High expression of Dicer reveals a negative prognostic influence in certain subtypes of primary cutaneous T cell lymphomas

The cross-talk between miRNAs and JAK/STAT pathway in cutaneous T cell lymphoma: Emphasis on therapeutic opportunities

Mycosis Fungoides (MF) and Sézary Syndrome (SS) belong to a wide spectrum of T cell lymphoproliferative disorders collectively termed cutaneous T cell lymphomas (CTCL). CTCLs represent an archetype of heterogeneous and dynamically variable lymphoproliferative neoplasms typified by distinct clinical, histological, immunophenotypic, and genetic features. Owing to its complex dynamics, the pathogenesis of CTCL remains elusive. However, in recent years, progress in CTCL classification combined with next-generation sequencing analyses has broadened the genetic and epigenetic spectrum of clearly defined CTCL entities such as MF and SS. Several large-scale genome studies have identified the polygenic nature of CTCL and unveiled an idiosyncratic mutational landscape involving genetic aberrations, epigenetic alterations, cell cycle dysregulation, apoptosis, and the constitutive activation of T cell/NF-κB/JAK-STAT signaling pathways. In this review, we summarize the evolving insights on how the intrinsic epigenetic events driven by dysregulated miRNAs, including the oncogenic and tumor-suppressive miRNAs, influence the pathogenesis of MF and SS. We also focus on the interplay between the JAK/STAT pathway and miRNAs in CTCL as well as the significance of the miRNA/STAT axis as a relevant pathogenetic mechanism underlying CTCL initiation and progression. Based on these biologic insights, the current status and recent progress on novel therapies with a strong biological rationale, including miRNA-targeted molecules and JAK/STAT-targeted therapy for CTCL management, are discussed.

No Longer Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma Dermal Nodule

Primary cutaneous CD4+ small and medium pleomorphic T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder (PCSM-LPD) is a rare and typically asymptomatic proliferation of CD3+/CD4+ small and medium pleomorphic T-cells. In this case report, we share the details of a 41-year-old male presenting with a two-centimeter soft, mobile forehead nodule that was determined by clinical symptoms, histology, and immunostaining to be PCSM-LPD. We would like to emphasize the clinical resolution that was seen with minimal treatment.

The Role of microRNAs in Regulating Cancer Cell Response to Oxaliplatin-Containing Regimens

Oxaliplatin (cyclohexane-1,2-diamine; oxalate; platinum [2+]) is a third-generation chemotherapeutic drug with anticancer effects. Oxaliplatin has a role in the treatment of several cancers. It is one of the few drugs which can eliminate the neoplastic cells of colorectal cancer. Also, it has an influential role in breast cancer, lung cancer, bladder cancer, prostate cancer, and gastric cancer. Although oxaliplatin has many beneficial effects in cancer treatment, resistance to this drug is in the way to cure neoplastic cells and reduce treatment efficacy. microRNAs are a subtype of small noncoding RNAs with ∼22 nucleotides that exist among species. They have diverse roles in physiological processes, including cellular proliferation and cell death. Moreover, miRNAs have essential roles in resistance to cancer treatment and can strengthen sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs and regimens. In colorectal cancer, the co-treatment of oxaliplatin with anti-miR-19a can partially reverse the oxaliplatin resistance through the upregulation of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN). Moreover, by preventing the spread of gastric cancer cells and downregulating glypican-3 (GPC3), MiR-4510 may modify immunosuppressive signals in the tumor microenvironment. Treatment with oxaliplatin may develop into a specialized therapeutic drug for patients with miR-4510 inhibition and glypican-3-expressing gastric cancer. Eventually, miR-122 upregulation or Wnt/β-catenin signaling suppression boosted the death of HCC cells and made them more sensitive to oxaliplatin. Herein, we have reviewed the role of microRNAs in regulating cancer cells' response to oxaliplatin, with particular attention to gastrointestinal cancers. We also discussed the role of these noncoding RNAs in the pathophysiology of oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic pain.

The Role of microRNA in Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, Different Variants, Treatment and Prognosis of Mycosis Fungoides

Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common type of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), accounting for approximately 50% of all CTCLs. Although various molecular changes in MF have been described in existing studies, no obvious disease-specific changes have been found thus far. microRNAs (miRs) are short, noncoding RNA molecules that play roles in the post-transcriptional regulation of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes in various diseases. Recently, there has been rapidly expanding experimental evidence for the role of miRs in the progression, early diagnosis, prognosis prediction for MF. Efforts to improve early diagnosis and develop personalized therapy options have become more important in recent years. Here, we provide an overview and update of recent advances regarding miRs associated with MF. Furthermore, we provide insights into future opportunities for miR-based therapies.

