LncRNA MIR503HG is downregulated in Han Chinese with colorectal cancer and inhibits cell migration and invasion mediated by TGF-β2

Recent advances and molecular mechanisms of TGF-β signaling in colorectal cancer, with focus on bioactive compounds targeting

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most significant forms of human cancer. It is characterized by its heterogeneity because several molecular factors are involved in contiguity and can link it to others without having a linear correlation. Among the factors influencing tumor transformation in CRC, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) plays a key promoter role. This factor is associated with human colorectal tumors with a very high prognosis: it increases the survival, invasion, and metastasis of CRC cells, thus functioning as an oncogene. The inhibition of this factor can constitute a major therapeutic route for CRC treatment. Various chemical drugs including synthetic molecules and biotherapies have been developed as TGF-β inhibitors. Moreover, the scientific community has recently shown a major interest in screening natural drugs inhibiting TGF-β in CRC. In this context, we carried out this review article using computerized databases, such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Springer Link, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus, to highlight the molecular mechanism of TGF-β in CRC induction and progression and current advances in the pharmacodynamic effects of natural bioactive substances targeting TGF-β in CRC.

TGF-β Modulated Pathways in Colorectal Cancer: New Potential Therapeutic Opportunities

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide, with 20% of patients presenting with metastatic disease at diagnosis. TGF-β signaling plays a crucial role in various cellular processes, including growth, differentiation, apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), regulation of the extracellular matrix, angiogenesis, and immune responses. TGF-β signals through SMAD proteins, which are intracellular molecules that transmit TGF-β signals from the cell membrane to the nucleus. Alterations in the TGF-β pathway and mutations in SMAD proteins are common in metastatic CRC (mCRC), making them critical factors in CRC tumorigenesis. This review first analyzes normal TGF-β signaling and then investigates its role in CRC pathogenesis, highlighting the mechanisms through which TGF-β influences metastasis development. TGF-β promotes neoangiogenesis via VEGF overexpression, pericyte differentiation, and other mechanisms. Additionally, TGF-β affects various elements of the tumor microenvironment, including T cells, fibroblasts, and macrophages, promoting immunosuppression and metastasis. Given its strategic role in multiple processes, we explored different strategies to target TGF-β in mCRC patients, aiming to identify new therapeutic options.

lncRNA MIR503HG Targets miR-191-5p/PLCD1 Axis and Negatively Modulates Apoptosis, Extracellular Matrix Disruption, and Inflammation in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

As the most prevalent subtype of aortic aneurysm, abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) features the apoptosis, extracellular matrix (ECM) disruption, and inflammation response of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are crucial factors in AAA progression, while the investigations have not been fully explained. miR-191-5p upregulation is found in aortic aneurysm. However, its role in AAA has not been addressed. This research purposed to excavate the possible and associated molecular axis of miR-191-5p in AAA. In our study, miR-191-5p level was detected to be high in the tissues from AAA patients in comparison with the control group. After miR-191-5p expression was enhanced, cell viability was repressed, cell apoptosis was boosted, and ECM disruption and the inflammation response were fortified. Furthermore, the relationship among MIR503HG, miR-191-5p, and phospholipase C delta 1 (PLCD1) in VSMCs was disclosed via mechanism assays. Decreased MIR503HG lacked the inhibition on miR-191-5p targeting PLCD1, resulting in downregulation of PLCD1, which facilitated the progression of AAA. Thus, targeting MIR503HG/miR-191-5p/PLCD1 pathway will provide an additional method for the cure of AAA patients.

MIR503HG: A potential diagnostic and therapeutic target in human diseases

LncRNAs are involved in many physiological and pathological processes, including chromatin remodeling, transcription, posttranscriptional gene expression, mRNA stability, translation, and posttranslational modification, and their functions depend on subcellular localization. MIR503HG is a lncRNA as well as a host gene for the miRNAs miR-503 and miR-424. MIR503HG functions independently or synergistically with miR-503. MIR503HG affects cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and other biological behaviors. The mechanism of MIR503HG in disease includes interaction with protein, sponging miRNA to regulate downstream target gene, and participation in NF-κB, TGF-β, ERK/MAPK, and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. In this review, we summarize the molecular mechanisms of MIR503HG in disease and its potential applications in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. We also raise some unanswered questions in this area, providing insights for future research.

