MicroRNA-409-3p inhibits osteosarcoma cell migration and invasion by targeting catenin-δ1

MicroRNA-409: Molecular functions and clinical applications in cancer

Late diagnosis is one of the main reasons for high mortality rates in cancer patients. Therefore, investigating the molecular mechanisms involved in tumor progression can improve the cancer diagnosis in the early stages of the tumor progression. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have important roles in regulation of cell growth, proliferation, metabolism, and migration. Since, deregulation of miR-409 has been reported in a wide range of cancers, in the present review, we investigated the molecular mechanisms of miR-409 during tumor progression and invasion. It has been shown that miR-409 functions as a tumor suppressor in different tumor types. MiR-409 can reduce tumor cell proliferation, growth, and migration by regulation of signaling pathways, cellular metabolism, transcription factors, and cellular adhesion. This review can be an effective step in introducing miR-409 as a non-invasive marker in cancer patients.

Investigating the molecular mechanisms of microRNA‑409‑3p in tumor progression: Towards targeted therapeutics (Review)

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of non‑coding RNAs that exert master regulatory functions in post‑-transcriptional gene expression. Accumulating evidence shows that miRNAs can either promote or suppress tumorigenesis by regulating different target genes or pathways and may be involved in the occurrence of carcinoma. miR‑409‑3p is dysregulated in a variety of malignant cancers. It plays a fundamental role in numerous cellular biological processes, such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, autophagy, angiogenesis and glycolysis. In addition, studies have shown that miR‑409‑3p is expected to become a non‑invasive biomarker. Identifying the molecular mechanisms underlying miR‑409‑3p‑mediated tumor progression will help investigate miR‑409‑3p‑based targeted therapy for human cancers. The present review comprehensively summarized the recently published literature on miR‑409‑3p, with a focus on the regulation and function of miR‑409‑3p in various types of cancer, and discussed the clinical implications of miR‑409‑3p, providing new insight for the diagnosis and treatment of cancers.

MicroRNA-409-3p regulates macrophage migration in polymyositis through targeting CXCR4

BACKGROUND

Macrophage migration and infiltration contribute to the pathogenesis of polymyositis (PM). This study aims to investigate the effect and underlying mechanism of miR-409-3p on macrophage migration in PM.

METHODS

The GSE143845 database was used to predict the altered expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) in PM. The quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), western blot and Transwell assay were performed to detect migration of macrophages and expressions of related molecules. A luciferase activity assay was conducted to confirm the binding of miR-409-3p and CXCR4 3'-UTR. Next, a mouse model of experimental autoimmune myositis (EAM) was established. Haematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to measure associated factors.

RESULTS

MiR-409-3p was downregulated in PM of GSE143845 database and patients. Differently, the serum creatine kinase (s-CK), TNF-α, and IL-6 in patients with PM were increased. Furthermore, miR-409-3p mimic transfection reduced the migration of macrophages and CXCR4 levels, while miR-409-3p inhibitor exerted the opposite effects. CXCR4 was a target of miR-409-3p, and the effect of CXCR4 on promoting macrophage migration was reversed by miR-409-3p mimic. In vivo, miR-409-3p agomir injection reduced inflammatory cells, macrophages, and TNFα and IL-6 levels in muscles and serum of EAM mouse models.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, miR-409-3p reduces the migration of macrophages through negatively regulating CXCR4 expression in PM.

The Effects of TRAF6 on Growth and Progression in Colorectal Cancer are Regulated by miRNA-140

Background and Aim

Some studies have confirmed that miRNA-140 exhibits a suppressive role in gastric cancer, Wilms’ tumor. However, the function of miRNA-140 in colorectal cancer has not been completely elucidated. The present study aims to verify TRAF6 as the targeted gene by miRNA-140 which was investigated in colorectal cancer tissues and cells, and its effects on the biological characteristics of colorectal cancer cells were determined, in order to provide an experimental and theoretical basis for the application of TRAF6 in the treatment of colorectal cancer.

