Long noncoding RNA SOX2OT contributes to gastric cancer progression by sponging miR-194-5p from AKT2

Long non-coding RNA SOX2-OT enhances cancer biological traits via sponging to tumor suppressor miR-122-3p and miR-194-5p in non-small cell lung carcinoma

The oncogenic role of long non-coding RNA SOX2 overlapping transcript (SOX2-OT) has been demonstrated as a miRNA decay system that sponges tumor suppressor miRNA, including miR-122-3p in glioblastoma and miR-194-5p in glioblastoma, gastric, and colorectal cancers. However, the molecular function of SOX2-OT remains unknown in most cancers, including lung cancer. In the current study, we aimed to evaluate the downstream regulatory function of SOX2-OT in A549 and Calu-3 lung cancer cell lines. We knocked down SOX2-OT expression using an RNA interference system, which significantly decreased expression in A549 and Calu-3 cells. The expression of down-regulating miRNAs (miR-122-3p and miR-194-5p) was evaluated, revealing increased expression of miR-122-3p and miR-194-5p. Additionally, the expression of miRNAs downstream mRNA, including FOXO1 (Forkhead Box O1) and FOXA1 (Forkhead Box O1), changed. Recently, critical roles of FOXO1 and FOXA1 proteins in pathways involved in proliferation, metastasis and apoptosis have been demonstrated. Downstream changes in cellular traits were assessed using MTT, flow cytometry, metastasis and apoptosis assays. These assessments confirmed that the biological behaviors of lung cancer cells were influenced after SOX2-OT knockdown. In summary, the present study highlights the oncogenic role of SOX2-OT through the regulation of miR-122-3p/FOXO1 and miR-194-5p/FOXA1 pathways.

Towards Understanding the Key Signature Pathways Associated from Differentially Expressed Gene Analysis in an Indian Prostate Cancer Cohort

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most prevalent cancers among men in India. Although studies on PCa have dealt with genetics, genomics, and the environmental influence in the causality of PCa, not many studies employing the Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) approaches of PCa have been carried out. In our previous study, we identified some causal genes and mutations specific to Indian PCa using Whole Exome Sequencing (WES). In the recent past, with the help of different cancer consortiums such as The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC), along with differentially expressed genes (DEGs), many cancer-associated novel non-coding RNAs have been identified as biomarkers. In this work, we attempt to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) including long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) associated with signature pathways from an Indian PCa cohort using the RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) approach. From a cohort of 60, we screened six patients who underwent prostatectomy; we performed whole transcriptome shotgun sequencing (WTSS)/RNA-sequencing to decipher the DEGs. We further normalized the read counts using fragments per kilobase of transcript per million mapped reads (FPKM) and analyzed the DEGs using a cohort of downstream regulatory tools, viz., GeneMANIA, Stringdb, Cytoscape-Cytohubba, and cbioportal, to map the inherent signatures associated with PCa. By comparing the RNA-seq data obtained from the pairs of normal and PCa tissue samples using our benchmarked in-house cuffdiff pipeline, we observed some important genes specific to PCa, such as STEAP2, APP, PMEPA1, PABPC1, NFE2L2, and HN1L, and some other important genes known to be involved in different cancer pathways, such as COL6A1, DOK5, STX6, BCAS1, BACE1, BACE2, LMOD1, SNX9, CTNND1, etc. We also identified a few novel lncRNAs such as LINC01440, SOX2OT, ENSG00000232855, ENSG00000287903, and ENST00000647843.1 that need to be characterized further. In comparison with publicly available datasets, we have identified characteristic DEGs and novel lncRNAs implicated in signature PCa pathways in an Indian PCa cohort which perhaps have not been reported. This has set a precedent for us to validate candidates further experimentally, and we firmly believe this will pave a way toward the discovery of biomarkers and the development of novel therapies.

Sox2ot /miR-9 /Cthrc1 Promote Proliferation and Migration of Schwann Cells Following Nerve Injury

The effects of traditional treatments for peripheral nerve injury (PNI) are not ideal, which has prompted the identification of new therapeutic strategies. As unique glial cells in the peripheral nervous system, Schwann cells (SCs) play an important role in the repair of PNI. Recent studies have demonstrated that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in the regulation of nerve repair after PNI. In this study, we used microarray technology to detect mRNA and lncRNA expression profiles at different time points after PNI and identified lncRNA Sox2ot-miR-9-Cthrc1 as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for further investigation. Expression of lncRNA Sox2ot was increased after PNI, and overexpression of Sox2ot promoted SCs migration and proliferation. Mechanistic analyses confirmed that Sox2ot can regulate the expression of Cthrc1 through competitive adsorption of miR-9 in SCs, ultimately affecting SCs migration and proliferation. Our findings reveal the key role of lncRNA Sox2ot in nerve regeneration and provide a new direction for PNI treatment.

lncRNA DARS-AS1 Modulates TSPAN1-Mediated ITGA2 Hypomethylation by Interaction with miR-194-5p Thus Promoting Ovarian Cancer Progression

Objective

Ovarian cancer (OC) is usually called the "silent killer" due to its asymptomatic characteristics until advanced stages, thus being a significant threat to female health worldwide. In this work, we characterized an oncogenic DARS-AS1 role in OC.

Methods

The aggressiveness behaviors of the OC cell model were examined by CCK-8 assay, transwell invasion assay, flow cytometry, and immunoblotting analysis of apoptosis-related proteins. Interactions of miR-194-5p with lncRNA DARS-AS1 or TSPAN1 and of TSPAN1 with ITGA2 were validated by using a luciferase activity assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay.

Results

The OC cell model exhibited overexpressed lncRNA DARS-AS1 compared to normal cells. lncRNA DARS-AS1 knockdown led to reduced OC cell growth and metastasis while inducing the apoptosis in the OC cell model. lncRNA DARS-AS1 positively regulated TSPAN1 expression by binding with miR-194-5p and TSPAN1-mediated ITGA2 hypomethylation in OC cells. Further rescue function studies demonstrated that lncRNA DARS-AS1 affected OC cell viability, migration, invasion, and apoptosis ability by modulating miR-194-5p and TSPAN1 expressions.

Conclusion

Our work demonstrates that lncRNA DARS-AS1 promotes OC progression by modulating TSPAN1 and ITGA2 hypomethylation by binding with miR-194-5p.

