mRNA, microRNA and lncRNA as novel bladder tumor markers

Solid-State Glass Nanopipettes: Functionalization and Applications

Solid-state glass nanopipettes provide a promising confined space that offers several advantages such as controllable size, simple preparation, low cost, good mechanical stability, and good thermal stability. These advantages make them an ideal choice for various applications such as biosensors, DNA sequencing, and drug delivery. In this review, we first delve into the functionalized nanopipettes for sensing various analytes and the methods used to develop detection means with them. Next, we provide an in-depth overview of the advanced functionalization methodologies of nanopipettes based on diversified chemical kinetics. After that, we present the latest state-of-the-art achievements and potential applications in detecting a wide range of targets, including ions, molecules, biological macromolecules, and single cells. We examine the various challenges that arise when working with these targets, as well as the innovative solutions developed to overcome them. The final section offers an in-depth overview of the current development status, newest trends, and application prospects of sensors. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive and detailed analysis of the current state-of-the-art functionalized nanopipette perception sensing and development of detection means and offers valuable insights into the prospects for this exciting field.

Pathological roles of miRNAs and pseudogene-derived lncRNAs in human cancers, and their comparison as prognosis/diagnosis biomarkers

This review examines and compares the diagnostic and prognostic capabilities of miRNAs and lncRNAs derived from pseudogenes in cancer patients. Additionally, it delves into their roles in cancer pathogenesis. Both miRNAs and pseudogene-derived lncRNAs have undergone thorough investigation as remarkably sensitive and specific cancer biomarkers, offering significant potential for cancer detection and monitoring. . Extensive research is essential to gain a complete understanding of the precise roles these non-coding RNAs play in cancer, allowing the development of novel targeted therapies and biomarkers for improved cancer detection and treatment approaches.

Bladder Cancer Progression Is Suppressed Through the Heart and Neural Crest Derivatives Expressed 2-Antisense RNA 1/microRNA-93-5p/Defective in Cullin Neddylation 1 Domain Containing 3 Axis

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are critical in progression of bladder cancer (BCa). miRNA-93-5p is increased in cancers and is positively correlated with an unfavorable prognosis. But its effects on BCa remain rarely understood. This investigation aimed to dig out miRNA-93-5p affecting biological behaviors of BCa. In this research, mRNA and protein expression in cancer cells were assessed via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation, scratch healing, and transwell assays were utilized to analyze cancer cell viability, colony-forming, migration, and invasion, respectively. Bioinformatics analysis predicted upstream regulatory genes and downstream target genes of miRNA-93-5p, with the targeting relationship being verified through a dual-luciferase assay. The BCa xenograft model in nude mice further investigated the effect of miRNA-93-5p and AND2-AS1 on tumor size and quality, and validated the relationship between HAND2-AS1/miRNA-93-5p/DCUN1D3. Our results displayed that miRNA-93-5p was increased in BCa cell lines. Knockdown miRNA-93-5p constrained BCa cell malignant phenotypes. HAND2-AS1 targeted miRNA-93-5p, thus restraining malignant progression of BCa cells. DCUN1D3 was found downstream of miRNA-93-5p. miRNA-93-5p modulated proliferation, migration, and invasion of BCa cells by targeting DCUN1D3. In vivo experiments disclosed that forced expression of lncRNA HAND2-AS1, and inhibited miRNA-93-5p regressed tumor growth. Meanwhile, the same as the results of cell experiments, the expression of miRNA-93-5p was downregulated, and DCUN1D3 expression was advanced in tumor tissues. To conclude, lncRNA HAND2-AS1 exerted anti-tumor effects and regulated BCa cell proliferation, invasion, and migration by targeting miRNA-93-5p/DCUN1D3.

Comprehensive analysis of candidate signatures of long non-coding RNA LINC01116 and related protein-coding genes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a long-term malignancy that causes high morbidities and mortalities worldwide. Notably, long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) have been identified as candidate targets for malignancy treatments.

METHODS

LncRNA LINC01116 and its Pearson-correlated genes (PCGs) were identified and analyzed in HCC patients. The diagnostic and prognostic value of the lncRNA was evaluated using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Further, we explored the target drugs of LINC01116 for clinical application. Relationships between immune infiltration and PCGs, methylation and PCGs were explored. The diagnostic potentials were then validated by Oncomine cohorts.

RESULTS

LINC01116 and the PCG OLFML2B are differentially and highly expressed in tumor tissues (both P ≤ 0.050). We found that LINC01116, TMSB15A, PLAU, OLFML2B, and MRC2 have diagnostic potentials (all AUC ≥ 0.700, all P ≤ 0.050) while LINC01116 and TMSB15A have prognostic significance (both adjusted P ≤ 0.050). LINC01116 was enriched in the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor signaling pathway, mesenchyme morphogenesis, etc. After that, candidate target drugs with potential clinical significance were identified: Thiamine, Cromolyn, Rilmenidine, Chlorhexidine, Sulindac_sulfone, Chloropyrazine, and Meprylcaine. Analysis of immune infiltration revealed that MRC2, OLFML2B, PLAU, and TMSB15A are negatively associated with the purity but positively associated with the specific cell types (all P < 0.050). Analysis of promoter methylation demonstrated that MRC2, OLFML2B, and PLAU have differential and high methylation levels in primary tumors (all P < 0.050). Validation results of the differential expressions and diagnostic potential of OLFML2B (Oncomine) were consistent with those obtained in the TCGA cohort (P < 0.050, AUC > 0.700).

CONCLUSIONS

Differentially expressed LINC01116 could be a candidate diagnostic and an independent prognostic signature in HCC. Besides, its target drugs may work for HCC therapy via the VEGF receptor signaling pathway. Differentially expressed OLFML2B could be a diagnostic signature involved in HCC via immune infiltrates.

An m7G-related lncRNA signature predicts prognosis and reveals the immune microenvironment in bladder cancer

Bladder cancer (BC) is a representative malignant tumor type, and the significance of N7-methyguanosine (m7G)-related lncRNAs in BC is still unclear. Utilizing m7G-related lncRNAs, we developed a prognostic model to evaluate BC's prognosis and tumor immunity. First, we selected prognostic lncRNAs related to m7G by co-expression analysis and univariate Cox regression and identified two clusters by consensus clustering. The two clusters differed significantly in terms of overall survival, clinicopathological factors, and immune microenvironment. Then, we further constructed a linear stepwise regression signature by multivariate Cox and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis. Patients fell into high-risk (HR) and low-risk (LR) groups considering the train group risk score. HR group had worse prognoses when stratified by clinicopathological factors. The receiver operating curve (ROC) suggested that the signature had a better prognostic value. Tumor mutation burden (TMB) showed a negative relevance to the risk score, and patients with low TMB presented a better prognosis. Validation of the signature was carried out with multivariate and univariate Cox regression analysis, nomogram, principal component analysis (PCA), C-Index, and quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR). Finally, the gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) demonstrated the enrichment of tumor-related pathways in HR groups, and single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) indicated a close association of risk score with tumor immunity. According to the drug sensitivity test, the signature could predict the effects of conventional chemotherapy drugs. In conclusion, our study indicates the close relevance of m7G-related lncRNAs to BC, and the established risk signature can effectively evaluate patient prognosis and tumor immunity and is expected to become a novel prognostic marker for BC patients.

Screening of the Key Genes for the Progression of Liver Cirrhosis to Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on Bioinformatics

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is among the most globally prevalent cancers, is strongly associated with liver cirrhosis. Using a bioinformatics approach, we have identified and investigated the hub genes responsible for the progression of cirrhosis into HCC. We analyzed the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) microarray datasets, GSE25097 and GSE17549, to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in these two conditions and also performed protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. STRING database and Cytoscape software were used to analyze the modules and locate hub genes following which the connections between hub genes and the transition from cirrhosis to HCC, progression of HCC, and prognosis of HCC were investigated. We used the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis to detect the molecular mechanisms underlying the action of the primary hub genes. In all, 239 DEGs were obtained, with 94 of them showing evidence of upregulation and 145 showing evidence of downregulation in HCC tissues as compared to cirrhotic liver tissues. We identified six hub genes, namely, BUB1B, NUSAP1, TTK, HMMR, CCNA2, and KIF2C, which were upregulated and had a high diagnostic value for HCC. Besides, these six hub genes were positively related to immune cell infiltration. Since these genes may play a direct role in the progression of cirrhosis to HCC, they can be considered as potential novel molecular indicators for the onset and development of HCC.

