MicroRNA 142-5p promotes tumor growth in oral squamous cell carcinoma via the PI3K/AKT pathway by regulating PTEN

Effect of the Protein Kinase B (PKB) Gene on the Carcinogenesis of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in the South Indian Population

INTRODUCTION

The most common head and neck cancer is oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). It is also one of the most prevalent forms of cancer globally. The current pharmacological treatment strategy for oral cancer lacks specificity and is capable of causing various side effects. This fact highlights the increasing need for targeted therapy. Interestingly, protein kinase B (PKB), commonly referred to as the AKT serine/threonine kinase, is an oncogenic protein that controls cell development, proliferation, apoptosis, and glycogen metabolism. Thus, the present study analyzed the AKT gene expression in OSCC patient samples.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 25 OSCC tissue samples and normal tissue samples were collected from the patients who reported to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals in Chennai, India. The tissues were processed for H&E staining for histopathological confirmation, and expression studies of the AKT gene were done on both healthy and proven OSCC tissue samples. The data were shown as mean ± standard deviation, and p<0.05* was considered to be statistically significant.

RESULTS

The quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis revealed that the AKT gene had been significantly upregulated in the OSCC tissue samples when compared to normal tissues (p<0.05). Moreover, upregulated AKT is postulated to be involved in increased cell proliferation and reduced apoptosis in OSCC.

CONCLUSION

The gene expression analysis was done in the samples of histologically confirmed OSCC, and it revealed that the AKT gene was significantly upregulated in OSCC tissues. Thus, AKT could be postulated as a potential therapeutic target for OSCC.

miR-142-3p/5p role in cancer: From epigenetic regulation to immunomodulation

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play critical roles in cancer pathobiology, acting as regulators of gene expression and pivotal drivers of tumorigenesis. It is believed that miRNAs act through canonical mechanisms, involving the binding of mature miRNAs to target messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and subsequent repression of protein translation or degradation of target mRNAs. miR-142-3p/5p has been extensively studied and established as a key regulator in various malignancies. Recent discoveries have revealed miR-142-3p/5p serve as either oncogene or tumor suppressor in cancer. By targeting epigenetic factor and cancer-related signaling pathway, miR-142-3p/5p can regulate wide range of downstream genes. The immune modulatory role of miR-142-3p/5p has been shown in various cancers, which provides significant insight into immunosuppression and tumor escape from the immune response. Exosomes with miR-142-3p/5p facilitate cell communication and can affect cancer cell behavior, offering potential therapeutic, and diagnosis applications in cancer therapy. In this review, for the first time, we comprehensively summarize the current knowledge regarding mentioned functions of miR-142-3p/5p in cancer pathobiology.

Decoding the role of miRNAs in oral cancer pathogenesis: A focus on signaling pathways

Oral cancer (OC) is the predominant type originating in the head and neck region. The incidence of OC is mostly associated with behavioral risk factors, including tobacco smoking and excessive alcohol intake. Additionally, there is a lower but still significant association with viral infections such as human papillomaviruses and Epstein-Barr viruses. Furthermore, it has been observed that heritable genetic variables are linked to the risk of OC, in addition to the previously mentioned acquired risk factors. The current absence of biomarkers for OC diagnosis contributes to the frequent occurrence of advanced-stage diagnoses among patients. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs, have been observed to exert a significant effect on the transcriptional control of target genes involved in cancer, either through direct or indirect mechanisms. miRNAs are a class of short ncRNAs that play a role in regulating gene expression by enabling mRNA degradation or translational repression at the post-transcriptional phase. miRNAs are known to play a fundamental role in the development of cancer and the regulation of oncogenic cell processes. Notch signaling, PTEN/Akt/mTOR axis, KRAS mutation, JAK/STAT signaling, P53, EGFR, and the VEGFs have all been linked to OC, and miRNAs have been shown to have a role in all of these. The dysregulation of miRNA has been identified in cases of OC and is linked with prognosis.

