Exosomal microRNA panels as biomarkers for hematological malignancies

From molecular pathogenesis to therapy: Unraveling non-coding RNAs/DNMT3A axis in human cancers

Cancer is a comprehensive classification encompassing more than 100 forms of malignancies that manifest in diverse tissues within the human body. Recent studies have provided evidence that aberrant epigenetic modifications are pivotal indicators of cancer. Epigenetics encapsulates DNA methyltransferases as a crucial class of modifiers. DNMTs, including DNMT3A, assume central roles in DNA methylation processes that orchestrate normal biological functions, such as gene transcription, predominantly in mammals. Typically, deviations in DNMT3A function engender distortions in factors that drive tumor growth and progression, thereby exacerbating the malignant phenotype of tumors. Consequently, such abnormalities pose significant challenges in cancer therapy because they impede treatment efficacy. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) represent a group of RNA molecules that cannot encode functional proteins. Recent investigation attests to the crucial significance of regulatory ncRNAs in epigenetic regulation. Notably, recent reports have illuminated the complex interplay between ncRNA expression and epigenetic regulatory machinery, including DNMT3A, particularly in cancer. Recent findings have demonstrated that miRNAs, namely miR-770-5p, miR-101, and miR-145 exhibit the capability to target DNMT3A directly, and their aberration is implicated in diverse cellular abnormalities that predispose to cancer development. This review aims to articulate the interplay between DNMT3A and the ncRNAs, focusing on its impact on the development and progression of cancer, cancer therapy resistance, cancer stem cells, and prognosis. Importantly, the emergence of such reports that suggest a connection between DNMT3A and ncRNAs in several cancers indicates that this connecting axis offers a valuable target with significant therapeutic potential that might be exploited for cancer management.

circ_SPEF2 Regulates the Balance of Treg Cells by Regulating miR-16-5p/BACH2 in Lymphoma and Participates in the Immune Response

BACKGROUND

This study aims to explore the potential mechanism of action of the newly discovered hsa_circ_0128899 (circSPEF2) in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

METHODS

circSPEF2, miR-16-5p and BTB and CNC homologue 2 (BACH2) expression patterns in DLBCL patients and cell lines were studied by RT-qPCR. The biological function of circSPEF2 in vitro and in vivo was investigated by function acquisition experiments. The proliferation activity of lymphoma cells was detected by MTT. Bax, Caspase-3, and Bcl-2 were determined by Western Blot. Apoptosis and the ratio of CD4 to Treg of immune cells in the co-culture system were analyzed by flow cytometry. The mechanism of action of circSPEF2 in DLBCL progression was further investigated by RIP and dual luciferase reporter experiments.

RESULTS

circSPEF2 was a circRNA with abnormally down-regulated expression in DLBCL. Increasing circSPEF2 expression inhibited the proliferative activity and induced apoptosis of lymphoma cells in vitro and in vivo, as well as increased CD4+T cells and decreased Treg cell proportion of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. Mechanically, circSPEF2 was bound to miR-16-5p expression, while BACH2 was targeted by miR-16-5p. circSPEF2 overexpression-mediated effects on lymphoma progression were reversible by upregulating miR-16-5p or downregulating BACH2.

CONCLUSIONS

circSPEF2 can influence DLBCL progression by managing cellular proliferation and apoptosis and the proportion of immune cells Treg and CD4 through the miR-16-5p/BACH2 axis.

Cancer-associated immune cells and their modulation by melatonin

OBJECTIVES

Rapidly growing evidence suggests that immune cells play a key role in determining tumor progression. Tumor cells are surrounded by a microenvironment composed of different cell populations including immune cells. The cross talk between tumor cells and the neighboring microenvironment is an important factor to take into account while designing tumor therapies. Despite significant advances in immunotherapy strategies, a relatively small proportion of patients have successfully responded to them. Therefore, the search for safe and efficient drugs, which could be used alongside conventional therapies to boost the immune system against tumors, is an ongoing need. In the present work, the modulatory effects of melatonin on different components of tumor immune microenvironment are reviewed.