LncmiRHG-MIR100HG: A new budding star in cancer

MIR100HG, also known as lncRNA mir-100-let-7a-2-mir-125b-1 cluster host gene, is a new and critical regulator in cancers in recent years. MIR100HG is dysregulated in various cancers and plays an oncogenic or tumor-suppressive role, which participates in many tumor cell biology processes and cancer-related pathways. The errant expression of MIR100HG has inspired people to investigate the function of MIR100HG and its diagnostic and therapeutic potential in cancers. Many studies have indicated that dysregulated expression of MIR100HG is markedly correlated with poor prognosis and clinicopathological features. In this review, we will highlight the characteristics and introduce the role of MIR100HG in different cancers, and summarize the molecular mechanism, pathways, chemoresistance, and current research progress of MIR100HG in cancers. Furthermore, some open questions in this rapidly advancing field are proposed. These updates clarify our understanding of MIR100HG in cancers, which may pave the way for the application of MIR100HG-targeting approaches in future cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy.

lncRNA MIR4435-2HG Accelerates the Development of Bladder Cancer through Enhancing IQGAP3 and CDCA5 Expression

Background. Bladder cancer (BCa) is one of the most prevalent cancers occurring in the urinary system. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), in recent years, have emerged as crucial regulators in various biological processes of tumors. Aim. To identify the role of MIR4435-2 host gene (MIR4435-2HG) and uncover its molecular mechanism in BCa. Methods. Firstly, quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis was used to examine MIR4435-2HG expression in BCa cells. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), 5-ethynyl-2 $\prime$ -deoxyuridine (EdU), wound healing, and transwell assays were implemented to identify the role of MIR4435-2HG in BCa. RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP), RNA pull down, and luciferase reporter assays were applied to explore the potential mechanism of MIR4435-2HG in BCa. Results. MIR4435-2HG was highly expressed in BCa. Moreover, MIR4435-2HG silencing abrogated BCa cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. In terms of underlying mechanism, MIR44352HG acted as a microRNA-2467-3p (miR-2467-3p) sponge to control the expression of IQ motif containing GTPase activating protein 3 (IQGAP3) and cell division cycle associated 5 (CDCA5), resulting in activation of the rat sarcoma virus (Ras)/rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma (Raf)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways. Conclusion. MIR4435-2HG involves in the progression of BCa, which might provide novel insights for BCa treatment.

LncRNA MINCR attenuates osteoarthritis progression via sponging miR-146a-5p to promote BMPR2 expression

The purposes of this study are to explore the function and regulatory mechanism of a novel lncRNA MYC-Induced Long non-coding RNA (MINCR) in osteoarthritis (OA). The expression of lncRNA MINCR, miR-146a-5p, and bone morphogenetic protein receptor 2 (BMPR2), Sry-type high-mobility-group box 9 (SOX9), collagen type II alpha 1 (COL2A1), Aggrecan, metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs-4 (ADAMTS-4), Matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3), MMP13, COL2A1, and Aggrecan were determined using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), western blot, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF) in vitro and in vivo. And distribution and expression of MINCR were examined by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Cell proliferation and apoptosis were detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining, Annexin V-FITC/Propidium Iodide (PI), and Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) staining in vitro and in vivo. The anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) rat model was constructed to analyze the MINCR/miR-146a-5p/BMPR2 axis in vivo. The cartilage degeneration was determined by pathological staining with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) and Safranin O staining. The binding relationship between MINCR and miR-146a-5p, and between miR-146a-5p and BMPR2 were determined by a dual-luciferase reporter gene, RNA Immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay, and RNA-pull down assays. Here, MINCR and BMPR2 were downregulated whereas miR-146a-5p was upregulated in OA cartilage tissues compared with control as well as IL-1β-induced chondrocytes compared with normal chondrocytes. Function experiments indicated that MINCR upregulation promoted cell proliferation and inhibited apoptosis and extracellular matrix (ECM)-degeneration. We also proved the binding relationship between MINCR and miR-146a-5p, and the BMPR2 acted as a target of miR-146a-5p. Mechanism analysis using rescue experiments in vitro and in vivo, MINCR silencing reversed the effects of miR-146a-5p downregulation in OA. Overexpression of miR-146a-5p also reversed the function of BMPR2 overexpression in OA. These data indicated that MINCR prevented OA progression via targeting miR-146a-5p to promote BMPR2 expression.

Comprehensive Analysis of N6-Methylandenosine-Related Long Non-Coding RNAs Signature in Prognosis and Tumor Microenvironment of Bladder Cancer

To investigate the role of N6-methyladenosine (m6A)- related long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in bladder cancer (BC). 50 m6A-related lncRNAs were screened out and were correlated with prognosis from BC samples in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The lncRNAs were subdivided into cluster 1 and cluster 2 with consensus cluster analysis, and it was found that lncRNAs in cluster 2 were associated with poor prognosis and increased PD-L1 expression. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) revealed tumor-related pathways in cluster 2. Through least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression analysis, univariate and multivariate Cox regression, and ROC analyses, 14 prognostic lncRNAs were selected and used to construct the m6A-related lncRNA prognostic signature (m6A-LPS), furthermore, that m6A-LPS was as a valuable independent prognostic factor. Interestingly, the m6A-LPS risk score was positively correlated with the immune score, PD-L1 expression, and the infiltration of immune cell subtypes in BC. SNHG16, a member of the high-risk group based on m6A-LPS, was highly expressed in BC tissues and cell lines and interfered with siRNA resulted in suppressed proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro. Our study illustrates the role of m6A-related lncRNAs in BC. The m6A-LPS may be an important regulatory target of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in BC.

Role of Hub Genes in the Occurrence and Development of Testicular Cancer Based on Bioinformatics

Background

Testicular cancer severely affects male health, so finding effective diagnosis and prognostic indicators and exploring its pathogenesis are very important.

Purpose

This study aims to explore the hub genes that play important roles in the occurrence and development of testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT).

Methods

Data were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus datasets (GSE3218 and GSE1818) and verified in The Cancer Genome Atlas database and the Genotype-Tissue Expression database and the Human Protein Atlas database. A protein–protein interaction network was constructed to obtain hub genes. GEO2R, R software and packages were used to analyze differentially expressed genes (DEGs), receiver operating characteristic curve assessment, Cox regression analysis, Kaplan–Meier survival curve assessment, Gene Ontology analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis, the relationship with clinicopathological information, gene set enrichment analysis, the correlation with immune cells’ infiltration, and the expression in pan-cancers of the hub genes.

Results

PLK4, TRIP13, TPR, KIF18A, CDKN3, HMMR, PBK, PTTG1, CKS2, SYCP1, HSPA2, and MKI67 were selected as the hub genes. mRNA of PLK4, TRIP13, CDKN3, SYCP1, HSPA2, and MKI67 had high diagnostic values, and higher expression of CDKN3 and HSPA2 mRNA were poor prognostic factors for progression-free interval of TGCT. The hub genes involved organelle division and cell cycle, chromosome and centromeric region, heat shock protein binding, and more. Downregulated TPR and PLK4 were selected as research targets for continued study, and they may participate in multiple signaling pathways. The expression of TPR and PLK4 correlated with the infiltration of a variety of immune cells and differed in pan-cancers.

Conclusion

The mRNA levels of multiple hub genes have high diagnostic and prognostic values for TGCT. TPR and PLK4 may play a role in the occurrence and development of TGCT through cancer-related signaling pathways.