Long Noncoding RNAs and Circular RNAs Regulate AKT and Its Effectors to Control Cell Functions of Cancer Cells

AKT serine-threonine kinase (AKT) and its effectors are essential for maintaining cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, mitochondrial morphogenesis (fission/fusion), ferroptosis, necroptosis, DNA damage response (damage and repair), senescence, and migration of cancer cells. Several lncRNAs and circRNAs also regulate the expression of these functions by numerous pathways. However, the impact on cell functions by lncRNAs and circRNAs regulating AKT and its effectors is poorly understood. This review provides comprehensive information about the relationship of lncRNAs and circRNAs with AKT on the cell functions of cancer cells. the roles of several lncRNAs and circRNAs acting on AKT effectors, such as FOXO, mTORC1/2, S6K1/2, 4EBP1, SREBP, and HIF are explored. To further validate the relationship between AKT, AKT effectors, lncRNAs, and circRNAs, more predicted AKT- and AKT effector-targeting lncRNAs and circRNAs were retrieved from the LncTarD and circBase databases. Consistently, using an in-depth literature survey, these AKT- and AKT effector-targeting database lncRNAs and circRNAs were related to cell functions. Therefore, some lncRNAs and circRNAs can regulate several cell functions through modulating AKT and AKT effectors. This review provides insights into a comprehensive network of AKT and AKT effectors connecting to lncRNAs and circRNAs in the regulation of cancer cell functions.

Curcumin-Based Nanoformulations: A Promising Adjuvant towards Cancer Treatment

Throughout the United States, cancer remains the second leading cause of death. Traditional treatments induce significant medical toxic effects and unpleasant adverse reactions, making them inappropriate for long-term use. Consequently, anticancer-drug resistance and relapse are frequent in certain situations. Thus, there is an urgent necessity to find effective antitumor medications that are specific and have few adverse consequences. Curcumin is a polyphenol derivative found in the turmeric plant (Curcuma longa L.), and provides chemopreventive, antitumor, chemo-, and radio-sensitizing properties. In this paper, we summarize the new nano-based formulations of polyphenolic curcumin because of the growing interest in its application against cancers and tumors. According to recent studies, the use of nanoparticles can overcome the hydrophobic nature of curcumin, as well as improving its stability and cellular bioavailability in vitro and in vivo. Several strategies for nanocurcumin production have been developed, each with its own set of advantages and unique features. Because the majority of the curcumin-based nanoformulation evidence is still in the conceptual stage, there are still numerous issues impeding the provision of nanocurcumin as a possible therapeutic option. To support the science, further work is necessary to develop curcumin as a viable anti-cancer adjuvant. In this review, we cover the various curcumin nanoformulations and nanocurcumin implications for therapeutic uses for cancer, as well as the current state of clinical studies and patents. We further address the knowledge gaps and future research orientations required to develop curcumin as a feasible treatment candidate.

circFCHO2 promotes gastric cancer progression by activating the JAK1/STAT3 pathway via sponging miR-194-5p

circFCHO2 has been revealed to be overexpressed in gastric cancer (GC) patients. This article identified the function of circFCHO2 on GC progression. The expression of circFCHO2, miR-194-5p and JAK1 in 30 GC patients and cells was monitored by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. circFCHO2 localization in GC cells was monitored by RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization. Cell counting kit-8 assay, 5-ethynyl-2-deoxyuridine staining, transwell experiment, tube formation and sphere formation experiments were applied to detect GC cell proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis and cancer stem cell characteristics. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay, RNA pull down assay and RNA immunoprecipitation experiment were utilized to research the binding between two genes. In vivo tumorigenesis and lung metastasis were studied using nude mice. Immunohistochemistry and hematoxylin-eosin staining were conducted. Protein expression was assessed by Western blot. Serum exosomes of GC patients and healthy participants were isolated. circFCHO2 up-modulation in GC patients was related to poor outcome. circFCHO2 was located in the cytoplasm of GC cells. circFCHO2 silencing weakened the proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis and stem cell characteristics of GC cells. miR-194-5p knockdown counteracted this effect. circFCHO2 activated the JAK1/STAT3 pathway by sponging miR-194-5p. miR-194-5p overexpression attenuated the malignant phenotypes of GC cells. JAK1 overexpression abrogated this effect. circFCHO2 silencing weakened GC cells growth and lung metastasis in vivo. circFCHO2 was up-modulated in serum exosomes of GC patients. circFCHO2 was an oncogene in GC by activating the JAK1/STAT3 pathway via sponging miR-194-5p. circFCHO2 might be a novel target and diagnostic marker for GC.

Predicting amplification of MYCN using CpG methylation biomarkers in neuroblastoma

Background: Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor in childhood. Amplification of MYCN in neuroblastoma is a predictor of poor prognosis. Materials and methods: DNA methylation data from the TARGET data matrix were stratified into MYCN amplified and non-amplified groups. Differential methylation analysis, clustering, recursive feature elimination (RFE), machine learning (ML), Cox regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier estimates were performed. Results and Conclusion: 663 CpGs were differentially methylated between the two groups. A total of 25 CpGs were selected by RFE for clustering and ML, and a 100% clustering accuracy was obtained. ML validation on three external datasets produced high accuracy scores of 100%, 97% and 93%. Eight survival-associated CpGs were also identified. Therapeutic interventions may need to be targeted to patient subgroups.

Protein profiling reveals potential isomiR-associated cross-talks among RNAs in cholangiocarcinoma

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Protein profiling identified crucial genes that were used to screen related ncRNAs.

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Both miRNAs and isomiRs were involved in coding-non-coding RNA regulatory network.

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IsomiR-associated ceRNA networks implied the complex interactions among RNAs.

Cholangiocarcinomas (CCAs) are tumors that arise from the cholangiocytes. Although some genes have been shown with important roles in pathological process, interactions or cross-talks among different RNAs are important to understand the detailed molecular mechanisms in cancer development, especially discussing cross-talks among isomiRs and other RNAs. Herein, to characterize crucial genes in CCA, the protein expression profile was performed to survey potential crucial mRNAs and related non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in mRNA-ncRNA network, mainly including miRNAs/isomiRs and lncRNAs. Deregulated mRNAs were firstly obtained if consistent expression patterns were found at protein and mRNA levels, and related miRNAs/isomiRs were screened according to regulatory relationships. Diverse isomiRs from a given miRNA locus also contributed to interactions between the small RNAs and target mRNAs, and miRNAs were further used to survey related lncRNAs to expand the interactions. Thus, several groups of RNAs were constructed as candidate competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks. Finally, we found that RAB11FIP1:miR-101-3p:MIR3142HG may be a potential ceRNA network, and the interactions among them may be more complex due to variety of isomiRs. Simultaneously, RAB11FIP1 and miR-194-5p were also detected other related lncRNAs (FBXL19-AS1, SNHG1 and PVT1) that may be crucial in coding-non-coding RNA regulatory network. Our results show that diverse isomiRs with sequence and expression heterogeneities contribute to ceRNA regulatory network that may have crucial roles in CCA, which will expand our understanding of interactions among diverse RNAs and their contributions in cancer development.

