MicroRNA-187-5p suppresses cancer cell progression in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) through down-regulation of CYP1B1

Alkaloids from Zanthoxylum nitidum and their anti-proliferative activity against A549 cells by regulating the EGFR/AKT/mTOR pathway

Zanthoxylum nitidum is frequently used as a traditional Chinese medicine and food supplement. Our previous study revealed that its constituent compounds were able to inhibit cancer cell proliferation. In our continuous exploration of bioactive compounds in Z. nitidum, we isolated ten alkaloids (1-10), including one new natural compound (1), and nine known alkaloids (2-10), from an ethanolic extract of the whole plant. The chemical structures were elucidated based on a combination of comprehensive NMR and HRESIMS analyses. Compounds 5, 8 and 10 exhibited significant antiproliferative effects against A549 cancer cell lines. We further elucidated the underlying molecular mechanisms of the antiproliferative activity of compound 8 in A549 human lung cancer cells. Compound 8 was found to induce cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase via p53 activation and CDK4/6 suppression. Compound 8 also effectively inhibited cell migration through the modulation of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), as indicated by the expression of biomarkers, such as N-cadherin downregulation and E-cadherin upregulation. Compound 8 significantly suppressed the activation of the EGFR/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway in A549 cells. These results indicate that alkaloid 8 from Z. nitidum has potential to be a lead antiproliferative compound in cancer cells.

Attenuation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH)-Induced Carcinogenesis and Tumorigenesis by Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Mice In Vivo

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are metabolized by the cytochrome P450 (CYP)1A and 1B1 to DNA-reactive metabolites, which could lead to mutations in critical genes, eventually resulting in cancer. Omega-3 fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are beneficial against cancers. In this investigation, we elucidated the mechanisms by which omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA will attenuate PAH-DNA adducts and lung carcinogenesis and tumorigenesis mediated by the PAHs BP and MC. Adult wild-type (WT) (A/J) mice, Cyp1a1-null, Cyp1a2-null, or Cyp1b1-null mice were exposed to PAHs benzo[a]pyrene (BP) or 3-methylcholanthrene (MC), and the effects of omega-3 fatty acid on PAH-mediated lung carcinogenesis and tumorigenesis were studied. The major findings were as follows: (i) omega-3 fatty acids significantly decreased PAH-DNA adducts in the lungs of each of the genotypes studied; (ii) decreases in PAH-DNA adduct levels by EPA/DHA was in part due to inhibition of CYP1B1; (iii) inhibition of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) enhanced the EPA/DHA-mediated prevention of pulmonary carcinogenesis; and (iv) EPA/DHA attenuated PAH-mediated carcinogenesis in part by epigenetic mechanisms. Taken together, our results suggest that omega-3 fatty acids have the potential to be developed as cancer chemo-preventive agents in people.

Novel Approaches to Characterize Individual Drug Metabolism and Advance Precision Medicine

Interindividual variability in drug metabolism can significantly affect drug concentrations in the body and subsequent drug response. Understanding an individual's drug metabolism capacity is important for predicting drug exposure and developing precision medicine strategies. The goal of precision medicine is to individualize drug treatment for patients to maximize efficacy and minimize drug toxicity. While advances in pharmacogenomics have improved our understanding of how genetic variations in drug-metabolizing enzymes (DMEs) affect drug response, nongenetic factors are also known to influence drug metabolism phenotypes. This minireview discusses approaches beyond pharmacogenetic testing to phenotype DMEs-particularly the cytochrome P450 enzymes-in clinical settings. Several phenotyping approaches have been proposed: traditional approaches include phenotyping with exogenous probe substrates and the use of endogenous biomarkers; newer approaches include evaluating circulating noncoding RNAs and liquid biopsy-derived markers relevant to DME expression and function. The goals of this minireview are to 1) provide a high-level overview of traditional and novel approaches to phenotype individual drug metabolism capacity, 2) describe how these approaches are being applied or can be applied to pharmacokinetic studies, and 3) discuss perspectives on future opportunities to advance precision medicine in diverse populations. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This minireview provides an overview of recent advances in approaches to characterize individual drug metabolism phenotypes in clinical settings. It highlights the integration of existing pharmacokinetic biomarkers with novel approaches; also discussed are current challenges and existing knowledge gaps. The article concludes with perspectives on the future deployment of a liquid biopsy-informed physiologically based pharmacokinetic strategy for patient characterization and precision dosing.

HBx promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression by repressing the transcription level of miR-187-5p

HBV-associated hepatitis B virus x protein (HBx) plays multiple roles in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. In our prior study, we discovered that miR-187-5p expression was inhibited by HBx. To investigate the underlying molecular mechanism of HBx-mediated miR-187-5p downregulation in hepatocellular carcinoma cells, effects of HBx and miR-187-5p on hepatoma carcinoma cell were observed, as well as their interactions. Through in vitro and in vivo experiments, we demonstrated that overexpression of miR-187-5p inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion. Simultaneously, we observed a dysregulation in the expression of miR-187-5p in liver cancer cell lines, which may be attributed to transcriptional inhibition through the E2F1/FoxP3 axis. Additionally, we noted that HBx protein is capable of enhancing the expression of E2F1, a transcription factor that promotes the expression of FoxP3. In conclusion, our results suggest that the inhibitory effect of HBx on miR-187-5p is mediated through the E2F1/FoxP3 axis. As shown in this work, HBx promotes hepatoma carcinoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion through the E2F1/FoxP3/miR-187 axis. It provides a theoretical basis for finding therapeutic targets that will help clinic treatment for HCC.