METHODS

A thorough literature review was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. All published papers in English on tumor immune microenvironment and the relevant modulatory effects of melatonin were scrutinized.

RESULTS

Melatonin modulates macrophage polarization and prevents M2 induction. Moreover, it prevents the conversion of fibroblasts into cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and prevents cancer cell stemness. In addition, it can affect the payload composition of tumor-derived exosomes (TEXs) and their secretion levels to favor a more effective anti-tumor immune response. Melatonin is a safe molecule that affects almost all components of the tumor immune microenvironment and prevents them from being negatively affected by the tumor.

CONCLUSION

Based on the effects of melatonin on normal cells, tumor cells and microenvironment components, it could be an efficient compound to be used in combination with conventional immune-targeted therapies to increase their efficacy.

Extracellular vesicles as biomarkers for AIDS-associated non-Hodgkin lymphoma risk

Introduction

Extracellular vesicles are membrane-bound structures secreted into the extracellular milieu by cells and can carry bioactive molecules. There is emerging evidence suggesting that EVs play a role in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of certain cancers. In this study, we investigate the association of EVs bearing PD-L1 and molecules important in B-cell activation and differentiation with AIDS-NHL risk.

Methods

EVs were isolated from archived serum collected prior to the diagnosis of AIDS-NHL in cases (N = 51) and matched HIV+ controls (N = 52) who were men enrolled in the Los Angeles site of the MACS/WIHS Combined Cohort Study (MWCCS). Serum specimens of AIDS-NHL cases were collected at a mean time of 1.25 years (range of 2 to 36 months) prior to an AIDS-NHL diagnosis. The expression of PD-L1 and other molecules on EVs (CD40, CD40L, TNF-RII, IL-6Rα, B7-H3, ICAM-1, and FasL) were quantified by Luminex multiplex assay.

Results and discussion

We observed significantly higher levels of EVs bearing PD-L1, CD40, TNF-RII and/or IL-6Rα in AIDS-NHL cases compared with controls. Using multivariate conditional logistic regression models adjusted for age and CD4+ T-cell count, we found that EVs bearing PD-L1 (OR = 1.93; 95% CI: 1.10 - 3.38), CD40 (OR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.09 - 3.58), TNF-RII (OR = 5.06; 95% CI: 1.99 - 12.85) and/or IL-6Rα (OR = 4.67; 95% CI: 1.40 - 15.53) were significantly and positively associated with AIDS-NHL risk. In addition, EVs bearing these molecules were significantly and positively associated with non-CNS lymphoma: PD-L1 (OR = 1.94; 95% CI: 1.01 - 3.72); CD40 (OR = 2.66; 95% CI: 1.12 - 6.35); TNF-RII (OR = 9.64; 95% CI: 2.52 - 36.86); IL-6Rα (OR = 8.34; 95% CI: 1.73 - 40.15). These findings suggest that EVs bearing PD-L1, CD40, TNF-RII and/or IL-6Rα could serve as biomarkers for the early detection of NHL in PLWH.

Non-coding RNAs/DNMT3B axis in human cancers: from pathogenesis to clinical significance

Cancer is a complex disease with many contributing factors, and researchers have gained extensive knowledge that has helped them understand the diverse and varied nature of cancer. The altered patterns of DNA methylation found in numerous types of cancer imply that they may play a part in the disease's progression. The human cancer condition involves dysregulation of the DNA methyltransferase 3 beta (DNMT3B) gene, a prominent de novo DNA methyltransferase, and its abnormal behavior serves as an indicator for tumor prognosis and staging. The expression of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), which include microRNAs (miRNA), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), is critical in controlling targeted gene expression and protein translation and their dysregulation correlates with the onset of tumors. NcRNAs dysregulation of is a critical factor that influences the modulation of several cellular characteristics in cancerous cells. These characteristics include but are not limited to, drug responsiveness, angiogenesis, metastasis, apoptosis, proliferation, and properties of tumor stem cell. The reciprocal regulation of ncRNAs and DNMT3B can act in synergy to influence the destiny of tumor cells. Thus, a critical avenue for advancing cancer prevention and treatment is an inquiry into the interplay between DNMT3B and ncRNAs. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of the ncRNAs/DNMT3B axis in cancer pathogenesis. This brings about valuable insights into the intricate mechanisms of tumorigenesis and provides a foundation for developing effective therapeutic interventions.

