Knockdown of HCP5 exerts tumor-suppressive functions by up-regulating tumor suppressor miR-128-3p in anaplastic thyroid cancer

The role of miR-128 in cancer development, prevention, drug resistance, and immunotherapy

A growing body of evidence has revealed that microRNA (miRNA) expression is dysregulated in cancer, and they can act as either oncogenes or suppressors under certain conditions. Furthermore, some studies have discovered that miRNAs play a role in cancer cell drug resistance by targeting drug-resistance-related genes or influencing genes involved in cell proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis. In this regard, the abnormal expression of miRNA-128 (miR-128) has been found in various human malignancies, and its verified target genes are essential in cancer-related processes, including apoptosis, cell propagation, and differentiation. This review will discuss the functions and processes of miR-128 in multiple cancer types. Furthermore, the possible involvement of miR-128 in cancer drug resistance and tumor immunotherapeutic will be addressed.

Silencing of Long Noncoding RNA HLA Complex P5 (HCP5) Suppresses Glioma Progression through the HCP5-miR-205-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A Feedback Loop

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) HLA complex P5 (HCP5) is correlated with multiple diseases, especially cancers. However, it remains to be further studied whether HCP5 is involved in the malignant behaviors of gliomas. This study is aimed at investigating the role and regulation mechanisms of HCP5 in gliomas. HCP5 expression in glioma tumor tissues and its association with glioma patients' survival were analyzed based on RNA-sequencing data. The expression of HCP5 was also examined in glioma cells. Then, HCP5 was downregulated in U251 cells and/or primary glioblastoma cells to explore its effects on cell proliferation and migration. The influence of HCP5 downregulation on tumor growth was confirmed in xenograft mice. About the mechanism, we investigated whether HCP5 functioned via interacting with microRNA- (miR-) 205 and regulating vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) expression in gliomas. Results showed that HCP5 upregulation was found in glioma tissues and cell lines. Patients with high HCP5 expression showed lower survival probability and shorter survival time. HCP5 downregulation inhibited cell proliferation and migration and mitigated tumor growth. miR-205 was downregulated in glioma cells. Knockdown of HCP5 led to miR-205 upregulation and VEGF-A downregulation. miR-205 overexpression exhibited the similar effects as HCP5 downregulation on cell viability and proliferation. And VEGF-A overexpression could reverse the effects of HCP5 downregulation on cell viability and proliferation, as well as tumor growth. In conclusion, HCP5 silencing suppressed glioma progression through the HCP5-miR-205-VEGF-A feedback loop.

Long Non-Coding RNAs in Pancreatic Cancer: Biologic Functions, Mechanisms, and Clinical Significance

Despite tremendous efforts devoted to research in pancreatic cancer (PC), the mechanism underlying the tumorigenesis and progression of PC is still not completely clear. Additionally, ideal biomarkers and satisfactory therapeutic strategies for clinical application in PC are still lacking. Accumulating evidence suggests that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) might participate in the pathogenesis of diverse cancers, including PC. The abnormal expression of lncRNAs in PC is considered a vital factor during tumorigenesis that affects tumor cell proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and drug resistance. With this review of relevant articles published in recent years, we aimed to summarize the biogenesis mechanism, classifications, and modes of action of lncRNAs and to review the functions and mechanisms of lncRNAs in PC. Additionally, the clinical significance of lncRNAs in PC was discussed. Finally, we pointed out the questions remaining from recent studies and anticipated that further investigations would address these gaps in knowledge in this field.

Knockdown long non-coding RNA HCP5 enhances the radiosensitivity of esophageal carcinoma by modulating AKT signaling activation

Recently, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been revealed to participate in cancer therapy. Especial in tumor radiotherapy, lncRNAs usually could enhance or restrict the radiosensitivity in different ways. LncRNA HCP5 is highly expressed in esophageal cancer and influenced the malignant behaviors of esophageal cancer cells. However, this study dedicates to clarify if lncRNA HCP5 affects the radiosensitivity of esophageal carcinoma. The expression levels of HCP5 in esophageal cancer and adjacent noncancerous tissue were first analyzed on the TCGA database and then detected by qRT-PCR. The related functional experiments were used to investigate whether the radiosensitivity of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma was affected by the inhibition of HCP5. The expression results showed HCP5 is upregulated in esophageal cancers compared to the normal tissues. Meanwhile, knockdown HCP5 further suppressed the proliferation and promoted the apoptosis of esophageal cancer cells treated with a 2 Gy dose of radiotherapy. Moreover, we uncovered that knockdown HCP5 eliminated radiotherapy resistance by modulating the miR-216a-3p/PDK1 axis to inhibit the AKT activation. Finally, rescue experiments pointed that lowering the miR-216a-3p expression weakened the inhibition effect of knockdown HCP5 on cells treated with radiotherapy. To summary, our results indicate that HCP5 is involved in esophageal carcinoma radiotherapy and knockdown HCP5 enhances the radiosensitivity of esophageal carcinoma by modulating AKT signaling activation.

LncRNA HCP5 as a potential therapeutic target and prognostic biomarker for various cancers: a meta‑analysis and bioinformatics analysis

BACKGROUND

Accumulating studies indicated that dysregulated long non-coding RNA human histocompatibility leukocyte antigen (HLA) Complex P5 (HCP5) may functions as an potential prognostic predictor in multiple cancers. This meta-analysis was performed to systematically collect studies and conduct an evidence-based evaluation of the prognostic role of HCP5 in malignancies.

