MiR-130a-3p blocks Wnt signaling cascade in the triple-negative breast cancer by targeting the key players at multiple points

Expression quantitative trait locus mapping of extracellular microRNAs in human plasma

MicroRNAs, crucial in regulating protein-coding gene expression, are implicated in various diseases. We performed a genome-wide association study of plasma miRNAs (ex-miRNAs) in 3,743 Framingham Heart Study (FHS) participants and identified 1,027 cis-ex-miRNA-eQTLs (cis-exQTLs) for 37 ex-miRNAs, with 55% replication in an independent study. Colocalization analyses suggested potential genetic coregulation of ex-miRNAs with whole blood mRNAs. Mendelian randomization indicated 29 ex-miRNAs potentially influencing 35 traits. Notably, the chromosome 14q23 and 14q32 miRNA clusters emerged as the top signal, contributing over 50% of the significant cis-exQTL results, and were associated with a diverse range of traits including platelet count. Correlations of 10 ex-miRNAs (such as miR-376c-3p) in 14q32 with platelet count and volume were confirmed in FHS participants. These findings shed light on the genetic basis of ex-miRNA expression and their involvement in complex traits.

The oncogenic role of SAMMSON lncRNA in tumorigenesis: A comprehensive review with especial focus on melanoma

LncRNA Survival Associated Mitochondrial Melanoma Specific Oncogenic Non-coding RNA (SAMMSON) is located on human chromosome 3p13, and its expression is upregulated in several tumours, including melanoma, breast cancer, glioblastoma and liver cancer and has an oncogenic role in malignancy disorders. It has been reported that SAMMSON impacts metabolic regulation, cell proliferation, apoptosis, EMT, drug resistance, invasion and migration. Also, SAMMSON is involved in regulating several pathways such as Wnt, MAPK, PI3K, Akt, ERK and p53. SAMMSON is considered a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in several types of cancer and a suitable therapeutic target. In addition, the highly expressed SAMMSON is closely associated with clinicopathological features of various cancers. SAMMSON has a significant role in regulating epigenetic processes by regulating histone protein or the status of DNA methylation. Herein for the first time, we comprehensively summarized the currently available SAMMSON, molecular regulatory pathways, and clinical significance. We believe that clarifying all the molecular aspects of this lncRNA can be a good guide for cancer studies in the future.

Different expression of DACT1, DACT2, and CYCLIN D1 genes in human colorectal cancer tissues and its association with clinicopathological characteristics

Aberrant activation of Wnt pathway is linked to dysregulation of several genes. DACT1 and DACT2 are members of the DACT family that participate in antagonizing of the Wnt signaling cascade. Thus in this study, we assessed the mRNA levels of DACT1, DACT2, and CYCLIN D1 in 70 pairs of CRC tissues compared to the adjacent tissues. Determination of the mRNA levels of DACT1, DACT2, and CYCLIN D1 was done by Quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR). The correlation between DACT1, DACT2, and CYCLIN D1 genes was also examined. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves was plotted to assess the diagnostic power. The association between histopathological parameters and the DACT1, DACT2, and CYCLIN D1 genes was investigated. The expression levels of DACT1 and CYCLIN D1 were remarkably higher in CRC tissues compared to the adjacent tissues (p < 0.0001). However, the expression of DACT2 was decreased (p < 0.001). Our results showed a significant correlation between the expression of DACT1 and CYCLIN D1 (p < 0.0001). DACT1 (AUC = 0.74, p < 0.0001), DACT2 (AUC = 0.69, p < 0.0003), and CYCLIN D1 (AUC = 0.75, p < 0.0001) had good effectiveness in separation between CRC samples and adjacent tissues. We found a significant association between DACT1 expression with tumor site (p < 0.01). Also, a significant association was detected between DACT2 and CYCLIN D1 with tumor stage (p < 0.005 and p < 0.038, respectively). The findings suggested that DACT1 could function as an oncogene, whereas DACT2 was downregulated and can be considered as a tumor suppressor in CRC.

