LncRNA NBR2 inhibits tumorigenesis by regulating autophagy in hepatocellular carcinoma

High expression of small nucleolar host gene RNA may predict poor prognosis of Hepatocellular carcinoma, based on systematic reviews and meta-analyses

BACKGROUND

The prognosis of patients with hepatocellular cancer is substantially correlated with the abnormal expression of growing long non-coding RNA small nucleolar host gene RNA (SNHG) families in liver cancer tissues. This study aimed to examine the relationship between SNHG expression and liver cancer prognosis.

METHODS

After searching six internet databases, pertinent manuscripts were found based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. To determine whether SNHG expression levels affect liver cancer prognosis, raw data were collected and hazard ratios (HRs) and odds ratios (ORs) were calculated. The results were examined for potential publication bias using the sensitivity analysis and Beeg's test.

RESULTS

Most SNHG family members were up-regulated in liver cancer tissues. High SNHG expression predicts poor liver cancer outcomes of, including overall survival (OS) (HR: 1.697, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.373-2.021), especially SNHG5 (the HR of OS is 4.74, 95%CI range from 1.35 to 6.64), progression-free survival (HR: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.25-2.73), tumor, node, metastasis (TNM) stage (OR: 1.696, 95% CI: 1.436-2.005), lymph node metastasis (OR: 2.383, 95% CI: 1.098-5.173), and tumor size (OR: 1363, 95% CI: 1.165-1.595). The OS results were found to be reliable and robust, as indicated by the sensitivity analysis. Additionally, Beeg's test demonstrated the absence of any potential publication bias for each result.

CONCLUSION

In liver cancer tissues, most SNHGs are highly expressed, which may signal poor prognosis. SNHG has the potential to be an intriguing predictive marker and a prospective therapeutic target for liver cancer.

Current understanding of functional peptides encoded by lncRNA in cancer

Dysregulated gene expression and imbalance of transcriptional regulation are typical features of cancer. RNA always plays a key role in these processes. Human transcripts contain many RNAs without long open reading frames (ORF, > 100 aa) and that are more than 200 bp in length. They are usually regarded as long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) which play an important role in cancer regulation, including chromatin remodeling, transcriptional regulation, translational regulation and as miRNA sponges. With the advancement of ribosome profiling and sequencing technologies, increasing research evidence revealed that some ORFs in lncRNA can also encode peptides and participate in the regulation of multiple organ tumors, which undoubtedly opens a new chapter in the field of lncRNA and oncology research. In this review, we discuss the biological function of lncRNA in tumors, the current methods to evaluate their coding potential and the role of functional small peptides encoded by lncRNA in cancers. Investigating the small peptides encoded by lncRNA and understanding the regulatory mechanisms of these functional peptides may contribute to a deeper understanding of cancer and the development of new targeted anticancer therapies.

New HCC Subtypes Based on CD8 Tex-Related lncRNA Signature Could Predict Prognosis, Immunological and Drug Sensitivity Characteristics of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Purpose

Hepatocellular carcinoma has become one of the severe diseases threatening human health. T cell exhaustion is deemed as a reason for immunotherapy resistance. However, little is known about the roles of CD8 Tex-related lncRNAs in HCC.

Materials and Methods

We processed single-cell RNA sequencing to identify CD8 Tex-related genes. CD8 Tex-related lncRNAs were identified based on their correlations with mRNAs. Unsupervised clustering approach was used to identify molecular clusters of CD8 Tex-related lncRNAs. Differences in prognosis and immune infiltration between the clusters were explored. Machine learning algorithms were used to construct a prognostic signature. Samples were classified as low- and high-risk groups based on their risk scores. We identified prognosis-related lncRNAs and constructed a ceRNA network. In vitro experiments were conducted to investigate the impacts of CD8 Tex-related lncRNAs on proliferation and apoptosis of HCC cells.

Results

We clarified cell types within two HCC single-cell datasets. We identified specific markers of CD8 Tex cells and analyzed their potential functions. Twenty-eight lncRNAs were identified as CD8 Tex-related. Based on CD8 Tex-related lncRNAs, samples were categorized into two distinct clusters, which exhibited significant differences in survival rates and immune infiltration. Ninety-six algorithm combinations were employed to establish a prognostic signature. RSF emerged as the one with the highest C-index. Patients in high- and low-risk groups exhibited marked differences in prognosis, enriched pathways, mutations and drug sensitivities. MCM3AP-AS1, MAPKAPK5-AS1 and PART1 were regarded as prognosis-related lncRNAs. A ceRNA network was constructed based on CD8 Tex-related lncRNAs and mRNAs. Experiments on cell lines and organoids indicated that downregulation of MCM3AP-AS1, MAPKAPK5-AS1 and PART1 suppressed cell proliferation and induced apoptosis.

Conclusion

CD8 Tex-related lncRNAs played crucial roles in HCC progression. Our findings provided new insights into the regulatory mechanisms of CD8 Tex-related lncRNAs in HCC.

The role of LncRNA-mediated autophagy in cancer progression

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a sort of transcripts that are more than 200 nucleotides in length. In recent years, many studies have revealed the modulatory role of lncRNAs in cancer. Typically, lncRNAs are linked to a variety of essential events, such as apoptosis, cellular proliferation, and the invasion of malignant cells. Simultaneously, autophagy, an essential intracellular degradation mechanism in eukaryotic cells, is activated to respond to multiple stressful circumstances, for example, nutrient scarcity, accumulation of abnormal proteins, and organelle damage. Autophagy plays both suppressive and promoting roles in cancer. Increasingly, studies have unveiled how dysregulated lncRNAs expression can disrupt autophagic balance, thereby contributing to cancer progression. Consequently, exploring the interplay between lncRNAs and autophagy holds promising implications for clinical research. In this manuscript, we methodically compiled the advances in the molecular mechanisms of lncRNAs and autophagy and briefly summarized the implications of the lncRNA-mediated autophagy axis.

Allicin regulates Sestrin2 ubiquitination to affect macrophage autophagy and senescence, thus inhibiting the growth of hepatoma cells

BACKGROUND

Allicin regulates macrophage autophagy and senescence, and inhibits hepatoma cell growth. This study investigated the mechanism by which allicin inhibits the growth of hepatoma cells.

METHODS

Hepa1-6 mouse hepatoma cells were subcutaneously injected into C57BL/6 J mice to construct a tumor transplantation model. Macrophages were cultured with the supernatant of hepatoma cells to construct a cell model. The levels of mRNA and proteins and the level of Sestrin2 ubiquitination were measured by RTqPCR, immunofluorescence and Western blotting. The levels of autophagy-related factors and the activity of senescence-associated β-galactosidase were determined by kits, and protein stability was detected by cycloheximide (CHX) tracking.

RESULTS

Data analysis of clinical samples revealed that RBX1 was highly expressed in tumor tissues, while Sestrin2 was expressed at low levels in tumor tissues. Allicin can promote the expression of the autophagy-related proteins LC3 and Beclin-1 in tumor macrophages and inhibit the expression of the aging-related proteins p16 and p21, thus promoting autophagy in macrophages and inhibiting cell senescence. Moreover, allicin can inhibit the expression of RBX1, thereby reducing the ubiquitination of Sestrin2, enhancing the stability of Sestrin2, activating autophagy in tumor macrophages and inhibiting senescence. In addition, allicin treatment inhibited the proliferation and migration of hepatoma carcinoma cells cocultured with macrophages and significantly improved the development of liver cancer in mice.

CONCLUSION

Allicin can affect the autophagy of macrophages and restrain the growth of hepatoma cells by regulating the ubiquitination of Sestrin2.

Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells-derived Exosomal lncRNA FAM99B Represses Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Malignancy

Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (hucMSC)-derived exosomes (Exo) have been frequently investigated for disease control. This study was designed to explore the effects of hucMSC-Exo carrying lncRNA family with sequence similarity 99-member B (Exo-lncRNA FAM99B) on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell behaviour. The expression of lncRNA FAM99B in HCC cells was measured by reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Protein levels of exosomal markers were quantified using western blotting. Flow cytometry analyses were performed to detect surface markers of hucMSCs and to measure the effects of Exo-lncRNA FAM99B on HCC cell cycle progression and cell apoptosis. Nanoparticle tracking analysis was used to measure the particle size of the exosomes. Additionally, cell viability was evaluated using methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assays, and Transwell assays were performed to measure cell migration and invasion. Xenograft tumor models were established to explore the role of Exo-lncRNA FAM99B in vivo. Experimental results revealed that lncRNA FAM99B was downregulated in HCC cell lines, and low level of FAM99B is associated with poor survival rates in patients with HCC according to bioinformatics analysis. HucMSCs were identified in a good morphology with positively expressed CD105, CD29, and CD44 as well as negatively expressed CD31, CD14, and HLA-DR. High protein levels of exosomal markers (Alix, CD63 and TSG101) identified the existence of HucMSC-Exo. Importantly, the hucMSCs-Exo could enter HCC cells and exerted a suppressive effect on malignant cell activities. Moreover, overexpression of Exo-lncRNA FAM99B enhanced cell cycle arrest and cell apoptosis while suppressing cell viability, migration, and invasion in HCC. Exo-siRNA-FAM99B exerted the opposite effects on HCC cell process. In vivo experiments verified that Exo-lncRNA FAM99B inhibited tumorigenesis in HCC. In summary, lncRNA FAM99B derived from hucMSC-Exo inhibited malignant cellular phenotypes and tumorigenesis in HCC, which might provide a novel therapeutic strategy for HCC treatment.

Noncoding RNAs and programmed cell death in hepatocellular carcinoma: Significant role of epigenetic modifications in prognosis, chemoresistance, and tumor recurrence rate

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer with a high death rate in the world. The molecular mechanisms related to the pathogenesis of HCC have not been precisely defined so far. Hence, this review aimed to address the potential cross-talk between noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) and programmed cell death in HCC. All related papers in the English language up to June 2023 were collected and screened. The searched keywords in scientific databases, including Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar, were HCC, ncRNAs, Epigenetic, Programmed cell death, Autophagy, Apoptosis, Ferroptosis, Chemoresistance, Tumor recurrence, Prognosis, and Prediction. According to the reports, ncRNAs, comprising long ncRNAs, microRNAs, circular RNAs, and small nucleolar RNAs can affect cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis, as well as cell death-related processes, such as autophagy, ferroptosis, necroptosis, and apoptosis in HCC by regulating cancer-associated genes and signaling pathways, for example, phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt, extracellular signal-regulated kinase/MAPK, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways. It seems that ncRNAs, as epigenetic regulators, can be utilized as biomarkers in diagnosis, prognosis, survival and recurrence rates prediction, chemoresistance, and evaluation of therapeutic response in HCC patients. However, more scientific evidence is suggested to be accomplished to confirm these results.

Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes-Reprogrammed Macrophages Facilitate Breast Cancer Metastasis via NBR2/TBX1 Axis

In recent years, carbon nanotubes have emerged as a widely used nanomaterial, but their human exposure has become a significant concern. In our former study, we reported that pulmonary exposure of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) promoted tumor metastasis of breast cancer; macrophages were key effectors of MWCNTs and contributed to the metastasis-promoting procedure in breast cancer, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain to be explored. As a follow-up study, we herein demonstrated that MWCNT exposure in breast cancer cells and macrophage coculture systems promoted metastasis of breast cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo; macrophages were skewed into M2 polarization by MWCNT exposure. LncRNA NBR2 was screened out to be significantly decreased in MWCNTs-stimulated macrophages through RNA-seq; depletion of NBR2 led to the acquisition of M2 phenotypes in macrophages by activating multiple M2-related pathways. Specifically, NBR2 was found to positively regulate the downstream gene TBX1 through H3k27ac activation. TBX1 silence rescued NBR2-induced impairment of M2 polarization in IL-4 & IL-13-stimulated macrophages. Moreover, NBR2 overexpression mitigated the enhancing effects of MWCNT-exposed macrophages on breast cancer metastasis. This study uncovered the molecular mechanisms underlying breast cancer metastasis induced by MWCNT exposure.

NPC1 promotes autophagy with tumor promotion and acts as a prognostic model for hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

more and more studies have indicated that autophagy plays a crucial role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in recent years. Hence, our study aimed to establish a prognostic signature for HCC based on autophagy-related genes (ARGs) in order to predict the prognosis of HCC.

METHODS

All original gene-expression data and clinical information were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). ARGs were obtained from the Human Autophagy Database (HADb). Univariate Cox regression analysis, Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) analysis were performed to identify and validate the validity and reliability of our eight-gene signature, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was used to perform enrichment analysis by comparing high-risk and low-risk groups in KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) and GO (Gene Ontology) gene sets. Finally, we verified the gene (NPC1) by functional experiments in vitro and in vivo.

RESULTS

8 ARGs were identified for establishing an eight-gene signature. Then, we validated our eight-gene signature in training, internal, external, and entire testing cohorts. Besides, we also explored the relationships between the eight-gene signature and immune infiltration or immune checkpoints. We also identified NPC1 was closely related to Activated CD4 T cell and Type I IFN Response, and higher expressed level of HCC patients was more sensitive to CTLA4 and TNFRSF9 immune checkpoint inhibitors. NPC1 is highly expressed in HCC cells and tumor tissues, which promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of tumor cells by activating autophagy..

CONCLUSION

8 ARGs were used to establish a gene signature to predict the prognosis of HCC. we inferred that NPC1 can promote late autophagy, it could be a future novel therapeutic target of HCC.

Long non-coding RNA NBR2 suppresses the progression of colorectal cancer by downregulating miR-19a to regulate M2 macrophage polarization

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a malignant tumor of the gastrointestinal tract that significantly impacts the health of patients and lacks promising methods of diagnosis. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are involved in CRC progression, and their function is regulated by long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). The lncRNA NBR2 was recently reported as an oncogene, whose function in CRC remains uncertain. The present study aimed to investigate the biological function of lncRNA NBR2 in the progression of CRC and its underlying molecular mechanisms. Ten pairs of clinical CRC and para-carcinoma tissues were collected to determine the expression levels of lncRNA NBR2 and miR-19a, and the polarization state of TAMs. Quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction was used to evaluate the expression of miR-19a, and western blotting was used to determine the expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, human leukocyte antigen-DR, arginase-1, CD163, CD206, interleukin-4, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), p-AMPK, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), protein kinase B (AKT), p-AKT, mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), and p-mTOR in TAMs. The proliferative ability of HCT-116 cells was detected using the CCK8 assay, and the migratory ability of HCT-116 cells was evaluated using the Transwell assay. The interaction between lncRNA NBR2 and miR-19a was determined using the luciferase assay. The lncRNA NBR2 was downregulated and miR-19a was highly expressed in CRC cells, accompanied by a high M2 polarization. Downregulated miR-19a promoted M1 polarization, activated AMPK, suppressed HIF-1α and AKT/mTOR signaling pathways, and promoted antitumor properties in NBR2-overexpressed TAMs, which were all reversed by the introduction of the miR-19a mimic. LncRNA NBR2 was verified to target miR-19a in macrophages according to the results of the luciferase assay. Collectively, lncRNA NBR2 may suppress the progression of CRC by downregulating miR-19a to regulate M2 macrophage polarization.

