Expression of the lncRNA ZFAS1 in cervical cancer and its correlation with prognosis and chemosensitivity

Research Progress of Long Non-coding RNA-ZFAS1 in Malignant Tumors

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), although incapable of encoding proteins, play crucial roles in multiple layers of gene expression regulation, epigenetic modifications, and post-transcriptional regulation. Zinc finger antisense 1 (ZFAS1), a lncRNA located in the 20q13 region of the human genome, exhibits dual functions as an oncogene or tumor suppressor in various human malignancies. ZFAS1 plays a crucial role in cancer progression, metastasis, invasion, apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, and drug resistance through complex molecular mechanisms. Additionally, ZFAS1 has a long half-life of over 16 h, demonstrating exceptional stability, and making it a potential biomarker. This review integrates recent studies on the role and molecular mechanisms of ZFAS1 in malignancies and summarizes its clinical significance. By summarizing the role of ZFAS1 in cancer, we aim to highlight its potential as an anti-cancer biomarker and therapeutic target.

An update on the molecular mechanisms of ZFAS1 as a prognostic, diagnostic, or therapeutic biomarker in cancers

Zinc finger antisense 1 (ZFAS1), a newly discovered long noncoding RNA, is expressed in various tissues and organs and has been introduced an oncogenic gene in human malignancies. In various cancers, ZFAS1 regulates apoptosis, cell proliferation, the cell cycle, migration, translation, rRNA processing, and spliceosomal snRNP assembly; targets signaling cascades; and interacts with transcription factors via binding to key proteins and miRNAs, with conflicting findings on its effect on these processes. ZFAS1 is elevated in different types of cancer, like colorectal, colon, osteosarcoma, and gastric cancer. Considering the ZFAS1 expression pattern, it also has the potential to be a diagnostic or prognostic marker in various cancers. The current review discusses the mode of action of ZFAS1 in various human cancers and its regulation function related to chemoresistance comprehensively, as well as the potential role of ZFAS1 as an effective and noninvasive cancer-specific biomarker in tumor diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. We expected that the current review could fill the current scientific gaps in the ZFAS1-related cancer causative mechanisms and improve available biomarkers.

CircVIRMA enhances cell malignant behavior by governing the miR-452-5p/CREBRF pathway in cervical cancer

Our current study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of circVIRMA in cervical cancer (CC) progression. CircVIRMA, microRNA-452-5p (miR-452-5p) and CREB3 regulatory factor (CREBRF) mRNA levels were examined in CC via quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The protein level of CREBRF in CC was checked by Western blot. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation, 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining, cell cycle, flow cytometry and transwell assays were conducted to estimate the effects of circVIRMA on malignant phenotypes of CC tumors. Western blot was used to measure related marker protein levels. The interaction between miR-452-5p and circVIRMA or CREBRF was predicted by bioinformatics analysis and verified by dual-luciferase reporter and RNA Immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays. Xenograft assay was used to assess the effect of circVIRMA on tumor growth in vivo. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay was performed to detect Ki-67 expression in tissues of mice. CircVIRMA and CREBRF levels were upregulated, while miR-452-5p was downregulated in CC tissues and cells. CircVIRMA silencing restrained CC cell proliferation, migration and invasion whereas induced apoptosis in vitro. In addition circVIRMA knockdown markedly attenuated xenograft tumor growth in vivo. circVIRMA was an efficient molecular sponge for miR-452-5p, and negatively regulated miR-452-5p expression. circVIRMA regulated CREBRF expression to modulate CC progression via miR-452-5p. MiR-452-5p downregulation reversed the effects of circVIRMA knockdown on CC progression. MiR-452-5p directly targeted CREBRF, and CREBRF overexpression partly restored the impact of miR-452-5p mimics on CC progression. circVIRMA mediated CC progression via regulating miR-452-5p/CREBRF axis, providing a novel therapeutic target for CC treatment.

CREB3 facilitates Donafenib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma cells via the LSD1/CoREST/p65 axis by transcriptionally activating long noncoding RNA ZFAS1

OBJECTIVE

Drug resistance greatly limits the therapeutic effect of a drug. This study aimed to explore the role of long noncoding RNA ZFAS1 in Donafenib resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells.

METHODS

The expression of CREB3, ZFAS1, and p65 in HCC cell lines was measured by RT-qPCR and western blotting. After transfection with sh-ZFAS1, sh-CREB3, or sh-CREB3 + oe-p65 in Donafenib-resistent (DR) HCC cell lines, the transfection efficiency was evaluated by RT-qPCR and western blotting. The proliferation and IC50 to Donafenib of HCC cell lines was examined by MTT assay. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were examined by colony formation and flow cytometry assays. Then, the correlation amongst CREB3, ZFAS1, LSD1/CoREST, and p65 was analysed by ChIP, dual-luciferase reporter gene, and RIP assays.

RESULTS

ZFAS1, CREB3, and p65 were upregulated in HepG2-DR and Huh7-DR cells. Silencing of ZFAS1 or CREB3 enhanced the sensitivity of HCC cells to Donafenib, inhibited cell proliferation and IC50, and increased cell apoptosis, which were reversed by p65 overexpression. Mechanistically, CREB3 bound to ZFAS1 promoter to augment ZFAS1 transcriptional expression, and ZFAS1 recruited LSD1/CoREST to the p65 promoter region to decrease H3K4 methylation and elevate p65 transcriptional expression.

CONCLUSION

CREB3 overexpression contributed to Donafenib resistance in HCC cells by activating the ZFAS1/p65 axis.

Roles of lncRNA in the diagnosis and prognosis of triple-negative breast cancer

Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that seriously endangers women's lives. The prognosis of breast cancer patients differs among molecular types. Compared with other subtypes, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has been a research hotspot in recent years because of its high degree of malignancy, strong invasiveness, rapid progression, easy of recurrence, distant metastasis, poor prognosis, and high mortality. Many studies have found that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) plays an important role in the occurrence, proliferation, migration, recurrence, chemotherapy resistance, and other characteristics of TNBC. Some lncRNAs are expected to become biomarkers in the diagnosis and prognosis of TNBC, and even new targets for its treatment. Based on a PubMed literature search, this review summarizes the progress in research on lncRNAs in TNBC and discusses their roles in TNBC diagnosis, prognosis, and chemotherapy with the hope of providing help for future research.