CiRS-187 regulates BMPR2 expression by targeting miR-187 in bovine cumulus cells treated with BMP15 and GDF9

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play vital roles in regulating biological processes. However, the contributions of circRNAs to BMPR2 regulation during follicle development remain unknown. In this study, we first verified the optimal conditions for BMP15 and GDF9 treatment in bovine cumulus cells. Then, we screened and identified candidate microRNAs (miRNAs) that may target the BMPR2 3'UTR with TargetScan, a luciferase reporter assay and RT-qPCR. Next, we transfected miR-187 into bovine cumulus cells, and the results showed that miR-187 regulated BMPR2 and inhibited its expression. To explore the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) mechanism, we predicted the sponging circRNAs of miR-187 and identified ciRS-187. We further detected miR-187 and BMPR2 expression and apoptosis levels upon knockdown of ciRS-187 and found that ciRS-187 upregulated BMPR2 expression. The results provide a theoretical basis for a ceRNA mechanism of circRNAs related to follicle development.

Immunoregulatory framework and the role of miRNA in the pathogenesis of NSCLC - A systematic review

With a 5-year survival rate of only 15%, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the most common kind of lung carcinoma and the cause of millions of deaths annually, has drawn attention. Numerous variables, such as disrupted signaling caused by somatic mutations in the EGFR-mediated RAS/RAF/MAPK, PI3K/AKT, JAK/STAT signaling cascade, supports tumour survival in one way or another. Here, the tumour microenvironment significantly contributes to the development of cancer by thwarting the immune response. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are critical regulators of gene expression that can function as oncogenes or oncosuppressors. They have a major influence on the occurrence and prognosis of NSCLC. Though, a myriad number of therapies are available and many are being clinically tested, still the drug resistance, its adverse effect and toxicity leading towards fatality cannot be ruled out. In this review, we tried to ascertain the missing links in between perturbed EGFR signaling, miRNAs favouring tumorigenesis and the autophagy mechanism. While connecting all the aforementioned points multiple associations were set, which can be targeted in order to combat NSCLC. Here, we tried illuminating designing synthetically engineered circuits with the toggle switches that might lay a prototype for better therapeutic paradigm.

AhR Mediated Activation of Pro-Inflammatory Response of RAW 264.7 Cells Modulate the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition

Pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung disease caused by progressive deterioration of lung tissue, is generated by several factors including genetic and environmental ones. In response to long-term exposure to environmental stimuli, aberrant tissue repair and epithelial cell-to- mesenchymal cell transition (EMT) trigger the subsequent progression of pulmonary fibrotic diseases. The Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a transcription factor that is activated by ligands providing lung dysfunction when activated by environmental toxins, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Our previous study demonstrated that AhR mediates α-SMA expression by directly binding to the α-SMA (fibroblast differentiation marker) promoter, suggesting the role of AhR in mediating fibrogenic progression. Here we follow the hypothesis that macrophage infiltrated microenvironments may trigger inflammation and subsequent fibrosis. We studied the expression of cytokines in RAW 264.7 cells by AhR activation through an ELISA assay. To investigate molecular events, migration, western blotting and zymography assays were carried out. We found that AhR agonists such as TCDD, IP and FICZ, promote the migration and induce inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α and G-CSF, MIP-1α, MIP-1β and MIP-2. These cytokines arbitrate EMT marker expression such as E-cadherin, fibronectin, and vimentin in pulmonary epithelial cells. Expression of proteins of MMPs in mouse macrophages was determined by zymography, showing the caseinolytic activity of MMP-1 and the gelatinolytic action of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Taken together, the present study showed that AhR activated macrophages create an inflammatory microenvironment which favours the fibrotic progression of pulmonary epithelial cells. Such production of inflammatory factors was accomplished by affecting the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway, thereby creating a microenvironment which enhances the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, leading to fibrosis of the lung.

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.

The Roles of microRNAs in Cancer Multidrug Resistance

Simple Summary

The resistance of neoplastic cells to multiple drugs is a serious problem in cancer chemotherapy. The molecular causes of multidrug resistance in cancer are largely known, but less is known about the mechanisms by which cells deliver phenotypic changes that resist the attack of anticancer drugs. The findings of RNA interference based on microRNAs represented a breakthrough in biology and pointed to the possibility of sensitive and targeted regulation of gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Such regulation is also involved in the development of multidrug resistance in cancer. The aim of the current paper is to summarize the available knowledge on the role of microRNAs in resistance to multiple cancer drugs.

Abstract

Cancer chemotherapy may induce a multidrug resistance (MDR) phenotype. The development of MDR is based on various molecular causes, of which the following are very common: induction of ABC transporter expression; induction/activation of drug-metabolizing enzymes; alteration of the expression/function of apoptosis-related proteins; changes in cell cycle checkpoints; elevated DNA repair mechanisms. Although these mechanisms of MDR are well described, information on their molecular interaction in overall multidrug resistance is still lacking. MicroRNA (miRNA) expression and subsequent RNA interference are candidates that could be important players in the interplay of MDR mechanisms. The regulation of post-transcriptional processes in the proteosynthetic pathway is considered to be a major function of miRNAs. Due to their complementarity, they are able to bind to target mRNAs, which prevents the mRNAs from interacting effectively with the ribosome, and subsequent degradation of the mRNAs can occur. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the possible role of miRNAs in the molecular mechanisms that lead to MDR. The possibility of considering miRNAs as either specific effectors or interesting targets for cancer therapy is also analyzed.

Lidocaine and Bupivacaine Downregulate MYB and DANCR lncRNA by Upregulating miR-187-5p in MCF-7 Cells

Background: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy and a leading cause of death among women. The majority of patients require surgery, and retrospective studies have revealed an association between anaesthetic techniques during surgery and clinical outcomes. Local anaesthetics (LAs) influence carcinogenesis by interacting with non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). However, the detailed mechanisms underlying the association between LAs and ncRNAs remain unclear.

Methods: In this study, the effects of two commonly used LAs, lidocaine and bupivacaine, on the malignancy of MCF-7 breast cancer cells were investigated. The expression profiles of the microRNAs (miRNAs) that responded to treatment with LAs were determined through next-generation sequencing.