TGF-β Signaling in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (mCRC): From Underlying Mechanism to Potential Applications in Clinical Development

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a serious public health issue, and it has the leading incidence and mortality among malignant tumors worldwide. CRC patients with metastasis in the liver, lung or other distant sites always have poor prognosis. Thus, there is an urgent need to discover the underlying mechanisms of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) and to develop optimal therapy for mCRC. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling plays a significant role in various physiologic and pathologic processes, and aberrant TGF-β signal transduction contributes to mCRC progression. In this review, we summarize the alterations of the TGF-β signaling pathway in mCRC patients, the functional mechanisms of TGF-β signaling, its promotion of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, its facilitation of angiogenesis, its suppression of anti-tumor activity of immune cells in the microenvironment and its contribution to stemness of CRC cells. We also discuss the possible applications of TGF-β signaling in mCRC diagnosis, prognosis and targeted therapies in clinical trials. Hopefully, these research advances in TGF-β signaling in mCRC will improve the development of new strategies that can be combined with molecular targeted therapy, immunotherapy and traditional therapies to achieve better efficacy and benefit mCRC patients in the near future.

Progress of Noncoding RNA Regulating the Growth and Development of Antler Tissue Research

Antler is the secondary sexual characteristic of deer, which develops on the forehead at puberty. It is the only organ that can be regenerated entirely in mammals. Therefore, it is often used as a research model in the field of organ regeneration and wound repair. Many growth factors and proteins play an active role throughout the developmental process of antler regeneration. With the rapid development of sequencing technology, more and more noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been discovered, and the relationship between ncRNA and antler regeneration has gradually become clear. This paper focuses on the research progress of several ncRNAs (including miRNA and lncRNA) in deer antler tissues, which are helpful to reveal the molecular mechanism of deer antler regeneration at the molecular level.

Adipose mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes accelerate skin wound healing via the lncRNA H19/miR-19b/SOX9 axis

It has been reported that adipose mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) accelerate wound healing. Moreover, exosomes, which serve as paracrine factors, play a vital role in wound healing. However, the mechanism remains unclear. This research aimed to determine the roles of exosomes derived from ADSCs (ADSC-Exos) in wound skin tissue repair. Flow cytometry and electron microscopy were carried out to identify ADSCs and ADSC-Exos, respectively; RT-qPCR was performed to assess the lncRNA H19 (H19), microRNA19b (miR-19b) and SRY-related high-mobility-group box 9 (SOX9) levels; Western blotting was carried out to evaluate collagen and β-catenin expression; CCK-8, scratch and transwell assays were conducted to evaluate human skin fibroblast (HSF) cell proliferation, migration and invasion, respectively; the potential binding sites between H19 and miR-19b, miR-19b and SOX9 were detected by dual-luciferase reporter gene assay and RIP assay; and H&E staining was conducted to observe skin wound tissues. ADSC-Exos accelerated the proliferation, migration and invasion of HSF cells via H19. H19 acts as a molecular sponge towards miR-19b, which targets SOX9. ADSC-Exos inhibited miR-19b expression via H19, resulting in accelerated HSF proliferation, migration and invasion. ADSC-Exos upregulated SOX9 to activate the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, resulting in accelerated HSF cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and ADSC-Exos promoted skin wound healing via H19 in mice.The high expression of H19 in ADSC-Exos may upregulate SOX9 expression via miR-19b to accelerate wound healing of skin tissues. Our study may provide novel perspectives for therapy to accelerate skin wound healing.