MicroRNA expression profiles associated with the metastatic ability of MDA‑MB‑231 breast cancer cells

Breast cancer is an important worldwide public health concern. The incidence rate of breast cancer increases every year. The primary cause of death is metastasis, a process by which cancer cells spread from a primary site to secondary organs. MicroRNAs (miRs/miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that control gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Dysregulation of certain miRNAs is involved in carcinogenesis, cancer cell proliferation and metastasis. Therefore, the present study assessed miRNAs associated with breast cancer metastasis using two breast cancer cell lines, the low-metastatic MCF-7 and the highly metastatic MDA-MB-231. miRNA array analysis of both cell lines indicated that 46 miRNAs were differentially expressed when compared between the two cell lines. A total of 16 miRNAs were upregulated in MDA-MB-231 compared with MCF-7 cells, which suggested that their expression levels may be associated with the highly invasive phenotype of MDA-MB-231 cells. Among these miRNAs, miR-222-3p was selected for further study and its expression was confirmed by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Under both non-adherent and adherent culture conditions, the expression levels of miR-222-3p in the MDA-MB-231 cell line were higher than those noted in the MCF-7 cell line under the same conditions. Suppression of endogenous miR-222-3p expression in MDA-MB-231 cells using a miR-222-3p inhibitor resulted in a 20-40% reduction in proliferation, and a ~30% reduction in migration, which suggested that the aggressive phenotype of MDA-MB-231 cells was partly regulated by miR-222-3p. Bioinformatic analysis of miR-222-3p using TargetScan 8.0, miRDB and PicTar identified 25 common mRNA targets, such as cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B, ADP-ribosylation factor 4, iroquois homeobox 5 and Bcl2 modifying factor. The results of the present study indicated that miR-222-3p was potentially associated with the proliferation and migratory ability of the MDA-MB-231 cell line.

NGS-based profiling identifies miRNAs and pathways dysregulated in cisplatin-resistant esophageal cancer cells

Esophageal cancer (EC) incidence remains to be on a global rise supported by an unchanged recurrence and 5-year survival rate owing to the development of chemoresistance. Resistance to cisplatin, one of the majorly used chemotherapeutic drugs in EC, is a major nuisance. This study sheds light on miRNA dysregulation and its inverse relation with dysregulated mRNAs to guide pathways into the manifestation of cisplatin resistance in EC. A cisplatin-resistant version of an EC cell line was established and comparative profiling by NGS with the parental cell line was employed to identify dysregulation in miRNA and mRNA levels. Protein-protein interaction network analysis was done using Cytoscape, followed by Funrich pathway analysis. Furthermore, selective significant miRNAs were validated using qRT-PCR. miRNA-mRNA integrated analysis was carried out using the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) tool. Expression of various established resistance markers supported the successful establishment of cisplatin-resistant cell line. Whole-cell small RNA sequencing and transcriptome sequencing identified 261 miRNAs and 1892 genes to be significantly differentially expressed (DE), respectively. Pathway analysis indicated enrichment of EMT signaling, supported by NOTCH, mTOR, TNF receptor, and PI3K-mediated AKT signaling pathways, in chemoresistant cells. Validation by qRT-PCR confirmed upregulation of miR-10a-5p, miR-618, miR-99a-5p, and miR-935 and downregulation of miR-335-3p, miR-205-5p, miR-944, miR-130a-3p, and miR-429 in resistant cells. Pathway analysis that followed IPA analysis indicated that the dysregulation of these miRNAs and their target genes may be instrumental in the development and regulation of chemoresistance via p53 signaling, xenobiotic metabolism, and NRF2-mediated oxidative stress. This study concludes the interplay between miRNA and mRNA as an important aspect and occurrence in guiding the regulation, acquisition, and maintenance of chemoresistance in esophageal cancer in vitro.