Results: Data from the functional assay revealed that the LAs suppressed the proliferation of MCF-7 cells. The result of next-generation sequencing revealed that 131 miRNAs were upregulated, following treatment with the LAs. Validation using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) identified miR-187-5p as a potential biomarker, and it was selected for further analyses. Prediction with bioinformatics tools and luciferase reporter assays revealed that MYB is a direct target gene of miR-187-5p. Based on the hypothesis that lncRNAs acts as miRNA sponges, the target lncRNA, DANCR, of miR-187-5p was predicted using DIANA-LncBase v2 and validated using luciferase reporter assays. In addition, the reciprocal suppressive effect between DANCR and miR-187-5p was determined.

Conclusions: This study suggests that one of the anti-tumour mechanisms of lidocaine and bupivacaine is mediated through the DANCR-miR-187-5p-MYB axis. This may provide a novel molecular mechanism of tumour suppression in breast cancer.

Extracellular microRNA profiling for prognostic prediction in patients with high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma

High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma is a leading cause of death in female patients worldwide. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are stable noncoding RNAs in the peripheral blood that reflect a patient's condition, and therefore, they have received substantial attention as noninvasive biomarkers in various diseases. We previously reported the usefulness of serum miRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers. Here, we investigated the prognostic impact of the serum miRNA profile. We used the GSE106817 dataset, which included preoperative miRNA profiles of patients with ovarian malignancies. Excluding patients with other malignancy or insufficient prognostic information, we included 175 patients with high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma. All patients except four underwent surgery and received chemotherapy as initial treatment. The median follow-up period was 54.6 months (range, 3.5-144.1 months). Univariate Cox regression analysis revealed that higher levels of miR-187-5p and miR-6870-5p were associated with both poorer progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), and miR-1908-5p, miR-6727-5p, and miR-6850-5p were poor prognostic indicators of PFS. The OS and PFS prognostic indices were then calculated using the expression values of three prognostic miRNAs. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that both indices were significantly independent poor prognostic factors (hazard ratio for OS and PFS, 2.343 [P = .015] and 2.357 [P = .005], respectively). In conclusion, circulating miRNA profiles can potentially provide information to predict the prognosis of patients with high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma. Therefore, there is a strong demand for early clinical application of circulating miRNAs as noninvasive biomarkers.

The smoking estrogens - a potential synergy between estradiol and benzo(a)pyrene

According to recent statistics, Lung Cancer (LC) is one of the most frequently diagnosed tumor types, representing nearly 12% of all global cancer cases. Moreover, in recent years, an increased mortality rate and incidence of this cancer were observed, especially among nonsmokers. Lung cancer patients are often characterized by poor prognosis and low survival rates, which encourages the scientific community to investigate the biochemical and molecular processes leading to the development of this malignancy. Furthermore, the mechanisms of LC formation and progression are not yet fully elucidated due to their high complexity, as well as a multitude of environmental, genetic, and molecular factors involved. Even though LC's association with exposure to cigarette smoke is indisputable, current research provides evidence that the development of this cancer can also be affected by the presence of estrogens and their interaction with several tobacco smoke components. Hence, the main goal of this brief review was to investigate reports of a possible synergy between 17β estradiol (E2), the most biologically active estrogen, and benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), a strongly carcinogenic compound produced as a result of incomplete tobacco combustion. The literature sources demonstrate a possible carcinogenic synergy between estrogens, especially E2, and BaP, a toxic tobacco smoke component. Therefeore, the combined effect of disturbed estrogen production in cancer cells, as well as the molecular influence exerted by BaP, could explain the increased aggressiveness and rate of LC development. Summarizing, the synergistic effect of these risk factors is an interesting area of further research.

MicroRNAs: Key Regulators in Lung Cancer

Noncoding RNAs have emerged as key regulators of the genome upon gene expression profiling and genome-wide sequencing. Among these noncoding RNAs, microRNAs are short noncoding RNAs that regulate a plethora of functions, biological processes and human diseases by targeting the messenger RNA stability through 3'UTR binding, leading to either mRNA cleavage or translation repression, depending on microRNA-mRNA complementarity degree. Additionally, strong evidence has suggested that dysregulation of miRNAs contribute to the etiology and progression of human cancers, such as lung cancer, the most common and deadliest cancer worldwide. Indeed, by acting as oncogenes or tumor suppressors, microRNAs control all aspects of lung cancer malignancy, including cell proliferation, survival, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, cancer stem cells, immune-surveillance escape, and therapy resistance; and their expressions are often associated with clinical parameters. Moreover, several deregulated microRNAs in lung cancer are carried by exosomes, microvesicles and secreted in body fluids, mainly the circulation where they conserve their stable forms. Subsequently, seminal efforts have been focused on extracellular microRNAs levels as noninvasive diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in lung cancer. In this review, focusing on recent literature, we summarize the deregulation, mechanisms of action, functions and highlight clinical applications of miRNAs for better management and design of future lung cancer targeted therapies.

Relationship between the miRNA Profiles and Oncogene Mutations in Non-Smoker Lung Cancer. Relevance for Lung Cancer Personalized Screenings and Treatments

Oncogene mutations may be drivers of the carcinogenesis process. MicroRNA (miRNA) alterations may be adaptive or pathogenic and can have consequences only when mutation in the controlled oncogenes occurs. The aim of this research was to analyze the interplay between miRNA expression and oncogene mutation. A total of 2549 miRNAs were analyzed in cancer tissue—in surrounding normal lung tissue collected from 64 non-smoking patients and in blood plasma. Mutations in 92 hotspots of 22 oncogenes were tested in the lung cancer tissue. MicroRNA alterations were related to the mutations occurring in cancer patients. Conversely, the frequency of mutation occurrence was variable and spanned from the k-ras and p53 mutation detected in 30% of patients to 20% of patients in which no mutation was detected. The prediction of survival at a 3-year follow up did not occur for mutation analysis but was, conversely, well evident for miRNA analysis highlighting a pattern of miRNA distinguishing between survivors and death in patients 3 years before this clinical onset. A signature of six lung cancer specific miRNAs occurring both in the lungs and blood was identified. The obtained results provide evidence that the analysis of both miRNA and oncogene mutations was more informative than the oncogene mutation analysis currently performed in clinical practice.