MiRNA-related metastasis in oral cancer: moving and shaking

Across the world, oral cancer is a prevalent tumor. Over the years, both its mortality and incidence have grown. Oral cancer metastasis is a complex process involving cell invasion, migration, proliferation, and egress from cancer tissue either by lymphatic vessels or blood vessels. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are essential short non-coding RNAs, which can act either as tumor suppressors or as oncogenes to control cancer development. Cancer metastasis is a multi-step process, in which miRNAs can inhibit or stimulate metastasis at all stages, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition, migration, invasion, and colonization, by targeting critical genes in these pathways. On the other hand, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), two different types of non-coding RNAs, can regulate cancer metastasis by affecting gene expression through cross-talk with miRNAs. We reviewed the scientific literature (Google Scholar, Scopus, and PubMed) for the period 2000-2023 to find reports concerning miRNAs and lncRNA/circRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks, which control the spread of oral cancer cells by affecting invasion, migration, and metastasis. According to these reports, miRNAs are involved in the regulation of metastasis pathways either by directly or indirectly targeting genes associated with metastasis. Moreover, circRNAs and lncRNAs can induce or suppress oral cancer metastasis by acting as competing endogenous RNAs to inhibit the effect of miRNA suppression on specific mRNAs. Overall, non-coding RNAs (especially miRNAs) could help to create innovative therapeutic methods for the control of oral cancer metastases.

M2 Macrophages-Derived Exosomal miRNA-23a-3p Promotes the Progression of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Targeting PTEN

Exosomes from tumor cells and immune cells regulate the tumor microenvironment through the biomolecules or microRNAs (miRNAs) they carry. This research aims to investigate the role of miRNA in exosomes derived from tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). RT-qPCR and Western blotting assays were used to determine the expression of genes and proteins in OSCC cells. CCK-8, Scratch assay and invasion-related proteins were utilized to detect the malignant progression of tumor cells. High-throughput sequencing predicted differentially expressed miRNAs in exosomes secreted by M0 and M2 macrophages. Compared with exosomes from M0 macrophages, exosomes from M2 macrophages led to enhanced proliferation and invasion of OSCC cells and inhibited their apoptosis. High-throughput sequencing results show that miR-23a-3p is differentially expressed in exosomes from M0 and M2 macrophages. MiRNA target gene database predicts that phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) are target genes of miR-23a-3p. Further studies revealed that transfection of miR-23a-3p mimics inhibited PTEN expression in vivo and in vitro and promoted the malignant progression of OSCC cells, which was reversed by miR-23a-3p inhibitors. MiR-23a-3p in exosomes derived from M2 macrophages promotes malignant progression of OSCC. PTEN is a potential intracellular target of miR-23a-3p. MiR-23a-3p, an M2 macrophage-associated exosome, is a promising target for the future treatment of OSCC.

MicroRNAs as important players in regulating cancer through PTEN/PI3K/AKT signalling pathways

Cancer being the leading cause of mortality has become a great threat worldwide. Current cancer therapeutics lack specificity and have side effects due to a lack of understanding of the molecular mechanisms and signalling pathways involved in carcinogenesis. In recent years, researchers have been focusing on several signalling pathways to pave the way for novel therapeutics. The PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway is one of the important pathways involved in cell proliferation and apoptosis, leading to tumour growth. In addition, the PTEN/PI3K/AKT axis has several downstream pathways that could lead to tumour malignancy, metastasis and chemoresistance. On the other hand, microRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of various genes leading to disease pathogenesis. Hence studies of the role of miRNAs in regulating the PTEN/PI3K/AKT axis could lead to the development of novel therapeutics for cancer. Thus, in this review, we have focused on various miRNAs involved in the carcinogenesis of various cancer via the PTEN/PI3K/AKT axis.

