MiR-223 modulates hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation through promoting apoptosis via the Rab1-mediated mTOR activation

Construction of a prognostic model based on genome-wide methylation analysis of miRNAs for hepatocellular carcinoma

Aim: Using the methylation level of miRNA genes to develop a prognostic model for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Materials & methods: least absolute shrinkage and selection operator and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to develop a prognostic model. One miRNA in the model was selected for verification. Results: A prognostic model was developed using eight miRNAs. The areas under the curve for predicting overall survival at 1, 3 and 5 years were 0.75, 0.81 and 0.81. miR-223 was found to be hypomethylated in 160 HCC tissues, and its methylation level was associated with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stages and the prognosis of patients with HCC. Conclusion: The prognostic model based on miRNA methylation levels has the capability to partially forecast the prognosis of patients with HCC.

The role of extracellular vesicles and interleukin-8 in regulating and mediating neutrophil-dependent cancer drug resistance

Tumor drug resistance is a multifactorial and heterogenous condition that poses a serious burden in clinical oncology. Given the increasing incidence of resistant tumors, further understanding of the mechanisms that make tumor cells able to escape anticancer drug effects is pivotal for developing new effective treatments. Neutrophils constitute a considerable proportion of tumor infiltrated immune cells, and studies have linked elevated neutrophil counts with poor prognosis. Tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) can acquire in fact immunoregulatory capabilities, thus regulating tumor progression and resistance, or response to therapy. In this review, we will describe TANs' actions in the tumor microenvironment, with emphasis on the analysis of the role of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and extracellular vesicles (EVs) as crucial modulators and mediators of TANs biology and function in tumors. We will then discuss the main mechanisms through which TANs can induce drug resistance, finally reporting emerging therapeutic approaches that target these mechanisms and can thus be potentially used to reduce or overcome neutrophil-mediated tumor drug resistance.

miRNA-223 expression in patient-derived eutopic and ectopic endometrial stromal cells and its effect on epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in endometriosis

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to evaluate the expression of microRNA-223 (miRNA-223) in patient-derived eutopic and ectopic endometrial stromal cells (SCs). Given the fact that miRNA-223 was previously shown to be upregulated in these cells and that this upregulation has been linked to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) during endometriosis, this study aimed to further explore the expression of miRNA-223, its effect in endometriosis, and the mechanisms underlying its effects.

METHODS

Endometrial tissue was collected from 26 patients with endometriosis and 14 patients with hysteromyoma (control group). Primary endometrial SCs were isolated and cultured from several endometrial samples and miRNA-223 expression was evaluated using qRT-PCR. Cells were then transfected with a miRNA-223 overexpression lentiviral vector (sh-miR-223 cells) or an empty control (sh-NC cells) and then used to monitor the effects of miRNA-223 on the expression of several EMT-associated proteins, including N-cadherin, vimentin, and Slug, using western blot. Cellular migration, invasion, and proliferation were then evaluated using a wound healing, Transwell, and CCK-8 assay, respectively. Flow cytometry was used to detect apoptosis.

RESULTS

There was a significant decrease in the expression of miRNA-223 in both eutopic and ectopic endometrial SCs (p < 0.05) whereas upregulation of miRNA-223 inhibited the expression of EMT-related molecules and reduced cell migration, invasion, and proliferation. High levels of miRNA-223 also promoted apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

miRNA-223 expression decreased in endometrial SCs from endometriosis patients, which may facilitate the differential regulation of EMT during endometriosis.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

SWYX2020-211.

miR-223 Exerts Translational Control of Proatherogenic Genes in Macrophages

A significant burden of atherosclerotic disease is driven by inflammation. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as important factors driving and protecting from atherosclerosis. miR-223 regulates cholesterol metabolism and inflammation via targeting both cholesterol biosynthesis pathway and NF_kB signaling pathways; however, its role in atherosclerosis has not been investigated. We hypothesize that miR-223 globally regulates core inflammatory pathways in macrophages in response to inflammatory and atherogenic stimuli thus limiting the progression of atherosclerosis.

Hepatocellular Carcinoma: The Role of MicroRNAs

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. HCC is diagnosed in its advanced stage when limited treatment options are available. Substantial morphologic, genetic and epigenetic heterogeneity has been reported in HCC, which poses a challenge for the development of a targeted therapy. In this review, we discuss the role and involvement of several microRNAs (miRs) in the heterogeneity and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma with a special emphasis on their possible role as a diagnostic and prognostic tool in the risk prediction, early detection, and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

MiR-223 as a Regulator and Therapeutic Target in Liver Diseases

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous non-coding single-stranded small molecule RNAs consisting of 20–24 nucleotides that are highly conserved in species evolution. Expression of miRNAs is strictly tissue-specific, and it is chronological in fungi and plants, as well as in animals. MiR-223 has been shown to play a key role in innate immunity, and dysregulation of its expression contributes to the pathogenesis of multiple inflammatory diseases, and cancers. In this article the biosynthesis and functions of miR-223 in innate immunity are reviewed, and the role of miR-223 in liver physiopathology and therapeutic prospects are highlighted.

Clinical implications of miR-223 in allergic conjunctivitis and related factors affecting disease recurrence

This study aims to explore the clinical implications of miR-223 in allergic conjunctivitis (AC) and the related factors affecting disease recurrence. 47 AC patients and 58 healthy controls were enrolled to measure miR-223 expression level, serum level of inflammatory mediators, and the correlation between miR-223 and inflammatory mediators. Subsequently, AC patients were followed up for six months to record disease recurrence and explore the risk factors affecting disease recurrence. Compared to the healthy controls, the miR-223 level was lower, while inflammatory cytokines and immunoglobulins levels were higher in AC patients. There was a negative correlation of miR-223 with inflammatory cytokines and immunoglobulins. Also, miR-223 was evidently lower in AC recurrence patients than those without recurrence. Moreover, family history, pet-keeping, and other allergic histories were among the risk factors contributing to AC recurrence. These results indicate that miR-223 plays an important role in the pathology of allergic conjunctivitis.