Functional Peptides Encoded by Long Non-Coding RNAs in Gastrointestinal Cancer

Gastrointestinal cancer is by far the most common malignancy and the most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Recent studies have shown that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in the epigenetic regulation of cancer cells and regulate tumor progression by affecting chromatin modifications, gene transcription, translation, and sponge to miRNAs. In particular, lncRNA has recently been found to possess open reading frame (ORF), which can encode functional small peptides or proteins. These peptides interact with its targets to regulate transcription or the signal axis, thus promoting or inhibiting the occurrence and development of tumors. In this review, we summarize the involvement of lncRNAs and the function of lncRNAs encoded small peptides in gastrointestinal cancer.

MiR-10a-5p: A Promising Biomarker for Early Diagnosis and Prognosis Evaluation of Bladder Cancer

Introduction

MiRNAs play a critical role in carcinogenesis, among which miR-10a-5p has been reported in several types of human cancer. Nevertheless, the role of miR-10a-5p remain uncovered in bladder cancer (BCa).

Methods

We recruited 88 BCa patients and 36 healthy controls (HC) to form the training cohort, and other 120 BCa patients to form the validation cohort. The clinical samples were collected for analysis. The expression level of miR-10a-5p was evaluated using RT-qPCR. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were utilized to calculate diagnostic accuracy. Survival curves were generated to analyze survival outcomes. CCK-8 and transwell assays were conducted to test the cell proliferation, migration, and invasion capacities.

Results

MiR-10a-5p was upregulated in human BCa tissues and closely associated with advanced clinicopathological features, including advanced tumor grade, histological grade, and T stage. High expression of miR-10a-5p was associated with worse survival outcomes in BCa patients. Circulating plasma miR-10a-5p expression had the great performance power to discriminate BCa patients form HC patients before surgery, and to differentiate muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) from non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). In addition, overexpression of miR-10a-5p could promote BCa cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.

Conclusion

This study indicates that miR-10a-5p is a crucial diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for BCa patients, and miR-10a-5p exerted a tumor promoting role during BCa cell progression.

Long non-coding RNAs in oncourology

For several decades, research in tumor biology has focused on the involvement of genes encoding a protein. Only recently has it been discovered that a whole class of molecules called non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play a key regulatory role in health and disease. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a group of noncoding RNAs longer than 200 nucleotides. It has been found that lncRNAs play a fundamental role in the biology of many types of tumors, including tumors of the genitourinary system. As a result, hundreds of clinical trials dedicated to oncourology have begun, using lncRNA as new biomarkers or treatments. Identifying new specific biomarkers, in the form of lncRNAs, will increase the ability to differentiate the tumor and other processes, determine the localization and extent of the tumor, and the ability to predict the course of the disease, and plan treatment. Therapy of tumors, especially malignant ones, is also a difficult task. When surgery and chemotherapy fail, radiation therapy becomes the treatment choice. Therefore, the possibility that lncRNAs could represent innovative therapeutic agents or targets is an exciting idea. However, the possibility of their use in modern clinical practice is limited, and this is associated with several problems at the pre-, analytical and post-analytical stages. Another problem in the study of lncRNAs is the large number and variety of their functions in tumors. Therefore, solving technological problems in lncRNAs study in oncourology may open up new possibilities for lncRNAs use in modern clinical practice.

The association between expression of lncRNAs in patients with GDM

OBJECTIVE

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is common worldwide and seriously threatens maternal and infant health. The expression of non-coding (ncRNA) is tissue-specific and highly stable in eukaryotic cells and the circulatory system, which can act as an early molecular marker of GDM.

METHODS

The differential expression of lncRNA and mRNA in the peripheral blood of patients with GDM (experimental group) and healthy pregnant women (control group) was analysed via lncRNA gene chip. Employing biological function clustering and KEGG signalling pathway analysis, we selected the mRNAs and lncRNAs closely related to the insulin signalling pathway of GDM to analyse the possible regulatory mechanism in the pathogenesis of GDM. The sequencing results were further verified via quantitative PCR (Q-PCR).

RESULTS

LncRNA microarray analysis revealed 7498 genes (3592 upregulated, 3906 downregulated) differentially expressed in the GDM group and healthy pregnant women control group, including 1098 differentially expressed lncRNAs (609 upregulated, 489 downregulated). According to the regulatory pathway of the lncRNA mRNA network, 6 lncRNAs and 4 mRNAs were found to play a significant role in insulin resistance.

CONCLUSIONS

The lncRNAs ERMP1, TSPAN32 and MRPL38 form a co-expression network with TPH1, which is mainly involved in the tryptophan metabolism pathway and in the development of GDM. Moreover, lncRNA RPL13P5 forms a co-expression network with the TSC2 gene via the PI3K-AKT and insulin signalling pathways, which are involved in the process of insulin resistance in GDM.

LncRNA HAND2-AS1 exerts anti-oncogenic effects on bladder cancer via restoration of RARB as a sponge of microRNA-146

Background

Growing evidence has shown that long noncoding RNA: microRNA: mRNA is implicated in tumor initiation, development, and progression. Long noncoding RNA HAND2-AS1 exhibits anti-cancer effects in diverse cancers. However, the knowledge of HAND-AS1 in bladder cancer development remains unknown.

Methods

LncRNA and miRNA microarray was conducted to explore different expressed RNA in primary bladder cancer specimens. RNA-RNA interaction prediction tools miRcode (http://www.mircode.org/), DIANA-lncBase v2 (https://carolina.imis.athena-innovation.gr/diana_tools/web/index.php?r=lncbasev2%2Findex-experimental), DIANA-TarBase v.8 (https://carolina.imis.athena-innovation.gr/diana_tools/web/index.php?r=tarbasev8%2Findex) and miRDB (http://www.mirdb.org/) were employed to predict the interactions between RNA. Bladder cancer cell lines were used to perform cell proliferation and apoptosis assays. Western blot and quantitative Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction were used to determine the expression of protein and RNA separately. Dual-luciferase assay was conducted to determine the activity of three prime untranslated region of retinoic acid receptor beta (RARB). Furthermore, 5637 human bladder cancer mouse models were established to investigate the interactions of lncRNA: miRNA: mRNA in vivo.

Results

Based on the RT2 lncRNA PCR Arrays analysis, we validated HAND2-AS1 declined in bladder cancer and negatively correlated with the depth of invasion and grades. The overexpression of HAND2-AS1 in human bladder cancer cells 5637 and RT4 hampered cell proliferation by provoking Caspase 3-triggered cell apoptosis. Besides, one of the HAND2-AS1 sponges, miR-146, elevated in bladder cancer and targeted the tumor suppressor, retinoic acid receptor beta (RARB). We further demonstrated that the HAND2-AS1: miR-146: RARB complex promoted Caspase 3-mediated apoptosis by suppressing COX-2 expression. Finally, the results gained in mouse xenografts suggested that HAND2-AS1 diminished miR-146 expression, thereby reversing the suppression of miR-146 on RARB-mediated apoptosis and contributing to bladder cancer regression.

Conclusion

The present study sheds light on the fact that lncRNA HAND2-AS1 exerted as a tumor suppressor by releasing RARB from miR-146, leading to tumor proliferation and invasion inhibition. The findings expanded HAND2-AS-mediated regulatory networks' knowledge and provided novel insights to improve the RARB-targeted regimens against bladder cancer.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12935-021-02063-y.

Long non-coding RNA LUCAT1 promotes the progression of clear cell renal cell carcinoma via the microRNA-375/YAP1 axis

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a common renal cell carcinoma with a high mortality rate. Lung cancer-associated transcript 1 (LUCAT1) has been reported to be a potential biomarker of prognosis in human ccRCC. However, the underlying mechanism of the function of LUCAT1 in ccRCC remains poorly understood. The present study aimed to investigate the role and underlying mechanism of LUCAT1 in ccRCC. The expression level of LUCAT1, microRNA-375 (miR-375) and yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) in ccRCC tissues and cells was detected by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, and the protein level of YAP1 was detected by western blotting. The effects of LUCAT1 on cell proliferation, migration and invasion were analyzed using Cell Counting Kit-8 and Transwell assays. The association between miR-375 and LUCAT1 or miR-375 and YAP1 was predicted by lncBase Predicted v.2 or TargetScan and verified using dual-luciferase reporter assay. The effect of LUCAT1 on ccRCC progression in vivo was evaluated using a xenograft tumor model. The results revealed that LUCAT1 and YAP1 were upregulated and miR-375 was downregulated in ccRCC tissues and cells. LUCAT1 knockdown suppressed cell proliferation, migration and invasion, which were reversed by the inhibition of miR-375. In addition, YAP1 overexpression attenuated the inhibitory effects of miR-375 overexpression on cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Subsequent experiments suggested that LUCAT1 regulated YAP1 expression by sponging miR-375. Therefore, LUCAT1 exerted its role by regulating the miR-375/YAP1 axis in vitro. Moreover, LUCAT1 knockdown suppressed the growth of ccRCC xenograft tumors in vivo. These results collectively revealed that LUCAT1 promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of ccRCC by the upregulation of YAP1 via sponging miR-375, which may be used as a potential therapeutic target for ccRCC.

