Inhibition of miR-423-5p suppressed prostate cancer through targeting GRIM-19

Molecular detection of exosomal miRNAs of blood serum for prognosis of colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer affecting people. The discovery of new, non-invasive, specific, and sensitive molecular biomarkers for CRC may assist in the diagnosis and support therapeutic decision making. Exosomal miRNAs have been demonstrated in carcinogenesis and CRC development, which makes these miRNAs strong biomarkers for CRC. Deep sequencing allows a robust high-throughput informatics investigation of the types and abundance of exosomal miRNAs. Thus, exosomal miRNAs can be efficiently examined as diagnostic biomarkers for disease screening. In the present study, a number of 660 mature miRNAs were detected in patients diagnosed with CRC at different stages. Of which, 29 miRNAs were differentially expressed in CRC patients compared with healthy controls. Twenty-nine miRNAs with high abundance levels were further selected for subsequent analysis. These miRNAs were either highly up-regulated (e.g., let-7a-5p, let-7c-5p, let-7f-5p, let-7d-3p, miR-423-5p, miR-3184-5p, and miR-584) or down-regulated (e.g., miR-30a-5p, miR-99-5p, miR-150-5p, miR-26-5p and miR-204-5p). These miRNAs influence critical genes in CRC, leading to either tumor growth or suppression. Most of the reported diagnostic exosomal miRNAs were shown to be circulating in blood serum. The latter is a novel miRNA that was found in exosomal profile of blood serum. Some of the predicted target genes of highly expressed miRNAs participate in several cancer pathways, including CRC pathway. These target genes include tumor suppressor genes, oncogenes and DNA repair genes. Main focus was given to multiple critical signaling cross-talking pathways including transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) signaling pathways that are directly linked to CRC. In conclusion, we recommend further analysis in order to experimentally confirm exact relationships between selected differentially expressed miRNAs and their predicted target genes and downstream functional consequences.

The emerging role of ectodermal neural cortex 1 in cancer

Ectodermal neural cortex 1 (ENC1) is a protein that plays a crucial role in the regulation of various cellular processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Numerous studies have shown that ENC1 is overexpressed in various types of cancers, including breast, lung, pancreatic, and colorectal cancer, and its upregulation is correlated with a poorer prognosis. In addition to its role in cancer growth and spreading, ENC1 has also been linked to neuronal process development and neural crest cell differentiation. In this review, we provide an overview of the current knowledge on the relationship between ENC1 and cancer. We discuss the molecular mechanisms by which ENC1 contributes to tumorigenesis, including its involvement in multiple oncogenic signaling pathways. We also summarize the potential of targeting ENC1 for cancer therapy, as its inhibition has been shown to significantly reduce cancer cell invasion, growth, and metastasis. Finally, we highlight the remaining gaps in our understanding of ENC1's role in cancer and propose potential directions for future research.

LncRNA SATB2-AS1 overexpression represses the development of hepatocellular carcinoma through regulating the miR-3678-3p/GRIM-19 axis

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignancy worldwide with one of the worst prognoses. Emerging studies have revealed that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) contribute to HCC progression. This research probes the expression and regulatory effect of lncRNA SATB2-AS1 on HCC development. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was applied to measure the SATB2-AS1 profile in HCC tissues and adjacent non-tumor tissues. The impact of SATB2-AS1, miR-3678-3p, or GRIM-19 on HCC cell proliferation, growth, migration, invasion, and apoptosis was determined by gain- and loss-of-function experiments. The results revealed that SATB2-AS1 was downregulated in HCC tissues, and its lower levels were related to higher tumor staging and poorer prognosis of HCC patients. SATB2-AS1 overexpression repressed HCC cell proliferation, induced G1 arrest, and apoptosis, and inhibited migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Mechanistically, SATB2-AS1 inactivated STAT3/HIF-1α and strengthened GRIM-19 expression. After knocking down GRIM-19 with small interfering RNA (siRNA), the malignant phenotypes of HCC cells were enhanced. Further bioinformatics analysis showed that miR-3678-3p was targeted by SATB2-AS1. The dual-luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) experiment, and Fluorescence in situ Hybridization (FISH) test confirmed that SATB2-AS1 sponged miR-3678-3p and the latter targeted GRIM-19. The rescue experiments showed that miR-3678-3p aggravated the malignant behaviors of HCC cells, whereas SATB2-AS1 overexpression reversed miR-3678-3p-mediated effects. Inhibition STAT3 promoted SATB2-AS1 and GRIM-19 expression, and reduced miR-3678-3p level. Activation STAT3 exerted opposite effects. Overall, this study confirmed that SATB2-AS1 is a potential prognostic biomarker for HCC and regulates HCC devolvement by regulating the miR-3678-3p/GRIM-19/STAT3/HIF-1α pathway.

Prostate Cancer and microRNAs: New insights into Apoptosis

Prostate cancer (PCa) is known as one of the most prevalent malignancies globally and is not yet curable owing to its progressive nature. It has been well documented that Genetic and epigenetic alterations maintain mandatory roles in PCa development. Apoptosis, a form of programmed cell death, has been shown to be involved in a number of physiological processes. Apoptosis disruption is considered as one of the main mechanism involved in lots of pathological conditions, especially malignancy. There is ample of evidence in support of the fact that microRNAs (miRNAs) have crucial roles in several cellular biological processes, including apoptosis. Escaping from apoptosis is a common event in malignancy progression. Emerging evidence revealed miRNAs capabilities to act as apoptotic or anti-apoptotic factors by altering the expression levels of tumor inhibitor or oncogene genes. In the present narrative review, we described in detail how apoptosis dysfunction could be involved in PCa processes and additionally, the mechanisms behind miRNAs affect the apoptosis pathways in PCa. Identifying the mechanisms behind the effects of miRNAs and their targets on apoptosis can provide scientists new targets for PCa treatment.