The LncRNA MIR503HG/miR-224-5p/TUSC3 Signaling Cascade Suppresses Gastric Cancer Development via Modulating ATF6 Branch of Unfolded Protein Response

Background

Unfolded protein response (UPR)-mediated tumor-promoting functions have been identified in multiple cancers, and this study focused on investigating the role and molecular mechanisms of UPR in modulating gastric cancer (GC) pathogenesis.

Methods

The bioinformatics analysis was performed to examine the expression status of cancer associated genes in patients with stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) and predict the targeting sites of miR-224-5p with LncRNA MIR503HG and TUSC3. Genes expressions were quantified by Real-Time qPCR, Western Blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Cell proliferation, viability, apoptosis and mobility were evaluated by MTT assay, trypan blue staining assay, flow cytometer and transwell assay, respectively. The binding sites were validated by dual-luciferase reporter gene system assay.

Results

LncRNA MIR503HG and TUSC3 were downregulated, but miR-224-5p was upregulated in GC tissues and cells, in contrast with their normal counterparts. Further gain- and loss-of-function experiments validated that the malignant phenotypes in GC cells, including cell proliferation, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and tumorigenesis, were negatively regulated by LncRNA MIR503HG. Mechanistically, LncRNA MIR503HG upregulated TUSC3 in GC cells through sponging miR-224-5p, resulting in the repression of GC progression. Finally, we validated that knock-down of ATF6, but not other two branches of UPR (PERK1 and IRE1), partially rescued cell proliferation and EMT in the GC cells with LncRNA MIR503HG overexpression.

Conclusions

Targeting the LncRNA MIR503HG/miR-224-5p/TUSC3 signaling cascade suppressed ATF6-mediated UPR, resulting in the blockage of GC development.

Four Prognosis-Associated lncRNAs Serve as Biomarkers in Ovarian Cancer

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in ovarian cancer (OC) development. However, prognosis-associated lncRNAs (PALs) for OC have not been completely elucidated. Our study aimed to identify the PAL signature of OC. A total of 663 differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified in the databases. According to the weighted gene coexpression analysis, the highly correlated genes were clustered into seven modules related to the clinical phenotype of OC. A total of 25 lncRNAs that were significantly related to overall survival were screened based on univariate Cox regression analysis. The prognostic risk model constructed contained seven PALs based on the parameter λ_min, which could stratify OC patients into two risk groups. The results showed that the risk groups had different overall survival rates in both The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and two verified Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses confirmed that the risk model was an independent risk factor for OC. Gene enrichment analysis revealed that the identified genes were involved in some pathways of malignancy. The competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network included five PALs, of which four were selected for cell function assays. The four PALs were downregulated in 33 collected OC tissues and 3 OC cell lines relative to the control. They were shown to regulate the proliferative, migratory, and invasive potential of OC cells via Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and transwell assays. Our study fills the gaps of the four PALs in OC, which are worthy of further study.

Identification of crucial noncoding RNAs and mRNAs in hypertrophic scars via RNA sequencing

Hypertrophic scarring (HS) is a dermal fibroproliferative disorder characterized by excessive deposition of collagen and other extracellular matrix components. The aim of this study is to explore crucial long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) associated with HS and provide a better understanding of the molecular mechanism of HS. To investigate the lncRNA, circRNA and mRNA expression profiles, we performed RNA sequencing of human HS and normal skin tissues. After the identification of differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs), lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) and circRNAs (DEcircRNAs), we performed functional enrichment of DEmRNAs. Further on, we constructed DElncRNA/DEcircRNA–DEmRNA coexpression networks and competing endogenous RNA regulatory networks, and performed functional analyses of the DEmRNAs in the constructed networks. In total, 487 DEmRNAs, 92 DElncRNAs and 17 DEcircRNAs were identified. DEmRNAs were significantly enriched in processes such as collagen fibril organization, extracellular matrix–receptor interaction and the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)–Akt signaling pathway. In addition, we detected 580 DElncRNA–DEmRNA and 505 DEcircRNA–DEmRNA coexpression pairs. The competing endogenous RNA network contained 18 circRNA–microRNA (miRNA) pairs, 18 lncRNA–miRNA pairs and 409 miRNA–mRNA pairs, including 10 circRNAs, 5 lncRNAs, 15 miRNAs and 160 mRNAs. We concluded that MIR503HG/hsa‐miR‐204‐3p/ACAN, MIR503HG/hsa‐miR‐431‐5p/TNFRSF9, MEG3/hsa‐miR‐6884‐5p/ADAMTS14, AC000035.1‐ADAMTS14 and hsa_circ_0069865‐COMP/ADAM12 interaction pairs may play a central role in HS.

