MiR-30a-5p inhibits osteosarcoma cell proliferation and migration by targeting FOXD1

Dissecting multifunctional roles of forkhead box transcription factor D1 in cancers

As a member of the forkhead box (FOX) family of transcription factors (TF), FOXD1 has recently been implicated as a crucial regulator in a variety of human cancers. Accumulating evidence has established dysregulated and aberrant FOXD1 signaling as a prominent feature in cancer development and progression. However, there is a lack of systematic review on this topic. Here, we summarized the present understanding of FOXD1 functions in cancer biology and reviewed the downstream targets and upstream regulatory mechanisms of FOXD1 as well as the related signaling pathways within the context of current reports. We highlighted the functional features of FOXD1 in cancers to identify the future research consideration of this multifunctional transcription factor and potential therapeutic strategies targeting its oncogenic activity.

MiR-30a-5p inhibits cell behaviors in esophageal cancer via modulating CBX2

BACKGROUND

This investigation studied the impacts of the miR-30a-5p/CBX2 axis on esophageal cancer (EC).

METHODS

Research objects were ascertained using The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Followed by qRT-PCR, western blot, dual-luciferase reporter, MTT, Transwell, and wound healing approaches, we tested gene expression and varying cell behaviors RESULTS: Conspicuously miR-30 family members (miR-30a-5p, miR-30b-5p, miR-30c-5p, miR-30d-5p, miR-30e-5p) downregulation and CBX2 upregulation were discovered in EC cells. miR-30 family members target CBX2 and inhibited CBX2 expression. EC cell behaviors were inhibited by miR-30a-5p/CBX2 axis.

CONCLUSION

MiR-30a-5p draws a new inspiration for EC treatment.

Identification of Antitumor miR-30e-5p Controlled Genes; Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Analysis of microRNA (miRNA) expression signatures in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has revealed that the miR-30 family is frequently downregulated in cancer tissues. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database confirms that all members of the miR-30 family (except miR-30c-5p) are downregulated in HNSCC tissues. Moreover, low expression of miR-30e-5p and miR-30c-1-3p significantly predicts shorter survival of HNSCC patients (p = 0.0081 and p = 0.0224, respectively). In this study, we focused on miR-30e-5p to investigate its tumor-suppressive roles and its control of oncogenic genes in HNSCC cells. Transient expression of miR-30e-5p significantly attenuated cancer cell migration and invasive abilities in HNSCC cells. Nine genes (DDIT4, FOXD1, FXR1, FZD2, HMGB3, MINPP1, PAWR, PFN2, and RTN4R) were identified as putative targets of miR-30e-5p control. Their expression levels significantly predicted shorter survival of HNSCC patients (p < 0.05). Among those targets, FOXD1 expression appeared to be an independent factor predicting patient survival according to multivariate Cox regression analysis (p = 0.049). Knockdown assays using siRNAs corresponding to FOXD1 showed that malignant phenotypes (e.g., cell proliferation, migration, and invasive abilities) of HNSCC cells were significantly suppressed. Overexpression of FOXD1 was confirmed by immunostaining of HNSCC clinical specimens. Our miRNA-based approach is an effective strategy for the identification of prognostic markers and therapeutic target molecules in HNSCC. Moreover, these findings led to insights into the molecular pathogenesis of HNSCC.

LINC00488 Induces Tumorigenicity in Retinoblastoma by Regulating microRNA-30a-5p/EPHB2 Axis

OBJECTIVE

LINC00488 confers oncogenic activity in the progression of some tumors. Hence, the target of the study was about to specify LINC00488-mediated network in retinoblastoma (RB).

METHODS

LINC00488 expression was tested in RB clinical tissues. siRNA targeting LINC00488 or miR-30a-5p mimic was introduced into RB cell line (Y79) to observe cellular biological functions. The relationship between LINC00488, miR-30a-5p and EPHB2 was verified. Afterward, the role of miR-30a-5p involved in RB through targeted regulation of EPHB2 was probed in vitro and in vivo.

RESULTS

LINC00488 was induced in RB tissue and cells. LINC00488 knockdown or miR-30a-5p upregulation depressed the malignant activities of Y79 cells. LINC00488 could sponge miR-30a-5p that targeted EPHB2. EPHB2, and EPHB2 overexpression counteracted miR-30a-5p restoration-induced inhibition of Y79 cell development in vitro and in vivo.

CONCLUSION

LINC00488 induces tumorigenicity in RB by binding to miR-30a-5p to target EPHB2, which may offer a new clue of RB treatment from an lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network.

CTHRC1 targeted by miR-30a-5p regulates cell adhesion, invasion and migration in lung adenocarcinoma

The morbidity of lung cancer ranks first among all cancers. Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a classification of lung cancer, and cell invasion and migration of LUAD are the main causes for its high mortality. Therefore, further exploring the potential mechanism of LUAD metastasis may provide bases for following targeted drug development and treatment of LUAD. In this study, clinical data as well as gene expression profiles were obtained from TCGA-LUAD and GEO to analyze CTHRC1 expression. The result found that CTHRC1 was significantly high in LUAD. Similar results were also discovered in 4 cancer cell lines. Moreover, overexpressed/knock-down CTHRC1 cell lines were constructed. It was uncovered that overexpressing CTHRC1 promoted LUAD cell migration and invasion, and inhibited cell adhesion, while knocked down CTHRC1 had the opposite effect. Afterward, the upstream miRNAs that regulated CTHRC1 were predicted by several bioinformatics websites. It was testified by dual-luciferase method that CTHRC1 was negatively mediated by miR-30a-5p. Overexpressed miR-30a-5p suppressed cell invasion/migration, and increased cell adhesion, while overexpressing CTHRC1 as well reversed such impacts. In conclusion, it was disclosed in this study that CTHRC1 worked as a cancer promoter in LUAD, and miR-30a-5p could target and downregulate CTHRC1 to regulate cell adhesion, and inhibited LUAD cell invasion and migration. These results elucidated at cellular level that upregulated CTHRC1 may be a marker protein for LUAD metastasis.