Identification of miR-3182 and miR-3143 target genes involved in the cell cycle as a novel approach in TNBC treatment: A systems biology approach

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer with a poor prognosis, lacking therapeutic targets. miRNAs play crucial roles in TNBC through regulating various mechanisms, including cellular growth and proliferation. This study aims to identify critical target genes of two novel miRNAs (miR-3143 and miR-3182) involved in the cell cycle of TNBC as possible therapeutic targets and investigates their regulatory and therapeutic roles through a systems biology approach and in vitro experiment. Datasets related to the TNBC cell line (MDA-MB-231) were screened and retrieved, and Gene regulatory networks were constructed. Significant regulatory motifs were detected and analyzed using the FANMOD and Cytoscape analyzer, and the clusters and seeds were identified using the MCODE. Functional enrichment analysis was also performed using DAVID and STRING. The most critical genes were determined using the analysis of GRN motifs and PPI clusters. The essential genes involved in the cell cycle were selected and verified using the bc-GenExMiner v4.7. We overexpressed miR-3143 and miR-3182 in the MDA-MB-231 cell line using human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (HUCMSC)-miRNA loaded exosomes, and the expression of the critical target genes was investigated using RT-qPCR. We identified eight critical genes as potential therapeutic targets. Their expression decreased by overexpression of miR-3143 and miR-3182 in RT-qPCR. The identified critical genes have probably significant roles in the pathogenesis of TNBC through the cell cycle. We suggest that the overexpression of miR-3143 and miR-3182 could be a new therapeutic candidate in TNBC and is worth more investigation.

Endothelin-3 is epigenetically silenced in endometrioid endometrial cancer

Purpose

Changes in the activity of endothelins and their receptors may promote neoplastic processes. They can be caused by epigenetic modifications and modulators, but little is known about endothelin-3 (EDN3), particularly in endometrial cancer. The aim of the study was to determine the expression profile of endothelin family and their interactions with miRNAs, and to assess the degree of EDN3 methylation.

Methods

The study enrolled 45 patients with endometrioid endometrial cancer and 30 patients without neoplastic changes. The expression profile of endothelins and their receptors was determined with mRNA microarrays and RT-qPCR. The miRNA prediction was based on the miRNA microarray experiment and the mirDB tool. The degree of EDN3 methylation was assessed by MSP.

Results

EDN1 and EDNRA were overexpressed regardless of endometrial cancer grade, which may be due to the lack of regulatory effect of miR-130a-3p and miR-485-3p, respectively. In addition, EDN3 and EDNRB were significantly downregulated.

Conclusion

The endothelial axis is disturbed in endometrioid endometrial cancer. The observed silencing of EDN3 activity may be mainly due to DNA methylation.

Functional roles of lncRNA-TUG1 in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or hepatoma is malignant cancer that starts from the main liver cells. Although various classical methods have been used for patients with HCC, various molecular mechanisms involved in HCC progression should be invested. Previous studies demonstrated that abnormal expression of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) presented important roles in the pathogenesis of HCC cells. LncRNA TUG1 was found to mediate HCC cell growth, EMT, and metastasis. Therefore, targeting TUG1 and its downstream genes may be a suitable approach for patients with HCC. In this review, we summarized the potential roles of TUG1 in HCC.

Downregulation of NRARP exerts anti-tumor activities in the breast tumor cells depending on Wnt/ꞵ-catenin mediated signals; the role of miR-130a-3p

OBJECTIVES

The Notch-regulated ankyrin repeat protein (NRARP) functions as a molecular link between Notch and Wnt signaling pathways. Although it has recently been identified to be overexpressed in breast cancer (BC), the molecular mechanisms that regulate NRARP remain unknown. Since microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally, miRNA dysregulation could explain the abnormal gene expression. Here, we identified miR-130a-3p as an NRARP regulator and evaluated its effects on the behavior of BC cells.