Role of Rab GTPases in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

The Rab GTPase family contains almost 70 genes in the human genome and acts as the key regulator of intracellular membrane trafficking in human cells. The dysregulation of Rab GTPase has been shown to be associated with multiple human diseases, ranging from neurodegeneration, and infection to cancer. Rab GTPases not only play important roles in genome replication, morphogenesis and the release of hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV), but also contribute to hepatitis-related hepatocarcinogenesis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. The alteration of Rab GTPase expression in HCC plays an important role in tumour cell proliferation, invasion and migration. Notably, the expression of Rab genes can be regulated by some noncoding RNAs, such as miRNAs and circRNAs. Thus, Rab GTPases can serve as promising rational and therapeutic targets for HCC treatments. In this review, we summarized recent advancements in this field focusing on Rab GTPases in HCC.

Long noncoding RNA ZFPM2-AS1 promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by regulating the miR-576-3p/HIF-1α axis

Long noncoding RNA (LncRNA) zinc finger protein multitype 2 antisense RNA 1 (ZFPM2-AS1) is highly expressed in a variety of tumors and is involved in promoting the malignant biological behaviors of cancer cells. However, the mechanism of ZFPM2-AS1 in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains to be explored. The ZFPM2-AS1 expression in HCC was measured by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR); cell counting kit-8, 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU), and transwell assays were used to confirm the biological functions of ZFPM2-AS1 in regulating the malignant biological behaviors of HCC cells; the luciferase reporter gene assay was employed to detect whether ZFPM2-AS1 could bind to microRNA (miR)-576-3p; the regulatory relationship between ZFPM2-AS1 and miR-576-3p was probed by qRT-PCR; the effects of ZFPM2-AS1 and miR-576-3p on the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot. The expression of ZFPM2-AS1 in HCC tissues, compared with that in normal liver tissues, was significantly upregulated. Knockdown of ZFPM2-AS1 markedly inhibited HCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion while the overexpression of ZFPM2-AS1 worked oppositely. miR-576-3p could reverse the effects of ZFPM2-AS1 on the biological behaviors of HCC cells. Besides, ZFPM2-AS1 could bind to miR-576-3p and positively regulate the expression of HIF-1α, a target gene of miR-576-3p, by adsorbing miR-576-3p. ZFPM2-AS1 is abnormally highly expressed in HCC and facilitates proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells by adsorbing miR-576-3p and upregulating HIF-1α expression.

LncRNA OIP5-AS1 knockdown or miR-223 overexpression can alleviate LPS-induced ALI/ARDS by interfering with miR-223/NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis

BACKGROUND

Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are life-threatening diseases and endothelial barrier injury is an important contributor to the pathogenesis of ALI/ARDS. LncRNA has been proved to participate in the progression of ALI/ARDS. Our study aimed to investigate the function of lncRNA OIP5-AS1 in LPS-induced ALI/ARDS.

METHODS

OIP5-AS1 and miR-223 levels were detected by PCR in the serum of ALI/ARDS patients or healthy donors. MTT assay were performed to detect the proliferation of HPMECs. Flow cytometry were performed to detect the apoptosis of HPMECs. The protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, GSDMD-N, caspase-1 were measured by western blot to detect the pyroptosis of HPMECs. IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18 and IL-10 was detected by ELISA to measure the inflammatory response of HPMECs. And production of ROS, SOD and MDA was measured to determine the oxidative stress of HPMECs. Targets of OIP5-AS1 and miR-223 were predicted by StarBase and confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay.

RESULTS

We found that OIP5-AS1 was upregulated, while miR-223 was downregulated in the serum of ALI/ARDS patients and LPS-treated HPMECs. Functionally, knockdown of OIP5-AS1 induced proliferation and inhibited apoptosis, pyroptosis, inflammatory response and oxidative stress of LPS-treated HPMECs. Interestingly, miR-223 was a target of OIP5-AS1 and miR-223 inhibition abolished the effects of si-OIP5-AS1 on LPS-induced HPMECs. More importantly, miR-223 directly targeted NLRP3, miR-223 overexpression also promoted proliferation and inhibited apoptosis, pyroptosis, inflammatory response and oxidative stress of LPS-treated HPMECs and which was abolished by NLRP3 overexpression. Finally, we found that OIP5-AS1 knockdown and miR-223 overexpression could both alleviate LPS-induced ALI/ARDS in vivo.

CONCLUSION

Together, we find that LncRNA OIP5-AS1 aggravates LPS-induced ALI/ARDS via miR-223/NLRP3 axis and provides new targets for ALI/ARDS therapy.

Epigenetic Regulation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression through the mTOR Signaling Pathway

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of primary liver cancer, is an aggressive tumor with a high mortality rate because of the limited systemic and locoregional treatment modalities. The development and progression of HCC depend on epigenetic changes that result in the activation or inhibition of some signaling pathways. The mTOR signaling pathway is essential for many pathophysiological processes and is considered a major regulator of cancer. Increasing evidence has shown that epigenetics plays a key role in HCC biology by regulating the mTOR signaling pathway. Therefore, epigenetic regulation through the mTOR signaling pathway to diagnose and treat HCC will become a very promising strategy.

