Non-small cell lung cancer cell-derived exosomal miR-17-5p promotes osteoclast differentiation by targeting PTEN

Non-coding RNA in exosomes: Regulating bone metastasis of lung cancer and its clinical application prospect

Lung cancer is a highly prevalent malignancy with poor prognosis and rapid progression. It most frequently metastasizes to the bone, where it can pose a severe threat to the patient's survival. Once metastasized, the disease is often incurable and can result in severe complications such as hypercalcemia, bone pain, fractures, spinal cord compression, and subsequent paralysis. Exosomes are bilayer vesicle nanoparticles secreted by most of the extracellular vesicles, which can be found in almost all organisms and play an essential role in intercellular communication. Through their ability to regulate related bone cells, exosomes carry bioactive molecules, including proteins, lipids, and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), that can be extremely important in bone remodeling. Studies have been conducted on the role play by proteins, lncRNA, and microRNA-all ncRNAs-carried by exosomes in the bone metastases of lung cancer. In this review, the latest progress of the regulatory mechanism of ncRNAs carried by exosomes in lung cancer bone metastasis has been reviewed. The clinical use of exosomes as a promising biomarker, drug transporter, and therapeutic target was highlighted to offer a novel diagnostic and treatment approach for patients with lung cancer bone metastases.

miRNA patterns in male LUSC patients - the 3-way mirror: Tissue, plasma and exosomes

Lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. It is classified into two main histological groups: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer. Improving the outcome of cancer patients could be possible by enhancing the early diagnosis. In the current study, we evaluated the levels of three microRNAs - miR-21-5p, miR-155-5p, and miR-181a-5p in tumor (TT) vs adjacent normal tissue (NT), as well as their expression levels in plasma and extracellular vesicles (EVs) from plasma in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) male patients vs healthy individuals as means to identify a panel of miRNAs that could serve as novel biomarkers for the diagnosis of LUSC in male patients. Matched paired tissue samples from male LUSC (n=40) patients were used for miRNA expression analysis. MiR-21-5p and miR-155-5p in tumor tissue were overexpressed, while underexpression of miR-181a-5p was observed in LUSC TT vs NT. These results were further validated in the TCGA LUSC dataset, considering 279 male samples. These alterations of miR-21-5p, miR-181a-5p, and miR-155-5p in tumor tissue are also present in plasma and plasma extracellular vesicles in LUSC male patients. In addition, ROC curves were performed to assess the sensitivity and specificity of different combinations of these miRNAs, confirming a high diagnostic accuracy for LUSC of up to 88 % in male subjects. The expression levels in tissue samples and the abundance in plasma and plasma EVs of the three miRNAs combined - miR-21-5p, miR-155-5p and miR-181a-5p - could be considered for further studies on biomarkers for the early detection of LUSC in male subjects.

The role and applications of extracellular vesicles in osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a widely observed condition characterized by the systemic deterioration of bone mass and microarchitecture, which increases patient susceptibility to fragile fractures. The intricate mechanisms governing bone homeostasis are substantially impacted by extracellular vesicles (EVs), which play crucial roles in both pathological and physiological contexts. EVs derived from various sources exert distinct effects on osteoporosis. Specifically, EVs released by osteoblasts, endothelial cells, myocytes, and mesenchymal stem cells contribute to bone formation due to their unique cargo of proteins, miRNAs, and cytokines. Conversely, EVs secreted by osteoclasts and immune cells promote bone resorption and inhibit bone formation. Furthermore, the use of EVs as therapeutic modalities or biomaterials for diagnosing and managing osteoporosis is promising. Here, we review the current understanding of the impact of EVs on bone homeostasis, including the classification and biogenesis of EVs and the intricate regulatory mechanisms of EVs in osteoporosis. Furthermore, we present an overview of the latest research progress on diagnosing and treating osteoporosis by using EVs. Finally, we discuss the challenges and prospects of translational research on the use of EVs in osteoporosis.

The miR-19a/Cylindromatosis Axis Regulates Pituitary Adenoma Bone Invasion by Promoting Osteoclast Differentiation

BACKGROUND

The presence of bone invasion in aggressive pituitary adenoma (PA) was found in our previous study, suggesting that PA cells may be involved in the process of osteoclastogenesis. miR-19a (as a key member of the miR-17-92 cluster) has been reported to activate the nuclear factor-кB (NF-кB) pathway and promote inflammation, which could be involved in the process of the bone invasion of pituitary adenoma.

