Biomarkers in urothelial carcinoma of the bladder: the potential cross-talk between transforming growth factor-β1 and estrogen receptor β/androgen receptor pathways

Sexual dimorphism in bladder cancer: a review of etiology, biology, diagnosis, and outcomes

Bladder carcinoma represents a prevalent malignancy, wherein the influence of sex extends across its incidence, biological attributes, and clinical outcomes. This scholarly exposition meticulously examines pertinent investigations, elucidating the nuanced impact of sex on bladder cancer, and posits cogent avenues for future research and intervention modalities. In the initial discourse, an exhaustive scrutiny is undertaken of the etiological underpinnings of bladder cancer, encompassing variables such as tobacco consumption, occupational exposures, and genetic aberrations. Subsequently, a comprehensive dissection unfolds, delving into the intricate biological disparities inherent in sex vis-à-vis the initiation and progression of bladder cancer. This analytical framework embraces multifaceted considerations, spanning sex hormones, sex chromosomal dynamics, metabolic enzymatic cascades, and the intricate interplay with the microbiome. Lastly, a synthesized exposition encapsulates the ramifications of gender differentials on the diagnostic and prognostic landscapes of bladder cancer, underscoring the imperative for intensified investigative endeavors directed towards elucidating gender-specific variances and the formulation of tailored therapeutic strategies.

CRISPR-Cas13a Targeting the Enhancer RNA-SMAD7e Inhibits Bladder Cancer Development Both in vitro and in vivo

Enhancers are cis-acting elements that can promote the expression of target genes and respond to estrogen to induce the transcription of eRNAs, which are closely associated with cancer development. Further study on eRNAs may lead to a better understanding of the significance of transcriptional regulation and the progression of malignant tumors. SMAD7 enhancer RNA (SMAD7e) is an estrogen-responsive eRNA. However, the relationship between SMAD7e and bladder cancer remains unclear. SMAD7e was significantly upregulated in bladder cancer tissues and estrogen-stimulated cells. Knockdown of SMAD7e by CRISPR-Cas13a suppressed cell proliferation and migration, and induced cell apoptosis and inhibited cell invasion. Estrogen caused overexpression of SMAD7e and played a facilitating role in bladder cancer cells. Furthermore, knockdown of SMAD7e by CRISPR-Cas13a prevented the cancer-promoting effects of estrogen on bladder cancer both in vitro and in vivo. The present study suggested the crucial role of SMAD7e in bladder cancer. Estrogen might promote the development of bladder cancer by inducing SMAD7e production. These findings may provide a potential target for CRISPR-mediated gene therapy for bladder cancer in the future.

Enhancer RNA - P2RY2e induced by estrogen promotes malignant behaviors of bladder cancer

Enhancers are transcriptional regulatory elements that increase target gene expression. It has reported that enhancers could universally transcribe into enhancer RNAs (eRNAs) with stimulation. Increasing evidence showed eRNAs participated in various disease processes including malignant tumors. P2RY2 enhancer RNA (P2RY2e) is an estrogen-responsive eRNA and involved in the development of breast cancer. However, the relationship between P2RY2e and bladder cancer (BCa) is unclear. In the study, we discovered that P2RY2e was upregulated in BCa tissues and estrogen-treated cells. Estrogen promoted the malignant abilities of BCa cells. P2RY2e knockdown by CRISPR-Cas13a inhibit the cell multiplication, invasion and migration. Additionally, the cell apoptosis was facilitated. What's more, downregulation of P2RY2e could weaken the cancer-promoting effects of estrogen on BCa. Our study revealed that P2RY2e played a carcinogenic role in BCa and estrogen might promote the initiation of BCa by inducing P2RY2e. We provide a potential therapeutic target for BCa and a new perspective for the tumorigenesis of bladder cancer.