Curcumin suppresses the progression of gastric cancer by regulating circ_0056618/miR-194-5p axis

Curcumin has been demonstrated to be an anti-tumor agent in many types of cancers, including gastric cancer (GC). However, the molecular mechanisms by which curcumin performs its anti-tumor effects remain elusive. circ_0056618 and miR-194-5p are reported to be involved in GC progression, but their relationships with curcumin are unclear. In this study, circ_0056618 was elevated, and miR-194-5p was reduced in GC tissues and cells. Curcumin treatment led to a decrease in circ_0056618 level in GC cells. Overexpression of circ_0056618 promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and suppressed cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in curcumin-treated GC cells. Moreover, miR-194-5p was identified as the target of circ_0056618, and its expression in GC cells increased after curcumin treatment. Overexpression of miR-194-5p reversed the promotional effect of circ_0056618 on cell progression in curcumin-treated GC cells. Additionally, curcumin treatment repressed the tumorigenesis of GC in vivo through regulating circ_0056618. Curcumin treatment delayed the development of GC partly through decreasing circ_0056618 and increasing miR-194-5p.

KLF5 activates lncRNA DANCR and inhibits cancer cell autophagy accelerating gastric cancer progression

Cancer cell autophagy has been associated with the progression of gastric cancer (GC), but involvement of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) remains unclear. Initial bioinformatics analysis has identified abnormally highly expressed KLF5 in GC, as well as the predicted regulatory mechanism associating with lncRNA DANCR, miR-194, and AKT2. The expression of KLF5, DANCR, and AKT2 in GC tissue was upregulated, and the expression of miR-194 was downregulated. We knocked KLF5 down and manipulated the expression of DANCR, miR-194, and AKT2 to characterize their roles in GC cell viability, autophagy, and apoptosis. The mechanistic investigations revealed that KLF5 activated the transcription of DANCR in the promoter region and elevated its expression. DANCR acted as a miR-194 sponge to repress its expression in GC. MiR-194 targeted and inhibited AKT2 expression. Silencing KLF5 augmented GC cell autophagy, apoptosis and impeded its viability through the DANCR/miR-194/AKT2 axis. The tumor-inhibiting properties of KLF5 knockdown were substantiated in vivo. Together, our study uncovered the oncogenic role of KLF5-dependent lncRNA DANCR transcription in GC in vivo and in vitro, which implicates the miR-194/AKT2 axis in tumor growth regulation, and it may be a potential therapeutic target for human GC.

Long non-coding RNA PCED1B antisense RNA 1 promotes gastric cancer progression via modulating microRNA-215-3p / C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 1 axis

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) emerge as vital modulators and tissue-specific biomarkers of multiple cancers, including gastric cancer (GC). Instead, the expression characteristics, biological function and molecular mechanism of lncRNA PCED1B antisense RNA 1 (PCED1B-AS1) in GC await more elaboration. In this study, 48 cases of GC tissues and matched non-cancerous tissues were collected, and PCED1B-AS1, microRNA-215-3p (miR-215-3p) and C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 1 (CXCR1) expression levels were detected by qRT-PCR. Besides, CCK-8, EdU, Transwell and Western blot assays were conducted to assess the impact of PCED1B-AS1 or miR-215-3p on cell growth, migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The interaction between genes was verified by bioinformatics analysis, rna immunoprecitipation (RIP) and dual-luciferase reporter gene assays. We demonstrated that, PCED1B-AS1 expression level was raised in GC tissues and cell lines, and increased expression of PCED1B-AS1 was in association with tumor size, TNM stage and lymph node metastasis in GC patients. Additionally, PCED1B-AS1 overexpression promoted GC cells proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT, and miR-215-3p overexpression counteracted the biological effects of PCED1B-AS1. Mechanistically, PCED1B-AS1 specifically inhibited miR-215-3p expressions, thus up-regulating CXCR1 expressions. In conclusion, PCED1B-AS1 accelerates GC progression via adsorbing miR-215-3p and up-regulating CXCR1, indicating that PCED1B-AS1 is a novel therapeutic target for treating GC.

Long noncoding RNA DARS-AS1 regulates TP53 ubiquitination and affects ovarian cancer progression by modulation miR-194-5p/RBX1 axis

BACKGROUND

Ovarian cancer is a malignant tumor with a poor prognosis, its underlying mechanism is still unclear.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, long noncoding RNA DARS-AS1 was studied to identify its function in the development of ovarian cancer.

METHODS

Perform functional experiments to detect the effects of DARS-AS1 on the proliferation, apoptosis, and migration of ovarian cancer cells A2780. The luciferase report, immunoprecipitation (IP) experiment, and ubiquitination level determination verify that RBX1 ubiquitination and mediate the degradation of tumor suppressor gene TP53.

RESULTS

Knockdown of DARS-AS1 can inhibit cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis, and the application of miR-194-5p inhibitors can prevent this process. Luciferase and IP experiments showed that DARS-AS1 regulates the expression of RBX1 by binding to miR-194-5p, and RBX1 mediates its degradation through ubiquitination of TP53.

circ_0030018 promotes glioma proliferation and metastasis

Background

Circular RNA (circRNA) plays an essential role in tumor progression, including glioma. circ_0030018 is a newly discovered circRNA that is highly expressed in glioma. However, its role and mechanism in glioma need to be further elucidated.

Methods

The expression of circ_0030018, microRNA (miR)-194-5p, and tripartite motif containing 44 (TRIM44) was examined using quantitative real-time PCR. Cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis were determined using MTT assay, colony formation assay, transwell assay, and flow cytometry. Moreover, dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull-down assay were used to verify the interactions among circ_0030018, miR-194-5p, and TRIM44. The protein expression of TRIM44 was assessed by western blot analysis. Animal experiments were conducted to explore the role of circ_0030018 in glioma tumor growth in vivo.

Results

circ_0030018 was overexpressed in glioma tissues and cells, and its silencing could inhibit glioma cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and accelerate apoptosis. miR-194-5p could be sponged by circ_0030018, and its overexpression could hinder the progression of glioma cells. Further experiments revealed that miR-194-5p inhibitor reversed the negative regulation of circ_0030018 knockdown on glioma cell progression. In addition, TRIM44 was a target of miR-194-5p, and its downregulation could repress glioma cell progression. Overexpressed TRIM44 reversed the inhibition effect of miR-194-5p on glioma cell progression. Animal experiments suggested that circ_0030018 knockdown could reduce glioma tumor growth through regulating miR-194-5p and TRIM44.

Conclusion

Our 8data showed that circ_0030018 enhanced glioma progression by sponging miR-194-5p to regulate TRIM44, indicating that circ_0030018 might be a potential treatment target for glioma.