METHODS

In this work, FISH was applied to detect miR-19a distribution in tissues from patients with PA. A model of bone invasion in PA was established, GH3 cells were transfected with miR-19a mimic, and the grade of osteoclastosis was detected by HE staining. qPCR was performed to determine the expression of miR-19a throughout the course of RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis. After transfected with a miR-19a mimic, BMMs were treated with RANKL for the indicated time, and the osteoclast marker genes were detected by qPCR and Western Blot. Pit formation and F-actin ring assay were used to evaluate the function of osteoclast. The TargetScan database and GSEA were used to find the potential downstream of miR-19a, which was verified by Co-IP, Western Blot, and EMSA.

RESULTS

Here, we found that miR-19a expression levels were significantly correlated with the bone invasion of PA, both in clinical samples and animal models. The osteoclast formation prior to bone resorption was dramatically enhanced by miR-19, which was mediated by decreased cylindromatosis (CYLD) expression, increasing the K63 ubiquitination of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6). Consequently, miR-19a promotes osteoclastogenesis by the activation of the downstream NF-кB and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

To summarize, the results of this study indicate that PA-derived miR-19a promotes osteoclastogenesis by inhibiting CYLD expression and enhancing the activation of the NF-кB and MAPK pathways.

Advances in the role of microRNAs associated with the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in lung cancer

Cancer has long been a topic of great interest in society and a major factor affecting human health. Breast, prostate, lung, and colorectal cancers are the top four tumor types with the greatest incidence rates in 2020, according to the most recent data on global cancer incidence. Among these, lung cancer had the highest fatality rate. Extensive research has shown that microRNAs, through different signaling pathways, play crucial roles in cancer development. It is considered that the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway plays a significant role in the development of lung cancer. MicroRNAs can act as a tumor suppressor or an oncogene by altering the expression of important proteins in this pathway, such as PTEN and AKT. In order to improve the clinical translational benefit of microRNAs in lung cancer research, we have generalized and summarized the way of action of microRNAs linked with the PI3/AKT signaling pathway in this review through literature search and data analysis.

Osteoblastic Bone Reaction Developing During Treatment With Sintilimab and Bevacizumab in a Patient With KRASG12V-Mutant Lung Adenocarcinoma

Osteoblastic bone reaction, the occurrence of new osteoblastic lesions, is a paradoxical phenomenon during the treatment of cancers and can be defined as disease progression or bone metastases. Osteoblastic bone reactions usually occur in patients who receive treatments such as chemotherapy or hormonal or targeted therapy; however, it is difficult to differentiate them from disease progression or an increase in osteoblastic activity in response to therapy. Although osteoblastic bone reaction in lung cancer has been described in a few reports, it has never been reported in patients with KRASG12V-mutant lung adenocarcinoma treated with immunotherapy and antiangiogenesis. Here, we describe a case of a 77-year-old male with KRASG12V-mutant lung adenocarcinoma whose osteoblastic bone response was found during treatment with sintilimab and bevacizumab. We showed the course of the disease as well as systematic imaging manifestations of lung cancer with osteoblastic bone reaction and discussed their mechanisms.

The Role of Exosome-Derived microRNA on Lung Cancer Metastasis Progression

The high mortality from lung cancer is mainly attributed to the presence of metastases at the time of diagnosis. Despite being the leading cause of lung cancer death, the underlying molecular mechanisms driving metastasis progression are still not fully understood. Recent studies suggest that tumor cell exosomes play a significant role in tumor progression through intercellular communication between tumor cells, the microenvironment, and distant organs. Furthermore, evidence shows that exosomes release biologically active components to distant sites and organs, which direct metastasis by preparing metastatic pre-niche and stimulating tumorigenesis. As a result, identifying the active components of exosome cargo has become a critical area of research in recent years. Among these components are microRNAs, which are associated with tumor progression and metastasis in lung cancer. Although research into exosome-derived microRNA (exosomal miRNAs) is still in its early stages, it holds promise as a potential target for lung cancer therapy. Understanding how exosomal microRNAs promote metastasis will provide evidence for developing new targeted treatments. This review summarizes current research on exosomal miRNAs' role in metastasis progression mechanisms, focusing on lung cancer.

Single-cell analysis reveals exosome-associated biomarkers for prognostic prediction and immunotherapy in lung adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Exosomes play a crucial role in tumor initiation and progression, yet the precise involvement of exosome-related genes (ERGs) in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains unclear.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive investigation of ERGs within the tumor microenvironment (TME) of LUAD using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis. Multiple scoring methods were employed to assess exosome activity (EA). Differences in cell communication were examined between high and low EA groups, utilizing the "CellChat" R package. Subsequently, we leveraged multiple bulk RNA-seq datasets to develop and validate exosome-associated signatures (EAS), enabling a multifaceted exploration of prognosis and immunotherapy outcomes between high- and low-risk groups.