Investigating melanogenesis-related microRNAs as disease biomarkers in vitiligo

Vitiligo is considered a disabling disease that affects physical, social, psychological, and occupational aspects of an individual's quality of life. The search for non-invasive and reliable biomarkers for vitiligo's early diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment prediction is under intensive investigation. There is currently an emerging interest in employing miRNAs as biomarkers to predict vitiligo diagnosis and prognosis, inspired by the well-preserved nature of miRNAs in serum or plasma. In the current study, we assessed a panel of 20 melanogenesis pathway-related microRNAs (miRNAs) using quantitative real-time PCR technique in 85 non-segmental vitiligo (NSV) patients compared to 85 normal controls followed by function and pathway enrichment analysis for the miRNAs with significant results. Twelve out of the 20 circulating miRNAs showed significantly higher expression levels in vitiligo patients relative to controls where miR-423 show the highest expression level followed by miR-182, miR-106a, miR-23b, miR-9, miR-124, miR-130a, miR-203a, miR-181, miR-152, and miR-320a. While six miRNAs (miR-224, miR-148a, miR-137, and miR-7, miR-148b, miR-145, miR-374b, and miR-196b) didn’t show significant expression level. The analysis of the receiver operating curve indicated that miR-423, miR-106a, and miR-182 were outstanding biomarkers with the highest areas under the curve in vitiligo. This study is the first Egyptian study to investigate a panel of miRNAs expression profile in the plasma of patients with NSV. Our results suggest that specific circulating miRNAs signature might be implicated in vitiligo pathogenesis and could potentially be used as biomarkers in vitiligo.

Comprehensive evaluation of microRNA as a biomarker for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer. Current guidelines for HCC management recommend surveillance of high-risk patients every 6 mo using ultrasonography. Serum biomarkers, like alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), protein induced by vitamin K absence/antagonist-II (PIVKA-II) and lectin-reactive AFP, show suboptimal performance for detection of HCC, which is crucial for successful resection or treatment. Thus, there is a significant need for new biomarkers to aid early diagnosis of HCC. Studies have shown that the expression level of human microRNAs (miRNAs), a small, non-coding RNA species released into the blood, can serve as an early marker for various diseases, including HCC.

AIM

To evaluate the diagnostic role of miRNAs in HCC as single markers, signatures or in combination with known protein biomarkers.

METHODS

Our prospective, multicenter, case-control study recruited 660 participants (354 controls with chronic liver disease and 306 participants with HCC) and employed a strategy of initial screening by two independent methods, real-time quantitative PCR (n = 60) and next-generation sequencing (n = 100), to assess a large number of miRNAs. The results from the next-generation sequencing and real-time quantitative PCR screening approaches were then combined to select 26 miRNAs (including two putative novel miRNAs). Those miRNAs were analyzed for their diagnostic potential as single markers or in combination with other miRNAs or established protein biomarkers AFP and PIVKA-II via real-time quantitative PCR in training (n = 200) and validation cohorts (n = 300).

RESULTS

We identified 26 miRNAs that differentiated chronic liver disease controls from (early) HCC via two independent discovery approaches. Three miRNAs, miR-21-5p (miR-21), miR-320a and miR-186-5p, were selected by both methods. In the training cohort, only miR-21, miR-320d and miR-423 could significantly distinguish (Q < 0.05) between the HCC and chronic liver disease control groups. In the multivariate setting, miR-21 with PIVKA-II was selected as the best combination, resulting in an area under the curve of 0.87 for diagnosis and area under the curve of 0.74 for early diagnosis of HCC. In the validation cohort, only miR-21 and miR-423 could be confirmed as potential HCC biomarkers. A combination of miRNAs did not perform better than any single miRNA. Improvement of PIVKA-II performance through combination with miRNAs could not be confirmed in the validation panel. Two putative miRs, put-miR-6 and put-miR-99, were tested in the training and validation panels, but their expression could only be detected in very few samples and at a low level (cycle threshold between 31.24 and 34.97).

CONCLUSION

miRNAs alone or as a signature in combination with protein biomarkers AFP and PIVKA-II do not improve the diagnostic performance of the protein biomarkers.

MicroRNA-4735-3p Facilitates Ferroptosis in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma by Targeting SLC40A1

Objective. Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the major histopathological subtype of renal cancer, and ferroptosis is implicated in the pathogenesis of ccRCC. The present study was aimed at investigating the role and underlying mechanisms of microRNA-4735-3p (miR-4735-3p) in ccRCC. Methods. Human ccRCC cell lines were transfected with the miR-4735-3p mimic or inhibitor to manipulate the expression of miR-4735-3p. Cell proliferation, colony formation, cell migration, cell invasion, cell death, oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and iron metabolism were determined. To validate the necessity of solute carrier family 40 member 1 (SLC40A1), human ccRCC cell lines were overexpressed with SLC40A1 using adenoviral vectors. Results. miR-4735-3p expression was reduced in human ccRCC tissues and cell lines but elevated upon ferroptotic stimulation. The miR-4735-3p mimic increased, while the miR-4735-3p inhibitor decreased oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, iron overload, and ferroptosis of human ccRCC cell lines. Mechanistic studies identified SLC40A1 as a direct target of miR-4735-3p, and SLC40A1 overexpression significantly attenuated iron overload and ferroptosis in the miR-4735-3p mimic-treated human ccRCC cell lines. Conclusion. miR-4735-3p facilitates ferroptosis and tumor suppression in ccRCC by targeting SLC40A1.