LncRNA VPS9D1-AS1 Promotes Malignant Progression of Lung Adenocarcinoma by Targeting miRNA-30a-5p/KIF11 Axis

Objective: This research probed into the molecular mechanisms of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) VPS9D1 Antisense RNA 1 (VPS9D1-AS1) in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).

Methods: lncRNA expression level was evaluated bioinformatically, and its downstream miRNA/mRNA regulatory axis was predicted by bioinformatics methods as well. qRT-PCR was used to measure VPS9D1-AS1, miRNA-30a-5p, and kinesin family member 11 (KIF11) expression. Western blot was performed to measure KIF11 protein expression. Proliferation, migration, and invasion of LUAD cells were all observed by cell biological function experiments. Dual-luciferase assay detected binding between miRNA-30a-5p and VPS9D1-AS1 or KIF11, respectively. RIP experiment detected interaction between VPS9D1-AS1 and miRNA-30a-5p.

Results: VPS9D1-AS1 and KIF11 were increased in LUAD, whereas miRNA-30a-5p was decreased. VPS9D1-AS1 promoted the malignant progression of LUAD cells and could sponge miRNA-30a-5p. MiRNA-30a-5p could restore the impact of VPS9D1-AS1 on LUAD cells. KIF11 was a target downstream of miRNA-30a-5p. VPS9D1-AS1 could upregulate KIF11 expression through competitively sponging miRNA-30a-5p, and KIF11 could restore the impact of miRNA-30a-5p on LUAD cells.

Conclusion: VPS9D1-AS1 could foster malignant progression of LUAD via regulating miRNA-30a-5p/KIF11 axis, suggesting that VPS9D1-AS1 is key to regulating the malignant progression of LUAD.

Identification and Validation of Novel Diagnostic Biomarkers for Keloid Based on GEO Database

Introduction

Keloid is a pathological scar type, which invades normal surrounding tissue without self-limiting to cause pain, itching, cosmetic disfigurement, etc. Knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying keloid remains unclear. This dilemma leads to no biomarker available for diagnosis. Thus, to seek accurate diagnosis, biomarkers are necessary for keloid diagnosis to help control its incidence.

Methods

Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was used to select differentially expressed miRNAs (DE-miRNAs) in GSE113620. miRTarBase miRNA–target tools were used to predict the interactions between miRNAs and their target mRNAs. Target mRNAs that were differentially expressed in keloid were selected by analyzing differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in GSE44270 and GSE92566. PPI network analysis, gene enrichment analysis, cell-specific and tissue-specific expression analyses of DE-target mRNAs were conducted. RT-PCR analysis was conducted to validate our results.

Results

Three novel miRNAs (miR-30b-5p, miR-212-3p, miR-149-5p) and five target mRNAs (SIX1, CCNA2, CCNB1, FOXM1, RUNX2) were identified as potential biomarkers for keloid patients. Additionally, the potential functions of those miRNAs-mRNAs pathways were analyzed.

Discussion

These findings of keloid-related miRNAs, mRNAs, and miRNA–mRNAs regulatory networks may provide insights into the underlying pathogenesis of keloid and serve as potential biomarkers for keloid diagnosis.

MicroRNAs and Heat Shock Proteins in Breast Cancer Biology

Breast cancer has five major immune types; luminal A, luminal B, HER2, Basal-like, and normal-like. Cells produce a family of protein called heat shock proteins (Hsps) in response to exposure to thermal and other proteotoxic stresses play essential roles in cancer metabolism and this large family shows a diverse set of Hsp involvement in different breast cancer immune types. Recently, Hsp members categorized according to their immune type roles. Hsp family consists of several subtypes formed by molecular weight; Hsp70, Hsp90, Hsp100, Hsp40, Hsp60, and small molecule Hsps. Cancer cells employ Hsps as survival factors since most of these proteins prevent apoptosis. Several studies monitored Hsp roles in breast cancer cells and reported Hsp27 involvement in drug resistance, Hsp70 in tumor cell transformation-progression, and interaction with p53. Furthermore, the association of Hsp90 with steroid receptors and signaling proteins in patients with breast cancer directed research to focus on Hsp-based treatments. miRNAs are known to play key roles in all types of cancer that are upregulated or downregulated in cancer which respectively referred to as oncogenes (oncomirs) or tumor suppressors. Expression profiles of miRNAs may be used to classify, diagnose, and predict different cancer types. It is clear that miRNAs play regulatory roles in gene expression and this work reveals miRNA correlation to Hsp depending on specific breast cancer immune types. Deregulation of specific Hsp genes in breast cancer subtypes allows for identification of new targets for drug design and cancer treatment. Here, we performed miRNA network analysis by recruiting Hsp genes detected in breast cancer subtypes and reviewed some of the miRNAs related to aforementioned Hsp genes.

Osteosarcoma and Metastasis

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone malignancy in adolescents. Its high propensity to metastasize is the leading cause for treatment failure and poor prognosis. Although the research of osteosarcoma has greatly expanded in the past decades, the knowledge and new therapy strategies targeting metastatic progression remain sparse. The prognosis of patients with metastasis is still unsatisfactory. There is resonating urgency for a thorough and deeper understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying osteosarcoma to develop innovative therapies targeting metastasis. Toward the goal of elaborating the characteristics and biological behavior of metastatic osteosarcoma, it is essential to combine the diverse investigations that are performed at molecular, cellular, and animal levels from basic research to clinical translation spanning chemical, physical sciences, and biology. This review focuses on the metastatic process, regulatory networks involving key molecules and signaling pathways, the role of microenvironment, osteoclast, angiogenesis, metabolism, immunity, and noncoding RNAs in osteosarcoma metastasis. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of current research advances, with the hope to discovery druggable targets and promising therapy strategies for osteosarcoma metastasis and thus to overcome this clinical impasse.

