MicroRNA-1976 functions as a tumor suppressor and serves as a prognostic indicator in non-small cell lung cancer by directly targeting PLCE1

Comprehensive machine learning models for predicting therapeutic targets in type 2 diabetes utilizing molecular and biochemical features in rats

Introduction

With the increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), there is an urgent need to discover effective therapeutic targets for this complex condition. Coding and non-coding RNAs, with traditional biochemical parameters, have shown promise as viable targets for therapy. Machine learning (ML) techniques have emerged as powerful tools for predicting drug responses.

Method

In this study, we developed an ML-based model to identify the most influential features for drug response in the treatment of type 2 diabetes using three medicinal plant-based drugs (Rosavin, Caffeic acid, and Isorhamnetin), and a probiotics drug (Z-biotic), at different doses. A hundred rats were randomly assigned to ten groups, including a normal group, a streptozotocin-induced diabetic group, and eight treated groups. Serum samples were collected for biochemical analysis, while liver tissues (L) and adipose tissues (A) underwent histopathological examination and molecular biomarker extraction using quantitative PCR. Utilizing five machine learning algorithms, we integrated 32 molecular features and 12 biochemical features to select the most predictive targets for each model and the combined model.

Results and discussion

Our results indicated that high doses of the selected drugs effectively mitigated liver inflammation, reduced insulin resistance, and improved lipid profiles and renal function biomarkers. The machine learning model identified 13 molecular features, 10 biochemical features, and 20 combined features with an accuracy of 80% and AUC (0.894, 0.93, and 0.896), respectively. This study presents an ML model that accurately identifies effective therapeutic targets implicated in the molecular pathways associated with T2DM pathogenesis.

A multi-omics approach for biomarker discovery in neuroblastoma: a network-based framework

Neuroblastoma (NB) is one of the leading causes of cancer-associated death in children. MYCN amplification is a prominent genetic marker for NB, and its targeting to halt NB progression is difficult to achieve. Therefore, an in-depth understanding of the molecular interactome of NB is needed to improve treatment outcomes. Analysis of NB multi-omics unravels valuable insight into the interplay between MYCN transcriptional and miRNA post-transcriptional modulation. Moreover, it aids in the identification of various miRNAs that participate in NB development and progression. This study proposes an integrated computational framework with three levels of high-throughput NB data (mRNA-seq, miRNA-seq, and methylation array). Similarity Network Fusion (SNF) and ranked SNF methods were utilized to identify essential genes and miRNAs. The specified genes included both miRNA-target genes and transcription factors (TFs). The interactions between TFs and miRNAs and between miRNAs and their target genes were retrieved where a regulatory network was developed. Finally, an interaction network-based analysis was performed to identify candidate biomarkers. The candidate biomarkers were further analyzed for their potential use in prognosis and diagnosis. The candidate biomarkers included three TFs and seven miRNAs. Four biomarkers have been previously studied and tested in NB, while the remaining identified biomarkers have known roles in other types of cancer. Although the specific molecular role is yet to be addressed, most identified biomarkers possess evidence of involvement in NB tumorigenesis. Analyzing cellular interactome to identify potential biomarkers is a promising approach that can contribute to optimizing efficient therapeutic regimens to target NB vulnerabilities.

MiR-1976/NCAPH/P65 axis inhibits the malignant phenotypes of lung adenocarcinoma

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a malignancy with an abysmal survival rate. High metastasis is the leading cause of the low survival rate of LUAD. NCAPH, an oncogene, is involved in the carcinogenesis of LUAD. However, the regulation of NCAPH in LUAD remains controversial. In this work, we identified an up-regulation of NCAPH in LUAD tissues. Patients who expressed more NCAPH had shorter overall survival (OS). Furthermore, NCAPH overexpression promoted LUAD cell migration while inhibiting apoptosis. MiR-1976 and miR-133b were predicted to target NCAPH expression by searching TargetScan and linkedomics databases. Following that, we confirmed that miR-1976 suppressed NCAPH by directly targeting a 7-bp region of NCAPH 3' untranslated regions (UTR). In addition, increased expression of miR-1976 decreased the proliferation & migration and promoted apoptosis of LUAD cells, and the re-introduction of NCAPH reversed these influences. Furthermore, the xenograft and metastasis mouse models also confirmed that miR-1976 inhibited tumor growth and metastasis in vivo by targeting NCAPH. Finally, we found that MiR-1976 targeting NCAPH blocked the activation of NF-κB. In conclusion, miR-1976 inhibits NCAPH activity in LUAD and acts as a tumor suppressor. The miR-1976/NCAPH/NF-κB axis may, in the future, represent crucial diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and promising therapeutic options.