METHODS

Four databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane library) were comprehensively retrieved from their initiation date to November 9, 2021. Hazard ratio (HR) or odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to assess the associations between the expression level of HCP5 and prognosis or clinical characteristics. Moreover, results were validated by Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis 2 (GEPIA2) and the National Genomics Data Center (NGDC). Subsequently, the molecular mechanism of HCP5 was predicted based on MEM and StarBase databases. The study protocol was registered at PROSPERO (ID: CRD42021274208).

RESULTS

9 studies, containing 641 patients, were included in this meta-analysis. Our results revealed that HCP5 overexpression was associated with poor overall survival (OS), tumor type, histological differentiation, and lymph node metastasis in most cancers, but was not associated with age, gender and tumor size; down-regulation of HCP5 was associated with worse OS, advanced tumor stage, positive distal metastasis and lymph node metastasis in skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM). HCP5 was significantly up-regulated in four cancers and down-regulated in SKCM, which was validated by the GEPIA2 cohort. HCP5 expression in various types of cancer was also verified in NGDC. Further functional prediction revealed that HCP5 may participate in some cancer-related pathways.

CONCLUSION

There is a significantly association between dysregulation of HCP5 and both prognosis and clinicopathological features in various cancers. HCP5 may be functions as a novel potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in multiple human cancers.

Autophagy and gastrointestinal cancers: the behind the scenes role of long non-coding RNAs in initiation, progression, and treatment resistance

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers comprise a heterogeneous group of complex disorders that affect different organs, including esophagus, stomach, gallbladder, liver, biliary tract, pancreas, small intestine, colon, rectum, and anus. Recently, an explosion in nucleic acid-based technologies has led to the discovery of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that have been found to possess unique regulatory functions. This class of RNAs is >200 nucleotides in length, and is characterized by their lack of protein coding. LncRNAs exert regulatory effects in GI cancer development by affecting different functions such as the proliferation and metastasis of cancer cells, apoptosis, glycolysis and angiogenesis. Over the past few decades, considerable evidence has revealed the important role of autophagy in both GI cancer progression and suppression. In addition, recent studies have confirmed a significant correlation between lncRNAs and the regulation of autophagy. In this review, we summarize how lncRNAs play a behind the scenes role in the pathogenesis of GI cancers through regulation of autophagy.

The cytoprotective role of omentin against oxidative stress-induced PC12 apoptosis

Oxidative stress has been proven to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of neuronal injury. As a novel adipocytokine, omentin is produced by visceral adipose with insulin sensitizing effects and has been revealed to possess anti-inflammatory effects. However, the possible effect of omentin on oxidative stress remains unknown. The present study aimed to detect the potential protective effect of omentin against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced cytotoxicity of PC12 cells. The results showed that no cytotoxic effect was shown in PC12 cells co-cultured with omentin alone at a concentration of 50-1000 ng/mL. The CCK8 and TUNEL assays suggested that omentin could remarkably attenuate apoptosis induced by 100 μM H2O2. The PCR and western blotting showed that the expression levels of Bax was significantly inhibited by omentin via the upregulation of miR-128-3p at its 3'-UTR. Taken together, these results indicated that omentin protects PC12 cells against H2O2-induced apoptosis, and further studies need to be conducted before utilization in the clinic for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

SKA3, negatively regulated by miR-128-3p, promotes the progression of non-small-cell lung cancer

Aim: To investigate the effects of SKA3 on cell proliferation and metastasis in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and its underlying mechanism. Methods: Immunohistochemistry was employed to analyze the expression of SKA3 in NSCLC. CCK-8 assay, EdU assay, Transwell assay and flow cytometry analysis were employed to assess cell proliferation, metastatic potential and apoptosis in vitro, respectively. A lung metastasis model was used to evaluate metastasis of NSCLC cells in vivo. A luciferase reporter gene assay was conducted to verify the targeting relationship. Results: SKA3 exhibited high expression in NSCLC tissues and cells. Overexpression of SKA3 remarkably accelerated cell proliferation and metastasis and suppressed apoptosis of NSCLC cells and promoted lung metastasis in a mouse model. miR-128-3p repressed SKA3 expression by targeting it. Conclusion: miR-128-3p inhibited the progression of NSCLC through targeting SKA3.

Circ-ABCB10 knockdown inhibits the malignant progression of cervical cancer through microRNA-128-3p/ZEB1 axis

AIMS

We focused on the detailed functions of circ-ABCB10 in cervical cancer (CC) development and its mechanisms.

BACKGROUND

The increasing findings have proposed the central roles of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in the tumorigenesis of various human cancers. Circ-ABCB10 displays promising oncogenic effect in several tumors.

METHODS

Circ-ABCB10 and miR-128-3p production levels in CC tissues and cells were tested through RT-qPCR. The association of circ-ABCB10 expression with clinicopathologic parameters of CC patients was statistically analyzed. Cell proliferation, invasion, apoptosis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were evaluated by MTT, transwell invasion assays, flow cytometry analyses, and western blot examination of EMT markers. The binding activity between miR-128-3p and circ-ABCB10 or zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) was explored through pull-down assay or luciferase reporter assay. The influence of circ-ABCB10 on CC tumorigenesis was evaluated by in vivo xenograft experiments.