Biological roles of cytochrome P450 1A1, 1A2, and 1B1 enzymes

Human cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs) play a critical role in various biological processes and human diseases. CYP1 family members, including CYP1A1, CYP1A2, and CYP1B1, are induced by aryl hydrocarbon receptors (AhRs). The binding of ligands such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons activates the AhRs, which are involved in the metabolism (including oxidation) of various endogenous or exogenous substrates. The ligands that induce CYP1 expression are reported to be carcinogenic xenobiotics. Hence, CYP1 enzymes are correlated with the pathogenesis of cancers. Various endogenous substrates are involved in the metabolism of steroid hormones, eicosanoids, and other biological molecules that mediate the pathogenesis of several human diseases. Additionally, CYP1s metabolize and activate/inactivate therapeutic drugs, especially, anti-cancer agents. As the metabolism of drugs determines their therapeutic efficacy, CYP1s can determine the susceptibility of patients to some drugs. Thus, understanding the role of CYP1s in diseases and establishing novel and efficient therapeutic strategies based on CYP1s have piqued the interest of the scientific community.

A novel combination of serum microRNAs for the detection of early gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to identify serum miRNAs that discriminate early gastric cancer (EGC) samples from non-cancer controls using a large cohort.

METHODS

This retrospective case-control study included 1417 serum samples from patients with EGC (seen at the National Cancer Center Hospital in Tokyo between 2008 and 2012) and 1417 age- and gender-matched non-cancer controls. The samples were randomly assigned to discovery and validation sets and the miRNA expression profiles of whole serum samples were comprehensively evaluated using a highly sensitive DNA chip (3D-Gene^®) designed to detect 2565 miRNA sequences. Diagnostic models were constructed using the levels of several miRNAs in the discovery set, and the diagnostic performance of the model was evaluated in the validation set.

RESULTS

The discovery set consisted of 708 samples from EGC patients and 709 samples from non-cancer controls, and the validation set consisted of 709 samples from EGC patients and 708 samples from non-cancer controls. The diagnostic EGC index was constructed using four miRNAs (miR-4257, miR-6785-5p, miR-187-5p, and miR-5739). In the discovery set, a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of the EGC index revealed that the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.996 with a sensitivity of 0.983 and a specificity of 0.977. In the validation set, the AUC for the EGC index was 0.998 with a sensitivity of 0.996 and a specificity of 0.953.

CONCLUSIONS

A novel combination of four serum miRNAs could be a useful non-invasive diagnostic biomarker to detect EGC with high accuracy. A multicenter prospective study is ongoing to confirm the present observations.

miRNA-187-5p Regulates Osteoblastic Differentiation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Mice by Targeting ICAM1

Osteoporosis (OP) is a common bone metabolic disease, the process of which is fundamentally irreversible. Therefore, the investigation into osteoblastic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) will provide more clues for OP treatment. In the present study, we found that microRNA-187-5p (miR-187-5p) played a key role on osteoblastic differentiation, which was significantly upregulated during osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs in mice. Moreover, overexpression of miR-187-5p suppressed osteoblastic differentiation of BMSCs through increasing alkaline phosphatase (ALP), matrix mineralization, and levels of Osterix (OSX), and osteopontin (OPN) as well as runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) in vitro. The results in vivo indicated that the upregulation of miR-187-5p enhanced the efficacy of new bone formation in the heterotopic bone formation assay. Luciferase reporter assay and western blot analysis revealed that miR-187-5p was involved in osteogenesis by targeting intracellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1). Furthermore, ICAM-1 silence inhibited osteoblastic differentiation of BMSCs. Taken together, our results suggested for the first time that miR-187-5p may promote osteogenesis by targeting ICAM-1, and provided a possible therapeutic target for bone metabolic diseases.

Brg1 regulates murine liver regeneration by targeting miR-187-5p dependent on Hippo signalling pathway

Brg1 and Hippo signalling pathway are abnormally expressed in many malignant tumours, especially in Hepatocellular carcinoma, but their role in liver regeneration (LR) is unknown. In our research, we investigated the role of Brg1 and Hippo signalling pathway in hepatocyte proliferation and LR. Following 2/3 partial hepatectomy (PH) in liver-specific Brg1 deleted mice (Brg1-/-) (KO) mice and sex-matched wild-type (WT), depletion of Brg1 in mouse embryos caused liver cell growth disorders and significantly decreased expression of miR-187-5p. We identified LATS1 as a target gene of miR-187-5p and the introduction of miR-187-5p decrease the expression of LATS1 and inactivated the Hippo signalling pathway, which facilitated the expression of cell cycle-related proteins, and rescues the inhibitory effect of Brg1 in LR. Taken together, our findings suggested that deletion of Brg1 inhibits hepatocyte proliferation and LR by targeting miR-187-5p dependent on Hippo signalling pathway.

MiR-187 suppresses non-small-cell lung cancer cell proliferation by targeting FGF9

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the main pathological type of lung cancer and has a low overall five-year survival rate. miR-187 has been reported to play major roles in various tumor types. In this study, we explored the impact of miR-187 on NSCLC. qRT-PCR results demonstrated that miR-187 expression is lower in NSCLC and cancer cells than normal tissues and normal lung cells. miR-187 expression levels are associated with tumor size, TNM stage and overall survival rate. MTS and colony formation assays showed that high miR-187 expression inhibits NSCLC cell proliferation and colony formation ability, and flow cytometry showed that miR-187 overexpression induces cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase. A luciferase reporter assay showed that FGF9 is a target of miR-187. miR-187 overexpression reduces the expression of FGF9, cyclin D1 CDK4 and CDK6. Therefore, miR-187 may present a new NSCLC treatment target by regulates cyclins-related protein expression.