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) in prostate cancer: A dual function mediator?

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) is a member of a family of secreted cytokines with vital biological functions in cells. The abnormal expression of TGF-β signaling is a common finding in pathological conditions, particularly cancer. Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the leading causes of death among men. Several genetic and epigenetic alterations can result in PCa development, and govern its progression. The present review attempts to shed some light on the role of TGF-β signaling in PCa. TGF-β signaling can either stimulate or inhibit proliferation and viability of PCa cells, depending on the context. The metastasis of PCa cells is increased by TGF-β signaling via induction of EMT and MMPs. Furthermore, TGF-β signaling can induce drug resistance of PCa cells, and can lead to immune evasion via reducing the anti-tumor activity of cytotoxic T cells and stimulating regulatory T cells. Upstream mediators such as microRNAs and lncRNAs, can regulate TGF-β signaling in PCa. Furthermore, some pharmacological compounds such as thymoquinone and valproic acid can suppress TGF-β signaling for PCa therapy. TGF-β over-expression is associated with poor prognosis in PCa patients. Furthermore, TGF-β up-regulation before prostatectomy is associated with recurrence of PCa. Overall, current review discusses role of TGF-β signaling in proliferation, metastasis and therapy response of PCa cells and in order to improve knowledge towards its regulation, upstream mediators of TGF-β such as non-coding RNAs are described. Finally, TGF-β regulation and its clinical application are discussed.

Circ_FURIN knockdown assuages Testosterone-induced human ovarian granulosa-like tumor cell disorders by sponging miR-423-5p to reduce MTM1 expression in polycystic ovary syndrome

BACKGROUND

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder among reproductive-age women. The mechanism by which circular RNA (circRNA) drives PCOS development remains unclear. Thus, the study is designed to explore the role of a novel circRNA, circ_FURIN, in the PCOS cell model and the underlying mechanism.

METHODS

PCOS cell model was established by treating human ovarian granulosa-like tumor cells (KGN) with Testosterone (TTR). RNA expressions of circ_FURIN, microRNA-423-5p (miR-423-5p) and myotubularin 1 (MTM1) were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Protein expression was checked by Western blot. Cell proliferation was investigated by a 5-Ethynyl-29-deoxyuridine assay, 3-(4,5-Dimethylthazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and flow cytometry analysis for cell cycle. Apoptotic cells were quantified by flow cytometry analysis for cell apoptosis. The interplay between miR-423-5p and circ_FURIN or MTM1 was identified by dual-luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assays.

RESULTS

Circ_FURIN and MTM1 expressions were significantly upregulated, whereas miR-423-5p was downregulated in the ovarian cortex tissues of PCOS patients and TTR-treated KGN cells compared with controls. Circ_FURIN depletion relieved TTR-induced proliferation inhibition and apoptosis promotion. Besides, knockdown of miR-423-5p, a target miRNA of circ_FURIN, rescued circ_FURIN knockdown-mediated effects under TTR treatment. MiR-423-5p remitted TTR-induced cell disorders by binding to MTM1. Moreover, circ_FURIN modulated MTM1 expression through miR-423-5p.

CONCLUSION

Circ_FURIN silencing protected against TTR-induced dysfunction by the miR-423-5p/MTM1 pathway in human ovarian granulosa-like tumor cells.

The LOXL1 antisense RNA 1 (LOXL1-AS1)/microRNA-423-5p (miR-423-5p)/ectodermal-neural cortex 1 (ENC1) axis promotes cervical cancer through the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway

As the fourth commonest malignancy among females worldwide, cervical cancer (CC) poses a huge challenge to human health. The pivotal regulatory roles of lncRNAs in cancers have been highlighted. LOXL1 antisense RNA 1 (LOXL1-AS1) has been reported to play a key role in cervical squamous cell carcinoma and other various cancers. Thus, we investigated the roles and mechanisms of lncRNA LOXL1-AS1 in CC. The in vivo experiments demonstrated that LOXL1-AS1 downregulation inhibited tumor growth and metastasis and proliferation of CC cells. The results of RT-qPCR demonstrated that LOXL1-AS1 and ectodermal-neural cortex 1 (ENC1) expression levels were upregulated in CC cells and tissues, while microRNA-423-5p (miR-423-5p) level was downregulated. As subcellular fractionation assays, RNA pull down assays and luciferase reporter assays revealed, LOXL1-AS1 bound to miR-423-5p and miR-423-5p targeted ENC1. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays, wound healing and colony formation assays demonstrated that miR-423-5p upregulation and LOXL1-AS1 downregulation inhibited CC cell proliferation and migration, while ENC1 upregulation attenuated the inhibitory effects of miR-423-5p upregulation on the malignant phenotypes of CC cells. Western blotting was conducted to measure protein levels and the results showed that ENC1 knockdown inhibited the activation of ERK/MEK pathway. In summary, the LOXL1-AS1/miR-423-5p/ENC1 axis accelerates CC development through the MEK/ERK pathway.

