Systematic analysis of gene expression pattern in has-miR-197 over-expressed human uterine leiomyoma cells

Riddling Substitution of "hsa" to "has" in the Enigmatic MicroRNA Nomenclature

This concise review and analysis offers an initial unpacking of a previously under-recognized issue within the microRNA research and communications field regarding the inadvertent use of "has" instead of "hsa" in article titles in the microRNA nomenclature. This subtle change, often the result of grammar auto correction tools, introduces considerable ambiguity and confusion among readers and researchers in reporting of microRNA-related discoveries. The impact of this issue cannot be underestimated, as precise and consistent nomenclature is vital for science communication and computational retrieval of relevant scientific literature and to advance science and innovation. We suggest that the recognition and correction of these often inadvertent "hsa" to "has" substitution errors are timely and important so as to ensure a higher level of accuracy throughout the writing and publication process in the microRNA field in particular. Doing so will also contribute to clarity and consistency in the field of microRNA research, ultimately improving scientific veracity, communication, and progress.

Significance of HOXD transcription factors family in progression, migration and angiogenesis of cancer

The transcription factors (TFs) of the HOX family play significant roles during early embryonic development and cellular processes. They also play a key role in tumorigenesis as tumor oncogenes or suppressors. Furthermore, TFs of the HOXD geFIne cluster affect proliferation, migration, and invasion of tumors. Consequently, dysregulated activity of HOXD TFs has been linked to clinicopathological characteristics of cancer. HOXD TFs are regulated by non-coding RNAs and methylation of DNA on promoter and enhancer regions. In addition, HOXD genes modulate the biological function of cancer cells via the MEK and AKT signaling pathways, thus, making HOXD TFs, a suitable molecular marker for cancer prognosis and therapy. In this review, we summarized the roles of HOXD TFs in different cancers and highlighted its potential as a diagnostic and therapeutic target.

miR-335-5p Inhibits Progression of Uterine Leiomyoma by Targeting ARGLU1

Studies have demonstrated that miR-335-5p exhibits an essential role in the progress of multiple tumors, including thyroid cancer, pancreatic cancer, and non-small-cell lung cancer. However, the possible expression, the detailed role, and the underlying mechanisms of miR-335-5p in uterine leiomyoma (UL) still remained unclear. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the mechanism and function of miR-335-5p in UL. In our study, microRNA-335-5p (miR-335-5p) is significantly downregulated in UL tissues and UL cell lines, especially in HCC1688 and SK-UT-1 cells. Functionally, overexpression of miR-335-5p notably inhibits the viability of UL cell lines by CCK-8 assay. Besides, upregulation of miR-335-5p inhibits proliferation of UL cell lines by colony formation assay and decreases the protein levels of PCNA and Ki-67 detected by western blot assay. In addition, overexpression of miR-335-5p induces UL cell cycle arrest at G1 phase. Upregulation of miR-335-5p decreases the levels of Cyclin A1, Cyclin B1, and Cyclin D2 and upregulates the expression of p27 protein. Additionally, upregulation of miR-335-5p promotes the apoptosis of UL cell lines, increases the protein levels of Bax, Cleaved caspase-3, and Cleaved caspase-9, and decreases the protein expression of Bcl-2. Moreover, Arginine and Glutamate-Rich protein 1 (ARGLU1) is predicted as a target of miR-335-5p by ENCORI and miRDB and confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay. ARGLU1 is negatively associated with miR-335-5p. Furthermore, overexpression of ARGLU1 partly restores the effects of miR-335-5p mimic on the viability, proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis of UL cell lines. To conclude, miR-335-5p may play a repressive role in UL by targeting ARGLU1 and serve as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of UL.

Cross-talk between Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway and transforming growth factor beta pathways and increased collagen1A1 production in uterine leiomyoma cells

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the potential interaction between interleukin-6 (IL6), Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-3 (JAK/STAT3) pathway, and Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ)-3 , and to determine whether such cross-talk was a contributing factor in the dysregulation of type I collagen production in leiomyomas.

DESIGN

Laboratory study.

SETTING

University research laboratory.

PATIENTS

None.

INTERVENTIONS

Exposure of leiomyoma and myometrial cell lines to IL6 and STAT3 activators/inhibitors. Western immunoblot analysis and immunohistochemistry.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Expression of STAT3, pSTAT3, SOCS3, COL1A1, and TGFb3.

RESULTS

We observed that IL6 increased pSTAT3 as well as collagen1A1 in uterine leiomyoma cells. Direct activation of the JAK/STAT3 pathway increased collagen1A1 production in leiomyoma cells, whereas inhibition of the pathway significantly decreased collagen1A1 production. We further observed that modulation of the JAK/STAT3 pathway also increased the expression of TGFβ3 protein. Leiomyoma cells exposed to TGFβ3 demonstrated a significant decrease in pSTAT3 protein. Myometrial cells demonstrated a less sensitive response to STAT3 modulation and collagen production.