MIR503HG Loss Promotes Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Vascular Disease

[Figure: see text].

lncRNA MIR503HG inhibits cell proliferation and promotes apoptosis in TNBC cells via the miR-224-5p/HOXA9 axis

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly invasive subtype of breast cancer. This study investigated the molecular mechanism and influences of MIR503HG, miR-224-5p, and homeobox A9 (HOXA9) on TNBC cell growth and migration. Dual-luciferase reporter gene and RNA immunoprecipitation were performed to examine the regulation of MIR503HG, miR-224-5p, and HOXA9. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were evaluated by colony formation, flow cytometry, and Transwell assays. Finally, nude mice were employed to investigate the influence of MIR503HG on TNBC tumor growth. HOXA9 protein levels were detected by immunohistochemical staining. MIR503HG and HOXA9 expression were reduced in TNBC, while miR-224-5p was increased. Overexpression of MIR503HG or HOXA9 reduced the cell migration ability and proliferation and promoted apoptosis, and knockdown of MIR503HG or overexpression of miR-224-5p exhibited the opposite effects. Furthermore, MIR503HG promoted HOXA9 expression by inhibiting miR-224-5p. Overexpression of miR-224-5p reversed the effects of MIR503HG overexpression on TNBC cells, while overexpression of HOXA9 reversed the effect of MIR503HG knockdown. Additionally, an in vivo study proved that MIR503HG inhibited TNBC tumor growth via the miR-224-5p/HOXA9 axis. MIR503HG inhibited cell proliferation and promoted the apoptosis of TNBC cells via the miR-224-5p/HOXA9 axis, which may function as a novel target for the treatment of TNBC.

LncRNA miR503HG inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition and angiogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma by enhancing PDCD4 via regulation of miR-15b

OBJECTIVE

To reveal the effect of lncRNA miR503HG on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and angiogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

The expressions of miR503HG, miR-15b and PDCD4 in HCC tissues and cell lines were measured. After cell transfection, Transwell assay tested the migration and invasion ability of HCC cells. qRT-PCR and Western blot detected the expressions of EMT markers (E-cad, N-cad, Vim and Snail-1). Matrigel-based tube formation assay assessed the angiogenesis capacity of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) cultured in conditioned medium of treated HCC cells. ELISA detected the level of VEGF in supernatant of HUVECs. RIP, RNA pulldown and dual-luciferase reporter assay were applied to verify the binding of miR-15b to miR503HG or PDCD4. pcDNA3.1-miR503HG-BEL-7404 cells or pcDNA3.1-BEL-7404 cells were implanted into nude mice for construction of HCC model in vivo.

RESULTS

miR503HG and PDCD4 were under-expressed and miR-15b was over-expressed in HCC cells and tissues. Up-regulation of miR503HG and PDCD4 or inhibition of miR-15b hindered migration, invasion and EMT of HCC cells and angiogenesis of HUVECs. Both miR503HG and PDCD4 could bind to miR-15b. Over-expression of miR503HG suppressed HCC growth and angiogenesis in nude mice.

CONCLUSION

LncRNA miR503HG suppresses EMT and angiogenesis in HCC via miR-15b/PDCD4 axis.