The many facets of miR-223 in cancer: Oncosuppressor, oncogenic driver, therapeutic target, and biomarker of response

Given their intrinsic pleiotropism, microRNAs (miR) play complex biological roles, in both normal and pathological conditions. Often the same miR can act as oncogene or oncosuppressor, depending on the biological process dysregulated in each specific tissue. miR‐223 does not represent an exception to this rule and its functions greatly differ in different contexts. miR‐223 has been widely studied in the hematopoietic compartment, where it plays a central role in innate immune response, regulating myeloid differentiation and granulocytes function. Accordingly, dysregulated expression of miR‐223 has been associated to different inflammatory disorders and tumors arising from the immune compartment. Most carcinomas, breast cancer being the most studied, display loss of miR‐223. However, in gastro‐esophageal cancers miR‐223 is frequently overexpressed and correlates with worse prognosis. A link between miR‐223 and response to CDK4/6‐inhibitors has been recently proposed, suggesting a role as biomarker of therapeutic response. The notion that one of the most commonly mutated protein in cancer, mutant p53, binds the promoter of miR‐223 and suppresses its transcription, adds a further level of complexity to the full understanding of miR‐223 in cancer. In this review, we will summarize the current knowledge on the molecular networks that alter or are altered by miR‐223, in different cancer types. We will discuss if the times are ready for the exploitation of miR‐223 as predictive biomarker of treatment response or, even, as therapeutic target, in specific settings. Finally, we will suggest which could be the next steps to be taken for a realistic clinical application of miR‐223.

This article is categorized under:

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease

Proteomics-based identification of TMED9 is linked to vascular invasion and poor prognoses in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Due to the difficulties in early diagnosing and treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), prognoses for patients remained poor in the past decade. In this study, we established a screening model to discover novel prognostic biomarkers in HCC patients.

METHODS

Candidate biomarkers were screened by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analyses of five HCC normal (N)/tumor (T) paired tissues and preliminarily verified them through several in silico database analyses. Expression levels and functional roles of candidate biomarkers were respectively evaluated by immunohistochemical staining in N/T paired tissue (n = 120) and MTS, colony formation, and transwell migration/invasion assays in HCC cell lines. Associations of clinicopathological features and prognoses with candidate biomarkers in HCC patients were analyzed from GEO and TCGA datasets and our recruited cohort.

RESULTS

We found that the transmembrane P24 trafficking protein 9 (TMED9) protein was elevated in HCC tissues according to a global proteomic analysis. Higher messenger (m)RNA and protein levels of TMED9 were observed in HCC tissues compared to normal liver tissues or pre-neoplastic lesions. The TMED9 mRNA expression level was significantly associated with an advanced stage and a poor prognosis of overall survival (OS, p = 0.00084) in HCC patients. Moreover, the TMED9 protein expression level was positively correlated with vascular invasion (p = 0.026), OS (p = 0.044), and disease-free survival (p = 0.015) in our recruited Taiwanese cohort. In vitro, manipulation of TMED9 expression in HCC cells significantly affected cell migratory, invasive, proliferative, and colony-forming abilities.

CONCLUSIONS

Ours is the first work to identify an oncogenic role of TMED9 in HCC cells and may provide insights into the application of TMED9 as a novel predictor of clinical outcomes and a potential therapeutic target in patients with HCC.

Interplay between MAPK/ERK signaling pathway and MicroRNAs: A crucial mechanism regulating cancer cell metabolism and tumor progression

Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal transduction, as a highly conserved signaling pathway, is reported to be involved in various biological events, including metabolic reprogramming, cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation. Mutations in key molecules involved in MAPK/ERK signaling and dysregulation of this pathway are very common events in various human malignancies, which make the MAPK signaling a crucial signaling pathway participating in the regulation of glucose uptake by malignant cells and tumorigenesis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), as small non-coding RNAs, are critical regulators of gene expression that play key roles in cancer initiation and progression. On the other hand, these small RNAs mutually regulate the MAPK signaling which is often overexpressed in the case of cancer progression; suggesting that crosstalk between miRNAs and this signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in the development of human cancers. Some miRNAs such as miR-20b, miR-34c-3p, miR-152, miR-181a, and miR-302b through inhibiting MAPK signaling, and miR-193a-3p, miR-330-3p, and miR-592 by activating this signaling pathway, play imperative roles in tumorigenesis. Therefore, in this review, we aimed to focus on the interplay between miRNAs and MAPK signaling in the various steps of tumorigenesis, including metabolic regulation, cell proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, angiogenesis, and drug resistance.

Golgi-associated Rab GTPases implicated in autophagy

Autophagy is a conserved cellular degradation process in eukaryotes that facilitates the recycling and reutilization of damaged organelles and compartments. It plays a pivotal role in cellular homeostasis, pathophysiological processes, and diverse diseases in humans. Autophagy involves dynamic crosstalk between different stages associated with intracellular vesicle trafficking. Golgi apparatus is the central organelle involved in intracellular vesicle trafficking where Golgi-associated Rab GTPases function as important mediators. This review focuses on the recent findings that highlight Golgi-associated Rab GTPases as master regulators of autophagic flux. The scope for future research in elucidating the role and mechanism of Golgi-associated Rab GTPases in autophagy and autophagy-related diseases is discussed further.

From Liver Cirrhosis to Cancer: The Role of Micro-RNAs in Hepatocarcinogenesis

In almost all cases, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) develops as the endpoint of a sequence that starts with chronic liver injury, progresses to liver cirrhosis, and finally, over years and decades, results in liver cancer. Recently, the role of non-coding RNA such as microRNA (miRNA) has been demonstrated in the context of chronic liver diseases and HCC. Moreover, data from a phase II trial suggested a potential role of microRNAs as therapeutics in hepatitis-C-virus infection, representing a significant risk factor for development of liver cirrhosis and HCC. Despite progress in the clinical management of chronic liver diseases, pharmacological treatment options for patients with liver cirrhosis and/or advanced HCC are still limited. With their potential to regulate whole networks of genes, miRNA might be used as novel therapeutics in these patients but could also serve as biomarkers for improved patient stratification. In this review, we discuss available data on the role of miRNA in the transition from liver cirrhosis to HCC. We highlight opportunities for clinical translation and discuss open issues applicable to future developments.