CYP1B1 gene: Implications in glaucoma and cancer

Glaucoma is a serious disease that can lead to irreversible loss of vision. Patients with primary congenital glaucoma may have elevated intraocular pressure. Hypertension causes damages to intraocular structures and affects the Schlemm's canal, collector channels, trabecular meshwork, and optic nerve's molecular structures. An important gene that is defective in patients with glaucoma is CYP1B1, a gene associated with optic nerve deterioration. CYP1B1is a key enzyme involved in the metabolism of exogenous and endogenous compounds. Also, it is critical in the detoxification of pre-carcinogens, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and estrogen. It catalyzes their conversion into metabolites subsequently eliminated from the body. In malignant tumors, the CYP1B1 promoter is hypomethylated. CYP1B1 overexpression results in the conversion of estrogens to quinone forms, which bind with DNA and create a predisposition for cancer in several organs, such as the brain, breast, and ovary. Increased cytokine interleukin-6 and leptin lead to elevated CYP1B1 activity, which possibly causes cancer. In addition, the expression of aromatic hydrocarbon receptors is increased in tumor tissues, and it elevates oxidative stress and cell growth. TCGA database analysis showed increased survival at bladder and renal carcinoma when CYP1B1 expression is low. Therefore, alteration of CYP1B1 expression may suggest a therapeutic benefit for multiple diseases such as glaucoma and cancer.

Expression profiles of miRNAs in giant cell tumor of bone showed miR-187-5p and miR-1323 can regulate biological functions through inhibiting FRS2

Background

Giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) is considered to be a kind of borderline tumor, which has a tendency to recur and translocate. MicroRNAs are one type of small noncoding RNA, which can inhibit the translation of targeted mRNA through RNA‐induced silencing complex.

Methods

Microarray was conducted on three groups of tumor tissues and normal tissues from patients with GCTB, and results showed different expression profiles of miRNAs with Gene Ontology analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis. The functions of miR‐187‐5p and miR‐1323, which were highly expressed in GCTB, were examined by 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine (EDU), transwell, and CCK8 assays. RNAhybrid et al. (rna prediction softwares) predicted that the two microRNAs targeted fibroblast growth factor receptor substrate 2 (FRS2), which was verified by luciferase assay and rescue experiments.

Results

miR‐187‐5p and miR‐1323 were highly expressed in tumor tissues. They can jointly regulate the biological functions of GCTB in vitro. Luciferase assay confirmed that the two microRNAs can bind to the 3′ untranslated regions (UTR) of mRNA of FRS2. And, rescue experiments verified the relationships between the two microRNAs and FRS2.

Conclusion

There were some different‐expressed microRNAs between GCTB and normal tissues. miR‐187‐5p and miR‐1323 can regulate the biological functions of GCTB through influencing the expression of FRS2.

Delayed IL-12 production by macrophages during Toxoplasma gondii infection is regulated by miR-187

Toxoplasma gondii is an important zoonotic protozoan worldwide which infects most of warm-blooded mammals and birds, including human, and cause toxoplasmosis. As an intracellular parasite, T. gondii must evade host immune surveillance, such as IL-12 and IFN-γ, in order to survive and multiply in macrophages and other host cells. By delaying IL-12 secretion of host macrophages within 24 h after infection, T. gondii ensures not only self-survival but also the establishment of chronic infection of host cells. MicroRNA plays an important role in regulating gene transcription and translation. The mechanisms of IL-12 production during T. gondii infection are still unknown. Thus, understanding how the parasites manipulate IL-12 production by host macrophage is critical for the effective prevention and therapy of T. gondii infection. In the present study, regulation of delayed macrophage IL-12 production during T. gondii infection was explored. We found that the production of IL-12 after T. gondii infection was inhibited during the first 24 h and then resumed. The expression pattern of miR-187 production was consistent with the production pattern of IL-12 during T. gondii infection. The downregulation of miR-187 promoted Akt and P65 phosphorylation and delayed IL-12 production at late stage (after 24 h) of T. gondii infection. Dual-luciferase reporter assay indicated that MiR-187 targeted the NFKBIZ gene. Our results suggested that the delayed IL-12 production in mouse macrophages during T. gondii infection was regulated by miR-187.

Identification of Three Differentially Expressed miRNAs as Potential Biomarkers for Lung Adenocarcinoma Prognosis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study areto screen MicroRNAs (miRNAs) related to the prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and to explore the possible molecular mechanisms.

METHODS

The data for a total of 535 patients with LUAD data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The miRNAs for LUAD prognosis were screened by both Cox risk proportional regression model and Last Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression model. The performances of the models were verified by time-dependent Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve. The possible biological processes linked to the miRNAs' target genes were analyzed by Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto gene and genome encyclopedia (KEGG).

RESULTS

Among 127 differentially expressed miRNAs identified from the screening analysis, there are 111 up-regulated and 16 down-regulated miRNAs. Three of them, hsa-miR-1293, hsa-miR-490 and hsa-miR- 5571, were also significantly associated with the survival of the LUAD patients. The targets of the three miRNAs are significantly enriched in systemic lupus erythematosus pathways.

CONCLUSION

Hsa-miR-1293, hsa-miR-490 and hsa-miR-5571 can be potentially used as novel biomarkers for the prognosis prediction of LUAD.