The Clinical Spectrum of Primary Cutaneous CD4+ Small/Medium-Sized Pleomorphic T-Cell Lymphoproliferative Disorder: An Updated Systematic Literature Review and Case Series

BACKGROUND

Primary cutaneous CD4+ small/medium pleomorphic T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder (SMPLPD) is a provisional entity within the 2016 World Health Organization classification of primary cutaneous lymphomas. The condition is currently classified as a lymphoproliferative disorder to emphasize its benign course and discourage aggressive, systemic treatment modalities.

OBJECTIVE

To provide a relevant synthesis for the dermatological practitioner on the prevalence, presentation, and treatment of SMPLPD.

METHODS

We conducted an updated systematic literature review and a retrospective chart review of diagnosed cases of SMPLPD from 2 Canadian academic cutaneous lymphoma centers.

RESULTS

A total of 23 studies with 136 cases were extracted from the systematic review and 24 patients from our retrospective chart review. SMPLPD proved relatively common accounting for 12.5% of all cutaneous T-cell lymphomas encountered in our cutaneous lymphoma clinics, second in frequency only to mycosis fungoides. The typical clinical presentation was that of an older individual (median age 59 years) with an asymptomatic solitary lesion on their upper extremity. The most common clinical differentials were cutaneous lymphoid hyperplasia, basal cell carcinoma, and lymphoma unspecified. T follicular helper markers were reliably detected. The main treatment modalities were surgical excision, local radiation therapy, and topical or intralesional steroids. Cure was achieved in the vast majority of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

SMPLPD is an underdiagnosed T-cell lymphoma with an overtly benign clinical course. The condition has an excellent prognosis and responds well to skin-directed therapies. Practitioners should be aware of this condition to avoid aggressive systemic treatments.

MicroRNAs in the Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, Prognosis and Targeted Treatment of Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphomas

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) represents a heterogeneous group of potentially devastating primary skin malignancies. Despite decades of intense research efforts, the pathogenesis is still not fully understood. In the early stages, both clinical and histopathological diagnosis is often difficult due to the ability of CTCL to masquerade as benign skin inflammatory dermatoses. Due to a lack of reliable biomarkers, it is also difficult to predict which patients will respond to therapy or progress towards severe recalcitrant disease. In this review, we discuss recent discoveries concerning dysregulated microRNA (miR) expression and putative pathological roles of oncogenic and tumor suppressive miRs in CTCL. We also focus on the interplay between miRs, histone deacetylase inhibitors, and oncogenic signaling pathways in malignant T cells as well as the impact of miRs in shaping the inflammatory tumor microenvironment. We highlight the potential use of miRs as diagnostic and prognostic markers, as well as their potential as therapeutic targets. Finally, we propose that the combined use of miR-modulating compounds with epigenetic drugs may provide a novel avenue for boosting the clinical efficacy of existing anti-cancer therapies in CTCL.

miRNAs in the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is, at present, the most common type of malignancy in the Caucasian population. Its incidence has increased rapidly in the last decade for both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. Differential expression profiles of microRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported for a variety of different cancers, including skin cancers. Since miRNAs’ discovery as regulators of gene expression, their importance grew in the field of oncology. miRNAs can post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression, tumor initiation, development progression, and aggressiveness. Nowadays, these short regulatory RNAs are perceived as one of the epigenetic markers for the identification of new diagnostic and/or prognostic molecular markers. Moreover, as miRNAs can drive tumorigenesis, they might eventually represent new therapy targets. Some miRNAs are pleiotropic, such as miR-214, which was found deregulated in several other tumors besides skin cancers. Some others are specific for one or more skin cancer types, like miR-21 and miR-221 for cutaneous melanoma and cutaneous squamous carcinoma or miR-155 for melanoma and cutaneous lymphoma. The goal of this review was to summarize some of the main miRNA detection technologies that are used to evaluate miRNAs in tissues and body fluids. Furthermore, their quantification limits, conformity, and robustness are discussed. Aberrant miRNA expression is analyzed for cutaneous melanoma, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC), skin lymphomas, cutaneous lymphoma, and Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). In this type of disease, miRNAs are described as potential biomarkers to diagnose early lesion and/or early metastatic disease. In the future, whether in tissue or circulating in body fluids, miRNAs will gain their place in skin cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and future therapeutic targets.

