Long non-coding RNA ATB promotes malignancy of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by regulating miR-200b/Kindlin-2 axis

LncRNA SNHG1 acts as a ceRNA for miR-216a-3p to regulate TMBIM6 expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Background: The long noncoding RNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 1 (SNHG1) has been demonstrated to play a crucial role in the progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The current study aims to explore the deeper molecular mechanisms of SNHG1 in ESCC. Methods: Fifty patients with ESCC were enrolled to assess overall survival. Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to measure the levels of SNHG1, miR-216a-3p, and TMBIM6 in ESCC cells. Functional assessments of SNHG1 on ESCC cells were conducted using CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry, and Transwell assays. Western blot was conducted to detect the protein levels of TMBIM6 and proapoptotic proteins (Calpain and Caspase-12). The interaction among SNHG1, miR-216a-3p, and TMBIM6 was assessed with luciferase reporter assays. Results: Our study revealed that SNHG1 was notably increased in both clinical ESCC samples and cellular lines. Upregulation of SNHG1 in ESCC tissues was indicative of poor overall survival. Functionally, SNHG1 knockdown significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion while promoting apoptosis in ESCC cells. Mechanistically, SNHG1 functioned as a competing endogenous RNA by sequestering miR-216a-3p to modulate TMBIM6 levels in ESCC cells. Notably, inhibiting miR-216a-3p or restoring TMBIM6 reversed the inhibitory effect induced by SNHG1 knockdown in ESCC cells. Conclusions: We demonstrate for the first time that SNHG1 may act as a competing endogenous RNA and promote ESCC progression through the miR-216a-3p/TMBIM6 axis. This highlights the potential of SNHG1 as a target for ESCC treatment.

Pan-cancer analyses suggest kindlin-associated global mechanochemical alterations

Kindlins serve as mechanosensitive adapters, transducing extracellular mechanical cues to intracellular biochemical signals and thus, their perturbations potentially lead to cancer progressions. Despite the kindlin involvement in tumor development, understanding their genetic and mechanochemical characteristics across different cancers remains elusive. Here, we thoroughly examined genetic alterations in kindlins across more than 10,000 patients with 33 cancer types. Our findings reveal cancer-specific alterations, particularly prevalent in advanced tumor stage and during metastatic onset. We observed a significant co-alteration between kindlins and mechanochemical proteome in various tumors through the activation of cancer-related pathways and adverse survival outcomes. Leveraging normal mode analysis, we predicted structural consequences of cancer-specific kindlin mutations, highlighting potential impacts on stability and downstream signaling pathways. Our study unraveled alterations in epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers associated with kindlin activity. This comprehensive analysis provides a resource for guiding future mechanistic investigations and therapeutic strategies targeting the roles of kindlins in cancer treatment.

Analyzing roles of small nucleolar RNA host gene 25 from clinical, molecular target and tumor formation in prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most deadly and metastatic cancers of the urinary tract. Latest studies have confirmed that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a crucial role in a variety of cancers. Some of these lncRNAs code for small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs), called small nucleolar RNA host genes (SNHGs), which exert some value in predicting the prognosis of certain cancer patients, but little is known regarding the function of SNHGs within the PCa.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To explore the expression distribution and differential analysis of SNHGs in different tumors using RNA-seq and survival data from TCGA and GTEx, and to assess the potential impacts of the lncRNA SNHG25 on human PCa. To validate the expression of SNHG25 using experimental data and to investigate in detail its particular molecular biological function on PCa both in vivo and in vitro.

METHODS

LncRNA SNHG25 expression was analyzed by bioinformatic prediction and qPCR. CCK-8, EdU, transwell, wound healing, and western blotting assays were conducted to investigate the main role of lncRNA SNHG25 in PCa. Xenograft tumour growth model in nude mice was surveyed by in vivo imaging and Ki-67 staining. AKT pathway activator (SC79) was used to verify the interaction among SNHG25 and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

RESULTS

Bioinformatics analysis and experimental research illuminated that the expression of lncRNA SNHG25 was observably up-regulated in PCa tissues and cells. Moreover, SNHG25 knockdown restrained PCa cell proliferation, invasion and migration, while promoting apoptosis. Xenografts model confirmed that the si-SNHG25 group had a significant inhibitory effect on PCa tumour growth in vivo. Additionally, a series of gain-of-function analyses suggested that SNHG25 could activate the PI3K/AKT pathway to accelerate PCa progression.

CONCLUSIONS

These in vitro and in vivo findings demonstrate that SNHG25 is highly expressed in PCa and facilitates PCa development through regulation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. SNHG25 acts as an oncogene to predict tumour malignancy and survival in PCa patients and may therefore become a promising potential molecular target for early detection and therapy of lethal PCa.