The Role of MiRNA in Cancer: Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Cancer is also determined by the alterations of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. These gene expressions can be regulated by microRNAs (miRNA). At this point, researchers focus on addressing two main questions: "How are oncogenes and/or tumor suppressor genes regulated by miRNAs?" and "Which other mechanisms in cancer cells are regulated by miRNAs?" In this work we focus on gathering the publications answering these questions. The expression of miRNAs is affected by amplification, deletion or mutation. These processes are controlled by oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, which regulate different mechanisms of cancer initiation and progression including cell proliferation, cell growth, apoptosis, DNA repair, invasion, angiogenesis, metastasis, drug resistance, metabolic regulation, and immune response regulation in cancer cells. In addition, profiling of miRNA is an important step in developing a new therapeutic approach for cancer.

Clinical relevance of miR-423-5p levels in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine changes in miRNAs expression profile of COPD patients.

METHODS

Thirty-six COPD patients as well as thirty-three healthy volunteers were recruited. Total RNAs were collected from the plasma of each participant. The differentially expressed miRNAs in COPD were screened from the GEO database. RT-qPCR was carried out to detect miRNA expression.

RESULTS

In total, 9 out of 55 miRNAs were expressed differentially in COPD patients. Confirmed by RT-qPCR validation, 6 miRNAs increased while 3 miRNAs decreased. Further analysis of miR-423-5p, which has not been reported in COPD, showed that AUC for the diagnosis of COPD was 0.9651, and miR-423-5p levels was inversely correlated with the duration of smoking.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrates that miR-423-5p is a potential marker for identifying COPD patients.

Genetic Variation in MicroRNA-423 Promotes Proliferation, Migration, Invasion, and Chemoresistance in Breast Cancer Cells

MicroRNA-423 (miR-423) is highly expressed in breast cancer (BC). Previously, our group showed that the SNP rs6505162:C>A located in the pre-miR-423 was significantly associated with increased familial BC risk in patients with a strong family history of BC. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the functional role of rs6505162 in mammary tumorigenesis in vitro to corroborate the association of this SNP with BC risk. We found that rs6505162:C>A upregulated expression of both mature miR-423 sequences (3p and 5p). Moreover, pre-miR-423-A enhanced proliferation, and promoted cisplatin resistance in BC cell lines. We also showed that pre-miR-423-A expression decreased cisplatin-induced apoptosis, and increased BC cell migration and invasion. We propose that the rs6505162-A allele promotes miR-423 overexpression, and that the rs6505162-A allele induces BC cell proliferation, viability, chemoresistance, migration, and invasion, and decreases cell apoptosis as a consequence. We suggest that rs6505162:C>A is a functional SNP site with potential utility as a marker for early diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment efficacy monitoring in BRCA1/2-negative BC patients, as well as a possible therapeutic target.

GRIM-19 inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in a p53-dependent manner in colorectal cancer cells through the SIRT7/PCAF/MDM2 axis

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the leading deadly cancer worldwide. Gene associated with retinoid-IFN-induced mortality-19 (GRIM-19), a novel tumor suppressor, has been reported to be expressed at low levels in human CRC. However, the role of GRIM-19 in CRC progression and the corresponding detailed mechanisms are unclear. The results of this study indicated that GRIM-19 expression is related to CRC progression. Overexpression of GRIM-19 was found to inhibit CRC cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Our results demonstrated that GRIM-19 suppresses CRC through posttranslational regulation of p53, in which SIRT7 is activated by GRIM-19 and triggers PCAF-mediated MDM2 ubiquitination, eventually stabilizing the p53 protein. We also observed that GRIM-19 enhances the effect of oxaliplatin against CRC. In conclusion, GRIM-19 plays an important role in CRC development and is a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for clinical treatment of CRC.

Elevated linc00936 or silenced microRNA-425-3p inhibits immune escape of gastric cancer cells via elevation of ZC3H12A

OBJECTIVE

Gastric cancer (GC) is a malignant tumor originated from gastric mucosa. Without effective therapy, this study was to investigate the mechanism of long intergenic noncoding RNA 00936 (linc00936)/microRNA-425-3p (miR-425-3p)/monocyte chemotactic protein-induced protein 1 (ZC3H12A) axis mediating immune escape of GC cells.

METHODS

Peripheral blood samples, GC tissues and adjacent tissues were collected. The levels of CD3⁺, CD4⁺, and CD8⁺ in peripheral blood were detected. The expression levels of linc00936, miR-425-3p and ZC3H12A in GC tissues and cells were detected. The correlation between the expression of linc00936 in the tissues and the levels of CD3⁺, CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ in the peripheral blood of GC patients was analyzed. Cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells were induced, and co-incubated with GC cells. BGC-823 and MKN-45 cells were screened and transfected with linc00936- or miR-425-3p-related oligonucleotides to figure out their roles in immune escape, migration, apoptosis and the cytotoxicity of CIK cells in GC cells.