Genetic variants in miRNA machinery genes associated with clinicopathological characteristics and outcomes of gastric cancer patients

Background:

Polymorphisms in miRNA machinery genes have been proved to be related to risk or survival of several kinds of cancers, but the results are controversial and the role of these polymorphisms in gastric cancer remains uncertain. In our study, we investigated the association between five genetic variants in miRNA machinery genes ( DICER, RAN, XPO5 [name of the gene]) and clinical outcomes in Chinese gastric cancer patients.

Methods:

A total of 96 patients with stage IB-III gastric cancer treated with radical gastrectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy of oxaliplatin and fluorouracils were analyzed. The MassARRAY MALDI-TOF system was used to determine the genotypes.

Results:

DICER rs3742330 AG+GG genotype was associated with more advanced T stage compared to AA genotype ( P=0.009). More patients with XPO5 rs2257082 CC genotype had poorly differentiated tumors compared with CT+TT genotype carriers. After adjustment by age, sex, differentiation, T stage, and lymph node status, XPO5 rs2257082 CC genotype carriers were found to have worse disease-free survival than CT+TT genotype carriers (adjusted HR 3.099; 95% CI 1.270, 7.564; P=0.013), carriers of RAN rs14035 CC genotype had higher three-year OS rate than carriers of CT+TT genotype (adjusted HR 3.174; 95% CI 1.010, 9.973; P=0.048).

Conclusions:

These results indicated that genetic variants in miRNA machinery genes might be associated with the clinicopathological features and prognosis of completely resected gastric cancer patients.

Role of Dicer as a prognostic predictor for survival in cancer patients: a systematic review with a meta-analysis

Objective

The role of Dicer in the prognosis of cancer patients remains controversial. This systematic review is attempted to assess the influence of Dicer as a prognostic predictor for survival in diverse types of cancers.

Methods

Studies were selected as candidates if they published an independent evaluation of Dicer expression level together with the correlation with prognosis in cancers. Random-effect model was applied in this meta-analysis. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed by Q-statistic with P < 0.10 to be statistically significant. Publication bias was investigated using funnel plot and test with Begg's and Egger's test. P < 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant.

Results

24 of 44 articles revealed low Dicer status as a predictor of poor prognosis. The aggregate result of overall survival (OS) indicated that low Dicer expression level resulted in poor clinical outcomes, and subgroup of IHC and RT-PCR method both revealed the same result. Overall analysis of progression-free survival (PFS) showed the same result as OS, and both the two subgroups divided by laboratory method revealed positive results. Subgroup analysis by tumor types showed low dicer levels were associated with poor prognosis in ovarian cancer (HR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.19-3.15), otorhinolaryngological tumors (HR = 2.39, 95% CI: 1.70-3.36), hematological malignancies (HR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.69-3.56) and neuroblastoma (HR = 4.03, 95% CI: 1.91-8.50).

Conclusion

Low Dicer status was associated with poor prognosis in ovarian cancer, otorhinolaryngological tumors and ematological malignancies. More homogeneous studies with high quality are needed to further confirm our conclusion and make Dicer a useful parameter in clinical application.

Dicer suppresses cytoskeleton remodeling and tumorigenesis of colorectal epithelium by miR-324-5p mediated suppression of HMGXB3 and WASF-2

Emerging evidence indicates that microRNAs, a class of small and well-conserved noncoding RNAs, participate in many physiological and pathological processes. RNase III endonuclease DICER is one of the key enzymes for microRNA biogenesis. Here, we found that DICER was downregulated in tumor samples of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients at both mRNA and protein levels. Importantly, intestinal epithelial cell (IEC)-specific deletion of Dicer mice got more tumors after azoxymethane and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) administration. Interestingly, IEC-specific deletion of Dicer led to severe chronic inflammation and epithelium layer remodeling in mice with or without DSS administration. Microarray analysis of 3 paired Dicer deletion CRC cell lines showed that miR-324-5p was one of the most significantly decreased miRNAs. In the intestinal epithelium of IEC-specific deletion of Dicer mice, miR-324-5p was also found to be markedly reduced. Mechanistically, miR-324-5p directly bound to the 3′untranslated regions (3′UTRs) of HMG-box containing 3 (HMGXB3) and WAS protein family member 2 (WASF-2), two key proteins participated in cell motility and cytoskeleton remodeling, to suppress their expressions. Intraperitoneal injection of miR-324-5p AgomiR (an agonist of miR-324-5p) curtailed chronic inflammation and cytoskeleton remodeling of colorectal epithelium and restored intestinal barrier function in IEC-specific deletion of Dicer mice induced by DSS. Therefore, our study reveals a key role of a DICER/miR-324-5p/HMGXB3/WASF-2 axis in tumorigenesis of CRC by regulation of cytoskeleton remodeling and maintaining integrity of intestinal barriers.