Virtual screening reveals aprepitant to be a potent inhibitor of neutral sphingomyelinase 2: implications in blockade of exosome release in cancer therapy

PURPOSE

Exosomes are membrane-derived nano-vesicles upregulated in pathological conditions like cancer. Therefore, inhibiting their release is a potential strategy for the development of more efficient combination therapies. Neutral sphingomyelinase 2 (nSMase2) is a key component in exosome release; however, a clinically safe yet efficient nSMase2 inhibitor remains to be used discovered. Accordingly, we made an effort to identify potential nSMase2 inhibitor(s) among the approved drugs.

METHODS

Virtual screening was performed and aprepitant was selected for further investigation. To evaluate the reliability of the complex, molecular dynamics were performed. Finally, using the CCK-8 assay in HCT116 cells, the highest non-toxic concentrations of aprepitant were identified and the nSMase2 activity assay was performed to measure the inhibitory activity of aprepitant, in vitro.

RESULTS

To validate the screening results, molecular docking was performed, and the retrieved scores were in line with the screening results. The root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) plot of aprepitant-nSMase2 showed proper convergence. Following treatment with different concentrations of aprepitant in both cell-free and cell-dependent assays, nSMase2 activity was remarkably decreased.

CONCLUSION

Aprepitant, at a concentration as low as 15 µM, was able to inhibit nSmase2 activity in HCT116 cells without any significant effects on their viability. Aprepitant is therefore suggested to be a potentially safe exosome release inhibitor.

Clinical Significance of microRNAs in Hematologic Malignancies and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Hematologic malignancies are a group of neoplastic conditions that can develop from any stage of the hematopoiesis cascade. Small non-coding microRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Mounting evidence highlights the role of miRNAs in malignant hematopoiesis via the regulation of oncogenes and tumor suppressors involved in proliferation, differentiation, and cell death. In this review, we provide current knowledge about dysregulated miRNA expression in the pathogenesis of hematological malignancies. We summarize data about the clinical utility of aberrant miRNA expression profiles in hematologic cancer patients and their associations with diagnosis, prognosis, and the monitoring of treatment response. Moreover, we will discuss the emerging role of miRNAs in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), and severe post-HSCT complications, such as graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). The therapeutical potential of the miRNA-based approach in hemato-oncology will be outlined, including studies with specific antagomiRs, mimetics, and circular RNAs (circRNAs). Since hematologic malignancies represent a full spectrum of disorders with different treatment paradigms and prognoses, the potential use of miRNAs as novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers might lead to improvements, resulting in a more accurate diagnosis and better patient outcomes.

Dexmedetomidine Attenuates Methotrexate-Induced Neurotoxicity and Memory Deficits in Rats through Improving Hippocampal Neurogenesis: The Role of miR-15a/ROCK-1/ERK1/2/CREB/BDNF Pathway Modulation