Aberrant overexpression of transcription factor Forkhead box D1 predicts poor prognosis and promotes cancer progression in HNSCC

Objectives

Forkhead box D1, the core transcription factor member of FOX family, has gradually seen as a key cancerous regulatory. However, its expression and carcinogenicity in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have not been reported yet. This study was to investigate its expression pattern, clinicopathological significance and biological roles in HNSCC.

Methods

HNSCC data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) was used to indicate the detailed expression pattern and outcome association of FOXD1, while Western Blot assay to detect FOXD1 level in a panel of HNSCC cell lines as well as immunocytochemistry to explore FOXD1 protein abundance and sublocation. Series of siRNA-mediated FOXD1 knock-down experiments to assess the proliferation, migration, invasion and anti- apoptosis ability after FOXD1 down-regulation. Bioinformatic analysis to find out which biological function and cancer-related pathways of FOXD1 associated genes involved in.

Results

FOXD1 mRNA was significantly overexpressed in TCGA-HNSCC, GSE6631, GSE12452, GSE25099 and GSE30784. Besides, IHC results shown that nuclear location FOXD1 protein was significantly higher in primary HNSCC specimens from cohort involved in this study. Also, FOXD1 abundance was significantly correlated with cervical node metastasis and poor over-all/disease-free survival after combination analysis with patient pathological information. siRNA-mediated FOXD1 knock-down significantly inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion and induced apoptosis in HNSCC cells. Further analysis of GSEA, GO and KEGG showed that FOXD1 expression was significantly associated with oncological function and cancer-related pathways.

Conclusions

Taken together, our study implies that the potential oncogene, FOXD1, facilitates oncological behavior who can be identified as a brand-new HNSCC biomarker with diagnostic and prognostic significance.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-08868-4.

FOXD1 expression in head and neck squamous carcinoma: a study based on TCGA, GEO and meta-analysis

Forkhead box D1 (FOXD1) is a new member of FOX transcription factor family. FOXD1 has demonstrated multi-level roles during normal development and several diseases' pathogenesis. However, litter is known about the role of FOXD1 in the progression of head and neck squamous cancer (HNSC). In the present study, we analyzed FOXD1 expression pattern using TCGA dataset, GEO datasets, HNSC cell lines and HNSC tissues. Then, we analyzed the correlation between FOXD1 expression and clinical characteristics, and evaluated the prognostic value of FOXD1 in HNSC. Moreover, we assessed the relationship between FOXD1 expression and tumor environment (TME) and immune cell infiltration using ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT algorithms. Finally, we predicted the FOXD1-related biological processes and signal pathways. FOXD1 was up-regulated in HNSC tissues in TCGA datasets, validated by GEO datasets, HNSC cell lines and HNSC tissues. FOXD1 expression was significantly associated with tumor site and HPV infection. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that FOXD1 expression was an independent prognostic factor. Moreover, we found that the proportions of naïve B cells, plasma cells, and resting dendritic cells were negatively correlated with FOXD1 expression, otherwise, the proportion of activated mast cells was positively correlated with FOXD1 expression using CIBERSORT algorithm. GSEA analyses revealed that FOXD1 was mainly involved in cancer-related signaling pathway and metabolism-related pathways. FOXD1 was a potential oncogene, and might represent an indicator for predicting overall survival of HNSC patients. Moreover, many cancer-related pathways and metabolism-related processes may be regulated by FOXD1.

LINC01133 promotes the progression of cervical cancer via regulating miR-30a-5p/FOXD1

BACKGROUND

The prognosis of patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer (CC) remains poor, and its incidence is especially high in developing countries. Multiple long noncoding RNAs are recently identified as crucial oncogenic factors or tumor suppressors. In this study, we explored the function and mechanism of LINC01133 during the progression of CC.

METHODS

Expression levels of LINC01133 and miR-30a-5p in 50 CC tissue samples were measured using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis were used to detect the expression of oncogene forkhead box D1 (FOXD1). The association between pathological indices and the expression level of LINC01133 was also analyzed. Human CC cell lines HeLa and SiHa were used as cell models. CCK-8 and bromodeoxyuridine assays were used to assess the effect of LINC01133 on CC cell line proliferation. Flow cytometry was used to study the effect of LINC01133 on CC apoptosis. Transwell assay was conducted to detect the effect of LINC01133 on migration and invasion. Furthermore, luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm the targeting relationship between miR-30a-5p to LINC01133.

RESULTS

We observed that LINC01133 expression in CC clinical samples was significantly increased, with high expression associated with higher T stage and negative HPV infection of the patients. Its overexpression remarkably accelerated proliferation and metastasis of CC cells, with reduced apoptosis. LINC01133 knockdown suppressed the malignant phenotypes of CC cells. Overexpression of LINC01133 significantly reduced the expression of miR-30a-5p by sponging it and enhanced the expression of FOXD1.

CONCLUSIONS

We report the overexpression of LINC01133 in CC sample and cell lines, which correlated with unfavorable pathological indices. LINC01133 was a sponge of tumor suppressor miR-30a-5p, and it enhanced the expression of FOXD1 indirectly and functioned as an oncogenic lncRNA in CC.