RESULTS

The elevated circ-ABCB10 expression was determined in CC tissues and cells. Moreover, higher production level of circ-ABCB10 was close related to lymph-node metastasis, Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, and tumor size in CC patients. Loss of circ-ABCB10 weakened cell proliferative and invasive abilities, inhibited EMT, and induced apoptosis in CC. Loss of circ-ABCB10 inhibited ZEB1 expression by serving as a sponge of miR-128-3p in CC cells. Circ-ABCB10 sponged miR-128-3p to enhance cell proliferation, invasion, EMT and inhibit apoptosis in CC cells. Xenograft tumor assays confirmed that circ-ABCB10 knockdown inhibited CC tumor growth.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that circ-ABCB10 depletion inhibits proliferation, invasion and EMT and promotes apoptosis of cervical cancer cells through miR-128-3p/ZEB1 axis and represses CC tumor growth.

LncRNA HCP5 promotes malignant cell behaviors in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling

The role of lncRNA HCP5 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unknown despite its involvement in different malignancies. MTT assay, EdU assay, TUNEL assay, transwell assay, and sphere formation assay were conducted to reveal ESCC cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and stemness characteristics. FISH and subcellular fraction assays were performed to reveal the subcellular location of HCP5 in ESCC cells. Luciferase reporter assay and RIP assay were conducted to explore the downstream axis of HCP5. Our findings revealed that HCP5 expression was at a higher level in ESCC tissues and cells compared to that in control tissues and cells. Additionally, HCP5 promoted ESCC cellular activities by promoting proliferation, migration, invasion ability and stemness characteristics of ESCC cells as well as suppressing cell apoptosis. Furthermore, we found that HCP5 bound with miR-139-5p to upregulate PDE4A via the competing endogenous RNA network in ESCC cells. Importantly, HCP5 was discovered to stimulate the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling by regulating the downstream target genes. Finally, rescue assays indicated that HCP5 promoted ESCC cell growth by activating the PDE4A-medaited PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. HCP5 promotes ESCC cellular development by modulating the miR-139-5p/PDE4A pathway and stimulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, which may be conducive for the improvement of ESCC treatment.

HCP5, as the sponge of miR-1291, facilitates AML cell proliferation and restrains apoptosis via increasing PIK3R5 expression

Background

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is recognized as a hematological neoplasm with heterogenetic cytology and short-term outcome. HCP5 has been proven to be related with the pathogenesis of AML. However, the underlying mechanism of HCP5 in AML remains unclear.

Methods

Clinical profiles of AML patients were downloaded from TCGA and GTEx databases. LncBase and TargetScan online tools were utilized to predict potential targets, and dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to verify the association between miR-1291 and HCP5 or PIK3R5. Cell Counting Kit 8 and flow cytometry tests were implemented to evaluate the effects of HCP5/miR-1291/PIK3R5 axis in AML cells. Quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot were conducted to detect the expression levels of genes.

Results

HCP5 and PIK3R5 were significantly increased in AML tissue samples compared with healthy controls. HCP5 facilitated AML cells viability and inhibited apoptosis. There was a positive relationship between HCP5 and PIK3R5, but miR-1291 negatively regulated PIK3R5. Overexpression of PIK3R5 enhanced the promoting effect of HCP5 in the development of AML, while weakened the suppression of miR-1291 to AML progression.

Conclusion

Our findings manifested that HCP5 was remarkably upregulated in AML and upregulated HCP5 promoted the malignant behaviors of AML cells by mediating miR-1291/PIK3R5 axis, which would provide a new insight for the treatment of AML.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40246-021-00340-5.

Long non-coding RNA HCP5 functions as a sponge of miR-29b-3p and promotes cell growth and metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma through upregulating DNMT3A

Multiple studies have revealed that long non-coding RNA (lncRNAs) served as regulatory factors in modulating tumorigenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In the present study, we demonstrated that lncRNA HCP5 was overexpressed in HCC tissues and cell lines, and these findings were obvious even in metastatic and recurrent cases. Knockdown of HCP5 significantly alleviated cell growth, metastasis, and invasion both in vitro and in vivo through promoting apoptosis and by inactivating the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) progress. Moreover, miR-29b-3p has been identified as a negatively regulatory target gene of HCP5, and served as a tumor suppressor of HCC to prevent cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Subsequently, DNMT3A was identified as a downstream regulatory factor of miR-29b-3p, and acted as a participated element of HCC progression by activating AKT phosphorylation. Taken together, our study elucidated for the first time that HCP5 plays a crucial role in HCC via the HCP5/miR-29b-3p/DNMT3A/AKT axis and our findings demonstrated a novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategy with potentiality to treat HCC.

Identification of Potential Biomarkers in Neonatal Sepsis by Establishing a Competitive Endogenous RNA Network

BACKGROUND

Neonatal sepsis is a serious and difficult-to-diagnose systemic infectious disease occurring during the neonatal period.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify potential biomarkers of neonatal sepsis and explore its underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

We downloaded the neonatal sepsis-related gene profile GSE25504 from the NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The differentially expressed RNAs (DERs) were screened and identified using LIMMA. Then, the functions of the DERs were evaluated using Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses. Finally, a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was constructed and functional analyses were performed.

RESULTS

The initial screening identified 444 differentially expressed (DE)-mRNAs and 45 DElncRNAs. GO analysis showed that these DE-mRNAs were involved in immune response, defense response, and positive regulation of immune system process. KEGG analysis showed that these DE-mRNAs were enriched in 30 activated pathways and 6 suppressed pathways, and those with the highest scores were the IL-17 signaling pathway and ribosome. Next, 722 miRNAs associated with the identified lncRNAs were predicted using miRWalk. A ceRNA network was constructed that included 6 lncRNAs, 11 mRNAs, and 55 miRNAs. In this network, HCP5, LINC00638, XIST and TP53TG1 were hub nodes. Functional analysis of this network identified some essential immune functions, hematopoietic functions, osteoclast differentiation, and primary immunodeficiency as associated with neonatal sepsis.