The STAT3-miR-223-TGFBR3/HMGCS1 axis modulates the progression of cervical carcinoma

Cervical cancer is induced by persistent infections with high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs), which produce the early protein 6 of HPVs (E6)/E7 protein that is involved in cell transformation by interacting with several oncoproteins or tumor suppressors. However, the role of noncoding RNA in mediating the pathogenesis of cervical cancer remains unclear. Here, we report that the novel signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)-microRNA-223-3p (miR-223)-TGFBR3/HMGCS1 axis regulated by the E6 protein controls cervical carcinogenesis. miR-223 was highly expressed in cervical tumor tissues, whereas TGFBR3 or HMGCS1 was significantly downregulated. miR-223 targeted the 3'-UTRs of TGFBR3 and HMGCS1 and suppressed their expression, leading to increased anchorage-independent growth and cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. The increased expression of miR-223 was mediated by the transcription factor STAT3, whose activity was enhanced by E6 in the context of interleukin (IL)-6 stimulation. In addition, exosomal miR-223 derived from CSCC cells induced IL-6 secretion by monocyte/macrophage in a coculture system in vitro, and IL-6 secretion, in turn, led to enhanced STAT3 activity in CSSC cells, forming a positive feedback loop. Furthermore, modified miR-223 inhibitor effectively suppressed tumor growth in cell line-derived xenograft model, suggesting that miR-223 is a potential promising therapeutic target in CSCC. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that the STAT3-miR-223-HMGCS1/TGFBR3 axis functions as a key signaling pathway in cervical cancer progression and provides a new therapeutic target.

Upregulation of Rab31 is associated with poor prognosis and promotes colorectal carcinoma proliferation via the mTOR/p70S6K/Cyclin D1 signalling pathway

AIMS

Rab31, a Rab5 subfamily member, has emerged as a modulator of membrane trafficking. Our study serves to clarify the role and mechanism of Rab31 in colorectal carcinoma (CRC) pathogenesis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The differential expression of Rab31 was examined in paired normal and cancerous colonic tissues by quantitative PCR, western blot and immunochemistry. The prognostic significance of Rab31 was analysed by univariate and multivariate survival analyses. We also investigated the effects of Rab31 on tumour growth in vitro.

KEY FINDINGS

We observed that Rab31, which is related to histological differentiation in CRC, was markedly overexpressed in CRC cells. Moreover, patients who showed higher Rab31 levels had a shortened survival period relative to those with low Rab31 levels. Rab31 knockdown significantly downregulated cyclin D1, p-mTOR, and p-p70S6K expression. Moreover, the expression of Rab31-induced p-p70S6K was almost inhibited by rapamycin, a well-established inhibitor of mTOR. Similarly, rapamycin also significantly decreased the stimulatory effect of Rab31 on the expression of cyclin D1.

SIGNIFICANCE

These findings suggested that Rab31 enhanced proliferation, promoted cell cycle progression, and inhibited apoptosis of colorectal carcinoma cells through the mTOR pathway.

Diagnostic and prognostic roles of circulating miRNA-223-3p in hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to dysregulate in many cancer types including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The purpose of this study was to examine the potential diagnostic or prognostic roles of circulating miRNAs in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related HCC.

Methods

Paired cancerous and adjacent non-cancerous liver tissue specimens of patients with HBV-related HCC were used as a discovery set for screening 800 miRNAs by a Nanostring quantitative assay. Differentially expressed miRNAs were then examined by SYBR green quantitative RT-PCR in a validation cohort of serum samples obtained from 70 patients with HBV-related HCC, 70 HBV patients without HCC and 50 healthy controls.

Results

The discovery set identified miR-223-3p, miR-199a-5p and miR-451a significantly lower expressed in cancerous tissues compared with non-cancerous tissues. In the validated cohort, circulating miR-223-3p levels were significantly lower in the HCC group compared with the other groups. The combined use of serum alpha-fetoprotein and miR-223-3p displayed high sensitivity for detecting early HCC (85%) and intermediate/advanced stage HCC (100%). Additionally, serum miR-223-3p had a negative correlation with tumor size and BCLC stage. On multivariate analysis, serum miR-223-3p was identified as an independent prognostic factor of overall survival in patients with HCC. In contrast, circulating miRNA-199a-5p and miR-451a did not show any clinical benefit for the diagnosis and prognostic prediction of HCC.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated that miR-223-3p was differentially expressed in cancerous compared with paired adjacent non-cancerous tissues. In addition, circulating miRNA-223-3p could represent a novel diagnostic and prognostic marker for patients with HBV-related HCC.