RESULTS

In the LUAD TME, epithelial cells demonstrated the highest EA, with even more elevated levels observed in advanced LUAD epithelial cells. The high-EA group exhibited enhanced intercellular interactions. EAS were established through the analysis of multiple bulk RNA-seq datasets. Patients in the high-risk group exhibited poorer overall survival (OS), reduced immune infiltration, and decreased expression of immune checkpoint genes. Finally, we experimentally validated the high expression of SEC61G in LUAD cell lines and demonstrated that knockdown of SEC61G reduced the proliferative capacity of LUAD cells using colony formation assays.

CONCLUSION

The integration of single-cell and bulk RNA-seq analyses culminated in the development of the profound and significant EAS, which imparts invaluable insights for the clinical diagnosis and therapeutic management of LUAD patients.

miRNAs as potential game-changers in bone diseases: Future medicinal and clinical uses

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), short, highly conserved non-coding RNA, influence gene expression by sequential mechanisms such as mRNA breakdown or translational repression. Many biological processes depend on these regulating substances, thus changes in their expression have an impact on the maintenance of cellular homeostasis and result in the emergence of a variety of diseases. Relevant studies have shown in recent years that miRNAs are involved in many stages of bone development and growth. Additionally, abnormal production of miRNA in bone tissues has been closely associated with the development of numerous bone disorders, such as osteonecrosis, bone cancer, and bone metastases. Many pathological processes, including bone loss, metastasis, the proliferation of osteosarcoma cells, and differentiation of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, are under the control of miRNAs. By bringing together the most up-to-date information on the clinical relevance of miRNAs in such diseases, this study hopes to further the study of the biological features of miRNAs in bone disorders and explore their potential as a therapeutic target.

A novel microRNA-182/Interleukin-8 regulatory axis controls osteolytic bone metastasis of lung cancer

Bone metastasis is one of the main complications of lung cancer and most important factors that lead to poor life quality and low survival rate in lung cancer patients. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying lung cancer bone metastasis are still poor understood. Here, we report that microRNA-182 (miR-182) plays a critical role in regulating osteoclastic metastasis of lung cancer cells. We found that miR-182 was significantly upregulated in both bone-metastatic human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell line and tumor specimens. We further demonstrated that miR-182 markedly enhanced the ability of NSCLC cells for osteolytic bone metastasis in nude mice. Mechanistically, miR-182 promotes NSCLC cells to secrete Interleukin-8 (IL-8) and in turn facilitates osteoclastogenesis via activating STAT3 signaling in osteoclast progenitor cells. Importantly, systemically delivered IL-8 neutralizing antibody inhibits NSCLC bone metastasis in nude mice. Collectively, our findings identify the miR-182/IL-8/STAT3 axis as a key regulatory pathway in controlling lung cancer cell-induced osteolytic bone metastasis and suggest a promising therapeutic strategy that targets this regulatory axis to interrupt lung cancer bone metastasis.

Propofol mediates bone metastasis by regulating PC-derived exosomal miR-142-3p

In this study we investigated the role of propofol in mediating prostate cancer (PCa) bone metastasis through regulating exosomal factors derived from PCa. We isolated exosomes from PCa cells and co-cultured them with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). PCa-derived exosomes increased calcium deposition of MSCs and upregulated ALPL'Alkaline phosphatase, tissue-nonspecific isozyme) and BGLAP (Bone Gamma-Carboxyglutamate Protein) expression. Propofol treatment reduced alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and ALPL and BGLAP expression that was induced by PCa-derived exosomes in MSCs. miRNAs present in cancer cell-derived exosomes increased osteogenesis in these cells. We evaluated miRNA expression in PCa cells after treatment with propofol, and found that miR-142-3p was upregulated in PCa cells. Furthermore, we transfected MSCs with miR-142-3p mimics or inhibitors and revealed that miR-142-3p mimics reduced calcium deposition and downregulated ALP activity, and ALPL and BGLAP levels, while miR-142-3p inhibitors increased calcium deposition and increased ALP activity, and ALPL and BGLAP levels. Finally, we determined that MSCs co-cultured with PCa-derived exosomes and transfected with miR-142-3p mimic exhibited reduced calcium deposition and lower ALP activity, and expression of ALPL and BGLAP. These data demonstrate that propofol inhibits osteogenic differentiation and mineralization of MSCs induced by PCa-derived exosomes by regulation of miR-142-3p levels.