METHODS

Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed to assess the transcriptional levels of miR-130a-3p and NRARP in BC cells. Next, miR-130a-3p was transiently transfected into BC cells to assess its influence on NRARP expression. Owing to the positive regulatory effects of NRARP on the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, we also analyzed the expression levels of five Wnt/β-catenin pathway genes and one downstream target gene in BC cells. We then assessed anti-tumor activities of miR-130a-3p in BC cells using the MTT proliferation assay, the soft agar colony formation assay for anchorage-independent growth (AIG), as well as scratch and transwell assays for cell migration.

RESULTS

miR-130a-3p was found to be downregulated in BC cells, whereas NRARP was upregulated. Overexpression of miR-130a-3p inhibited the expression of NRARP and some Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway genes, as well as exerted anti-tumor effects as evidenced by decreased cell proliferation, AIG, and migration of BC cells.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the tumor suppressive function of miR-130a-3p in BC may be mediated by inhibiting NRARP and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. As a result, miR-130a-3p could be introduced as a therapeutic target for miRNA therapy in BC.

Role of microRNA/lncRNA Intertwined With the Wnt/β-Catenin Axis in Regulating the Pathogenesis of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Objective (s): In this mini-review, we aimed to discuss the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway modulation in triple-negative breast cancer, particularly the contribution of lncRNAs and miRNAs in its regulation and their possible entwining role in breast cancer pathogenesis, proliferation, migration, or malignancy.

Background: Malignant tumor formation is very high for breast cancer in women and is a leading cause of death all over the globe. Among breast cancer subtypes, triple-negative breast cancer is rife in premenopausal women, most invasive, and prone to metastasis. Complex pathways are involved in this cancer’s pathogenesis, advancement, and malignancy, including the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. This pathway is conserved among vertebrates and is necessary for sustaining cell homeostasis. It is regulated by several elements such as transcription factors, enhancers, non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs and miRNAs), etc.

Methods: We evaluated lncRNAs and miRNAs differentially expressed in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) from the cDNA microarray data set literature survey. Using in silico analyses combined with a review of the current literature, we anticipated identifying lncRNAs and miRNAs that might modulate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Result: The miRNAs and lncRNAs specific to triple-negative breast cancer have been identified based on literature and database searches. Tumorigenesis, metastasis, and EMT were all given special attention. Apart from cross-talk being essential for TNBC tumorigenesis and treatment outcomes, our results indicated eight upregulated and seven downregulated miRNAs and 19 upregulated and three downregulated lncRNAs that can be used as predictive or diagnostic markers. This consolidated information could be useful in the clinic and provide a combined literature resource for TNBC researchers working on the Wnt/β-catenin miRNA/lncRNA axis.

Conclusion: In conclusion, because the Wnt pathway and miRNAs/lncRNAs can modulate TNBC, their intertwinement results in a cascade of complex reactions that affect TNBC and related processes. Their function in TNBC pathogenesis has been highlighted in molecular processes underlying the disease progression.

The functional significance and cross-talk of non-coding RNAs in triple negative and quadruple negative breast cancer

One of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide is breast cancer, among which triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most malignant and lethal subtype. This cancer accounts for 10-20% of all breast cancer deaths. Proliferation, tumorigenesis, and prognosis of TNBC are affected when the androgen receptor (AR) is not expressed, and it is classified as quadruple negative breast cancer (QNBC). Non-coding RNAs, such as microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), play a significant role in tumorigenesis by virtue of their oncogenic and tumor-suppressive properties. To regulate tumorigenesis, miRNAs interact with their target mRNAs and modulate their expression, whereas lncRNAs can either act alone or interact with miRNAs or other molecules through various signaling pathways. Conversely, circRNAs regulate tumorigenesis by acting as miRNA sponges predominantly. Recently, non-coding RNAs were studied comprehensively for their roles in tumor proliferation, progression, and metastasis. As a result of existing studies and research progress, non-coding RNAs have been implicated in TNBC, necessitating their use as biomarkers for future diagnostic applications. In this review, the non-coding RNAs are explicitly implicated in the regulation of breast cancer, and their cross-talk between TNBC and QNBC is also discussed.