Defining new biomarkers for overcoming therapeutical resistance in cervical cancer using lncRNA

Despite improvements in cervical cancer diagnosis and treatment, the prognosis for cervical cancer patients remains dismal due to the development of drug resistance, metastasis, and invasion resulting leading to treatment failure. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), a class of RNA transcripts have been reported in mediating carcinogenesis as well as drug, and radio-resistance in tumor cells. These lncRNAs regulate various cancer hallmarks and contribute to the development of therapeutic resistance. They regulates multiple signalling pathways, recruits polycomb group, function as miRNA sponge and scaffolds. Additionally, lncRNAs can act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors in cervical cancer. This comprehensive review outlines the biogenesis of lncRNA and its role in cancer development. It delves into the mechanisms through which various lncRNAs mediate chemoresistance and radioresistance in cervical cancer. By shedding into the light of mechanism, this review will also aids researchers in understanding lncRNAs as biomarkers and latest advancements in clinically targeting them with the help of Artificial Intelligence for overcoming chemoresistance and radioresistance, thereby improving cervical cancer treatment.

Long non-coding RNAs as critical regulators and novel targets in cervical cancer: current status and future perspectives

Cervical cancer is among the leading causes of cancer-associated mortality in women. In spite of vaccine availability, improved screening procedures, and chemoradiation therapy, cervical cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer in 23 countries and the leading cause of cancer deaths in 36 countries. There is, therefore, a need to come up with novel diagnostic and therapeutic targets. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a remarkable role in genome regulation and contribute significantly to several developmental and disease pathways. The deregulation of lncRNAs is often observed in cancer patients, where they are shown to affect multiple cellular processes, including cell cycle, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and invasion. Many lncRNAs are found to be involved in the pathogenesis as well as progression of cervical cancer and have shown potency to track metastatic events. This review provides an overview of lncRNA mediated regulation of cervical carcinogenesis and highlights their potential as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers as well as therapeutic targets for cervical cancer. In addition, it also discusses the challenges associated with the clinical implication of lncRNAs in cervical cancer.

The role of long noncoding RNAs in therapeutic resistance in cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is one of the common tumors and often causes cancer-related death in women. Chemotherapy is a common cancer therapy, which displays a pivotal clinical benefit for cancer patients. However, chemoresistance becomes a big obstacle for failure of treatment in cancer patients. Recently, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified to regulate drug resistance in human cancers, including cervical cancer. In this review, we describe the role of lncRNAs in regulation of chemotherapeutic resistance in cervical cancer. We also discuss the molecular mechanisms of lncRNA-mediated drug resistance in cervical cancer. Moreover, we describe that targeting lncRNAs could reverse drug resistance in cervical cancer. Therefore, lncRNAs could become effective therapeutic targets and chemotherapeutic sensitizers for cervical cancer patients.

Construction of prognostic signature of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma based on pyroptosis-related long non-coding RNAs

Background and objective

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common malignant tumor in the head and neck, and its morbidity and mortality are increasing year by year. Changes in key genes are thought to be closely related to the occurrence and development of OSCC. Pyroptosis is an inflammatory form of programmed cell death that has been implicated in malignancies and inflammatory diseases. Changes in the expression of long noncoding RNAs may also affect tumorigenesis and progression. In this study, our main objective was to evaluate the association between pyroptosis-related lncRNAs and prognosis in patients with OSCC.

Methods

The RNA-seq data and clinicopathological data of OSCC patients are from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. The pyroptosis gene set is obtained from Gene Set Enrichment Analysis database. Univariate COX, Lasso and multivariate COX regression analyses were used for the construction of risk prognostic models of OSCC, eight lncRNAs were incorporated into prognostic models. The Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test were used to evaluate the differences of overall survival between patients in high-risk and low-risk groups. The reliability of predictions across the dataset was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The immune signature score was calculated using the single-sample gene set enrichment analysis.

Results

Eight pyroptosis-related lncRNAs were used to construct prognostic signature of OSCC, including AC136475.2, AC024075.2, JPX, ZFAS1, TNFRSF10A-AS1, LINC00847, AC099850.3 and IER3-AS1. According to this prognostic signature, patients with OSCC were divided into high-risk and low-risk groups. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the survival rate of the high-risk group was significantly lower than the low-risk group. ROC area for risk score was 0.716, and ROC area of the 8 lncRNAs are all between 0.5 and 1, implied that these lncRNAs had high accuracy in predicting the prognosis of OSCC patients. Immune Infiltration findings suggested that these lncRNAs affected immune responses in the microenvironment of OSCC.

Conclusion

The prognostic signature based on pyroptosis-related lncRNAs potentially serves as an independent prognostic indicator for OSCC patients. And this signature facilitates research on targeted diagnosis and treatment of patients diagnosed with OSCC.

lncRNA ZFAS1 Promotes HMGCR mRNA Stabilization via Binding U2AF2 to Modulate Pancreatic Carcinoma Lipometabolism

Being one of the most lethal malignant tumors worldwide, pancreatic carcinoma (PC) shows strong invasiveness and high mortality. In tumorigenesis and progression, the role played by long-chain noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) cannot be ignored. This article mainly probes into the function of lncRNA ZFAS1 in PC. ZFAS1 expression in PC and normal counterparts retrieved from the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was analysed by GEPIA2. Its expression profile in clinical specimens and human PC cell strains was quantified using qRT-PCR. Measurements of BxPC-3 cell multiplication and invasiveness employed CCK-8, plate clone formation test, and Transwell chamber assay. ZFAS1's impact on lipid content in BxPC-3 cells was detected. RNA pulldown and RIP assays analyzed the interaction of ZFAS1 with U2AF2 and HMGCR in BxPC-3 cells. Finally, the impacts of U2AF2 and HMGCR on the biological behavior of BxPC-3 were observed. ZFAS1 was kept at a high level in PC tissues versus the normal counterparts. ZFAS1 gene knockout remarkably suppressed PC cell multiplication and invasiveness and decreased the contents of free fatty acids, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids. Mechanistically, ZFAS1 stabilized HMGCR mRNA through U2AF2, thus increasing HMGCR expression and promoting PC lipid accumulation. Meanwhile, reduced PC cell viability and invasiveness were observed after downregulating U2AF2 and HMGCR. As an oncogene of PC, ZFAS1 can modulate lipometabolism and stabilize HMGCR mRNA expression by binding with U2AF2 in PC, which is a candidate target for PC diagnosis and treatment.

The pathological risk score: A new deep learning-based signature for predicting survival in cervical cancer

PURPOSE

To develop and validate a deep learning-based pathological risk score (RS) with an aim of predicting patients' prognosis to investigate the potential association between the information within the whole slide image (WSI) and cervical cancer prognosis.

METHODS

A total of 251 patients with the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) Stage IA1-IIA2 cervical cancer who underwent surgery without any preoperative treatment were enrolled in this study. Both the clinical characteristics and WSI of each patient were collected. To construct a prognosis-associate RS, high-dimensional pathological features were extracted using a convolutional neural network with an autoencoder. With the score threshold selected by X-tile, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was applied to verify the prediction performance of RS in overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in both the training and testing datasets, as well as different clinical subgroups.