Methods

qPCR analyzed miRNA-140 expression levels in colorectal cancer tissues, normal colorectal cancer tissues and colorectal cells including SW480 and HCT116 cancer cells and FHC normal colorectal epithetical cells. A serial biological experiment analyzed miRNA-140 effects on cell proliferation, migration and invasion capacities in SW480 and HCT116 cells. miRNA targeting gene prediction and a dual luciferase assay were used to analyze miRNA-140-targeted TRAF6. qPCR and Western blot analyzed miRNA-140 effects on the mRNA and protein expression of TRAF6. Western blot analyzed miRNA-140 effects on NF-κB/c-jun signaling pathways. Animal studies were performed to investigate the effects of miRNA-140 on colorectal cancer implantation tumor growth. Immunohistochemistry analyzed TRAF6 expression in animal experimentation tumors.

Results

miRNA-140 expression is lower in colorectal cancer tissues and colorectal cancer cells. Over-expression of miRNA-140 inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion capacities of colorectal cancer cells. miRNA-140 targeted the TRAF6 mRNA 3ʹUTR area and decreased TRAF6 protein expression. miRNA-140 suppressed p-NF-κB/p-c-jun proteins expression. miRNA-140 inhibited colorectal cancer implantation tumor growth in the mice model.

Conclusion

miRNA-140 targeting TRAF6 affects the progression and growth of colorectal cancer, the mechanism could be miRNA-140 decreasing the TRAF6 expression effects on the NF-κB/c-jun signaling pathways.

Hsa-miR-425-5p promotes tumor growth and metastasis by activating the CTNND1-mediated β-catenin pathway and EMT in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignancy with high mortality. However, the roles of miR-425-5p and its underlying mechanism in CRC remain unknown. Here, RT-qPCR confirmed that miR-425-5p expression was increased by miR-425-5p mimic in SW480 cells and decreased by miR-425-5p inhibitor in LOVO cells. CCK-8, flow cytometry, wound healing and transwell assays revealed that the increased miR-425-5p promoted cell viability, cell cycle entry, migration and invasion in CRC. Besides, miR-425-5p overexpression induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) with upregulation of Fibronectin, N-cadherin, Vimentin, and downregulation of E-cadherin. Moreover, miR-425-5p overexpression induced c-myc, Cyclin D1 and MMP7 levels, and promoted β-catenin translocation to the nucleus. Knockdown of miR-425-5p exerted opposite effects. Luciferase reporter assay indicated that miR-425-5p directly targeted CTNND1. Overexpression of miR-425-5p repressed CTNND1 expression at mRNA and protein levels. Silencing of CTNND1 had the inhibitory effect of miR-425-5p inhibitor on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, EMT, and the activation of β-catenin signaling pathway. Furthermore, miR-425-5p promoted tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. In conclusion, miR-425-5p may promote tumorigenesis and metastasis through activating CTNND1-mediated β-catenin pathway, which may provide therapeutic targets for human CRC.

Identification of differentially expressed microRNAs in the skin of experimentally sensitized naturally affected atopic beagles by next-generation sequencing

Canine atopic dermatitis (AD) is a very common inflammatory skin disease, but limited data are available on the genetic characterization (somatic mutations, microarrays, and genome-wide association study (GWAS)) of skin lesions in affected dogs. microRNAs are good biomarkers in inflammatory and neoplastic diseases in people. The aim of this study was to evaluate microRNA expression in the skin of atopic beagles, before and after exposure to Dermatophagoides farinae. Four atopic and four unrelated age-matched healthy beagle dogs were enrolled. Total RNA was extracted from flash-frozen skin biopsies of healthy and atopic dogs. For the atopic dogs, skin biopsies were taken from non-lesional (day 0) and lesional skin (day 28 of weekly environmental challenge with Dermatophagoides farinae). Small RNA libraries were constructed and sequenced. The microRNA sequences were aligned to CanFam3.1 genome. Differential expressed microRNAs were selected on the basis of fold-change and statistical significance (fold-change ≥ 1.5 and p ≤ 0.05 as thresholds. A total of 277 microRNAs were sequenced. One hundred and twenty-one differentially regulated microRNAs were identified between non-lesional and healthy skin. Among these, two were increased amount and 119 were decreased amount. A total of 45 differentially regulated microRNAs between lesional and healthy skin were identified, 44 were decreased amount and one was increased amount. Finally, only two increased amount microRNAs were present in lesional skin when compared with that of non-lesional skin. This is the first study in which dysregulation of microRNAs has been associated with lesional and non-lesional canine AD. Larger studies are needed to understand the role of microRNA in canine AD.

