Expression of MiRNA-29b and MiRNA-31 and their diagnostic and prognostic values in Egyptian females with breast cancer

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma-derived exosomal MicroRNA-31 acts as an oncogene by targeting the tumor suppressor RhoBTB1

Tumor-derived exosomes that transport MicroRNAs significantly influence cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma(CSCC) progression. However, the molecular mechanisms of exosomal MicroRNA-31 regulation of CSCC are mostly undefined. To determine whether a targeting relationship exists between MicroRNA-31 (miR-31) in CSCC-derived exosomes and the tumor suppressor RhoBTB1, and the regulatory effect of the relationship on tumor cells. Immunoblotting and quantitative PCR were used to measure miR-31 and RhoBTB1 levels in various cells and exosomes. Differential ultracentrifugation was used to isolate exosomes. MTT and Transwell assays were used to assess cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Dual luciferase reporter assays were used to assess the direct interaction between miR-31 and the tumor suppressor RhoBTB1 in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC)-derived exosomes. Compared with a human skin keratinocyte cell line, in CSCC cell lines RhoBTB1 was downregulated and miR-31 levels were elevated. Exosomal miR-31 from CSCC cell lines directly targeted RhoBTB1 by binding to the 3' UTR of RhoBTB1. This interaction suppressed expression of RhoBTB1 and enhanced CSCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. MicroRNA-31 in CSCC-derived exosomes can enhance CSCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by suppressing expression of RhoBTB1. This finding explains, in part, the molecular mechanism of CSCC. Investigative approaches focused on suppressing miR-31 or enhancing RhoBTB1 signaling pathways are promising avenues for developing targeted therapies for CSCC.

Exploring the role of microRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in canine mammary tumors

Canine mammary tumors (CMTs) represent a significant health concern in dogs, with a high incidence among intact female dogs. CMTs are a promising comparative model for human breast cancer, due to sharing several pathophysiological features. Additionally, CMTs have a strong genetic correlation with their human counterpart, including the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs). MiRNAs are a class of non-coding RNAs that play important roles in post-translational regulation of gene expression, being implicated in carcinogenesis, tumor progression, and metastasis. Moreover, miRNAs hold promise as diagnostic, prognostic, and metastatic biomarkers. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying CMTs is crucial for improving diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of treatments. Herein, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge on miRNAs in CMTs, highlighting their roles in carcinogenesis and their potential as biomarkers. Additionally, we highlight the current limitations and critically discuss the overarching challenges in this field, emphasizing the need for future research to translate miRNA findings into veterinary clinical practice.

Evaluation of tumorigenesis-related miRNAs in breast cancer in Egyptian women: a retrospective, exploratory analysis

Breast cancer (BC) is a leading cause of global female cancer-related deaths, despite treatment advancements. A growing focus on investigating microRNA-based therapeutics and their role in BC progression. A computational analysis was performed to identify the potential miRNA-mRNA network involved in the BC pathogenesis and assist with the treatment strategy. Then, the expression levels of five circulatory miRNAs (miR-200a-3p, miR-124-3p, miR-205-5p, miR-15a-5p, and miR-155-5p) were assessed by using qRT-PCR in 75 BC patients (early-stage: n = 26 and late-stage: n = 49) and 20 healthy controls. The analysis included various (a) stages (early and late) and (b) receptor statuses (ER + ve & HER2 -ve), (HER + ve & ER -ve), and triple-negative (TNBC). In-silico analysis suggested that STAT3 serves as an efficacy biomarker suppressed by miR-124-3p. Additionally, the miR-155-5p showed the ability to activate CTNNB1 which acts as a biomarker for BC progression, to inhibit DNA repair genes (ARID2, and WEE1), and the transcriptional factor gene (TCF4). MiR-205-5p and miR-16 suppressed VEGFA expression, a survival factor for BC. MiR-200a-3p, miR-205-5p, and miR-124-3p showed downregulation in the serum of BC patients compared to controls. The ROC analysis of those miRNAs demonstrated their significant diagnostic accuracy for identifying BC patients. Additionally, miR-155-5p exhibited a significant upregulation in TNBC and can be used as an indicative marker for TNBC. This study holds significant promise for the development of noninvasive miRNA biomarkers with potential clinical applications.