MicroRNA dysregulation interplay with childhood abdominal tumors

Abdominal tumors (AT) in children account for approximately 17% of all pediatric solid tumor cases, and frequently exhibit embryonal histological features that differentiate them from adult cancers. Current molecular approaches have greatly improved the understanding of the distinctive pathology of each tumor type and enabled the characterization of novel tumor biomarkers. As seen in abdominal adult tumors, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been increasingly implicated in either the initiation or progression of childhood cancer. Moreover, besides predicting patient prognosis, they represent valuable diagnostic tools that may also assist the surveillance of tumor behavior and treatment response, as well as the identification of the primary metastatic sites. Thus, the present study was undertaken to compile up-to-date information regarding the role of dysregulated miRNAs in the most common histological variants of AT, including neuroblastoma, nephroblastoma, hepatoblastoma, hepatocarcinoma, and adrenal tumors. Additionally, the clinical implications of dysregulated miRNAs as potential diagnostic tools or indicators of prognosis were evaluated.

miRNAs and lncRNAs in Echinococcus and Echinococcosis

Echinococcosis are considered to be potentially lethal zoonotic diseases that cause serious damage to hosts. The metacestode of Echinococcus multilocularis and E. granulosus can result in causing the alveolar and cystic echinococcoses, respectively. Recent studies have shown that non-coding RNAs are widely expressed in Echinococcus spp. and hosts. In this review, the two main types of non-coding RNAs—long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs)—and the wide-scale involvement of these molecules in these parasites and their hosts were discussed. The expression pattern of miRNAs in Echinococcus spp. is species- and developmental stage-specific. Furthermore, common miRNAs were detected in three Echinococcus spp. and their intermediate hosts. Here, we primarily focus on recent insights from transcriptome studies, the expression patterns of miRNAs and lncRNAs, and miRNA-related databases and techniques that are used to investigate miRNAs in Echinococcus and echinococcosis. This review provides new avenues for screening therapeutic and diagnostic markers.

Downregulation of miR-223 Expression Is an Early Event during Mammary Transformation and Confers Resistance to CDK4/6 Inhibitors in Luminal Breast Cancer

miR-223 is an anti-inflammatory miRNA that in cancer acts either as an oncosuppressor or oncopromoter, in a context-dependent manner. In breast cancer, we demonstrated that it dampens the activation of the EGF pathway. However, little is known on the role of miR-223 during breast cancer onset and progression. miR-223 expression was decreased in breast cancer of luminal and HER2 subtypes and inversely correlated with patients' prognosis. In normal luminal mammary epithelial cells, miR-223 acted cell autonomously in the control of their growth and morphology in three-dimensional context. In the MMTV-Δ16HER2 transgenic mouse model, oncogene transformation resulted in a timely abrogation of miR-223 expression, likely due to activation of E2F1, a known repressor of miR-223 transcription. Accordingly, treatment with CDK4/6 inhibitors, which eventually results in restraining E2F1 activity, restored miR-223 expression and miR-223 ablation induced luminal breast cancer resistance to CDK4/6 inhibition, both in vitro and in vivo. Notably, miR-223 expression was lost in microdissected ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) from patients with luminal and HER2-positive breast cancer. Altogether, these results identify downmodulation of miR-223 as an early step in luminal breast cancer onset and suggest that it could be used to identify aggressive DCIS and predict the response to targeted therapy. SIGNIFICANCE: miR-223 may represent a predictive biomarker of response to CDK4/6 inhibitors and its loss could identify DCIS lesions that are likely to progress into invasive breast cancer.

RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK, PI3K/PTEN/AKT/mTORC1 and TP53 pathways and regulatory miRs as therapeutic targets in hepatocellular carcinoma

Introduction: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant problem globally because of viral infections and the increasing incidence of obesity and fatty liver disease. However, it is difficult to treat because its inherent genetic heterogeneity results in activation of numerous signaling pathways. Kinases have been targeted for decades with varying results, but the development of therapeutic resistance is a major challenge.Areas covered: The key roles of the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK, PI3K/PTEN/AKT/mTORC1, TP53 microRNAs (miRs) as therapeutic targets are discussed and we suggests novel approaches for targeting miRs or their downstream targets to combat HCC. We performed literature searches using the Medline Database from 2000 to the present.Expert opinion: The involvement of RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK, PI3K/PTEN/AKT/mTORC and TP53 pathways as drivers of the disease and drug resistance is a challenge. Moreover, miRs regulate the expression of key genes in these pathways. What we and others are proposing is the prospect of targeting miRs and their downstream targets to improve conventional approaches to treat HCC. Combination approaches are often promising because multiple signaling pathways are deregulated due to diverse mutations and events.

MicroRNAs contribute to ATP-binding cassette transporter- and autophagy-mediated chemoresistance in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has an elevated mortality rate, largely because of high recurrence and metastasis. Additionally, the main obstacle during treatment of HCC is that patients usually develop resistance to chemotherapy. Cancer drug resistance involves many different mechanisms, including alterations in drug metabolism and processing, impairment of the apoptotic machine, activation of cell survival signaling, decreased drug sensitivity and autophagy, among others. Nowadays, miRNAs are emerging as master regulators of normal physiology- and tumor-related gene expression. In HCC, aberrant expression of many miRNAs leads to chemoresistance. Herein, we particularly analyzed miRNA impact on HCC resistance to drug therapy. Certain miRNAs target ABC (ATP-binding cassette) transporter genes. As most of these miRNAs are downregulated in HCC, transporter levels increase and intracellular drug accumulation decrease, turning cells less sensitive to death. Others miRNAs target autophagy-related gene expression, inhibiting autophagy and acting as tumor suppressors. Nevertheless, due to its downregulation in HCC, these miRNAs do not inhibit autophagy or tumor growth and, resistance is favored. Concluding, modulation of ABC transporter and/or autophagy-related gene expression or function by miRNAs could be determinant for HCC cell survival under chemotherapeutic drug treatment. Undoubtedly, more insights on the biological processes, signaling pathways and/or molecular mechanisms regulated by miRNAs are needed. Anyway, miRNA-based therapy together with conventional chemotherapeutic drugs has a great future in cancer therapy.