Non-coding RNAs' function in cancer development, diagnosis and therapy

While previous research on cancer biology has focused on genes that code for proteins, in recent years it has been discovered that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs)play key regulatory roles in cell biological functions. NcRNAs account for more than 95% of human transcripts and are an important entry point for the study of the mechanism of cancer development. An increasing number of studies have demonstrated that ncRNAs can act as tumor suppressor genes or oncogenes to regulate tumor development at the epigenetic level, transcriptional level, as well as post-transcriptional level. Because of the importance of ncRNAs in cancer, most clinical trials have focused on ncRNAs to explore whether ncRNAs can be used as new biomarkers or therapies. In this review, we focus on recent studies of ncRNAs including microRNAs (miRNAs), long ncRNAs (lncRNAs), circle RNAs (circRNAs), PIWI interacting RNAs (piRNAs), and tRNA in different types of cancer and explore the application of these ncRNAs in the development of cancer and the identification of relevant therapeutic targets and tumor biomarkers. Graphical abstract drawn by Fidraw.

LINC01343 targets miR-526b-5p to facilitate the development of hepatocellular carcinoma by upregulating ROBO1

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) contribute to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression and development. However, the function and molecular mechanisms of action of LINC01343 in HCC remain unclear. qRT-PCR and western blotting were performed to assess miR-526b-5p, LINC01343, and ROBO1 levels in HCC cell lines and tissue samples. Flow cytometry, transwell, and cell counting kit-8 assays were conducted in vitro to assess how LINC01343 influences the apoptosis, migration, and proliferation of HCC cells. In addition, the role of LINC01343 in the growth of tumors was verified using an in vivo xenograft tumor assay. Specific binding of miR-526b-5p to LINC01343/ROBO1 was validated using RNA immunoprecipitation and dual-luciferase reporter experiments. LINC01343 was upregulated in HCC cells and tissues. In vitro, LINC01343-knockdown Hep3B and Huh-7 cells exhibited enhanced apoptosis and suppressed proliferation and migration. An in vivo study further validated that LINC01343-knockdown repressed tumor growth. In terms of mechanisms, LINC01343 directly sponged miR-526b-5p, negatively modulating its expression. Moreover, further experiments revealed that inhibiting miR-526b-5p could counteract the tumor-suppressive effects of LINC01343-knockdown in Hep3B and Huh-7 cells. ROBO1 was identified as a direct target of miR-526b-5p. ROBO1 knockdown weakens the migratory and proliferative abilities of Hep3B and Huh-7 cells. Nonetheless, the inhibition of miR-526b-5p mitigated this effect. These findings revealed that LINC01343 serves as a vital oncogene in HCC. Moreover, the LINC01343/miR-526b-5p/ROBO1 axis may be a prospective target for HCC treatment.

Unravelling the complexity of lncRNAs in autophagy to improve potential cancer therapy

Autophagy is well-known as an internal catabolic process that is evolutionarily conserved and performs the key biological function in maintaining cellular homeostasis. It is tightly controlled by several autophagy-related (ATG) proteins, which are closely associated with many types of human cancers. However, what has remained controversial is the janus roles of autophagy in cancer progression. Interestingly, the biological function of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in autophagy has been gradually understood in different types of human cancers. More recently, numerous studies have demonstrated that several lncRNAs may regulate some ATG proteins and autophagy-related signaling pathways to either activate or inhibit the autophagic process in cancer. Thus, in this review, we summarize the latest advance in the knowledge of the complicated relationships between lncRNAs and autophagy in cancer. Also, the in-depth dissection of the lncRNAs-autophagy-cancers axis involved in this review would shed new light on discovery of more potential cancer biomarkers and therapeutic targets in the future.

LncRNA AC012360.1 facilitates growth and metastasis by regulating the miR-139-5p/LPCAT1 axis in hepatocellular carcinoma

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) participate in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. However, whether lncRNA AC012360.1 contributes to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unknown. In HCC tissues, differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified by bioinformatics. AC012360.1 level was validated and its role in HCC progression was investigated. Among the top 10 upregulated lncRNAs, AC012360.1 exhibited the greatest increase in HCC tissues. Additionally, AC012360.1 was upregulated in HCC tissues/cells. Moreover, AC012360.1 knockdown refrained cell proliferation/metastasis and tumor growth. Conversely, AC012360.1 overexpression showed an oncogenic role. AC012360.1 and lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 1 (LPCAT1) contained miR-139-5p binding sites. Furthermore, miR-139-5p silencing partially mitigated the role of AC012360.1 knockdown, while LPCAT1 knockdown partially abolished the tumor-promoting effect of AC012360.1 overexpression. In conclusion, AC012360.1 exhibited its oncogenic function in HCC through sponging miR-139-5p and upregulating LPCAT1 expression.

A novel copper-induced cell death-related lncRNA prognostic signature associated with immune infiltration and clinical value in gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most important malignancies and has a poor prognosis. Copper-induced cell death, recently termed cuproptosis, may directly affect the outcome of GC. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), possessing stable structures, can influence the prognosis of cancer and may serve as potential prognostic prediction factors for various cancers. However, the role of copper cell death-related lncRNAs (CRLs) in GC has not been thoroughly investigated. Here, we aim to elucidate the role of CRLs in predicting prognosis, diagnosis, and immunotherapy in GC patients.

METHODS

RNA expression data for 407 GC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were gathered, and differentially expressed CRLs were identified. Subsequently, the researchers applied univariate, LASSO, and multivariate Cox regression to construct a prognostic signature consisting of 5 lncRNAs based on the CRLs. Stratified by the median CRLSig risk score, Kaplan-Meier analysis was utilized to compare overall survival (OS) between the high- and low-risk groups. Among the two groups, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), tumor microenvironment (TME), drug sensitivity analysis, and immune checkpoint analysis were conducted. In addition, consensus clustering and nomogram analysis were performed to predict OS. Cell experiments and 112 human serum samples were employed to verify the effect of lncRNAs on GC. Furthermore, the diagnostic value of the CRLSig in the serum of GC patients was analyzed by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

RESULTS

A prognostic signature for GC patients was constructed based on CRLs, composed of AC129926.1, AP002954.1, AC023511.1, LINC01537, and TMEM75. According to the K-M survival analysis, high-risk GC patients had a lower OS rate and progression-free survival rate than low-risk GC patients. Further support for the model's accuracy was provided by ROC, principal component analysis, and the validation set. The area under the curve (AUC) of 0.772 for GC patients showed a better prognostic value than any other clinicopathological variable. Furthermore, immune infiltration analysis showed that the high-risk group had greater antitumor immune responses in the tumor microenvironment. In the high-risk subgroup, 23 immune checkpoint genes had significantly higher expression levels than in the low-risk subgroup (p < 0.05). The half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of 86 drugs were found to be significantly different in the two groups. Accordingly, the model is capable of predicting the effectiveness of immunotherapy. In addition, the five CRLs in GC serum exhibited statistically significant expression levels. The AUC of this signature in GC serum was 0.894, with a 95% CI of 0.822-0.944. Moreover, lncRNA AC129926.1 was significantly overexpressed in GC cell lines and the serum of GC patients. Importantly, colony formation, wound healing, and transwell assays further confirmed the oncogenic role of AC129926.1 in GC.

CONCLUSION

In this study, a prognostic signature model consisting of five CRLs was developed to improve OS prediction accuracy in GC patients. The model also has the potential to predict immune infiltration and immunotherapy effectiveness. Furthermore, the CRLSig might serve as a novel serum biomarker to differentiate GC patients from healthy individuals.

