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Ma A, Yang Y, Lu L, Zhang Y, Zhang X, Zheng J, Zheng X. Emerging roles of circular RNAs in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: functions and implications. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:192. [PMID: 38664370 PMCID: PMC11045839 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-01964-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a distinct malignancy primarily prevalent in Southern China and Southeast Asia. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a class of non-coding RNAs, are evolutionarily conserved and exhibit remarkable stability. Their dysregulation has been observed in various cancers, including NPC. In this review, we investigate the pivotal role of circRNAs in NPC, focusing specifically on their involvement in tumor proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, angiogenesis, stemness, metabolism, and the tumor microenvironment. We highlight the diagnostic and prognostic potential of circRNAs in NPC, emphasizing their utility as biomarkers for early detection, disease monitoring, and prediction of treatment outcomes. Additionally, we explore the therapeutic implications of circRNAs in NPC, highlighting their potential for targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiyu Ma
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
| | - Yuzhong Yang
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
| | - Lu Lu
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
| | - Xuemei Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Liuzhou People's Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
| | - Jinhua Zheng
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China.
| | - Xiang Zheng
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China.
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Biswal P, Lalruatfela A, Behera SK, Biswal S, Mallick B. miR-203a-A multifaceted regulator modulating cancer hallmarks and therapy response. IUBMB Life 2024; 76:108-124. [PMID: 37792370 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of noncoding RNAs of about 19-25 nucleotides, which serve as critical modulators of various cellular and biological processes by target gene regulation. Dysregulated expression of miRNAs modulates the pathophysiology of various human diseases, including cancer. Among miRNAs, miR-203a is one of the most extensively researched dysregulated miRNAs in different cancers. Our review investigated the roles of miR-203a in the hallmarks of cancer modulating different pathways through target gene regulations, chemoresistance, its crosstalk with other ncRNAs or genes in terms of ceRNAs impacting oncogenesis, and its potential applications in the diagnosis, prognosis, and chemotherapeutic responses in different cancer types. miR-203a impacts cancer cell behavior by regulating these exclusive hallmarks- sustaining proliferation, cell growth, invasion and metastasis, cell death, and angiogenesis. Besides, miR-203a is found in human circulating biofluids like plasma or serum of colorectal cancer, cervical cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma, hinting at its potential as a biomarker. Further, miR-203a is involved in enhancing the chemosensitivity of cisplatin, docetaxel, paclitaxel, doxorubicin, and 5-fluorouracil in a variety of malignancies through their cognate target genes. These results suggest that miR-203a is a crucial multifaceted miRNA that controls cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, and chemotherapy response, shedding new light on its possible application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyajit Biswal
- RNAi and Functional Genomics Lab., Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Anthony Lalruatfela
- RNAi and Functional Genomics Lab., Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Subham Kumar Behera
- RNAi and Functional Genomics Lab., Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Sruti Biswal
- RNAi and Functional Genomics Lab., Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Bibekanand Mallick
- RNAi and Functional Genomics Lab., Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
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Entezari M, Soltani BM, Sadeghizadeh M. MicroRNA-203a inhibits breast cancer progression through the PI3K/Akt and Wnt pathways. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4715. [PMID: 38413784 PMCID: PMC10899204 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52940-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
MicroRNA expression in breast cancer (BC) is explored both as a potential biomarker and for therapeutic purposes. Recent studies have revealed that miR-203a-3p is involved in BC, and importantly contributes to BC chemotherapy responses; however, the regulatory pathways of miR-203a in BC remain elusive. Hence, we aimed to investigate the miR-203a regulatory mechanisms and their potential functions in the progress of BC. To this end, the miR-203a potential involving pathways was predicted by databases analyzing its target genes. The relations between miR-203a, the phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase (PI3K)-Akt, and Wnt signaling pathways were mechanistically investigated. Our results revealed that miR-203a inhibited the activation of the PI3K/Akt and Wnt pathways and reduced its downstream cell cycle signals, including Cyclin D1 and c-Myc. Moreover, the overexpression of miR-203a drastically arrested the cell cycle at subG1 and G1 phases, decreased the viability, proliferation, and migration, and increased apoptosis of BC cells. Therefore, miR-203a-3p may be considered a tumor suppressor factor and a potential biomarker or therapeutic target for BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Entezari
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, 14115-111, Iran
| | - Bahram M Soltani
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, 14115-111, Iran
| | - Majid Sadeghizadeh
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, 14115-111, Iran.