The role of M6A modification in the regulation of tumor-related lncRNAs

N⁶-methyladenosine (m⁶A) is the most abundant modification in eukaryotic cells, and it regulates RNA transcription, processing, splicing, degradation, and translation. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), as transcriptional products with no or limited protein coding ability more than 200 nt in length, play an important role in epigenetic modification, mRNA transcription, splicing, stability, translation, and other biological functions. Extensive studies have shown that both m⁶A modification and lncRNAs are involved in the pathogenesis of various diseases, such as kinds of cancers, heart failure, Alzheimer’s disease, periodontitis, human abdominal aortic aneurysm, and obesity. To date, m⁶A modification has been identified as an important biological function in enrichment and regulation of lncRNAs. In this review, we summarize the role of m⁶A modification in the regulation and function of tumor-related lncRNAs. Moreover, we discuss the potential applications and possible future directions in the field.

LncRNA SNHG12 contributes proliferation, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of pancreatic cancer cells by absorbing miRNA-320b

Pancreatic cancer is a kind of malignant carcinoma with high mortality, which is devoid of early diagnostic biomarker and effective therapeutic methods. Recently, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported as a crucial role in regulating the development of various kinds of tumors. Here, we found lncRNA small nuclear RNA host gene 12 (SNHG12) is highly expressed in pancreatic cancer tissues and cell lines through qRT-PCR, which suggested that SNHG12 possibly accelerates the progression of pancreatic cancer. Further study revealed that SNHG12 promoted cancer cells growth and invasion via absorbing miR-320b. Flow cytometry and transwell chamber assay were utilized to verify the promoting effects on proliferation and invasion that SNHG12 acts in pancreatic cancer cells. Evidence that SNHG12 increased cell invasive ability through up-regulated EMT process was lately obtained by Western blotting assay. Consequently, we extrapolated that SNHG12/miR-320b could be invoked as a promising early diagnostic hallmark and therapeutic strategy for pancreatic cancer.

Circulating microRNAs: Biomarkers of disease

MicroRNAs are a class of endogenous noncoding single-stranded RNA molecules with approximately 20-24 nucleotides and are associated with a broad range of biological processes. Researchers found that microRNAs are abundant in tissues, and more importantly, there are also trace circulating microRNAs that exist in biological fluids. In recent years, circulating microRNAs had emerged as promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for the noninvasive detection of diseases with high specificity and sensitivity. More importantly, specific microRNA expression signatures reflect not only the existence of early-stage diseases but also the dynamic development of advanced-stage diseases, disease prognosis prediction, and drug resistance. To date, an increasing number of potential miRNA biomarkers have been reported, but their practical application prospects are still unclear. Therefore, microRNAs, as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in a variety of diseases, need to be updated, as they are of great importance in the diagnosis, prognosis and prediction of therapeutic responses. In this review, we summary our current understanding of microRNAs as potential biomarkers in the major diseases (e.g., cancers and cardio-cerebrovascular diseases), which provide the basis for the design of diagnosis and treatment plan and the improvement of the cure rate.

STAT1-induced regulation of lncRNA ZFPM2-AS1 predicts poor prognosis and contributes to hepatocellular carcinoma progression via the miR-653/GOLM1 axis

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have drawn growing attention owing to their important effects in various tumors, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recently, a newly identified lncRNA, ZFPM2 antisense RNA 1 (ZFPM2-AS1), was reported to serve as an oncogene in gastric cancer. However, its function in tumors remains largely unknown. In this study, we identified ZFPM2-AS1 as a novel HCC-related lncRNA, which was observed to be distinctly upregulated in HCC tissues and associated with shorter overall survival. Luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays suggested that overexpression of ZFPM2-AS1 was induced by STAT1. Functional investigations suggested that the inhibition of ZFPM2-AS1 suppressed cell proliferation, metastasis, cell cycle progression while accelerated cell apoptosis. Mechanistic studies showed that there were two binding sites of miR-653 within the sequence of ZFPM2-AS1 and the levels of ZFPM2-AS1 were negatively correlated with miR-653. In addition, ZFPM2-AS1 could reverse the suppressor effects of miR-653 on the proliferation and metastasis of HCC cells by the modulation of GOLM1, a target gene of miR-653. To conclude, we provided a better understanding of the interaction mechanism between ZFPM2-AS-miR-653-GOLM1 axis, which may help develop prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic target for HCC.

H19 Rises in Gastric Cancer and Exerts a Tumor-Promoting Function via miR-138/E2F2 Axis

Purpose

The aim of this paper was to investigate H19 expression in gastric cancer (GC) and its effects on the biological behavior of gastric cancer cells (GCCs), and at exploring its potential mechanism.

Methods

H19 expression in the patients’ tissues and serum was detected, and the correlation of the expression with the patients’ pathological data and survival rate was analyzed. Overexpression or inhibitory vectors of H19, microRNA-138 (miR-138) and E2F2 were constructed and transfected into GCCs to observe their effects on the cells’ proliferation, invasion and apoptosis.

Results

H19 rose in GC and was higher in GC patients with a tumor size ≥5 cm, high stages (III+IV) and lymph node metastasis. High H19 expression was associated with the poorer survival rate of the patients, so serum H19 had a certain diagnostic value for GC. H19 knockdown could inhibit GCCs to proliferate and invade and induce their apoptosis. miR-138 can be used as the target gene of H19, and E2F2 can be negatively regulated by this miR, so miR-138 knockdown or E2F2 upregulation can weaken GCCs’ biological behavior changes that were caused by H19 knockdown.

Conclusion

H19 can be used as a biological indicator for diagnosing GC and predicting patients’ poor prognosis. Additionally, it promotes GCCs to proliferate and invade through miR-138/E2F2 axis.

LINC01106 post-transcriptionally regulates ELK3 and HOXD8 to promote bladder cancer progression

Bladder cancer (BCa) is a kind of common urogenital malignancy worldwide. Emerging evidence indicated that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical roles in the progression of BCa. In this study, we discovered a novel lncRNA LINC01116 whose expression increased with stages in BCa patients and closely related to the survival rate of BCa patients. However, the molecular mechanism dictating the role of LINC01116 in BCa has not been well elucidated so far. In our study, we detected that the expression of LINC01116 was boosted in BCa cells. Moreover, the results of a series of functional assays showed that LINC01116 knockdown suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of BCa cells. Thereafter, GEPIA indicated the closest correlation of LINC01116 with two protein-coding genes, ELK3 and HOXD8. Interestingly, LINC01116 was mainly a cytoplasmic lncRNA in BCa cells, and it could modulate ELK3 and HOXD8 at post-transcriptional level. Mechanically, LINC01116 increased the expression of ELK3 by adsorbing miR-3612, and also stabilized HOXD8 mRNA by binding with DKC1. Rescue experiments further demonstrated that the restraining influence of LINC01116 knockdown on the progression of BCa, was partly rescued by ELK3 promotion, but absolutely reversed by the co-enhancement of ELK3 and HOXD8. More intriguingly, HOXD8 acted as a transcription factor to activate LINC01116 in BCa. In conclusion, HOXD8-enhanced LINC01116 contributes to the progression of BCa via targeting ELK3 and HOXD8, which might provide new targets for treating patients with BCa.