Complex Interplay of Genes Underlies Invasiveness in Fibrosarcoma Progression Model

Sarcomas are a heterogeneous group of mesenchymal tumours, with a great variability in their clinical behaviour. While our knowledge of sarcoma initiation has advanced rapidly in recent years, relatively little is known about mechanisms of sarcoma progression. JUN-murine fibrosarcoma progression series consists of four sarcoma cell lines, JUN-1, JUN-2, JUN-2fos-3, and JUN-3. JUN-1 and -2 were established from a single tumour initiated in a H2K/v-jun transgenic mouse, JUN-3 originates from a different tumour in the same animal, and JUN-2fos-3 results from a targeted in vitro transformation of the JUN-2 cell line. The JUN-1, -2, and -3 cell lines represent a linear progression from the least transformed JUN-2 to the most transformed JUN-3, with regard to all the transformation characteristics studied, while the JUN-2fos-3 cell line exhibits a unique transformation mode, with little deregulation of cell growth and proliferation, but pronounced motility and invasiveness. The invasive sarcoma sublines JUN-2fos-3 and JUN-3 show complex metabolic profiles, with activation of both mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis and a significant increase in spared respiratory capacity. The specific transcriptomic profile of invasive sublines features very complex biological relationships across the identified genes and proteins, with accentuated autocrine control of motility and angiogenesis. Pharmacologic inhibition of one of the autocrine motility factors identified, Ccl8, significantly diminished both motility and invasiveness of the highly transformed fibrosarcoma cell. This progression series could be greatly valuable for deciphering crucial aspects of sarcoma progression and defining new prognostic markers and potential therapeutic targets.

FOXD1, negatively regulated by miR-186, promotes the proliferation, metastasis and radioresistance of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells

BACKGROUND

Foxhead box D1 (FOXD1) is validated to be over-expressed in a variety of human malignancies and promotes cancer progression. Nevertheless, the role of FOXD1 and the associated mechanism in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) remain largely unknown.

METHODS

A total of seventy-five cases of NPC tissue samples were collected. FOXD1 expression in NPC tissues and cells (SUNE1, CNE1, CNE2, and HONE1) was detected using immunohistochemistry and Western blot, respectively. The relationship between FOXD1 expression and clinicopathological parameters of NPC patients was analyzed. FOXD1 mRNA and miR-186 expression in NPC tissues and cells was detected using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The cell viability of NPC cells was detected using CCK-8 assay. Colony survival of NPC cells exposed to different doses of radiation was detected using colony formation assay. Transwell assay was used to evaluate the migration and invasion of NPC cells. The dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was employed to verify the targeting relationship between miR-186 and FOXD1.

RESULTS

FOXD1 was over-expressed in NPC tissues (average fold change on mRNA level = 4.72), and its high expression was correlated to NPC positive lymph node metastasis and tissue differentiation. The over-expression of FOXD1 promoted the proliferation, migration, invasion and radio-resistance of NPC cells. On the contrary, the knock-down of FOXD1 inhibited the malignant phenotypes of the above cells. It was verified that FOXD1 was one of the downstream targets of miR-186 and was negatively regulated by it.

CONCLUSION

FOXD1, which is negatively regulated by miR-186, acts as a novel oncogene in NPC and serves as potential biomarker and therapeutic target for NPC. The research will provide great theoretical basis for further clinical diagnosis and therapy.

Identification of Specific Modules and Hub microRNAs Related to Osteosarcoma by Weighted microRNA Co-Expression Network Analysis

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a malignant tumor with high morbidity and poor prognosis, especially for patients with metastasis. New therapeutic approaches are extremely needed. MicroRNAs can affect manykey biological processes, including the development and progression of complex diseases, such as OS. Here we identified specific modules and hub microRNAs related to OS through weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). A module consisting of 72 microRNAs were found to be highly related to OS and 22 of them have been reported as deregulatedmicroRNAs in OS patients which play a role in OS tumorigenesis, development or prognosis. Then the target genes of the microRNAs were predicted and the functional enrichment analysis was performed on these genes. This study will provide a more clear understanding for facilitating the characterization and identification of new biomarkers and treatment for patients with OS by targeted miRNA.

Identify potential miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks contributing to high-risk neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma (NB) is a common tumor in children, usually in the retroperitoneum. After various treatments, low- and intermediate-risk patients have achieved good results, but the prognosis of high-risk patients is still very poor. Therefore, it is necessary to find new effective targets for the treatment of high-risk patients. In this study, comprehensive bioinformatics analysis was used to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEG and DEM) between high-risk patients and non-high-risk patients, and it was identified that ADRB2 may affect the survival status of high-risk patients due to miR -30a-5p regulation. The GSE49710, GSE73517, and GSE121513 datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Synthesis (GEO) database, and DEG and DEM were selected. Then, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were applied to the selected DEGs. The STRING database and Cytoscape software were used to construct protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks and perform modular analysis of the DEGs. The TARGET data set containing information on overall survival days were used for the prognostic analysis of central genes. We identified a total of 255 DEGs from GSE49710 and GSE73517, and 193 DEMs from GSE121513. We identified the 5 most important central genes from the PPI network, performed a prognostic analysis in the target data set, and verified their expression using RT-qPCR to select the most important ADRB2 gene to predict miRNA. Integrating the differential miRNA predicted by miRDB and miRSystem and GSE121513 between the targeted miRNA and the prognosis, miR-30a-5p was finally identified as the targeted miRNA of ADRB2.

Investigation of Candidate Genes and Pathways in Basal/TNBC Patients by Integrated Analysis

PURPOSE

This study aims to identify the key pathway and related genes and to further explore the potential molecular mechanisms of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC).

METHODS

The transcriptome data and clinical information of breast cancer patients were downloaded from the TCGA database, including 94 cases of paracancerous tissue, 225 cases of Basal like type, 151 cases of Her2 type, 318 cases of Luminal type A, 281 cases of Luminal type B, and 89 cases of Normal Like type. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified based on the criteria of |logFC|≥1.5 and adjust P < 0.001.Their functions were annotated by gene ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of differentially expressed genes & Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. Cox regression univariate analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival curves (Log-rank method) were used for survival analysis. FOXD1, DLL3 and LY6D were silenced in breast cancer cell lines, and cell viability was assessed by CCK-8 assay. Further, the expression of FOXD1, DLL3 and LY6D were explored by immunohistochemistry on triple negative breast tumor tissue and normal breast tissue.