RESULTS

For the OS and DFS prediction in the testing cohort, RS showed a Harrell's concordance index of higher than 0.700, while the areas under the curve (AUC) achieved up to 0.800 in the same cohort. Furthermore, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated that RS was a potential prognostic factor, even in different datasets or subgroups. It could further distinguish the survival differences after clinicopathological risk stratification.

CONCLUSION

In the present study, we developed an effective signature in cervical cancer for prognosis prediction and patients' stratification in OS and DFS.

lncRNA DLG1-AS1 promotes cervical cancer cell gemcitabine resistance by regulating miR-16-5p/HDGF

AIM

To investigate the long non-coding RNA DLG1 Antisense RNA 1 (lncRNA DLG1-AS1) mechanism in cervical cancer cells with gemcitabine (GEM) resistance.

METHODS

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect DLG1-AS1, miR-16-5p, and hepatoma-derived growth factor (HDGF) expression in cervical cancer cells. The effects of DLG1-AS1 knockdown on cell viability, proliferation, and apoptosis were investigated in GEM-resistant cervical cancer cells. The binding of DLG1-AS1 with miR-16-5p and of miR-16-5p with HDGF was confirmed through dual-luciferase reporter assays. HDGF expression was detected through Western blotting. A xenograft model was established using stably transfected GEM-resistant cervical cancer cells to detect the role of DLG1-AS1 in tumorigenesis in vivo.

RESULTS

DLG1-AS1 expression was significantly elevated in HeLa/GEM and SiHa/GEM cells. DLG1-AS1 silencing significantly reduced the viability and proliferation of GEM-resistant cervical cancer cells. DLG1-AS1 also promoted GEM sensitivity in cervical cancer cells by inhibiting miR-16-5p. Moreover, the tumor volume in nude mice in the DLG1-AS1 knockdown group decreased after GEM treatment. In addition, DLG1-AS1 targeted miR-16-5p, and miR-16-5p targeted HDGF. The miR-16-5p inhibitor reversed the DLG1-AS1 knockdown effect in GEM-resistant cervical cancer cells.

CONCLUSION

Knockdown of DLG1-AS1 promoted GEM sensitivity in cervical cancer cells by regulating miR-16-5p/HDGF.

YY1-induced long non-coding RNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 8 promotes the tumorigenesis of melanoma via the microRNA-656-3p/SERPINE1 mRNA binding protein 1 axis

Long non-coding (lnc) RNA serves a vital role in the cellular processes of carcinoma. This study aimed to explore the accurate mechanism underlying lncRNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 8 (SNHG8) in melanoma. In this study, lncRNA SNHG8 expression were upregulated in melanoma tissues and cells, and lncRNA SNHG8 knockdown reduced melanoma cell viability, migration and invasion. Moreover, lncRNA SNHG8 expression could be induced by transcription factor YY1. In addition, we found that miR-656 could directly bind to lncRNA SNHG8 and SERPINE1 mRNA binding protein 1 (SERBP1). Rescue assays indicated that miR-656 overexpression inhibited the aforementioned cellular activities in melanoma cells, which were reversed by SERBP1 overexpression. In conclusion, this work elucidated that YY1-induced upregulation of lncRNA SNHG8 boosted the development of melanoma via the miR-656-3p/SERBP1 axis, providing a novel therapeutic strategy for melanoma treatment.

Long non-coding RNA ZFAS1 regulates cell proliferation and invasion in cervical cancer via the miR-190a-3p/KLF6 axis

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) ZFAS1 (zinc finger antisense 1) was demonstrated to play critical roles in various cancer progression. However, the functions of ZFAS in cervical cancers (CC) are unclear. Human CC cell lines were used for in vitro experiments. RT-qPCR (Real Time Quantitative PCR) was performed to detect the expression of ZFAS1, microRNA-190a-3p (miR-190a-3p) and Kruppel-like factor 6 (KLF6). Cell proliferation, invasion and migration assays were used to investigate biological behaviors of CC cells related to CC progression. The relationship of KLF6 to ZFAS1 and miR-190a-3p was analyzed by circRIP and luciferase reporter assay. In addition, in vivo experiment was carried out to explore the function of ZFAS1 in tumor growth of CC. The expression levels of ZFAS1 and KLF6 were both significantly elevated, while the expression of miR-190a-3p was inhibited in CC tumor tissues. In addition, ZFAS1 influenced CC tumor growth through miR-190a-3p. KLF6 was a target of miR-190a-3p and inhibited miR-190a-3p-induced CC tumor growth. Furthermore, KLF6 was negatively regulated by miR-190a-3p, but positively regulated by ZFAS1. Overexpression of ZFAS1 and inhibition of miR-190a-3p significantly increased the expression levels of KLF6. Finally, in vitro assays demonstrated that inhibition of ZFAS1 reduced CC tumor growth and the expression levels of KLF6, but increased the expression levels of miR-190a-3p. ZFAS1 could regulate CC pathogenesis via regulating the miR-190a-3p/KLF6 axis, which might be considered as new CC therapeutic targets.

LncRNA ZFAS1 regulates the proliferation, oxidative stress, fibrosis, and inflammation of high glucose-induced human mesangial cells via the miR-588/ROCK1 axis

BACKGROUND

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a critical and the most common microvascular complication and its pathogenesis is still faintly understood. Thus, this study was performed to examine the long non-coding RNA ZNFX1 Antisense Gene Protein 1 (lncRNA ZFAS1) biological function and mechanism of regulation in DN.

METHOD

Human glomerular mesangial cells (HGMC) were induced with high glucose (HG, 25 mM) to establish HG-induced cell viability, pro-inflammation observed in DN. After, target miRNA and mRNA were predicted through Lncbase and Targetscan. Subsequently, the expression of ZFAS1, miR-588, and ROCK1 in DN clinical samples and cell-model was examined through qRT-PCR and western blot analysis. We upheld the targeted interaction between miR-588 and ZFAS1 or ROCK1 through a dual-luciferase reporter assay. The proliferation of the cell was also examined through CCK-8 assay, while the level of HG-induced oxidative stress was established by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, and also the activities of antioxidant enzymes in the cell. Lastly, the level of accumulated extracellular matrix (ECM) protein-fibronectin and collagen type IV, and inflammatory cytokines produced by the cell was analyzed through western blot analysis and ELISA.

RESULTS

ZFAS1 was significantly upregulated in the DN blood samples and HG-induced HGMC. Prediction result revealed that the ZFAS1 endogenously targets the miR-588 seed sequence while miR-588 plays a role in post-transcriptional regulation of ROCK1 mRNA. Moreover, we found that miR-588 expression was significantly downregulated in DN blood samples and negatively correlates with ZFAS1 expression. Further results show that silencing ZFAS1 had a protective effect on HG-induced proliferation, oxidative stress, fibrosis, and inflammation in HGMC while miR-588 inhibition and ROCK1 overexpression reversed this effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Altogether, our data suggest that ZFAS1 regulates the proliferation, oxidative stress, fibrosis, and inflammation of high glucose-induced diabetic nephropathy through the miR-588/ROCK1 axis.