MicroRNA-96-5p represses breast cancer proliferation and invasion through Wnt/β-catenin signaling via targeting CTNND1

Low miR-96-5p expression is characteristic of many cancers but its role in breast cancer (BCa) remains poorly defined. Here, the role of miR-96-5p in BC development was assessed. We demonstrate that exogenously expressing miR-96-5p inhibits the proliferative, migratory and invasive capacity of BCa cells. Mechanistically, miR-96-5p in BCa cells was found to target and downregulate catenin delta 1 (CTNND1) leading to decreased β-catenin expression, a loss of WNT11 signaling, reduced cyclin D1 levels and lower MMP7 expression. Exogenously expressing CTNND1 alleviated these effects. In summary, we are the first to reveal that miR-96-5p inhibits the proliferative, invasive and migratory phenotypes of BCa cells the targeting of CTNND1 and subsequent Wnt/β-catenin signaling. These data highlight miR-96-5p as a novel target for BC treatment.

miRNA signatures in childhood sarcomas and their clinical implications

Progresses in multimodal treatments have significantly improved the outcomes for childhood cancer. Nonetheless, for about one-third of patients with Ewing sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, or osteosarcoma steady remission has remained intangible. Thus, new biomarkers to improve early diagnosis and the development of precision-targeted medicine remain imperative. Over the last decade, remarkable progress has been made in the basic understanding of miRNAs function and in interpreting the contribution of their dysregulation to cancer development and progression. On this basis, this review focuses on what has been learned about the pivotal roles of miRNAs in the regulation of key genes implicated in childhood sarcomas.

MicroRNA-1296-5p suppresses the proliferation, migration, and invasion of human osteosarcoma cells by targeting NOTCH2

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a highly aggressive bone tumor with a poor prognosis. MicroRNAs are revealed to exerts essential roles in the carcinogenesis and tumor invasion of OS. But, the function of miR-1296-5p and its related mechanism in OS progression have not yet been studied. This study discovered the levels of miR-1296-5p in OS and corresponding noncancerous tissues, and we demonstrated that miR-1296-5p level was markedly downregulated in tumor specimens as compared with nontumor tissues. In addition, we discovered that miR-1296-5p was also underexpressed in OS cells compared with the hFOB1.19 osteoblast cells. Interestingly, the reduced expression of miR-1296-5p was confirmed to associated with large tumor size, advanced tumor stages, and distance metastasis, respectively. Patients with OS low-expressing miR-1296-5p showed a prominent shorter survival. In addition, gain-of-function assays verified that miR-1296-5p overexpression remarkably repressed OS cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Conversely, depletion of miR-1296-5p facilitated the growth and mobility of OS cells. Notably, miR-1296-5p inversely modulated notch receptor 2 (NOTCH2) in OS cells. The level of NOTCH2 messenger RNA was negatively correlated with miR-1296-5p level in OS samples. NOTCH2 knockdown markedly suppressed the abilities of MG-63 cell proliferation and mobility. More importantly, the restoration of NOTCH2 prominently rescued miR-1296-5p-induced tumor-suppressive effects on MG-63 cells. In conclusion, our study identified the reduced expression of miR-1296-5p, which contributed to OS progression. miR-1296-5p might be a promising prognostic marker and therapeutic target in OS.