MicroRNA‑718 serves a tumor‑suppressive role in non‑small cell lung cancer by directly targeting CCNB1

MicroRNA‑718 (miR‑718) serves crucial roles in tumorigenesis and in the progression of a number of cancers. However, the expression profile, specific functions and mechanisms of action of miR‑718 in non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are still elusive. The aims of the present study were to quantify the expression of miR‑718, determine its biological roles and elucidate the molecular mechanisms responsible for its activities in NSCLC cells. Reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR was carried out to assess miR‑718 expression in NSCLC tissue samples and cell lines. The Cell Counting Kit‑8 assay, flow cytometry, cell migration and invasion assays, and a tumor xenograft experiment were performed to evaluate the effects of miR‑718 overexpression on the malignant biological behaviors of NSCLC cells. miR‑718 expression was demonstrated to be significantly decreased in NSCLC tissue samples and cell lines. This reduced expression was significantly associated with tumor, node, metastasis stage, tumor size, lymph node metastasis and poor overall survival among patients with NSCLC. Exogenous miR‑718 expression suppressed NSCLC cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and promoted apoptosis in vitro; whereas it hindered tumor growth in vivo. Experiments to elucidate the mechanisms involved revealed that miR‑718 functions by directly targeting cyclin B1 (CCNB1) mRNA. CCNB1 expression was found to be upregulated in NSCLC and inversely correlated with miR‑718 levels. CCNB1 depletion had effects similar to those of miR‑718 overexpression in NSCLC cells. Furthermore, restoration of CCNB1 expression attenuated the tumor‑suppressive effects of miR‑718 overexpression in NSCLC cells. These results indicated that miR‑718 suppressed NSCLC progression in vitro and in vivo by directly targeting CCNB1 mRNA, which may indicate a potential target for the diagnosis and treatment of this fatal disease.

Glioblastoma: Role of Mitochondria N-acetylserotonin/Melatonin Ratio in Mediating Effects of miR-451 and Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor and in Coordinating Wider Biochemical Changes

A wide array of different factors and processes have been linked to the biochemical underpinnings of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and glioblastoma stem cells (GSC), with no clear framework in which these may be integrated. Consequently, treatment of GBM/GSC is generally regarded as very poor. This article provides a framework that is based on alterations in the regulation of the melatonergic pathways within mitochondria of GBM/GSC. It is proposed that the presence of high levels of mitochondria-synthesized melatonin is toxic to GBM/GSC, with a number of processes in GBM/GSC acting to limit melatonin’s synthesis in mitochondria. One such factor is the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, which increases cytochrome P450 (CYP)1b1 in mitochondria, leading to the ‘backward’ conversion of melatonin to N-acetylserotonin (NAS). N-acetylserotonin has some similar, but some important differential effects compared with melatonin, including its activation of the tyrosine receptor kinase B (TrkB) receptor. TrkB activation is important to GBM/GSC survival and proliferation. A plethora of significant, but previously disparate, data on GBM/GSC can then be integrated within this framework, including miR-451, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mTOR, 14-3-3 proteins, sirtuins, tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase, and the kynurenine pathways. Such a conceptualization provides a framework for the development of more effective treatment for this poorly managed condition.

MicroRNA-625 inhibits the progression of non‑small cell lung cancer by directly targeting HOXB5 and deactivating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway

Numerous microRNAs (miRs) are dysregulated in non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), serving pivotal roles in its formation and progression. miR‑625 is dysregulated in several types of human cancer, but its involvement in the formation and development of NSCLC remains poorly understood. In the present study, we aimed to investigate miR‑625 expression in NSCLC and its role in regulating NSCLC cell behavior. miR‑625 expression in NSCLC tissues and cell lines was detected using reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The effects of miR‑625 overexpression on NSCLC cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion in vitro were assessed using an MTT assay, flow cytometry, and cell migration and invasion assays, respectively. The effects of miR‑625 upregulation on NSCLC growth were evaluated in an in vivo xenograft model. The molecular mechanisms underlying the tumor‑suppressing roles of miR‑625 in NSCLC were explored in detail. miR‑625 expression was determined to be downregulated in NSCLC tissues and cell lines. This decreased expression was associated with advanced clinical features and poor overall survival of patients with NSCLC. Exogenous miR‑625 expression suppressed NSCLC cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and induced apoptosis in vitro. miR‑625 upregulation hindered NSCLC tumor growth in vivo. Homeobox B5 (HOXB5) was proposed to be the direct target gene of miR‑625 in NSCLC cells. The tumor‑suppressing effects of HOXB5 silencing were similar to those of miR‑625 overexpression in NSCLC cells. In rescue experiments, HOXB5 overexpression partially reversed the inhibitory effects of miR‑625 in NSCLC cells. miR‑625 upregulation directly targeted HOXB5 to deactivate the Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway in NSCLC cells in vitro and in vivo. miR‑625 was determined to be associated with HOXB5 suppression and Wnt/β‑catenin pathway deactivation, which in turn inhibited the aggressive behavior of NSCLC cells in vitro and in vivo.

MicroRNA‑629 inhibition suppresses the viability and invasion of non‑small cell lung cancer cells by directly targeting RUNX3

Dysregulated microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) directly modulate the biological functions of non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells and contribute to the initiation and progression of NSCLC; however, the specific roles and underlying mechanisms of the dysregulated miRNAs in NSCLC require further investigation. The present study reported that miRNA‑629‑5p (miR‑629) was upregulated in NSCLC tissues and cell lines. High miR‑629 expression levels were significantly associated with tumour size, clinical stage and lymph node metastasis in patients with NSCLC. Functional experiments indicated that miR‑629 inhibition suppressed the viability and invasion NSCLC cells in vitro. Furthermore, bioinformatics prediction, luciferase reporter assay, reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis demonstrated that runt‑related transcription factor 3 (RUNX3) was a direct target gene of miR‑629 in NSCLC. Restoration of RUNX3 expression suppressed the effects of miR‑629 inhibition in NSCLC cells. Rescue experiments revealed that RUNX3 knockdown partially abrogated the effects of miR‑629 inhibition on NSCLC cells. In summary, miR‑629 directly targeted RUNX3 to inhibit the progression of NSCLC, suggesting that this miRNA may be considered as a diagnostic and therapeutic target for patients with NSCLC.