MALAT1 Inhibits Proliferation of HPV16-Positive Cervical Cancer by Sponging miR-485-5p to Promote Expression of MAT2A

Cervical cancer is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in women throughout the world, human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) is the main type of HPV causing invasive cervical cancer. However, the underlying mechanism of the high carcinogenicity of HPV16 remains unclear. In the current study, we documented that metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1), a long noncoding RNA, is upregulated in HPV16-positive cervical cancer tissue and cell lines. The results of immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence showed that MALAT1 was mainly localized in the cytoplasm. To clarify the biological functions of MALAT1 in cervical cancer cells, we performed gain- and loss-of-function experiments to explore the underlying molecular mechanism. Functionally, the proliferation of cervical cancer was detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assay in MALAT1 overexpression or knockdown cells, our data showed that MALAT1 promotes the proliferation of cervical cancer cells. Mechanistically, our results suggested that MALAT1 upregulates Methionine adenosyltransferase 2A (MAT2A) by sponging miR-485-5p. Moreover, the gain-of-function assay validated the function of MAT2A in HPV16-positive cervical cancer proliferation. Taken together, our results demonstrated that MALAT1 acts as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to regulate MAT2A by sponging miR-485-5p in HPV16-positive cervical cancer, suggesting that MALAT1 may act as a potential therapeutic target for HPV16-positive cervical cancer.

PVT1 and ZFAS1 lncRNAs expressions and their biomarker value in gastric cancer tissue sampling among Iranian population

BACKGROUND

lncRNAs are modulatory factors with critical function in the tumorigenesis pathways, introducing them as promising therapeutic and diagnostic biomarkers for different cancers. This study is thus aimed to evaluate the differences in PVT1 and ZFAS1 gene expression in tumorous tissues as compared with adjacent healthy non-tumorous biopsies of gastric cancer cases.

METHODS

One hundred two pairs of tumorous and adjacent non-tumorous biopsies of GC cases were sampled. RNA isolation and cDNA production were carried out. The qRT-PCR was performed to evaluate the expression of PVT1 and ZFAS1 genes. Moreover, the associations between PVT1 or ZFAS1 and clinicopathological characteristics as well as the biomarker roles of the lncRNAs were assessed.

RESULTS

The PVT1 and ZFAS1 expressions showed a significant increase and decrease in GC samples as compared with non-cancerous tissues, respectively. PVT1 expression was significantly associated with and lymph-node involvement (p = 0.0007). Moreover, ZFAS1 expression demonstrated a significant association with lymph-node involvement (p = 0.0005), and tumor size >5 cm (p = 0.003). The findings of the ROC curve revealed that PVT1 and ZFAS1 may act as a possible biomarker with AUC of 0.71 and 0.79, specificity of 78.43% and 79.41%, and sensitivity of 55.88% and 64.71%.

CONCLUSIONS

Regarding upregulation of PVT1 and downregulation of ZFAS1 in human GC samples, these genes may respectively act as oncogenic and tumor-suppressive factors in GC cases. Furthermore, PVT1 and ZFAS1 can be considered as possible biomarkers for the detection and treatment of GC cases.

Identification and Experimental Validation of Immune-Associate lncRNAs for Predicting Prognosis in Cervical Cancer

Purpose

Cervical cancer (CC) is a major risk for health of modern women. Immune-related long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can also serve as prognostic markers of overall survival (OS) in patients with CC. This study aimed to identify an immune-related lncRNA signature for the prospective assessment of prognosis in CC patients.

Methods

We first calculated immune scores of CC patients in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Univariate Cox, Lasso Cox and multivariate Cox regression analyses were perfumed to establish an immune-relative lncRNA signature. In addition, we processed pathway enrichment analysis and immune infiltration analysis between patients with higher or lower risk. Finally, T-cell Chemotaxis assays were processed to verify the function of 2 key lncRNAs.

Results

Our results suggested that patients with higher immune scores had longer survival time and some lncRNAs expressed differentially between two groups. Eight lncRNAs (LINC02802, LINC01877, RBAKDN, LINC02480, WWC2-AS2, LINC01281, ZBTB20-AS1, IFNG-AS1) were identified as prognostic signatures for CC. The immune-related lncRNA signature was correlated with disease progression and worse prognosis. Immune infiltration analysis indicated that the expression of 8-lncRNA signatures were corrected with infiltration level of immune cell subtypes. In addition, T-cell Chemotaxis assay validated that 2 key lncRNAs (ZBTB20-AS1 and LINC01281) could significantly promote the migration ability of T cells to CC cells.

Conclusion

Our finding demonstrated the value of lncRNAs in evaluating the immune infiltrate of the tumor. The 8-lncRNA signature could predict the prognosis of CC and contribute to decisions regarding the immunotherapeutic strategy.

LncRNA ZFAS1: Role in tumorigenesis and other diseases

Residing on chromosome 20q13.13, Zinc Finger NFX1-Type Containing 1 (ZNFX1) antisense RNA 1 (ZFAS1) is a transcript which has been primarily recognized as a modulator of differentiation of alveolar and epithelial cell in the mammary gland. This long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) partakes in the molecular cascades leading to several non-neoplastic conditions such as osteoarthritis, epilepsy, rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, pulmonary fibrosis, myocardial infarction, and cardiac dysfunction. More importantly, ZFAS1 is considered as an oncogene in almost all types of cancers. Using expression amounts of ZFAS1, it is possible to forecast the clinical outcome of patients with different neoplasms such as colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, hepatoblastoma, and other types of cancer. We describe the role of ZFAS1 in the development of neoplastic and non-neoplastic disorders.

Up-Regulated LncRNA FEZF1-AS1 Promotes the Progression of Cervical Carcinoma Cells via MiR-367-3p/SLC12A5 Signal Axis

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer (CC) is a common female malignant tumor. With the trend of younger onset, people pay more and more attention to it. Numberless evidence has been indicated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can take part in progression of cancers and can exert the regulatory roles in assorted cancers. Nevertheless, the roles of FEZ family zinc finger 1-antisense RNA 1 (FEZF1-AS1) in CC cells are still undiscovered.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Thus, the central purpose of our research was to reveal the specific functions and molecular mechanisms of FEZF1-AS1 in CC cells.

METHODS

RT-qPCR was utilized to test FEZF1-AS1 expression in CC cells. In addition, functional assays were conducted to evaluate cell proliferation, apoptosis, and migration as well as invasion. In addition, mechanism experiments verified relationship among FEZF1-AS1, miR-367-3p and solute carrier family 12 member 5 (SLC12A5).