Upregulation of microRNA-7 contributes to inhibition of the growth and metastasis of osteosarcoma cells through the inhibition of IGF1R

We aim to uncover the methylation of microRNA-7 (miR-7) promoter in osteosarcoma (OS) and the inner mechanism of miR-7 on the progression of OS cells. Expression and methylation state of miR-7 in OS tissues and cells were detected. With the aim to unearth the ability of miR-7 in OS, the proliferation, cell cycle progression, apoptosis, invasion, migration of OS cells, and the tumor growth in nude mice were determined. Meanwhile, IGF1R expression was detected and the association between miR-7 and IGF1R was confirmed. The proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression was tested by immunohistochemical staining, and the lung metastasis was observed by H&E staining. miR-7 expression was decreased and methylation state of miR-7 was increased in OS tissues and cells. Upregulated miR-7 inhibited proliferation, cell cycle progression, invasion,and migration, while inducing apoptosis of OS cells and the tumor growth as well as PCNA expression in nude mice. Expression of IGF1R was downregulated in OS cells with overexpression of miR-7. Experiments verified the binding site between miR-7 and IGF1R. Our study demonstrates that abnormal methylation of miR-7 contributes to decreased miR-7 in OS. In addition, miR-7 represses the initiation and progression of OS cells through the inhibition of IGF1R.

Insights into the roles of miRNAs; miR-193 as one of small molecular silencer in osteosarcoma therapy

Today, cancer is one of the most common causes of death. Osteosarcoma (OS) is a tumor in long bones and its prevalence is high in teenagers and young people. Among the methods that used to treat cancer, one can name chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy. Since these methods have some disadvantages and they are not absolutely successful, the use of microRNAs (miRNAs) is very useful in diagnosis and treatment of OS. MiRNAs are small non-coding RNA molecules, containing 18-25 nucleotides, which are involved in the regulation of gene expression via binding to messenger RNA (mRNA). These RNAs are divided into two classes of suppressors and oncogenes. During OS, there is aberrant expression of several miRNAs. Among these miRNAs are downregulation of miR-193 that has been associated with cancer occurrence. The aim of the current manuscript is to have overview on the treatment approaches of OS with special focus on miR-193.

Genetic testing for high-grade osteosarcoma: a guide for future tailored treatments?

INTRODUCTION

Genetic characterization of osteosarcoma has evolved during the last decade, thanks to the integrated application of conventional and new candidate-driven and genome-wide technologies. Areas covered: This review provides an overview of the state of art in genetic testing applied to osteosarcoma, with particular regard to novel candidate genetic biomarkers that can be analyzed in tumor tissue and blood samples, which might be used to predict toxicity and prognosis, detect disease relapse, and improve patients' selection criteria for tailoring treatment. Expert commentary: Genetic testing based on modern technologies is expected to indicate new osteosarcoma-related prognostic markers and driver genes, which may highlight novel therapeutic targets and patients stratification biomarkers. The definition of tailored or targeted treatment approaches may improve outcome of patients with localized tumors and, even more, of those with metastatic disease, for whom progress in cure probability is highly warranted.

RETRACTED: MicroRNA-298 represses hepatocellular carcinoma progression by inhibiting CTNND1-mediated Wnt/β-catenin signaling

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (https://www.elsevier.com/about/policies/article-withdrawal). This article has been retracted at the request of the authors, who have informed the Editor-in-Chief that the wrong cell line was inadvertently used to perform transwell assays in Figure 3, as verified by a review of the laboratory notebooks. In addition, the authors were unable to repeat the western blot results in Figure 6B under the same conditions described in the paper. The authors no longer have confidence in the reliability of the results and would like to apologize for any inconvenience caused. The Editor-in-Chief agreed to retract the article.

Phosphoinositide-dependent kinase 1-associated glycolysis is regulated by miR-409-3p in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most popular kidney cancer in adults. Metabolic shift toward aerobic glycolysis is a fundamental factor for ccRCC therapy. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are thought to be important regulators in ccRCC development and progression. Phosphoinositide-dependent kinase 1 (PDK1) is required for metabolic activation; however, the role of PDK1-induced glycolytic metabolism regulated by miRNAs is unclear in ccRCC. So, the purpose of the current study is to elucidate the underlying mechanism in ccRCC cell metabolism mediated by PDK1. Our results revealed that miR-409-3p inhibited glycolysis by regulating PDK1 expression in ccRCC cells. We also found that miR-409-3p was regulated by hypoxia. Our results indicated that PDK1 facilitated ccRCC cell glycolysis, regulated by miR-409-3p in hypoxia.

