TUSC7 suppression of Notch activation through sponging MiR-146 recapitulated the asymmetric cell division in lung adenocarcinoma stem cells

LncRNAs and asymmetric cell division: the epigenetic mechanisms

Asymmetric cell division (ACD) plays a pivotal role in development, tissue homeostasis, and stem cell maintenance. Emerging evidence suggests that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are key regulators of ACD, orchestrating the intricate molecular machinery that governs cell fate determination. This review summarizes current literature to elucidate the diverse roles of lncRNAs in modulating ACD across various biological contexts. The regulatory mechanisms of asymmetric cell division mediated by lncRNAs, including their interactions with protein effectors, epigenetic regulation, and subcellular localization are explored. Additionally, we discuss the implications of dysregulated lncRNAs in mediating ACD that lead to tumorigenesis. By integrating findings from diverse experimental models and cell types, this review provides insights into the multifaceted roles of lncRNAs in governing asymmetric cell division, shedding light on fundamental biological processes. Further research in this area may lead to the development of novel therapies targeting dysregulated lncRNAs to restore proper cell division and function. The knowledge of lncRNAs regulating ACD could potentially revolutionize the field of regenerative medicine and cancer therapy by targeting specific lncRNAs involved in ACD. By unraveling the complex interactions between lncRNAs and cellular processes, the potential novel opportunities for precision medicine approaches may be uncovered.

Comprehensive landscape and future perspective of long noncoding RNAs in non-small cell lung cancer: it takes a village

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a distinct subtype of RNA that lack protein-coding capacity but exert significant influence on various cellular processes. In non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), dysregulated lncRNAs act as either oncogenes or tumor suppressors, contributing to tumorigenesis and tumor progression. LncRNAs directly modulate gene expression, act as competitive endogenous RNAs by interacting with microRNAs or proteins, and associate with RNA binding proteins. Moreover, lncRNAs can reshape the tumor immune microenvironment and influence cellular metabolism, cancer cell stemness, and angiogenesis by engaging various signaling pathways. Notably, lncRNAs have shown great potential as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers in liquid biopsies and therapeutic strategies for NSCLC. This comprehensive review elucidates the significant roles and diverse mechanisms of lncRNAs in NSCLC. Furthermore, we provide insights into the clinical relevance, current research progress, limitations, innovative research approaches, and future perspectives for targeting lncRNAs in NSCLC. By summarizing the existing knowledge and advancements, we aim to enhance the understanding of the pivotal roles played by lncRNAs in NSCLC and stimulate further research in this field. Ultimately, unraveling the complex network of lncRNA-mediated regulatory mechanisms in NSCLC could potentially lead to the development of novel diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies.

BM-MSCs overexpressing the Numb enhance the therapeutic effect on cholestatic liver fibrosis by inhibiting the ductular reaction

BACKGROUND

Cholestatic liver fibrosis (CLF) is caused by inflammatory destruction of the intrahepatic bile duct and abnormal proliferation of the small bile duct after cholestasis. Activation of the Notch signaling pathway is required for hepatic stem cells to differentiate into cholangiocytes during the pathogenesis of CLF. Our previous research found that the expression of the Numb protein, a negative regulator of Notch signaling, was significantly reduced in the livers of patients with primary biliary cholangitis and CLF rats. However, the relationship between the Numb gene and CLF is largely unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of the Numb gene in the treatment of bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced CLF.

METHODS

In vivo, bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) with Numb gene overexpression or knockdown obtained using lentivirus transfection were transplanted into the livers of rats with BDL-induced CLF. The effects of the Numb gene on stem cell differentiation and CLF were evaluated by performing histology, tests of liver function, and measurements of liver hydroxyproline, cytokine gene and protein levels. In vitro, the Numb gene was overexpressed or knocked down in the WB-F344 cell line by lentivirus transfection, Then, cells were subjected immunofluorescence staining and the detection of mRNA levels of related factors, which provided further evidence supporting the results from in vivo experiments.

RESULTS

BM-MSCs overexpressing the Numb gene differentiated into hepatocytes, thereby inhibiting CLF progression. Conversely, BM-MSCs with Numb knockdown differentiated into biliary epithelial cells (BECs), thereby promoting the ductular reaction (DR) and the progression of CLF. In addition, we confirmed that knockdown of Numb in sodium butyrate-treated WB-F344 cells aggravated WB-F344 cell differentiation into BECs, while overexpression of Numb inhibited this process.