Mapping the function of MicroRNAs as a critical regulator of tumor-immune cell communication in breast cancer and potential treatment strategies

Among women, breast cancer ranks as the most prevalent form of cancer, and the presence of metastases significantly reduces prognosis and diminishes overall survival rates. Gaining insights into the biological mechanisms governing the conversion of cancer cells, their subsequent spread to other areas of the body, and the immune system's monitoring of tumor growth will contribute to the advancement of more efficient and targeted therapies. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a critical role in the interaction between tumor cells and immune cells, facilitating tumor cells' evasion of the immune system and promoting cancer progression. Additionally, miRNAs also influence metastasis formation, including the establishment of metastatic sites and the transformation of tumor cells into migratory phenotypes. Specifically, dysregulated expression of these genes has been associated with abnormal expression of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, thereby facilitating tumor development. This study aims to provide a concise overview of the significance and function of miRNAs in breast cancer, focusing on their involvement as tumor suppressors in the antitumor immune response and as oncogenes in metastasis formation. Furthermore, miRNAs hold tremendous potential as targets for gene therapy due to their ability to modulate specific pathways that can either promote or suppress carcinogenesis. This perspective highlights the latest strategies developed for miRNA-based therapies.

Non-coding RNAs mediated inflammation in breast cancers

Breast cancer is the major cancer that affects women all over the world. The awareness over past several decades has led to intensive screening and detection as well as successful treatments. Still, the breast cancer mortality is unacceptable and needs to be urgently addressed. Among many factors, inflammation has often been associated with tumorigenesis, including breast cancer. More than a third of all breast cancer deaths are marked by deregulated inflammation. The exact mechanisms are still not completely known but among the many putative factors, the epigenetic changes, particularly those mediated by non-coding RNAs are fascinating. microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs as well as circular RNAs seem to impact the inflammation in breast cancer which further highlights their important regulatory role in breast cancer pathogenesis. Understanding inflammation in breast cancer and its regulation by non-coding RNAs is the primary objective of this review article. We attempt to provide the most complete information on the topic in hopes of opening new areas of research and discoveries.

ASSESSMENT OF CIRCULATING miRNA LEVELS IN BREAST CANCER PATIENTS DEPENDING ON CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND CHEMOTHERAPY

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer (BC) stands out as the most prevalent cancer in women. The levels of miRNA expression before and after chemotherapy are considered a potential indicator for the prognosis of the disease.

AIM

To study blood plasma miRNA levels in BC patients and to assess their correlation with the menopausal status, disease stage, and molecular BC subtype.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Blood plasma levels of 6 miRNAs (miRNA-25, miRNA-27, miRNA-155, miRNA-200, miRNA-335, and miRNA-497) were studied in 70 BC patients and 18 healthy individuals using RT-PCR.

RESULTS

miRNA-25, miRNA-335, and miRNA-497 levels were significantly higher in BC patients, while a tendency toward a decrease in the miRNA-27 and miRNA-335 levels in premenopausal patients and high miRNA-27 levels in menopausal patients was established. After neoadjuvant chemotherapy, a decrease in the miRNA-25 and miRNA-335 levels was registered.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicated that miRNA-25, miRNA-27, miRNA-335, and miRNA-497 deserve attention as markers for assessing the efficacy of treatment of BC patients.