RESULTS

Elevated miR-425-3p and reduced linc00936, and ZC3H12A expression levels were found in GC tissues and cells. Linc00936 expression was positively correlated with CD3⁺ and CD4⁺, and negatively correlated with CD8⁺ in peripheral blood of patients with GC. Up-regulating linc00936 or down-regulating miR-425-3p inhibited immune escape, migration, promoted apoptosis of GC cells, as well induced CIK cell cytotoxicity to GC cells. Down-regulated linc00936 or elevated miR-425-3p facilitated immune escape, migration, depressed apoptosis of GC cells, and reduced the cytotoxicity of CIK cells to GC cells.

CONCLUSION

The study concludes that up-regulated linc00936 or silenced miR-425-3p inhibits immune escape of GC cells via elevation of ZC3H12A.

Urinary Exosomal MicroRNAs as Potential Non-invasive Biomarkers in Breast Cancer Detection

INTRODUCTION

Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequent malignant disease in women worldwide and is therefore challenging for the healthcare system. Early BC detection remains a leading factor that improves overall outcome and disease management. Aside from established screening procedures, there is a constant demand for additional BC detection methods. Routine BC screening via non-invasive liquid biopsy biomarkers is one auspicious approach to either complete or even replace the current state-of-the-art diagnostics. The study explores the diagnostic potential of urinary exosomal microRNAs with specific BC biomarker characteristics to initiate the potential prospective application of non-invasive BC screening as routine practice.

METHODS

Based on a case-control study (69 BC vs. 40 healthy controls), expression level quantification and subsequent biostatistical computation of 13 urine-derived microRNAs were performed to evaluate their diagnostic relevance in BC.

RESULTS

Multilateral statistical assessment determined and repeatedly confirmed a specific panel of four urinary microRNA types (miR-424, miR-423, miR-660, and let7-i) as a highly specific combinatory biomarker tool discriminating BC patients from healthy controls, with 98.6% sensitivity and 100% specificity.

DISCUSSION

Urine-based BC diagnosis may be achieved through the analysis of distinct microRNA panels with proven biomarker abilities. Subject to further validation, the implementation of urinary BC detection in routine screening offers a promising non-invasive alternative in women's healthcare.

lncRNA FOXP4‑AS1 predicts poor prognosis and accelerates the progression of mantle cell lymphoma through the miR‑423‑5p/NACC1 pathway

Long non‑coding RNA (lncRNA) forkhead box P4 antisense RNA 1 (FOXP4‑AS1) has been determined to function as an oncogene in various types of cancer. However, the biological function and the underlying mechanisms of FOXP4‑AS1 in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) remain to be uncovered. The expression and the associated clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic significance of FOXP4‑AS1 were explored in MCL clinical samples. The effects of FOXP4‑AS1 on MCL cellular behaviors, including proliferation, migration and invasion were analyzed using CCK‑8, crystal violet and Transwell assays. The downstream molecules of FOXP4‑AS1 were explored using bioinformatics analysis and dual luciferase assay. Our results showed that FOXP4‑AS1 expression was upregulated in MCL patients, and that the high expression of FOXP4‑AS1 was correlated with the unfavorable prognosis of patients. Functionally, while FOXP4‑AS1 downregulation inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion of MCL cells, FOXP4‑AS1 overexpression had promotive effects on these cellular processes. Mechanistically, FOXP4‑AS1 was found to act as a competing endogenous (ce)RNA for miR‑423‑5p to regulate the expression of nucleus accumbens‑associated 1 (NACC1). The negative regulation of FOXP4‑AS1 on miR‑423‑5p compared to that of miR‑423‑5p on NACC1 was determined at the mRNA or protein levels in MCL cells. Moreover, an inverse expression correlation between FOXP4‑AS1 and miR‑423‑5p, and that between miR‑423‑5p and NACC1 was confirmed in MCL clinical samples. In addition, rescue assay showed that miR‑423‑5p upregulation or NACC1 knockdown abolished the promoting effects of FOXP4‑AS1 on MCL cell proliferation, migration and invasion. In conclusion, FOXP4‑AS1 promotes MCL progression through the upregulation of NACC1 expression by inhibiting miR‑423‑5p. FOXP4‑AS1 may serve as a novel therapeutic target for patients with MCL.

Downregulation of miR-423-5p Contributes to the Radioresistance in Colorectal Cancer Cells

Resistance to radiotherapy is the main reason causing treatment failure in locally advanced rectal cancer. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been well demonstrated to regulate cancer development and progression. However, how miRNAs regulate radiotherapy resistance in colorectal cancer remains unknown. Herein, we established two human colorectal cancer cell lines resistant to radiotherapy, named HCT116-R and RKO-R, using the strategy of fractionated irradiation. The radioresistant phenotypical changes of the two cell lines were validated by cell viability assay, colony formation assay and apoptosis assay. The miRNA expression profilings of HCT116-R and RKO-R were determined using RNA-seq analyses, and further confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR. Multiple miRNAs, including miR-423-5p, miR-7-5p, miR-522-3p, miR-3184-3p, and miR-3529-3p, were identified with altered expression in both of the radiotherapy-resistant cells, compared to the parental cells. The downregulation of miR-423-5p was further validated in the rectal cancer tissues from radiotherapy-resistant patients. Silencing of miR-423-5p in parental HCT116 and RKO cells decreased the sensitivity to radiation treatment, and inhibited the radiation-induced apoptosis. In consistence, overexpression of miR-423-5p in HCT116-R and RKO-R cells partially rescued their sensitivity to radiotherapy, and promoted the radiation-induced apoptosis. Bcl-xL (Bcl-2-like protein 1) was predicted to be a potential target gene for miR-423-5p, and miR-423-5p/Bcl-xL axis could be a critical mediator of radiosensitivity in colorectal cancer cells. The current finding not only revealed a novel role of miR-423-5p in regulating the radiosensitivity in colorectal cancer, but also suggested miR-423-5p as a molecular candidate for combination therapy with radiation to treat colorectal cancer.