MicroRNA regulation in blood cells of renal transplanted patients with interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy and antibody-mediated rejection

Interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy (IFTA) is associated with reduced allograft survival, whereas antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) is the major cause for renal allograft failure. To identify specific microRNAs and their regulation involved in these processes, total RNA from blood cells of 16 kidney transplanted (KTx) patients with ABMR, stable graft function (SGF) and with T-cell mediated rejection (TCMR) was isolated. MicroRNA expression was determined by high-throughput sequencing. Differentially expressed candidate microRNAs were analyzed with RT-PCR in patients with SGF (n = 53), urinary tract infection (UTI) (n = 17), borderline rejection (BL) (n = 19), TCMR (n = 40), ABMR (n = 22) and IFTA (n = 30). From the 301 detected microRNAs, 64 were significantly regulated between the three cohorts. Selected candidate microRNAs miR-223-3p, miR-424-3p and miR-145-5p distinguished TCMR and ABMR from SGF, but not from other pathologies. Most importantly, miR-145-5p expression in IFTA patients was significantly downregulated and displayed a high diagnostic accuracy compared to SGF alone (AUC = 0.891) and compared to SGF, UTI, BL, TCMR and ABMR patients combined (AUC = 0.835), which was verified by cross-validation. The identification of miR-145-5p as IFTA specific marker in blood constitutes the basis for evaluating this potentially diagnostic microRNA as biomarker in studies including high numbers of patients and different pathologies and also the further analysis of fibrosis causing etiologies after kidney transplantation.

MicroRNA-411 promoted the osteosarcoma progression by suppressing MTSS1 expression

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in the progression of different tumors. In our study, we investigated the expression and roles of miR-411 in human osteosarcoma. In this study, we first confirmed that the miR-411 expression was higher in the serum of patients with osteosarcoma than in the serum of healthy volunteers. In addition, we found that the miR-411 expression was upregulated in the osteosarcoma tissues compared to that in the matched normal bone tissues. We also demonstrated that the miR-411 expression was upregulated in the four osteosarcoma cell lines. Elevated expression of miR-411 promoted osteosarcoma cell proliferation and migration. Moreover, we identified that metastasis suppressor protein 1 (MTSS1) was a direct target gene of miR-411 in the osteosarcoma cell. We also demonstrated that the MTSS1 expression was downregulated in the osteosarcoma tissues compared to that in the matched normal bone tissues. In addition, MTSS1 expression level was inversely correlated with miR-411 expression in the osteosarcoma tissues. Furthermore, elevated expression of miR-411 enhanced the osteosarcoma cell proliferation and migration through inhibiting the MTSS1 expression. These data suggested that miR-411 played as oncogene in the osteosarcoma partly by inhibiting the MTSS1 expression.

The effects of TRAF6 on proliferation, apoptosis and invasion in osteosarcoma are regulated by miR-124

The present study aimed to verify tumor necrosis factor receptor‑associated factor 6 (TRAF6) as the target gene of microRNA-124 (miR-124). In addition, the expression of miR‑124 was investigated in osteosarcoma tissues and cells, and its effects on the biological characteristics of osteosarcoma cells were determined, in order to provide an experimental and theoretical basis for the application of TRAF6 in the treatment of osteosarcoma. A fluorescence reporter enzyme system was used to verify TRAF6 as a target gene of miR‑124, and western blotting was used to detect the effects of miR‑124 on the protein expression levels of TRAF6 in cells. The expression levels of miR‑124 were detected in osteosarcoma tissues and an osteosarcoma cell line (MG‑63) by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). In addition, a total of 48 h post‑transfection of MG‑63 cells with a miR‑124 mimic, qPCR was used to detect the expression levels of miR‑124, and the effects of miR‑124 on the viability of MG‑63 human osteosarcoma cells was determined using the MTT method. The effects of miR‑124 on the cell cycle progression and apoptosis of MG‑63 cells were analyzed by flow cytometry, whereas the effects of miR‑124 on the migration of MG‑63 cells was detected using the Transwell invasion chamber analysis method. A TRAF6 recombinant expression plasmid (pcDNA3.1‑TRAF6) was also constructed, and MG‑63 cells were transfected with the recombinant plasmid and a miR‑124 mimic, in order to further validate the biological role of miR‑124 via the regulation of TRAF6. The results of the present study indicated that, compared with in the normal control group, the expression levels of miR‑124 were significantly increased in MG‑63 cells transfected with a miR‑124 mimic (P<0.01). In addition, the luciferase reporter gene system demonstrated that, compared with in the control group, relative luciferase activity was significantly reduced in the miR‑124 mimic group (P<0.01). The results of MTT analysis indicated that cell viability was also significantly reduced in response to the overexpression of miR‑124 in MG‑63 cells (P<0.01). Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that the proportion of cells in S phase and G2/M phase was significantly decreased (P<0.01) in cells overexpressing miR‑124, and the number of apoptotic cells was significantly increased (P<0.01). Furthermore, the results of the Transwell invasion assay suggested that the number of invasive cells was significantly decreased following enhanced expression of miR‑124 (P<0.01). In MG‑63 cells overexpressing miR‑124 and TRAF6, the results of MTT, flow cytometric and Transwell assay analyses demonstrated that the overexpression of TRAF6 had the opposite biological effects compared to miR‑124 overexpression. In conclusion, the present study indicated that the expression levels of miR‑124 were downregulated in human osteosarcoma tissues and cells, and that miR‑124 is associated with negative regulation of TRAF6 expression; therefore, the role of TRAF6 in primary osteosarcoma may be regulated by miR‑124. Therapeutic strategies that enhance miR‑124 expression or inhibit TRAF6 expression may be beneficial for the treatment of patients with osteosarcoma.