The Prognostic Value of the Developmental Gene FZD6 in Young Saudi Breast Cancer Patients: A Biomarkers Discovery and Cancer Inducers OncoScreen Approach

Wnt signalling receptors, Frizzleds (FZDs), play a pivotal role in many cellular events during embryonic development and cancer. Female breast cancer (BC) is currently the worldwide leading incident cancer type that cause 1 in 6 cancer-related death. FZD receptors expression in cancer was shown to be associated with tumour development and patient outcomes including recurrence and survival. FZD6 received little attention for its role in BC and hence we analysed its expression pattern in a Saudi BC cohort to assess its prognostic potential and unravel the impacted signalling pathway. Paraffin blocks from approximately 405 randomly selected BC patients aged between 25 and 70 years old were processed for tissue microarray using an automated tissue arrayer and then subjected to FZD6 immunohistochemistry staining using the Ventana platform. Besides, Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) knowledgebase was used to decipher the upstream and downstream regulators of FZD6 in BC. TargetScan and miRabel target-prediction databases were used to identify the potential microRNA to regulate FZD6 expression in BC. Results showed that 60% of the BC samples had a low expression pattern while 40% showed a higher expression level. FZD6 expression analysis showed a significant correlation with tumour invasion (p < 0.05), and borderline significance with tumour grade (p = 0.07). FZD6 expression showed a highly significant association with the BC patients’ survival outcomes. This was mainly due to the overall patients’ cohort where tumours with FZD6 elevated expression showed higher recurrence rates (DFS, p < 0.0001, log-rank) and shorter survival times (DSS, p < 0.02, log-rank). Interestingly, the FZD6 prognostic value was more potent in younger BC patients as compared to those with late onset of the disease. TargetScan microRNA target-prediction analysis and validated by miRabel showed that FZD6 is a potential target for a considerable number of microRNAs expressed in BC. The current study demonstrates a potential prognostic role of FZD6 expression in young BC female patients and provides a better understanding of the involved molecular silencing machinery of the Wnt/FZD6 signalling. Our results should provide a better understanding of FZD6 role in BC by adding more knowledge that should help in BC prevention and theranostics.

MiR-130a-3p suppresses colorectal cancer growth by targeting Wnt Family Member 1 (WNT1)

The microRNA miR-130a-3p (miR-130a-3p) has anti-tumor activity against numerous cancer types. Further, miR-130a-3p may target Wnt signaling, which is a critical pathway regulating tumorigenesis. Functions of miR-130a-3p in colorectal cancer (CRC) and contributions of Wnt1 pathway modulation, however, have not been examined, hence the exploration on these two aspects. In this study, in comparison with normal controls, both CRC tissue and multiple CRC cell lines showed downregulated miR-130a-3p. MiR-130a-3p overexpression contributed to a decrease in CRC cell proliferation. Additionally, its overexpression also caused reduced expression of WNT Family Member 1 (WNT1) and downstream WNT pathway factors c-myc and cyclin D1. Dual-luciferase assay revealed WNT1 as a direct target of miR-130a-3p, and further the inhibitory effect of miR-130a-3p on c-myc and cyclin D1 was proved to be reversed by overexpressed WNT1. Collectively, miR-130a-3p inhibits CRC growth by directly targeting WNT1, and miR-130a-3p and WNT1 pathway-associated factors are defined as potential targets for CRC treatment.

miR-130a-3p Enhances the Chemosensitivity of Y79 Retinoblastoma Cells to Vincristine by Targeting PAX6 Expression

PURPOSE

Chemoresistance remains the primary obstacle threatening the prognosis of retinoblastoma (RB). microRNAs (miRNAs) are acknowledged as critical regulators of drug resistance. This study explored the molecular mechanism of miR-130a-3p affecting the chemosensitivity of RB to vincristine (VCR).

