LncRNA MINCR activates Wnt/β-catenin signals to promote cell proliferation and migration in oral squamous cell carcinoma

lncCPSET1 acts as a scaffold for MLL2/COMPASS to regulate Bmp4 and promote the formation of chicken primordial germ cells

Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are the ancestors of female and male germ cells. Recent studies have shown that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and histone methylation are key epigenetic factors affecting PGC formation; however, their joint regulatory mechanisms have rarely been studied. Here, we explored the mechanism by which lncCPSET1 and H3K4me2 synergistically regulate the formation of chicken PGCs for the first time. Combined with chromatin immunoprecipitation (CHIP) sequencing and RNA-seq of PGCs transfected with the lncCPSET1 overexpression vector, GO annotation and KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that Wnt and TGF-β signaling pathways were significantly enriched, and Fzd2, Id1, Id4, and Bmp4 were identified as candidate genes. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) showed that ASH2L, DPY30, WDR5, and RBBP5 overexpression significantly increased the expression of Bmp4, which was up-regulated after lncCPSET1 overexpression as well. It indicated that Bmp4 is a target gene co-regulated by lncCPSET1 and MLL2/COMPASS. Interestingly, co-immunoprecipitation results showed that ASH2L, DPY30 and WDR5 combined and RBBP5 weakly combined with DPY30 and WDR5. lncCPSET1 overexpression significantly increased Dpy30 expression and co-immunoprecipitation showed that interference/overexpression of lncCPSET1 did not affect the binding between the proteins in the complexes, but interference with lncCPSET1 inhibited DPY30 expression, which was confirmed by RNA immunoprecipitation that lncCPSET1 binds to DPY30. Additionally, CHIP-qPCR results showed that DPY30 enriched in the Bmp4 promoter region promoted its transcription, thus promoting the formation of PGCs. This study demonstrated that lncCPSET1 and H3K4me2 synergistically promote PGC formation, providing a reference for the study of the regulatory mechanisms between lncRNA and histone methylation, as well as a molecular basis for elucidating the formation mechanism of PGCs in chickens.

Progress in understanding of relationship between inflammation and tumors

Over the past decade, there has been clear evidence that inflammation plays a key role in tumorigenesis. Tumor extrinsic inflammation is caused by many factors, including bacterial and viral infections, autoimmune diseases, obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, etc., all of which can increase cancer risk and stimulate malignant progression. Conversely, inflammation inherent in cancer or caused by cancer can be triggered by cancer-initiating mutations and can promote malignant progression through recruitment and activation of inflammatory cells. Both exogenous and endogenous inflammation can lead to immunosuppression, thus providing a preferred opportunity for tumor development. Studies have confirmed that chronic inflammation is involved in various steps of tumorigenesis, including cell transformation, promotion, survival, prolifer-ation, invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Recent research has shed new light on the molecular and cellular circuits between inflammation and cancer. Two pathways have been preliminarily identified: Intrinsic and extrinsic. In the intrinsic pathway, genetic events leading to tumors initiate the expression of inflammatory related programs and guide the construction of the inflammatory microenvironment. In the extrinsic pathway, inflammatory conditions promote the development of cancer. This article reviews the recent progress in the understanding of the relationship between inflammation and tumors.

Crosstalk between Non-Coding RNAs and Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling in Head and Neck Cancer: Identification of Novel Biomarkers and Therapeutic Agents

Head and neck cancers (HNC) encompass a broad spectrum of neoplastic disorders characterized by significant morbidity and mortality. While contemporary therapeutic interventions offer promise, challenges persist due to tumor recurrence and metastasis. Central to HNC pathogenesis is the aberration in numerous signaling cascades. Prominently, the Wnt signaling pathway has been critically implicated in the etiology of HNC, as supported by a plethora of research. Equally important, variations in the expression of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been identified to modulate key cancer phenotypes such as cellular proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, metastatic potential, recurrence, and treatment resistance. This review aims to provide an exhaustive insight into the multifaceted influence of ncRNAs on HNC, with specific emphasis on their interactions with the Wnt/β-catenin (WBC) signaling axis. We further delineate the effect of ncRNAs in either exacerbating or attenuating HNC progression via interference with WBC signaling. An overview of the mechanisms underlying the interplay between ncRNAs and WBC signaling is also presented. In addition, we described the potential of various ncRNAs in enhancing the efficacy of chemotherapeutic and radiotherapeutic modalities. In summary, this assessment posits the potential of ncRNAs as therapeutic agents targeting the WBC signaling pathway in HNC management.