Gonadotrophin-mediated miRNA expression in testis at onset of puberty in rhesus monkey: predictions on regulation of thyroid hormone activity and DLK1-DIO3 locus

Molecular mechanisms responsible for the initiation of primate spermatogenesis remain poorly characterized. Previously, 48 h stimulation of the testes of three juvenile rhesus monkeys with pulsatile LH and FSH resulted in down-regulation of a cohort of genes recognized to favor spermatogonia stem cell renewal. This change in genetic landscape occurred in concert with amplification of Sertoli cell proliferation and the commitment of undifferentiated spermatogonia to differentiate. In this report, the non-protein coding small RNA transcriptomes of the same testes were characterized using RNA sequencing: 537 mature micro-RNAs (miRNAs), 322 small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) and 49 small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs) were identified. Pathway analysis of the 20 most highly expressed miRNAs suggested that these transcripts contribute to limiting the proliferation of the primate Sertoli cell during juvenile development. Gonadotrophin treatment resulted in differential expression of 35 miRNAs, 12 snoRNAs and four snRNA transcripts. Ten differentially expressed miRNAs were derived from the imprinted delta-like homolog 1-iodothyronine deiodinase 3 (DLK1-DIO3) locus that is linked to stem cell fate decisions. Four gonadotrophin-regulated expressed miRNAs were predicted to trigger a local increase in thyroid hormone activity within the juvenile testis. The latter finding leads us to predict that, in primates, a gonadotrophin-induced selective increase in testicular thyroid hormone activity, together with the established increase in androgen levels, at the onset of puberty is necessary for the normal timing of Sertoli cell maturation, and therefore initiation of spermatogenesis. Further examination of this hypothesis requires that peripubertal changes in thyroid hormone activity of the testis of a representative higher primate be determined empirically.

Inflammasomes and their roles in the pathogenesis of viral hepatitis and their related complications: An updated systematic review

Inflammasomes are a set of innate receptors which are the responsible molecules for activation of pro-interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 and induction of inflammation. Due to the key roles of the inflammasomes in the induction of inflammation, it has been hypothesized that the molecules may be the main parts of immune responses against viral infections and the tissue damage. Because some cases of viral hepatitis infections, including hepatitis B and C, are diagnosed as chronic and may be associated with various complications such as liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), several studies focused on the roles played by the inflammation on the pathogenesis of viral hepatitis. Based on the roles played by inflammasomes in induction of inflammation, it has been hypothesized that inflammasomes may be the main parts of the puzzle of the viral hepatitis complications. This article reviews the roles of the inflammasomes in the pathogenesis of hepatitis B and C viral infections and their complications, liver cirrhosis, and HCC.

Improved Loading of Plasma-Derived Extracellular Vesicles to Encapsulate Antitumor miRNAs

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) carry various molecules involved in intercellular communication and have raised great interest as drug delivery systems. Several engineering methods have been investigated for vesicle loading. Here, we studied the electroporation of EVs isolated from plasma to load antitumor microRNAs (miRNAs). First, we optimized the transfection protocol using miRNA cel-39 by evaluating different parameters (voltage and pulse) for their effect on vesicle morphology, loading capacity, and miRNA transfer to target cells. When compared with direct incubation of EVs with miRNA, mild electroporation allowed more efficient loading and better protection of miRNA from RNase degradation. Moreover, electroporation preserved the naive vesicle cargo, including RNAs and proteins, and their ability to be taken up by target cells, supporting the absence of vesicle damage. EVs engineered with antitumor miRNAs (miR-31 and miR-451a) successfully promoted apoptosis of the HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cell line, silencing target genes involved in anti-apoptotic pathways. Our findings indicate an efficient and functional miRNA encapsulation in plasma-derived EVs following an electroporation protocol that preserves EV integrity.

Reduced hsa-miR-124-3p levels are associated with the poor survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Hsa-MicroRNA-124a-3p (hsa-miR-124-3p) is involved in tumor progression in certain malignant tumors. However, its function and clinical implication in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have not yet been illustrated. In this study, we explored the expression and prognostic value of hsa-miR-124-3p in patients with HCC. Hsa-miR-124-3p expression in HCC was analyzed in silico, which was subsequently confirmed by quantitative PCR in 155 HCC biopsy samples. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival in HCC patients was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, and univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were used. The in silico results demonstrated that hsa-miR-124-3p was reduced in cell lines and tissues of HCC, and hsa-miR-124-3p expression was lower in HCC tumor samples than in normal liver tissues. Moreover, a decrease in hsa-miR-124-3p expression was closely correlated with tumor diameter (≥ 5 cm) and number of lesions (multiple). Lower hsa-miR-124-3p expression was shown to be correlated with a shorter OS and poor prognosis in HCC. Our findings demonstrate that hsa-miR-124-3p might be a potential target for the diagnosis and prognosis of HCC.

LINE-1 ORF-1p enhances the transcription factor activity of pregnenolone X receptor and promotes sorafenib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Background

LINE-1 ORF-1p is encoded by the human pro-oncogene LINE-1. Our previous work showed that LINE-1 ORF-1p could enhance the resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells to antitumor agents. However, the mechanisms involved in LINE-1 ORF-1p-mediated drug resistance remain largely unknown.

Materials and methods

The endogenous mRNA level of LINE-1 ORF-1p in clinical HCC specimens was examined using quantitative PCR (qPCR). The prognosis of HCC patients was assessed using time to progression and overall survival. The transcription factor activity of pregnenolone X receptor (PXR) was examined using luciferase gene reporter assays, qPCR, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays and cellular subfraction assays. Protein interaction between LINE-1 ORF-1p and PXR was detected by co-immunoprecipitation. The effect of LINE-1 ORF-1p on sorafenib resistance in HCC cells was studied using in vitro and in vivo models.