RESULTS

A total of 533 DEGs were identified. Functional annotation showed that DEGs were significantly enriched in intermediate filament cytoskeleton, DNA-binding transcription activator activity, epidermis development, and Neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction. Survival analysis found that FOXD1, DLL3, and LY6D showed significant correlation with the prognosis of patients with the Basal-like type (P < 0.05). CCK-8 assay showed that compared with Doxorubicin alone group, the cytotoxicity of Doxorubicin combined with siRNA-knockdown of FOXD1, DLL3, or LY6D was much significant.

CONCLUSION

The DEGs and their enriched functions and pathways identified in this study contribute to the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of TNBC. In addition, FOXD1, DLL3, and LY6D may be defined as the prognostic markers and potential therapeutic targets for TNBC patients.

Long non-coding RNA NORAD contributes to the proliferation, invasion and EMT progression of prostate cancer via the miR-30a-5p/RAB11A/WNT/β-catenin pathway

Background

Prostate cancer (PC) is common male cancer with high mortality worldwide. Emerging evidence demonstrated that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical roles in various type of cancers including PC by serving as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) to modulate microRNAs (miRNAs). LncRNA activated by DNA damage (NORAD) was found to be upregulated in PC cells, while the detailed function and regulatory mechanism of NORAD in PC progression remains largely unclear.

Methods

Expression of NORAD in PC tissues and cell lines were detected by real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR). NORAD was respectively overexpressed and knocked down by transfection with pcDNA-NORAD and NORAD siRNA into PC-3 and LNCap cells. Cell proliferation, invasion and apoptosis were determined by using CCK-8, Transwell and Flow cytometry assays, respectively. The target correlations between miR-30-5p and NORAD or RAB11A were confirmed by using dual luciferase reporter assay. Moreover, expression levels of RAB11A, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker proteins and the Wnt pathway related proteins were measured by Western blotting. Tumor xenograft assay was used to study the effect of NORAD on tumor growth in vivo.

Results

NORAD was upregulated in PC tissues and cells. Overexpression of NORAD promoted cell proliferation, invasion, EMT, and inhibited cell apoptosis; while knockdown of NORAD had the opposite effect. NORAD was found to be functioned as a ceRNA to bind and downregulated miR-30a-5p that was downregulated in PC tumor tissues. Rescue experiments revealed that miR-30a-5p could weaken the NORAD-mediated promoting effects on cell proliferation, invasion and EMT. Furthermore, RAB11A that belongs to a member of RAS oncogene family was verified as a target of miR-30a-5p, and reintroduction of RAB11A attenuated the effects of miR-30a-5p overexpression on cell proliferation, invasion, EMT and apoptosis of PC cells. More importantly, silencing RAB11A partially reversed the promoting effects of NORAD overexpression on cell proliferation, invasion and EMT of PC cells via the WNT/β-catenin pathway. Lastly, tumorigenicity assay in vivo demonstrated that NORAD increased tumor volume and weight via miR-30a-5p /RAB11A pathway.

Conclusion

Our results indicated a significant role of NORAD in mechanisms associated with PC progression. NORAD promoted cell proliferation, invasion and EMT via the miR-30a-5p/RAB11A/WNT/β-catenin pathway, thus inducing PC tumor growth.

Differentially Expressed mRNAs and Their Long Noncoding RNA Regulatory Network with Helicobacter pylori-Associated Diseases including Atrophic Gastritis and Gastric Cancer

Background

Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection is the strongest risk factor for gastric cancer (GC). However, the mechanisms of Hp-associated GC remain to be explored.

Methods

The gene expression profiling (GSE111762) data were downloaded from the GEO database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between normal samples (NO) and Hp-atrophic gastritis (GA) or Hp-GA and Hp-GC were identified by GEO2R. Gene Ontology and pathway enrichment analysis were performed using the DAVID database. lncRNA-TF-mRNA and ceRNA regulation networks were constructed using Cytoscape. The cross-networks were obtained by overlapping molecules of the above two networks. GSE27411 and GSE116312 datasets were employed for validation.

Results

DEGs between NO and Hp-GA are linked to the activity of inward rectifying potassium channels, digestion, etc. DEGs between Hp-GA and Hp-GC were associated with digestion, positive regulation of cell proliferation, etc. According to the lncRNA-TF-mRNA network, 63 lncRNAs, 12 TFs, and 209 mRNAs were involved in Hp-GA while 16 lncRNAs, 11 TFs, and 92 mRNAs were contained in the Hp-GC network. In terms of the ceRNA network, 120 mRNAs, 18 miRNAs, and 27 lncRNAs were shown in Hp-GA while 72 mRNAs, 8 miRNAs, and 1 lncRNA were included in the Hp-GC network. In the cross-network, we found that immune regulation and differentiation regulation were important in the process of NO-GA. Neuroendocrine regulation was mainly related to the process of GA-GC. In the end, we verified that CDX2 plays an important role in the pathological process of NO to Hp-GA. Comparing Hp-GA with Hp-GC, DEGs (FPR1, TFF2, GAST, SST, FUT9, and SHH), TF, and GATA5 were of great significance.

Conclusions

We identified the DEGs, and their lncRNA regulatory network of Hp-associated diseases might provide insights into the mechanism between Hp infection and GC. Furthermore, in-depth studies of the molecules might be useful to explore the multistep process of gastric diseases.

lncRNA DLEU2 accelerates gastric cancer growth by downregulating miR-30a-5p

Introduction:

lncRNA DLEU2 has been indicated to act a crucial role in the bioprocess of cancer. But, the role and molecular mechanisms of lncRNA DLEU2 in gastric cancer (GC) remain unknown.

Methods:

The correlation of DLEU2 or miR-30a-5p with the clinical parameters and outcomes of GC patents was implemented by TCGA cohort. Cell viability and invasion were estimated by MTT and Transwell assays. The interplay between DLEU2 and miR-30a-5p was confirmed by a luciferase report assay. The effects of DLEU2 on miR-30a-5p or MMP2/9 were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot.