LncRNAs and PTEN/PI3K signaling: A symphony of regulation in cancer biology

The Emergence of Long Non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as Key Regulators in Diverse Biological Processes: A Paradigm Shift in Understanding Gene Expression and its Impact on Cancer. The PTEN/PI3K pathway, a pivotal signaling cascade involved in cancer progression, orchestrates critical cellular functions such as survival, proliferation, and growth. In light of these advances, our investigation delves into the intricate and multifaceted interplay between lncRNAs and the PTEN/PI3K signaling pathway, unearthing previously undisclosed mechanisms that underpin cancer growth and advancement. These elusive lncRNAs exert their influence through direct targeting of the PTEN/PI3K pathway or by skillfully regulating the expression and activity of specific lncRNAs. This comprehensive review underscores the paramount significance of the interaction between lncRNAs and the PTEN/PI3K signaling pathway in cancer biology, unveiling an auspicious avenue for novel diagnostic tools and targeted therapeutic interventions. In this review, we navigate through the functional roles of specific lncRNAs in modulating PTEN/PI3K expression and activity. Additionally, we scrutinize their consequential effects on downstream components of the PTEN/PI3K pathway, unraveling the intricacies of their mutual regulation. By advancing our understanding of this complex regulatory network, this study holds the potential to revolutionize the landscape of cancer research, paving the way for tailored and efficacious treatments to combat this devastating disease.

LINC00886 Facilitates Hepatocellular Carcinoma Tumorigenesis by Sequestering microRNA-409-3p and microRNA-214-5p

Purpose

As the major subtype of liver cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) suffers from high mortality and is prone to recurrence. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are well characterized to be pivotal players contributing to HCC pathogenesis and progression. Therefore, this study intended to probe the biological functions of LINC00886 in hepatocarcinogenesis.

Patients and Methods

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was applied to analysis of LINC00886, microRNA-409-3p (miR-409-3p), microRNA-214-5p (miR-214-5p), RAB10 and E2F2 expression. Subcellular localization of LINC00886 was identified through a fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) kit and a subcellular assay. Additionally, proliferated cells were determined with EdU as well as cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assays. Scratch and Transwell assays were applied to detect migratory and invasive cells. Apoptotic cells were measured via TUNEL staining assay. Furthermore, targeted binding between LINC00886 and miR-409-3p or miR-214-5p was validated utilizing dual-luciferase reporter assays. RAB10, E2F2 and NF-κB signaling-associated protein levels were evaluated utilizing Western blot.

Results

LINC00886, RAB10 and E2F2 levels were aberrantly increased, with the abnormal expressed decline of miR-409-3p and miR-214-5p, in HCC tissues, cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Silencing LINC00886 attenuated the proliferative, migratory, invasive, and anti-apoptotic potential of HCC cells, while LINC00886 overexpression proceeded in the contrary direction. Mechanistically, miR-409-3p and miR-214-5p were validated as binding targets for LINC00886 and inverted the biological functions of LINC00886 during HCC progression. Furthermore, the LINC00886-miR-409-3p/miR-214-5p axis could regulate RAB10 and E2F2 expression via mediating NF-κB pathway activation in hepatocarcinogenesis.

Conclusion

Our findings indicated that LINC00886 facilitated HCC progression via absorbing miR-409-3p or miR-214-5p to upregulate RAB10 and E2F2 through activation of NF-κB pathway, offering a promising novel target for HCC therapy.

Pathogenesis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: The Interplay of Apoptosis and Autophagy

The pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a multifactorial process that has not yet been fully investigated. Autophagy and apoptosis are two important cellular pathways that are critical for cell survival or death. The balance between apoptosis and autophagy regulates liver cell turnover and maintains intracellular homeostasis. However, the balance is often dysregulated in many cancers, including HCC. Autophagy and apoptosis pathways may be either independent or parallel or one may influence the other. Autophagy may either inhibit or promote apoptosis, thus regulating the fate of the liver cancer cells. In this review, a concise overview of the pathogenesis of HCC is presented, with emphasis on new developments, including the role of endoplasmic reticulum stress, the implication of microRNAs and the role of gut microbiota. The characteristics of HCC associated with a specific liver disease are also described and a brief description of autophagy and apoptosis is provided. The role of autophagy and apoptosis in the initiation, progress and metastatic potential is reviewed and the experimental evidence indicating an interplay between the two is extensively analyzed. The role of ferroptosis, a recently described specific pathway of regulated cell death, is presented. Finally, the potential therapeutic implications of autophagy and apoptosis in drug resistance are examined.

Targeting Autophagy Using Long Non-Coding RNAs (LncRNAs): New Landscapes in the Arena of Cancer Therapeutics

Cancer has become a global health hazard accounting for 10 million deaths in the year 2020. Although different treatment approaches have increased patient overall survival, treatment for advanced stages still suffers from poor clinical outcomes. The ever-increasing prevalence of cancer has led to a reanalysis of cellular and molecular events in the hope to identify and develop a cure for this multigenic disease. Autophagy, an evolutionary conserved catabolic process, eliminates protein aggregates and damaged organelles to maintain cellular homeostasis. Accumulating evidence has implicated the deregulation of autophagic pathways to be associated with various hallmarks of cancer. Autophagy exhibits both tumor-promoting and suppressive effects based on the tumor stage and grades. Majorly, it maintains the cancer microenvironment homeostasis by promoting viability and nutrient recycling under hypoxic and nutrient-deprived conditions. Recent investigations have discovered long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as master regulators of autophagic gene expression. lncRNAs, by sequestering autophagy-related microRNAs, have been known to modulate various hallmarks of cancer, such as survival, proliferation, EMT, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis. This review delineates the mechanistic role of various lncRNAs involved in modulating autophagy and their related proteins in different cancers.

Targeting and regulation of autophagy in hepatocellular carcinoma: revisiting the molecular interactions and mechanisms for new therapy approaches

Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved process that plays a role in regulating homeostasis under physiological conditions. However, dysregulation of autophagy is observed in the development of human diseases, especially cancer. Autophagy has reciprocal functions in cancer and may be responsible for either survival or death. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal and common malignancies of the liver, and smoking, infection, and alcohol consumption can lead to its development. Genetic mutations and alterations in molecular processes can exacerbate the progression of HCC. The function of autophagy in HCC is controversial and may be both tumor suppressive and tumor promoting. Activation of autophagy may affect apoptosis in HCC and is a regulator of proliferation and glucose metabolism. Induction of autophagy may promote tumor metastasis via induction of EMT. In addition, autophagy is a regulator of stem cell formation in HCC, and pro-survival autophagy leads to cancer cell resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Targeting autophagy impairs growth and metastasis in HCC and improves tumor cell response to therapy. Of note, a large number of signaling pathways such as STAT3, Wnt, miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs regulate autophagy in HCC. Moreover, regulation of autophagy (induction or inhibition) by antitumor agents could be suggested for effective treatment of HCC. In this paper, we comprehensively review the role and mechanisms of autophagy in HCC and discuss the potential benefit of targeting this process in the treatment of the cancer. Video Abstract.