CONCLUSION

HCP5, LINC00638, TP53TG1, ST20-AS1, and SERPINB9P1 may be potential biomarkers of neonatal sepsis and may be useful for rapid diagnosis; the biological process of the immune response was related to neonatal sepsis.

Knockdown of Long Non-Coding RNA HCP5 Increases Radiosensitivity Through Cellular Senescence by Regulating microRNA-128 in Gliomas

Introduction

Glioma is the most common malignant brain tumor in adults. Radiation is a key therapy in glioma. However, the radioresistance of glioma was a big challenge. HLA complex P5 (HCP5) has been reported dysregulated in several types of malignant tumor, including glioma. The role of HCP5 in the radiosensitivity of glioma is so far unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of HCP5 on radiosensitivity in gliomas.

Methods

The levels of HCP5 and microRNA (miR)-128 were detected using qRT-PCR. The cell growth curve was used to show the cell proliferation and evaluate the radiosensitivity of glioma cells following exposure to X-ray. Senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) staining was used to test the cellular senescence. Luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays were performed to determine the correlation between HCP5 and miR-128.

Results

HCP5 level of glioma cells was significantly higher than human astrocytes, whereas miR-128 level was lower in glioma cells. Besides, the HCP5 expression was increased in glioma tissues compared to normal brain tissues (NBTs). Knockdown of HCP5 inhibited cell proliferation and increased radiosensitivity in glioma cells. MiR-128 was predicted to be a target of HCP5. It was demonstrated that HCP5 directly bound to miR-128 and regulated its expression in glioma cells. Furthermore, the effects of HCP5 knockdown on radiosensitivity of glioma cells were attenuated by the inhibitor of miR-128.

Conclusion

These findings suggested that interaction between lncRNA HCP5 and microRNA-128 could regulate the radiosensitivity of glioma cells by intervening in cellular senescence. This might be used as the potential radio-sensitization targets for glioma therapy.

LncRNA HCP5 promotes neuroblastoma proliferation by regulating miR-186-5p/MAP3K2 signal axis

INTRODUCTION

Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common solid tumor in children. Studies showed that long-chain noncoding RNA (lncRNA) HCP5 played an important role in tumorigenesis, but its role in NB remained unclear. This study aims to determine the role of HCP5 in NB and its possible molecular mechanism.

METHODS

We analyzed the expression levels of miRNA-186-5p and HCP5 in neuroblastoma and neuroblastoma cell lines SHSY-5Y, Kelly, NBL-S and SK-N-AS, and explored their roles.

RESULTS

We found that the HCP5 expression was up-regulated in NB tissues and cells. The higher the HCP5 expression in NB cells, the stronger the ability of clone formation. Down regulation of the HCP5 expression inhibited the proliferation of NB cells and the growth of subcutaneous transplanted tumor in nude mice. HCP5 could competitively bind miR-186-5p, while miR-186-5p could target the 3'-UTR of MAP3K2. The expression level of miR-186-5p was down regulated while the expression level of MAP3K2 was up-regulated in NB tissues. The expression level of HCP5 and miR-186-5p, the expression level of miR-186-5p and MAP3K2 were negatively correlated. The decreased proliferation of NB cells induced by down-regulation of HCP5 expression can be counteracted by miR-186-5p inhibitor or MAP3K2, and vice versa.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that lncRNA HCP5, as ceRNA, regulated MAP3K2 to promote NB progression through competitive binding of miR-186-5p. We revealed a new signaling pathway that mediates NB, which provided a new target for the diagnosis and treatment of NB.

Long non‑coding RNA OIP5‑AS1 facilitates the progression of ovarian cancer via the miR‑128‑3p/CCNG1 axis

Long non‑coding RNA (LncRNA) o‑phthalaldehyde-interacting protein 5 antisense transcript 1 (OIP5‑AS1) serves major roles in the progression of various types of cancer. The present study investigated its biological function in ovarian cancer (OC) and its mechanisms. The levels of OIP5‑AS1, microRNA‑128‑3p (miR‑128‑3p) and cyclin G1 (CCNG1) were examined by reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR. Cell viability, apoptosis, migration and invasion were detected to analyze cellular progression. Glycolytic metabolism was assessed by detecting the levels of glucose consumption and lactate production. CCNG1 and hexokinase 2 protein levels were measured by western blotting. Dual‑luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation and RNA pull‑down assays were performed to affirm the interaction between two molecules. OIP5‑AS1 was found to be upregulated in OC tissues and cells. Knockdown of OIP5‑AS1 suppressed cell viability, migration, invasion and glycolysis while promoting apoptosis in OC cells. OIP5‑AS1 interacted with miR‑128‑3p and functioned as an oncogene by sequestering miR‑128‑3p. In addition, CCNG1 was a target gene for miR‑128‑3p and miR‑128‑3p regulated the CCNG1‑induced effects on OC cells by downregulating CCNG1. OIP5‑AS1 upregulated the expression of CCNG1 via targeting miR‑128‑3p. OIP5‑AS1 knockdown also inhibited tumor growth of OC in vivo by modulating the expression of miR‑128‑3p and CCNG1. Collectively, these data illustrated that the oncogenic role of OIP5‑AS1 in OC was associated with the miR‑128‑3p/CCNG1 axis at least in part. OIP5‑AS1 might be a probable diagnostic and therapeutic biomarker for the treatment of OC patients.