miR‑802 inhibits the aggressive behaviors of non‑small cell lung cancer cells by directly targeting FGFR1

Emerging reports have revealed that several microRNAs (miRNAs) are abnormally expressed in non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). miRNAs have been identified as oncogenes or tumor suppressors, and regulate various biological processes including oncogenesis and development. miR‑802 is dysregulated in multiple types of human cancer, and exerts tumor‑suppressive or promoting roles. However, the expression levels and functional roles of miR‑802 in NSCLC remain largely unknown. In the present study, miR‑802 expression was demonstrated to be decreased in NSCLC tissues and cell lines. A low miR‑802 expression was significantly correlated with the tumor stage, lymph node metastasis and brain metastasis in NSCLC patients. Restoring miR‑802 expression inhibited NSCLC cell proliferation and colony formation, induced cell apoptosis, decreased cell migration and invasion in vitro, and hindered in vivo tumor growth. Mechanistically, fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) was confirmed as the target gene of miR‑802 in NSCLC cells. In addition, FGFR1 silencing mimicked the tumor‑suppressing roles of miR‑802 upregulation in NSCLC cells. Furthermore, rescue experiments revealed that FGFR1 reintroduction rescued the miR‑802‑induced inhibition of the malignant phenotypes in NSCLC cells. Notably, miR‑802 was able to deactivate the phosphoinositide 3‑kinase (PI3K)/AKT serine/threonine kinase (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway in NSCLC cells in vitro and in vivo. Overall, these results demonstrated that miR‑802 could downregulate FGFR1 expression, thereby deactivating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and inhibiting the malignant development of NSCLC. Thus, miR‑802 may be a therapeutic candidate for patients with NSCLC.

Regulation of cytochrome P450 expression by microRNAs and long noncoding RNAs: Epigenetic mechanisms in environmental toxicology and carcinogenesis

Environmental exposures to hazardous chemicals are associated with a variety of human diseases and disorders, including cancers. Phase I metabolic activation and detoxification reactions catalyzed by cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs) affect the toxicities of many xenobiotic compounds. Proper regulation of CYP expression influences their biological effects. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are involved in regulating CYP expression, and ncRNA expression is regulated in response to environmental chemicals. The mechanistic interactions between ncRNAs and CYPs associated with the toxicity and carcinogenicity of environmental chemicals are described in this review, focusing on microRNA-dependent CYP regulation. The role of long noncoding RNAs in regulating CYP expression is also presented and new avenues of research concerning this regulatory mechanism are described.

Alteration of Intestinal Flora Stimulates Pulmonary microRNAs to Interfere with Host Antiviral Immunity in Influenza

The intestinal flora may be an important and modifiable factor that contributes to the immune response in influenza. To investigate the effect of intestinal flora alteration induced by antibiotic interference on microRNA (miRNA) communication in antiviral immunity, BALB/c mice received two weeks of antibiotic treatment before infection with the influenza A virus. The changes in intestinal flora and pulmonary flora were detected and analyzed by 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing. The amplification of the influenza virus in the lungs was measured by RT-PCR. The involvement of pulmonary miRNA was explored using miRNA microarray analysis. The results showed that the antibiotics destroyed the symbiotic relationship of the intestinal flora, resulting in a reduction in bacterial diversity, but they did not affect the pulmonary flora. The alteration of intestinal flora affected the expression of pulmonary miRNAs and resulted in an enhancement of pulmonary influenza virus amplification. The conclusion is that alteration of intestinal flora induced by antibiotic interference affected the expression of pulmonary miRNAs to interfere with host antiviral immunity, of which miR-146b and miR-29c might be good resources of resistance to influenza under antibiotic abuse.

Current knowledge of microRNA-mediated regulation of drug metabolism in humans

INTRODUCTION

Understanding the factors causing inter- and intra-individual differences in drug metabolism potencies is required for the practice of personalized or precision medicine, as well as for the promotion of efficient drug development. The expression of drug-metabolizing enzymes is controlled by transcriptional regulation by nuclear receptors and transcriptional factors, epigenetic regulation, such as DNA methylation and histone acetylation, and post-translational modification. In addition to such regulation mechanisms, recent studies revealed that microRNAs (miRNAs), endogenous ~22-nucleotide non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression through the translational repression and degradation of mRNAs, significantly contribute to post-transcriptional regulation of drug-metabolizing enzymes. Areas covered: This review summarizes the current knowledge regarding miRNAs-dependent regulation of drug-metabolizing enzymes and transcriptional factors and its physiological and clinical significance. We also describe recent advances in miRNA-dependent regulation research, showing that the presence of pseudogenes, single-nucleotide polymorphisms, and RNA editing affects miRNA targeting. Expert opinion: It is unwavering fact that miRNAs are critical factors causing inter- and intra-individual differences in the expression of drug-metabolizing enzymes. Consideration of miRNA-dependent regulation would be a helpful tool for optimizing personalized and precision medicine.