Methotrexate (MTX) is a widely used neurotoxic drug with broad antineoplastic and immunosuppressant spectra. However, the exact molecular mechanisms by which MTX inhibits hippocampal neurogenesis are yet unclear. Dexmedetomidine (Dex), an α2-adrenergic receptor agonist, has recently shown neuroprotective effects; however, its full mechanism is unexplored. This study investigated the potential of Dex to mitigate MTX-induced neurotoxicity and memory impairment in rats and the possible role of the miR-15a/ROCK-1/ERK1/2/CREB/BDNF pathway. Notably, no former studies have linked this pathway to MTX-induced neurotoxicity. Male Sprague Dawley rats were placed into four groups. Group 1 received saline i.p. daily and i.v. on days 8 and 15. Group 2 received Dex at 10 μg/kg/day i.p. for 30 days. Group 3 received MTX at 75 mg/kg i.v. on days 8 and 15, followed by four i.p. doses of leucovorin at 6 mg/kg after 18 h and 3 mg/kg after 26, 42, and 50 h. Group 4 received MTX and leucovorin as in group 3 and Dex daily dosages as in group 2. Bioinformatic analysis identified the association of miR-15a with ROCK-1/ERK1/2/CREB/BDNF and neurogenesis. MTX lowered hippocampal doublecortin and Ki-67, two markers of neurogenesis. This was associated with the downregulation of miR-15a, upregulation of its target ROCK-1, and reduction in the downstream ERK1/2/CREB/BDNF pathway, along with disturbed hippocampal redox state. Novel object recognition and Morris water maze tests demonstrated the MTX-induced memory deficiencies. Dex co-treatment reversed the MTX-induced behavioral, biochemical, and histological alterations in the rats. These neuroprotective actions could be partly mediated through modulating the miR-15a/ROCK-1/ERK1/2/CREB/BDNF pathway, which enhances hippocampal neurogenesis.

The Detection of Exosomal PD-L1 in Peripheral Blood

Peripheral blood is a source for liquid biopsy, which can meet the requirements of pretreatment disease typing to determine precise targeted therapy and monitoring of posttreatment minimal residual disease monitoring. Compared with ctDNA and CTC, exosomes have a higher concentration, good biostability, biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and low toxicity in peripheral blood. Tumors generally secrete a large amounts of exosomes, which have potential pathophysiological roles in tumor progression. With the continuous improvement of liquid biopsy technology, many researchers have found that exosomes are the key for tumor PD-L1 to exert its role, which may be the mechanism that leads to PD-L1 and/or PD-1 inhibitor therapy resistance. Namely, tumor-derived exosomes may mediate systemic immunosuppression against PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibitor therapy, endogenous tumor cell-derived exosomal PD-L1, and tumor microenvironment-derived exosomes. Induction of PD-L1 by exosomes may be a crucial mechanisms of exosome-mediated antitumor immune tolerance. This article reviews the relationship between the detection of peripheral blood exosomal PD-L1 and tumor progression and the mechanism of exosomal PD-L1 in tumor immunotherapy.

Applications of electrochemical biosensors based on 2D materials and their hybrid composites in hematological malignancies diagnosis

Hematological malignancies encompass a wide variety of severe diseases that pose a serious threat to human health. Given the fact that hematological malignancies are difficult to treat due to their unpredictable and rapid deterioration and high rates of recurrence, growing attention has been paid to their early screening and diagnosis. However, developing a rapid and effective diagnostic tool featuring a noninvasive sampling technique is still extremely challenging. In recent years, novel nanomaterials-based electrochemical biosensors have attracted great interest because of such advantages as simple operation, low cost, fast response, etc. As a kind of rising nanomaterials, two-dimensional materials have excellent electronic and chemical properties, which have been proven to improve the performance of electrochemical biosensors. This review summarizes the applications of different types of electrochemical biosensors (nucleic acid sensors, immunosensors, aptamer biosensors, and cytosensors) based on two-dimensional materials in the detection of biological molecules related to hematological malignancies. Two-dimensional materials-based electrochemical biosensors designed for the diagnosis of leukemia could rapidly detect the target biomolecules at a trace level and show great merits such as wide linear range, low detection limit, high sensitivity, excellent selectivity, and cost-effectiveness. In addition, these biosensors have also achieved satisfactory results in the diagnosis of lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Thus, two-dimensional materials-based electrochemical biosensors are attractive for the early diagnosis of hematological malignancies in clinical practice. Nevertheless, more efforts are still required to further improve the performance of electrochemical biosensors. In this review, we propose the possible main concerns in the design of future two-dimensional materials-based electrochemical biosensors, involving the development of sensors for synchronous detection of diverse target biomolecules, the exploration of other superior two-dimensional materials, the simplification of the sensors fabrication process, the construction of new hybrid structures and how to avoid possible environmental issues.