lncRNA TINCR knockdown inhibits colon cancer cells via regulation of autophagy

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of long noncoding (lnc)RNA TINCR ubiquitin domain containing (TINCR) on the development of colon cancer, and the specific underlying mechanisms. The present study used adjacent healthy and cancer tissues obtained from patients with colon cancer and measured lncRNA TINCR expression using reverse transcription-quantitative (RT-q) PCR and in situ hybridization assays. Moreover, associations between lncRNA TINCR and clinicopathology and prognosis were also investigated. In addition, the gene and protein expression levels of lncRNA TINCR, mTOR, LC 3B, P62, and Beclin1 were measured using RT-qPCR and western blotting assays. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and migration were measured using MTT, Edu staining, flow cytometry, TUNEL, Transwell, and wound-healing assays, and cell ultrastructure and LC 3B activation were measured using transmission electron microscopy and cellular immunofluorescence. Results of the present study demonstrated that lncRNA TINCR expression was significantly upregulated in colon cancer tissues, and the overall survival of the low-expression group was significantly increased, compared with that of the high-expression groups. In addition, the results of the present study demonstrated that lncRNA TINCR was associated with clinicopathology in patients with colon cancer. Moreover, following lncRNA TINCR knockdown using transfection with small interfering RNA-TINCR, results of the present study demonstrated that cell proliferation was significantly reduced, while cell apoptosis was significantly increased. In addition, cell invasion and migration were significantly reduced, and autophagy was increased in HT-29 and SW620 cell lines. However, following treatment with an mTOR agonist (an autophagy inhibitor), biological activities were significantly increased in HT-29 and SW-620 cell lines. Collectively, these results demonstrated that lncRNA TINCR may induce colon cancer development through the regulation of autophagy.

Epigenetic regulation of autophagy by non-coding RNAs in gastrointestinal tumors: Biological functions and therapeutic perspectives

Cancer is the manifestation of changes and mutations in genetic and epigenetic levels. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are commonly dysregulated in disease pathogenesis, and their role in cancer has been well-documented. The ncRNAs regulate various molecular pathways and mechanisms in cancer that can lead to induction/inhibition of carcinogenesis. Autophagy is a molecular "self-digestion" mechanism its function can be pro-survival or pro-death in tumor cells. The aim of the present review is to evaluate the role of ncRNAs in regulating autophagy in gastrointestinal tumors. The role of the ncRNA/autophagy axis in affecting the progression of gastric, liver, colorectal, pancreatic, esophageal, and gallbladder cancers is investigated. Both ncRNAs and autophagy mechanisms can function as oncogenic or onco-suppressor and this interaction can determine the growth, invasion, and therapy response of gastrointestinal tumors. ncRNA/autophagy axis can reduce/increase the proliferation of gastrointestinal tumors via the glycolysis mechanism. Furthermore, related molecular pathways of metastasis, such as EMT and MMPs, are affected by the ncRNA/autophagy axis. The response of gastrointestinal tumors to chemotherapy and radiotherapy can be suppressed by pro-survival autophagy, and ncRNAs are essential regulators of this mechanism. miRNAs can regulate related genes and proteins of autophagy, such as ATGs and Beclin-1. Furthermore, lncRNAs and circRNAs down-regulate miRNA expression via sponging to modulate the autophagy mechanism. Moreover, anti-cancer agents can affect the expression level of ncRNAs regulating autophagy in gastrointestinal tumors. Therefore, translating these findings into clinics can improve the prognosis of patients.

A new acidic microenvironment related lncRNA signature predicts the prognosis of liver cancer patients

BACKGROUND

The acidic microenvironment (AME), like hypoxia, inflammation, or immunoreaction, is a hallmark of the tumor microenvironment (TME). This work aimed to develop a prediction signature dependent on AME-associated lncRNAs in order to predict the prognosis of LC individuals.

METHODS

We downloaded RNA-seq information and the corresponding clinical and predictive data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset and conducted univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses to identify AME-associated lncRNAs for the construction of a prediction signature The Kaplan-Meier technique was utilized to determine the overall survival (OS) rate of the high (H)-risk and low (L)-risk groups. Using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) the functional variations between the H- and L-risk groups were investigated. The association between the prediction signature and immunological state was investigated using single-sample GSEA (ssGSEA). Additionally, the association between the predicted signature and the therapeutic response of LC individuals was evaluated. Lastly, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to verify the risk model.

RESULTS

We generated a signature comprised of seven AME-associated lncRNAs (LINC01116, AC002511.2, LINC00426, ARHGAP31-AS1, LINC01060, TMCC1-AS1, AC012065.1). The H-risk group had a worse prognosis than the L- risk group. The AME-associated lncRNA signature might determine the prognosis of individuals with LC independently. The AME-related lncRNA signature shows a greater predictive effectiveness than clinic-pathological factors, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.806%. When participants were categorized based on several clinico-pathological characteristics, the OS of high-risk individuals was shorter compared to low-risk patients. GSEA demonstrated that the metabolism of different acids and the PPAR signaling pathway are closely associated with low-risk individuals. The prognostic signature was substantially associated with the immunological status of LC individuals, as determined by ssGSEA. High risk individuals were more sensitive to some immunotherapies (including anti-TNFSF4 anti-SIRPA, anti-CD276 and anti-TNFSF15) and some conventional chemotherapy drugs (including lapatinib and paclitaxel). Finally, the expression levels of the seven lncRNAs comprising the signature were tested by qRT-PCR.

CONCLUSIONS

A basis for the mechanism of AME-associated lncRNAs in LC is provided by the prediction signature, which also offers clinical therapeutic recommendations for LC individuals.

Bioinformatics and Experimental Analyses Reveal Immune-Related LncRNA-mRNA Pair AC011483.1-CCR7 as a Biomarker and Therapeutic Target for Ischemic Cardiomyopathy

Ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM), which increases along with aging, is the leading cause of heart failure. Currently, immune response is believed to be critical in ICM whereas the roles of immune-related lncRNAs remain vague. In this study, we aimed to systematically analyze immune-related lncRNAs in the aging-related disease ICM. Here, we downloaded publicly available RNA-seq data from ischemic cardiomyopathy patients and non-failing controls (GSE116250). Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed to identify key ICM-related modules. The immune-related lncRNAs of key modules were screened by co-expression analysis of immune-related mRNAs. Then, a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network, including 5 lncRNAs and 13 mRNAs, was constructed using lncRNA-mRNA pairs which share regulatory miRNAs and have significant correlation. Among the lncRNA-mRNA pairs, one pair (AC011483.1-CCR7) was verified in another publicly available ICM dataset (GSE46224) and ischemic cell model. Further, the immune cell infiltration analysis of the GSE116250 dataset revealed that the proportions of monocytes and CD8⁺ T cells were negatively correlated with the expression of AC011483.1-CCR7, while plasma cells were positively correlated, indicating that AC011483.1-CCR7 may participate in the occurrence and development of ICM through immune cell infiltration. Together, our findings revealed that lncRNA-mRNA pair AC011483.1-CCR7 may be a novel biomarker and therapeutic target for ICM.