Long non-coding RNA PSMA3-AS1 enhances cell proliferation, migration and invasion by regulating miR-302a-3p/RAB22A in glioma

Glioma is the most prevalent solid tumor in the central nervous system (CNS). Recently, it has been indicated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) substantially adjust the development of a variety of human cancers. In the present study, it was found and verified via microarray analysis that lncRNA PSMA3-AS1 exhibited a high expression in glioma tissues and cell lines. Then CCK-8, 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining, plate clone assay, Transwell assay, Western blotting and nude mouse model were adopted to verify PSMA3-AS1's effects on glioma. Knockdown of PSMA3-AS1 inhibited the migration, proliferation and invasion of glioma cells in vivo and in vitro. Besides, PSMA3-AS1 bound to miR-302a-3p directly reduced the expression of miR-302a-3p, thus functioning as an endogenous sponge confirmed by luciferase reporter assay and bioinformatics analysis. PSMA3-AS1 knockdown remarkably enhanced the role of miR-302a-3p overexpression in cell behaviors in glioma. Moreover, these assays also confirmed that RAB22A was a target of miR-302a-3p. In this research, therefore, the PSMA3-AS1/miR-302a-3p/RAB22A pathway regulatory axis may be revealed in the pathogenesis of glioma, and PSMA3-AS1 can be used as an underlying target for the treatment and prognosis of glioma.

An immune-related lncRNA prognostic model in papillary renal cell carcinoma: A lncRNA expression analysis

OBJECTIVE

To screen several immune-related long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and construct a prognostic model for papillary renal cell carcinoma (pRCC).

METHODS

Transcriptome-sequencing data of pRCC was downloaded and a prognostic model was constructed. Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted and the area under curve (AUC) was calculated. We conducted quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to verify the model. The gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to show the connection of our model with immune pathways.

RESULT

We identified four lncRNAs to constructed the model. The model was significantly associated with the survival time and survival state. The expression-levels of the four lncRNAs were measured and the prognosis of high-risk patients was significantly worse. The two immune-gene sets had an active performance in the high-risk patients.

CONCLUSION

We constructed a prognostic model in pRCC which provided more reference for treatment.

Knockdown of lncRNA ZNRD1-AS1 inhibits progression of bladder cancer by regulating miR-194 and ZEB1

BACKGROUND

Bladder cancer (BC) is a common urinary neoplasm with high incidence worldwide. Long noncoding RNA zinc ribbon domain containing 1 antisense RNA 1 (ZNRD1-AS1) has been reported to be upregulated in BC. However, the exact role of ZNRD1-AS1 as well as its mechanism remains poorly understood.

METHODS

Zinc ribbon domain containing 1 antisense RNA 1, and its potential downstream genes microRNA-194 (miR-194) and zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) levels were detected via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction or western blot. Cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were detected to assess the influences of ZNRD1-AS1, miR-194 and ZEB1 on BC cells by colony formation, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), transwell analysis or western blot. The relationship between miR-194 and ZNRD1-AS1 or ZEB1 was analyzed by luciferase activity analysis. The xenograft experiment was performed to assess the function of ZNRD1-AS1 in vivo.

RESULTS

Zinc ribbon domain containing 1 antisense RNA 1level was upregulated in BC. ZNRD1-AS1 silence repressed proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT in BC cells. MiR-194 was identified as a target of ZNRD1-AS1, and miR-194 upregulation repressed proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT by ZNRD1-AS1 sponging. ZEB1 was targeted via miR-194 and its interference impeded proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT. Moreover, ZNRD1-AS1 regulated ZEB1 expression via miR-194. Besides, inhibition of ZNRD1-AS1 attenuated tumor growth by miR-194/ZEB1 axis in vivo.

CONCLUSION

Knockdown of ZNRD1-AS1 suppressed BC cell development in vitro and in vivo via targeting miR-194 to regulate ZEB1, indicating a novel avenue for treatment of BC.

Identification of cell division cycle 20 as a candidate biomarker and potential therapeutic target in bladder cancer using bioinformatics analysis

PURPOSE

As bladder cancer (BC) is very heterogeneous and complicated in the genetic level, exploring genes to serve as biomarkers and therapeutic targets is practical.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and downloaded the eligible microarray datasets. After intersection analysis for identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of included datasets, overlapped DEGs were identified and subsequently analyzed with Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) and hub genes identification. Hub genes were further analyzed with mRNA expression comparation in Oncomine and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) database, proteomics-based validation in The Human Protein Atlas (THPA) and survival analysis in GEO and Oncolnc database.

RESULTS

We analyzed five eligible GEO datasets and identified 76 overlapped DEGs mapped into PPI network with 459 edges which were mainly enriched in cell cycle pathway and related terms in GO and KEGG analysis. Among five identified hub genes, which are Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 1 (CDK1), Ubiquitin-Conjugating Enzyme E2 C (UBE2C), Cell Division Cycle 20 (CDC20), Microtubule Nucleation Factor (TPX2) and Cell Division Cycle Associated 8 (CDCA8); CDC20 and CDCA8 were confirmed as significant in mRNA expression comparation and proteomics-based validation. However, only CDC20 was considered prognostically significant in both GEO and Oncolnc database.

CONCLUSIONS

CDC20 and CDCA8 were identified as candidate diagnostic biomarkers for BC in the present study; however, only CDC20 was validated as prognostically valuable and may possibly serve as a candidate prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target. Still, further validation studies are essential and indispensable.

LINC00665 Promotes the Progression of Multiple Myeloma by Adsorbing miR-214-3p and Positively Regulating the Expression of PSMD10 and ASF1B

Background

Although assertion that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) exerts crucial functions in the progression of multiple myeloma (MM) is well documented, few studies investigate function and underlying mechanism of long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 665 (LINC00665) in MM.

Patients and Methods

A total of 25 MM patient samples and 15 healthy volunteer samples were collected, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was employed to detect the expressions of LINC00665. PSMD10 and ASF1B expressions were determined by qRT-PCR and Western blot assays. U266 cell and H929 cell were used in functional experiments. Besides, CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry analysis were utilized to determine cell proliferation and apoptosis. Bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assays were used to predict and verify the targeting relationships between LINC00665 and miR-214-3p, PSMD10 and miR-214-3p, as well as ASF1B and miR-214-3p. Moreover, the regulatory function of LINC00665 on the expression of PSMD10 and ASF1B was detected by Western blot.

Results

The expression of LINC00665 was up-regulated in MM samples and cell lines. In vitro functional assays indicated that LINC00665 enhanced MM cell proliferation and inhibited its apoptosis. PSMD10 and ASF1B were identified as target genes of miR-214-3p. Additionally, LINC00665 negatively regulated miR-214-3p expression through sponging miR-214-3p and positively regulated PSMD10 and ASF1B.

Conclusion

LINC00665 can promote the expression of PSMD10 and ASF1B by inhibiting the expression of miR-214-3p, thus facilitating the proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis of MM cells.

Oncoprotein 18 is necessary for malignant cell proliferation in bladder cancer cells and serves as a G3-specific non-invasive diagnostic marker candidate in urinary RNA

Background

Urine-based diagnostics indicated involvement of oncoprotein 18 (OP18) in bladder cancer. In cell culture models we investigated the role of OP18 for malignant cell growth.

Methods

We analyzed 113 urine samples and investigated two human BCa cell lines as a dual model: RT-4 and ECV-304, which represented differentiated (G1) and poorly differentiated (G3) BCa. We designed specific siRNA for down-regulation of OP18 in both cell lines. Phenotypes were characterized by cell viability, proliferation, and expression of apoptosis-related genes. Besides, sensitivity to cisplatin treatment was evaluated.

Results

Analysis of urine samples from patients with urothelial BCa revealed a significant correlation of the RNA-ratio OP18:uroplakin 1A with bladder cancer. High urinary ratios were mainly found in moderately to poorly differentiated tumors (grade G2-3) that were muscle invasive (stage T2-3), whereas samples from patients with more differentiated non-invasive BCa (G1) showed low OP18:UPK1A RNA ratios. Down-regulation of OP18 expression in ECV-304 shifted its phenotype towards G1 state. Further, OP18-directed siRNA induced apoptosis and increased chemo-sensitivity to cisplatin.