Molecular Pathology of Poorly Differentiated and Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer: What Do Pathologists Need to Know?

The molecular characterization of poorly and anaplastic thyroid carcinomas has been greatly improved in the last years following the advent of high throughput technologies. However, with special reference to genomic data, the prevalence of reported alterations is partly affected by classification criteria. The impact of molecular pathology in these tumors is multifaceted and bears diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive implications although its use in the clinical practice is not completely assessed. Genomic profiling data claim that genetic alterations in poorly differentiated and anaplastic thyroid carcinomas include "Early" and "Late" molecular events, which are consistent with a multi-step model of progression. "Early" driver events are mostly RAS and BRAF mutations, whereas "Late" changes include above all TP53 and TERT promoter mutations, as well as dysregulation of gene involved in the cell cycle, chromatin remodeling, histone modifications, and DNA mismatch repair. Gene fusions are rare but represent relevant therapeutic targets. Epigenetic modifications are also playing a relevant role in poorly differentiated and anaplastic thyroid carcinomas, with altered regulation of either genes by methylation/deacetylation or non-coding RNAs. The biological effects of epigenetic modifications are not fully elucidated but interfere with a wide spectrum of cellular functions. From a clinical standpoint, the combination of genomic and epigenetic data shows that several molecular alterations affect druggable cellular pathways in poorly differentiated and anaplastic thyroid carcinomas, although the clinical impact of molecular typing of these tumors in terms of predictive biomarker testing is still under exploration.

CCT3 suppression prompts apoptotic machinery through oxidative stress and energy deprivation in breast and prostate cancers

Mediated by chaperon proteins, protein misfolding plays a crucial role in cancer pathogenesis. Chaperonin Containing TCP1 Subunit 3 (CCT3) is one of eight subunits forming eukaryotic chaperons that catalyzes correct folding of the proteins employed in cell division, proliferation, and apoptosis pathway. Moreover, CCT3 expression increases responsively with carcinogenesis. However, how CCT3 drives the cancerous process has not been documented. Here we probed the mechanistic and functional interactions between CCT3 and apoptotic pathways and cell stressors. First, we profiled CCT3 expression levels of different 16 cell lines and found that CCT3 expression levels of CRL-2329 and PC3 were significantly increased. Then, we suppressed CCT3 levels in CRL-2329 and PC3 lines by miR-24-3p, miR-128-3p, and miR-149-5p mimics, and measured apoptotic response of the cell lines to the knockdown of CCT3 by acridine orange/ethidium bromide and Annexin V/PI staining, cell-cycle and mitochondria membrane potential (MMP) analyses, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) measurement and analysis of expression levels of the apoptotic genes. After having suppressed CCT3, the cell cycle was arrested in the G0/G1 phase, MMP was impaired, and the intracellular ROS level was increased. These signs of apoptotic flux were corroborated by morphological images, statistically enhanced expression levels of the apoptotic pathway modulators and intracellular free amino acids profile. The free amino acid profile, which is heavily implicated in energy metabolism and cell division, is fluctuated in the progress of canceration. Strikingly, suppressed CCT3 shifted intracellular levels of glutamine, beta-alanine, glycine, serin, asparagine and sarcosine, which are employed in energy metabolism. Consequently, miRNA-mediated CCT3 suppression spur apoptosis by unbalancing the homeostasis in intracellular ROS and the profile of free amino acids in energy metabolism. Taken together, we anticipate that miRNA-mediated CCT3 suppression might provide a "dual therapeutic strategy" through conventional cellular toxicity as well as energy withdrawal.

Long non-coding RNA signatures as predictors of prognosis in thyroid cancer: a narrative review

Thyroid cancer (TC) is the most common endocrine malignancy, with high incidence rates in recent decades. Most TC cases have good prognoses, but a high risk of recurrence and metastases poses challenges, especially for patients with high-risk factors. Currently used prognostic markers for TC involve a combination of genetic factors and overexpressed proteins. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate several integral biologic processes by playing key roles in the transcription of several downstream targets maintaining cellular behavior. Prior studies have revealed that lncRNAs promote tumor cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis, making them important targets for therapeutic intervention in cancer. While the exact molecular mechanisms underlying the role of lncRNAs in modulating TC progression and recurrence is still unclear, it is important to note that some lncRNAs are upregulated in certain cancers, while others are downregulated. In the present study, we review several key lncRNAs, their association with cancer progression, and the important roles they may play as tumor suppressors or tumor promoters in tumorigenesis. We discuss the potential mechanisms of lncRNA-mediated pathogenesis that can be targeted for the treatment of TC, the existing and potential benefits of using lncRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic measures for cancer detection, and tumor burden in patients.

Down-regulation of HCP5 inhibits cell proliferation, migration, and invasion through regulating EPHA7 by competitively binding miR-101 in osteosarcoma

Patients with osteosarcoma (OS) usually have poor overall survival because of frequent metastasis. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to be associated with tumorigenesis and metastasis. In this study, we investigated the expression and roles of lncRNA human histocompatibility leukocyte antigen (HLA) complex P5 (HCP5) in OS, aiming to provide a novel molecular mechanism for OS. HCP5 was up-regulated both in OS tissues and cell lines and high expression of HCP5 was associated to low survival in OS patients. Down-regulation of HCP5 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, suggesting its carcinogenic role in OS. miR-101 was targeted by HCP5 and its expression was decreased in OS. The inhibitor of miR-101 reversed the impact of HCP5 down-regulation on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis in OS. Ephrin receptor 7 (EPHA7) was proved to be a target of miR-101 and had ability to recover the effects of miR-101 inhibitor in OS. In conclusion, lncRNA HCP5 knockdown suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and induced apoptosis through depleting the expression of EPHA7 by binding to miR-101, providing a potential therapeutic strategy of HCP5 in OS.