Small non-coding RNAs-based bone regulation and targeting therapeutic strategies

Small non-coding RNAs, which are 20-25 nucleotide ribonucleic acids, have emerged as an important transformation in the biological evolution over almost three decades. microRNAs (miRNAs) and short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are two significant categories of the small RNAs that exert important effects on bone endocrinology and skeletology. Therefore, clarifying the expression and function of these important molecules in bone endocrine physiology and pathology is of great significance for improving their potential therapeutic value for metabolism-associated bone diseases. In the present review, we highlight the recent advances made in understanding the function and molecular mechanism of these small non-coding RNAs in bone metabolism, especially their potentially therapeutic values in bone-related diseases.

Downregulation of DEPTOR inhibits the proliferation, migration, and survival of osteosarcoma through PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway

Accumulating evidence reveals that DEP-domain containing mTOR-interacting protein (DEPTOR) plays pivotal roles in the pathogenesis and progression of many tumors. However, the expression level of DEPTOR and its function in the tumorigenesis of osteosarcoma (OS) remain unknown. In this study, we conducted quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry to detect DEPTOR expression level in human OS tissues and cell lines. To assess DEPTOR function, DEPTOR siRNA was designed and transfected into OS cells, which were then used in a series of in vitro assays. Our results indicated that DEPTOR was highly expressed in some OS tissues and cell lines. DEPTOR knockdown by siRNA dramatically inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and the formation of vasculogenic mimicry in OS cells. In addition, DEPTOR knockdown induced cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase and apoptosis in the OS cell lines, MG63 and MNNG/HOS. Furthermore, we found that DEPTOR knockdown notably activated mTOR and inhibited the PI3K/Akt pathway. Taken together, these results suggest that DEPTOR overexpression is necessary for the proliferation, migration, invasion, formation of vasculogenic mimicry, and survival of OS cells and may be a potential target for the treatment of OS.

Biological analysis of cancer specific microRNAs on function modeling in osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common bone tumor characterized with a high risk of amputation and malignant morbidity among teenagers and adolescents. However, relevant pathogenic/biological mechanisms underlying OS-genesis remains to be ambiguous. The aim of this study was to elucidate functional relationship about microRNAs-mRNAs networks and to identify potential molecular markers via a computational method. Gene expression profile (GSE70415) was recruited from Gene Expression Omnibus. 3856 differentially expressed genes and 250 significantly expressed microRNAs were identified by using GCBI. The results of GO and KEGG pathways associated proteomics analysis indicated that extracellular matrix organization, small molecule metabolic process, cell adhesion (GO IDs: 0030198, 0044281, 0007155) and pathways in cancer, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, metabolic pathways (pathway IDs: 5200, 4151, 1100) were significantly enriched. In addition, CKMT2, miR-93b-5p, miR-29b-3p were found to be positively/negatively correlated with TP53, EGFR, and MMP members mediated OS development, including angiogenesis, migration and invasion. Further visualization of collective effect of 1181 microRNAs-mRNAs pairs and protein-protein interactions was realized by applying with cytosacpe. In summary, our work provided a better understanding of non-coding regulatory mechanisms of transcriptomics and unraveled essential molecular biomarkers in osteosarcoma.