RESULTS

FEZF1-AS1 was highly expressed in CC cells. Moreover, FEZF1-AS1 depletion suppressed proliferation, migration, invasion, and induced cell apoptosis. Importantly, mechanism experiments confirmed that miR-367-3p could bissnd to FEZF1-AS1 and SLC12A5. The rescue assays determined that FEZF1-AS1 could up-regulate SLC12A5 through binding to miR-367-3p.

CONCLUSIONS

The up-regulated FEZF1-AS1 could accelerate the malignant behaviors of CC cells by miR-367-3p/SLC12A5 signal axis.

LncRNA LINC00858 enhances cervical cancer cell growth through miR-3064-5p/ VMA21 axis

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer (CC) is the most common form of gynecological malignancy. Long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 858 (LINC00858) has been identified to participate in multiple cancers. However, the role and mechanism of LINC00858 in CC cells are still elusive.

AIM

The aim of this study is to explore the biological functions and mechanisms of LINC00858 in CC cells.

METHODS

RT-qPCR analysis was used to examine the expression of LINC00858 in CC cells. EdU and colony formation assay were utilized to assess cell proliferation. TUNEL assay and flow cytometry assay were conducted to assess cell apoptosis. The mechanism regarding LINC00858 was certified through RNA pull down, RIP and luciferase reporter assays.

RESULTS

The up-regulated LINC00858 was detected in CC cells. Reduction of LINC00858 effectively subdued CC cells proliferation and stimulated cell apoptosis. LINC00858 was determined to bind with miR-3064-5p and up-regulate VMA21 in CC cells. In rescue assays, miR-3064-5p down-regulation and VMA21 up-regulation were able to counteract the effect caused by LINC00858 decrease on CC cell proliferation and apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

LINC00858 enhances cell proliferation, while restraining cell apoptosis in CC through targeting miR-3064-5p/VMA21 axis, implying that LINC00858 may serve as a promising therapeutic target for CC.

Long non-coding RNA ZFAS1 exerts a protective role to alleviate oxygen and glucose deprivation-mediated injury in ischemic stroke cell model through targeting miR-186-5p/MCL1 axis

In recent years, accumulating articles have revealed that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in ischemic stroke (IS). A previous study found that lncRNA zinc finger antisense 1 (ZFAS1) was down-regulated in IS patients compared with healthy controls. However, the precise function of ZFAS1 in IS and its associated mechanism remain unclear. Cell viability was assessed by cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) assay. Cell apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry. Western blot assay and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were conducted to measure protein and RNA expression. The interaction between microRNA-186-5p (miR-186-5p) and ZFAS1 or MCL1 apoptosis regulator, BCL2 family member (MCL1) was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay, RNA-pull down assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. IS cell model was established through exposing N2a cells to oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD). OGD exposure restrained the viability and induced the apoptosis of N2a cells. OGD exposure down-regulated the expression of ZFAS1 and up-regulated the level of miR-186-5p in a time-dependent manner. ZFAS1 overexpression alleviated OGD-mediated injury in IS cell model. MiR-186-5p was identified as a direct target of ZFAS1, and OGD-induced injury in IS cell model was attenuated by the silence of miR-186-5p. MiR-186-5p interacted with the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of MCL1 messenger RNA (mRNA). ZFAS1 positively regulated MCL1 mRNA expression by sequestering miR-186-5p in N2a cells. ZFAS1 overexpression-mediated protective effects in IS cell model were partly overturned by the overexpression of miR-186-5p. MCL1 silencing partly counteracted the protective effects mediated by miR-186-5p silencing in IS cell model. In conclusion, ZFAS1 overexpression exerted a protective role in IS cell model to attenuate OGD-induced injury through targeting miR-186-5p/MCL1 axis. ZFAS1/miR-186-5p/MCL1 signaling might be a novel diagnostic marker and promising treatment target for IS patients.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10616-021-00481-4.

Long non-coding RNAs in brain tumors: roles and potential as therapeutic targets

Brain tumors are associated with adverse outcomes despite improvements in radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and photodynamic therapy. However, treatment approaches are evolving, and new biological phenomena are being explored to identify the appropriate treatment of brain tumors. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), a type of non-coding RNA longer than 200 nucleotides, regulate gene expression at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and epigenetic levels and are involved in a variety of biological functions. Recent studies on lncRNAs have revealed their aberrant expression in various cancers, with distinct expression patterns associated with their instrumental roles in cancer. Abnormal expression of lncRNAs has also been identified in brain tumors. Here, we review the potential roles of lncRNAs and their biological functions in the context of brain tumors. We also summarize the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways related to lncRNAs that may guide clinical trials for brain tumor therapy.

Linc00887 suppresses tumorigenesis of cervical cancer through regulating the miR-454-3p/FRMD6-Hippo axis

BACKGROUND

Emerging evidence suggested that long intergenic noncoding RNA (lincRNA) 00887 (NR_024480) reduced the invasion and metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer by sponging miRNAs degradation. However, the role and regulatory mechanism of linc00887 in the progression of cervical cancer remain largely unknown.

METHODS

In vivo or vitro, RT-qPCR assay was used to detect the expression of linc00887 in human normal (N = 30), cervical cancer tissues (N = 30), human normal cervical epithelial cells (Ect1/E6E7) and cervical cancer cell lines (HeLa, C33A). Then, CCK-8 and Transwell assays were used to examine cell proliferation and invasion when linc00887 was overexpressed or knocked down. In addition, bioinformatics, luciferase reporter gene and pull-down assays were used to predict and validate the relationship between linc00887 and miR-454-3p. Moreover, we detected the expression of miR-454-3p in Ect1/E6E7, HeLa and C33A cells when linc00887 was overexpressed or knocked down. Cell proliferation and invasion were also measured when pcDNA-linc00887 and miR-454-3p were transfected alone or together. Next, miR-454-3p target gene was predicted and validated by bioinformatics and luciferase reporter gene assays. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments were performed in HeLa cells to evaluate the effect of miR-454-3p or linc00887 on the expression of FERM domain containing protein 6 (FRMD6) protein and several key proteins in the FRMD6-Hippo signaling pathway.

RESULTS

Linc00887 was downregulated in cervical cancer tissues or human cervical cancer cell lines (Hela, C33A) compared with normal tissues or cell lines. Overexpression of linc00887 inhibited proliferation and invasion HeLa and C33A cells, while linc00887 knockdown had the opposite effect. Linc00887 bound with miR-454-3p, and overexpression of miR-454-3p rescued linc00887-induced inhibition proliferation and invasion of HeLa cells. MiR-454-3p targeted and suppressed the expression of FRMD6, and linc00887 suppressed tumorigenesis of cervical cancer through activating the FRMD6-Hippo signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Linc00887, sponging miR-454-3p, inhibited the progression of cervical cancer by activating the FRMD6-Hippo signaling pathway.