[Plasma miRNA expression in patients with genetically confirmed multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 syndrome and its phenocopies]

BACKGROUND

MEN-1 is a rare autosomal dominant disease caused by mutations in MEN1 gene encoding the menin protein. This syndrome is characterized by the occurrence of parathyroid tumors, gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, pituitary adenomas, as well as other endocrine and non-endocrine tumors. If a patient with the MEN-1 phenotype carry no mutations in the MEN1 gene, the condition considers a phenocopy of syndrome (phMEN1). The possible cause of this changes could be changes in epigenetic regulation, particularly in microRNA expression that might affect menin signaling pathways.

AIM

to identify differently expressed circulating miRNAs in plasma in patients with genetically confirmed MEN-1 syndrome, its phenocopies and healthy controls.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

single-center, case-control study was conducted. We assessed plasma microRNA expression in patients with genetically confirmed MEN-1 (gMEN1), phMEN1 and healthy controls. Morning plasma samples were collected from fasting patients and stored at -80°C. Total RNA isolation was performed using miRNeasy Mini Kit with QIAcube. The libraries were prepared by the QIAseq miRNA Library Kit following the manufacturer. Circulating miRNA sequencing was done on Illumina NextSeq 500 (Illumina). Subsequent data processing was performed using the DESeq2 bioinformatics algorithm.

RESULTS

we enrolled 21 consecutive patients with gMEN1 and 11 patients with phMEN1, along with 12 gender matched controls. Median age of gMEN1 was 38,0 [34,0; 41,0]; in phMEN1 - 59,0 [51,0; 60,0]; control - 59,5 [51,5; 62,5]. The gMEN1 group differed in age (p<0.01) but not gender (р=0.739) or BMI (р=0.116) compared to phMEN1 and controls group, the last two groups did not differ by these parameters (p>0.05). 25 microRNA were differently expressed in groups gMEN1 and phMEN1 (21 upregulated microRNAs, 4 - downregulated). Comparison of samples from the phMEN-1 group and relatively healthy controls revealed 10 differently expressed microRNAs: 5 - upregulated; 5 - downregulated. In the gMEN-1 and control groups, 26 differently expressed microRNAs were found: 24 - upregulated; 2 - downregulated. The miRNAs most differing in expression among the groups were selected for further validation by RT-qPCR (in the groups of gMEN1 vs phMEN1 - miR-3613-5p, miR-335-5p, miR-32-5p, miR-425-3p, miR-25-5p, miR-576-5p, miR-215-5p, miR-30a-3p, miR-141-3p, miR-760, miR-501-3p; gMEN1 vs control - miR-1976, miR-144-5p miR-532-3p, miR-375; as well as in phMEN1 vs control - miR-944, miR-191-5p, miR-98-5p).

CONCLUSION

In a pilot study, we detected microRNAs that may be expressed differently between patients with gMEN-1 and phMEN-1. The results need to be validated using different measurement method with larger sample size.

Anti-microRNA-1976 as a Novel Approach to Enhance Chemosensitivity in XAF1+ Pancreatic and Liver Cancer

The current cancer treatments using chemoagents are not satisfactory in terms of outcomes and prognosis. Chemoagent treatments result in cell death or arrest, but the accompanying cellular responses are not well-studied. Exosomes, which are extracellular vesicles secreted by living cells, might mediate cellular responses through microRNAs. We found that miR-1976 was highly enriched in exosomes secreted after chemoagent treatment. We developed a novel approach for in situ mRNA target screening and discovered several miR-1976-specific mRNA targets, including the proapoptotic gene XAF1, which was targeted by miR-1976 and which suppressed chemoagent-induced cell apoptosis. Increased RPS6KA1 gene transcription was associated with the increase in its intronic pre-miR-1976 expression. Blockade of miR-1976 could enhance chemosensitivities of hepatoma and pancreatic cancer cells in an XAF1-dependent manner, as evidenced by increased levels of cell apoptosis, reduced IC50 in cell toxicity assays, and suppressed tumor growth in animal xenograft experiments in vivo. We propose that intracellular levels of miR-1976 determine chemosensitivity, and its blockade could be a novel strategy and potential therapeutic application in cancer treatment.