LINC00894 Enhances the Progression of Breast Cancer by Sponging miR-429 to Regulate ZEB1 Expression

PURPOSE

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are known to regulate tumorigenesis. Although breast cancer tissues show a high expression of LINC00894, its specific biological role in breast cancer progression is still unknown. In this study, lncRNA microarray was used to analyze the lncRNA expression in breast cancer tissues, and LINC00894 was selected for further analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Expression of LINC00894 in 45 pairs of breast cancer tissues and normal tissues obtained from patients with breast cancer was assessed by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR, while proliferation and invasion of breast cancer cells were assessed using a Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), EdU assay, colony formation experiment, and transwell assays. A dual-luciferase reporter gene assay and bioinformatics analysis were employed to detect potential targets of LINC00894. Additionally, RNA Binding Protein Immunoprecipitation (RIP) and Western blot assays were utilized to clarify its interaction and roles in the regulation of breast cancer progression.

RESULTS

High expression of LINC00894 was observed in breast cancer cells, and its overexpression significantly expedited cell proliferation and invasion. Moreover, LINC00894 positively regulated the expression of ZEB1 by competitively binding to miR-429.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, these results suggest that LINC00894 competitively binds to miR-429 to mediate ZEB1 expression; consequently, it is implicated to play a role in the progression of breast cancer.

Circular RNA circ_0006168 enhances Taxol resistance in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by regulating miR-194-5p/JMJD1C axis

Background

Chemoresistance is one of the major obstacles for cancer therapy in the clinic. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved in the pathogenesis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and chemoresistance. This study aimed to explore the role and molecular mechanism of circ_0006168 in Taxol resistance of ESCC.

Methods

The expression levels of circ_0006168, microRNA-194-5p (miR-194-5p) and jumonji domain containing 1C (JMJD1C) were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) or western blot. The half-inhibition concentration (IC₅₀) value of Taxol was evaluated by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Cell proliferation was evaluated by CCK-8 and colony formation assays. Cell migration and invasion were detected by transwell assay. Cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry. The interaction between miR-194-5p and circ_0006168 or JMJD1C was predicted by bioinformatics analysis (Circinteractome and TargetScan) and verified by dual-luciferase reporter and RNA Immunoprecipitation (RIP) and RNA pull-down assays. The mice xenograft model was established to investigate the roles of circ_0006168 in vivo.

Results

Circ_0006168 and JMJD1C were upregulated and miR-194-5p was downregulated in ESCC tissues, ESCC cells, and Taxol-resistant cells. Functionally, knockdown of circ_0006168 or JMJD1C increased Taxol sensitivity of ESCC in vitro via inhibiting cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and promoting apoptosis. Moreover, circ_0006168 could directly bind to miR-194-5p and JMJD1C was verified as a direct target of miR-194-5p. Mechanically, circ_0006168 was a sponge of miR-194-5p to regulate JMJD1C expression in ESCC cells. Furthermore, JMJD1C overexpression reversed the promotive effect of circ_0006168 knockdown on Taxol sensitivity. Besides, circ_0006168 silence suppressed tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusion

Circ_0006168 facilitated Taxol resistance in ESCC by regulating miR-194-5p/JMJD1C axis, providing a promising therapeutic target for ESCC chemotherapy.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12935-021-01984-y.

A novel lncRNA SOX2OT promotes the malignancy of human colorectal cancer by interacting with miR-194-5p/SOX5 axis

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) show emerging roles in colorectal cancer (CRC) development and are considered to be involved in the potential mechanism of tumor malignancy. While Sox2 overlapping transcript (SOX2OT) has been implicated in the progression of multiple cancers, its role in CRC remains to be explored. In this study, in situ hybridization (ISH) and qRT-PCR were performed to establish the functional relationships between SOX2OT and CRC deranged in CRC tissue and cells. Subsequently, SOX2OT shRNAs vectors were transfected into CRC cells to performed loss-of-function assays to detect the potential role of SOX2OT on proliferation and metastasis in vitro and vivo. The results showed SOX2OT was an oncogene that was up-regulated in human CRC tissues and cell lines. SOX2OT silencing suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in CRC cells in vitro, and inhibited tumorigenesis in the mouse xenografts. Bioinformatic predictive analysis coupled with the dual-luciferase reporter, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), and functional rescue assay elucidated the mechanistic network of the SOX2OT-miR-194-5p-SOX5 axis in CRC. Mechanistically, SOX2OT acted as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to upregulate SOX5 by sponging miR-194-5p. Downregulated SOX2OT boosted miR-194-5p expression, thus decreased the protein level of SOX5, which suppresses tumorgenesis of CRC.

LncRNA SOX2-OT regulates AKT/ERK and SOX2/GLI-1 expression, hinders therapy, and worsens clinical prognosis in malignant lung diseases

The involvement of LncRNA SOX2-overlapping transcript (SOX2-OT), SOX2, and GLI-1 transcription factors in cancer has been well documented. Nonetheless, it is still unknown whether co-expressed SOX2-OT/SOX2 or SOX2-OT/SOX2/GLI-1 axes are epigenetically/transcriptionally involved in terms of resistance to oncology therapy and in poorer clinical outcomes for patients with lung cancer. We evaluated the role of SOX2-OT/SOX2 and SOX2-OT/SOX2/GLI-1 axes using RT-qPCR, western blot, immunofluorescence analyses, gene silencing, cellular cytotoxic, and ChIP-qPCR assays on human cell lines, solid lung malignant tumors, and normal lung tissue. We detected that the SOX2-OT/SOX2/GLI-1 axis promotes resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)-erlotinib and cisplatin-based therapy. Evidence from this study show that SOX2-OT modulates the expression/activation of EGFR-pathway members AKT/ERK. Further, both SOX2-OT and GLI-1 genes are epigenetically regulated at their promoter sequences, in an LncRNA SOX2-OT-dependent manner, mainly through modifying the enrichment of the activation histone mark H3K4me3/H3K27Ac, versus the repressive histone mark H3K9me3/H3K27me3. In addition, we identified that inhibition of SOX2-OT and reduced expression of SOX2/GLI-1 sensitizes lung cancer cells to EGFR/TKI-erlotinib or cisplatin-based treatment. Finally, we show that high co-expression of SOX2-OT/SOX2 transcripts and SOX2/GLI-1 proteins appears to correlate with a poor clinical prognosis and lung malignant phenotype. Collectively, these results present evidence that LncRNA SOX2-OT modulates an orchestrated resistance mechanism, promoting poor prognosis and human lung malignancy through genetic, epigenetic, and post-translational mechanisms.

The lncRNA SLCO4A1-AS1/miR-876-3p/RBBP6 axis regulates cell proliferation and apoptosis in acute lymphocytic leukemia via the JNK signaling pathway

INTRODUCTION

Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is a hematologic malignancy caused by the clonal proliferation of immature lymphocytes. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported as critical regulators in several cancers, including ALL. LncRNA SLCO4A1 antisense RNA 1 (SLCO4A1-AS1) has been revealed to be implicated in tumorigenesis of several cancers. Our study focused on the role of SLCO4A1-AS1 in ALL.