Circ-CCDC66 upregulates REXO1 expression to aggravate cervical cancer progression via restraining miR-452-5p

Background

Cervical cancer is one most common cancer types among females over the world. While its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Circ-CCDC66 has been revealed to participate in multiple biological functions, and contribute to various diseases’ progression. In the current study, we aimed to demonstrate the role of circ-CCDC66 in cervical cancer progression.

Methods

Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was conducted to measure the expression of circ-CCDC66, miR-452-5p, and REXO1 mRNA. Cell fractionation assay and RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were performed to locate circ-CCDC66 in cells. Cell account kit 8 (CCK-8) was used to detect cell proliferation ability. Transwell assay was applied to evaluate cell migration or invasion ability. Bioinformatics analysis, biotinylated RNA pull-down, RNA immunoprecipitation, and dual-luciferase reporter assays were conducted to assess the association between miR-452 and circ-CCDC66 or REXO1. Western blot was applied to measure the protein expression of REXO1. The animal tumor model was used to assess the effect of circ-CCDC66 in vivo.

Results

The expression of circ-CCDC66 was upregulated in cervical cancer tumor tissues in comparison with normal tissues, and correlated with later tumor stage and larger tumor size. Downregulated circ-CCDC66 inhibited cervical cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Circ-CCDC66 was an efficient molecular sponge for miR-452-5p, and negatively regulated miR-452-5p expression. MiR-452-5p directly targeted to REXO1. Circ-CCDC66 regulated REXO1 expression to modulate cervical cancer progression via miR-452-5p. Moreover, downregulated circ-CCDC66 was found to suppress tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated the role of circ-CCDC66/miR-452-5p/REXO1 axis in cervical cancer progression, we might provide novel therapeutic targets for cervical cancer clinical intervention.

Chlamydia trachomatis Plasmid Protein pORF5 Up-Regulates ZFAS1 to Promote Host Cell Survival via MAPK/p38 Pathway

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been demonstrated to play essential roles in many diseases. However, few studies have shown that lncRNAs take part in the pathogenesis of Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis). Here, we used a lncRNA microarray to detect the global lncRNA expression profiles in HeLa cells transfected with pORF5 plasmid protein, an important virulence factor for C. trachomatis. The differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs screened by microarray were selected for validation by quantitative real-time PCR. The up-regulated lncRNA zinc finger antisense 1 (ZFAS1) was presumed to involved in MAPK pathways by bioinformatics analysis. Inhibition of ZFAS1 decreased the apoptotic rate of pORF5 and reduced the infectivity of C. trachomatis, and MAPK/p38 pathway was involved in anti-apoptotic effect induced by ZFAS1. Therefore, the present study confirmed that pORF5 up-regulates ZFAS1 to promote host cell survival via MAPK/p38 pathway and influences the infectivity of C. trachomatis.

Genomic landscape analyses in cervical carcinoma and consequences for treatment

Where we are on the road to 'tailor-made' precision medicine for drug-resistant cervical carcinoma? We explored studies about analyses of viral and human genomes, epigenomes and transcriptomes, DNA mutation analyses, their importance in detecting HPV sequences, mechanisms of drug resistance to established and targeted therapies with small molecule or therapeutic antibodies, to radiosensitivity and to chemoradiotherapy. The value of repurposing of old drugs initially approved for other disease indications and now considered for cervix cancer therapy is also discussed. The microbiome influences drug response and survival too. HPV genomic integration sites were less significant. Nomograms (Lee et al., 2013) even outperformed FIGO staging regarding prediction of five-year overall survival times. We conclude that there are still many loose threads to be followed up, before coherent conclusions for individualized therapy of drug-resistant cervical carcinoma can be drawn.

LncRNA ZFAS1, as a poor prognostic indicator, promotes cell proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in endometrial carcinoma

Background: Long noncoding RNA Zinc finger nuclear transcription factor, X-box binding 1-type containing 1 antisense RNA 1 (ZFAS1) has been reported to be an oncogene in various tumors. However, the role of ZFAS1 in endometrial carcinoma (EC) are not fully determined. Methods & results: Here, we found ZFAS1 expression was significantly upregulated in EC patients, which was significantly associated with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage, histological grade, myometrial invasion and poor prognosis. The loss-of-function assays showed that knockdown of ZFAS1 significantly suppressed the proliferation, G1/S transition, migration and invasion in EC cells. Moreover, knockdown of ZFAS1 obviously downregulated the expression of CDK4, Cyclin D1 and N-cadherin, but upregulated E-cadherin expression. Conclusion: Collectively, these results suggest that ZFAS1 might be used as potential therapeutic targets for EC treatment.

LINC01133 and LINC01243 are positively correlated with endometrial carcinoma pathogenesis

PURPOSE

To characterize the role of two long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), LINC01133 and LINC01243, in endometrial carcinoma (EC) pathogenesis. LINC01133 is an lncRNA that has been implicated in many cancers, and LINC01243 is a newly identified lncRNA identified from the NCBI GEO database.

METHODS

We studied the effect of LINC01133 and LINC01243 on EC malignancy using siRNA knockdown and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), flow cytometry, Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide double staining, Transwell, and scratch invasion assays in two EC cell lines (Ishikawa and HEC-1-A cells).

RESULTS

We first confirmed the partial knockdown of both LINC01133 and LINC01243 expression in Ishikawa and HEC-1-A cells using RT-qPCR. Following confirmation of lncRNA knockdown, we assessed the effect of knockdown on EC malignancy. We observed reduced EC cell proliferation using the CCK-8 assay, as well as cell cycle arrest and increased apoptosis in both EC cell lines. Furthermore, Transwell and scratch invasion assays revealed decreased migration and invasion of the two EC cell lines, respectively.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated that LINC01133 and LINC01243 expression are associated with EC development and progression. Our findings suggest a potential role for these lncRNAs as novel EC biomarkers.

ZFAS1 Promotes Cisplatin Resistance via Suppressing miR-421 Expression in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Purpose

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), with high incidence and mortality, represents one of the main reasons for head and neck malignant tumors. We want to investigate the effect of ZFAS1 on DDP resistance in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Methods

The proliferation and migration of cells was detected by CCK-8 and Transwell assay. The apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry and Western blot. The interaction of ZFAS1, miR-421, and MEIS2 was verified by luciferase reporter assay. The role of ZFAS1 in DDP resistance in vivo was tested by the nude mice model. The expression of ZFAS1 in exosomes from cisplatin-resistant patients was also determined.