A review on the role of MYC-induced long non-coding RNA in human disorders

MINCR (MYC-Induced Long Non-Coding RNA) is classified as an lncRNA. It has a significant correlation with MYC gene. MINCR has important roles in the carcinogenesis. It has been approved that this lncRNA can act as molecular sponge for miR-28-5p, miR-708-5p, miR-876-5p and miR-146a-5p. Dysregulated levels of MINCR has been observed in different types of cancer, especially hepatocellular carcinoma. In addition to malignant conditions, schizophrenia and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are associated with dysregulation of expression patterns of MINCR. This review outlines MINCR molecular mechanisms of action in different disorders.

Non-Coding RNAs in Oral Cancer: Emerging Roles and Clinical Applications

Oral cancer (OC) is among the most prevalent cancers in the world. Certain geographical areas are disproportionately affected by OC cases due to the regional differences in dietary habits, tobacco and alcohol consumption. However, conventional therapeutic methods do not yield satisfying treatment outcomes. Thus, there is an urgent need to understand the disease process and to develop diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for OC. In this review, we discuss the role of various types of ncRNAs in OC, and their promising clinical implications as prognostic or diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets. MicroRNA (miRNA), long ncRNA (lncRNA), circular RNA (circRNA), PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA), and small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA) are the major ncRNA types whose involvement in OC are emerging. Dysregulated expression of ncRNAs, particularly miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs, are linked with the initiation, progression, as well as therapy resistance of OC via modulation in a series of cellular pathways through epigenetic, transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and translational modifications. Differential expressions of miRNAs and lncRNAs in blood, saliva or extracellular vesicles have indicated potential diagnostic and prognostic importance. In this review, we have summarized all the promising aspects of ncRNAs in the management of OC.

Non-coding RNA-based therapeutics in cancer therapy: An emphasis on Wnt/β-catenin control

Non-coding RNA transcripts are RNA molecules that have mainly regulatory functions and they do not encode proteins. microRNAs (miRNAs), lncRNAs and circRNAs are major types of this family and these epigenetic factors participate in disease pathogenesis, especially cancer that their abnormal expression may lead to cancer progression. miRNAs and lncRNAs possess a linear structure, whereas circRNAs possess ring structures and high stability. Wnt/β-catenin is an important factor in cancer with oncogenic function and it can increase growth, invasion and therapy resistance in tumors. Wnt upregulation occurs upon transfer of β-catenin to nucleus. Interaction of ncRNAs with Wnt/β-catenin signaling can determine tumorigenesis. Wnt upregulation is observed in cancers and miRNAs are able to bind to 3'-UTR of Wnt to reduce its level. LncRNAs can directly/indirectly regulate Wnt and in indirect manner, lncRNAs sponge miRNAs. CircRNAs are new emerging regulators of Wnt and by its stimulation, they increase tumor progression. CircRNA/miRNA axis can affect Wnt and carcinogenesis. Overall, interaction of ncRNAs with Wnt can determine proliferation rate, migration ability and therapy response of cancers. Furthermore, ncRNA/Wnt/β-catenin axis can be utilized as biomarker in cancer and for prognostic applications in patients.

Oncogenic roles and related mechanisms of the long non-coding RNA MINCR in human cancers

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play vital roles in regulating epigenetic mechanisms and gene expression levels, and their dysregulation is closely associated with a variety of diseases such as cancer. Several studies have demonstrated that lncRNAs are dysregulated during tumor progression. Recently, the MYC-induced long non-coding RNA MINCR, a newly identified lncRNA, has been demonstrated to act as an oncogene in different cancers, including gallbladder cancer, hepatocellular cancer, colorectal cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, oral squamous cell carcinoma, nasopharyngeal cancer, and glioma. Moreover, MINCR has been reported to act as a biomarker in the prognosis of patients with different cancers. In this review, we summarize and analyze the oncogenic roles of MINCR in a variety of human cancers in terms of its clinical significance, biological functions, cellular activities, and regulatory mechanism. Our analysis of the literature suggests that MINCR has potential as a novel biomarker and therapeutic target in human cancers.