Prospective insight into the role of benzyl propylene glycoside as a modulator of the cGAS-STING signaling pathway in the management of nonalcoholic fatty pancreas animal model

BACKGROUND

Nonalcoholic fatty pancreatitis (NAFP) is one of the metabolic syndrome manifestations that need further studies to determine its molecular determinants and find effective medications. We aimed to investigate the potential effect of benzyl propylene glycoside on NAFP management via targeting the pancreatic cGAS-STING pathway-related genes (DDX58, NFκB1 & CHUK) and their upstream regulator miRNA (miR-1976) that were retrieved from bioinformatics analysis.

METHODS

The rats were fed either normal chow or a high-fat high-sucrose diet (HFHS), as a nutritional model for NAFP. After 8 weeks, the HFHS-fed rats were subdivided randomly into 4 groups; untreated HFHS group (NAFP model group) and three treated groups which received 3 doses of benzyl propylene glycoside (10, 20, and 30 mg/kg) daily for 4 weeks, parallel with HFHS feeding.

RESULTS

The molecular analysis revealed that benzyl propylene glycoside could modulate the expression of the pancreatic cGAS-STING pathway-related through the downregulation of the expression of DDX58, NFκB1, and CHUK mRNAs and upregulation of miR-1976 expression. Moreover, the applied treatment reversed insulin resistance, inflammation, and fibrosis observed in the untreated NAFP group, as evidenced by improved lipid panel, decreased body weight and the serum level of lipase and amylase, reduced protein levels of NFκB1 and caspase-3 with a significant reduction in area % of collagen fibers in the pancreatic sections of treated animals.

CONCLUSION

benzyl propylene glycoside showed a potential ability to attenuate NAFP development, inhibit pancreatic inflammation and fibrosis and reduce the pathological and metabolic disturbances monitored in the applied NAFP animal model. The detected effect was correlated with modulation of the expression of pancreatic (DDX58, NFκB1, and CHUK mRNAs and miR-1976) panel.

Inhibition of the Phospholipase Cε-c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase Axis Suppresses Glioma Stem Cell Properties

Glioma stem cells (GSCs), the cancer stem cells of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), contribute to the malignancy of GBM due to their resistance to therapy and tumorigenic potential; therefore, the development of GSC-targeted therapies is urgently needed to improve the poor prognosis of GBM patients. The molecular mechanisms maintaining GSCs need to be elucidated in more detail for the development of GSC-targeted therapy. In comparison with patient-derived GSCs and their differentiated counterparts, we herein demonstrated for the first time that phospholipase C (PLC)ε was highly expressed in GSCs, in contrast to other PLC isoforms. A broad-spectrum PLC inhibitor suppressed the viability of GSCs, but not their stemness. Nevertheless, the knockdown of PLCε suppressed the survival of GSCs and induced cell death. The stem cell capacity of residual viable cells was also suppressed. Moreover, the survival of mice that were transplanted with PLCε knockdown-GSCs was longer than the control group. PLCε maintained the stemness of GSCs via the activation of JNK. The present study demonstrated for the first time that PLCε plays a critical role in maintaining the survival, stemness, and tumor initiation capacity of GSCs. Our study suggested that PLCε is a promising anti-GSC therapeutic target.

Regulation of apoptosis, autophagy and ferroptosis by non‑coding RNAs in metastatic non‑small cell lung cancer (Review)

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a common type of cancer worldwide, is normally associated with a poor prognosis. It is difficult to treat successfully as it often metastasizes into brain or bone. Methods to facilitate the induction of effective programmed cell death (PCD) in NSCLC cells to reverse drug resistance, or to inhibit the invasion and migration of NSCLC cells, are currently under investigation. The present study summarized the regulatory functions of PCD, including apoptosis, autophagy and ferroptosis, in the context of NSCLC metastasis. It further summarized how regulatory agents, including long non-coding RNAs, circular RNAs and microRNAs, regulate PCD during the metastasis of NSCLC and characterized new potential diagnostic biomarkers of NSCLC metastasis.