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Yang C, Hardy P. The Multifunctional Nature of the MicroRNA/AKT3 Regulatory Axis in Human Cancers. Cells 2023; 12:2594. [PMID: 37998329 PMCID: PMC10670075 DOI: 10.3390/cells12222594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Serine/threonine kinase (AKT) signaling regulates diverse cellular processes and is one of the most important aberrant cell survival mechanisms associated with tumorigenesis, metastasis, and chemoresistance. Targeting AKT has become an effective therapeutic strategy for the treatment of many cancers. AKT3 (PKBγ), the least studied isoform of the AKT family, has emerged as a major contributor to malignancy. AKT3 is frequently overexpressed in human cancers, and many regulatory oncogenic or tumor suppressor small non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), have recently been identified to be involved in regulating AKT3 expression. Therefore, a better understanding of regulatory miRNA/AKT3 networks may reveal novel biomarkers for the diagnosis of patients with cancer and may provide invaluable information for developing more effective therapeutic strategies. The aim of this review was to summarize current research progress in the isoform-specific functions of AKT3 in human cancers and the roles of dysregulated miRNA/AKT3 in specific types of human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Yang
- Research Center of CHU Sainte-Justine, University of Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada;
| | - Pierre Hardy
- Research Center of CHU Sainte-Justine, University of Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada;
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada
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circIFITM1/miR-802/Foxp1 Axis Participates in Proliferation and Invasion of Lovo Cells. DISEASE MARKERS 2022; 2022:7366337. [PMID: 35783017 PMCID: PMC9249523 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7366337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Objective. To explore the role of circIFITM1 and its potential molecular mechanism in colon cancer. Methods. The circIFITM1 in human samples and cell lines of colon cancer was measured via RT-PCR. The cyclicity of circIFITM1 was confirmed by agarose gel electrophoresis and Sanger sequencing, and the stability of circIFITM1 was confirmed by actinomycin D assay. The proliferative and invasive ability was detected by the CCK-8 assay and Transwell assay, respectively. RNA pull-down assay confirmed a combination of circIFITM1 and miRNA. Dual-luciferase reporter gene was used to detect the direct relationship between miRNA and the target gene. Results. circIFITM1 originated from the maternal gene IFITM1and had high stability. It was resistant to processing by actinomycin D. Upregulating circIFITM1 facilitated the proliferation and invasion of Lovo cells, while interfering with circIFITM1 expression inhibited them. circIFITM1 interacted with miR-802, and miR-802 targeted the 3
UTR of FOXP1. The overexpression of circIFITM1 downregulated miR-802 and upregulated FOXP1. Conclusion. circIFITM1 facilitates the proliferative and invasive abilities via miR-802/FOXP1 in Lovo cells.
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Feng H, Wang D, Liu J, Zou L, Xu S, Liang Z, Qin G. Diagnostic and prognostic value of circRNAs expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A meta-analysis. J Clin Lab Anal 2022; 36:e24496. [PMID: 35595945 PMCID: PMC9280010 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.24496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been found to have potential biological applications against tumors in humans. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic, prognostic, and clinicopathological value of circRNAs in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Methods The PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were comprehensively searched for the relevant studies before October 20, 2021. Statistical analysis was performed based on STATA 15.0, Meta‐DiSc 1.4, and RevMan 5.3 software. Results A total of 55 reports regarding 56 kinds of circRNA were studied in this meta‐analysis, including 23, 38, and 26 articles on diagnosis, prognosis, and clinicopathological features, respectively. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) of the summary receiver‐operating characteristic curve (SROC) were 0.78, 0.84, and 0.87, respectively. Besides, the upregulation of oncogenic circRNAs was significantly associated with poorer overall survival (OS) (HR=2.25, p < 0.05) and disease‐free interval (DFS) (HR=1.92, p < 0.05). In contrast, the elevated expression of tumor suppressor circRNAs was associated with a favorable prognosis (HR=0.50, p < 0.05). In addition, the high expression of oncogenic circRNAs was associated with the tumor size (OR=3.59, p < 0.05), degree of differentiation (OR=1.89, p < 0.05), TNM stage (OR=2.35, p < 0.05), lymph node metastasis (OR=1.85, p < 0.05), and distant metastasis (OR=3.42, p < 0.05). Moreover, the expression of tumor suppressor circRNAs was associated with improved clinicopathological features (lymph node metastasis: OR=0.25, p < 0.05). Conclusions CircRNAs could serve as potential predictive indicators and be useful for the diagnosis, prognosis, and identification of clinicopathological features in HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huajun Feng
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Dingting Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jinping Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Longfei Zou
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Shengen Xu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Zhuoping Liang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Gang Qin
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
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Yang J, Qi F, Tan B, Dai G, Chen R, Wan W, Cheng B, Xue B. circSPECC1 promotes bladder cancer progression via regulating miR-136-5p/GNAS axis. Pathol Res Pract 2022; 234:153914. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2022.153914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
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Li W, Xu R, Zhu B, Wang H, Zhang H, Hu L, Li H, Sun X, Yu H, Wang D. Circular RNAs: Functions and mechanisms in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Head Neck 2021; 44:494-504. [PMID: 34931399 DOI: 10.1002/hed.26962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant epithelial tumor of the nasopharyngeal mucosa with a high incidence rate in southern China and Southeast Asia and an evident ethnic and geographical distribution. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are single-stranded noncoding RNAs with covalent, closed-loop structures. They are characterized by high stability and abundance, are evolutionarily conserved, and exhibit tissue/developmental stage specificity. Previous studies have shown that circRNAs are associated with the occurrence and development of various malignant tumors. However, the expression patterns and clinical significance of circRNAs in NPC remain ambiguous. Hence, the present review focuses on the biogenesis and regulation of circRNAs, and the functional roles of abnormally expressed circRNAs in NPC. In addition, the current review discusses the possibility of utilizing circRNAs as potential clinical biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of NPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanpeng Li
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui Xu
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bijun Zhu
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huan Wang
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huankang Zhang
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Hu
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Houyong Li
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xicai Sun
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongmeng Yu
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Research Units of New Technologies of Endoscopic Surgery in Skull Base Tumor (2018RU003), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dehui Wang
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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