Functional mechanism and clinical implications of MicroRNA-423 in human cancers

MicroRNAs play a vital role in the regulatory mechanisms of tumorigenesis. Current research indicates that microRNA-423 (miR-423) is abnormally expressed in various human tumors and participates in multiple signaling pathways of cancer progression. In most studies, miR-423 was confirmed as oncomiR, while a few contradictory reports considered miR-423 as an anticancer miRNA. The paradoxical role in cancer may hinder the application of miR-423 as a diagnostic and therapeutic target. Simultaneously, the interaction mechanism between miR-423 and lncRNA also needs attention. In this review, we have summarized the dual role of aberrant miR-423 expression and its mechanisms in tumorigenesis, and the therapeutic potential of miR-423 in human tumors.

Cancer-associated fibroblast-secreted exosomal miR-423-5p promotes chemotherapy resistance in prostate cancer by targeting GREM2 through the TGF-β signaling pathway

Therapeutic failure in prostate cancer (PC) is believed to result from its unusually invasive and metastatic nature. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are essential in the tumor microenvironment. We intended to study the role of CAF-derived exosomes in the context of PC and the potential regulatory mechanism associated with miR-423-5p and GREM2. CAF-derived exosomes decreased the chemosensitivity of parental PC cells and enhanced the drug resistance of drug-resistant cells. PC-associated fibroblast-derived exosomes carrying miR-423-5p increased the resistance of PC to taxane by inhibiting GREM2 through the TGF-β pathway. Inhibition of the TGF-β pathway partially reversed the increased drug resistance in PC cells induced by CAF-derived exosomes. Inhibition of miR-423-5p enhanced the drug sensitivity of PC cells in vivo. We showed that CAF-secreted exosomal miR-423-5p promoted chemotherapy resistance in PC by targeting GREM2 through the TGF-β pathway. This study may allow the development of novel approaches for PC.

MicroRNA-423-5p as a biomarker for early diagnosis and outcome prediction of acute kidney injury in patients with acute decompensated heart failure

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical significance of serum and urinary microRNA-423-5p in the prediction of acute kidney injury onset and survival in patients with acute decompensated heart failure.

METHODS

A total of 180 acute decompensated heart failure patients, including 57 acute kidney injury cases and 123 non-acute kidney injury cases, were included in this study. Serum and urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, a biomarker of renal injury of acute kidney injury, was detected using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Expression of microRNA-423-5p in serum and urine samples was examined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The clinical significance of microRNA-423-5p was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.

RESULTS

The levels of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and microRNA-423-5p in serum and urine samples were elevated in patients with acute kidney injury compared with the non-acute kidney injury cases (all P < 0.05). Serum and urinary microRNA-423-5p had relatively high predictive performance for acute kidney injury onset in acute decompensated heart failure patients, and this predictive value was more significant when combined with urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin. In addition, serum and urinary elevated levels of microRNA-423-5p predicted a poor 180-day survival in the acute kidney injury group.

CONCLUSION

Increased serum and urinary microRNA-423-5p can predict the occurrence of acute kidney injury in acute decompensated heart failure patients, and is associated with poor survival of acute kidney injury patients. In addition, the diagnostic value of urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin for the early screening of acute kidney injury from acute decompensated heart failure patients might be improved by considering the changes in urinary microRNA-423-5p.

Interaction of M2 macrophages and endometrial cells induces downregulation of GRIM-19 in endometria of adenomyosis

RESEARCH QUESTION

Does the aggregation of M2 macrophages affect the expression of gene associated with retinoid-interferon-induced mortality 19 (GRIM-19) in adenomyosis?

DESIGN

Endometrial tissues were collected from patients with (n = 15) and without (n = 15) adenomyosis. Tissues were analysed for GRIM-19 and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Apoptosis was analysed by TdT (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase)-mediated dUDP nick-end labelling (TUNEL) assay. Human endometrial stromal cells (HESC) were transfected with GRIM-19 small interfering RNA (SiRNA) to knockdown GRIM-19 expression. The HESC were co-cultured with M2 macrophages to detect the influence of M2 macrophages in HESC cells. Analyses included GRIM-19, caspase-3 and TLR4 expression by western blotting, and GRIM-19 and TLR4 by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry and TUNEL assay. Cell proliferation (Cell Counting Kit-8 assay) and migration assays were carried out.

RESULTS

The expression of GRIM-19 was significantly lower in adenomyosis lesions compared with controls (P < 0.001). Deficiency of GRIM-19 induced by siRNA decreased apoptosis and increased proliferation and migration in HESC. A significant decrease in GRIM-19 expression occurred in HESC after co-culture with M2 macrophages (P = 0.018). After co-culture with M2 macrophage, apoptosis decreased and proliferation and cell invasion in HESC increased. Protein (P = 0.006) and mRNA (P = 0.013) expression of TLR4 in HESC also reduced after this co-culture. Up-regulation of GRIM-19 occurred in HESC treated with the activator TLR4 (P = 0.016). Up-regulation of GRIM-19 was significantly reversed in cells treated with the TLR4 inhibitor (P = 0.011).