Revisiting miRNA Association with Melanoma Recurrence and Metastasis from a Machine Learning Point of View

The diagnostic and prognostic value of miRNAs in cutaneous melanoma (CM) has been broadly studied and supported by advanced bioinformatics tools. From early studies using miRNA arrays with several limitations, to the recent NGS-derived miRNA expression profiles, an accurate diagnostic panel of a comprehensive pre-specified set of miRNAs that could aid timely identification of specific cancer stages is still elusive, mainly because of the heterogeneity of the approaches and the samples. Herein, we summarize the existing studies that report several miRNAs as important diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in CM. Using publicly available NGS data, we analyzed the correlation of specific miRNA expression profiles with the expression signatures of known gene targets. Combining network analytics with machine learning, we developed specific non-linear classification models that could successfully predict CM recurrence and metastasis, based on two newly identified miRNA signatures. Subsequent unbiased analyses and independent test sets (i.e., a dataset not used for training, as a validation cohort) using our prediction models resulted in 73.85% and 82.09% accuracy in predicting CM recurrence and metastasis, respectively. Overall, our approach combines detailed analysis of miRNA profiles with heuristic optimization and machine learning, which facilitates dimensionality reduction and optimization of the prediction models. Our approach provides an improved prediction strategy that could serve as an auxiliary tool towards precision treatment.

Splice and Dice: Intronic microRNAs, Splicing and Cancer

Introns span only a quarter of the human genome, yet they host around 60% of all known microRNAs. Emerging evidence indicates the adaptive advantage of microRNAs residing within introns is attributed to their complex co-regulation with transcription and alternative splicing of their host genes. Intronic microRNAs are often co-expressed with their host genes, thereby providing functional synergism or antagonism that is exploited or decoupled in cancer. Additionally, intronic microRNA biogenesis and the alternative splicing of host transcript are co-regulated and intertwined. The importance of intronic microRNAs is under-recognized in relation to the pathogenesis of cancer.

Non-SMC condensin I complex subunit H (NCAPH), a regulator of cell cycle, predicts poor prognosis in lung adenocarcinoma patients: a study mainly based on TCGA and GEO database

Background

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the main sub-type of lung cancer, which is a major disease of human death. However, the role of non-SMC condensin I complex subunit H (NCAPH) in LUAD and its possible upstream regulation microRNAs (miRNAs) remains unclearly.

Methods

In this study, we analyzed the NCAPH mRNA and protein expression in normal and cancer tissues mainly based on Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. With the help of the Kaplan Meier plotter, we explored the prognosis role in LUAD. Furtherly, the co-expressed genes of NCAPH in LUAD were obtained by using cBioPortal, GEPIA and UALCAN database. Then, gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis of co-expression genes of NCAPH was conducted by DAVID, while the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed with STRING and hub genes were identified and visualized by Cytoscape software. We also investigated the miRNAs and chemicals that may downregulated the NCAPH expression.

Results

The results showed that NCAPH expression level was elevated in LUAD tissue compared with normal lung tissue and predicted poor prognosis. GO and KEGG pathway enriched analysis of co-expressed genes suggested that NCAPH may play an important role in cell cycle in LUAD. Nine top hub co-expressed genes were all negatively related to the LUAD prognosis. Lastly, 8 miRNAs and 5 chemicals were identified to have the potential to down-regulate the NCAPH expression.

Conclusions

Our study indicated that NCAPH expression in LUAD is a poor prognostic indicator, which may be the potential therapeutic target in the future.

MiR-1976 knockdown promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition and cancer stem cell properties inducing triple-negative breast cancer metastasis

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), characterized by high aggression and invasiveness, has a worse prognosis than other subtypes of breast cancer. Establishing a novel animal model is helpful to understand the mechanisms involved in the progress of TNBC metastasis. In a self-established mouse model consisting normal human breast tissues and normal human bone tissues, TNBC cell line SUM-1315 could spontaneously form species-specific bone metastasis. The expression level of miR-1976 in SUM-1315-bo (derived from metastatic bone tumor) was found lower than that in SUM-1315-br (derived from orthotopic breast tumor). MiR-1976 was found to be downregulated in TNBC tissues, and lower expression of miR-1976 was correlated with worse overall survival in a patient cohort obtained from TCGA database. MiR-1976 knockdown promoted epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer stem cell (CSC) properties in vitro and in vivo. Phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit gamma (PIK3CG) was verified as a target gene by sequencing, biotinylated miRNA pull-down, and luciferase reporter assay. Moreover, overexpression and suppression analysis implicated PIK3CG as a mediator of the biological effects of miR-1976. Our study demonstrated that miR-1976 knockdown could promote EMT and CSCs by PIK3CG. These findings may reveal mechanisms of TNBC metastasis, and represent a potential treatment target for patients with TNBC.