A novel necroptosis-related lncRNA signature predicts the prognosis and immune microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the malignant tumors with high mortality and a worse prognosis globally. Necroptosis is a programmed death mediated by receptor-interacting Protein 1 (RIP1), receptor-interacting Protein 1 (RIP3), and Mixed Lineage Kinase Domain-Like (MLKL). Our study aimed to create a new Necroptosis-related lncRNAs (NRlncRNAs) risk model that can predict survival and tumor immunity in HCC patients. The RNA expression and clinical data originated from the TCGA database. Pearson correlation analysis was applied to identify the NRlncRNAs. The LASSO-Cox regression analysis was employed to build the risk model. Next, the ROC curve and the area under the Kaplan-Meier curve were utilized to evaluate the accuracy of the risk model. In addition, based on the two groups of risk model, we performed the following analysis: clinical correlation, differential expression, PCA, TMB, GSEA analysis, immune cells infiltration, and clinical drug prediction analysis. Plus, qRT-PCR was applied to test the expression of genes in the risk model. Finally, a prognosis model covering six necroptosis-related lncRNAs was constructed to predict the survival of HCC patients. The ROC curve results showed that the risk model possesses better accuracy. The 1, 3, and 5-years AUC values were 0.746, 0.712, and 0.670, respectively. Of course, we also observed that significant differences exist in the following analysis, such as functional signaling pathways, immunological state, mutation profiles, and medication sensitivity between high-risk and low-risk groups of HCC patients. The result of qRT-PCR confirmed that three NRlncRNAs were more highly expressed in HCC cell lines than in the normal cell line. In conclusion, based on the bioinformatics analysis, we constructed an NRlncRNAs associated risk model, which predicts the prognosis of HCC patients. Although our study has some limitations, it may greatly contribute to the treatment of HCC and medical progression.

miR-559 Inhibits Proliferation, Autophagy, and Angiogenesis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells by Targeting PARD3

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers in the world and has a high mortality rate. Although prevention and treatment of HCC has improved, it still faces poor prognosis and high mortality. miRNAs play a critical role in the tumorigenesis of HCC, but the underlying mechanism has not been well investigated. Here, the functions and interaction between miR-559 and PARD3 were investigated in HCC cells. Increased PARD3 and decreased miR-559 expression were observed in HCC cells compared with those in normal liver cells, especially in Huh-7 cells. Studies further demonstrated that PARD3 silencing or miR-559 overexpression impaired the proliferation, autophagy, and angiogenesis in Huh-7 cells. Mechanistically, PARD3 represents a target of miR-559. Furthermore, investigations revealed that miR-559 inhibition induced the expression of PARD3, thereby enhancing cell proliferation, autophagy, and angiogenesis in Huh-7 cells. These results reveal the interaction between miR-559 and PARD3 in HCC cells and provide new insights into their potential targets as therapeutic treatment against HCC.

LncRNA OR2A1-AS1 index predicts survival in germinal center-like diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a highly aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) has been evaluated as prognostic markers in various carcinomas. However, the prognostic value of the lncRNA index in DLBCL has not been fully understood. Hence, this study aimed to identify the prognostic value of lncRNA olfactory receptor family 2 subfamily A member 1-antisense RNA 1 (OR2A1-AS1) in DLBCL.

METHODS

The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was used to obtain the GSE97336 dataset comprising lncRNA expression profiles. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR) was conducted to evaluate the expression of OR2A1-AS1 in 98 cases of DLBCL.

RESULTS

OR2A1-AS1 expression was considerably reduced in DLBCL patients, reduced OR2A1-AS1 expression was linked to a shorter overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in DLBCL patients, especially those with the germinal center B-cell-like subtype (GCB). Multivariate analysis (MVA) revealed that the OR2A1-AS1 index had prognostic significance. Patients with low OR2A1-AS1 expression have a poor prognosis.

CONCLUSIONS

OR2A1-AS may represent an effective predictor of patients' outcomes with DLBCL.

Cancer stemness-associated LINC02475 serves as a novel biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis prediction of hepatocellular carcinoma

Purpose: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a severe malignant tumor with high incidence and mortality. LncRNAs present broad clinical application prospects. Herein, we aim to identify a cancer stemness associated lncRNA and reveal its role in HCC diagnosis, prognosis evaluation, and progression.

Methods: The cancer stemness-associated LINC02475 in HCC samples were identified using bioinformatics analysis. Cellular and molecular experiments were conducted to elucidate the role of LINC02475 in HCC.

Results: The firm links between LINC02475 and HCC stemness and prognosis were demonstrated by bioinformatics analysis of public cancer datasets. LINC02475 expression was elevated in HCC, performed well in the diagnosis, and independently predicts poor overall survival (hazard ratio = 1.389, 95% confidence interval = 1.047–1.843, p = 0.023), as well as progression-free survival (hazard ratio = 1.396, 95% confidence interval = 1.016–1.917, p = 0.040) of HCC patients. Moreover, LINC02475 enhanced the tumorigenic pathways necessary for cell stemness, DNA replication required for cell proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition involved in metastasis, and DNA damage repair pathways that drove cell radioresistance and cisplatin resistance, thus promoting HCC progression.

Conclusion: Cancer stemness-associated LINC02475 independently predicted a poor prognosis and promoted HCC progression by enhancing stemness, proliferation, metastasis, radioresistance, and chemoresistance. Our study lays a foundation for the clinical application of LINC02475 as a novel biomarker and target for the diagnosis, prognosis evaluation, as well as treatment of HCC.

c-Myc-Regulated lncRNA-IGFBP4 Suppresses Autophagy in Cervical Cancer-Originated HeLa Cells

LncRNAs are known to regulate a plethora of key events of cellular processes; however, little is known about the function of lncRNAs in autophagy. Here in the current study, we report lncRNA-IGFBP4 which has previously been known to regulate the proliferation and reprogramming of cancer cells, but its role in autophagy is not yet known. We found that serum starvation provokes autophagy-induced downregulation of lncRNA-IGFBP4 levels. Next, we determined that c-Myc can negatively regulate lncRNA-IGFBP4 in HeLa cells. Phenotypically, we found that upon depletion of lncRNA-IGFBP4, the HeLa cells undergo autophagy through ULK1/Beclin1 signaling. Furthermore, through TCGA data analysis, we found lncRNA-IGFB4 overexpressed in most cancers including cervical cancer. Based on these findings, we conclude that c-Myc maintains cellular homeostasis through negatively regulating lncRNA-IGFBP4 in cervical cancer cells.

Function of the Long Noncoding RNAs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Classification, Molecular Mechanisms, and Significant Therapeutic Potentials

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common and serious type of primary liver cancer. HCC patients have a high death rate and poor prognosis due to the lack of clear signs and inadequate treatment interventions. However, the molecular pathways that underpin HCC pathogenesis remain unclear. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), a new type of RNAs, have been found to play important roles in HCC. LncRNAs have the ability to influence gene expression and protein activity. Dysregulation of lncRNAs has been linked to a growing number of liver disorders, including HCC. As a result, improved understanding of lncRNAs could lead to new insights into HCC etiology, as well as new approaches for the early detection and treatment of HCC. The latest results with respect to the role of lncRNAs in controlling multiple pathways of HCC were summarized in this study. The processes by which lncRNAs influence HCC advancement by interacting with chromatin, RNAs, and proteins at the epigenetic, transcriptional, and post-transcriptional levels were examined. This critical review also highlights recent breakthroughs in lncRNA signaling pathways in HCC progression, shedding light on the potential applications of lncRNAs for HCC diagnosis and therapy.

Long noncoding RNA CERS6-AS1 modulates glucose metabolism and tumor progression in hepatocellular carcinoma by promoting the MDM2/p53 signaling pathway

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most serious malignant cancers and has a high fatality rate. However, clinical strategies for the effective treatment of HCC remain lacking. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) with aberrant expression have been closely correlated with the occurrence and development of HCC. Here we investigated the underlying mechanism of the lncRNA CERS6-AS1 in HCC progression. The expression and prognosis of CERS6-AS1 in HCC patients was explored using The Cancer Genome Atlas. PCR analysis was utilized to measure the expression of CERS6-AS1 in tissues and cell lines. Transwell, wound healing, proliferation and glycolysis assays were conducted to evaluate the function of CERS6-AS1 on HCC cell functions. Bioinformation methods and luciferase assays were used to screen and verify potential target miRNAs and genes. A subcutaneous tumorigenesis model was constructed in nude mice to assess the effect of CERS6-AS1 on tumorigenesis in vivo. CERS6-AS1 was highly expressed in HCC tissues and cell lines. Upregulated CERS6-AS1 expression was remarkably correlated with poor prognosis of HCC patients. High CERS6-AS1 expression facilitated cell growth, invasion and glycolysis of HCC cells. Bioinformatics analyses combining with PCR analysis identified miR-30b-3p as the potential target of CERS6-AS1, and MDM2 mRNA was verified as the target of miR-30b-3p. The expression of miR-30b-3p was negatively correlated with CERS6-AS1, whereas MDM2 was positively associated with CERS6-AS1. Mechanistic studies showed that CERS6-AS1 may sponge miR-30b-3p to elevate MDM2, thus promoting the MDM2-mediated ubiquitin-dependent degradation of the p53 tumor suppressor. MDM2 overexpression or miR-30b-3p inhibitors blocked the inhibitory effect of CERS6-AS1 knockdown on proliferation, migration and glycolysis. CERS6-AS1 depletion reduced tumor formation in the in vivo mouse model. The CERS6-AS1/miR-30b-3p/MDM2/p53 signaling axis may play key roles in regulating HCC progression. CERS6-AS1 may exert as a novel biomarker or therapeutic target for HCC.