LncRNA MINCR attenuates osteoarthritis progression via sponging miR-146a-5p to promote BMPR2 expression

The purposes of this study are to explore the function and regulatory mechanism of a novel lncRNA MYC-Induced Long non-coding RNA (MINCR) in osteoarthritis (OA). The expression of lncRNA MINCR, miR-146a-5p, and bone morphogenetic protein receptor 2 (BMPR2), Sry-type high-mobility-group box 9 (SOX9), collagen type II alpha 1 (COL2A1), Aggrecan, metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs-4 (ADAMTS-4), Matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3), MMP13, COL2A1, and Aggrecan were determined using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), western blot, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF) in vitro and in vivo. And distribution and expression of MINCR were examined by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Cell proliferation and apoptosis were detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining, Annexin V-FITC/Propidium Iodide (PI), and Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) staining in vitro and in vivo. The anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) rat model was constructed to analyze the MINCR/miR-146a-5p/BMPR2 axis in vivo. The cartilage degeneration was determined by pathological staining with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) and Safranin O staining. The binding relationship between MINCR and miR-146a-5p, and between miR-146a-5p and BMPR2 were determined by a dual-luciferase reporter gene, RNA Immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay, and RNA-pull down assays. Here, MINCR and BMPR2 were downregulated whereas miR-146a-5p was upregulated in OA cartilage tissues compared with control as well as IL-1β-induced chondrocytes compared with normal chondrocytes. Function experiments indicated that MINCR upregulation promoted cell proliferation and inhibited apoptosis and extracellular matrix (ECM)-degeneration. We also proved the binding relationship between MINCR and miR-146a-5p, and the BMPR2 acted as a target of miR-146a-5p. Mechanism analysis using rescue experiments in vitro and in vivo, MINCR silencing reversed the effects of miR-146a-5p downregulation in OA. Overexpression of miR-146a-5p also reversed the function of BMPR2 overexpression in OA. These data indicated that MINCR prevented OA progression via targeting miR-146a-5p to promote BMPR2 expression.

Long non-coding RNA BBOX1-antisense RNA 1 enhances cell proliferation and migration and suppresses apoptosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma via the miR-3940-3p/laminin subunit gamma 2 axis

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an essential role in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). We aimed to demonstrate the effects of lncRNA gamma-butyrobetaine hydroxylase 1 (BBOX1)-antisense RNA 1 (AS1) in OSCC and its regulatory mechanisms. The levels of BBOX1-AS1, microRNA (miR)-3940-3p, and laminin subunit gamma 2 (LAMC2) in OSCC were determined using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The correlations among BBOX1-AS1, miR-3940-3p, and LAMC2 were validated using luciferase, pull-down, and RNA immunoprecipitation assays. Cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis were examined. BBOX1-AS1 and LAMC2 were notably overexpressed in OSCC, while miR-3940-3p showed the opposite trend. BBOX-1-AS1 silencing reduced the cell proliferation and migration, while promoting apoptosis. Mechanistically, BBOX1-AS1 modulates LAMC2 expression by competitively binding to miR-3940-3p. miR-3940-3p inhibition alleviated the inhibitory effects of BBOX1-AS1 deficiency on OSCC development. LAMC2 knockdown reversed these changes. Our results revealed that BBOX1-AS1 promotes the malignant phenotype of OSCC cells via the upregulation of LAMC2 expression by targeting miR-3940-3p, indicating that BBOX1-AS1 may be a novel target for OSCC intervention.

Involvement of RUVBL1 in WNT/β-Catenin Signaling in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common malignant tumor of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), but the causes and molecular mechanisms remain unclear. The wingless-integrated/β-catenin (WNT/β-catenin) signaling pathway plays a vital role in cancer cell proliferation, differentiation, and metastasis, including OSCC. To screen potential β-catenin-associated genes involved in OSCC, the intersection of these genes in the STRING and IMEx databases was assessed using differential expression genes (DEG) from public microarrays, and 22 were further selected to construct a β-catenin-protein interaction network. The top 14 hub genes (node degree > 10) within the network were selected. Pearson's correlation analysis showed that β-catenin expression correlated positively with the expression of 11 genes, including AR, BIRC5, CDK6, DKK1, GSK3B, MET, MITF, PARD3, RUVBL1, SLC9A3R1, and SMAD7. A heat map of overall hub gene survival was created, and elevated expression of DKK1 and RUVBL1 was associated with poor survival using the Mantel-Cox test. To identify the function of RUVBL1, colony formation assay, transwell assay, and western blotting revealed that knock-down of RUVBL1 by siRNA decreased H157 and Cal-27 cell proliferation and metastasis by inhibiting β-catenin signaling. These findings suggest that RUVBL1 may serve as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for OSCC, as well as a therapeutic target, and may help to uncover additional molecular mechanisms of β-catenin-driven OSCC tumorigenesis.