CONCLUSIONS

The transplantation of BM-MSCs overexpressing Numb may be a useful new treatment strategy for CLF.

Influence of Long Non-Coding RNA in the Regulation of Cancer Stem Cell Signaling Pathways

Over the past two decades, cancer stem cells (CSCs) have emerged as an immensely studied and experimental topic, however a wide range of questions concerning the topic still remain unanswered; in particular, the mechanisms underlying the regulation of tumor stem cells and their characteristics. Understanding the cancer stem-cell signaling pathways may pave the way towards a better comprehension of these mechanisms. Signaling pathways such as WNT, STAT, Hedgehog, NOTCH, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, TGF-β, and NF-κB are responsible not only for modulating various features of CSCs but also their microenvironments. Recently, the prominent roles of various non-coding RNAs such as small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in developing and enhancing the tumor phenotypes have been unfolded. This review attempts to shed light on understanding the influence of long non- coding RNAs in the modulation of various CSC-signaling pathways and its impact on the CSCs and tumor properties; highlighting the protagonistic and antagonistic roles of lncRNAs.

LncRNA in tumorigenesis of non-small-cell lung cancer: From bench to bedside

Lung cancer has been one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide, and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for the majority of lung cancer morbidity, yet the pathogenesis of NSCLC has not been fully elucidated. Recently, long-chain non-coding RNA (lncRNA) has attracted widespread attention. LncRNA is a type of non-coding RNA whose transcript length exceeds 200 nucleotides. After constant research, academics updated their understanding of lncRNA, especially its role in the biological processes of cancer cells, including epigenetic regulation, cell proliferation, and cell differentiation. Notably, examination of lncRNAs could serve as potential hallmarks for clinicopathological features, long-term prognosis, and drug sensitivity. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the functions of lncRNA in NSCLC and innovate potential strategies against NSCLC based on lncRNA-related research. Herein, we reviewed the functions of lncRNA in the occurrence, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of NSCLC, which not only help promote a comprehensive view of lncRNA in NSCLC, but also shed light on the potential of lncRNA-based diagnosis and treatment of NSCLC.

YT521-B homology domain family proteins as N6-methyladenosine readers in tumors

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant internal chemical modification of eukaryotic mRNA and plays diverse roles in gene regulation. The m6A modification plays a significant role in numerous cancer types, including kidney, stomach, lung, bladder tumors, and melanoma, through varied mechanisms. As direct m6A readers, the YT521-B homology domain family proteins (YTHDFs) play a key role in tumor transcription, translation, protein synthesis, tumor stemness, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), immune escape, and chemotherapy resistance. An in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanism of YTHDFs is expected to provide new strategies for tumor treatment. In this review, we provide a systematic description of YTHDF protein structure and its function in tumor progression.

Long Non-Coding RNAs in Lung Cancer: The Role in Tumor Microenvironment

The development of various therapeutic interventions, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy, have effectively induced tumor remission for patients with advanced lung cancer. However, few cancer patients can obtain significant and long-lasting therapeutic effects for the limitation of immunological nonresponse and resistance. For this case, it’s urgent to identify new biomarkers and develop therapeutic targets for future immunotherapy. Over the past decades, tumor microenvironment (TME)-related long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have gradually become well known to us. A large number of existing studies have indicated that TME-related lncRNAs are one of the major factors to realize precise diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. Herein, this paper discusses the roles of lncRNAs in TME, and the potential application of lncRNAs as biomarkers or therapeutic targets for immunotherapy in lung cancer.

M6A associated TSUC7 inhibition contributed to Erlotinib resistance in lung adenocarcinoma through a notch signaling activation dependent way

Background

The small tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) subversively altered the lung cancer treatments, but patients will inevitably face the therapy resistance and disease recurrence. We aim to explore the potential roles of non-coding RNAs in sensitizing the TKIs effects. Methods: Multiple cellular and molecular detections were applied to confirm the mechanistic regulations and intracellular connections.