The low expression of miR-1976 in plasma samples indicating its biological functions in the progression of breast cancer

BACKGROUND

The incidence of breast cancer (BC) is the highest among women. Identification of miRNAs as biomarkers may help to improve the diagnosis of BC. The purpose of this study was to assess the expression levels of miR-1976 in plasma samples and the biological functions in the progression of BC.

METHODS

The expression levels of miR-1976 in plasma samples and tissues were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The associations between the expression levels and clinicopathological features were studied. Cell supernatants were used to simulate circulation. The biological functions of miR-1976 were assessed in vitro and in vivo.

RESULTS

The expression levels of miR-1976 in plasma samples were found significantly lower in patients with BC than those in healthy controls, and were associated with Ki-67. The expression levels in BC tissues were lower than those in adjacent normal tissues, and were correlated with the number of lymph nodes and Ki-67. The expression levels in BC cell supernatants and cell lines were lower than that in normal human breast epithelial cell line HBL-100. miR-1976 knockdown promoted proliferation in vitro and in vivo.

CONCLUSION

miR-1976 may serve as a promising non-invasive biomarker for the diagnosis of BC in the future.

The Role and Therapeutic Potential of miRNAs in Colorectal Liver Metastasis

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Liver metastasis is the major cause of CRC patient mortality, occurring in 60% patients with no effective therapies. Although studies have indicated the role of miRNAs in CRC, an in-depth miRNA expression analysis is essential to identify clinically relevant miRNAs and understand their potential in targeting liver metastasis. Here we analyzed miRNA expressions in 405 patient tumors from publicly available colorectal cancer genome sequencing project database. Our analyses showed miR-132, miR-378f, miR-605 and miR-1976 to be the most significantly downregulated miRNAs in primary and CRC liver metastatic tissues, and CRC cell lines. Observations in CRC cell lines indicated that ectopic expressions of miR-378f, -605 and -1976 suppress CRC cell proliferation, anchorage independent growth, metastatic potential, and enhance apoptosis. Consistently, CRC patients with higher miR-378f and miR-1976 levels exhibited better survival. Together, our data suggests an anti-tumorigenic role of these miRNAs in CRC and warrant future in vivo evaluation of the molecules for developing biomarkers or novel therapeutic strategies.

The role of the miR1976/CD105/integrin αvβ6 axis in vaginitis induced by Escherichia coli infection in mice

Vaginitis is very common among women, especially women of childbearing age, and is associated with significantly increased risk of preterm birth and pelvic inflammatory diseases. An imbalance in the vaginal flora, the primary cause of vaginitis, promotes the initiation and progression of vaginal infections. However, the responsible mechanisms are still poorly understood. Using a murine vaginitis model of Escherichia coli infection, we demonstrated that decreased expression of microRNA1976 and increased expression of CD105 and integrin αvβ6 were closely associated with the progression of vaginal infection. Importantly, we demonstrated for the first time that the microRNA1976/CD105/integrin αvβ6 axis regulates E. coli-mediated vaginal infection in mice, as evidenced by the finding that E. coli-induced vaginal infection was reversed by microRNA1976 overexpression and exacerbated by CD105 overexpression. The regulation of CD105 and integrin αvβ6 by microRNA1976 was further confirmed in a murine model of vaginitis with adenoviral vector treatment. Taken together, our data suggested that microRNA1976 negatively regulates E. coli-induced vaginal infection in mice at least in part by suppressing CD105 and integrin αvβ6 expression. These findings may provide new insight into the mechanisms of E. coli-induced vaginitis, identify a novel diagnostic biomarker and a potential therapeutic target for flora imbalance-associated vaginitis.

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in PLCE1 for Cancer Risk of Different Types: A Meta-Analysis

Background: Recent studies have investigated the relationships between PLCE1 polymorphisms and cancer susceptibility. However, some findings lack consistency.