METHODS

RT-qPCR, Western blot analysis, CCK-8, EdU, and Flow cytometry analysis were used to explore the biological function of SLCO4A1-AS1 in ALL cellular processes. Luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assays were applied to explore the mechanism of SLCO4A1-AS1 in ALL cells.

RESULTS

SLCO4A1-AS1 was upregulated in ALL tissues and cell lines. We found that suppression of SLCO4A1-AS1 suppressed ALL cell proliferation and facilitated cell apoptosis. Our result confirmed that SLCO4A1-AS1 acted as a ceRNA by sponging microRNA 876-3p (miR-876-3p) to upregulate retinoblastoma binding protein 6 (RBBP6) expression in ALL cells. Moreover, SLCO4A1-AS1 activated the JNK signaling pathway by upregulating RBBP6. Rescue assays revealed that the activation of the JNK signaling or overexpression of RBBP6 revered the suppressive effect of SLCO4A1-AS1 knockdown on growth of ALL cells.

CONCLUSION

SLCO4A1-AS1 promoted cell growth of ALL by the miR-876-3p/RBBP6 axis to activate the JNK signaling pathway.

LncRNA SOX2OT is Upregulated in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) and Correlated with Multiple Adverse Events

PURPOSE

LncRNA SOX2OT plays protective roles in high glucose-induced injuries, suggesting its potential involvement in diabetes. Therefore, we analyzed the role of SOX2OT in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

METHODS

A total of 216 pregnant women with a gestational age of about 2 months were enrolled in this study. The 216 pregnant women were monitored until delivery to record the occurrence of GDM. Adverse events, including miscarriage, premature delivery, intrauterine distress, intrauterine death, intrauterine infection, fetal malformation, macrosomia, and hypertension, were recorded.

RESULTS

Two hundred sixteen pregnant women were divided into high and low SOX2OT level groups (n=108), with the median plasma SOX2OT level on the day of admission as the cutoff value. It was observed that the incidence of GDM was higher in the high SOX2OT level group (40/108) than in the low SOX2OT level group (12/108). Moreover, the SOX2OT expression level was higher in GDM patients than in non-GDM participants, and ROC curve analysis showed that plasma SOX2OT levels on the day of admission could separate potential GDM patients from the rest participants. Importantly, higher incidences of miscarriage, premature delivery, intrauterine distress, intrauterine death, intrauterine infection, fetal malformation, macrosomia, and hypertension were observed in the high SOX2OT group compared to the low SOX2OT group.

CONCLUSION

SOX2OT is highly expressed in GDM and is closely correlated with multiple adverse events.

Long Noncoding RNA SOX2-OT: Regulations, Functions, and Roles on Mental Illnesses, Cancers, and Diabetic Complications

SRY-box transcription factor 2 (SOX2) overlapping transcript (SOX2-OT) is an evolutionarily conserved long noncoding RNA. Its intronic region contains the SOX2 gene, the major regulator of the pluripotency of embryonic stem cells. The human SOX2-OT gene comprises multiple exons and has multiple transcription start sites and generates hundreds of transcripts. Transcription factors (IRF4, AR, and SOX3), transcriptional inhibitors (NSPc1, MTA3, and YY1), and miRNAs (miR-211 and miR-375) have been demonstrated to control certain SOX2-OT transcript level at the transcriptional or posttranscriptional levels. Accumulated evidence indicates its crucial roles in the regulation of the SOX2 gene, miRNAs, and transcriptional process. Restricted expression of SOX2-OT transcripts in the brain results in the association between SOX2-OT single nucleotide polymorphisms and mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and anorexia nervosa. SOX2-OT is notably elevated in tumor tissues, and a high level of SOX2-OT is well correlated with poor clinical outcomes in cancer patients, leading to the establishment of its role as an oncogene and a prognostic or diagnostic biomarker for cancers. The emerging evidence supports that SOX2-OT mediates diabetic complications. In summary, SOX2-OT has diversified functions and could be a therapeutic target for various diseases.

PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling in gastric cancer: Epigenetics and beyond

PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is one of the most important signaling pathways involved in normal cellular processes. Its aberrant activation modulates autophagy, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, apoptosis, chemoresistance, and metastasis in many human cancers. Emerging evidence demonstrates that some infections as well as epigenetic regulatory mechanisms can control PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. In this review, we focused on the role of this pathway in gastric cancer development, prognosis, and metastasis, with an emphasis on epigenetic alterations including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and post-transcriptional modulations through non-coding RNAs fluctuations as well as H. pylori and Epstein-Barr virus infections. Finally, we reviewed different molecular targets and therapeutic agents in clinical trials as a potential strategy for gastric cancer treatment through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

Long Non-Coding RNA LINC01089 Enhances the Development of Gastric Cancer by Sponging miR-145-5p to Mediate SOX9 Expression

BACKGROUND

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have potential regulatory effects in oncogenesis. Previous studies showed that several lncRNAs could participate in the progression of gastric cancer (GC). However, the specific biological mechanisms in GC are still unclear. We analyzed an lncRNA microarray of GC and selected LINC01089 for study.

METHODS

LINC01089 expression in GC was tested by qRT-PCR. GC cell proliferation was assessed using CCK-8 and EdU assays. Cell invasion was assessed using the Transwell assay. A dual-luciferase reporter gene assay and bioinformatics assay were performed to detect potential targets of LINC01089. Additionally, RNA immunoprecipitation and Western blot assays were performed to clarify their interactions and roles in the regulation of GC progression.

RESULTS

High LINC01089 expression was observed in GC cells. LINC01089 overexpression notably expedited cell migration, proliferation, and invasion. LINC01089 positively regulated SOX9 expression by competitively binding to microRNA (miR-145-5p).

CONCLUSION

LINC01089 competitively binds to miR-145-5p to mediate SOX9 expression. LINC01089 may participate in the progression of GC.

TUSC8 inhibits the development of osteosarcoma by sponging miR‑197‑3p and targeting EHD2

Osteosarcoma (OS) is one of the most common malignant bone tumours and generally occurs in children and adolescents. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that dysregulated long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in the progression of various human neoplasms. Among these, tumour suppressor candidate 8 (TUSC8) is a novel lncRNA and has been reported to function as a tumour suppressor in cervical cancer. However, the exact role of TUSC8 in OS remains largely unknown. In the present study, it was observed that TUSC8 was markedly downregulated in OS tissues and cell lines. Functional experiments demonstrated that the overexpression of TUSC8 significantly suppressed the proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), whereas it accelerated the apoptosis of OS cells. Mechanistically, TUSC8 served as a sponge for miR-197-3p, and EH-domain containing 2 (EHD2) was identified as a downstream target molecule of miR-197-3p. Further investigations indicated that EHD2 knockdown significantly reversed the effects on OS cellular processes induced by TUSC8 overexpression. On the whole, these findings indicate that TUSC8 functions as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to suppress OS cell growth and EMT via the miR-197-3p/EHD2 axis. TUSC8 may thus function as a potential therapeutic target in OS treatment.