Results

We explored the specific gene features of candidates in association with resistance, and found that m6A controlled the stemness of EMT features through METTL3 and YTHDF2. The miR-146a/Notch signaling was sustained highly activated in a m6A dependent manner, and the m6A regulator of YTHDF2 suppressed TUSC7, both of which contributed to the resistant features. Functionally, the sponge type of TUSC7 regulation of miR-146a inhibited Notch signaling functions, and affected the cancer progression and stem cells’ renewal in Erlotinib resistant PC9 cells (PC9ER) and Erlotinib resistant HCC827 cells (HCC827ER) cells. The Notch signaling functions manipulated the cMYC and DICER inner cytoplasm, and the absence of either cMYC or DICER1 lead to TUSC7 and miR-146a decreasing respectively, formed the closed circle to maintain the balance.

Conclusion

PC9ER and HCC827ER cells harbored much more stem-like cells, and the resistance could be reversed by Notch signaling inactivation. The intrinsic miR-146 and TUSC7 levels are monitored by m6A effectors, the alternation of either miR-146 or TUSC7 expression could lead to the circling loop to sustain the new homeostasis. Further in clinics, the combined delivery of TKIs and Notch specific inhibitory non-coding RNAs will pave the way for yielding the susceptibility to targeted therapy in lung cancer.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-021-02137-9.

The immunotherapy candidate TNFSF4 may help the induction of a promising immunological response in breast carcinomas

Immune checkpoint blockade, an immunotherapy, has been applied in multiple systemic malignancies and has improved overall survival to a relatively great extent; whether it can be applied in breast cancer remains unknown. We endeavored to explore possible factors that may influence immunotherapy outcomes in breast cancer using several public databases. The possible treatment target TNF superfamily member 4 (TNFSF4) was selected from many candidates based on its abnormal expression profile, survival-associated status, and ability to predict immune system reactions. For the first time, we identified the oncogenic features of TNFSF4 in breast carcinoma. TNFSF4 was revealed to be closely related to treatment that induced antitumor immunity and to interact with multiple immune effector molecules and T cell signatures, which was independent of endocrine status and has not been reported previously. Moreover, the potential immunotherapeutic approach of TNFSF4 blockade showed underlying effects on stem cell expansion, which more strongly and specifically demonstrated the potential effects of applying TNFSF4 blockade-based immunotherapies in breast carcinomas. We identified potential targets that may contribute to breast cancer therapies through clinical analysis and real-world review and provided one potential but crucial tool for treating breast carcinoma that showed effects across subtypes and long-term effectiveness.

miRNA signaling networks in cancer stem cells

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small cell subpopulation in many cancer types and are involved in various processes of tumor progression, such as initiation, metastasis and recurrence. The distinguished features of CSCs include a variety of biological properties, including self-renewal, multidifferentiation, stemness marker expression, and resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Despite their great potential of clinical importance, the CSC signaling pathways are not well understood at the molecular level. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of endogenous noncoding RNAs that play an important role in the regulation of several cellular, physiological, and developmental processes. Aberrant miRNA expression is associated with many human diseases, including cancer. miRNAs have been implicated in the regulation of CSC properties; therefore, a better understanding of miRNA-induced modulation of CSC gene expression could aid in the identification of promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets. In the present review, we summarize the major findings of the impacts of miRNAs on CSC signaling networks; we then discuss the recent advances that have improved our understanding of CSC regulation by miRNA-mediated signaling networks and that may lead to the development of miRNA therapeutics specifically targeting CSCs.

Propofol suppresses osteosarcoma cell function by regulating FOXO1/TUSC7

OBJECTIVES

Accumulated evidence demonstrates that propofol has antitumour roles in various cancers. However, the role of propofol in osteosarcoma is still unclear. Therefore, we aim to determine the role of propofol on osteosarcoma and further explore its potential mechanism.

METHODS

Cell proliferation, migration and invasion of osteosarcoma were detected using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, wound healing and transwell assay, respectively. The interaction between FoxO1 and TUSC7 was determined using luciferase reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation.

RESULTS

Propofol treatment significantly decreased cell proliferation, migration and invasion in U2OS cells. Propofol promoted TUSC7 expression by enhancing transcriptional factor FOXO1 that leads to inactivation of AKT/GSK3β signalling resulting in the suppression of cell proliferation, migration and invasion.

