Down-regulation of lncRNA PCGEM1 inhibits cervical carcinoma by modulating the miR-642a-5p/LGMN axis

Comparison of Oncogenes, Tumor Suppressors, and MicroRNAs Between Schizophrenia and Glioma: The Balance of Power

The risk of cancer in schizophrenia has been controversial. Confounders of the issue are cigarette smoking in schizophrenia, and antiproliferative effects of antipsychotic medications. The author has previously suggested comparison of a specific cancer like glioma to schizophrenia might help determine a more accurate relationship between cancer and schizophrenia. To accomplish this goal, the author performed three comparisons of data; the first a comparison of conventional tumor suppressors and oncogenes between schizophrenia and cancer including glioma. This comparison determined schizophrenia has both tumor-suppressive and tumor-promoting characteristics. A second, larger comparison between brain-expressed microRNAs in schizophrenia with their expression in glioma was then performed. This identified a core carcinogenic group of miRNAs in schizophrenia offset by a larger group of tumor-suppressive miRNAs. This proposed "balance of power" between oncogenes and tumor suppressors could cause neuroinflammation. This was assessed by a third comparison between schizophrenia, glioma and inflammation in asbestos-related lung cancer and mesothelioma (ALRCM). This revealed that schizophrenia shares more oncogenic similarity to ALRCM than glioma.

miR-642a-5p increases glucocorticoid sensitivity by suppressing the TLR4 signalling pathway in THP-1 cells

The incidence rate of ulcerative colitis (UC) is increasing annually, and glucocorticoid (GC) resistance (GCR) is a common cause of UC-induced remission failure. Our previous studies have shown that the expression of miR-642a-5p is downregulated in UC with GCR, suggesting that miR-642a-5p may be related to the GC response. Therefore, we investigated the mechanism by which miR-642a-5p regulates the GC response in THP-1 cells.

We found that after treatment with miR-642a-5p mimics and DEX, the expression levels of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in the nucleus and NF-κB p65 and p50 in the cytoplasm were increased (P < 0.05). miR-642a-5p mimics transfected into THP-1 cells could synergize with dexamethasone (DEX) to reduce lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory factor levels such as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-12 (P < 0.05). Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assays confirmed that TLR4 is a target gene of miR-642a-5p. miR-642a-5p mimic pretreatment enhanced the inhibitory effect of DEX on TLR4 induced by LPS and inhibited the expression of TLR4 on the cell surface (P < 0.05). Additionally, miR-642a-5p further prevented the nuclear import of NF-κB P65 and inhibited the phosphorylation of ERK, p38 and JNK.

These results suggest that miR-642a-5p can inhibit the inflammation by suppressing the TLR4 signalling pathway in THP-1 cells. It also highlights the TLR4 signalling pathway as a potential therapeutic target in anti-inflammation.

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miR-642a-5p can inhibit the TLR4 signalling pathway induced by LPS and increase the glucocorticoid sensitivity in THP-1 cells.

lncRNA PCGEM1 Regulates the Progress of Colorectal Cancer through Targeting miR-129-5p/SOX4

Prostate cancer gene expression marker 1 (PCGEM1) has abnormal expression level in a variety of malignant tumor. However, the relationship between PCGEM1 and colorectal cancer is still unclear yet. This study is aimed at identifying the role of PCGEM1 in colorectal cancer. qRT-PCR was used to examine the expressions of the expression of lncRNA PCGEM1 and SOX4 in CRC tissues and cell lines. The biological functions of lncRNA PCGEM1 and SOX4 were examined by CCK-8 assay, Transwell assay, immunohistochemistry, western blotting, RNA interference, and gene overexpression techniques. Bioinformatics analysis was used to find the potential downstream molecule of PCGEM1 and miR-129-5p. The relationship between PCGEM1, miR-129-5p, and SOX4 was assessed by dual luciferase activity assay. We found that PCGEM1 is overexpressed in colorectal cancer cells and tissues, while miR-129-5p is underexpressed. SOX4 is overexpressed in colorectal cancer cells and tissues. Functionally, PCGEM1 silencing can significantly inhibit the proliferation, invasion, and migration of colorectal cancer cells. Mechanically, PCGEM1 acted as a sponge for miR-129-5p and absorbed its expression, and miR-129-5p was found to target SOX4, constructing the axis of PCGEM1/miR-129-5p/SOX4 in colorectal cancer. In conclusion, PCGEM1 mediates the proliferation, invasion, and migration of colorectal cancer cells by targeting miR-129-5p/SOX4 axis.