Application of microfluidic technology based on surface-enhanced Raman scattering in cancer biomarker detection: A review

With the continuous discovery and research of predictive cancer-related biomarkers, liquid biopsy shows great potential in cancer diagnosis. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and microfluidic technology have received much attention among the various cancer biomarker detection methods. The former has ultrahigh detection sensitivity and can provide a unique fingerprint. In contrast, the latter has the characteristics of miniaturization and integration, which can realize accurate control of the detection samples and high-throughput detection through design. Both have the potential for point-of-care testing (POCT), and their combination (lab-on-a-chip SERS (LoC-SERS)) shows good compatibility. In this paper, the basic situation of circulating proteins, circulating tumor cells, exosomes, circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), and microRNA (miRNA) in the diagnosis of various cancers is reviewed, and the detection research of these biomarkers by the LoC-SERS platform in recent years is described in detail. At the same time, the challenges and future development of the platform are discussed at the end of the review. Summarizing the current technology is expected to provide a reference for scholars engaged in related work and interested in this field.

Unraveling the Potential of miRNAs from CSCs as an Emerging Clinical Tool for Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Prognosis

Breast cancer (BC) is the most diagnosed cancer in women and the second most common cancer globally. Significant advances in BC research have led to improved early detection and effective therapies. One of the key challenges in BC is the presence of BC stem cells (BCSCs). This small subpopulation within the tumor possesses unique characteristics, including tumor-initiating capabilities, contributes to treatment resistance, and plays a role in cancer recurrence and metastasis. In recent years, microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as potential regulators of BCSCs, which can modulate gene expression and influence cellular processes like BCSCs' self-renewal, differentiation, and tumor-promoting pathways. Understanding the miRNA signatures of BCSCs holds great promise for improving BC diagnosis and prognosis. By targeting BCSCs and their associated miRNAs, researchers aim to develop more effective and personalized treatment strategies that may offer better outcomes for BC patients, minimizing tumor recurrence and metastasis. In conclusion, the investigation of miRNAs as regulators of BCSCs opens new directions for advancing BC research through the use of bioinformatics and the development of innovative therapeutic approaches. This review summarizes the most recent and innovative studies and clinical trials on the role of BCSCs miRNAs as potential tools for early diagnosis, prognosis, and resistance.

Extensive review on breast cancer its etiology, progression, prognostic markers, and treatment

As the most frequent and vulnerable malignancy among women, breast cancer universally manifests a formidable healthcare challenge. From a biological and molecular perspective, it is a heterogenous disease and is stratified based on the etiological factors driving breast carcinogenesis. Notably, genetic predispositions and epigenetic impacts often constitute the heterogeneity of this disease. Typically, breast cancer is classified intrinsically into histological subtypes in clinical landscapes. These stratifications empower physicians to tailor precise treatments among the spectrum of breast cancer therapeutics. In this pursuit, numerous prognostic algorithms are extensively characterized, drastically changing how breast cancer is portrayed. Therefore, it is a basic requisite to comprehend the multidisciplinary rationales of breast cancer to assist the evolution of novel therapeutic strategies. This review aims at highlighting the molecular and genetic grounds of cancer additionally with therapeutic and phytotherapeutic context. Substantially, it also renders researchers with an insight into the breast cancer cell lines as a model paradigm for breast cancer research interventions.

Epigenetic programing of cancer stemness by transcription factors-non-coding RNAs interactions

Cancer 'stemness' is fundamental to cancer existence. It defines the ability of cancer cells to indefinitely perpetuate as well as differentiate. Cancer stem cell populations within a growing tumor also help evade the inhibitory effects of chemo- as well as radiation-therapies, in addition to playing an important role in cancer metastases. NF-κB and STAT-3 are representative transcription factors (TFs) that have long been associated with cancer stemness, thus presenting as attractive targets for cancer therapy. The growing interest in non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in the recent years has provided further insight into the mechanisms by which TFs influence cancer stem cell characteristics. There is evidence for a direct regulation of TFs by ncRNAs, such as, microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as well as circular RNAs (circRNAs), and vice versa. Additionally, the TF-ncRNAs regulations are often indirect, involving ncRNA-target genes or the sponging of other ncRNA species by individual ncRNAs. The information is rapidly evolving and this review provides a comprehensive review of TF-ncRNAs interactions with implications on cancer stemness and in response to therapies. Such knowledge will help uncover the many levels of tight regulations that control cancer stemness, providing novel opportunities and targets for therapy in the process.