CONCLUSIONS

Propofol suppresses cell proliferation, migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells through FOXO1/TUSC7 axis by regulating AKT/GSK3β signalling.

Polymorphism of TUSC7 associated with gastric cancer susceptibility and binding with miR-133a-3p: a population-based case-control study

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have demonstrated that gene polymorphism is associated with cancer susceptibility. Most of these genes are involved in neoplastic processes. Previous studies demonstrated that tumor-suppressor candidate 7 (TUSC7) was a tumor-suppressor gene in various tumors. This study aims to explore the association between lncRNA TUSC7 polymorphism and gastric cancer susceptibility and the potential function.

METHODS

The tagging SNPs of TUSC7 were genotyped with polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) in a Chinese Han population-based case-control study. The relative expression level of TUSC7 in plasma was conducted by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The gene-environment interaction was analyzed by multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR). The dual luciferase reporter assay was used to examine whether SNP rs12494960 of TUSC7 allele variation affected the binding of lncRNA-TUSC7 and miRNAs miR-133a-3p.

RESULTS

Three tagging SNPs (rs12494960, rs1518338, rs2867837) of TUSC7 were selected to validate in population. The unconditional multiple logistic regression showed that individuals with genotype AA (OR: 1.79, 95% CI: 1.16, 2.70) of rs12494960 and GG (OR: 2.24, 95% CI: 1.12, 4.46) of rs2867837 in TUSC7 had increased risk of GC susceptibility. The qRT-PCR showed that CA and AA genotype of rs12494960 in TUSC7 had significantly lower relative expression level in plasma, compared with CC genotype. The dual luciferase reporter assay showed that TUSC7 and miR-133a-3p had interaction.

CONCLUSION

The mutant genotype of rs12494960 could increase the susceptibility of gastric cancer and might affect the corresponding mRNA expression of lncRNA TUSC7 in plasma.

Overview of host miRNA properties and their association with epigenetics, long non-coding RNAs, and Xeno-infectious factors

MicroRNA-derived structures play impressive roles in various biological processes. So dysregulation of miRNAs can lead to different human diseases. Recent studies have extended our comprehension of the control of miRNA function and features. Here, we overview some remarkable miRNA properties that have potential implications for the miRNA functions, including different variants of a miRNA called isomiRs, miRNA arm selection/arm switching, and the effect of these factors on miRNA target selection. Besides, we review some aspects of miRNA interactions such as the interaction between epigenetics and miRNA (different miRNAs and their related processing enzymes are epigenetically regulated by multiple DNA methylation enzymes. moreover, DNA methylation could be controlled by diverse mechanisms related to miRNAs), direct and indirect crosstalk between miRNA and lnc (Long Non-Coding) RNAs as a further approach to conduct intercellular regulation called "competing endogenous RNA" (ceRNA) that is involved in the pathogenesis of different diseases, and the interaction of miRNA activities and some Xeno-infectious (virus/bacteria/parasite) factors, which result in modulation of the pathogenesis of infections. This review provides some related studies to a better understanding of miRNA involvement mechanisms and overcoming the complexity of related diseases that may be applicable and useful to prognostic, diagnostic, therapeutic purposes and personalized medicine in the future.

lncRNA TUSC7 inhibits osteosarcoma progression through the miR‑181a/RASSF6 axis

Osteosarcoma (OS) is one of the most aggressive malignancies, accompanied by an elevated incidence and a decreased rate of healing. Recently, several long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to be involved in OS progression. Although tumor suppressor candidate 7 (TUSC7) was reported as a novel lncRNA, little is known about its biological functions in OS. The present study was designed to explore whether TUSC7 was involved in the pathological development of OS using various methods, including hematoxylin and eosin staining, Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, colony formation assay and Transwell assay. The present study revealed that TUSC7 expression was downregulated in OS tissues and cell lines compared with in normal tissues and cell lines. Functionally, the current results revealed that overexpression of TUSC7 inhibited OS cell proliferation, migration and invasion, while promoting apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Next, the subcellular distribution of TUSC7 was examined by nuclear/cytoplasmic RNA fractionation and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. Mechanistic studies revealed that TUSC7 exerted its role by sponging microRNA (miR)-181a in OS cell lines. Ras association domain family member 6 (RASSF6) was confirmed as a target gene of miR-181a, and the expression levels of RASSF6 were negatively regulated by miR-181a. Additionally, the results of rescue experiments suggested that overexpression of miR-181a neutralized the inhibitory effects of TUSC7 overexpression on OS cells. Overall, the present study demonstrated that the tumor suppressor role of TUSC7 in OS progression was mediated through the miR-181a/RASSF6 axis, which may represent a new therapeutic target for OS.