METHODS

miR-130a-3p expression of human retinal astrocytes and RB cell lines (Y79, WERI-Rb-1, SO-Rb50, and SO-Rb70) was detected using RT-qPCR. VCR-resistant RB cell line Y79/VCR was induced. miR-130a-3p expression of Y79/VCR cell line and its corresponding parental cell line was detected. Y79/VCR cells were subjected to miR-130a-3p overexpression treatment. The cell proliferation was measured using MTT assay, and the IC50 value and drug resistance index were examined using CCK-8 assay. The targeting relationship between miR-130a-3p and PAX6 was predicted through bioinformatics analysis and verified using dual-luciferase assay. Functional rescue experiments were conducted to confirm the role of PAX6 in chemosensitivity of RB cells. The effect of miR-130a-3p on tumorigenesis and VCR sensitivity was observed in vivo.

RESULTS

miR-130a-3p was downregulated in VCR-resistant RB cells. Overexpression of miR-130a-3p repressed the proliferation of Y79/VCR cells and enhanced chemosensitivity. miR-130a-3p targeted PAX6 expression. Overexpression of PAX6 reversed the effect of miR-130a-3p on chemosensitivity of Y79/VCR cells. Overexpression of miR-130a-3p suppressed tumor growth and reduced VCR resistance in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

miR-130a-3p enhanced the chemosensitivity of Y79 RB cells to VCR by targeting PAX6 expression.

Epigenetic Regulation of the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway in Cancer

Studies over the past four decades have elucidated the role of Wnt/β-catenin mediated regulation in cell proliferation, differentiation and migration. These processes are fundamental to embryonic development, regeneration potential of tissues, as well as cancer initiation and progression. In this review, we focus on the epigenetic players which influence the Wnt/β-catenin pathway via modulation of its components and coordinated regulation of the Wnt target genes. The role played by crosstalk with other signaling pathways mediating tumorigenesis is also elaborated. The Hippo/YAP pathway is particularly emphasized due to its extensive crosstalk via the Wnt destruction complex. Further, we highlight the recent advances in developing potential therapeutic interventions targeting the epigenetic machinery based on the characterization of these regulatory networks for effective treatment of various cancers and also for regenerative therapies.

MicroRNA-130a Is Elevated in Thyroid Eye Disease and Increases Lipid Accumulation in Fibroblasts Through the Suppression of AMPK

Purpose

Thyroid eye disease (TED) is a condition that causes the tissue behind the eye to become inflamed and can result in excessive fatty tissue accumulation in the orbit. Two subpopulations of fibroblasts reside in the orbit: those that highly express Thy1 (Thy1+) and those with little or no Thy1 (Thy1–). Thy1– orbital fibroblasts (OFs) are more prone to lipid accumulation than Thy1+ OFs. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanisms whereby Thy1– OFs more readily accumulate lipid.

Methods

We screened Thy1+ and Thy1– OFs for differences in microRNA (miRNA) expression. The effects of increasing miR-130a levels in OFs was investigated by measuring lipid accumulation and visualizing lipid deposits. To determine if adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is important for lipid accumulation, we performed small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown of AMPKβ1. We measured AMPK expression and activity using immunoblotting for AMPK and AMPK target proteins.

Results

We determined that miR-130a was upregulated in Thy1– OFs and that miR-130a targets two subunits of AMPK. Increasing miR-130a levels enhanced lipid accumulation and reduced expression of AMPKα and AMPKβ in OFs. Depletion of AMPK also increased lipid accumulation. Activation of AMPK using AICAR attenuated lipid accumulation and increased phosphorylation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) in OFs.

Conclusions

These data suggest that when Thy1– OFs accumulate in TED, miR-130a levels increase, leading to a decrease in AMPK activity. Decreased AMPK activity promotes lipid accumulation in TED OFs, leading to excessive fatty tissue accumulation in the orbit.