CONCLUSION

M2 macrophages may be involved in regulating the expression of GRIM-19 partly through the TLR4 signalling axis in adenomyosis.

Role of microRNAs in the development, prognosis and therapeutic response of patients with prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in males in several regions. One of the major challenges in diagnosis and treatment of this cancer is how to identify men who harbor an increased risk of having clinically significant prostate cancer and how to assess response to therapy. Biomarkers, like microRNAs (miRNAs) are one of the new diagnostic/therapeutic tools for clinicians. Finding men at high risk of significant cancer is essential as they will mostly benefit from earlier diagnosis and treatment. At the same time, it is important to reduce the number of unnecessary invasive biopsies in men without (clinically significant) cancer and miRNAs have especial application in this regard. MiRNAs can regulate expression of several genes. Up to 30 percent of protein coding genes are regulated by miRNAs. Based on this critical regulatory role, miRNAs impact cell differentiation, growth and apoptosis. Several studies have reported aberrant expression of miRNAs in different cancers including prostate cancer. miRNAs are regarded as biomarkers in this kind of cancer. Moreover, expression profiles of miRNAs can predict therapeutic response to a number of drugs such docetaxel and some natural agents such as isoflavone. Functional studies have shown that miRNAs regulate a number of critical targets such as Wnt/β-catenin, PI3K/AKT, cyclin dependent kinases, VEGF and JAK/ STAT. Therefore, several aspects of prostate cancer development are influenced by miRNAs. Finally, circulating miRNAs are promising tools for assessment of prostate cancer course and prognosis. In the current review, we summarize the results of studies which reported abnormal expression of miRNAs in prostate cancer and their role as biomarkers or therapeutic targets.

miR-423 Promotes Breast Cancer Invasion by Activating NF-κB Signaling

Objective

Breast cancer has become the most common malignancy among women worldwide; therefore, novel diagnostic and prognostic markers and therapeutic targets are urgently required. NF-κB signaling plays a pivotal role in enhancing breast cancer malignant phenotypes, especially cancer invasion and metastasis, which is the main cause of death in cancer patients. TNIP2, an important inhibitor of the NF-κB pathway, is known to involve a negative feedback loop of the NF-κB signaling cascade and to regulate tumor aggressiveness in various cancer types. However, the mRNA level of TNIP2 is barely altered in breast cancer; thus, the mechanism that regulates TNIP2 in breast cancer still needs to be elucidated.

Methods

We analyzed the expression and prognosis of miR-423 in a TCGA BRCA miRNA cohort and in clinical specimens. We detected the invasive capacity through a Matrigel-coated Transwell penetration assay, a three-dimensional (3D) spheroid invasion assay and a wound healing assay. Then, we applied luciferase assays, real-time PCR assays and Western blotting to further study the mechanism.

Results

In this study, analysis of the TCGA BRCA miRNA cohort and clinical specimens demonstrated that miR-423 was upregulated in human breast cancers and was positively correlated with clinical stage, poor overall survival and metastasis classification. Moreover, the invasiveness of breast cancer cells was enhanced by ectopic expression of miR-423 and inhibited by miR-423 downregulation. Mechanistically, upregulation of miR-423 led to activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway and elevated expression of snail and twist, while repression of miR-423 inhibited this pathway. Furthermore, the results indicated that TNIP2 is a target gene of miR-423, and suppression of TNIP2 resulted in increased invasiveness in miR-423-silenced cells.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that miR-423 is a crucial factor that enhances breast cancer cell invasion through the NF-κB signaling pathway and shed light on miR-423 as a promising prognostic and therapeutic marker for metastatic breast cancer.

Expressions and clinical significances of STAT3 and Grim19 in epithelial ovarian cancer

This study aimed to explore the expressions of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and a gene associated with retinoid-interferon induced mortality (Grim19) in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), and to determine their correlations with tumor progression and metastasis as well as the related mechanism. Ovarian tissue specimens resected through operation in our hospital were collected, and the correlations of Grim19 and STAT3 expressions with clinicopathological indexes were detected via immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blotting. Their positions in cells were observed through immunofluorescence. IHC assay results showed that STAT3 had the lowest expression level in the normal ovary, followed by those in benign ovarian tumor and borderline ovarian tumor (BOT), but it had high expression in EOC; The expression level of Grim19 was the lowest in EOC, followed by those in BOT and benign ovarian tumor successively, while it was highly expressed in the normal ovary; The expressions of STAT3 and Grim19 presented negative correlations in all kinds of ovarian tissues (p < 0.05). The expression level of STAT3 in EOC had no obvious correlations with FIGO staging or WHO classification (p > 0.05). The expression level of Grim19 in EOC in stage FIGO III-IV was higher than that in stage FIGO I-II (p < 0.05), Grim19 expression was not obviously associated with WHO classification (p > 0.05). The expressions of Grim19 and STAT3 in lymphatic metastasis lesion had significantly positive correlations with the primary lesion (p < 0.05). The Western blotting assay results were identical with the IHC results. The immunofluorescence demonstrated that STAT3 and Grim19 were mainly localized in the cytoplasm and they were colocalized in mitochondria. In conclusion, STAT3 presents high expression in EOC tissues while Grim19 is expressed in EOC tissues at a low level, which may be related to its interaction with STAT3 as well as progression, metastasis and poor prognosis of ovarian cancer.

