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Li Z, Yin S, Yang K, Zhang B, Wu X, Zhang M, Gao D. CircRNA Regulation of T Cells in Cancer: Unraveling Potential Targets. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6383. [PMID: 38928088 PMCID: PMC11204142 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126383] [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: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
T lymphocytes play a critical role in antitumor immunity, but their exhaustion poses a significant challenge for immune evasion by malignant cells. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), characterized by their covalently closed looped structure, have emerged as pivotal regulators within the neoplastic landscape. Recent studies have highlighted their multifaceted roles in cellular processes, including gene expression modulation and protein function regulation, which are often disrupted in cancer. In this review, we systematically explore the intricate interplay between circRNAs and T cell modulation within the tumor microenvironment. By dissecting the regulatory mechanisms through which circRNAs impact T cell exhaustion, we aim to uncover pathways crucial for immune evasion and T cell dysfunction. These insights can inform innovative immunotherapeutic strategies targeting circRNA-mediated molecular pathways. Additionally, we discuss the translational potential of circRNAs as biomarkers for therapeutic response prediction and as intervention targets. Our comprehensive analysis aims to enhance the understanding of immune evasion dynamics in the tumor microenvironment by facilitating the development of precision immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zelin Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China; (Z.L.); (B.Z.)
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China; (S.Y.); (X.W.)
| | - Shuanshuan Yin
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China; (S.Y.); (X.W.)
| | - Kangping Yang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China;
| | - Baojie Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China; (Z.L.); (B.Z.)
| | - Xuanhuang Wu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China; (S.Y.); (X.W.)
| | - Meng Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China; (Z.L.); (B.Z.)
| | - Dian Gao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China; (Z.L.); (B.Z.)
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Huang B, Ren J, Ma Q, Yang F, Pan X, Zhang Y, Liu Y, Wang C, Zhang D, Wei L, Ran L, Zhao H, Liang C, Wang X, Wang S, Li H, Ning H, Ran A, Li W, Wang Y, Xiao B. A novel peptide PDHK1-241aa encoded by circPDHK1 promotes ccRCC progression via interacting with PPP1CA to inhibit AKT dephosphorylation and activate the AKT-mTOR signaling pathway. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:34. [PMID: 38360682 PMCID: PMC10870583 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-01940-0] [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: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most prevalent kidney cancer with high aggressive phenotype and poor prognosis. Accumulating evidence suggests that circRNAs have been identified as pivotal mediators in cancers. However, the role of circRNAs in ccRCC progression remains elusive. METHODS The differentially expressed circRNAs in 4 paired human ccRCC and adjacent noncancerous tissues ccRCC were screened using circRNA microarrays and the candidate target was selected based on circRNA expression level using weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) and the gene expression omnibus (GEO) database. CircPDHK1 expression in ccRCC and adjacent noncancerous tissues (n = 148) were evaluated along with clinically relevant information. RT-qPCR, RNase R digestion, and actinomycin D (ActD) stability test were conducted to identify the characteristics of circPDHK1. The subcellular distribution of circPDHK1 was analyzed by subcellular fractionation assay and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry (IP-MS) and immunofluorescence (IF) were employed to evaluate the protein-coding ability of circPDHK1. ccRCC cells were transfected with siRNAs, plasmids or lentivirus approach, and cell proliferation, migration and invasion, as well as tumorigenesis and metastasis in nude mice were assessed to clarify the functional roles of circPDHK1 and its encoded peptide PDHK1-241aa. RNA-sequencing, western blot analysis, immunoprecipitation (IP) and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays were further employed to identify the underlying mechanisms regulated by PDHK1-241aa. RESULTS CircPDHK1 was upregulated in ccRCC tissues and closely related to WHO/ISUP stage, T stage, distant metastasis, VHL mutation and Ki-67 levels. CircPDHK1 had a functional internal ribosome entry site (IRES) and encoded a novel peptide PDHK1-241aa. Functionally, we confirmed that PDHK1-241aa and not the circPDHK1 promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of ccRCC. Mechanistically, circPDHK1 was activated by HIF-2A at the transcriptional level. PDHK1-241aa was upregulated and interacted with PPP1CA, causing the relocation of PPP1CA to the nucleus. This thereby inhibited AKT dephosphorylation and activated the AKT-mTOR signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicated that circPDHK1-encoded PDHK1-241aa promotes ccRCC progression by interacting with PPP1CA to inhibit AKT dephosphorylation. This study provides novel insights into the multiplicity of circRNAs and highlights the potential use of circPDHK1 or PDHK1-241aa as a therapeutic target for ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Huang
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, 563006, P.R. China
| | - Junwu Ren
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, P.R. China
| | - Qiang Ma
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, P.R. China
| | - Feifei Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, P.R. China
| | - Xiaojuan Pan
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, P.R. China
| | - Yuying Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, P.R. China
| | - Yuying Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, P.R. China
| | - Cong Wang
- Department of Urology, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, P.R. China
| | - Dawei Zhang
- Department of Urology, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, P.R. China
| | - Ling Wei
- Department of Urology, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, P.R. China
| | - Lingyu Ran
- Department of Kidney, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, P.R. China
| | - Hongwen Zhao
- Department of Kidney, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, P.R. China
| | - Ce Liang
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, P.R. China
| | - Xiaolin Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, P.R. China
| | - Shiming Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, P.R. China
| | - Haiping Li
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, P.R. China
| | - Hao Ning
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, P.R. China
| | - Ai Ran
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, P.R. China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, 400030, P.R. China.
| | - Yongquan Wang
- Department of Urology, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, P.R. China.
| | - Bin Xiao
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, P.R. China.
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Li P, Huang D, Gu X. Exploring the dual role of circRNA and PI3K/AKT pathway in tumors of the digestive system. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115694. [PMID: 37832407 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The interactions among circRNAs, the PI3K/AKT pathway, and their downstream effectors are intricately linked to their functional roles in tumorigenesis. Furthermore, the circRNAs/PI3K/AKT axis has been significantly implicated in the context of digestive system tumors. This axis is frequently abnormally activated in digestive cancers, including gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and others. Moreover, the overactivation of the circRNAs/PI3K/AKT axis promotes tumor cell proliferation, suppresses apoptosis, enhances invasive and metastatic capabilities, and contributes to drug resistance. In this regard, gaining crucial insights into the complex interaction between circRNAs and the PI3K/AKT pathway holds great potential for elucidating disease mechanisms, identifying diagnostic biomarkers, and designing targeted therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penghui Li
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471000, Henan, China
| | - Di Huang
- Department of Child Health Care, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450000, Henan, China
| | - Xinyu Gu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471000, Henan, China.
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