T Cell Factor 4 Is Involved in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma via Regulating Long Non-Coding RNA HCP5

The annual incidence of papillary thyroid carcinoma has increased dramatically. T cell factor 4 (TCF4) is an important component of Wnt signaling pathway.However, the role of TCF4 in PTC remains unknown. In this study, TCF4 was observed to overexpress in PTC patients and cells by qRT-PCR assay. The colony formation assay, Edu staining and transwell assay indicated thatoverexpression of TCF4 promoted cell proliferation and invasion of TCP-1 cells, whereas knockdown of TCF4 inhibited cell proliferation and invasion of IHH-4 cells. To investigate the mechanism of TCF4 in PTC cells, the luciferase assay demonstrated that TCF4 could modulate HCP5 expression. Besides, GLuc-ON promoter reporter assayproved that TCF4 could bind to HCP5 promoter. Further, knockdown of HCP5 could significantly up-regulated miR-15a, miR-216a-5p, miR-22-3p, miR-139-5p, miR-203, miR-27a-3p and miR-320, and down-regulated miR-186-5p in IHH-4 cells, which might be potential downstream of TFC4/HCP5 axis. In conclusion, up-regulation TCF4 can promote HCP5 expression via binding to HCP5 promoter. It may be the first time to prove that TCF4 regulates HCP5 in PTC, which provides a novel sight for treatment of PTC.

Long non-coding RNA HCP5 in cancer

Cancer remains a major threat to human health worldwide. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) comprises a group of single-stranded RNA with lengths longer than 200 bp. LncRNAs are aberrantly expressed and play a variety of roles involving multiple cellular processes in cancer. Histocompatibility leukocyte antigen complex P5 (HCP5), initially reported in 1993, is an important lncRNA located between the MICA and MICB genes in MHC I region. HCP5 is involved many autoimmune diseases as well as malignancies. Abnormal HCP5 expression occurs in many types of cancer and its dysregulation appears closely associated with tumor progression. HCP5 is also involved in anti-tumor drug resistance as well. As such, HCP5 represents a promising biomarker and therapeutic target in cancer. In this review, we summarize recent researches and provide an overview of the role and mechanism of HCP5 in human cancer.

LncRNA HCP5 Promotes Cell Invasion and Migration by Sponging miR-29b-3p in Human Bladder Cancer

BACKGROUND

Bladder cancer (BC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in the urinary system. In this study, the roles of lncRNA HCP5 (human major histocompatibility complex p5) and miR-29b-3p in human BC were investigated. Their regulations involved in cell invasion and migration were also evaluated.

METHODS

Luciferase reporter assay was performed to detect the binding between miR-29b-3p and HCP5 or high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1). Cell viability, migration, invasion and apoptosis were assessed by CCK-8, colony formation, transwell assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Expression levels of HMGB1/toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) proteins were measured by Western blot. Xenograft model was built, and tumor volumes and weights were calculated.

RESULTS

The results revealed dysregulation of HCP5 and miR-29b-3p in BC samples and cells. HCP5 negatively regulated the expression of miR-29b-3p and enhanced cell viability, migration and invasion. MiR-29b-3p mediated the effect of HCP5 on cell viability, proliferation, migration and invasion in RT4 cells. In addition, miR-29b-3p could regulate the expression of HMGB1 through interaction with HMGB1.

CONCLUSION

The findings in this study supported that lncRNA HCP5 could promote cell invasion and migration by sponging miR-29b-3p in human BC.

Roles of Non-Coding RNAs on Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinomas

Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) remains as one of the most aggressive human carcinomas with poor survival rates in patients with the cancer despite therapeutic interventions. Novel targeted and personalized therapies could solve the puzzle of poor survival rates of patients with ATC. In this review, we discuss the role of non-coding RNAs in the regulation of gene expression in ATC as well as how the changes in their expression could potentially reshape the characteristics of ATCs. A broad range of miRNA, such as miR-205, miR-19a, miR-17-3p and miR-17-5p, miR-618, miR-20a, miR-155, etc., have abnormal expressions in ATC tissues and cells when compared to those of non-neoplastic thyroid tissues and cells. Moreover, lncRNAs, such as H19, Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) complex P5 (HCP5), Urothelial carcinoma-associated 1 (UCA1), Nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1), etc., participate in transcription and post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression in ATC cells. Dysregulations of these non-coding RNAs were associated with development and progression of ATC by modulating the functions of oncogenes during tumour progression. Thus, restoration of the abnormal expression of these miRNAs and lncRNAs may serve as promising ways to treat the patients with ATC. In addition, siRNA mediated inhibition of several oncogenes may act as a potential option against ATC. Thus, non-coding RNAs can be useful as prognostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for the better management of patients with ATC.