Conclusions

This study provides conclusive experimental evidence for the link between OP18-derived RNA as a diagnostic marker for molecular staging of BCa in non-invasive urine-based diagnostics and the patho-mechanistic role of OP18 suggesting this gene as a therapeutic target.

[MicroRNA-671-3p suppresses proliferation and invasion of breast cancer cells by targeting DEPTOR]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of miR-671-3p on the proliferation and invasion of breast cancer cells and explore the possible mechanism.

METHODS

We examined the expressions of miR-671-3p in human normal epithelial cells (MCF-10A) and breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and SK-BR3) using RT-PCR. The effects of transfection with a miR-671-3p mimic or inhibitor on the proliferation, migration and invasion of MCF-7 cells were evaluated using CCK-8 assay and Transwell chamber assay. The target gene of miR-671-3p was predicated with Targetscan and validated by a dual luciferase reporter system and Western blotting.

RESULTS

The expression of miR-671-3p was significantly lower in breast cancer cells than in normal breast epithelial cells. Compared with negative control group, MCF-7 cells with miR-671-3p overexpression exhibited significantly reduced proliferation and invasion, whereas inhibition of miR-671-3p obviously promoted the cell proliferation and invasion. Luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that DEPTOR was the target gene of miR-671-3p, and miR-671-3p overexpression caused significant down-regulation of the protein expression of DEPTOR.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-671-3p suppresses the proliferation and invasion of breast cancer cell line MCF-7 by directly targeting DEPTOR protein.

Exosome-Derived LINC00960 and LINC02470 Promote the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Aggressiveness of Bladder Cancer Cells

Exosomes are essential for several tumor progression-related processes, including the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) comprise a major group of exosomal components and regulate the neoplastic development of several cancer types; however, the progressive role of exosomal lncRNAs in bladder cancer have rarely been addressed. In this study, we identified two potential aggressiveness-promoting exosomal lncRNAs, LINC00960 and LINC02470. Exosomes derived from high-grade bladder cancer cells enhanced the viability, migration, invasion and clonogenicity of recipient low-grade bladder cancer cells and activated major EMT-upstream signaling pathways, including β-catenin signaling, Notch signaling, and Smad2/3 signaling pathways. Nevertheless, LINC00960 and LINC02470 were expressed at significantly higher levels in T24 and J82 cells and their secreted exosomes than in TSGH-8301 cells. Moreover, exosomes derived from LINC00960 knockdown or LINC02470 knockdown T24 cells significantly attenuated the ability of exosomes to promote cell aggressiveness and activate EMT-related signaling pathways in recipient TSGH-8301 cells. Our findings indicate that exosome-derived LINC00960 and LINC02470 from high-grade bladder cancer cells promote the malignant behaviors of recipient low-grade bladder cancer cells and induce EMT by upregulating β-catenin signaling, Notch signaling, and Smad2/3 signaling. Both lncRNAs may serve as potential liquid biomarkers for the prognostic surveillance of bladder cancer progression.

SP1-mediated upregulation of lncRNA LMCD1-AS1 functions a ceRNA for miR-106b-5p to facilitate osteosarcoma progression

Growing studies have indicated the involvements of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the initiation and progression of various tumors. We aimed to investigated the role of lncRNA LMCD1 antisense RNA 1 (LMCD1-AS1) in osteosarcoma development. We found that LMCD1-AS1 and SP1 were highly expressed in osteosarcoma tissues and cell lines. High levels of LMCD1-AS1 were correlated with positively metastasis and poor clinical prognosis. Moreover, we showed that SP1 can bind to the promoter region of LMCD1-AS1, resulting in its overexpression in osteosarcoma. Functionally, silencing of LMCD1-AS1 suppressed the proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT progress of osteosarcoma cells. Mechanistic studies revealed that LMCD1-AS1 was a sponge of miR-106b-5p activity. LMCD1-AS1 modulated survival of osteosarcoma via targeting miR-106b-5p. Overall, we firstly indicated that LMCD1-AS1 overexpression contributes to osteosarcoma development and poor clinical outcome, suggesting that LMCD1-AS1 may be a novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for osteosarcoma and a target for osteosarcoma therapy.

Aptamer-based biosensor for detecting carcinoembryonic antigen

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), as one of the common tumor markers, is a human glycoprotein involved in cell adhesion and is expressed during human fetal development. Since the birth of human, CEA expression is largely inhibited, with only low levels in the plasma of healthy adults. Generally, CEA will overexpressed in many cancers, including gastric, breast, ovarian, lung, and pancreatic cancers, especially colorectal cancer. As one of the important tumor markers, the detection of CEA has great significance in differential diagnosis, condition monitoring and therapeutic evaluation of diseases. Conventional CEA testing typically uses immunoassay methods. However, immunoassay methods require complex and expensive instruments and professional personnel to operate. Moreover, radioactive element may cause certain damage to the human body, which limits their wide application. In the past few years, biosensors, especially aptamer-based biosensors, have attracted extensive attention due to their high sensitivity, good selectivity, high accuracy, fast response and low cost. This review briefly classifies and describes the advance in optical and electrochemical aptamer biosensors for CEA detection, also explains and compares their advantages and disadvantages.

A Panel of Urinary Long Non-coding RNAs Differentiate Bladder Cancer from Urocystitis

Liquid biopsy is becoming a promising method for non-invasive cancer detection. In several proof-of-concept studies, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were found to be potential biomarkers for bladder cancer detection. The objective of this study was to discover a panel of cell-free, urinary lncRNAs as liquid biopsy biomarkers to non-invasively differentiate bladder cancer from chronic urocystitis. To this end, we collected urine samples from both bladder cancer patients and urocystitis patients. These samples were divided into discovery group and validation group. In the discovery group, the expression levels of 16 cell-free urinary lncRNAs were measured by qPCR to discover candidate biomarkers. The diagnostic performance of the candidate lncRNA biomarkers was then evaluated, which led to a panel of lncRNA biomarkers for bladder cancer detection. The performance of this panel of biomarkers was further evaluated in the validation group to see if these lncRNA biomarkers could discriminate the bladder cancer patients from urocystitis patients. We found that all of the 16 lncRNAs evaluated in this study demonstrated significant difference (p<0.05) of expression between bladder cancer patients and urocystitis patients. Nine lncRNAs provided decent diagnostic performance with area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) reaching 0.70 or higher. We then selected the top four lncRNAs, namely UCA1-201, HOTAIR, HYMA1 and MALAT1, to form a panel of urinary biomarkers. Using this panel, bladder cancer patients could be discriminated from urocystitis patients, with sensitivity and specificity reaching 95.7% and 94.3%, respectively. Finally, we confirmed the applicability of the four-lncRNA panel in an independent validation study that included 60 bladder cancer patients and 60 urocystitis patients. Our study paves the way for further studies aimed at large-scale clinical tests of developing lncRNA biomarkers in urine for bladder cancer diagnostics.

LncRNA Rpph1 protects amyloid-β induced neuronal injury in SK-N-SH cells via miR-122/Wnt1 axis

Objective: To investigate the role of lncRNA Rpph1 on amyloid-β induced neuronal injury in SK-N-SH cells and underlying mechanism.Methods: In vitro Alzheimer's disease (AD) model was established using the SK-N-SH cells treated with Aβ_25-35 peptide. APPswe/PS1ΔE9 double transgenic mice were used as AD animal model. Rpph1 was over-expressed and miR-122 was inhibited or overexpressed in SK-N-SH cells via transfection with pcDNA3.1-oe Rpph1 vector, miR-122 inhibitor or miR-122 mimic, respectively. Cell viabilities and apoptosis were evaluated using MTT or flow cytometry assay, respectively. Quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to determine expression of Rpph1 and miR-122. Western blotting was used to determine the expression of apoptosis related proteins as well as Wnt/β-catenin signaling related proteins. Dual luciferase reporter assay was conducted to confirm the binding of miR-122 with predictive binding site in 3' UTR of Rpph1 and Wnt1.Results: Both lncRNA Rpph1 and miR-122 were up-regulated in AD mouse. Either over-expression of Rpph1 or inhibition of miR-122 restored the cell viability or decreased cell apoptosis rate in Aβ induced SK-N-SH cells. Overexpression of miR-122 inhibited the cell viability while did not influence the Aβ level in SK-N-SH cells. Furthermore, over-expression of Rpph1, as well as inhibition of miR-122, elevated Bcl-2, c-myc, Survivin and decreased Bax expression via activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Dual luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-122 could directly target to 3'UTR of Rpph1 and Wnt1.Conclusion: Both lncRNA Rpph1 and miR-122 were up-regulated in AD mouse and Rpph1 activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling to ameliorate amyloid-β induced neuronal apoptosis in SK-N-SH cells via direct targeting miR-122.