Results:

We found that the enhanced expression of DLEU2 was linked to the pathological stage and poor survival in GC patients. Overexpressing DLEU2 prompted the cell proliferation and invasion of AGS cells, but silencing DLEU2 weakened these effects in MKN-28 cells. In addition, DLEU2 could negatively modulate and be bound with miR-30a-5p, which could counteract DLEU2-caused cell proliferation. High expression of miR-30a-5p was linked to a favorable survival in patients with GC.

Conclusion:

Our findings suggested that lncRNA DLEU2 could favor the growth of GC by downregulating miR-30a-5p.

FOXD1 Repression Potentiates Radiation Effectiveness by Downregulating G3BP2 Expression and Promoting the Activation of TXNIP-Related Pathways in Oral Cancer

Simple Summary

Radioresistance remains a critical issue in treating oral cancer patients. This study was thus aimed to identify a potential drug target for enhancing the therapeutic effectiveness of irradiation and uncover a possible mechanism for radioresistance in oral cancer. Here we show that FOXD1, a gene encoding forkhead box d1 (Foxd1), is significantly upregulated in primary tumors compared to normal tissues and serves as a poor prognostic marker in oral cancer patients receiving radiotherapy. FOXD1 repression by a gene knockdown experiment dramatically enhanced the cytotoxic efficacy of irradiation probably via activating the p53-related DNA repairing pathways and reinforcing the T cell-mediated immune responses in oral cancer cells. Our findings demonstrate that FOXD1 may play a pivotal role in conferring radioresistance, which might provide a new strategy to combat the irradiation-insensitive oral cancer cells via therapeutically targeting FOXD1 activity.

Abstract

Radiotherapy is commonly used to treat oral cancer patients in the current clinics; however, a subpopulation of patients shows poor radiosensitivity. Therefore, the aim of this study is to identify a biomarker or druggable target to enhance the effectiveness of radiotherapy on oral cancer patients. By performing an in silico analysis against public databases, we found that the upregulation of FOXD1, a gene encoding forkhead box d1 (Foxd1), is extensively detected in primary tumors compared to normal tissues and associated with a poor outcome in oral cancer patients receiving irradiation treatment. Moreover, our data showed that the level of FOXD1 transcript is causally relevant to the effective dosage of irradiation in a panel of oral cancer cell lines. The FOXD1 knockdown (FOXD1-KD) dramatically suppressed the colony-forming ability of oral cancer cells after irradiation treatment. Differentially expressed genes analysis showed that G3BP2, a negative regulator of p53, is predominantly repressed after FOXD1-KD and transcriptionally regulated by Foxd1, as judged by a luciferase-based promoter assay in oral cancer cells. Gene set enrichment analysis significantly predicted the inhibition of E2F-related signaling pathway but the activation of the interferons (IFNs) and p53-associated cellular functions, which were further validated by luciferase reporter assays in the FOXD1-KD oral cancer cells. Robustly, our data showed that FOXD1-KD fosters the expression of TXNIP, a downstream effector of IFN signaling and activator of p53, in oral cancer cells. These findings suggest that FOXD1 targeting might potentiate the anti-cancer effectiveness of radiotherapy and promote immune surveillance on oral cancer.

Long noncoding RNA PWRN1 is lowly expressed in osteosarcoma and modulates cancer proliferation and migration by targeting hsa-miR-214-5p

BACKGROUND

We examined the expression pattern, clinical relevance, and molecular mechanisms of lncRNA PWRN1 in human osteosarcoma.

METHODS

qPCR was used to measure PWRN1 expressions in cell lines and tumor samples osteosarcoma. The correlations between PWRN1 and cancer patients' clinicopathological properties and survival were examined. PWRN1 was ectopically overexpressed in MG-63 and 143B cells to assess its function on cancer cell proliferation, cisplatin chemoresistance, and in vivo xenotransplant growth. The ceRNA candidate of PWRN1, miR-214-5p was examined in osteosarcoma cells. In addition, miR-214-5p and PWRN1 were double-overexpressed in osteosarcoma cells to investigate the regulatory role of epigenetic axis PWRN1/miR-214-5p in osteosarcoma.

RESULTS

We found that PWRN1 was downregulated in both osteosarcoma cells and human tumors. PWRN1 downregulation was correlated with advanced stage, metastasis, and low survival rate in cancer patients. PWRN1 overexpression in osteosarcoma cells significantly inhibited their proliferation, cisplatin chemoresistance, and in vivo growth. In addition, we demonstrated that PWRN1 directly bound miR-214-5p and suppressed its expression in osteosarcoma cells. Furthermore, we showed that miR-214-5p overexpression reversed the anti-cancer effects of PWRN1 on osteosarcoma cell proliferation and cisplatin chemoresistance.

CONCLUSION

Our data provide new insights into the epigenetic axis of PWRN1/miR-214-5p in regulating osteosarcoma progression and chemoresistance. PWRN1 may also be a biomarker to predicting cancer patients' poor prognosis and novel pharmaceutical targets for personalized medicine.

LIN28B/IRS1 axis is targeted by miR-30a-5p and promotes tumor growth in colorectal cancer

Insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) is a potential oncogene that has been implicated in several malignant tumors. However, the regulatory mechanism of IRS1 remains to be investigated. The aim of our current study is to unveil the mechanism by which IRS1 exerts functions in tumorigenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC). The expression level of IRS1 was found to be higher in CRC cells in comparison with the normal cell. To determine the role of IRS1 in regulating CRC cellular processes, loss-of-function assays were designed and carried out in two CRC cell lines. Both in vitro and in vivo functional assays indicated that silencing of IRS1 suppressed CRC cell survival. Based on bioinformatics prediction and mechanism experiments, IRS1 was identified as a downstream target of miR-30a-5p. Furthermore, RNA-binding protein lin-28 homolog B (LIN28B) was determined to be a stabilizer of IRS1 messenger RNA. More importantly, LIN28B also acted as a target of miR-30a-5p.Through rescue assays, we proved that LIN28B-stablized IRS1 mediated miR-30a-5p-mediated CRC cell growth. In conclusion, this study revealed that LIN28B and LIN28B-stablized IRS1 promoted CRC cell growth by cooperating with miR-30a-5p.

miR-30a inhibits androgen-independent growth of prostate cancer via targeting MYBL2, FOXD1, and SOX4

BACKGROUND

Castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is an aggressive and lethal disease. The pathogenesis of CRPC is not fully understood and novel therapeutic targets need to be identified to improve the patients' prognosis. MicroRNA-30a (miR-30a) has been demonstrated to be a tumor suppressor in many types of solid malignancies. However, its role in androgen-independent (AI) growth of prostate cancer (PCa) received limited attention as yet.