MicroRNA Targeting Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate Oxidases in Cancer

Significance: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production occurs primarily in the mitochondria as a by-product of cellular metabolism. ROS are also produced by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidases in response to growth factors and cytokines by normal physiological signaling pathways. NADPH oxidase, a member of NADPH oxidase (NOX) family, utilizes molecular oxygen (O₂) to generate ROS such as hydrogen peroxide and superoxide. Imbalance between ROS production and its elimination is known to be the major cause of various human diseases. NOX family proteins are exclusively involved in ROS production, which makes them attractive target(s) for the treatment of ROS-mediated diseases including cancer. Recent Advances: Molecules such as Keap1/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), N-methyl-d-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptors, nuclear factor-kappaB, KRAS, kallistatin, gene associated with retinoic-interferon-induced mortality-19, and deregulated metabolic pathways are involved in ROS production in association with NADPH oxidase. Critical Issues: Therapeutic strategies targeting NADPH oxidases in ROS-driven cancers are not very effective due to its complex regulatory circuit. Tumor suppressor microRNAs (miRNAs) viz. miR-34a, miR-137, miR-99a, and miR-21a-3p targeting NADPH oxidases are predominantly downregulated in ROS-driven cancers. miRNAs also regulate other cellular machineries such as Keap1/Nrf2 pathway and NMDA receptors involved in ROS production and consequently drug resistance. Here, we discuss the structure, function, and metabolic role of NADPH oxidase, NOX family protein-protein interaction, their association with other pathways, and NADPH oxidase alteration by miRNAs. Moreover, we also discuss and summarize studies on NADPH oxidase associated with various malignancies and their therapeutic implications. Future Directions: Targeting NADPH oxidases through miRNAs appears to be a promising strategy for the treatment of ROS-driven cancer.

Identification of recurrence marker associated with immune infiltration in prostate cancer with radical resection and build prognostic nomogram

BACKGROUND

Some historic breakthroughs have been made in immunotherapy of advanced cancer. However, there is still little research on immunotherapy in prostate cancer. We explored the relationship between immune cell infiltration and prostate cancer recurrence and tried to provide new ideas for the treatment of prostate cancer.

METHODS

Prostate cancer RNA-seq data and clinical information were downloaded from the TCGA database and GEO database. The infiltration of 24 immune cells in tissues was quantified by ssGSEA. Univariate Cox regression analysis was used to screen for immune cell types associated with tumor recurrence, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and LASSO were used to identify hub genes which regulate prognosis in patients through immune infiltration. Then, the nomogram was constructed based on the hub gene to predict the recurrence of prostate cancer, and the decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to compare the accuracy with the PSA and Gleason prediction models.

RESULT

Analysis showed that Th2 cells and Tcm related to prostate cancer recurrence after radical prostatectomy, and they are independent protective factors for recurrence. Through WGCNA and Lasso, we identified that NDUFA13, UQCR11, and USP34 involved in the infiltration of Th2 cells and Tcm in tumor tissues, and the expression of genes is related to the recurrence of patients. Based on the above findings, we constructed a clinical prediction model and mapped a nomogram, which has better sensitivity and specificity for prostate cancer recurrence prediction, and performed better in comparison with PSA and Gleason's predictions.

CONCLUSION

The immune cells Th2 cells and Tcm are associated with recurrence of PCa. Moreover, the genes NDUFA13, UQCR11, and USP34 may affect the recurrence of PCa by affecting the infiltration of Th2 cells and Tcm. Moreover, nomogram can make prediction effectively.

Long non-coding RNA LINC00968 reduces cell proliferation and migration and angiogenesis in breast cancer through up-regulation of PROX1 by reducing hsa-miR-423-5p

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is a common invasive malignancy in women with unclear etiology. A recent study suggested that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), LINC00968 had a tumor-promoting effect in cancer. However, the role of LINC00968 in BC remains unclear. Therefore, we conducted the present study to determine the effect of LINC00968 in BC and its underlying mechanism. Methods: The expression of LINC00968 and hsa-miR-423-5p in BC tissues and cells was determined using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. Dual luciferase reporter, RNA pull-down and RNA immunoprecipitation assays were used to determine the relationship among LINC00968, PROX1 and hsa-miR-423-5p. Gain- and loss-function approaches were utilized to examine the effects of LINC00968, PROX1 and hsa-miR-423-5p on cell proliferation, migration, tube formation in vitro; and tumor growth and angiogenesis in vivo. Results: LINC00968 expression reduced while hsa-miR-423-5p increased in BC tissues relative to adjacent normal tissues. Overexpression of LINC00968 was observed to inhibit BC cell proliferation, migration and tube formation abilities in vitro as well as tumor growth in vivo through inhibition of hsa-miR-423-5p. And hsa-miR-423-5p mediated BC cellular functions and tumor growth through down-regulating PROX1. LINC00968 was identified as a competing endogenous RNA to upregulate PROX1 by downregulating hsa-miR-423-5p. More importantly, it was found that LINC00968 increased PROX1 expression in vivo in a concentration-dependent manner. Conclusion: Taken together, this study suggests that LINC00968 inhibits the progression of BC through impeding hsa-miR-423-5p-mediated PROX1 inhibition. LINC00968 may be a potential therapeutic target for BC therapy that warrants further studies.