MicroRNA-379 inhibits the proliferation, migration and invasion of human osteosarcoma cells by targetting EIF4G2

Osteosarcoma (OS) is an aggressive malignant mesenchymal neoplasm amongst adolescents. The aim of the present study was to explore the various modes of action that miR-379 has on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of human OS cells. miR-379 achieves this by targetting eukaryotic initiation factor 4GII (EIF4G2). Human OS cell lines U2OS and MG-63 were selected and assigned into blank, miR-379 mimics, miR-379 mimic negative control (NC), miR-379 inhibitors, miR-379 inhibitor NC, EIF4G2 shRNA, control shRNA, and miR-379 inhibitor + EIF4G2 shRNA group. The miR-379 expression and EIF4G2 mRNA expression were detected utilising quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and the EIF4G2 protein expression using Western blotting. MTT assay, scratch test, Transwell assay, and flow cytometry were performed to determine the proliferation, migration, invasion, and cell cycle, respectively. In comparison with the miR-379 mimic NC group, the miR-379 mimics group had decreased EIF4G2 expression; the miR-379 inhibitors group indicated an increased EIF4G2 expression. Compared with the control shRNA group, the EIF4G2 expression was lower in the EIF4G2 shRNA group and the miR-379 expression was dropped in the miR-379 inhibitor + EIF4G2 shRNA group. The proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of OS cells were reduced in the miR-379 mimics and EIF4G2 shRNA groups. The percentage of OS cells at the G₀/G₁ stage was increased, and the percentage at the S-stage was decreased in the miR-379 mimics and EIF4G2 shRNA groups. miR-379 may inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of OS cells through the down-regulation of EIF4G2.

miR-1297 regulates neural stem cell differentiation and viability through controlling Hes1 expression

OBJECTIVES

Neural stem cells (NSCs) are self-renewing, undifferentiated and multipotent precursors that can generate neuronal and glial lineages. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that act crucial roles in cell proliferation, differentiation and migration. However, the role of miR-1297 in the development of NSCs is still unknown.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Primary NSCs were isolated from rat's embryos. The expression of miR-1297 and Hes1 were measured by qRT-PCR. Western blot was performed to detect the protein expression of Hes1, β-tubulin-III and GFAP.

RESULTS

We showed that miR-1297 expression was upregulated during NSC differentiation, while the expression of Hes1 was decreased during NSC differentiation. Elevated expression of miR-1297 promoted the NSCs viability and increased the formation of NSCs to neurospheres. Ecoptic expression of miR-1297 promoted β-tubulin-III expression in the NSCs. Overexpression of miR-1297 decreased GFAP expression in the NSCs. Furthermore, we demonstrated that miR-1297 regulated NSCs viability and differentiation by directly targeting Hes1. Overexpression of miR-1297 suppressed Hes1 expression in the NSCs.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggested that miR-1297 played an important role in NSCs viability and differentiation through inhibiting Hes1 expression.

What Is New in the miRNA World Regarding Osteosarcoma and Chondrosarcoma?

Despite the availability of multimodal and aggressive therapies, currently patients with skeletal sarcomas, including osteosarcoma and chondrosarcoma, often have a poor prognosis. In recent decades, advances in sequencing technology have revealed the presence of RNAs without coding potential known as non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), which provides evidence that protein-coding genes account for only a small percentage of the entire genome. This has suggested the influence of ncRNAs during development, apoptosis and cell proliferation. The discovery of microRNAs (miRNAs) in 1993 underscored the importance of these molecules in pathological diseases such as cancer. Increasing interest in this field has allowed researchers to study the role of miRNAs in cancer progression. Regarding skeletal sarcomas, the research surrounding which miRNAs are involved in the tumourigenesis of osteosarcoma and chondrosarcoma has rapidly gained traction, including the identification of which miRNAs act as tumour suppressors and which act as oncogenes. In this review, we will summarize what is new regarding the roles of miRNAs in chondrosarcoma as well as the latest discoveries of identified miRNAs in osteosarcoma.

