 possibly resulted in deactivation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway, evidenced by the decrease of phosphorylated (p-) PI3K and p-Akt. Besides, dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed that miR-107 might bind to the 3’UTR of Nin one binding protein 1 (NOB1), and elevated NOB1 expression in HSCC tissues and a negative correlation between miR-107 and NOB1 were found. Rescue assays demonstrated the significant roles of miR-107 in FaDu cell behavior by modulating NOB1. In addition, the tumorigenic potential of miR-107 in vivo was conducted. It was found that miR-107 overexpression in FaDu cells significantly inhibited tumor growth and led to inactivation of the PI3K/Akt signaling. The above findings revealed that miR-107 could suppress FaDu cell proliferation, migration, invasion and induced apoptosis by targeting NOB1 through the PI3K/Akt pathway, suggesting that miR-107/NOB1 axis may exert a key role in FaDu HSCC development.

microRNAs and bone tumours: Role of tiny molecules in the development and progression of chondrosarcoma, of giant cell tumour of bone and of Ewing's sarcoma

The increasing interest on microRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNA molecules containing about 22 nucleotides, about their biological functions led researchers to discover that they are actively involved in several biological processes. In the last decades, miRNAs become one of the most topic of cancer research. miRNAs, thanks to their function, are the perfect molecules to modulate multiple signaling pathways and gene expression in cancer, with the consequent capacity to modulate cancerous processes, such as cellular proliferation, invasion, metastasis and chemoresistance in various tumours. In the last years, several studies have demonstrated the role of miRNAs in their pathophysiology, but little we know about the underlying mechanism that lead to bone tumours like chondrosarcoma (COS), giant cell tumour of bone (GCTB) and Ewing sarcoma (EWS) to still be highly aggressive and resistant tumours. An exploration of the role of miRNAs in the biology of them will permit to researchers to find new molecular mechanisms that can be used to develop new and more effective therapies against these bone tumours. Here we present a comprehensive study of the latest discoveries which have been performed in relation to the role of miRNAs in the neoplastic processes which characterize COS, EWS and GCTB, demonstrating how these tiny molecules can act as tumour promoters or as tumour suppressors and how they can be used for improving therapeutic approaches.

The Landscape of Regulatory Noncoding RNAs in Ewing's Sarcoma

Ewing's sarcoma (ES) is a pediatric sarcoma caused by a chromosomal translocation. Unlike in most cancers, the genomes of ES patients are very stable. The translocation product of the EWS-FLI1 fusion is most often the predominant genetic driver of oncogenesis, and it is pertinent to explore the role of epigenetic alterations in the onset and progression of ES. Several types of noncoding RNAs, primarily microRNAs and long noncoding RNAs, are key epigenetic regulators that have been shown to play critical roles in various cancers. The functions of these epigenetic regulators are just beginning to be appreciated in ES. Here, we performed a comprehensive literature review to identify these noncoding RNAs. We identified clinically relevant tumor suppressor microRNAs, tumor promoter microRNAs and long noncoding RNAs. We then explored the known interplay between different classes of noncoding RNAs and described the currently unmet need for expanding the noncoding RNA repertoire of ES. We concluded the review with a discussion of epigenetic regulation of ES via regulatory noncoding RNAs. These noncoding RNAs provide new avenues of exploration to develop better therapeutics and identify novel biomarkers.

Long non-coding RNA FGD5-AS1 promotes non-small cell lung cancer cell proliferation through sponging hsa-miR-107 to up-regulate FGFRL1

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) FYVE, RhoGEF and PH domain containing 5 antisense RNA 1 (FGD5-AS1) has been reported as an oncogene in colorectal cancer, promoting its tumorgenesis. The present paper focused on searching the potential function of FGD5-AS1 in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). There are connections between the expression of lncRNA FGD5-AS1 and human NSCLC tumor growth and progression. Also, the relationships between FGD5-AS1, hsa-miR-107 and mRNA fibroblast growth factor receptor like 1 (FGFRL1) are going to test their interaction in NSCLC cell lines, which may cause a series of biological behaviors of NSCLC cells. qRT-PCR analysis was conducted to test the expression of RNAs in different situation. CCK-8 experiment and clone formation assay were performed to assess proliferation of NSCLC cells. Also, connection between FGD5-AS1 and hsa-miR-107 were investigated by luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull-down assay. Rescue experiments were performed to verify the modulating relationship between FGD5-AS1, hsa-miR-107 and FGFRL1. High-level expression of FGD5-AS1 was found in NSCLC. FGD5-AS1 may promote the proliferation of NSCLC cells. Also, the combination between hsa-miR-107, FGD5-AS1 and NSCLC have been proved, which means they can play an interaction function in NSCLC cells. Thence, we concluded that lncRNA FGD5-AS1 promotes non-small cell lung cancer cell proliferation through sponging hsa-miR-107 to up-regulate FGFRL1.