MicroRNAs in extracellular vesicles: Sorting mechanisms, diagnostic value, isolation, and detection technology

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of short, single-stranded, noncoding RNAs, with a length of about 18–22 nucleotides. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are derived from cells and play a vital role in the development of diseases and can be used as biomarkers for liquid biopsy, as they are the carriers of miRNA. Existing studies have found that most of the functions of miRNA are mainly realized through intercellular transmission of EVs, which can protect and sort miRNAs. Meanwhile, detection sensitivity and specificity of EV-derived miRNA are higher than those of conventional serum biomarkers. In recent years, EVs have been expected to become a new marker for liquid biopsy. This review summarizes recent progress in several aspects of EVs, including sorting mechanisms, diagnostic value, and technology for isolation of EVs and detection of EV-derived miRNAs. In addition, the study reviews challenges and future research avenues in the field of EVs, providing a basis for the application of EV-derived miRNAs as a disease marker to be used in clinical diagnosis and even for the development of point-of-care testing (POCT) platforms.

Role of microRNAs in B-Cell Compartment: Development, Proliferation and Hematological Diseases

B-cell development is a very orchestrated pathway that involves several molecules, such as transcription factors, cytokines, microRNAs, and also different cells. All these components maintain the ideal microenvironment and control B-cell differentiation. MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that bind to target mRNA to control gene expression. These molecules could circulate in the body in a free form, protein-bounded, or encapsulated into extracellular vesicles, such as exosomes. The comprehension of the role of microRNAs in the B-cell development was possible based on microRNA profile of each B-cell stage and functional studies. Herein, we report the knowledge about microRNAs in the B-cell the differentiation, proliferation, and also in hematological malignancies.

Implication of microRNAs in Carcinogenesis with Emphasis on Hematological Malignancies and Clinical Translation

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are evolutionarily conserved small non-coding RNAs, that are involved in the multistep process of carcinogenesis, contributing to all established hallmarks of cancer. In this review, implications of miRNAs in hematological malignancies and their clinical utilization fields are discussed. As components of the complex regulatory network of gene expression, influenced by the tissue microenvironment and epigenetic modifiers, miRNAs are “micromanagers” of all physiological processes including the regulation of hematopoiesis and metabolic pathways. Dysregulated miRNA expression levels contribute to both the initiation and progression of acute leukemias, the metabolic reprogramming of malignantly transformed hematopoietic precursors, and to the development of chemoresistance. Since they are highly stable and can be easily quantified in body fluids and tissue specimens, miRNAs are promising biomarkers for the early detection of hematological malignancies. Besides novel opportunities for differential diagnosis, miRNAs can contribute to advanced chemoresistance prediction and prognostic stratification of acute leukemias. Synthetic oligonucleotides and delivery vehicles aim the therapeutic modulation of miRNA expression levels. However, major challenges such as efficient delivery to specific locations, differences of miRNA expression patterns between pediatric and adult hematological malignancies, and potential side effects of miRNA-based therapies should be considered.

Regulatory mechanism of miR-20a-5p expression in Cancer

MicroRNAs(miRNAs) are non-coding single-stranded RNA molecules encoded by endogenous genes with a length of about 22 nucleotides. The dysregulation of miRNAs has been proven to be one of the vital causes of cancer, which makes them a biomarker for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Compared with surgery and chemotherapy, nucleic acid therapy targeting specific miRNAs is a promising candidate for cancer treatment. miR-20a-5p plays an anticancer role in high-incidence human cancers such as cervical cancer, breast cancer and leukemia, which is of great importance in the diagnosis of cancers. The up-regulation and down-regulation of miR-20a-5p offers a possible breakthrough for the treatment of cancers. In this paper, we aim to investigate the functional significance of miR-20a-5p in different cancers, reviewing the expression differences of miR-20a-5p in cancer, while systematically summarizing the changes of circRNA-miR-20a-5p networks, and probe how it promotes messenger RNA (mRNA) degradation or inhibits mRNA translation to regulate downstream gene expression. We've also summarized the biogenesis mechanism of miRNAs, and emphasized its role in cell proliferation, cell apoptosis and cell migration. On this basis, we believe that miR-20a-5p is a promising and effective marker for cancer diagnosis, prognosis and treatment.