The lncRNA DLX6-AS1 promoted cell proliferation, invasion, migration and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in bladder cancer via modulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

Background

Bladder cancer is the most common human urological malignancies with poor prognosis, and the pathophysiology of bladder cancer involves multi-linkages of regulatory networks in the bladder cancer cells. Recently, the long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been extensively studied for their role on bladder cancer progression. In this study, we evaluated the expression of DLX6 Antisense RNA 1 (DLX6-AS1) in the cancerous bladder tissues and studied the possible mechanisms of DLX6-AS1 in regulating bladder cancer progression.

Methods

Gene expression was determined by qRT-PCR; protein expression levels were evaluated by western blot assay; in vitro functional assays were used to determine cell proliferation, invasion and migration; nude mice were used to establish the tumor xenograft model.

Results

Our results showed the up-regulation of DLX6-AS1 in cancerous bladder cancer tissues and bladder cell lines, and high expression of DLX6-AS1 was correlated with advance TNM stage, lymphatic node metastasis and distant metastasis. The in vitro experimental data showed that DLX6-AS1 overexpression promoted bladder cancer cell growth, proliferation, invasion, migration and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT); while DLX6-AS1 inhibition exerted tumor suppressive actions on bladder cancer cells. Further results showed that DLX6-AS1 overexpression increased the activity of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and the oncogenic role of DLX6-AS1 in bladder cancer cells was abolished by the presence of XAV939. On the other hand, DLX6-AS1 knockdown suppressed the activity of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and the tumor-suppressive effects of DLX6-AS1 knockdown partially attenuated by lithium chloride and SB-216763 pretreatment. The in vivo tumor growth study showed that DLX6-AS1 knockdown suppressed tumor growth of T24 cells and suppressed EMT and Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the tumor tissues.

Conclusion

Collectively, the present study for the first time identified the up-regulation of DLX6-AS1 in clinical bladder cancer tissues and in bladder cancer cell lines. The results from in vitro and in vivo assays implied that DLX6-AS1 exerted enhanced effects on bladder cancer cell proliferation, invasion and migration partly via modulating EMT and the activity of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Long noncoding RNA CHL1-AS1 promotes cell proliferation and migration by sponging miR-6076 to regulate CHL1 expression in endometrial cancer

Endometrial cancer (EC) is deemed to be the most typical gynecologic malignant tumor. Despite the incidence of EC being lower in Asia than that in western countries, substantial increased incidence has been observed in the past few decades in Asia. Although various molecular testing methods and genomic science have developed, the overall prognosis is still disappointing. LncRNAs have been found to influence the progression of various cancers. CHL1-AS1 has been found to be upregulated in ovarian endometriosis, nevertheless, the molecular mechanism and biological function of CHL1-AS1 in EC have not been explored. In our exploration, both CHL1-AS1 and CHL1 were upregulated in EC cells. Knockdown of CHL1-AS1 or CHL1 inhibited cell proliferation and migration in EC. Furthermore, microRNA-6076 (miR-6076) could bind with CHL1-AS1 or CHL1, and regulate the expression of CHL1. Finally, absence of miR-6076 or overexpression of CHL1 can partially rescue the effect of CHL1-AS1 knockdown or miR-6076 upregulation on cell proliferation and migration, respectively. All in all, our research was the first endeavor to study the underlying mechanism of CHL1-AS1 in EC and confirmed that CHL1-AS1 regulated EC progression via targeting the miR-6076/CHL1 axis, offering new insight into treating EC.

Knockdown of long non-coding RNA LINC00152 increases cisplatin sensitivity in ovarian cancer cells

Drug resistance severely limits the effectiveness of chemotherapeutic treatment in ovarian cancer. The present study aimed to investigate the role of long non-coding RNA LINC00152 (LINC00152) in the cisplatin resistance of ovarian cancer. The expression level of LINC00152 was significantly increased in the ovarian cancer CoC1 and CoC1/DDP cell lines compared with the normal ovarian IOSE-80 cell line. To further investigate the function of LINC00152, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeting LINC00152 were transfected into COC1 and COC1/DDP cells, which were subsequently treated with varying concentrations of cisplatin. The results revealed that LINC00152 silencing increased the apoptotic rates and enhanced the chemosensitivity of CoC1 and CoC1/DDP cells to cisplatin. Furthermore, downregulation of LINC00152 significantly decreased Bcl-2, and increased Bax and cleaved caspase-3 expression levels. Additionally, LINC00152 silencing decreased the expression of multidrug resistance-associated gene 1 (MDR1), multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP1) and glutathione S-transferase π (GSTπ). Collectively, the data demonstrated that LINC00152 knockdown increased the chemosensitivity of epithelial ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin by increasing apoptosis and decreasing the expression levels of MDR1, MRP1 and GSTπ.

Knockdown of LINC01116 inhibits cell migration and invasion in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma through epithelial-mesenchymal transition pathway

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are linked to tumor development and progression. The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic significance and biological role of LINC01116 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). We identified 21 aberrantly expressed lncRNAs specific to HNSCC that were common in two microarray datasets. LINC01116 was highly overexpressed in HNSCC tissues and was correlated to shorter overall survival and relapse-free survival duration, as analyzed by the online Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis platform. LINC01116 was also overexpressed in oral squamous cell carcinoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues, and LINC01116 silencing significantly inhibited the migration and invasion capacities of both cell lines by blocking the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process. In addition, 125 coexpressing genes were identified by circlncRNAnet, and were mainly located on human autosomes and enriched in transforming growth factor-β signaling pathway. These findings indicate that LINC01116 might be a potential therapeutic target for HNSCC.

Long noncoding RNA H19 regulates HIF-1α/AXL signaling through inhibiting miR-20b-5p in endometrial cancer

In a variety of cancers, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were believed to play important roles. Nevertheless, H19's possible molecular mechanism related to miR-20b-5p has not yet been explored in endometrial cancer. Differential lncRNAs in endometrial cancer were identified based on microarray analysis (GSE23339). In this research, in the first place, H19 expression was detected to be increased but miR-20b-5p to be decreased in endometrial cancer tissues and cells. Besides, H19 expression displayed a negative relationship to miR-20b-5p expression in endometrial cancer tissues. According to gain- and loss-of-function experiments of H19, like a ceRNA, H19 elevated AXL level and HIF-1α expression so as to stimulate the migration, proliferation and EMT process of endometrial cancer. Additionally, the knockdown of H19 slowed down tumor growth, promoted apoptosis and upregulated miR-20b-5p expression but lowered the expressions of HIF-1α, PCNA and AXL in vivo. Furthermore, H19 was also verified to stimulate the activity of endometrial cancer with AXL inhibitor BGB324 in vitro and in vivo. To sum up, H19 accelerates the tumor formation of endometrial cancer through the miR-20b-5p/AXL/HIF-1α signaling pathway, thereby providing a novel target for diagnosing and treating endometrial cancer.