Results

A high level of LINE-1 ORF-1p in clinical specimens was related to poor prognosis in patients who received sorafenib treatment. LINE-1 ORF-1p increased the transcription factor activity of PXR by interacting with PXR and enhancing its cytoplasmic/nuclear translocation, and recruiting PXR to its downstream gene promoter, in turn enhancing the expression of the sorafenib resistance-related genes, CYP3A4 and mdr-1. LINE-1 ORF-1p enhanced the resistance to and clearance of sorafenib in HCC cells.

Conclusion

LINE-1 ORF-1p enhances the transcription factor activation of PXR and promotes the clearance of and resistance to sorafenib in HCC cells.

Role of miR-223 in the pathophysiology of liver diseases

MiRNAs are small, noncoding RNAs, which can regulate gene expression posttranscriptionally, and they have emerged as key factors in disease biology by aiding in disease development and progression. MiR-223 is highly conserved during evolution and it was first described as a modulator of hematopoietic lineage differentiation. MiR-223 has an essential part in inflammation by targeting the nuclear factor-κB pathway and the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome. Recent studies have shown that miR-223 expression is deregulated in various types of liver diseases, including hepatitis virus infections, alcohol-induced liver injury, drug-induced liver injury, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. As inflammatory and immune factors are involved in the occurrence and progress of liver diseases, deregulated miR-223 may participate in the pathogenesis of these conditions by influencing neutrophil infiltration, macrophage polarization, and inflammasome activation. This review first summarizes the present understanding of the biological functions of miR-223, including its gene location and transcription regulation, as well as its physiological role in hematopoietic differentiation. This review then focuses on the role of miR-223 in liver pathophysiology and its potential applications as a diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target in liver diseases.

A tiny RNA molecule involved with gene regulation may offer an appealing target for diagnosing and treating various liver diseases. MicroRNA-223 (miR-223) was first identified as controlling gene activity in a wide variety of immune cells. A review from researchers led by Yanning Liu at China’s Zhejiang University in Hangzhou details how abnormal miR-223 also contributes to liver damage in a variety of conditions, although questions still remain about how it functions in different liver disorders. The authors highlight studies linking miR-223 with the development of fibrosis and cirrhosis, and with the inflammatory response to injury from drugs, alcohol, or infection. This could make this microRNA a useful diagnostic biomarker. The authors also identify therapeutic opportunities to modulate this molecule, referring to several studies on the manipulation of miR-223 to treat hepatitis.

The Role of MicroRNAs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers, leading to the second cancer-related death in the global. Although the treatment of HCC has greatly improved over the past few decades, the survival rate of patients is still quite low. Thus, it is urgent to explore new therapies, especially seek for more accurate biomarkers for early diagnosis, treatment and prognosis in HCC. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small noncoding RNAs, are pivotal participants and regulators in the development and progression of HCC. Great progress has been made in the studies of miRNAs in HCC. The key regulatory mechanisms of miRNAs include proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, metastasis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), angiogenesis, drug resistance and autophagy in HCC. And exosomal miRNAs also play important roles in proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance in HCC by regulating gene expression in the target cells. In addition, some miRNAs, including exosomal miRNAs, can be as potential diagnostic and prediction markers in HCC. This review summarizes the latest researches development of miRNAs in HCC in recent years.

JS-K as a nitric oxide donor induces apoptosis via the ROS/Ca2+/caspase-mediated mitochondrial pathway in HepG2 cells

JS-K, (O²-(2, 4-dinitrophenyl) 1-[(4-ethoxycarbonyl) piperazin-1-yl] diazen 1-ium-1, 2-diolate), is a novel diazeniumdiolate-based nitric oxide donor prodrug. The present study investigated the relationship between reactive oxygen species (ROS) elevation, Ca²⁺ overload and mitochondrial disruption in JS-K-induced apoptosis. JS-K could significantly inhibit cell growth and induce apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Meanwhile, JS-K caused the accumulation of ROS, overload of Ca²⁺, decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential, release of cytochrome c (Cyt c) from mitochondria to the cytoplasm, increase of Bax-to-Bcl-2 ratio and activation of caspase- 9/3. NAC (an antioxidant) or BAPTA (an intracellular Ca²⁺ chelator) could partially reverse the above events, while BAPTA had little effect on the levels of ROS. Furthermore, pre-treatment with Carboxy-PTIO (a NO scavenger) significantly blocked the increasing of ROS, cytosolic Ca²⁺ and reversed the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential in JS-K-induced apoptosis. Taken together, the results suggested that NO released from JS-K could significantly induce HepG2 cell apoptosis through a ROS/Ca²⁺/caspase-mediated mitochondrial pathway.

Role of microRNAs in the main molecular pathways of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver malignant neoplasia. HCC is characterized by a poor prognosis. The need to find new molecular markers for its diagnosis and prognosis has led to a progressive increase in the number of scientific studies on this topic. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA that play a role in almost all main cellular pathways. miRNAs are involved in the regulation of expression of the major tumor-related genes in carcinogenesis, acting as oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes. The aim of this review was to identify papers published in 2017 investigating the role of miRNAs in HCC tumorigenesis. miRNAs were classified according to their role in the main molecular pathways involved in HCC tumorigenesis: (1) mTOR; (2) Wnt; (3) JAK/STAT; (4) apoptosis; and (5) MAPK. The role of miRNAs in prognosis/response prediction was taken into consideration. Bearing in mind that the analysis of miRNAs in serum and other body fluids would be crucial for clinical management, the role of circulating miRNAs in HCC patients was also investigated. The most represented miRNA-regulated pathway in HCC is mTOR, but apoptosis, Wnt, JAK/STAT or MAPK pathways are also influenced by miRNA expression levels. These miRNAs could thus be used in clinical practice as diagnostic, prognostic or therapeutic targets for HCC treatment.