The functional role of long non-coding RNAs and their underlying mechanisms in drug resistance of non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most commonly diagnosed solid cancer and the main origin of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Current strategies to treat advanced NSCLC are based on a combined approach of targeted therapy and chemotherapy. But most patients will eventually get resistance to either chemotherapy or targeted therapy, leading to the poor prognosis. The mechanism of NSCLC drug resistance is inconclusive and is affected by multiple factors. Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) are non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) longer than 200 nucleotides. Recent studies show that lncRNAs are involved in many cellular physiological activities, including drug resistance of NSCLC. It is of great clinical significance to understand the specific mechanisms and the role of lncRNAs in it.

CONCLUSIONS

Herein, we focus on the functional roles and the underlying mechanisms of lncRNAs in acquired drug resistance of NSCLC. LncRNAs have potential values as novel prognostic biomarkers and even therapeutic targets in the clinical management of NSCLC.

Stem signatures associated antibodies yield early diagnosis and precise prognosis predication of patients with non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

This study was designed to detect patients with early NSCLC with tentatively using the stem signatures associated autoantibodies (AAbs), and to evaluate its latent values in the early diagnosis and precise prognosis prediction.

METHODS

The serum concentrations of selective antibodies were quantitated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and a total of 458 cases were enrolled (training set = 401; validation set = 57). TCGA databases were used to analyze the distinct expressions and prognostic values of related genes. The optimal cut-off values were 11.60 U/ml for P53, 4.90 U/ml for MAGEA1, 3.85 U/ml for SOX2, and 7.05U/ml for PGP9.5.

RESULTS

We found that the stem signatures associated antibodies of MAGEA1, PGP9.5, SOX2, and TP53 exhibited high expressions in NSCLC, negatively correlating with the overall survival (OS) (P < 0.05). In the test groups, the diagnosis sensitivity of P53, PGP9.5, SOX2, and MAGEA1 reached to 21.5%, 39.0%, 50.3%, and 35.0%, respectively, and the specificity reached to 98.7%, 99.4%, 92.2%, and 97.4%. The four candidates' panel gave a sensitivity of 71.8% with a specificity of 89%. In the validation group, the detection of the four antibodies in early diagnosis of NSCLC also exhibited high specificity and sensitivity, further consolidating their potential application.

CONCLUSIONS

The detection regarding stem signatures associated antibodies could be used as effective tools in early NSCLC diagnosis, but not for localized screening of cancers, and their abnormal expression was in accordance with poorer survival.

miRNA-based biomarkers, therapies, and resistance in Cancer

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) of about 22 nucleotides in size, play important roles in gene regulation, and their dysregulation is implicated in human diseases including cancer. A variety of miRNAs could take roles in the cancer progression, participate in the process of tumor immune, and function with miRNA sponges. During the last two decades, the connection between miRNAs and various cancers has been widely researched. Based on evidence about miRNA, numerous potential cancer biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis have been put forward, providing a new perspective on cancer screening. Besides, there are several miRNA-based therapies among different cancers being conducted, advanced treatments such as the combination of synergistic strategies and the use of complementary miRNAs provide significant clinical benefits to cancer patients potentially. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that many miRNAs are engaged in the resistance of cancer therapies with their complex underlying regulatory mechanisms, whose comprehensive cognition can help clinicians and improve patient prognosis. With the belief that studies about miRNAs in human cancer would have great clinical implications, we attempt to summarize the current situation and potential development prospects in this review.

mRNAsi Index: Machine Learning in Mining Lung Adenocarcinoma Stem Cell Biomarkers