Biomarkers in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells: The State of the Art in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease, characterized by the progressive loss of lower motor neurons, weakness and muscle atrophy. ALS lacks an effective cure and diagnosis is often made by exclusion. Thus, it is imperative to search for biomarkers. Biomarkers can help in understanding ALS pathomechanisms, identification of targets for treatment and development of effective therapies. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) represent a valid source for biomarkers compared to cerebrospinal fluid, as they are simple to collect, and to plasma, because of the possibility of detecting lower expressed proteins. They are a reliable model for patients’ stratification. This review provides an overview on PBMCs as a potential source of biomarkers in ALS. We focused on altered RNA metabolism (coding/non-coding RNA), including RNA processing, mRNA stabilization, transport and translation regulation. We addressed protein abnormalities (aggregation, misfolding and modifications); specifically, we highlighted that SOD1 appears to be the most characterizing protein in ALS. Finally, we emphasized the correlation between biological parameters and disease phenotypes, as regards prognosis, severity and clinical features. In conclusion, even though further studies are needed to standardize the use of PBMCs as a tool for biomarker investigation, they represent a promising approach in ALS research.

Prognostic Role of Long Noncoding RNAs in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Meta-Analysis

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as critical regulators of tumor progression, and lncRNA expression levels could serve as a potential molecular biomarker for the prognosis and diagnosis of some cancers. However, the prognostic value of lncRNAs in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains unclear. Thus, a meta-analysis was conducted to explore the potential prognostic value of lncRNAs in OSCC. We systematically searched PubMed, EBSCO, Web of Science, and Elsevier from 2005 to 2021 to identify all published studies that reported the association between lncRNAs and prognosis in OSCC. Then, we used meta-analytic methods to identify the actual effect size of lncRNAs on cancer prognosis. The hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated to assess the strength of the association. The reliability of those results was then examined using measures of heterogeneity and testing for selective reporting biases. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 17 studies were eligible in our meta-analysis, involving 1384 Asian patients. The results identified a statistically significant association of high lncRNA expression with poor overall survival [adjusted pooled hazard ratio (AHR) = 1.52; 95% confidence interval (CI): [1.26–1.84], p ≤ 0.001]. The present meta-analysis demonstrated that lncRNA expression might be used as a predictive prognostic biomarker for Asian patients with OSCC.

MINCR: A long non-coding RNA shared between cancer and neurodegeneration

The multitasking nature of lncRNAs allows them to play a central role in both physiological and pathological conditions. Often the same lncRNA can participate in different diseases. Specifically, the MYC-induced Long non-Coding RNA MINCR is upregulated in various cancer types, while downregulated in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis patients. Therefore, this work aims to investigate MINCR potential mechanisms of action and its implications in cancer and neurodegeneration in relation to its expression levels in SH-SY5Y cells through RNA-sequencing approach. Our results show that MINCR overexpression causes massive alterations in cancer-related genes, leading to disruption in many fundamental processes, such as cell cycle and growth factor signaling. On the contrary, MINCR downregulation influences a small number of genes involved in different neurodegenerative disorders, mostly concerning RNA metabolism and inflammation. Thus, understanding the cause and functional consequences of MINCR deregulation gives important insights on potential pathogenetic mechanisms both in cancer and in neurodegeneration.

Depression of lncRNA MINCR antagonizes LPS-evoked acute injury and inflammatory response via miR-146b-5p and the TRAF6-NFkB signaling

BACKGROUND

Inflammation plays an important role in the development of acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) MINCR is closely related to inflammation injury. This study was performed to explore the protective effects and mechanisms of MINCR in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lung injury and inflammation.

METHODS

The expression levels of MINCR and miR-146b-5p in lung tissue status were detected by using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemical staining, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blotting analysis were used to detect the expression of inflammatory factors such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-10 in lung tissue. The relationship between MINCR, miR-146b-5p, and TRAF6 was explored using bioinformatics analysis and luciferase assay.