Variation in the Dicer and RAN Genes Are Associated with Survival in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in microRNA machinery genes might affect microRNA processing and subsequently impact tumorigenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between SNPs in microRNA machinery genes and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a Korean population. Genotyping of six SNPs in microRNA machinery genes was performed using blood samples from 147 patients with HCC and 209 healthy control subjects. None of the six SNPs in microRNA machinery genes were significantly associated with HCC development. However, among the models for six polymorphic loci—DICER (rs3742330 and rs13078), DROSHA (rs10719 and rs6877842), RAN (rs14035) and XPO5 (rs11077)—one allele combination (A-A-T-C-C-C) showed synergistic effects in terms of an increased risk of HCC development (odds ratio = 8.881, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.889–41.750; P = 0.002). Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis showed a significant survival benefit for the DICER rs3742330 GG compared with the AA type (hazard ratio [HR], 0.314; 95% CI, 0.135–0.730; P = 0.007) and for the RAN rs14035 CT compared with the CC genotype (HR, 0.587; 95% CI, 0.349–0.987; P = 0.044). Although we found no direct association between DICER (rs3742330 and rs13078), DROSHA (rs10719 and rs6877842), RAN (rs14035) or XPO5 (rs11077) polymorphisms and HCC risk, we demonstrated that DICER (rs3742330) and RAN (rs14035) were associated with the survival of HCC patients. Future studies with larger samples are needed to determine associations of SNPs in microRNA machinery genes with HCC risk and prognosis.

Dicer expression in estrogen receptor-positive versus triple-negative breast cancer: an antibody comparison

Dicer is an RNase III enzyme responsible for cleaving double-stranded RNAs into small interfering RNAs and microRNAs, which either target messenger RNA transcripts for degradation or inhibit translation. Dicer protein levels have been examined in breast cancer with contradictory results. Our goal was to resolve whether Dicer levels differ in breast cancer versus normal breast epithelium and between estrogen receptor-α-positive (ER+) or estrogen receptor-α-negative (ER-) primary breast cancers. We compared 3 different Dicer antibodies: Abcam 4A6, Abcam ab5818, and Sigma HPA000694, using immunohistochemistry and Western blot analyses. All 3 Dicer antibodies detected higher levels of Dicer in ER+ breast cancer cell lines versus ER-, and all 3 recognized exogenous overexpressed Dicer. In clinical specimens, all 3 antibodies detected higher Dicer in ER+ breast cancers versus triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) but had very different staining patterns by immunohistochemistry on the same tumor samples. Using the optimal antibody, ab5818, selected for its sensitivity and specificity, Dicer protein expression was significantly higher in ER+ versus TNBC clinical specimens of primary tumor (P<.0001, unpaired t test). Dicer was also significantly higher in adjacent normal breast epithelium versus TNBC (P<.0001, paired t test; n=18 pairs). Differences in antibody performance may explain contrasting results observed in the literature regarding Dicer protein in breast cancer. If Dicer becomes more clinically relevant as a prognostic indicator, further antibody optimization and standardization will be critical.

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms of microRNA processing machinery genes are associated with risk for gastric cancer

Recent studies demonstrate that microRNA-related single-nucleotide polymorphisms (miR-SNPs) are associated with the development of numerous human cancers. In this study, we investigated six miR-SNPs in microRNA processing machinery genes, including rs11077 of the XPO5 gene, rs14035 of the RAN gene, rs3742330 of the Dicer gene, rs9623117 of the TNRC6B gene, rs197412 of the GEMIN3 gene, and rs2740348 of the GEMIN4 gene, in gastric cancer patients and subsequently evaluated their potential roles in gastric cancer risk in a case control study. The results indicate that the C/C genotype of rs14035 from RAN, the A/A genotype of rs3742330 from Dicer, and the T/T genotype of rs9623117 from TNRC6B are significantly associated with gastric cancer risk. In conclusion, these miR-SNPs can be used as predictive biomarkers in gastric cancer.