ENST00000430471 Promotes Development and Metastasis of Colorectal Cancer by Regulating the Expression of YBX-1

Background Information

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignant tumor of the digestive system. Long non-coding (lnc) RNA ENST00000430471 has been reported to be involved in CRC development and metastasis because of its cancer-promoting ability. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms of ENST00000430471 in CRC remain largely unknown.

Methods

The cell proliferation assay and Xenograft experiment were performed to examine the proliferation rate of the tumor cells. Invasiveness and migration capability of the cells were evaluated using the invasion and wound healing assays, respectively. In addition, the RNA pull-down assay and subsequent mass spectrometry techniques were performed to identify the proteins interacting with ENST00000430471.

Results

Herein, small specific inhibiting (si) RNA-si0471#2 was used to silence ENST00000430471 in HCT116 and SW620 cell lines. This led to a significant reduction in cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. The RNA pull-down assay and mass spectrometry further revealed that ENST00000430471 interacted with several proteins such as the Y-box-binding protein 1 (YBX-1). On one hand, silencing of ENST00000430471 decreased the mRNA and protein expression levels of YBX-1. On the other hand, overexpression of YBX1 partially attenuated the suppression of cell proliferation, invasion, and migration induced by ENST00000430471 silencing.

Conclusion

Silencing of ENST00000430471 inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasion of CRC cells by regulating YBX-1 expression. These results provide baseline information that is essential in the identification of effective therapeutic targets for CRC therapy.

Long non-coding RNA MIR503HG inhibits the proliferation, migration and invasion of colon cancer cells via miR-107/Par4 axis

PURPOSE

Colon cancer is a common caner with high death rate in the world. The study aimed to detect the effect and mechanism of long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) MIR503HG on colon cancer.

METHODS

The MIR503HG expression was measured in colon cancer tissues and cell lines by qRT-PCR. The proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion of colon cancer cells were measured by MTT, flow-cytometry, wound healing and transwell assay. The protein expression of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and Vimentin was detected by Western blot. The target relationships among MIR503HG, miR-107 and Par4 were predicted by StarBase and TargetScan, and verified by luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assay. The xenograft tumor model was constructed in mice to verify the inhibitory effect of MIR503HG in vivo.

RESULTS

The expression of MIR503HG was decreased in colon cancer tissues and cell lines. MIR503HG overexpression inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion, promoted cell apoptosis, down-regulated N-cadherin and Vimentin, and up-regulated E-cadherin in colon cancer. MIR503HG negatively regulated its target miR-107. MiR-107 overexpression reversed the anti-tumor effects of MIR503HG overexpression on colon cancer cells. Par4 was a target of miR-107, which was positively regulated by MIR503HG. The promoting effects of MIR503HG silencing on colon cancer cells were eliminated by Par4 overexpression.

CONCLUSION

MIR503HG regulated Par4 via sponging miR-107 in colon cancer, which promoting a new idea for the treatment of colon cancer.

Structure and expression of the long noncoding RNA gene MIR503 in humans and non-human primates

Recent technical and other advances in genomics provide unique opportunities to improve our understanding of human physiology and disease predisposition through a detailed analysis of gene structure and expression by examining data in public genome and gene-expression repositories. Yet, the vast majority of human genes remain understudied. This is particularly true of genes for long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). Here, we describe the detailed characterization of MIR503HG, a lncRNA gene found on the X chromosome in humans. Using information extracted from public databases, we show that human MIR503HG is a 5-exon gene, and that it is highly conserved among 5 non-human primates spanning over 85 million years ago of evolutionary diversification. MIR503HG is transcribed and processed into multiple distinct RNAs in each of these species through differential exon use and alternative RNA splicing, with a higher abundance of transcripts being found in reproductive tissues, especially during the early stages of ovary and testis development, indicating a possible role in reproductive biology. Furthermore, in select reproductive system cancers, MIR503HG transcripts are downregulated, with higher levels of RNA expression being associated with clinical outcomes. Collectively, these investigations show how the use of genomic, gene expression, and other genetic resources can lead to new insights about human biology and disease, and argue that MIR503HG is worthy of additional study.