CONCLUSION

Cross-talk between the TGFβ pathway and JAK/STAT3 pathway contributes to the fibrotic nature of uterine leiomyomas.

The Role of miRNA and Related Pathways in Pathophysiology of Uterine Fibroids-From Bench to Bedside

Uterine fibroids (UFs) are the most common benign tumors of the female genital tract. Their prevalence usually is estimated at 30-40%, but may reach up to 70-80% in predisposed groups of women. UFs may cause various clinical issues which might constitute the major reason of the overall deterioration of the quality of life. The mechanisms leading to UFs formation and growth still remain poorly understood. The transformation of smooth muscle cells of the uterus into abnormal, immortal cells, capable of clonal division, is thought to be a starting point of all pathways leading to UF formation. Micro-ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) are non-coding single-stranded RNAs about 22 nucleotides in length, that regulate gene expression. One of recent advances in this field is the comprehension of the role of miRNAs in tumorigenesis. Alterations in the levels of miRNAs are related to the formation and growth of several tumors which show a distinct miRNA signature. The aim of this review is to summarize the current data about the role of miRNAs in the pathophysiology of UFs. We also discuss future directions in the miRNA research area with an emphasis on novel diagnostic opportunities or patient-tailored therapies. In our opinion data concerning the regulation of miRNA and its gene targets in the UFs are still insufficient in comparison with gynecological malignancies. The potential translational use of miRNA and derived technologies in the clinical care is at the early phase and needs far more evidence. However, it is one of the main areas of interest for the future as the use of miRNAs in the diagnostics and treatment of UFs is a new and exciting opportunity.

Genome-wide association study of antidepressant treatment resistance in a population-based cohort using health service prescription data and meta-analysis with GENDEP

Antidepressants demonstrate modest response rates in the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). Despite previous genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of antidepressant treatment response, the underlying genetic factors are unknown. Using prescription data in a population and family-based cohort (Generation Scotland: Scottish Family Health Study; GS:SFHS), we sought to define a measure of (a) antidepressant treatment resistance and (b) stages of antidepressant resistance by inferring antidepressant switching as non-response to treatment. GWAS were conducted separately for antidepressant treatment resistance in GS:SFHS and the Genome-based Therapeutic Drugs for Depression (GENDEP) study and then meta-analysed (meta-analysis n = 4213, cases = 358). For stages of antidepressant resistance, a GWAS on GS:SFHS only was performed (n = 3452). Additionally, we conducted gene-set enrichment, polygenic risk scoring (PRS) and genetic correlation analysis. We did not identify any significant loci, genes or gene sets associated with antidepressant treatment resistance or stages of resistance. Significant positive genetic correlations of antidepressant treatment resistance and stages of resistance with neuroticism, psychological distress, schizotypy and mood disorder traits were identified. These findings suggest that larger sample sizes are needed to identify the genetic architecture of antidepressant treatment response, and that population-based observational studies may provide a tractable approach to achieving the necessary statistical power.

Emerging roles for multifunctional ion channel auxiliary subunits in cancer

Several superfamilies of plasma membrane channels which regulate transmembrane ion flux have also been shown to regulate a multitude of cellular processes, including proliferation and migration. Ion channels are typically multimeric complexes consisting of conducting subunits and auxiliary, non-conducting subunits. Auxiliary subunits modulate the function of conducting subunits and have putative non-conducting roles, further expanding the repertoire of cellular processes governed by ion channel complexes to processes such as transcellular adhesion and gene transcription. Given this expansive influence of ion channels on cellular behaviour it is perhaps no surprise that aberrant ion channel expression is a common occurrence in cancer. This review will focus on the conducting and non-conducting roles of the auxiliary subunits of various Ca2+, K+, Na+ and Cl- channels and the burgeoning evidence linking such auxiliary subunits to cancer. Several subunits are upregulated (e.g. Cavβ, Cavγ) and downregulated (e.g. Kvβ) in cancer, while other subunits have been functionally implicated as oncogenes (e.g. Navβ1, Cavα2δ1) and tumour suppressor genes (e.g. CLCA2, KCNE2, BKγ1) based on in vivo studies. The strengthening link between ion channel auxiliary subunits and cancer has exposed these subunits as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. However further mechanistic understanding is required into how these subunits contribute to tumour progression before their therapeutic potential can be fully realised.

miR-197: A novel biomarker for cancers

microRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that could regulate post-transcription level through binding to 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of target messenger RNAs (mRNAs), which were reported to be related with the incidence and development of diverse neoplasms. Among them, miR-197 was confirmed to play a vital role of oncogene or anti-oncogene in different cancers via targeting key tumorigenic or tumor-suppressive genes. Additionally, miR-197 had extensively been studied in carcinogenesis progression of cancers through various mechanisms, including apoptosis, proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis, drug resistance and tumor suppressor, and also played a role in prognosis of cancers. In this review, we summarized the roles of miR-197 in cancers and considered it as a potentially novel biomarker for different cancers, offering an alternatively secure and effective tool in molecular targeting cancer treatment.