Towards Resolving the Pro- and Anti-Tumor Effects of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor

We have postulated that the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) drives the later, more lethal stages of some cancers when chronically activated by endogenous ligands. However, other studies have suggested that, under some circumstances, the AHR can oppose tumor aggression. Resolving this apparent contradiction is critical to the design of AHR-targeted cancer therapeutics. Molecular (siRNA, shRNA, AHR repressor, CRISPR-Cas9) and pharmacological (AHR inhibitors) approaches were used to confirm the hypothesis that AHR inhibition reduces human cancer cell invasion (irregular colony growth in 3D Matrigel cultures and Boyden chambers), migration (scratch wound assay) and metastasis (human cancer cell xenografts in zebrafish). Furthermore, these assays were used for a head-to-head comparison between AHR antagonists and agonists. AHR inhibition or knockdown/knockout consistently reduced human ER⁻/PR⁻/Her2⁻ and inflammatory breast cancer cell invasion, migration, and metastasis. This was associated with a decrease in invasion-associated genes (e.g., Fibronectin, VCAM1, Thrombospondin, MMP1) and an increase in CDH1/E-cadherin, previously associated with decreased tumor aggression. Paradoxically, AHR agonists (2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and/or 3,3′-diindolylmethane) similarly inhibited irregular colony formation in Matrigel and blocked metastasis in vivo but accelerated migration. These data demonstrate the complexity of modulating AHR activity in cancer while suggesting that AHR inhibitors, and, under some circumstances, AHR agonists, may be useful as cancer therapeutics.

MicroRNAs: A novel potential biomarker for diagnosis and therapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer is still one of the most serious causes of cancer-related deaths all over the world. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are defined as small non-coding RNAs which could play a pivotal role in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Increasing evidence demonstrated dysregulation of miRNA expression associates with the development and progression of NSCLC.

AIMS

To emphasize a variety of tissue-specific miRNAs, circulating miRNAs and miRNA-derived exosomes could be used as potential diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers in NSCLC patients.

MATERIALS & METHODS

In the current review, we paid attention to the significant discoveries of preclinical and clinical studies, which performed on tissue-specific miRNA, circulating miRNA and exosomal miRNA. The related studies were obtained through a systematic search of Pubmed, Web of Science, Embase.

RESULTS

A variety of tissue-specific miRNAs and circulating miRNAs with high sensitivity and specificity which could be used as potential diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers in NSCLC patients. In addition, we emphasize that the miRNA-derived exosomes become novel diagnostic biomarkers potentially in these patients with NSCLC.

CONCLUSION

MiRNAs have emerged as non-coding RNAs, which have potential to be candidates for the diagnosis and therapy of NSCLC.

MicroRNA-138 Inhibits Cell Growth, Invasion, and EMT of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer via SOX4/p53 Feedback Loop

Many studies have shown that downregulation of miR-138 occurs in a variety of cancers including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the precise mechanisms of miR-138 in NSCLC have not been well clarified. In this study, we investigated the biological functions and molecular mechanisms of miR-138 in NSCLC cell lines, discussing whether it could turn out to be a therapeutic biomarker of NSCLC in the future. In our study, we found that miR-138 is downregulated in NSCLC tissues and cell lines. Moreover, the low level of miR-138 was associated with increased expression of SOX4 in NSCLC tissues and cell lines. Upregulation of miR-138 significantly inhibited proliferation of NSCLC cells. In addition, invasion and EMT of NSCLC cells were suppressed by overexpression of miR-138. However, downregulation of miR-138 promoted cell growth and metastasis of NSCLC cells. Bioinformatics analysis predicted that SOX4 was a potential target gene of miR-138. Next, luciferase reporter assay confirmed that miR-138 could directly target SOX4. Consistent with the effect of miR-138, downregulation of SOX4 by siRNA inhibited proliferation, invasion, and EMT of NSCLC cells. Overexpression of SOX4 in NSCLC cells partially reversed the effect of miR-138 mimic. In addition, decreased SOX4 expression could increase the level of miR-138 via upregulation of p53. Introduction of miR-138 dramatically inhibited growth, invasion, and EMT of NSCLC cells through a SOX4/p53 feedback loop.

MicroRNA-30a-5p suppresses epithelial-mesenchymal transition by targeting profilin-2 in high invasive non-small cell lung cancer cell lines

PFN2 is an invasion promoter in several cancers including lung cancer. However, the probable effects and underlying mechanisms of PFN2 in tumor cell epithelial-mesenchymal-transition (EMT) of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remain poorly understood. The protein and mRNA levels of PFN2 in human bronchial epithelial cell line 16HBE and three NSCLC cell lines A549, NCI-H520 and 95D were assessed. The gain-of-function (overexpression) and loss‑of-function (siRNA) experiments of PFN2 were performed in 95D cells. A dual-luciferase reporter assay, western blotting and real-time PCR were used to investigate the relationship between PFN2 and miR‑30a‑5p. PFN2 was upregulated in three NSCLC cell lines, and the highest in 95D cell line. Furthermore, the upregulation of PFN2 promoted, whereas the downregulation of PFN2 suppressed invasion and EMT in 95D. Dual-luciferase reporter assay showed that miR‑30a‑5p directly interacts with the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of PFN2 mRNA. Interestingly, miR‑30a‑5p negatively regulates the expression of PFN2 and suppresses EMT and invasion in 95D. In summary, the present study demonstrated that miR‑30a‑5p inhibits EMT and invasion in high invasive NSCLC cell lines via targeting PFN2. Suggesting the association of miR‑30a‑5p and PFN2 may play an essential role in the development of NSCLC by modulating EMT and cell invasion.

MicroRNA-520e suppresses non-small-cell lung cancer cell growth by targeting Zbtb7a-mediated Wnt signaling pathway

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) that negatively regulated gene expression have emerged as novel therapeutic target for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment. In this study, we investigated the potential role of miR-520e and examined its functional role in NSCLCs. Loss-and-gain of function assays show that miR-520e significantly modulated NSCLC cell growth, cell invasion and cell migration via directly targeting the 3'-untranslated region (UTR) of Zbtb7a and therefore reduced Zbtb7a protein level. These effects of miR-520e on NSCLC progression could be rescued by Zbtb7a overexpression in A549 cells. Furthermore, both of miR-520e level and Zbtb7a level were correlated with Wnt signaling in NSCLC cells. Taken together, these results indicate that overexpressing miR-520e is involved in regulating the NSCLC cell growth, invasion and migration by targeting Zbtb7a partly depending on Wnt signaling.