Results

ZFAS1 overexpression improved OSCC cell growth and inhibited OSCC cell susceptibility to DDP. In addition, the silencing of ZFAS1 promoted DDP-induced apoptosis. ZFAS1 directly bound to miR-421, which was verified by luciferase reporter assay. Inhibition of miR-421 reversed the effect of si-ZFAS1, which promoted the cell viability and decreased the sensitivity of DDP in DDP-resistant cells. The in vivo experiment showed the role of ZFAS1 in increasing the DDP resistance in OSCC tumor. Importantly, this study also showed upregulated ZFAS1 in serum exosomes derived from cisplatin-resistant patients.

Conclusion

ZFAS1 promotes chemoresistance of oral squamous cell carcinoma to cisplatin and might become a latent therapeutic target for treating OSCC.

Recent advances in the contribution of noncoding RNAs to cisplatin resistance in cervical cancer

Cervical cancer (CC) remains a major disease burden on the female population worldwide. Chemotherapy with cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II); CDDP) and related drugs are the main treatment option for CC; however, their efficacy is limited by the development of drug resistance. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been found to play critical roles in numerous physiological and pathological cellular processes, including drug resistance of cancer cells. In this review, we describe some of the ncRNAs, including miRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs, that are involved in the sensitivity/resistance of CC to CDDP-based chemotherapy and discuss their mechanisms of action. We also describe some ncRNAs that could be therapeutic targets to improve the sensitivity of CC to CDDP-based chemotherapy.

LncRNA NNT-AS1 contributes to the cisplatin resistance of cervical cancer through NNT-AS1/miR-186/HMGB1 axis

Background

Cisplatin (DDP) is a major chemotherapeutic drug which was widely used for cervical cancer (CC) patients with advanced or recurrent although its limitation in the development of resistance. LncRNA nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase-antisense RNA1 (NNT-AS1) has been reported to be involved in the DDP resistance. However, the role of NNT-AS1 in DDP resistance in CC remain unknown.

Methods

The mRNA expression of NNT-AS1, microRNA-186 (miR-186) and HMGB1 was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Cell proliferation and apoptosis abilities were measured via MTT assay or flow cytometry, respectively. Western blot was used to measure the expression level of HMGB1, Bax, Bcl-2, Cleaved-caspase 3, N-cadherin, Vimentin and E-cadherin. Cell migration and invasion abilities were analyzed using Transwell assay. The interaction among NNT-AS1, miR-186 and HMGB1 was confirmed by luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull-down assay. Murine xenograft model was established using stably transfected SiHa/DDP cells.

Results

NNT-AS1 level was significantly elevated in CC tissues and cells, especially in DDP-resistant tumors and cell lines. Subsequently, loss-of function assays indicated that NNT-AS1 silence could attenuate DDP resistance by inhibiting proliferation, metastasis and EMT but inducing apoptosis in DDP-resistant CC cells. Besides that, knockdown of NNT-AS1 also antagonized DDP resistance in vivo. Bioinformatics predication revealed NNT-AS1 directly bound to miR-186 and HMGB1 was a target of miR-186. Additionally, NNT-AS1 could regulate HMGB1 expression via targeting miR-186. Furthermore, restoration experiments showed NNT-AS1 knockdown might improve DDP-sensitivity of CC cells via blocking HMGB1 expression by competitive interaction with miR-186.

Conclusion

NNT-AS1 improved chemoresistance of DDP-resistant CC cells via modulating miR-186/HMGB1 axis.

Long Noncoding RNA ZFPM2-AS1 Enhances the Malignancy of Cervical Cancer by Functioning as a Molecular Sponge of microRNA-511-3p and Consequently Increasing FGFR2 Expression

Purpose

A long noncoding RNA called ZFPM2 antisense RNA 1 (ZFPM2-AS1) has been verified as a key modulator in multiple human cancer types. Nonetheless, the expression and functions of ZFPM2-AS1 in cervical cancer remain poorly understood. Therefore, our purpose was to characterize the expression pattern, clinical value, and detailed roles of ZFPM2-AS1 in cervical cancer.

Methods

Reverse-transcription quantitative PCR was carried out to measure ZFPM2-AS1 expression in cervical cancer. A Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, flow cytometry, Transwell migration and invasion assays, and a tumor xenograft experiment were conducted to determine the influence of ZFPM2-AS1 on cervical cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion in vitro and on tumor growth in vivo, respectively.

Results

ZFPM2-AS1 was found to be aberrantly upregulated in cervical cancer, and its upregulation was associated with unfavorable values of clinical parameters. A ZFPM2-AS1 knockdown significantly reduced cervical cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and increased apoptosis in vitro. The ZFPM2-AS1 knockdown decelerated tumor growth of cervical cancer cells in vivo. Molecular investigation indicated that ZFPM2-AS1 acts as a molecular sponge of microRNA-511-3p (miR-511-3p) in cervical cancer cells. Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) mRNA was validated as a direct target of miR-511-3p in cervical cancer, and its expression was positively modulated by ZFPM2-AS1. The effects of the ZFPM2-AS1 knockdown on malignant characteristics of cervical cancer cells were greatly attenuated by miR-511-3p inhibition.

Conclusion

ZFPM2-AS1 promotes cervical cancer progression through upregulation of miR-511-3p–FGFR2 axis output, thereby pointing to possible diagnostics and therapeutics based on the ZFPM2-AS1–miR-511-3p–FGFR2 pathway.

Silencing lncRNA ZFAS1 or elevated microRNA-135a represses proliferation, migration, invasion and resistance to apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells

Background

Osteosarcoma (OS) is still a disease with high mortality from malignant tumors in children and adolescents. Due to its poor treatment, this study explored the involvement of lncRNA ZFAS1/microRNA-135a (miR-135a)/apurinic/apyrimidinic exonuclease 1 (APEX1) axis in the regulation of OS growth and metastasis.

Methods

ZFAS1, miR-135a and APEX1 expression in OS tissues and cells were tested by RT-qPCR and western blot analysis. MG63 cells were transfected with sh-ZFAS1, miR-135a mimic or their controls to unearth theirs functions in the proliferation, colony formation, migration, invasion, cycle entry and apoptosis of MG63 cells by MTT and EdU, colony formation assays, flow cytometry, and Transwell assay, severally. The proliferation related factor (Ki-67, CyclinD1), apoptosis related factor (Bax, Bcl-2) and migration related factor (MMP2, MMP9) protein levels were tested. Tumor volume and weight were detected by subcutaneous tumor xenograft in nude mice.

Results

Overexpressed ZFAS1 and APEX1, and down-regulated miR-135a existed in OS tissues and cells. Silenced ZFAS1 or elevated miR-135a inhibited colony formation and proliferation, cycle progression, migration and invasion while promoted apoptosis of MG63 cells. Silenced ZFAS1 or elevated miR-135a suppressed tumor volume and weight of OS in vivo. LncRNA ZFAS1 promoted APEX1 expression by competitively binding with miR-135a.