MiR-409-3p regulates cell proliferation and tumor growth by targeting E74-like factor 2 in osteosarcoma

Recent evidence has shown that miR‐409‐3p was down‐regulated in several types of cancer, including osteosarcoma. However, the potential role of miR‐409‐3p in osteosarcoma remains largely unknown. In the present study, we showed that overexpression of miR‐409‐3p in osteosarcoma cells inhibited cell proliferation in vitro and suppressed tumor growth in vivo, and the restoration of miR‐409‐3p promoted G1/S cell cycle arrest and induced cell apoptosis. Additionally, E74‐like factor 2 (ELF2) was recognized as a new target of miR‐409‐3p by dual‐luciferase reporter assay. Restoration of ELF2 rescued the inhibitory effect of miR‐409‐3p on cell proliferation in osteosarcoma cells. Moreover, ELF2 was up‐regulated in osteosarcoma tissues and negatively associated with miR‐409‐3p levels. Taken together, our findings collectively indicate that miR‐409‐3p may be a tumor suppressor in osteosarcoma and may serve as a promising therapeutic target for osteosarcoma.

MicroRNA-409-3p Represses Glioma Cell Invasion and Proliferation by Targeting High-Mobility Group Nucleosome-Binding Domain 5

Emerging evidence has suggested that aberrantly expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) are associated with glioma development and progression. The aberrant expression of miR-409-3p has been reported in several human cancers. However, little is known about the function of miR-409-3p in gliomas. The aim of this study was to investigate the specific role and molecular mechanism of miR-409-3p in gliomas. In the present study, we found that miR-409-3p was downregulated in glioma tissue and cell lines. Overexpression of miR-409-3p inhibited glioma cell invasion and proliferation, whereas suppression of miR-409-3p promoted glioma cell invasion and proliferation. High-mobility group nucleosome-binding domain 5 (HMGN5), a well-known oncogene in gliomas, was identified as a functional target of miR-409-3p using bioinformatics, dual-luciferase reporter assay, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot analysis. Furthermore, miR-409-3p was found to regulate the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2 and cyclin D1. Restoration of HMGN5 expression significantly reversed the inhibitory effects of miR-409-3p overexpression on glioma cell invasion and proliferation. Taken together, our results suggest that miR-409-3p inhibits glioma cell invasion and proliferation by targeting HMGN5, representing a potential therapeutic target for glioma.

Elevated expression of microRNA-19a predicts a poor prognosis in patients with osteosarcoma

MicroRNA (miR)-19a, a member of the miR-17-92 cluster, functions as an oncomiRNA in multiple kinds of cancers. However, its involvement in human osteosarcomas remains unclear. In this study, to analyze the expression pattern of miR-19a and to investigate its clinical implication in human osteosarcomas, quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect expression levels of miR-19a in 166 self-pairs of osteosarcoma and noncancerous bone tissues. Associations between miR-19a expression and various clinicopathological parameters and patients' prognosis of osteosarcomas were further evaluated. As a results, miR-19a expression in osteosarcoma tissues was significantly higher than that in corresponding noncancerous bone tissues (P<0.001). Osteosarcoma patients with high miR-19a expression more frequently had large tumor size (P=0.03), advanced clinical stage (P=0.01), positive distant metastasis (P=0.008) and poor response to chemotherapy (P=0.01) than those with low miR-19a expression. Additionally, kaplan-Meier analysis showed that both overall and disease-free survivals of osteosarcoma patients with high miR-19a expression were shorter than those with low miR-19a expression (both P<0.001). Further multivariate analysis identified miR-19a expression as an independent prognostic factor for both overall (P=0.001) and disease-free (P=0.006) survivals. In conclusion, the aberrant expression of miR-19a may play a crucial role in development and progression of human osteosarcomas. MiR-19a may act as a novel prognostic marker for patients with this malignancy.