RESULTS

The expression levels of MINCR were increased in a mouse model of LPS-induced ALI and small airway epithelial cells (SAECs). shMINCR resulted in increased cell viability and decreased apoptosis, which protected against LPS-induced cell damage. shMINCR can inhibit the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps, neutrophil numbers, myeloperoxidase activity, and the production of inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α induced by LPS. The silencing of miR-146b-5p reversed the effects of MINCR on LPS-induced lung damage. Sh-MINCR decreased the expression levels of TRAF6 and p-P65 in LPS-induced SAECs and lung tissues. Co-transfection of sh-MINCR with miR-146b-5p inhibitor reversed the effect of sh-MINCR on the expression of TRAF6 and p-P65.

CONCLUSIONS

MINCR may induce alveolar epithelial cell injury and inflammation and aggravate the progression of ALI/ARDS through miR-146b-5p and TRAF6/NF-κB pathways, which would provide a promising target for the treatment of ALI/ARDS.

Baicalin exerts anti-tumor effects in oral squamous cell carcinoma by inhibiting the microRNA-106b-5p-Wnt/β-catenin pathway via upregulating disabled homolog 2

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the role and molecular regulatory mechanisms of baicalin in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) progression.

DESIGN

Gene expression in OSCC cells was detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). OSCC cell viability, migration, invasion and stemness were measured by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU), wound healing, Transwell, and sphere formation assays. The target genes of miR-106b-5p were predicted using bioinformatic tools. The interaction between microRNA-miR-106b-5p (miR-106b-5p) and disabled homolog 2 (DAB2) was confirmed by a luciferase reporter assay. TOP/FOP-Flash reporter assay and western blot analysis were used to analyze the activity of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

RESULTS

Baicalin inhibited OSCC cell viability, migration, invasion, and stemness. Baicalin downregulated miR-106b-5p expression. In addition, MiR-106b-5p upregulation reversed the effects of baicalin on OSCC cells. As a target gene of miR-106b-5p, DAB2 was negatively regulated by miR-106b-5p and upregulated by baicalin in OSCC cells. MiR-106b-5p activated Wnt/β-catenin pathway in OSCC cells by inhibiting DAB2. Baicalin suppressed Wnt/β-catenin pathway by upregulating DAB2. In rescue assays, miR-106b-5p overexpression-induced promotion of OSCC cellular processes was attenuated by DAB2 upregulation.

CONCLUSIONS

Baicalin exerts anti-tumor effects in OSCC by inhibiting the miR-106b-5p-Wnt/β-catenin pathway via upregulating DAB2.

Sex determining region Y-box 9 induced microtubule formation and epithelial⁃mesenchymal transition in human oral squamous cell carcinoma CAL27 cells

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to explore the effect of sex determining region Y-box 9 (SOX9) on the microtubule formation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) CAL27 and the underlying mechanism.

METHODS

SOX9-shRNA1 and SOX9-shRNA2 were designed and synthesized and then transfected into CAL27 cells. The expression of SOX9 was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Microtubule formation assay was used to detect the change in the number of microtubule nodules after interfering with SOX9. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the Vimentin content. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of EMT marker molecules and Wnt/β-catenin pathway-related proteins, such as E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Fibronectin, Wnt, β-catenin, T-cell factor-4 (TCF-4).

RESULTS

The expression level of SOX9 significantly decreased after transfection with SOX9-shRNA1 and SOX9-shRNA2 in CAL27 cells (F=578.000, P=0.000; F=96.850, P=0.000). Interference with SOX9 inhibited the EMT of OSCC. After interference with SOX9, the number of tubules and Vimentin positive cells decreased significantly (F=169.700, P=0.000). The expression level of E-cadherin significantly increased (F=181.400, P=0.000). The expression levels of N-cadherin, Fibronectin, Wnt, β-catenin, and TCF-4 proteins significantly decreased (N-cadherin: F=101.400, P=0.000; Fibronectin: F=122.300, P=0.000; Wnt: F=70.290, P=0.000; β-catenin: F=81.740, P=0.000; TCF-4: F=37.020, P=0.000).

CONCLUSIONS

Interference with SOX9 decreased Vimentin content and inhibited the microtubule formation and protein expression of EMT marker molecules, as well as the expression of proteins related to the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Thus, SOX9 can induce microtubule formation and EMT in CAL27, which was related to the inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation.