MicroRNA-142-5p promotes the proliferation and metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Growing pieces of evidence reported abnormal expression of microRNA in various cancer. Our research aimed to ascertain the miR-142-5p expression and its potential function in the growth and metastasis of human nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). In human NPC tissues and cell lines, miR-142-5p expression was quantified via the real-time qPCR assay. Functionally, the potential effect of miR-142-5p in human CNE-1 and SUNE-1 cells through MTT assay, colony formation assay, Transwell assay, and cell cycle assay. In addition, the potential target gene of miR-142-5p was determined by the dual-luciferase reporter assay. MiR-142-5p expression was remarkably elevated in human NPC tissues, CNE-1 and SUNE-1 cells. MiR-142-5p overexpression obviously enhanced the ability of cell proliferative and colony formation, and prevented G1 phase arrest in CNE-1 and SUNE-1 cells. Further, the migration number of NPC cells was increased compared to NP69 cells. BTG3 was identified as the direct target gene of miR-142-5p. Inhibition of BTG3 expression could reverse the cell proliferation by miR-142-5p-induced. Overall, miR-142-5p could strengthen the NPC cell's proliferation and migration by directly targeting BTG3. Hence, miR-142-5p may provide a new strategy and program for future clinical treatment of NPC.

The paradigm of miRNA and siRNA influence in Oral-biome

Short nucleotide sequences like miRNA and siRNA have attracted a lot of interest in Oral-biome investigations. miRNA is a small class of non-coding RNA that regulates gene expression to provide effective regulation of post-transcription. On contrary, siRNA is 21-25 nucleotide dsRNA impairing gene function post-transcriptionally through inhibition of mRNA for homologous dependent gene silencing. This review highlights the application of miRNA in oral biome including oral cancer, dental implants, periodontal diseases, gingival fibroblasts, oral submucous fibrosis, radiation-induced oral mucositis, dental Pulp, and oral lichenoid disease. Moreover, we have also discussed the application of siRNA against the aforementioned disease along with the impact of miRNA and siRNA to the various pathways and molecular effectors pertaining to the dental diseases. The influence of upregulation and downregulation of molecular effector post-treatment with miRNA and siRNA and their impact on the clinical setting has been elucidated. Thus, the mentioned details on application of miRNA and siRNA will provide a novel gateway to the scholars to not only mitigate the long-lasting issue in dentistry but also develop new theragnostic approaches.

microRNA-142-3p regulates osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells via mediating SGK1

OBJECTIVE

Human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) refer to one kind of somatic stem cells that are capable of differentiating into multiple cell kinds and undergoing robust clonal self-renewal. This work was unearthed to elucidate the possible molecular mechanism of miR-142-3p in mediating osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs by targeting SGK1.

METHODS

The hPDLSCs were isolated, cultured, and identified. hPDLSCs were identified by immunofluorescence staining and multiple differentiation ability detection. Cell proliferation ability was assessed by CCK-8 assay. hPDLSCs were induced using osteogenic differentiation medium. ALP activity was detected by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining  and ALP activity assay, and mineralized nodule formation was determined by alizarin red staining. The expression levels of osteogenic differentiation marker proteins ALP, RUNX2, and OCN were measured by RT-qPCR. miR-142-3p candidate targets were obtained through bioinformatics analysis. The relationship between miR-142-3p and SKG1 was verified.

RESULTS

miR-142-3p in hPDLSCs after osteogenic induction was down-regulated. Elevated miR-142-3p restricted hPDLSCs proliferation, and diminished ALP activity and mineralized nodule formation, as well as the expression of ALP, RUNX2, and OCN, while miR-142-3p inhibition led to inverse results. miR-142-3p inhibited SKG1 expression. SKG1 overexpression promoted hPDLSC proliferation and osteogenic differentiation, and reversed the inhibitory function of miR-142-3p on hPDLSCs.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights that miR-142-3p represses osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs by reducing SGK1 expression.