Conclusion

This study indicates that silenced ZFAS1 or up-regulated miR-135a restrained migration, proliferation and invasion and promoted apoptosis of OS MG63 cells. This study provides a possible theoretical basis for studying the regulatory mechanism of ZFAS1/miR-135a/APEX1 signaling axis on the growth and metastasis of OS.

The long noncoding RNA ZFAS1 promotes the progression of glioma by regulating the miR-150-5p/PLP2 axis

Numerous studies have reported that long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) dysregulation is involved in the progression of many malignant tumors, including glioma. The lncRNA ZNFX1 antisense RNA 1 (ZFAS1) plays an oncogenic role in various malignant tumors, such as gastric cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of ZFAS1 in glioma has not been fully clarified. In this study, we found that the expression of ZFAS1 was upregulated in both glioma tissues and cell lines. Functional experiments revealed that ZFAS1 promoted glioma proliferation, migration and invasion, and increased resistance to temozolomide in vitro. By using online databases, RNA pull-down assays and luciferase reporter assays, ZFAS1 was demonstrated to act as a sponge of miR-150-5p. Furthermore, proteolipid protein 2 (PLP2) was shown to be the functional target of miR-150-5p. Rescue experiments revealed that ZFAS1 regulated the expression of PLP2 by sponging miR-150-5p. Finally, a xenograft tumor assay demonstrated that ZFAS1 promoted glioma growth in vivo. Our results showed that ZFAS1 promoted glioma malignant progression by regulating the miR-150-5p/PLP2 axis, which may provide a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of glioma.

Long noncoding RNA ZFAS1 enhances adriamycin resistance in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia through the miR-195/Myb axis

Background: Development of chemoresistance remains a major obstacle for pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) management. Zinc finger antisense 1 (ZFAS1) is a novel tumor-related lncRNA that has been reported as an oncogene involved in the development of pediatric AML. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the role and underlying mechanism of ZFAS1 in AML chemoresistance. Methods: The expression levels of ZFAS1 and miR-195 were assessed by qRT-PCR and Myb expression was detected using western blotting. The CCK-8 assay was used to determine the IC50 value for adriamycin (ADR) and cell proliferation. Cell apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry. The targeted interaction between miR-195 and ZFAS1 or Myb was evaluated by the dual-luciferase reporter assay or RNA immunoprecipitation assay. Results: Our data revealed that ADR treatment induced ZFAS1 expression in pediatric AML. Silencing of ZFAS1 or Myb alleviated AML cell resistance to ADR in vitro. ZFAS1 directly targeted miR-195 and negatively modulated miR-195 expression. Myb was a direct target of miR-195. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of ZFAS1 silencing on ADR resistance of AML cells was mediated by miR-195 in vitro. Myb was involved in the regulation of the ZFAS1/miR-195 axis in ADR resistance of AML cells. Conclusion: Our data indicated that ZFAS1 silencing alleviated ADR resistance of AML cells in vitro through acting as a sponge for miR-195 and regulating Myb expression. Targeting ZFAS1 might be a promising therapeutic strategy for pediatric AML treatment.

Long Non-coding RNA Zinc Finger Antisense 1 (ZFAS1) Regulates Proliferation, Migration, Invasion, and Apoptosis by Targeting MiR-7-5p in Colorectal Cancer

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common tumors, the causes of which remain unclear. Recently, many kinds of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified to have an important role in the biological function of CRC. However, the effect of lncRNA zinc finger antisense 1 (ZFAS1) on development of CRC is still incompletely clear.

Material/Methods

Firstly, the expression of ZFAS1 and microRNA (miR)-7-5p in 40 CRC tissues and adjacent tissues was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Then, we detected the cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis in CRC cell lines by using Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, colony formation assay, flow analysis, and Transwell assay, respectively. Then, the relationship between ZFAS1 and miR-7-5p was verified by luciferase reporter assay. Finally, rescue experiments were conducted to confirmed that interaction of ZFAS1 and miR-7-5p in vitro.

Results

Our results showed that ZFAS1 was upregulated in CRC tissues, correlated with overall survival rates, and negatively related to the expression of miR-7-5p. It was verified that miR-7-5p was a direct target of ZFAS1 by bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay. In addition, knockdown of miR-7-5p inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion, and promoted apoptosis in CRC cell lines, which could be rescue by miR-7-5p inhibitor.

Conclusions

Our study indicated that ZFAS1 directly targeted miR-7-5p, and knockdown of it could inhibit tumor growth, migration, invasion, and induce apoptosis in CRC. These data might provide a potent treatment mechanism or promising biomarker for CRC.

Oncogenic Role of ZFAS1 lncRNA in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas

Background: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a heterogeneous disease with high mortality. The identification of specific HNSCC biomarkers will increase treatment efficacy and limit the toxicity of current therapeutic strategies. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are promising biomarkers. Accordingly, here we investigate the biological role of ZFAS1 and its potential as a biomarker in HNSCC. Methods: The expression level of ZFAS1 in HNSCC cell lines was analyzed using qRT-PCR. Based on the HNSCC TCGA data, the ZFAS1 expression profile, clinicopathological features, and expression of correlated genes were analyzed in patient tissue samples. The selected genes were classified according to their biological function using the PANTHER tool. The interaction between lncRNA:miRNA and miRNA:mRNA was tested using available online tools. All statistical analyses were accomplished using GraphPad Prism 5. Results: The expression of ZFAS1 was up-regulated in the metastatic FaDu cell line relative to the less aggressive SCC-25 and SCC-040 and dysplastic DOK cell lines. The TCGA data indicated an up-regulation of ZFAS1 in HNSCCs compared to normal tissue samples. The ZFAS1 levels typically differed depending on the cancer stage and T-stage. Patients with a lower expression of ZFAS1 presented a slightly longer disease-free survival and overall survival. The analysis of genes associated with ZFAS1, as well its targets, indicate that they are linked with crucial cellular processes. In the group of patients with low expression of ZFAS1, we detected the up-regulation of suppressors and down-regulation of genes associated with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, metastases, and cancer-initiating cells. Moreover, the negative correlation between ZFAS1 and its host gene, ZNFX1, was observed. The analysis of interactions indicated that ZFAS1 has a binding sequence for miR-150-5p. The expression of ZFAS1 and miR-150-5p is negatively correlated in HNSCC patients. miR-150-5p can regulate the 3′UTR of EIF4E mRNA. In the group of patients with high expression of ZFAS1 and low expression of miR-150-5p, we detected an up-regulation of EIF4E. Conclusions: In HNSCC, ZFAS1 displays oncogenic properties, regulates important processes associated with EMT, cancer-initiating cells, and metastases, and might affect patients’ clinical outcomes. ZFAS1 likely regulates the cell phenotype through miR-150-5p and its downstream targets. Following further validation, ZFAS1 might prove a new and valuable biomarker.