MicroRNAs as Modulators of the Immune Response in T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is an aggressive haematological tumour driven by the malignant transformation and expansion of B-cell (B-ALL) or T-cell (T-ALL) progenitors. The evolution of T-ALL pathogenesis encompasses different master developmental pathways, including the main role played by Notch in cell fate choices during tissue differentiation. Recently, a growing body of evidence has highlighted epigenetic changes, particularly the altered expression of microRNAs (miRNAs), as a critical molecular mechanism to sustain T-ALL. The immune response is emerging as key factor in the complex multistep process of cancer but the role of miRNAs in anti-leukaemia response remains elusive. In this review we analyse the available literature on miRNAs as tuners of the immune response in T-ALL, focusing on their role in Natural Killer, T, T-regulatory and Myeloid-derived suppressor cells. A better understanding of this molecular crosstalk may provide the basis for the development of potential immunotherapeutic strategies in the leukemia field.

Inhibition of Exosome Release Sensitizes U937 Cells to PEGylated Liposomal Doxorubicin

Aims

Acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) is the most common type of acute leukemia in adults. Despite numerous treatment strategies including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, a large number of patients do not respond to treatment and experience relapse. The main problem of these patients is the development of resistance to anti-cancer drugs. Therefore, any endeavor to reduce drug resistance in these patients is of high priority. In general, several mechanisms such as changes in drug metabolic pathways, drug inactivation, drug target alterations and reduced drug accumulation in the cells contribute to drug resistance of cancer cells. In this context, evidence suggests that exosomes could reduce drug resistance by removing drugs from their parent cells. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of exosome release inhibition on the resistance of U937 cells to PEGylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD).

Main Methods

In order to find a suitable ABCG2 (ATP-binding cassette sub-family G member 2) transporter substrate, virtual screening was performed among a list of drugs used in leukemia and PLD was selected. U937 cells were treated with PLD with/without co-treatment with the exosome release inhibitor, GW4869. Released exosomes within different study groups were isolated and characterized to determine the differences between groups. Doxorubicin presence in the isolated exosomes was also measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to confirm drug export through the exosomes. Finally, the effect of exosome inhibition on the cytotoxicity of PLD on U937 cells was determined using different cytotoxicity assays including the standard lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay and the flow cytometric analysis of apoptotic and non-apoptotic cell death.

Key Findings

GW4869 treatment caused a significant decrease in the exosome release of U937 cells compared to the untreated cells, as evidenced by the reduction of the protein content of the isolated exosomes (P<0.05). Co-treatment with GW4869 significantly increased cytotoxic cell death in the groups treated with 0.5 and 1 µM PLD, compared to the same groups without GW4869 co-treatment (P<0.05). Interestingly, co-treatment with GW4896 and 0.5 µM PLD was enough to induce the same cytotoxic effect as that of the sole 1 µM PLD group.

Significance

Our findings showed that U937 cells increase their resistance against the cytotoxic effects of PLD through the exosome-mediated expelling of the drug. Inhibition of exosome release could prevent PLD efflux and consequently increase the vulnerability of the U937 cells to the cytotoxic effects of PLD. Our results along with prior studies indicate that the integration of exosome release inhibitors into the common PLD-containing chemotherapy regimens could significantly lower the required concentrations of the drug and consequently reduce its associated side effects. Further studies are warranted to identify clinically safe inhibitors and investigate their clinical efficacy.