Long non-coding RNA ATB expedites non-small cell lung cancer progression by the miR-200b/fibronectin 1 axis

BACKGROUND

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) ATB belongs to an active modulator in multiple cancers, but its expression along with potential underlying non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is obscure. Our study aimed to investigate the role and potential mechanism of LncRNA ATB in NSCLC.

METHODS

LncRNA ATB expression in NSCLC tissues and cell lines was detected by qRT-PCR. Effects of LncRNA ATB on NSCLC cell proliferation, migration and invasion were assessed by MTS, colony formation and transwell assays. The connection among LncRNA ATB, miR-200b and fibronectin 1 (FN1) was determined by bioformatics prediction and luciferase reporter assay.

RESULTS

In this research, upregulation of LncRNA ATB was discovered in NSCLC tissue samples and cell lines. LncRNA ATB was positively related to advanced tumor phase as well as lymph node metastasis. Cell function assays reflected LncRNA ATB expedited NSCLC cells proliferation, migration and invasion. LncRNA ATB promoted fibronectin 1 (FN1) expression via inhibiting miR-200b. Furthermore, LncRNA ATB depletion suppressed NSCLC cells proliferation, migration and invasion, while miR-200b inhibitor or pcDNA-FN1 rescued these effects.

CONCLUSION

In summary, our outcomes elucidated that LncRNA ATB/miR-200b axis expedited NSCLC cells proliferation, migration and invasion by up-regulating FN1.

The function of LncRNA-ATB in cancer

Cancer as a progressive and complex disease is caused by early chromosomal changes and stimulated cellular transformation. Previous studies reported that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play pivotal roles in the initiation, maintenance, and progression of cancer cells. LncRNA activated by TGF-β (ATB) has been shown to be dysregulated in different types of cancer. Aberrant expression of lncRNA-ATB plays an important role in the progression of diverse malignancies. High expression of LncRNA-ATB is associated with cancer cell growth, proliferation, metastasis, and EMT. LncRNA-ATB by targeting various signaling pathways and microRNAs (miRNAs) can trigger cancer pathogenesis. Therefore, lncRNA-ATB can be a novel target for cancer prediction and diagnosis. In this review, we will focus on the function of lncRNA-ATB in various types of human cancers.

Mechanism of Yangxin Tongmai Decoction in the Treatment of Coronary Heart Disease with Blood Stasis Syndrome Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking

This study aimed to explore the mechanism of Yangxin Tongmai decoction (YXTMD) in the treatment of coronary heart disease (CHD) with blood stasis syndrome (BSS) using network pharmacology and molecular docking, and to verify these results through clinical trials. The active compounds of YXTMD were identified using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database, and the targets of the active compounds were predicted using the SwissTarget Prediction database. The targets of CHD and BSS were predicted using the GeneCards, OMIM, PharmGKB, TTD, and DrugBank databases. The common targets of “herb-disease-phenotype” were obtained using a Venn diagram, then used Cytoscape software 3.8.2 and its plug-in CytoNCA and STRING database to construct the “herb active compounds-common target” and protein–protein interaction networks. R language software and bioconductor plug-in were used for Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. AutoDock was used for the molecular docking analysis. Finally, clinical trials were conducted to confirm the results of network pharmacology. Eighty-three active components were obtained, and the core active components were 5,7,4′-trimethoxyflavone, tetramethoxyluteolin, isosinensetin, sinensetin, and 5,7-dihydroxy-2-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)chroman-4-one. A total of 140 common targets were identified, and the core targets were EGFR, VEGFA, AKT1, STAT3, TP53, ERBB2, and PIK3CA. Biological processes identified by the GO analysis primarily involved wound healing, regulation of body fluid levels, and vascular process in circulatory system. The cellular components were primarily located in the membrane raft, membrane microdomain, and plasma membrane raft. The primary molecular functions were activity of transmembrane receptor protein kinase, transmembrane receptor protein tyrosine kinase, and protein tyrosine kinase. KEGG analysis showed that the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway was closely related to the treatment of CHD with BSS by YXTMD. Molecular docking results showed that the core active components had a good binding activity with the core targets. The clinical trial results showed that YXTMD improved the BSS scores and decreased the serum levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Moreover, the levels of PI3k and AKt mRNA were upregulated and the levels of GSK-3β mRNA were downregulated. YXTMD has multicomponent, multitarget, and multipathway effects in the treatment of CHD with BSS, and its mechanism of action may involve activation of the PI3K-AKt signaling pathway, downregulation of GSK-3β, and mediation of in vivo lipid metabolism-based metabolic processes.

A regulatory circuit of lncRNA NLGN1-AS1 and Wnt signalling controls clear cell renal cell carcinoma phenotypes through FZD4-modulated pathways

BACKGROUND

Recent evidence has indicated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were emerged as key molecules in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). TCGA database showed that the expression level of lncRNA NLGN1-AS1 was up-regulated in ccRCC; However, whether NLGN1-AS1 implicated in the malignant progression of ccRCC remained unclear.