The role and underlying mechanisms of tumour-derived exosomes in lung cancer metastasis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Lung cancer is one of the most common malignant tumours worldwide. Metastasis is a serious influencing factor for poor treatment effect and shortened survival in lung cancer. But the complicated underlying molecular mechanisms of tumour metastasis remain unclear. In this review, we aim to further summarize and explore the underlying mechanisms of tumour-derived exosomes (TDEs) in lung cancer metastasis.

RECENT FINDINGS

TDEs are actively produced and released by tumour cells and carry messages from tumour cells to normal or abnormal cells residing at close or distant sites. Many studies have shown that TDEs promote lung cancer metastasis and development through multiple mechanisms, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition, immunosuppression and the formation of a premetastatic niche. TDEs regulate these mechanisms to promote metastasis by carrying DNA, proteins, miRNA, mRNA, lncRNA and ceRNA. Further exploring TDEs related to metastasis may be a promising treatment strategy and deserve further investigation.

SUMMARY

Overall, TDEs play a critical role in metastatic of lung cancer. Further studies are needed to explore the underlying mechanisms of TDEs in lung cancer metastasis.

Non-Coding RNAs of Extracellular Vesicles: Key Players in Organ-Specific Metastasis and Clinical Implications

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are heterogeneous membrane-encapsulated vesicles released by most cells. They act as multifunctional regulators of intercellular communication by delivering bioactive molecules, including non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). Metastasis is a major cause of cancer-related death. Most cancer cells disseminate and colonize a specific target organ via EVs, a process known as "organ-specific metastasis". Mounting evidence has shown that EVs are enriched with ncRNAs, and various EV-ncRNAs derived from tumor cells influence organ-specific metastasis via different mechanisms. Due to the tissue-specific expression of EV-ncRNAs, they could be used as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the treatment of tumor metastasis in various types of cancer. In this review, we have discussed the underlying mechanisms of EV-delivered ncRNAs in the most common organ-specific metastases of liver, bone, lung, brain, and lymph nodes. Moreover, we summarize the potential clinical applications of EV-ncRNAs in organ-specific metastasis to fill the gap between benches and bedsides.

Modulation of Small RNA Signatures by Astrocytes on Early Neurodegeneration Stages; Implications for Biomarker Discovery

Diagnosis of neurodegenerative disease (NDD) is complex, therefore simpler, less invasive, more accurate biomarkers are needed. small non-coding RNA (sncRNA) dysregulates in NDDs and sncRNA signatures have been explored for the diagnosis of NDDs, however, the performance of previous biomarkers is still better. Astrocyte dysfunction promotes neurodegeneration and thus derived scnRNA signatures could provide a more precise way to identify of changes related to NDD course and pathogenesis, and it could be useful for the dissection of mechanistic insights operating in NDD. Often sncRNA are transported outside the cell by the action of secreted particles such as extracellular vesicles (EV), which protect sncRNA from degradation. Furthermore, EV associated sncRNA can cross the BBB to be found in easier to obtain peripheral samples, EVs also inherit cell-specific surface markers that can be used for the identification of Astrocyte Derived Extracellular Vesicles (ADEVs) in a peripheral sample. By the study of the sncRNA transported in ADEVs it is possible to identify astrocyte specific sncRNA signatures that could show astrocyte dysfunction in a more simpler manner than previous methods. However, sncRNA signatures in ADEV are not a copy of intracellular transcriptome and methodological aspects such as the yield of sncRNA produced in ADEV or the variable amount of ADEV captured after separation protocols must be considered. Here we review the role as signaling molecules of ADEV derived sncRNA dysregulated in conditions associated with risk of neurodegeneration, providing an explanation of why to choose ADEV for the identification of astrocyte-specific transcriptome. Finally, we discuss possible limitations of this approach and the need to improve the detection limits of sncRNA for the use of ADEV derived sncRNA signatures.

Osteoporosis in Patients With Respiratory Diseases

Climate change, environmental pollution, and virus epidemics have sharply increased the number of patients suffering from respiratory diseases in recent years. Prolonged periods of illness and drug use increase the occurrence of complications in these patients. Osteoporosis is the common bone metabolism disease with respiratory disturbance, which affects prognosis and increases mortality of patients. The problem of osteoporosis in patients with respiratory diseases needs more attention. In this review, we concluded the characteristics of osteoporosis in some respiratory diseases including COPD, asthma, COVID-19, tuberculosis, and lung cancer. We revealed that hypoxia was the common pathogenesis of osteoporosis secondary to respiratory diseases, with malnutrition and corticosteroid abuse driving the progression of osteoporosis. Hypoxia-induced ROS accumulation and activated HIF-1α lead to attenuated osteogenesis and enhanced osteoclastogenesis in patients with respiratory diseases. Tuberculosis and cancer also invaded bone tissue and reduced bone strength by direct infiltration. For the treatment of osteoporosis in respiratory patients, oral-optimized bisphosphonates were the best treatment modality. Vitamin D was a necessary supplement, both for calcium absorption in osteogenesis and for improvement of respiratory lesions. Reasonable adjustment of the dose and course of corticosteroids according to the etiology and condition of patients is beneficial to prevent the occurrence and development of osteoporosis. Additionally, HIF-1α was a potential target for the treatment of osteoporosis in respiratory patients, which could be activated under hypoxia condition and involved in the process of bone remodeling.