METHODS

The clinical association of miR-30a and its potential targets with AI growth was characterized by bioinformatics analyses. Regulation of cell proliferation and colony formation rates by miR-30a were tested using PCa cell models. Xenograft models were used to measure the regulation of prostate tumor growth by miR-30a. The real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to validate whether miR-30a and its targets regulate cell cycle control genes and androgen receptor (AR)-dependent transcription. Bioinformatics tools, Western blot, and luciferase reporter assays were utilized to identify miR-30a targets.

RESULTS

Bioinformatic analysis showed that low expression of miR-30a is associated with castration resistance of PCa patients and poor outcomes. Transfection of miR-30a mimics inhibited the AI growth of PCa cells in vitro and in vivo. Upregulation of miR-30a in 22RV1 cells altered the expression of cell cycle control genes and AR-mediated transcription, while downregulation of miR-30a in LNCaP cells had the opposite effects to AR-mediated transcription. MYBL2, FOXD1, and SOX4 were identified as miR-30a targets. Downregulation of MYBL2, FOXD1, and SOX4 affected the expression of cell cycle control genes and AR-mediated transcription and suppressed the AI growth of 22RV1 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that miR-30a inhibits AI growth of PCa by targeting MYBL2, FOXD1, and SOX4. They provide novel insights into developing new treatment strategies for CRPC.

Genetic Variations in miR-30 Family Member Regulatory Regions Are Associated with Breast Cancer Risk in a Chinese Population

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) of the miR-30 family are closely linked with tumor metastasis and play key roles in the complex malignant phenotypes of cancers by targeting many tumor-related genes. Deregulated expression of miR-30 family members has been commonly observed in breast cancer. However, associations between the genetic variants in the regulatory region of miR-30 family and the risk of breast cancer are still limited, especially in the Chinese Han population. In the present study, we conducted a case-control analysis wherein 1064 breast cancer patients and 1073 healthy controls underwent genotyping of 10 SNPs in the regulatory region of miR-30 family members. Multivariate logistic regression analyses illustrated that the rs763354 variant in the miR-30a regulatory region was linked with a significant decrease in breast cancer risk in an additive model (adjusted OR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.75-0.98, P = 0.022). Further, eQTL analyses also indicated that this SNP was associated with miR-30a expression levels in breast cancer samples compiled in the TCGA database (P = 0.020). The Kaplan-Meier plotter showed that breast cancer patients with higher miR-30a expression have significantly better outcomes than do patients expressing low levels of this miRNA (HR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.61-0.91, P = 0.0041). Together, these findings suggest that the miR-30a rs763354 SNP is an important regulator of breast cancer risk, thus making it a potentially viable prognostic biomarker and one that can be used to guide therapeutic treatment in affected patients.

DDP-resistant ovarian cancer cells-derived exosomal microRNA-30a-5p reduces the resistance of ovarian cancer cells to DDP

Exosomes carrying microRNAs (miRNAs) have been demonstrated to play critical roles in the regulation of development, growth and metastasis of cancer. Bioinformatic predictions identified differentially expressed SRY-box 9 (SOX9) in OC, and the regulatory miRNA miR-139-5p. Here, we aim to evaluate the function of exosomal miR-139-5p in the sensitivity of ovarian cancer (OC) cells to cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) (DDP). Expression pattern of miR-139-5p and SOX9 in ovarian cancer cells (SKOV3) and DDP-resistant cells (SKOV3/DDP) was identified using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. The relationship between miR-139-5p and SOX9 was validated using a dual-luciferase reporter assay. SKOV3/DDP cell line was developed and introduced with miR-30a-5p mimic to analyse the effects of miR-30a-5p on resistance to DDP. The in vitro and in vivo effects of exosomal miR-30a-5p on resistance of SKOV3 cells to DDP were assessed in a co-culture system of exosomes and OC cells as well as in tumour-bearing nude mice. High expression of SOX9 and low expression of miR-30-5p were witnessed in OC. Furthermore, miR-30-5p, a downregulated miRNA in SKOV3/DDP cells, increased the rate of cell apoptosis and enhanced the sensitivity of SKOV3/DDP cells to DDP by targeting SOX9. Moreover, exosomes carrying miR-30a-5p were identified to sensitize SKOV3/DDP cells to DDP both in vitro and in vivo. These data together supported an important conclusion that DDP-resistant OC cell-derived exosomal miR-30a-5p enhanced cellular sensitivity to DDP, highlighting a potential strategy to overcome drug resistance.