Role of hypoxia inducible factor-1 in cancer stem cells (Review)

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been found to play a decisive role in cancer recurrence, metastasis, and chemo‑, radio‑ and immuno‑resistance. Understanding the mechanism of CSC self‑renewal and proliferation may help overcome the limitations of clinical treatment. The microenvironment of tumor growth consists of a lack of oxygen, and hypoxia has been confirmed to induce cancer cell invasion, metastasis and epithelial‑mesenchymal transition, and is usually associated with poor prognosis and low survival rates. Hypoxia inducible factor‑1 (HIF‑1) can be stably expressed under hypoxia and act as an important molecule to regulate the development of CSCs, but the specific mechanism remains unclear. The present review attempted to explain the role of HIF‑1 in the generation and maintenance of CSCs from the perspective of epigenetics, metabolic reprogramming, tumor immunity, CSC markers, non‑coding RNA and signaling pathways associated with HIF‑1, in order to provide novel targets with HIF‑1 as the core for clinical treatment, and extend the life of patients.

Long Intervening Noncoding 00467 RNA Contributes to Tumorigenesis by Acting as a Competing Endogenous RNA against miR-107 in Cervical Cancer Cells

The functional roles of individual large intervening noncoding RNAs in carcinogenesis and progression of cervical cancer have been uncovered in previous studies. In this study, we aimed to identify the role of long intervening noncoding 00467 (LINC00467) in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), invasion and migration of cervical cancer cells by regulating miR-107 and kinesin family member 23 (KIF23). Microarray analyses were used to detect cervical cancer-related differentially expressed genes, followed by determination of LINC00467, miR-107, and KIF23 levels and subcellular location of LINC00467. Cervical cancer cells were treated with a series of siRNA and mimics to measure the regulatory role of LINC00467, miR-107, and KIF23 in EMT, cell invasion, migration and proliferation, and tumorigenic ability in vivo and in vitro. LINC00467 and KIF23 were highly expressed, whereas miR-107 was poorly expressed, in cervical cancer. LINC00467 was found to be primarily located in the cytoplasm and function as a competing endogenous RNA against miR-107 to suppress KIF23. Cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT in vitro were inhibited as a result of lentiviral-mediated LINC00467 knockdown and miR-107 overexpression in cervical cancer. In addition, LINC00467 silencing or miR-107 up-regulation repressed tumorigenic ability in xenograft tumor-bearing nude mice in cervical cancer in vivo. LINC00467 silencing or miR-107 up-regulation may serve as novel potential strategies for the treatment of cervical cancer.

miRNA signatures in childhood sarcomas and their clinical implications

Progresses in multimodal treatments have significantly improved the outcomes for childhood cancer. Nonetheless, for about one-third of patients with Ewing sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, or osteosarcoma steady remission has remained intangible. Thus, new biomarkers to improve early diagnosis and the development of precision-targeted medicine remain imperative. Over the last decade, remarkable progress has been made in the basic understanding of miRNAs function and in interpreting the contribution of their dysregulation to cancer development and progression. On this basis, this review focuses on what has been learned about the pivotal roles of miRNAs in the regulation of key genes implicated in childhood sarcomas.

An update in the management of pediatric sarcoma

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Nonrhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcoma (NRSTS) is a rare subgroup of malignancy in childhood that is composed of a variety of soft tissue and bony tumors. Prognosis for resectable localized disease is usually good and improved with systemic treatment. However, survival from locally advanced and metastatic disease remains poor. There have been numerous preclinical and clinical studies to define histopathology, biology, and genetic alteration of sarcomas. The purpose of this review is to clarify the progress in the management of NRSTS.

RECENT FINDINGS

Genomic analysis, including the use of next-generation sequencing, has revealed fusion transcripts or specific genetic alterations which provide diagnostic biomarkers and potential targets for novel therapies.