Long non-coding RNA MINCR aggravates colon cancer via regulating miR-708-5p-mediated Wnt/β-catenin pathway

BACKGROUND

Increasing evidence has found that the dysregulation of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) may be important indicators in tumorigenesis. MYC-induced long non-coding RNA (MINCR) has been found to be related with some cancers, such as non-small cell lung cancer and gallbladder cancer. Besides, MINCR has potentially prognostic value for colon cancer (CC) patients' prognosis, yet its function and molecular mechanism in CC are not explored.

METHODS

qRT-PCR evaluated gene expression, and western blot detected protein level. In vitro and in vivo experiments were adopted to understand the biological role of MINCR in CC. TOP/FOP Flash assay was performed to measure the activity of Wnt/β-catenin pathway. RNA pull down, luciferase reporter and RIP assays were utilized to analyze the relationship among genes. Immunohistochemistry and HE staining techniques were utilized to evaluate Ki67 staining in xenografts.

RESULTS

MINCR was up-regulated in CC cells. Knockdown of MINCR suppressed cell proliferation and migration. MINCR could up-regulate CTNNB1 via sequestering miR-708-5p, resulting in activated Wnt/β-catenin pathway. The addition of LiCl treatment, miR-708-5p inhibitor or pcDNA3.1/CTNNB1 abolished the inhibitory impacts induced by MINCR silence in CC progression.

CONCLUSION

MINCR sponges miR-708-5p to up-regulate CTNNB1 and activate Wnt/β-catenin pathway, thus promoting the development CC. Targeting MINCR might shed new light on the therapeutic strategies of CC.

Long Non-coding RNA MINCR Regulates miR-876-5p/GSPT1 Axis to Aggravate Glioma Progression

Emerging evidence underlined the crucial roles played by long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in glioma. MINCR has been reported in multiple malignancies. Here, we studied its function and potential mechanism in glioma, which remain unclear. Gene expressions were analyzed by qRT-PCR assay. Both in vitro and in vivo assays were conducted to evaluate the cellular function of MINCR in glioma. The subcellular situation of MINCR was detected by subcellular fractionation and FISH assays. Luciferase reporter, RNA pull-down and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays were combined to investigate potential mechanisms of relevant genes. MINCR was up-regulated in glioma. MINCR depletion markedly refrained glioma cell proliferation, migration and invasion via sponging miR-876-5p. MiR-876-5p suppressed the malignant behaviors of glioma via binding to GSPT1. MINCR shared the binding sites with the 3'-untranslated region of GSPT1 and prevented the binding of miR-876-5p to GSPT1 mRNA, thus up-regulating the level of GSPT1. Moreover, miR-876 inhibition and GSPT1 up-regulation counteracted the functional effect induced by silencing MINCR on glioma progression. Our findings uncovered that MINCR might aggravated glioma cell proliferation and migration via acting as competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA), indicating prospective novel therapeutic target for glioma.

The Significance of the Dysregulation of Canonical Wnt Signaling in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas

The knowledge about the molecular alterations which are found in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) has much increased in recent years. However, we are still awaiting the translation of this knowledge to new diagnostic and therapeutic options. Among the many molecular changes that are detected in head and neck cancer, the abnormalities in several signaling pathways, which regulate cell proliferation, cell death and stemness, seem to be especially promising with regard to the development of targeted therapies. Canonical Wnt signaling is a pathway engaged in the formation of head and neck tissues, however it is not active in adult somatic mucosal cells. The aim of this review paper is to bring together significant data related to the current knowledge on the mechanisms and functional significance of the dysregulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in head and neck tumors. Research evidence related to the role of Wnt signaling activation in the stimulation of cell proliferation, migration and inhibition of apoptosis in HNSCC is presented. Moreover, its role in promoting stemness traits in head and neck cancer stem-like cells is described. Evidence corroborating the hypothesis that the Wnt signaling pathway is a very promising target of novel therapeutic interventions in HNSCC is also discussed.

LncRNA FGD5-AS1 can be predicted as therapeutic target in oral cancer

BACKGROUND

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been extensively studied to participate in the carcinogenesis of various tumors. LncRNA FGD5-AS1 has been studied as an oncogene in several cancers; however, the role it plays in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) still remains unclear.