Non-coding RNAs in gastric cancer

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are functional RNA molecules that play crucial regulatory roles in many fundamental biological processes. The dysregulation of ncRNAs is significantly associated with the progression of human cancers, including gastric cancer. In this review, we have summarized the oncogenic or tumor-suppressive roles and the regulatory mechanisms of lncRNAs, miRNAs, circRNAs and piRNAs, and have discussed their potential as biomarkers or therapeutic targets in gastric cancer.

Silencing of long non-coding RNA Sox2ot inhibits oxidative stress and inflammation of vascular smooth muscle cells in abdominal aortic aneurysm via microRNA-145-mediated Egr1 inhibition

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been largely reported to contribute to the development and progression of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), a common vascular degenerative disease. The present study was set out with the aim to investigate the possible role of lncRNA Sox2ot in the development of AAA. In this study, we found that lncRNA Sox2ot and early growth response factor-1 (Egr1) were highly expressed, while microRNA (miR)-145 was poorly expressed in Ang II-induced AAA mice and oxidative stress-provoked vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) model. Egr1 was a potential target gene of miR-145, and lncRNA Sox2ot could competitively bind to miR-145 to upregulate Egr1 expression. Overexpression of miR-145-5p was found to attenuate oxidative stress and inflammation by inhibiting Egr1 both in vivo and in vitro, which was counteracted by lncRNA Sox2ot. Taken together, the present study provides evidence that downregulation of lncRNA Sox2ot suppressed the expression of Egr1 through regulating miR-145, thus inhibiting the development of AAA, highlighting a theoretical basis for AAA treatment.

Long non-coding RNA OIP5-AS1 promotes the growth of gastric cancer through the miR-367-3p/HMGA2 axis

Increasing evidence shows that aberrant lncRNAs expression contributes to the progression of gastric cancer (GC). The role of the novel lncRNA OIP5-AS1 and its underlying mechanisms in the growth of GC is largely unknown. Here we demonstrate for the first time that OIP5-AS1 expression was up-regulated in GC tissues and cell lines, which significantly correlated with unfavorable clinical characteristics and shorter survival. The results of in vitro and in vivo gain- and loss-of-function experiments indicate that OIP5-AS1 promoted cell proliferation and colony formation while inhibiting apoptosis of GC cells. OIP5-AS1 functioned as an endogenous sponge for miR-367-3p in GC cells. Restoration of miR-367-3p expression abolished the biological effects of OIP5-AS1 on GC cells. Moreover, we show that HMGA2 was a downstream target of miR-367-3p and mediated the effects of OIP5-AS1 on GC cells. OIP5-AS1 regulated the activities of the PI3K/AKT and Wnt/β-catenin pathways through HMGA2. In conclusion, OIP5-AS1 functions as an oncogenic lncRNA that promotes the progression of GC and may serve as a therapeutic target for managing GC.

miR-194-5p inhibits LPS-induced astrocytes activation by directly targeting neurexophilin 1

Astrocytes are vitally involved in the development of neurodegenerative diseases and brain cancers. In this work, we investigated the potential ameliorative role of microRNA-194-5p (miR-194-5p) against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced astrocytes activation and the mechanism underneath. Astrocytes were transfected with miR-194-5p mimic or inhibitor and subsequently induced with LPS. Cell proliferation was measured using MTT assay while Transwell assay was used for assessing cell migration. The concentrations of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) and cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Gene expression was assessed by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) while western blotting was used for quantifying relative protein expression. We found that miR-194-5p, downregulated in LPS-induced astrocytes, significantly inhibited LPS-induced cell proliferation and migration. In addition, miR-194-5p inhibited the release of COX2 and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, TGF-β, IL-1β and IL-6). Moreover, the silencing of neurexophilin 1 (NXPH1), an in silico and mechanistically confirmed direct target of miR-194-5p, reverted the anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative and anti-migratory effects of miR-194-5p. We anticipated that miR-194-5 inhibits the proliferation, invasion, and inflammatory reaction in LPS-induced astrocytes by directly targeting NXPH1. These findings hinted that miR-194-5p/NXPH1 axis exerts vital functions in astrocytes activation and neuroinflammation-associated diseases. This finding will open novel avenues for biomedical and neuroscience research.

LINC01272 Promotes Migration and Invasion of Gastric Cancer Cells via EMT

PURPOSE

Gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth most common tumor in the world, and most patients with GC have a poor prognosis. This study aimed to explore the biological influence and mechanism of LINC01272 in GC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using bioinformatic analyses, we investigated the expression of LINC01272 in TCGA database and predicted the biological functions and mechanism of LINC01272 in GC. Then, we detected the expression of LINC01272 in GC cell lines, GC tissues, and corresponding normal tissues using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Finally, we explored the migration and invasion ability of LINC01272 by wound-healing and Transwell assays and examined the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins through Western blotting.

RESULTS

We found that LINC01272 was upregulated in GC and was associated with GC staging and lymph node metastasis. The results of wound-healing and Transwell assays revealed that the LINC01272 was closely related to GC cell migration and invasion. LINC01272 knockdown inhibited the migration and invasion ability of GC cells by reducing the expression of EMT-related proteins. Overexpression of LINC01272 had the opposite effect.

CONCLUSION

Together, our results showed that LINC01272 promoted GC metastasis ability by regulating the expression of EMT-related proteins and could serve as a potential diagnostic biomarker for GC.

MALAT1 knockdown inhibits hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma malignancy by targeting microRNA-194

Metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) is involved in the oncogenesis and progression of various types of cancer. However, the function of MALAT1 in hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HSCC) is not completely understood. In the present study, MALAT1 expression levels were determined using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, and Cell Counting Kit-8, Transwell and flow cytometry assays were performed to investigate the biological functions of HSCC cells. The results indicated that MALAT1 was upregulated in HSCC. MALAT1 knockdown suppressed HSCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and promoted apoptosis compared with the control group. Additionally, microRNA (miR)-194 was identified as a target of MALAT1 and was expressed at low levels in HSCC tissues compared with adjacent non-tumor tissues. A miR-194 agomir inhibited malignant cell behaviors, including cell proliferation, migration and invasion, whereas miR-194 antagomir promoted malignant behaviors compared with the corresponding control groups. In addition, the results suggested that MALAT1 knockdown inhibited the malignant behaviors of HSCC cells by binding miR-194. miR-194 inhibition partially reversed the MALAT1 knockdown-induced inhibitory effects on HSCC cells. Furthermore, MALAT1 knockdown combined with miR194 mimics resulted in the lowest tumor volume among all tested groups in vivo. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggested that MALAT1 knockdown suppressed the malignant behavior of HSCC by targeting miR-194; therefore, MALAT1 may serve as a novel therapeutic target for HSCC.