Objectives: In the current study, we conducted a meta-analysis to more accurately evaluate the relationships between PLCE1 (rs2274223, rs3765524, rs753724, rs11187842, and rs7922612) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and risk for different types of cancer.

Methods: We performed a comprehensive search strategy in PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, EMbase, and Scopus for articles available until 19 March 2018. A total of 54 case-control studies comprising 17,955 cases and 20,400 controls were included in the current meta-analysis, which together comprised a total of 32 publications. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to evaluate relationships between the PLCE1 polymorphisms and cancer susceptibility. All statistical analyses were performed using Stata 11 software.

Results: Results of the meta-analysis demonstrated that the rs2274223 polymorphism showed a significant correlation with increased overall cancer susceptibility (AG vs. AA: OR 1.168, 95% CI 1.084–1.259; GG vs. AA: OR 1.351, 95% CI 1.163–1.570; AG+GG vs. AA: OR 1.193, 95% CI 1.103–1.290; GG vs. AA+AG: OR 1.262, 95% CI 1.102–1.446; G vs. A: OR 1.163, 95% CI 1.089–1.242). Results of subgroup analysis showed that the rs2274223 polymorphism was associated with higher risk for esophageal cancer and gastric cancer relative to colorectal cancer and head and neck cancer. In addition, the rs2274223 polymorphism was found to be associated with increased cancer risk, especially among the subgroups comprising Asians, studies with population-based controls, studies employing the TaqMan genotyping method, and studies consistent with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE). The association between the rs3765524 polymorphism and reduced overall cancer risk was detected in one specific genetic model (CT vs. CC: OR 0.681, 95% CI 0.523–0.886). Results of subgroup analysis showed that the rs3765524 polymorphism was associated with cancer risk in a specific genetic model among the subgroups of colorectal cancer, esophageal cancer, Asians, studies with population-based controls, and studies consistent with HWE. However, relationships among the PLCE1 rs753724, rs11187842, and rs7922612 polymorphisms and tumor risk were not identified.

Conclusions: Results of the current meta-analysis suggested that PLCE1 (rs2274223, rs3765524) polymorphisms are associated with cancer susceptibility.

PLCE1 polymorphisms and expression combined with serum AFP level predicts survival of HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma patients after hepatectomy

Polymorphisms in the phospholipase C epsilon (PLCE) 1 gene play a crucial role in the development and progression of several types of cancer. The present study investigated the prognostic significance of PLCE1 gene polymorphisms and expression combined with serum α-fetoprotein (AFP) level in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Single nucleotide polymorphisms were genotyped by sequencing DNA isolated from surgically resected tumor samples of 421 HBV-related HCC patients, and expression profiles were generated based on the GSE14520 dataset. A joint-effects analysis of PLCE1 haplotypes (Ars2274223Crs3765524; Grs2274223Trs3765524) with AFP level stratified at 20 ng/ml showed a significant association with overall survival(OS) of HBV-related HCC patients(log-rank P=0.0003). Patients with AC and GT haplotypes with AFP level ≥ 20 ng/ml had an increased risk of death as compared to those with the AC haplotype and AFP level < 20 ng/ml (adjusted P=0.029 and 0.041, respectively). Patients with the GT haplotype and AFP level < 20 ng/ml also had an increased risk of death, although with a non-significant P value (adjusted P=0.092). Joint-effects analysis of PLCE1 mRNA expression with serum AFP level stratified at 300 ng/ml was significantly associated with HBV-related HCC recurrence and OS. Our results demonstrate that PLCE1 haplotypes (including rs2274223 and rs3765524) and expression combined with serum AFP level may predict postoperative outcome of HBV-related HCC patients.

The correlation analysis of miRNAs and target genes in metastasis of cervical squamous cell carcinoma

Aim: This study was intended to identify the metastasis-related miRNAs and target genes in cervical squamous cell carcinoma. Materials & methods: The mRNA and miRNA next-generation sequencing data were downloaded. Differential expression analysis was carried out, followed by target gene prediction of differentially expressed miRNAs. The biological function of differentially expressed genes was performed. Validation was carried out by survival analysis and qRT-PCR. Results: N4BP3 were associated with the survival time of patients. Hsa-mir-451 and hsa-mir-486 were related to tumor differentiation stage. Validated expression of hsa-mir-24–2, hsa-mir-582, NOTCH1, PIP4K2B, DIP2B and IGFBP5 was consistent with the bioinformatics analysis. Conclusion: Alterations of miRNAs and target genes may be useful in understanding the metastasis mechanisms of cervical squamous cell carcinoma.