Poloxamer 407 and Hyaluronic Acid Thermosensitive Hydrogel-Encapsulated Ginsenoside Rg3 to Promote Skin Wound Healing

Ginsenoside Rg3 has shown beneficial effects in various skin diseases. The current interest in designing and developing hydrogels for biomedical applications continues to grow, inspiring the further development of drug-loaded hydrogels for tissue repair and localized drug delivery. The aim of the present study was to develop an effective and safe hydrogel (Rg3-Gel), using ginsenoside Rg3, and we evaluated the wound-healing potential and therapeutic mechanism of Rg3-Gel. The results indicated that the optimized Rg3-Gel underwent discontinuous phase transition at low and high temperatures. Rg3-Gel also exhibited good network structures, swelling water retention capacity, sustainable release performance, and excellent biocompatibility. Subsequently, the good antibacterial and antioxidant properties of Rg3-Gel were confirmed by in vitro tests. In full-thickness skin defect wounded models, Rg3-Gel significantly accelerated the wound contraction, promoted epithelial and tissue regeneration, and promoted collagen deposition and angiogenesis. In addition, Rg3-Gel increased the expression of autophagy proteins by inhibiting the MAPK and NF-KB pathways in vivo. It simultaneously regulated host immunity by increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria and the diversity of the wound surface flora. From these preliminary evaluations, it is possible to conclude that Rg3-Gel has excellent application potential in wound-healing drug delivery systems.

Pseudogene PLGLA exerts anti-tumor effects on hepatocellular carcinoma through modulating miR-324-3p/GLYATL1 axis

BACKGROUND

Pseudogenes are dysfunctional copies of protein-coding genes that showed critical regulatory roles during carcinogenesis. Plasminogen like A (PLGLA) is a transcribed unprocessed pseudogene and biasedly expressed in liver. But its function has not been studied in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

AIMS

We aimed to explore the role of PLGLA in HCC.

METHODS

The expression of PLGLA and its association with pathological features in HCC patients was analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to validate PLGLA level in HCC tissue samples and cell lines. Gain-of-function experiments in vitro and in vivo were employed to assess the impact of PLGLA on HCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull-down assay were conducted to confirm the interaction among PLGLA, miR-324-3p and GLYATL1.

RESULTS

PLGLA expression was significantly downregulated in HCC tissues and cell lines. Furthermore, low PLGLA expression was positively associated with tumor progression and poor prognosis. PLGLA restoration markedly suppressed cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Mechanistically, PLGLA could competitively bind to miR-324-3p and acted as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to enhance GLYATL1 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results established a novel tumor suppressive role of PLGLA in HCC pathogenesis and highlighted its potential as a therapeutic target for HCC treatment.

Remifentanil reduces the proliferation, migration and invasion of HCC cells via lncRNA NBR2/miR‐650/TIMP3 axis

Cancer cell hyperproliferation and metastasis are major causes of cancer-associated mortality. Although the use of anaesthetics and analgesics may affect cancer cell metastasis, the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the mechanisms of action of remifentanil on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. Cell viability was measured by the 3-(4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2-h-tetrazolium bromide assay. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were performed to assess the expression levels of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) neighbour of BRCA1 gene 2 (NBR2), microRNA (miR)-650 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3 (TIMP3) in HCC cells. Wound healing and transwell assays were employed to evaluate the migration and invasion of HCC cells respectively. The target relationships between miR-650 and NBR2/TIMP3 were confirmed by dual luciferase reporter assay. Remifentanil reduced the viability of HCC cells in a dose-dependent manner. Remifentanil treatment significantly increased the expression of lncRNA NBR2 and TIMP3, and repressed miR-650 expression in HCC cells. Decreased lncRNA NBR2 or increased miR-650 promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of remifentanil-treated HCC cells. LncRNA NBR2 targeted miR-650, and miR-650 further targeted TIMP3. Moreover, miR-650 down-regulation or TIMP3 up-regulation reversed the effects of lncRNA NBR2 knockdown that caused an enhancement of cell viability, migration and invasiveness in remifentanil-treated HCC cells. Thus remifentanil reduces the proliferation, migration and invasion of HCC cells via the lncRNA NBR2/miR-650/TIMP3 axis in vitro.

LncRNA RSU1P2-microRNA let-7a-Testis-Expressed Protein 10 axis modulates tumorigenesis and cancer stem cell-like properties in liver cancer

LncRNAs exert important functions in the modulation of tumorigenesis and cancer stem cell-like properties in liver cancer. However, the role of LncRNA Ras suppressor protein 1 pseudogene 2 (RSU1P2) in modulating tumorigenesis and cancer stem cell-like properties in liver cancer is still not known. In this study, the expression of LncRNA RSU1P2 was significantly elevated in liver cancer tissues and cells. Besides, knockdown of RSU1P2 repressed cell viability, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of liver cancer cells and the expressions of cancer stem cell-related genes, whereas facilitated the apoptosis of liver cancer cells. In addition, LncRNA RSU1P2 can interact with microRNA let-7a (let-7a), and repress let-7a expression. Testis-Expressed Protein 10 (Tex10) was identified to be a target of let-7a, and let-7a repressed Tex10 expression. Finally, RSU1P2 knockdown suppressed tumor volume, tumor weight, and EMT in a xenograft model. Therefore, LncRNA RSU1P2 promotes tumorigenesis and cancer stem cell-like properties in liver cancer through let-7a/Tex10 pathway.

Mapping Intellectual Structure for the Long Non-Coding RNA in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Development Research

Background: Emerging research suggests that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in a variety of developmental or physiological processes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Various differentially expressed lncRNAs have been identified in HCC. Thus, a deeper analysis of recent research concerning lncRNA and HCC development could provide scientists with a valuable reference for future studies.

Methods: Related publications were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database. CiteSpace version 5.6.R4 was employed to conduct bibliometric analysis. Several network maps were constructed to evaluate the collaborations between different countries, institutions, authors, journals, and keywords.

Results: A total of 2,667 records were initially found from the year of 2010–2020. The annual related publications output had increased dramatically during these years. Although China was the most prolific country in terms of research publication, the United States played a leading role in collaborative network. The Nanjing Medical University was the most productive institute in the field of lncRNAs in HCC development. Gang Chen was the most prolific researcher, while Yang F was the most frequently co-cited author. Oncotarget, Cell, and Oncogene were the most highly co-cited journals. The most recent burst keywords were interaction, database, and pathway.