Downregulated expression of Dicer1 predicts inferior survival in primary gastrointestinal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma treated with CHOP-like regimen and rituximab

The aim of this study was to detect the expression levels of Dicer1, Drosha, DGCR8, and Ago2 messenger ribonucleic acids (mRNAs) in patients with primary gastrointestinal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (PGI-DLBCL) and determine their associations with clinical parameters and prognostic significance. The mRNA level expressions of Dicer1, Drosha, DGCR8, and Ago2 were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Immunohistochemical staining of CD10, BCL6, and MUM1 was performed using EnVision™ system. The clinicopathologic features and follow-up data were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier estimator. The results show that the expression of Dicer1 (P=0.001), Drosha (P=0.01), DGCR8 (P=0.02), and Ago2 (P=0.002) mRNAs in cancer tissues of patients with PGI-DLBCL was significantly lower than those in normal tissues of healthy controls. Among the expression of CD10, BCL6, and MUM1, 27.4% (17/62) of the patients belonged to the germinal center B-cell (GCB) subtype and 72.6% (45/62) belonged to the non-GCB subtype. Dicer1 expression was significantly decreased in the non-GCB subgroup (P=0.02) and in the high International Prognostic Index (3-5 score) subgroup (P=0.03). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the low-Dicer1 subgroup had a shorter overall survival (P=0.02) and shorter progression-free survival (P=0.015) than the high-Dicer1 subgroup. Multivariate analysis identified Dicer1 as an independent prognostic factor in PGI-DLBCL. In Conclusion, Dicer1, Drosha, DGCR8, and Ago2 play key roles in the pathogenesis of PGI-DLBCL. Dicer1, an independent prognostic factor for predicting shortened survival of patients with PGI-DLBCL, can be used as a biomarker to guide the prognosis.

Polymorphisms in microRNA-related genes are associated with survival of patients with T-cell lymphoma

OBJECTIVE

Elaborate evaluation of prognosis of T-cell lymphoma (TCL) is vital for current therapy and future stratified and individualized therapy. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in cancer development and prognosis. We aimed to assess the effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in miRNA-related genes on the survival of patients with TCL.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We genotyped 13 SNPs selected from 12 miRNA-related genes in 220 TCL patients and explored the association of SNPs with survival.

RESULTS

Among the 13 SNPs, four (DROSHA rs6877842, DICER rs3742330, mir149 rs2292832, and mir499 rs3746444) were significantly associated with TCL survival after adjusting for subtype and International Prognostic Index score. In stratified analyses, all four SNPs remained significantly associated with survival in patients with mature T type. Of the four SNPs, only mir149 rs2292832 was not significantly associated with survival in patients with an International Prognostic Index score of 0-1. Furthermore, a dose-dependent cumulative effect of the four SNPs on TCL survival was observed by counting the number of unfavorable genotypes. Survival tree analysis also showed higher order interactions between these SNPs.

CONCLUSION

The results suggested that miRNA-related polymorphisms are associated with survival of TCL patients; thus, they may be used individually and jointly to predict survival of patients with TCL.

Expression profiling of components of the miRNA maturation machinery

The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) is a valuable and well-proven technique used to investigate the expression level of multiple components of the microRNA (miRNA) maturation machinery. Here, we describe how to determine the messenger RNA expression levels of components of the miRNA machinery starting from the isolation of the RNA from a tissue biopsy to performance of the qRT-PCR.

Genetic markers associated with progression in early mycosis fungoides

BACKGROUND

Mycosis fungoides (MF) is a rare, but potentially devastating malignancy. It classically presents with cutaneous patches and plaques and can progress to tumours on the skin with lymph node, blood and visceral involvement. While most patients with MF have a relatively benign disease course, a subset of patients will develop progressive disease that is often fatal.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to identify genetic markers in early MF limited to the skin (stages IA-IIA) that distinguish those patients who will have progressive disease from those who will not, so that early appropriate treatment may be instituted.