SUMMARY

Most cases are sporadic, but some are associated with genetic predispositions. Most present as a painless mass and diagnosis is frequently delayed because of a low index of suspicion. There is a wide array of histopathological subtypes. Investigations usually involve core, incisional or excisional biopsy for tissue diagnosis, and cross-sectional and nuclear imaging for staging. Management of pediatric sarcoma is largely dependent on the patient's histopathological diagnosis, age, disease stage, and co-morbidities but usually involves a combination of systemic and local therapies. Preclinical studies and phase I/II trials of newer targeted therapies are ongoing.

miR‑107‑5p promotes tumor proliferation and invasion by targeting estrogen receptor‑α in endometrial carcinoma

The aberrant expression of miR107-5p is closely related to the development of several types of human cancers. However, the role of miR-107-5p in endometrial carcinoma (EC) has not been fully confirmed. In the present study, we aimed to explore the function of miR-107-5p in EC carcinogenesis. EC samples and normal endometrial tissues were obtained by laser capture microdissection. It was determined that the expression of miR-107-5p in EC was significantly higher than that in normal endometrium, and higher miR-107-5p expression was related to advanced FIGO stages, lymph node metastasis and myometrial invasion in EC patients. Blocking miR-107-5p significantly inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion of EC cells in vitro and in vivo. The results of bioinformatic algorithms and luciferase reporter assays revealed that estrogen receptor α (ERα) was a direct target of miR-107-5p. miR-107-5p downregulated the expression of ERα mRNA and protein. In conclusion, our results highlighted that miR-107-5p is a novel prognostic factor that targets ERα to promote tumor proliferation and invasion of EC.

microRNA-107 protects against inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum stress of vascular endothelial cells via KRT1-dependent Notch signaling pathway in a mouse model of coronary atherosclerosis

Coronary atherosclerosis is a long-term, sustained, and evolving inflammatory disease manifested with the remodeling of the coronary arteries. The purpose of this study is to explore the potential role of microRNA-107 (miR-107) in vascular endothelial cells (VECs) in coronary atherosclerosis by regulating the KRT1 gene and the Notch signaling pathway. A mouse model of coronary atherosclerosis was established. The relationship between miR-107 and KRT1 was analyzed and verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay. The functional role of miR-107 in coronary atherosclerosis was determined using ectopic expression and depletion. Blood lipid levels and atherosclerotic index (AI) were measured in atherosclerotic mice. Expression pattern of miR-107, KRT1, Notch signaling pathway, inflammatory/anti-inflammatory factors, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related genes was evaluated by means of reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blot analysis, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Meanwhile, cell-cycle distribution and cell apoptosis in VECs were assessed by flow cytometry. Atherosclerotic mice exhibited higher blood lipid levels, AI, apoptotic index, and KRT1-positive expression as well as inhibited Notch signaling pathway when compared with normal mice. The miR-107 was revealed to bind to KRT1; miR-107 upregulation or KRT1 silencing resulted in reductions in blood lipid levels and AI, inhibition in cell apoptosis, inflammation, and ER stress. Restored miR-107 or downregulated KRT1 activated the Notch signaling pathway. These results supported the notion that miR-107-targeted KRT1 inhibition activated the Notch pathway, thereby, protecting against the coronary atherosclerosis. Findings in this study might provide a novel biomarker for the coronary atherosclerosis treatment.

Micro RNA as a potential blood-based epigenetic biomarker for Alzheimer's disease

As the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) increases, the search for a definitive, easy to access diagnostic biomarker has become increasingly important. Micro RNA (miRNA), involved in the epigenetic regulation of protein synthesis, is a biological mark which varies in association with a number of disease states, possibly including AD. Here we comprehensively review methods and findings from 26 studies comparing the measurement of miRNA in blood between AD cases and controls. Thirteen of these studies used receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis to determine the diagnostic accuracy of identified miRNA to predict AD, and three studies did this with a machine learning approach. Of 8098 individually measured miRNAs, 23 that were differentially expressed between AD cases and controls were found to be significant in two or more studies. Only six of these were consistent in their direction of expression between studies (miR-107, miR-125b, miR-146a, miR-181c, miR-29b, and miR-342), and they were all shown to be down regulated in individuals with AD compared to controls. Of these directionally concordant miRNAs, the strongest evidence was for miR-107 which has also been shown in previous studies to be involved in the dysregulation of proteins involved in aspects of AD pathology, as well as being consistently downregulated in studies of AD brains. We conclude that imperative to the discovery of reliable and replicable miRNA biomarkers of AD, standardised methods of measurements, appropriate statistical analysis, utilization of large datasets with machine learning approaches, and comprehensive reporting of findings is urgently needed.