Conclusion: This study provides a comprehensive overview for the field of lncRNAs in HCC development based on bibliometric and visualized methods. The results would provide a reference for scholars focusing on this field.

lncRNA SNHG15 Induced by SOX12 Promotes the Tumorigenic Properties and Chemoresistance in Cervical Cancer via the miR-4735-3p/HIF1a Pathway

Cervical cancer (CC) is one of the most common malignancies in females, with high prevalence and mortality globally. Despite advances in diagnosis and therapeutic strategies developed in recent years, CC is still a major health burden worldwide. The molecular mechanisms underlying the development of CC need to be understood. In this study, we aimed to demonstrate the role of lncRNA SNHG15 in CC progression. Using qRT-PCR, we determined that lncRNA SNHG15 is highly expressed in CC tumor tissues and cells. lncRNA SNHG15 knockdown also reduces the tumorigenic properties of CC in vitro, as determined using the MTT, EdU, flow cytometry, and transwell assays. Using bioinformatics analysis, RNA pull-down, ChIP, and luciferase reporter assays, we verified the molecular mechanisms of lncRNA SNHG15 in CC progression and found that lncRNA SNHG15 expression in CC cells is transcriptionally regulated by SOX12; moreover, lncRNA SNHG15 promotes CC progression via the miR-4735-3p/HIF1a axis. This study can provide a potential target for CC diagnosis or therapeutic strategies in the future.

Long Non-Coding RNA Neighbor of BRCA1 Gene 2: A Crucial Regulator in Cancer Biology

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in fundamental biochemical and cellular processes. The neighbor of BRCA1 gene 2 (NBR2) is a long intergenic non-coding RNA (lincRNA) whose gene locus is adjacent to the tumor suppressor gene breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 (BRCA1). In human cancers, NBR2 expression is dysregulated and correlates with clinical outcomes. Moreover, NBR2 is crucial for glucose metabolism and affects the proliferation, survival, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance in different types of cancer. Here, we review the precise molecular mechanisms underlying NBR2-induced changes in cancer. In addition, the potential application of NBR2 in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer is also discussed, as well as the challenges of exploiting NBR2 for cancer intervention.

Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling as a Driver of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression: An Emphasis on Molecular Pathways

Liver cancers cause a high rate of death worldwide and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is considered as the most common primary liver cancer. HCC remains a challenging disease to treat. Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is considered a tumor-promoting factor in various cancers; hence, the present review focused on the role of Wnt signaling in HCC, and its association with progression and therapy response based on pre-clinical and clinical evidence. The nuclear translocation of β-catenin enhances expression level of genes such as c-Myc and MMPs in increasing cancer progression. The mutation of CTNNB1 gene encoding β-catenin and its overexpression can lead to HCC progression. β-catenin signaling enhances cancer stem cell features of HCC and promotes their growth rate. Furthermore, β-catenin prevents apoptosis in HCC cells and increases their migration via triggering EMT and upregulating MMP levels. It is suggested that β-catenin signaling participates in mediating drug resistance and immuno-resistance in HCC. Upstream mediators including ncRNAs can regulate β-catenin signaling in HCC. Anti-cancer agents inhibit β-catenin signaling and mediate its proteasomal degradation in HCC therapy. Furthermore, clinical studies have revealed the role of β-catenin and its gene mutation (CTNBB1) in HCC progression. Based on these subjects, future experiments can focus on developing novel therapeutics targeting Wnt/β-catenin signaling in HCC therapy.

Non-coding RNA-mediated autophagy in cancer: A protumor or antitumor factor?

Autophagy, usually referred to as macroautophagy, is a cytoprotective behavior that helps cells, especially cancer cells, escape crises. However, the role of autophagy in cancer remains controversial. The induction of autophagy is favorable for tumor growth, as it can degrade damaged cell components accumulated during nutrient deficiency, chemotherapy, or other stresses in a timely manner. Whereas the antitumor effect of autophagy might be closely related to its crosstalk with metabolism, immunomodulation, and other pathways. Recent studies have verified that lncRNAs and circRNAs modulate autophagy in carcinogenesis, cancer cells proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, and chemoresistance via multiple mechanisms. A comprehensive understanding of the regulatory relationships between ncRNAs and autophagy in cancer might resolve chemoresistance and also offer intervention strategies for cancer therapy. This review systematically displays the regulatory effects of lncRNAs and circRNAs on autophagy in the contexts of cancer initiation, progression, and resistance to chemo- or radiotherapy and provides a novel insight into cancer therapy.

The Nucleus/Mitochondria-Shuttling LncRNAs Function as New Epigenetic Regulators of Mitophagy in Cancer

Mitophagy is a specialized autophagic pathway responsible for the selective removal of damaged or dysfunctional mitochondria by targeting them to the autophagosome in order to maintain mitochondria quality. The role of mitophagy in tumorigenesis has been conflicting, with the process both supporting tumor cell survival and promoting cell death. Cancer cells may utilize the mitophagy pathway to augment their metabolic requirements and resistance to cell death, thereby leading to increased cell proliferation and invasiveness. This review highlights major regulatory pathways of mitophagy involved in cancer. In particular, we summarize recent progress regarding how nuclear-encoded long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) function as novel epigenetic players in the mitochondria of cancer cells, affecting the malignant behavior of tumors by regulating mitophagy. Finally, we discuss the potential application of regulating mitophagy as a new target for cancer therapy.

The E2F1/USP11 positive feedback loop promotes hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis and inhibits autophagy by activating ERK/mTOR pathway

Deubiquitinase ubiquitin-specific protease 11 (USP11), a member of the deubiquitinating family, plays an important but still controversial role in cancer development. Namely, USP11 has been shown to promote the proliferation and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the underlying molecular basis is poorly understood. This study aimed to unravel novel functions of USP11 in HCC, especially those related to autophagy. Here, EdU, migration and colony formation assays, and mouse models showed that USP11 played a crucial role in HCC cell proliferation and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Results from co-immunoprecipitation and ubiquitination assays demonstrated that USP11 interacted with E2F1 and maintained E2F1 protein stability by removing its ubiquitin. Notably, E2F1 regulated USP11 expression at the transcriptional level. Thus, the E2F1/USP11 formed a positive feedback loop to promote the proliferation and migration of HCC cells. Moreover, E2F1/USP11 inhibited autophagy by regulating ERK/mTOR pathway. In addition, the combination treatment inhibition of USP11 and autophagy enhanced the apoptosis of HCC cells and inhibited the tumor growth in mice more effective than either treatment alone. Taken together, these results indicate that the E2F1/USP11 signal axis promotes HCC proliferation and metastasis and inhibits autophagy, which provides an experimental basis for the treatment of HCC.

Targeting epigenetics and lncRNAs in liver disease: From mechanisms to therapeutics

Early onset and progression of liver diseases can be driven by aberrant transcriptional regulation. Different transcriptional regulation processes, such as RNA/DNA methylation, histone modification, and ncRNA-mediated targeting, can regulate biological processes in healthy cells, as well also under various pathological conditions, especially liver disease. Numerous studies over the past decades have demonstrated that liver disease has a strong epigenetic component. Therefore, the epigenetic basis of liver disease has challenged our knowledge of epigenetics, and epigenetics field has undergone an important transformation: from a biological phenomenon to an emerging focus of disease research. Furthermore, inhibitors of different epigenetic regulators, such as m⁶A-related factors, are being explored as potential candidates for preventing and treating liver diseases. In the present review, we summarize and discuss the current knowledge of five distinct but interconnected and interdependent epigenetic processes in the context of hepatic diseases: RNA methylation, DNA methylation, histone methylation, miRNAs, and lncRNAs. Finally, we discuss the potential therapeutic implications and future challenges and ongoing research in the field. Our review also provides a perspective for identifying therapeutic targets and new hepatic biomarkers of liver disease, bringing precision research and disease therapy to the modern era of epigenetics.