Cancer stem cells (CSCs), characterized by self-renewal and unlimited proliferation, lead to therapeutic resistance in lung cancer. In this study, we aimed to investigate the expressions of stem cell-related genes in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). The stemness index based on mRNA expression (mRNAsi) was utilized to analyze LUAD cases in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). First, mRNAsi was analyzed with differential expressions, survival analysis, clinical stages, and gender in LUADs. Then, the weighted gene co-expression network analysis was performed to discover modules of stemness and key genes. The interplay among the key genes was explored at the transcription and protein levels. The enrichment analysis was performed to annotate the function and pathways of the key genes. The expression levels of key genes were validated in a pan-cancer scale. The pathological stage associated gene expression level and survival probability were also validated. The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was additionally used for validation. The mRNAsi was significantly upregulated in cancer cases. In general, the mRNAsi score increases according to clinical stages and differs in gender significantly. Lower mRNAsi groups had a better overall survival in major LUADs, within five years. The distinguished modules and key genes were selected according to the correlations to the mRNAsi. Thirteen key genes (CCNB1, BUB1, BUB1B, CDC20, PLK1, TTK, CDC45, ESPL1, CCNA2, MCM6, ORC1, MCM2, and CHEK1) were enriched from the cell cycle Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway, relating to cell proliferation Gene Ontology (GO) terms, as well. Eight of the thirteen genes have been reported to be associated with the CSC characteristics. However, all of them have been previously ignored in LUADs. Their expression increased according to the pathological stages of LUAD, and these genes were clearly upregulated in pan-cancers. In the GEO database, only the tumor necrosis factor receptor associated factor-interacting protein (TRAIP) from the blue module was matched with the stemness microarray data. These key genes were found to have strong correlations as a whole, and could be used as therapeutic targets in the treatment of LUAD, by inhibiting the stemness features.

miR-26b-5p Inhibits the Proliferation, Migration and Invasion of Human Papillary Thyroid Cancer in a β-Catenin-Dependent Manner

Background

miR-26b-5p is reported to be involved in the progression of multiple cancers, but its function and mechanism in human papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) remain unknown. We aimed to uncover the function and mechanism of miR-26b-5p in PTC.

Methods

We performed qRT-PCR to detect the differences in miR-26b-5p expression between normal tissue and PTC. In vitro, we established cell lines stably overexpressing miR-26b-5p and investigated the function and underlying mechanism of miR-26b-5p in PTC.

Results

miR-26b-5p was downregulated in PTC compared with normal tissue. miR-26b-5p was correlated with the clinical stage. miR-26b-5p inhibited the proliferation, invasion and migration of PTC cell lines. We next detected EMT and proliferation markers. miR-26b-5p was shown to exert its function in a β-catenin-dependent manner.

Conclusion

Taken together, our results showed that miR-26b-5p inhibits proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT by degrading β-catenin.

Multiple Copies in T-Cell Malignancy 1 (MCT-1) Promotes the Stemness of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells via Activating Interleukin-6 (IL-6) Signaling through Suppressing MiR-34a Expression

Background

Although the oncogenic roles of multiple copies in T-cell malignancy 1 (MCT-1) have been revealed in multiple cancers, its effects on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) progression are still uncertain. This study aimed to reveal the effects of MCT-1 on the stem cell-like traits of NSCLC cells.

Material/Methods

Western blot, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), spheroid forming ability, and ALDH1 (aldehyde dehydrogenase 1) activity analysis were carried out to examine the effects of MCT-1/micrRNa-34 (miR-34a)/interleukin-6 (IL-6) on the stem cell-like characteristics of lung cancer cells.

Results

MCT-1 knockdown reduced the spheroid forming ability, characterized as the decreased spheroid size and number. Additionally, MCT-1 knockdown decreased the expression of the NSCLC stemness markers and the activity of ALDH1. Moreover, MCT-1 knockdown decreased IL-6 secretion that promotes NSCLC cell stemness. Furthermore, MCT-1 knockdown increased the level of miR-34a, which attenuated the stemness of NSCLC cells through targeting IL-6R (IL-6 receptor) expression.

Conclusions

These results suggest MCT-1/miR-34a/IL-6/IL-6R axis is responsible for MCT-1-mediated effects on NSCLC cell stemness.