METHODS

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to assess relevant RNAs expression. CCK-8 and colony formation were combined to investigate cell proliferation. Flow cytometry was implemented to test the apoptosis of cell. Wound healing assay and transwell assays were conducted to investigate cell migration and invasion. Western blot assay was conducted to measure relevant protein expression.

RESULTS

FGD5-AS1 expression was aberrantly up-regulated in OSCC tissue and cells. FDG5-AS1 up-regulation induced USP21 overexpression advances OSCC development. Knockdown of FGD5-AS1 inhibited cell growth, migration, and invasion, yet promoted apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

FGD5-AS1 regulates OSCC via competitively binding to miR-520b against USP21. It could become a potential diagnostic biomarker for OSCC.

LncRNA MINCR regulates irradiation resistance in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells via the microRNA-223/ZEB1 axis

Emerging evidence suggests long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) could sponge microRNAs (miRs) and monitor gene expression. In this study, we intended to search the network involving lncRNA MINCR/miR-223/ZEB1 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cell radiosensitivity. MINCR expression in NPC tissues, precancerous lesions and chronic nasopharyngeal mucosal inflammation tissues, and in NP460, CNE2 and CNE2R cells was detected. The associations between MINCR expression and prognosis and radiotherapy efficacy of NPC patients were evaluated. The interactions among MINCR, miR-223 and ZEB1 were verified via dual luciferase reporter gene assay, RNA pull-down and FISH assays. The gain- and loss-of-functions were performed to explore their effects on NPC cell viability, apoptosis and radiosensitivity. Levels of MINCR, miR-223, ZEB1, and AKT/PI3K-related proteins were detected after different treatments. An in vivo analysis was carried out in nude mice. Consequently, MINCR was upregulated in NPC, and linked with worse prognosis and radiotherapy efficacy. MINCR intervention weakened NPC cell radioresistance. MINCR sponged miR-223 to regulate ZEB1. Inactivating AKT eliminated the increased radioresistance of CNE2 cells induced by overexpressing MINCR. Briefly, MINCR diminished NPC cell radiosensitivity by sponging miR-223, increasing ZEB1 and activating the AKT/PI3K axis. This study may offer novel insight for NPC treatment.

Cigarette smoking promotes cancer-related transformation of oral epithelial cells through activation of Wnt and MAPK pathway

Aim: Study aims to investigate the effect of cigarette smoking on cancer-related transformation in oral epithelial cells of smokers through evaluating the alteration in Wnt/β-catenin and MAPK pathways. Materials & methods: Exfoliated oral epithelial cells were collected from 138 subjects and categorized into nonsmokers, smokers and clinically diagnosed precancer and cancer patients. Real-time quantitative PCR was performed to detect the fold changes of related genes. Expressions of biomarkers were assessed using immunofluorescence and western blot. Results: Study shows significant (p < 0.001) alteration in mRNA level of TNF-α, NF-κβ, FZD1, β-catenin, PARD 3, MAPK1 and vimentin genes under cigarette smoking. Conclusion: Results suggested the progression of oral cancer under cigarette smoking occurs through multiple events and activation of canonical Wnt/MAPK pathways.

Long noncoding RNA OIP5-AS1 aggravates cell proliferation, migration in gastric cancer by epigenetically silencing NLRP6 expression via binding EZH2

The critical role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the development of multiple cancers has been revealed either functioning as a tumor initiator or a cancer suppressor. A widely recognized OIP5 antisense RNA 1 (lncRNA OIP5-AS1) has been validated to be an essential regulator of the tumorigenesis of various malignancies. Whereas, the potential role and the exact mechanism of lncRNA OIP5-AS1 by which OIP5-AS1 mediates gastric cancer (GC) progression remains vague. Therefore, first our work probed its expression levels in GC cell lines and related normal cells by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The heightened level of OIP5-AS1 was detected in GC cell lines. In terms of its cellular effects, we performed a series of functional experiments and as presented in the assays, the proliferative potential and motility was diminished. However, more apoptotic cells were induced with the introduction of OIP5-AS1 silencing. Meanwhile, higher Nod-like receptor pyrin domain-containing protein 6 (NLRP6) and enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) expression in the GC cells was monitored. Besides, OIP5-AS1 was disclosed to locate mainly in the nucleus. In terms of mechanism, OIP5-AS1 directly bound to EZH2 and obstructed NLRP6 expression, speeding up GC progression.