LncRNA Sox2OT-V7 promotes doxorubicin-induced autophagy and chemoresistance in osteosarcoma via tumor-suppressive miR-142/miR-22

Doxorubicin (Dox) is one of the most commonly used chemotherapeutic drugs for osteosarcoma (OS) treatment. In the present study, we attempted to investigate the mechanism by which Sox2OT-V7 dysregulation affects Dox chemoresistance to provide a novel experimental basis for developing neoadjuvant therapy. Sox2OT-V7 expression is upregulated in OS tissues, particularly in chemoresistant OS tissues, and in OS cell lines compared to controls. Dox treatment induces autophagy and Sox2OT-V7 expression in U2OS cells, and Dox-induced autophagy is partially attenuated by Sox2OT-V7 silencing. Knocking down Sox2OT-V7 or blocking autophagy in Dox-resistant U2OS/Dox cells resensitizes the cells to Dox treatment in vitro. Moreover, Sox2OT-V7 directly targets miR-142/miR-22 to inhibit their expression, and the effect of Sox2OT-V7 silencing on U2OS cell autophagy and U2OS/Dox cell sensitivity to Dox can be reversed by miR-142/miR-22 inhibition. Sox2OT-V7 silencing enhances the suppressive effects of Dox on U2OS/Dox cell-derived tumor growth in vivo, while miR-22 inhibition or miR-142 inhibition reverses the effects of Sox2OT-V7 silencing on Dox-induced suppression on tumor growth. Finally, miR-142 directly targets ULK1, ATG4A, and ATG5, while miR-22 directly targets ULK1 to inhibit the expression of the target gene; The Sox2OT-V7/miR-142/miR-22 axis modulates autophagy in OS cells by regulating ULK1, ATG4A, and ATG5.

Transcriptome hallmarks in Helicobacter pylori infection influence gastric cancer and MALT lymphoma

Aim: Altered long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) and mRNA is vital in the progression from Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori, HP) infection to gastric cancer (GC) and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. Materials & methods: Five independent Gene Expression Omnibus datasets (GSE5081, GSE84433, GSE15459, GSE66229 and GSE25638) were included in our study. Results: Differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs in both H. pylori-positive gastritis and GC tissues were identified. Using two GC cohorts, the H. pylori-related mRNA DYNC1I1 and MMP7 were independent predictors of overall survival. Moreover, the expressions of lncRNA GHRLOS and 44 mRNAs were significantly changed in gastric MALT lymphoma patients. Conclusion: The lncRNA/mRNA response to H. pylori infection in gastritis and GC influence the outcome of GC and progression of MALT lymphoma.

Clinicopathological Implication of Long Non-Coding RNAs SOX2 Overlapping Transcript and Its Potential Target Gene Network in Various Cancers

Background

SOX2 overlapping transcript (SOX2-OT) produces alternatively spliced long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA). Previous studies of the prognostic role of SOX2-OT expression met with conflicting results. The aim of this study was to properly consider the prognostic role of SOX2-OT expression in several cancers. In addition, the regulative mechanism of SOX2-OT is explored.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database were comprehensively explored to recover pertinent studies. We conducted an extensive inquiry to verify the implication of SOX2-OT expression in cancer patients by conducting a meta-analysis of 13 selected studies. Thirty-two TCGA databases were used to analyze the connection between SOX2-OT expression and both the overall survival (OS) and clinicopathological characteristics of cancer patients using R and STATA 13.0. Trial sequential analysis (TSA) was adopted in order to compute the studies' power.

Results

Thirteen studies involving 1172 cancer patients and 32 TCGA cancer types involving 9676 cancer patients were eventually selected. Elevated SOX2-OT expression was significantly related to shorter OS (HR = 2.026, 95% CI: 1.691-2.428, P < 0.0001) and disease-free survival (DFS) (HR = 2.554, 95% CI: 1.261-5.174, P = 0.0092) in cancer patients. Meanwhile, TSA substantiated adequate power to demonstrate the relationship between SOX2-OT expression and OS. The cancer patients with elevated SOX2-OT expression were more likely to have advanced clinical stage (RR = 1.468, 95% CI: 1.106-1.949, P = 0.0079), earlier lymphatic metastasis (P = 0.0005), earlier distant metastasis (P < 0.0001), greater tumor size (P < 0.0001), and more extreme tumor invasion (P < 0.0001) compared to those with low SOX2-OT expression. Meta-regression and subgroup analysis revealed that follow-up time, sample type, and tumor type could significantly contribute to heterogeneity for survival outcomes. The follow-up time could significantly explain heterogeneity for tumor, node, metastasis (TNM) stage. Furthermore, up to 500 validated target genes were distinguished, and the gene oncology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses demonstrated that the validated targets of SOX2-OT were substantially enriched in cell adhesion, mRNA binding, and mRNA surveillance pathways.

Conclusions

Elevated expression of SOX2-OT predicted a poor OS and DFS. Overexpression of SOX2-OT was correlated with more advanced tumor stage, earlier lymphatic metastasis, earlier distant metastasis, larger tumor size, and deeper tumor invasion. SOX2-OT-mediated cell adhesion, mRNA binding, or mRNA surveillance could be intrinsic mechanisms for invasion and metastasis.

Long non-coding RNAs as the critical factors during tumor progressions among Iranian population: an overview

BACKGROUND

Cancer is associated with various genetic and environmental risk factors. Beside the mutations or aberrant expression of protein-coding genes, the genetic deregulation of non-coding RNAs has also an important role during tumor progression and metastasis. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a class of ncRNAs larger than 200 nucleotides that may function as tumor-suppressor or oncogene.

MAIN BODY

There is a raising trend of cancer incidence among Iranian population during the last decades. Therefore, it is required to prepare a general population specific panel of genetic markers for the early detection of cancer in this population. The tissue-specific expression characteristics and high stability in body fluids highlight the lncRNAs as efficient diagnostic and prognostic noninvasive biomarkers in cancer. In present review we summarized all of the lncRNAs which have been reported until now in different tumors among Iranian patients.

CONCLUSIONS

This review paves the way of introducing a population based noninvasive diagnostic panel of lncRNAs for the early detection of tumor cells among Iranian population.