A six-microRNA signature predicts survival of patients with uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma

Uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC) is one of the most common female gynecological malignant tumors that threaten women health seriously. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) has been proved to play critical roles in tumor pathogenesis and malignant progression. In this study, we aimed to explore a novel signature of microRNA expression for predicting the overall survival (OS) of patients with UCEC. The genome-wide miRNA expression profiles and relevant clinical characteristics of 348 patients with UCEC were downloaded from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data portal and analyzed comprehensively. A total of 144 miRNAs were confirmed to be expressed differentially in tumor tissues. Among them, 6 miRNAs (hsa-mir-15a.MIMAT0000068, hsa-mir-142.MIMAT0000433, hsa-mir-142.MIMAT0000434, hsa-mir-3170.MIMAT0015045, hsa-mir-1976.MIMAT0009451, and hsa-mir-146a.MIMAT0000449) were validated to be significantly correlated with the OS of patients with UCEC. The risk indictor established by the 6-microRNA signature was proved be an independent prognostic factor (Hazard ratio = 0.391; 95% CI: 0.195-0.783; P = 0.008). In conclusion, we identified miRNAs that were correlated with the occurrence and progression of UCEC and established a 6-microRNA expression signature as a predictor for the OS of patients with UCEC.

MicroRNA-34a functions as a tumor suppressor by directly targeting oncogenic PLCE1 in Kazakh esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the frequent malignant tumors with poor prognosis worldwide. Identifying the prognostic biomarkers and potential mechanisms of such tumors has attracted increasing interest in esophageal cancer biology. Our previous study showed that phospholipase C elipson 1 (PLCE1) expression is up-regulated and associated with disease progression in esophageal carcinoma. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play vital roles in regulating its target gene expression. However, studies on miRNA-regulated PLCE1 expression and its cellular function are still very few. We found that miR-34a is significantly expressed lower in ESCC tissues. We further showed that PLCE1 is a direct functional target gene of miR-34a, and the functional roles of miR-34a in ESCC cell lines in vitro were also determined through gain- and loss-of-function analyses. Results revealed that miR-34a functions as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting the proliferation, migration, and EMT phenotype, as well as promoting apoptosis of ESCC cell lines. Moreover, PLCE1 is overexpressed in ESCC tumors and promotes tumorigenicity in vivo and vitro. PLCE1 expression is negatively correlated with miR-34a profiles in ESCC tissues. Our data suggest that miR-34a exerts its anti-cancer function by suppressing PLCE1. The newly identified miR-34a/PLCE1 axis partially illustrates the molecular mechanism of ESCC metastasis and represents a new candidate therapeutic target for ESCC treatment.

Genome-wide miRNA response to anacardic acid in breast cancer cells

MicroRNAs are biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for breast cancer. Anacardic acid (AnAc) is a dietary phenolic lipid that inhibits both MCF-7 estrogen receptor α (ERα) positive and MDA-MB-231 triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell proliferation with IC50s of 13.5 and 35 μM, respectively. To identify potential mediators of AnAc action in breast cancer, we profiled the genome-wide microRNA transcriptome (microRNAome) in these two cell lines altered by the AnAc 24:1n5 congener. Whole genome expression profiling (RNA-seq) and subsequent network analysis in MetaCore Gene Ontology (GO) algorithm was used to characterize the biological pathways altered by AnAc. In MCF-7 cells, 69 AnAc-responsive miRNAs were identified, e.g., increased let-7a and reduced miR-584. Fewer, i.e., 37 AnAc-responsive miRNAs were identified in MDA-MB-231 cells, e.g., decreased miR-23b and increased miR-1257. Only two miRNAs were increased by AnAc in both cell lines: miR-612 and miR-20b; however, opposite miRNA arm preference was noted: miR-20b-3p and miR-20b-5p were upregulated in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, respectively. miR-20b-5p target EFNB2 transcript levels were reduced by AnAc in MDA-MB-231 cells. AnAc reduced miR-378g that targets VIM (vimentin) and VIM mRNA transcript expression was increased in AnAc-treated MCF-7 cells, suggesting a reciprocal relationship. The top three enriched GO terms for AnAc-treated MCF-7 cells were B cell receptor signaling pathway and ribosomal large subunit biogenesis and S-adenosylmethionine metabolic process for AnAc-treated MDA-MB-231 cells. The pathways modulated by these AnAc-regulated miRNAs suggest that key nodal molecules, e.g., Cyclin D1, MYC, c-FOS, PPARγ, and SIN3, are targets of AnAc activity.