Non-coding RNA in thyroid cancer - Functions and mechanisms

Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignant tumor, and its incidence has increased significantly in the past few years. A growing number of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) have shown abnormal expression patterns in human thyroid cancer in recent studies. Depending on size, ncRNAs are usually subdivided into two categories: short ncRNAs and long ncRNAs (longer than 200 nucleotides). Short ncRNAs include microRNAs (miRNAs), PIWI-interacting RNAs, small nucleolar RNAs, and endogenous small interfering RNAs, which have been extensively studied due to their roles in developmental and tumor biology. Compared to that of short ncRNAs, the involvement of lncRNAs in human cancers, especially in thyroid cancer, is not as well studied. Here, we reviewed the roles and clinical significance of miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circular RNA in thyroid development, tumorigenesis, and metastasis to offer a new approach to thyroid cancer treatment.

Molecular mechanisms of long non-coding RNAs in anaplastic thyroid cancer: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is one of the most lethal and aggressive cancers. Evidence has shown that the tumorigenesis of ATC is a multistep process involving the accumulation of genetic and epigenetic changes. Several studies have suggested that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) may play an important role in the development and progression of ATC. In this article, we have collected the published reports about the role of lncRNAs in ATC.

METHODS

"Scopus", "Web of Science", "PubMed", "Embase", etc. were systematically searched for articles published since 1990 to 2020 in English language, using the predefined keywords.

RESULTS

961 papers were reviewed and finally 33 papers which fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected. Based on this systematic review, among a lot of evidences on examining the function of lncRNAs in thyroid cancer, there are only a small number of studies about the role of lncRNAs and their molecular mechanisms in the pathogenesis of ATC.

CONCLUSIONS

lncRNAs play a crucial role in regulation of different processes involved in the development and progression of ATC. Currently, just a few lncRNAs have been identified in ATC that may serve as prognosis markers such as GAS5, MIR22HG, and CASC2. Also, because of the dysregulation of Klhl14-AS, HOTAIRM1, and PCA3 during ATC development and progression, they may act as therapeutic targets. However, for most lncRNAs, only a single experiment has evaluated the expression profile in ATC tissues/cells. Therefore, further functional studies and expression profiling is needed to resolve this limitation and identify novel and valid biomarkers.

MicroRNAs in cancer therapy: Their involvement in oxaliplatin sensitivity/resistance of cancer cells with a focus on colorectal cancer

The resistance of cancer cells into chemotherapy has restricted the efficiency of anti-tumor drugs. Oxaliplatin (OX) being an anti-tumor agent/drug is extensively used in the treatment of various cancer diseases. However, its frequent application has led to chemoresistance. As a consequence, studies have focused in finding underlying molecular pathways involved in OX resistance. MicroRNAs (miRs) are short endogenous non-coding RNAs that are able to regulate vital biological mechanisms such as cell proliferation and cell growth. The abnormal expression of miRs occurs in pathological events, particularly cancer. In the present review, we describe the involvement of miRs in OX resistance and sensitivity. The miRs are able to induce the oncogene factors and mechanisms, resulting in stimulation OX chemoresistance. Also, onco-suppressor miRs can enhance the sensitivity of cancer cells into OX chemotherapy and trigger apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, leading to reduced viability and progression of cancer cells. MiRs can also enhance the efficacy of OX chemotherapy. It is worth mentioning that miRs affect various down-stream targets in OX resistance/sensitivity such as STAT3, TGF-β, ATG4B, FOXO1, LATS2, NF-κB and so on. By identification of these miRs and their upstream and down-stream mediators, further studies can focus on targeting them to sensitize cancer cells into OX chemotherapy and induce apoptotic cell death.

Role of lncRNAHCP5/microRNA-525-5p/PRC1 crosstalk in the malignant behaviors of ovarian cancer cells

PURPOSE

Owing to the late diagnosis and frequent metastasis, ovarian cancer (OC) exhibits a high mortality rate. The study was intended to figure out the function of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) HCP5 in OC metastasis.

METHODS

Microarray analysis was conducted to probe aberrantly expressed lncRNAs in OC tissues. Artificial silencing of lncRNA HCP5 was introduced in OC cells to identify its role in cell viability, invasion, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The potential downstream targets of lncRNA HCP5 were predicted by bio-information system and validated through dual luciferase reporter gene assays. Silencing of microRNA-525-5p (miR-525-5p) was introduced in cells to probe its role in cell behaviors. Xenograft tumors were induced in nude mice for in vivo experiments.

RESULTS

High expression of lncRNA HCP5 was found in OC tissues and cells. Silencing of lncRNA HCP5 led to a decrease in cell proliferation, invasion, migration and EMT process. LncRNA HCP5 is mainly sub-localized in cytoplasm. LncRNA HCP5 could act as a sponge for miR-525-5p, which could further bind to polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1). Knockdown of miR-525-5p partly recovered the biological behaviors of OC cells inhibited by HCP5 silencing. In addition, HCP5 promoted Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway activity. Silencing of lncRNA HCP5 also impeded growth and metastasis of tumor in mice.

CONCLUSION

The study suggested that lncRNA HCP5 might promote malignant behaviors of OC cells through the miR-525-5p/PRC1 crosstalk and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Silencing of HCP5 might serve as a novel option for OC treatment.

Knockdown of lncRNA NEAT1 suppresses hypoxia-induced migration, invasion and glycolysis in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma cells through regulation of miR-206 and miR-599

BACKGROUND

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is one of the most aggressive and lethal malignancies. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are being found to play crucial roles in ATC progression. Herein, we focused on the role of nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1) on ATC progression under hypoxia and underlying mechanisms governing it.