The Role of microRNAs in Multidrug Resistance of Glioblastoma

Simple Summary

Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most malignant types of central nervous system tumor which accounts for more than 60% of all brain tumors in adults. Owing to poor prognosis and drug resistance of most GBM, it is urged to further develop the diagnosis and treatment strategies. The aim of this article is to highlight the roles of some functional microRNAs in the diagnosis and treatment of drug-resistant GBM. Besides, we suggest effective treatment strategies based on the expression profiles of these effective miRNAs to provide an alternative solution to deal with this cancer.

Abstract

Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive brain tumor that develops from neuroglial stem cells and represents a highly heterogeneous group of neoplasms. These tumors are predominantly correlated with a dismal prognosis and poor quality of life. In spite of major advances in developing novel and effective therapeutic strategies for patients with glioblastoma, multidrug resistance (MDR) is considered to be the major reason for treatment failure. Several mechanisms contribute to MDR in GBM, including upregulation of MDR transporters, alterations in the metabolism of drugs, dysregulation of apoptosis, defects in DNA repair, cancer stem cells, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a large class of endogenous RNAs that participate in various cell events, including the mechanisms causing MDR in glioblastoma. In this review, we discuss the role of miRNAs in the regulation of the underlying mechanisms in MDR glioblastoma which will open up new avenues of inquiry for the treatment of glioblastoma.

Myc manipulates the miRNA content and biologic functions of small cell lung cancer cell-derived small extracellular vesicles

BACKGROUND

MYC genes are amplified/overexpressed in 20% of SCLCs, showing that Myc and Myc-dependent cellular mechanisms are strong candidates as therapeutic targets in SCLC. Small extracellular vesicles support the carcinogenesis process by acting as messengers delivering nucleic acids and proteins-moreover, no reports associate Myc and the functional effect of small extracellular vesicles in small cell lung cancer.

METHODS AND RESULTS

After the effects of small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) obtained from H82 and H209 cells on HUVEC and MRC-5 cells were observed, the Myc-dependent effect of the sEVs on oncogenic potentials was further evaluated by manipulating Myc expression via lentiviral vectors in H82 and H209 cells. Then, small extracellular vesicles of Myc-manipulated SCLC cells were isolated using sEVs isolation reagents. Finally, HUVEC and MRC5 cells were treated with SCLC-derived small extracellular vesicles. Cellular activity of recipient normal lung cells was investigated by cell growth assay, wound healing assay, and transwell assay. miRNA composition changes in small extracellular vesicles and SCLC cells were investigated using miRNA microarray and QRT-PCR assay. Our results indicated that normal lung cells treated with SCLC-derived small extracellular vesicles had higher proliferation, migration capability than non-treated counterparts. Additionally, after investigating the potential effects of small extracellular vesicles derived from Myc-dysregulated SCLC cell lines, we further evaluated the Myc-dependent miRNA composition in the small extracellular vesicles. The present study revealed that Myc regulates hsa-miR-7, hsa-miR-9, hsa-miR-125b, hsa-miR-181a_2, hsa-miR-455, hsa-miR-642, and hsa-miR-4417 expressions in SCLC cell lines, not only in cellular but also in exosomal content.

CONCLUSIONS

Small extracellular vesicles and MYC are essential targets for therapeutic strategy in SCLC. Our study revealed that the expression level of MYC can affect the function of sEVs and encapsulate the miRNA composition in SCLC. Besides, small extracellular vesicles derived from SCLC cells can modulate normal lung cells.

Regulation of osteoclast-mediated bone resorption by microRNA

Osteoclast-mediated bone resorption is responsible for bone metabolic diseases, negatively impacting people's health and life. It has been demonstrated that microRNA influences the differentiation of osteoclasts by regulating the signaling pathways during osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. So far, the involved mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. This review introduced the pathways involved in osteoclastogenesis and summarized the related microRNAs binding to their specific targets to mediate the downstream pathways in osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. We also discuss the clinical potential of targeting microRNAs to treat osteoclast-mediated bone resorption as well as the challenges of avoiding potential side effects and producing efficient delivery methods.