IRE1α prevents hepatic steatosis by processing and promoting the degradation of select microRNAs

Obesity or a high-fat diet represses the endoribonuclease activity of inositol-requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α), a transducer of the unfolded protein response (UPR) in cells under endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. An impaired UPR is associated with hepatic steatosis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is caused by lipid accumulation in the liver. We found that IRE1α was critical to maintaining lipid homeostasis in the liver by repressing the biogenesis of microRNAs (miRNAs) that regulate lipid mobilization. In mice fed normal chow, the endoribonuclease function of IRE1α processed a subset of precursor miRNAs in the liver, including those of the miR-200 and miR-34 families, such that IRE1α promoted their degradation through the process of regulated IRE1-dependent decay (RIDD). A high-fat diet in mice or hepatic steatosis in patients was associated with the S-nitrosylation of IRE1α and inactivation of its endoribonuclease activity. This resulted in an increased abundance of these miRNA families in the liver and, consequently, a decreased abundance of their targets, which included peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) and the deacetylase sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), regulators of fatty acid oxidation and triglyceride lipolysis. IRE1α deficiency exacerbated hepatic steatosis in mice. The abundance of the miR-200 and miR-34 families was also increased in cultured, lipid-overloaded hepatocytes and in the livers of patients with hepatic steatosis. Our findings reveal a mechanism by which IRE1α maintains lipid homeostasis through its regulation of miRNAs, a regulatory pathway distinct from the canonical IRE1α-UPR pathway under acute ER stress.

mTOR signaling-related MicroRNAs and Cancer involvement

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of single-stranded RNAs, 18-23 nucleotides in length that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Dysregulation of miRNAs has been closely associated with the development of cancer. In the process of tumorigenesis, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) plays important roles, and the mTOR signaling pathway is aberrant in various types of human cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), breast cancer, prostate cancer, as well as others. However, the relationship between miRNAs and the mTOR signaling pathway is indistinct. Herein, we not only summarize the progress of miRNAs and the mTOR signaling pathway in cancers, but also highlight their role in the diagnosis and treatment in the clinic.

Potential role of microRNA‑223‑3p in the tumorigenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma: A comprehensive study based on data mining and bioinformatics

The aims of the present study were to examine the potential role of microRNA‑233‑3p (miR)‑223‑3p in the tumorigenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and to investigate its diagnostic accuracy and potential molecular mechanisms. The expression data of miR‑223‑3p in HCC were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Data for the precursor miR‑223 were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The diagnostic role of miR‑223‑3p was identified by the receiver operating curve (ROC), and the diagnostic value of miR‑223‑3p in HCC was calculated from qualified reports in the literature. In addition, associated data from the GEO, TCGA and qualified experiments were pooled for comprehensive meta‑analysis. Genes, which intersected between online prediction databases, natural language processing and differentially expressed genes from TCGA were regarded as potential targets of miR‑223‑3p in HCC. The Gene Ontology enrichment analysis and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways of potential targets were performed using the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery. The protein‑protein interactions were mapped using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes. Among 15 qualified microarray data sets from GEO, seven showed that a significantly lower level of miR‑223‑3p was present in the HCC tissues, compared with that in non‑cancerous tissues (P<0.05). In addition, five GEO data sets revealed diagnostic values of miR‑223‑3p, with an area under the curve (AUC) of >0.80 (P<0.05). The diagnostic accuracy of the precursor miR‑223 in TCGA was also calculated (AUC=0.78, P<0.05). Similarly, the precursor miR‑223 showed a higher level of downregulation in HCC tissues, compared with that in healthy controls in TCGA (P<0.001). A summary ROC was also calculated as 0.89 (95% CI, 0.85‑0.91) in the meta‑analysis. A total of 72 potential targets were extracted, mainly involved in the terms 'microRNAs in cancer', 'ATP binding' and 'prostate cancer'. Five potential target genes were considered the hub genes of miR‑223‑3p in HCC, including checkpoint kinase 1, DNA methyltransferase 1, baculoviral IAP repeat containing 5, kinesin family member 23, and collagen, type I, α1. Based on TCGA, the hub genes were significantly upregulated in HCC (P<0.05). Collectively, these results showed that miR‑223‑3p may be crucial in HCC carcinogenesis showing high diagnostic accuracy, and may be mediated by several hub genes.

The multifunctional polydnavirus TnBVANK1 protein: impact on host apoptotic pathway

Toxoneuron nigriceps (Hymenoptera, Braconidae) is an endophagous parasitoid of the larval stages of the tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae). The bracovirus associated with this wasp (TnBV) is currently being studied. Several genes expressed in parasitised host larvae have been isolated and their possible roles partly elucidated. TnBVank1 encodes an ankyrin motif protein similar to insect and mammalian IκB, an inhibitor of the transcription nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). Here we show that, when TnBVank1 was stably expressed in polyclonal Drosophila S2 cells, apoptosis is induced. Furthermore, we observed the same effects in haemocytes of H. virescens larvae, after TnBVank1 in vivo transient transfection, and in haemocytes of parasitised larvae. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments showed that TnBVANK1 binds to ALG-2 interacting protein X (Alix/AIP1), an interactor of apoptosis-linked gene protein 2 (ALG-2). Using double-immunofluorescence labeling, we observed the potential colocalization of TnBVANK1 and Alix proteins in the cytoplasm of polyclonal S2 cells. When Alix was silenced by RNA interference, TnBVANK1 was no longer able to cause apoptosis in both S2 cells and H. virescens haemocytes. Collectively, these results indicate that TnBVANK1 induces apoptosis by interacting with Alix, suggesting a role of TnBVANK1 in the suppression of host immune response observed after parasitisation by T. nigriceps.