Long non-coding RNA signature in gastric cancer

Gastric cancer as a common human malignancy has been associated with aberrant expressions of several coding and non-coding genes. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as regulators of gene expressions at different genomic, transcriptomic and post-transcriptomic levels are among putative biomarkers and therapeutic targets in gastric cancer. In the present study, we have searched available literature and listed lncRNAs that are involved in the pathogenesis of gastric cancer. In addition, we discuss associations between expressions of these lncRNAs and tumoral features or risk factors for gastric cancer. Based on the established role of lncRNAs in regulation of genomic stability, cell cycle, apoptosis, angiogenesis and other aspects of cell physiology, the potential of these transcripts as therapeutic targets in gastric cancer should be evaluated in future studies.

SOX2OT, a novel tumor-related long non-coding RNA

SOX2OT is a long non-coding RNA that is highly expressed in embryonic stem cells. The SOX2OT gene is comprised of 10 exons and more than two transcription start sites. Dysregulation of SOX2OT is observed in various tumors, including lung cancer, gastric cancer, esophageal cancer, breast cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, ovarian cancer, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, osteosarcoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and glioblastoma, wherein it typically functions as an oncogene and possibly as a tumor suppressor gene. The mechanisms underlying the effects of SOX2OT are complex and involve multiple factors and signaling pathways. In this review, we describe the current evidence regarding the role and potential clinical utility of SOX2OT in human cancers.

The lncRNA SOX2OT rs9839776 C>T Polymorphism Indicates Recurrent Miscarriage Susceptibility in a Southern Chinese Population

Genetic susceptibility may be involved in the onset of recurrent miscarriage. Previous studies have shown that some genetic polymorphisms that regulate cell migration are associated with susceptibility to recurrent miscarriage. The SOX2 overlapping transcript (SOX2OT) may regulate the migration and invasion of multiple tumor cells and is related to susceptibility to various diseases. However, whether lncRNA SOX2OT polymorphisms are related to recurrent miscarriage susceptibility is unclear. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between the lncRNA SOX2OT rs9839776 C>T polymorphism and recurrent miscarriage susceptibility. We recruited 570 subjects with recurrent miscarriage and 578 healthy control subjects from a population in southern China and used the TaqMan method for genotyping. We found a significant association between the rs9839776 CT genotype in the SOX2OT gene and an increased risk for recurrent miscarriage (CT vs CC: adjusted OR = 1.357, 95%CI = 1.065 - 1.728, P = 0.0134). However, we did not observe any significant associations between the recurrent miscarriage risk and the number of miscarriages in different age groups. In conclusion, our study indicated that the rs9839776 CT genotype may contribute to an increased risk of recurrent miscarriage in the southern Chinese population and that rs9839776 may act as a prognostic biomarker in recurrent miscarriage patients. However, an experiment-based study with a larger sample size should be performed to confirm these results.

Knockdown of hsa_circ_0023028 inhibits cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in laryngeal cancer by sponging miR-194-5p

Emerging evidences have proposed that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play a major role in carcinogenesis. Hsa_circ_0023028 has been reported to be aberrantly expressed in laryngeal cancer (LCa). However, the role and the mechanism of hsa_circ_0023028 in LCa have not been adequately studied. In the present study, we demonstrated that hsa_circ_0023028 expression was up-regulated in LCa tissues and cell lines. miR-194-5p was down-regulated in LCa cells. Functionally, knockdown of hsa_circ_0023028 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of LCa cells, as evidenced by the reduced number of 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU)-positive cells and decreased number of migrated and invaded cells. Additionally, hsa_circ_0023028 was identified as an miR-194-5p sink. A negative correlation between miR-194-5p and hsa_circ_0023028 expression was observed in LCa tissues. Besides, down-regulation of miR-194-5p attenuated the inhibitory effects of hsa_circ_0023028 silencing on LCa cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. In summary, hsa_circ_0023028 functions as an miR-194-5p sponge to promote the proliferation, migration, and invasion of LCa cells.

The lncRNA ZEB2-AS1 is upregulated in gastric cancer and affects cell proliferation and invasion via miR-143-5p/HIF-1α axis

Background

Growing evidence has implicated the important role of the long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in gastric cancer progression. In this study, we examined the expression of lncRNA zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 2 antisense RNA 1 (ZEB2-AS1) in gastric cancer tissues and elucidated the molecular mechanisms underlying ZEB2-AS1-mediated gastric cancer progression.

Methods

Quantitative real-time PCR measured the gene expression level; CCK-8, colony formation and cell invasion assays determined gastric cancer cell proliferation, growth and invasion, respectively; the xenograft nude mice model was used to determine in vivo tumor growth; Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay determined the downstream targets of ZEB2-AS1 and miR-143-5p. The expression of ZEB2-AS1 was upregulated in gastric cancer cell lines.

Results

Knockdown of ZEB2-AS1 suppressed gastric cancer cell proliferation, growth and invasion, and also suppressed in vivo tumor growth in the nude mice. Overexpression of ZEB2-AS1 potentiated gastric cancer cell proliferation, growth and invasion. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-143-5p was a direct target of ZEB2-AS1 and was negatively regulated by ZEB2-AS1. Furthermore, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) was found to be a target of miR-143-5p and was negatively regulated by miR-143-5p. The rescue in vitro assays showed that the effects of ZEB2-AS1 overexpression on gastric cancer cell proliferation, growth and invasion was mediated via miR-143-5p/HIF-1α. ZEB2-AS1 and HIF-1α was upregulated in gastric cancer tissues, while miR-143-5p was down-regulated; and ZEB2-AS1 expression level was inversely correlated with miR-143-5p expression level, and positively correlated with HIF-1α mRNA expression level; while miR-143-5p expression level was inversely correlated with HIF-1α expression level. High ZEB2-AS1 expression level was correlated with poor differentiation, lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis.

Conclusion

Collectively, our results indicated that ZEB2-AS1 was up-regulated in gastric cancer tissues and cells and promoted cell proliferation and metastasis through miR-143-5p/HIF-1α pathway, which may provide a promising target for treatment of gastric cancer.

LINC00210 as a miR-328-5p sponge promotes nasopharyngeal carcinoma tumorigenesis by activating NOTCH3 pathway

As a kind of essential regulators, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have attracted a lot of attention in recent years. Nevertheless, the function of lncRNA in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) remains poorly understood. In the present study, we explained the role and mechanism of LINC00210 in NPC progression. We found that LINC00210 expression was up-regulated in NPC samples. Besides, its overexpression was positively correlated with NPC metastasis while predicting poor prognosis. Based on functional experiments, we revealed that LINC00210 contributed to NPC cell proliferation and invasion in vitro, and promotes tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, we identified that LINC00210 was located in the cytoplasm of NPC cells and served as the miR-328-5p sponge. Furthermore, we showed that miR-328-5p targets the 3′ untranslated region (3′-UTR) of NOTCH3. Through inhibiting miR-328-5p activity, LINC00210 promoted NOTCH3 expression in NPC, leading to activation of NOTCH3 signaling pathway. In conclusion, our study indicates LINC00210 promotes NPC progression through modulating proliferation and invasion.