LncRNA PCGEM1 in Human Cancers: Functions, Mechanisms and Promising Clinical Utility

As novel members of the noncoding RNA family, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been widely reported to function as powerful regulators in gene expression processes, including chromosome remodeling, transcription interference and posttranscriptional modification. With the rapid development of metagenomic sequencing, numerous studies have indicated that the dysregulation of lncRNAs is closely associated with diverse human diseases, especially cancers. Prostate Gene Expression Marker 1 (PCGEM1), a recently identified lncRNA, has been reported to play a crucial role in the initiation and progression of multiple tumors by interacting with pivotal regulators of tumor-related signaling pathways. In this review, we will retrospectively review the recent studies of the expression of lncRNA PCGEM1 in human cancers and comprehensively describe the underlying regulatory mechanism by which PCGEM1 functions in tumors. More importantly, based on the relationship between PCGEM1 and cancers, the potential application of PCGEM1 in clinical diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic treatment will also be highlighted.

RHO GTPase-Related Long Noncoding RNAs in Human Cancers

RHO GTPases are critical signal transducers that regulate cell adhesion, polarity, and migration through multiple signaling pathways. While all these cellular processes are crucial for the maintenance of normal cell homeostasis, disturbances in RHO GTPase-associated signaling pathways contribute to different human diseases, including many malignancies. Several members of the RHO GTPase family are frequently upregulated in human tumors. Abnormal gene regulation confirms the pivotal role of lncRNAs as critical gene regulators, and thus, they could potentially act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors. lncRNAs most likely act as sponges for miRNAs, which are known to be dysregulated in various cancers. In this regard, the significant role of miRNAs targeting RHO GTPases supports the view that the aberrant expression of lncRNAs may reciprocally change the intensity of RHO GTPase-associated signaling pathways. In this review article, we summarize recent advances in lncRNA research, with a specific focus on their sponge effects on RHO GTPase-targeting miRNAs to crucially mediate gene expression in different cancer cell types and tissues. We will focus in particular on five members of the RHO GTPase family, including RHOA, RHOB, RHOC, RAC1, and CDC42, to illustrate the role of lncRNAs in cancer progression. A deeper understanding of the widespread dysregulation of lncRNAs is of fundamental importance for confirmation of their contribution to RHO GTPase-dependent carcinogenesis.

Regulation of Long Non-Coding RNAs by Plant Secondary Metabolites: A Novel Anticancer Therapeutic Approach

Simple Summary

Cancer is caused by the rapid and uncontrolled growth of cells that eventually lead to tumor formation. Genetic and epigenetic alterations are among the most critical factors in the onset of carcinoma. Phytochemicals are a group of natural compounds that play an essential role in cancer prevention and treatment. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are potential therapeutic targets of bioactive phytochemicals, and these compounds could regulate the expression of lncRNAs directly and indirectly. Here, we critically evaluate in vitro and in vivo anticancer effects of phytochemicals in numerous human cancers via regulation of lncRNA expression and their downstream target genes.

Abstract

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs that play an essential role in various cellular activities, such as differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis. Dysregulation of lncRNAs serves a fundamental role in the progression and initiation of various diseases, including cancer. Precision medicine is a suitable and optimal treatment method for cancer so that based on each patient’s genetic content, a specific treatment or drug is prescribed. The rapid advancement of science and technology in recent years has led to many successes in this particular treatment. Phytochemicals are a group of natural compounds extracted from fruits, vegetables, and plants. Through the downregulation of oncogenic lncRNAs or upregulation of tumor suppressor lncRNAs, these bioactive compounds can inhibit metastasis, proliferation, invasion, migration, and cancer cells. These natural products can be a novel and alternative strategy for cancer treatment and improve tumor cells’ sensitivity to standard adjuvant therapies. This review will discuss the antineoplastic effects of bioactive plant secondary metabolites (phytochemicals) via regulation of expression of lncRNAs in various human cancers and their potential for the treatment and prevention of human cancers.