METHODS

The study includes 18 patients who were diagnosed with early stage MF at the time of biopsy and had follow-up to determine which patients developed progressive disease. RNA was extracted from skin biopsy specimens and analysed for expression of CD3, FOXP3, IFNγ, Interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13, KIR3DL2, MICB, PLS3 and STAT4 by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS

Reduced expression of FOXP3 and STAT4 and increased expression of IL-4 relative to CD3 expression levels were significantly associated with MF progression. Further studies will be needed to fully assess the usefulness of these genetic markers to predict disease progression and guide treatment options in patients diagnosed with early MF.

Role of microRNAs and microRNA machinery in the pathogenesis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Deregulation of microRNA (miRNA) expression has been documented in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). However, the impact of miRNAs and their machinery in DLBCL is not fully determined. Here, we assessed the role of miRNA expression and their processing genes in DLBCL development. Using microarray and RT-qPCR approaches, we quantified global miRNAs and core components of miRNA-processing genes expression in 75 DLBCLs (56 de novo and 19 transformed) and 10 lymph nodes (LN). Differential miRNA signatures were identified between DLBCLs and LNs, or between the de novo and transformed DLBCLs. We also identified subsets of miRNAs associated with germinal center B-cell phenotype, BCL6 and IRF4 expression, and clinical staging. In addition, we showed a significant over-expression of TARBP2 in de novo DLBCLs as compared with LNs, and decreased expression of DROSHA, DICER, TARBP2 and PACT in transformed as compared with de novo cases. Interestingly, cases with high TARBP2 and DROSHA expression had a poorer chemotherapy response. We further showed that TARBP2 can regulate miRNA-processing efficiency in DLBCLs, and its expression inhibition decreases cell growth and increases apoptosis in DLBCL cell lines. Our findings provide new insights for the understanding of miRNAs and its machinery in DLBCL.

Variation in dicer gene is associated with increased survival in T-cell lymphoma

Dicer, an endonuclease in RNase III family, is essential for the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway. Aberrant expression of Dicer has been shown in various cancers including some subtypes of T cell lymphoma (TCL), which influences patient prognosis. A single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs3742330A>G has been identified in the Dicer gene, located in the 3′ untranslated region (3′ UTR) that is important for mRNA transcript stability. We investigated whether rs3742330 is associated with the survival in 163 TCL patients. Significant association between Dicer rs3742330 and TCL survival were found. Patients carrying the GG genotype (n = 12) had a significantly increased overall survival (OS) compared with those carrying the GA and AA genotypes (n = 70 and n = 81, respectively; p = 0.031). Moreover, the significant association was maintained for patients with mature T type (n = 134; p = 0.026). In multivariate Cox-regression analysis, rs3742330 proved to be an independent predictor for OS, together with the commonly used International Prognostic Index (IPI) and BAFF rs9514828, another SNP we have previously reported to be associated with TCL survival, with hazard ratios (HRs) for patient death rate of 8.956 (95% CI, 1.210 to 66.318; p = 0.032) for the GA genotype and 10.145 (95% CI, 1.371 to 75.084; p = 0.023) for the AA genotype. Furthermore, we observed cumulative effects of Dicer rs3742330 and BAFF rs9514828 on TCL survival. Compared with patients carrying zero unfavorable genotype, those carrying one and two unfavorable genotypes had an increased risk of death with a HR of 7.104 (95% CI, 0.969–53.086; p = 0.054) and 14.932 (95% CI, 1.950–114.354; p = 0.009), respectively, with a significant dose-response trend (p_trend  = 0.004). In conclusion, Dicer rs3742330 is associated with TCL survival, suggesting that genetic variation might play a role in predicting prognosis of TCL patients.

Control by a hair's breadth: the role of microRNAs in the skin

MicroRNAs have continued to attract enormous interest in the scientific community ever since their discovery. Their allure stems from their unique role in posttranscriptional gene expression control as well as their potential application as therapeutic targets in various disease pathologies. While much is known concerning their general biological function, such as their interaction with RNA-induced silencing complexes, many important questions still remain unanswered, especially regarding their functions in the skin. In this review, we summarize our current knowledge of the role of microRNAs in the skin in order to shine new light on our understanding of cutaneous biology and emphasize the significance of these small, single-stranded RNA molecules in the largest organ of the human body. Key events in epidermal and hair follicle biology, including differentiation, proliferation, and pigmentation, all involve microRNAs. We explore the role of microRNAs in several cutaneous processes, such as appendage formation, wound-healing, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, carcinogenesis, immune response, and aging. In addition, we discuss current trends in research and offer suggestions for future studies.