The Lnc LINC00461/miR-30a-5p facilitates progression and malignancy in non-small cell lung cancer via regulating ZEB2

Studies have found that Lnc LINC00461 is an important regulator of cancer. However, the function of Lnc LINC00461 in NSCLC is not known. Therefore, this experimental design was based on Lnc LINC00461 to explore the pathogenesis of Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression of lnc LINC00461 and miR-30a-5p in NSCLC. The CCK-8 method and Transwell assay were used to detect the effects of lnc LINC00461 and miR-30a-5p on proliferation, migration in NSCLC. Target gene prediction and screening, luciferase reporter assays were used to validate downstream target genes of lnc LINC00461 and miR-30a-5p. The protein expression of ZEB2 was detected by Western blot. The tumor changes in mice were detected by in vivo experiments. Lnc LINC00461 was significantly elevated in NSCLC. Lnc LINC00461 knockdown significantly inhibited proliferation and migration in NSCLC. miR-30a-5p was a direct target of lnc LINC00461 and miR-30a-5p was significantly reduced in NSCLC. shLINC00461 and miR-30a-5p inhibitor partially eliminated the effect of shLINC00461 on cell proliferation. And lnc LINC00461 was negatively correlated with miR-30a-5p expression. ZEB2 was a direct target of miR-30a-5p, and miR-30a-5p mimic and sh lnc LINC00461 significantly reduced ZEB2 expression levels. Finally, In vivo, lnc LINC00461 promoted tumor growth by modulating the miR-30a-5p / ZEB2 axis. In conclusion, LncLINC00461 promoted the progression of NSCLC by the miR-30a-5p / ZEB2 axis, and lnc LINC00461 may be a potential therapeutic target for NSCLC.

Nanomedicine in osteosarcoma therapy: Micelleplexes for delivery of nucleic acids and drugs toward osteosarcoma-targeted therapies

Osteosarcoma(OS) represents the main cancer affecting bone tissue, and one of the most frequent in children. In this review we discuss the major pathological hallmarks of this pathology, its current therapeutics, new active biomolecules, as well as the nanotechnology outbreak applied to the development of innovative strategies for selective OS targeting. Small RNA molecules play a role as key-regulator molecules capable of orchestrate different responses in what concerns cancer initiation, proliferation, migration and invasiveness. Frequently associated with lung metastasis, new strategies are urgent to upgrade the therapeutic outcomes and the life-expectancy prospects. Hence, the prominent rise of micelleplexes as multifaceted and efficient structures for nucleic acid delivery and selective drug targeting is revisited here with special emphasis on ligand-mediated active targeting. Future landmarks toward the development of novel nanostrategies for both OS diagnosis and OS therapy improvements are also discussed.

The study of mechanism of miR-34c-5p targeting FLOT2 to regulate proliferation, migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells

Objective: Osteosarcoma is one of the most common malignancies in children and adolescents. Studies have shown that miR-34c-5p is involved in the progression of various cancers. To explore the effects of miR-34c-5p on the proliferation, migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells and its potential mechanism. Methods: qRT-PCR was used to detect the expression levels of miR-34c-5p and FLOT2 mRNA in osteosarcoma tissues and cells. Western Blot was used to detect protein expression. MTT assay used to detect cell viability. Transwell was used to detect cell migration and invasion in each group. Dual luciferase reporter gene assay was used to detect luciferase activity. Results: The expression of miR-34c-5pwas significantly decreased in osteosarcoma tissues and cells and the expression level of FLOT2 mRNA was significantly increased. Overexpression of miR-34c-5p and inhibition of FLOT2 inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells and inhibited the expression of Cyclin D1, MMP-2 and MMP-9 proteins and promoted the expression of p21 protein. miR-34c-5p targeted to regulate the expression of FLOT2. Overexpression of FLOT2 reversed the inhibitory effect of miR-34c-5p overexpression on proliferation, migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cell lines. Conclusion: miR-34c-5p can inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells. The mechanism may be related to targeting FLOT2, which will provide a new target for the prevention and treatment of osteosarcoma.

Down-regulation of miR-30a-5p is Associated with Poor Prognosis and Promotes Chemoresistance of Gemcitabine in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

MicroRNA-30a-5p (miR-30a-5p) plays an important role in many biological and pathological processes, and therefore has been studied extensively. However, its expression and function in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remain unclear. Furthermore, whether miR-30a-5p affects sensitivity of PDAC cells to gemcitabine (GEM) is worthy of further exploration. The results showed that miR-30a-5p expression in pancreatic cancer was decreased and the down-regulated expression correlated with poor prognosis, while up-regulating miR-30a-5p suppressed tumor cell proliferation, cell cycle and increased apoptosis. MiRNA expression profiles between gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer cells and parental pancreatic cancer cells showed significant change of miR-30a-5p expression. Besides, up-regulating miR-30a-5p in PDAC significantly increased the chemosensitivity of gemcitabine. Furthermore, FOXD1 is a direct target of miR-30a-5p and the miR-30a-5p/FOXD1/ERK axis may play an important role in the development of gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer. In summary, our study showed that miR-30a-5p increases the sensitivity of pancreatic cancer to gemcitabine, and it may be a potential therapeutic target to overcome gemcitabine resistance.

miR-627-3p inhibits osteosarcoma cell proliferation and metastasis by targeting PTN

Dysregulation of microRNA (miRNA) has been observed in several types of tumors, including osteosarcoma. Biochip analysis was used to identify miRNAs differentially expressed in osteosarcoma tissues. The targeting sites of miR-627-3p were analyzed using miRDB software and fluorescein reporter gene. MTT and Transwell assays were used to analyze the effects of miR-627-3p on the growth and migration of osteosarcoma cells. Western blotting and real-time PCR were used to detect the effects of miR-627-3p on related proteins. In vivo experiments were conducted to verify the effect of miR-627-3p on osteosarcoma. We focused on miR-627-3p because it was the most significantly downregulated miRNA in our screening study. Through luciferase reporter assays, western blotting and real-time PCR we found that miR-627-3p directly targets PTN, and that expression levels of miR-627-3p and PTN are negatively correlated in osteosarcoma cells. Downregulation of miR-627-3p promoted osteosarcoma cell proliferation and metastasis, while its overexpression had the opposite effect. By targeting PTN, miR-627-3p also suppressed expression of Cyclin D1 and MMP2. MiR-627-3p inhibited osteosarcoma metastasis in vivo. Thus, miR-627-3p may be a useful therapeutic target for the treatment osteosarcoma or prevention of metastasis.