METHODS

The expression levels of NEAT1, miR-206 and miR-599 were assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Cell migration and invasion abilities were detected using transwell assays. Glucose consumption and lactate production were determined using a corresponding commercial assay kit. Western blot was performed to evaluate the level of hexokinase 2 (HK2). The targeted interplays between NEAT1 and miR-206 or miR-599 were confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays. Xenograft model was established to observe the effect of NEAT1 on tumor growth in vivo.

RESULTS

Our data indicated that NEAT1 was highly expressed in ATC tissues and cells, and hypoxia induced NEAT1 expression in ATC cells. NEAT1 depletion repressed ATC cell migration, invasion and glycolysis under hypoxia. Mechanistically, NEAT1 acted as a molecular sponge of miR-206 and miR-599. Moreover, the repressive effects of NEAT1 knockdown on ATC cell migration, invasion and glycolysis under hypoxia were mediated by miR-206 or miR-599. Additionally, NEAT1 knockdown weakened tumor growth in vivo.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, our study suggested that a low NEAT1 expression suppressed the migration, invasion, and glycolysis in ATC cells under hypoxia at least partially through modulating miR-206 and miR-599, providing new therapeutic strategies for ATC treatment.

LncRNA HCP5 promotes LAML progression via PSMB8-mediated PI3K/AKT pathway activation

Acute myeloid leukemia is an aggressive myeloid malignancy, characterized by rapid cellular proliferation and generally high mortality. Due to the lack of a complete understanding of AML, its clinical outcomes are still not satisfactory. In this study, we examined the function of the long non-coding RNA-HLA complex P5 (HCP5) on AML by analyzing the clinical samples, TCGA data, and by shRNA-mediated HCP5 deficiency in vitro. Our results showed that HCP5 is highly expressed in AML and is positive associated with poor prognosis, and HCP5 knockdown was significantly suppressing AML cell line proliferation and inducing G1/S arrest in vitro. In mechanism, the proteasome subunit beta type 8 (PSMB8) expression was dramatically inhibited in HCP5 knockdown cells while increased in HCP5 overexpression cells. PSMB8 was also highly expressed in AML and with poor prognosis. Furthermore, HCP5 regulates PI3K/AKT pathway activation depending on PSMB8. Our results showed a promoting function of HCP5 on AML and may provide a compelling biomarker and therapy target for AML.

Retracted Article: LncRNA OIP5-AS1 contributes to ox-LDL-induced inflammation and oxidative stress through regulating the miR-128-3p/CDKN2A axis in macrophages

Long non-coding RNA OIP5-AS1 (lncRNA OIP5-AS1) and microRNA-128-3p (miRNA-128-3p) have been reported to play significant roles in human diseases. However, their role in atherosclerosis (AS) has been less studied. The aim of this research was to reveal the roles and functional mechanisms of OIP5-AS1 and miRNA-128-3p in AS development. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot assays were performed to detect gene expression. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were assessed using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and flow cytometry analysis, respectively. In addition, ELISA was employed to determine the levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Oxidative stress was examined using a relevant kit. Furthermore, the interaction between miR-128-3p and OIP5-AS1 or cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A) was predicted using StarBase, and then confirmed using the dual-luciferase reporter assay or the RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. We found that OIP5-AS1 and CDKN2A levels were upregulated and the miR-128-3p level was downregulated in oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced THP1 cells. OIP5-AS1 knockdown weakened the regulatory effect of ox-LDL on cell progression. Interestingly, OIP5-AS1 directly interacted with miR-128-3p and miR-128-3p-targeted CDKN2A. Furthermore, OIP5-AS1 regulated ox-LDL-induced cell progression through modulating miR-128-3p expression, and miR-128-3p exerted its influence by modulating the CDKN2A level. Finally, we confirmed that OIP5-AS1 suppressed miR-128-3p expression to increase the level of CDKN2A. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that OIP5-AS1 knockdown repressed the effect of ox-LDL on cell progression through regulating the miR-128-3p/CDKN2A axis, providing a potential target for the treatment of AS.

Long Noncoding RNA HCP5 Regulates Pancreatic Cancer Gemcitabine (GEM) Resistance By Sponging Hsa-miR-214-3p To Target HDGF

Background

Gemcitabine (GEM) is one of the most widely chemotherapy drugs in PC. However, the chemotherapy resistance always occurs after a period of treatment indicating poor prognosis. lncRNA may play an essential role in PC and serve as a prognosis biomarkers in PC with GEM-resistance. In our study, we aim to investigate the role of lncRNA HCP5 in PC.

Materials and methods

QRT-PCR detected the expression of lncRNA HCP5. The effects of knockdown lncRNA HCP5 on the proliferation, migration, invasion, cell apoptosis and autophagy were investigated in GEM-resistance PC cells. Bioinformatic analysis, luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation assay were performed to predict for potential miRNAs that can interact with lncRNA HCP5 and mRNAs that can interact with miR-214-3p.

Results

Our study revealed that lncRNA HCP5 expression was upregulated in PC tissues, especially increased expression in GEM-resistant PC tissues and GEM-resistant PC cells. Wound healing, Transwell assays, flow cytometry, Western blot, luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) results demonstrated lncRNA HCP5 acted as a ceRNA to regulate GEM-resistance PC cells' proliferation, invasion, migration, cell apoptosis and autophagy by targeting HDGF via miR-214-3p.

Conclusion

Our results revealed that lncRNA HCP5 is highly expressed in HCC, and development of GEM-resistance PC cells involving the processes of proliferation, invasive, migration, cell apoptosis and autophagy through the miR-214-3p/HDGF axis. Targeting lncRNA HCP5 may improve gemcitabine-based therapeutic efficacy.