Noncoding RNAs in Extracellular Fluids as Cancer Biomarkers: The New Frontier of Liquid Biopsies

The last two decades of cancer research have been devoted in two directions: (1) understanding the mechanism of carcinogenesis for an effective treatment, and (2) improving cancer prevention and screening for early detection of the disease. This last aspect has been developed, especially for certain types of cancers, thanks also to the introduction of new concepts such as liquid biopsies and precision medicine. In this context, there is a growing interest in the application of alternative and noninvasive methodologies to search for cancer biomarkers. The new frontiers of the research lead to a search for RNA molecules circulating in body fluids. Searching for biomarkers in extracellular body fluids represents a better option for patients because they are easier to access, less painful, and potentially more economical. Moreover, the possibility for these types of samples to be taken repeatedly, allows a better monitoring of the disease progression or treatment efficacy for a better intervention and dynamic treatment of the patient, which is the fundamental basis of personalized medicine. RNA molecules, freely circulating in body fluids or packed in microvesicles, have all the characteristics of the ideal biomarkers owing to their high stability under storage and handling conditions and being able to be sampled several times for monitoring. Moreover, as demonstrated for many cancers, their plasma/serum levels mirror those in the primary tumor. There are a large variety of RNA species noncoding for proteins that could be used as cancer biomarkers in liquid biopsies. Among them, the most studied are microRNAs, but recently the attention of the researcher has been also directed towards Piwi-interacting RNAs, circular RNAs, and other small noncoding RNAs. Another class of RNA species, the long noncoding RNAs, is larger than microRNAs and represents a very versatile and promising group of molecules which, apart from their use as biomarkers, have also a possible therapeutic role. In this review, we will give an overview of the most common noncoding RNA species detectable in extracellular fluids and will provide an update concerning the situation of the research on these molecules as cancer biomarkers.

Upregulation of long non-coding RNA XIST has anticancer effects on epithelial ovarian cancer cells through inverse downregulation of hsa-miR-214-3p

OBJECTIVE

The present study is to evaluate the biological functions of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), X-inactive specific transcript, X-inactive specific transcript (XIST) in human epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).

METHODS

XIST was upregulated in EOC cell lines, CAOV3 and OVCAR3 cells by lentiviral transduction. The effects of XIST overexpression on cancer cell proliferation, invasion, chemosensitivity and in vivo tumor growth were investigated, respectively. Possible sponging interaction between XIST and human microRNA hsa-miR-214-3p was further evaluated. Furthermore, hsa-miR-214-3p was overexpressed in XIST-upregulated CAOV3 and OVCAR3 cells to evaluate its effect on XIST-mediated EOC regulation.

RESULTS

Lentivirus-mediated XIST upregulation had significant anticancer effects in CAOV3 and OVCAR3 cells by suppressing cancer cell proliferation, invasion, increasing cisplatin chemosensitivity and inhibiting in vivo tumor growth. Hsa-miR-214-3p was confirmed to directly bind XIST, and inversely downregulated in XIST-upregulated EOC cells. In EOC cells with XIST upregulation, secondary lentiviral transduction successfully upregulated hsa-miR-214-3p expression. Subsequently, hsa-miR-214-3p upregulation functionally reversed the anticancer effects of XIST-upregulation in EOC.

CONCLUSION

Upregulation of lncRNA XIST may suppress EOC development, possibly through sponging effect to induce hsa-miR-214-3p downregulation.

lncRNA FAM99A is downregulated in preeclampsia and exerts a regulatory effect on trophoblast cell invasion, migration and apoptosis

Preeclampsia (PE) is a complication of pregnancy, and a leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide. Recently, the dysregulation of long non‑coding RNAs (lncRNAs) has been reported to contribute to the pathogenesis and progression of PE. This study aimed to examine the alterations in the lncRNA family with sequence similarity 99 member A (FAM99A) in PE and its effects on trophoblasts. The results of reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR indicated that the expression levels of FAM99A were downregulated in placental tissues from women with severe PE compared with in those from controls. A Transwell invasion assay and wound healing assay revealed that overexpression of FAM99A promoted invasion and migration of HTR‑8/SVneo cells; conversely, knockdown of FAM99A suppressed the invasive and migratory abilities of HTR‑8/SVneo cells. Flow cytometry demonstrated that FAM99A overexpression induced a decrease in the apoptotic rate of cells, whereas knockdown of FAM99A increased the apoptotic rate of HTR‑8/SVneo cells. Western blot analysis revealed that overexpression of FAM99A decreased the protein expression levels of cleaved caspase‑3, cleaved caspase‑9 and Bax, and increased Bcl‑2 protein expression, whereas knockdown of FAM99A had the opposite effects on these protein levels. Overexpression of FAM99A also decreased caspase‑3 activity in HTR‑8/SVneo cells; however, knockdown of FAM99A increased caspase‑3 activity. In addition, overexpression of FAM99A enhanced Wnt/β‑catenin signaling activity, whereas FAM99A knockdown exerted an inhibitory effect on the Wnt/β‑catenin signaling activity in HTR‑8/SVneo cells. In conclusion, these results indicated that FAM99A may serve a role in modulating the functions of trophoblasts, partially via targeting Wnt/β‑catenin signaling.

MIR100HG: a credible prognostic biomarker and an oncogenic lncRNA in gastric cancer

The MIR100HG expression was observed to be up-regulated or down-regulated in human cancer tissues depending on tumor types. However, there was no report about the role of MIR100HG in gastric cancer. In our study, we first found levels of MIR100HG expression were increased in gastric cancer cell lines and tissue samples compared with normal gastric epithelial cell line and adjacent normal gastric mucosa tissue samples, respectively. Moreover, high MIR100HG expression was positively associated with clinical stage, tumor invasion, lymph node metastasis, and distant metastasis in gastric cancer patients. Survival analysis showed MIR100HG expression was negative correlated with clinical outcome in gastric cancer patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database or our study, and high MIR100HG expression served as an independent poor prognostic factor for gastric cancer patient's overall survival. The study in vitro suggested down-regulation of MIR100HG expression inhibits cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in gastric cancer. In conclusion, MIR100HG is a credible prognostic biomarker and functions as an oncogenic lncRNA in gastric cancer.

Long Non-coding RNA DLEU1 Promotes Cell Proliferation, Invasion, and Confers Cisplatin Resistance in Bladder Cancer by Regulating the miR-99b/HS3ST3B1 Axis

Although accumulating evidence has shown the important function of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in tumor progression and chemotherapy resistance, the role of lncRNA DLEU1 in regulating proliferation, invasion, and chemoresistance of bladder cancer (BCA) cells remains largely unknown. Here, we found that DLEU1 was upregulated in BLCA tissues and BCA patients with high DLEU1 expression exhibited a shorter survival time. Furthermore, mechanistic analysis and functional assays validated that DLEU1 induced cell proliferation, invasion, and cisplatin resistance of BCA cells by de-repressing the expression of HS3ST3B1 through sponging miR-99b. Low miR-99b and high HS3ST3B1 levels were correlated with worse prognosis in patients with BCA. Ectopic expression of HS3ST3B1 or inhibition of miR-99b reversed DLEU1 knockdown-mediated suppression of cell proliferation, invasion, and cisplatin resistance. Thus, our study revealed a novel role for the DLEU1/miR-99b/HS3ST3B1 axis in regulating proliferation, invasion, and cisplatin resistance of BCA cells.

Bladder Cancer Diagnosis and Follow-Up: The Current Status and Possible Role of Extracellular Vesicles

Diagnostic methods currently used for bladder cancer are cystoscopy and urine cytology. Cystoscopy is an invasive tool and has low sensitivity for carcinoma in situ. Urine cytology is non-invasive, is a low-cost method, and has a high specificity but low sensitivity for low-grade urothelial tumors. Despite the search for urinary biomarkers for the early and non-invasive detection of bladder cancer, no biomarkers are used at the present in daily clinical practice. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been recently studied as a promising source of biomarkers because of their role in intercellular communication and tumor progression. In this review, we give an overview of Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved urine tests to detect bladder cancer and why their use is not widespread in clinical practice. We also include non-FDA approved urinary biomarkers in this review. We describe the role of EVs in bladder cancer and their possible role as biomarkers for the diagnosis and follow-up of bladder cancer patients. We review recently discovered EV-derived biomarkers for the diagnosis of bladder cancer.