Novel miRNA-mRNA interactions conserved in essential cancer pathways

Cancer is a complex disease in which unrestrained cell proliferation results in tumour development. Extensive research into the molecular mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis has led to the characterization of oncogenes and tumour suppressors that are key elements in cancer growth and progression, as well as that of other important elements like microRNAs. These genes and miRNAs appear to be constitutively deregulated in cancer. To identify signatures of miRNA-mRNA interactions potentially conserved in essential cancer pathways, we have conducted an integrative analysis of transcriptomic data, also taking into account methylation and copy number alterations. We analysed 18,605 raw transcriptome samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas covering 15 of the most common types of human tumours. From this global transcriptome study, we recovered known cancer-associated miRNA-targets and importantly, we identified new potential targets from miRNA families, also analysing the phenotypic outcomes of these genes/mRNAs in terms of survival. Further analyses could lead to novel approaches in cancer therapy.

Low PLCE1 levels are correlated with poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

Previous reports show that phospholipase C epsilon-1 (PLCE1) expression is positively correlated with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and gastric cardia adenocarcinomas; however, the expression of PLCE1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its correlation with clinical outcome still remain unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the expression of PLCE1 in HCC tissue and to determine whether PLCE1 was a prognostic factor for HCC patients.

Materials and methods

PLCE1 levels in 20 paired HCC tissues and corresponding paracarcinomatous tissues was investigated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot assays. In addition, protein levels of PLCE1 in one normal liver epithelial cell and four HCC cell lines were examined using Western blot assay. Moreover, immunohistochemistry was applied to determine the expression of PLCE1 in HCC and corresponding surrounding tissues from 90 patients. Statistical analyses were used to examine the association between PLCE1 levels and clinicopathological features.

Results

We found that the expression of PLCE1 in tumor tissues was significantly lower than those in paracarcinomatous tissues at both mRNA and protein levels (P<0.05). We also determined that PLCE1 protein expression levels were lower in HCC cell lines than normal liver epithelial cells (P<0.05). Notably, immunohistochemical assay showed that PLCE1 expression was significantly low in HCC tissues compared with the adjacent normal liver tissues (40% vs 18.9%; P<0.05). Besides, PLCE1 levels were negatively correlated with tumor capsulae, vascular invasion, Edmondson grade, alpha-fetoprotein, and tumor-node-metastasis stage (P<0.05). Univariate analysis revealed that lower level expression of PLCE1 was significantly associated with poorer overall survival (OS) rate (P<0.001) and disease-free survival rate (P<0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that low PLCE1 level was an independent poor prognostic factor of OS and recurrence-free survival (P<0.001 and P=0.003, respectively).

Conclusion

In brief, our results revealed that decreased PLCE1 expression was associated with tumor progression in HCC and may function as a promising biomarker for HCC prognosis.

MicroRNA-targeted therapeutics for lung cancer treatment

INTRODUCTION

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous non-coding small RNAs that repress the expression of a broad array of target genes. Many efforts have been made to therapeutically target miRNAs in cancer treatments using miRNA mimics and miRNA antagonists. Areas covered: This article summarizes the recent findings with the role of miRNAs in lung cancer, and discusses the potential and challenges of developing miRNA-targeted therapeutics in this dreadful disease. Expert opinion: The development of miRNA-targeted therapeutics has become an important anti-cancer strategy. Results from both preclinical and clinical trials of microRNA replacement therapy have shown some promise in cancer treatment. However, some obstacles, including drug delivery, specificity, off-target effect, toxicity mediation, immunological activation and dosage determination should be addressed. Several delivery strategies have been employed, including naked oligonucleotides, liposomes, aptamer-conjugates, nanoparticles and viral vectors. However, delivery remains a main challenge in miRNA-targeting therapeutics. Furthermore, immune-related serious adverse events are also a concern, which indicates the complexity of miRNA-based therapy in clinical settings.