METHODS

Based on TCGA database, candidate lncRNAs were selected and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was utilized to verify the expression levels of candidate lncRNAs in human ccRCC tissues. Loss-of-function experiments were performed to examine the biological functions of NLGN1-AS1 both in vitro and in vivo. According to bioinformatics analysis, fluorescence reporter assays and rescue experiments, the underlying mechanisms of NLGN1-AS1 in ccRCC cell lines were so clearly understood.

RESULTS

As a novel lncRNA, NLGN1-AS1 was up-regulated in ccRCC cell lines and associated with poor prognosis of and ccRCC patients, which was correlated with the progression of ccRCC. Functionally, the down-regulation of NLGN1-AS1 significantly decreased the proliferation of ccRCC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase report assays identified that miR-136-5p was a direct target of NLGN1-AS1. We also determined that FZD4 were inhibitory targets of miR-136-5p, and that Wnt/β-catenin signaling was inhibited by both NLGN1-AS1 knockdown and miR-136-5p over-expression. In addition, we found that the suppression of proliferation and the inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin pathway induced by NLGN1-AS1 knockdown would require the over-expression of FZD4.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggested that lncRNA NLGN1-AS1 could promote the progression of ccRCC by targeting miR-136-5p/FZD4 and Wnt/β-catenin pathway, and might serve as a novel potential therapeutic target to inhibit the progression of ccRCC.

A Pleiotropic Role of Long Non-Coding RNAs in the Modulation of Wnt/β-Catenin and PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathways in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Implication in Chemotherapeutic Drug Response

Despite the availability of modern techniques for the treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), tumor recurrence and metastasis are significant challenges in clinical management. Thus, ESCC possesses a poor prognosis and low five-year overall survival rate. Notably, the origin and recurrence of the cancer phenotype are under the control of complex cancer-related signaling pathways. In this review, we provide comprehensive knowledge about long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) related to Wnt/β-catenin and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway in ESCC and its implications in hindering the efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs. We observed that a pool of lncRNAs, such as HERES, TUG1, and UCA1, associated with ESCC, directly or indirectly targets various molecules of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and facilitates the manifestation of multiple cancer phenotypes, including proliferation, metastasis, relapse, and resistance to anticancer treatment. Additionally, several lncRNAs, such as HCP5 and PTCSC1, modulate PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways during the ESCC pathogenesis. Furthermore, a few lncRNAs, such as AFAP1-AS1 and LINC01014, block the efficiency of chemotherapeutic drugs, including cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, paclitaxel, and gefitinib, used for ESCC treatment. Therefore, this review may help in designing a better therapeutic strategy for ESCC patients.

Long non-coding RNA LINC00680 functions as a ceRNA to promote esophageal squamous cell carcinoma progression through the miR-423-5p/PAK6 axis

Background

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a common invasive malignancy worldwide with poor clinical outcomes. Increasing amount of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to be involved in cancer development. However, lncRNAs that are functional in ESCC and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown.

Methods

Transcriptomic analysis was performed to identify dysregulated lncRNAs in ESCC tissue samples. The high expression of LINC00680 in ESCC was validated by RT-qPCR, and the oncogenic functions of LINC00680 was investigated by cell proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion assays in ESCC cells in vitro and xenografts derived from ESCC cells in mice. RNA-seq, competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network analysis, and luciferase reporter assays were carried out to identify LINC00680 target genes and the microRNAs (miRNAs) bound to LINC00680. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) were used for in vivo treatment.

Results

Transcriptome profiling revealed that a large number of lncRNAs was dysregulated in ESCC tissues. Notably, LINC00680 was highly expressed, and upregulation of LINC00680 was associated with large tumor size, advanced tumor stage, and poor prognosis. Functionally, knockdown of LINC00680 restrained ESCC cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion in vitro and inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, LINC00680 was found to act as a ceRNA by sponging miR-423-5p to regulate PAK6 (p21-activated kinase 6) expression in ESCC cells. The cell viability and motility inhibition induced by LINC00680 knockdown was significantly reversed upon PAK6 restoration and miR-423-5p inhibition. Furthermore, ASO targeting LINC00680 substantially suppressed ESCC both in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusions

An oncogenic lncRNA, LINC00680, was identified in ESCC, which functions as a ceRNA by sponging miR-423-5p to promote PAK6 expression and ESCC. LINC00680/miR-423-5p/PAK6 axis may serve as promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for ESCC.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12943-022-01539-3.

Long non-coding RNA NNT-AS1 positively regulates NPM1 expression to affect the proliferation of estrogen-mediated endometrial carcinoma by interacting

Objective: This study aims to investigate the mechanism of long non-coding RNA NNT-AS1 in the proliferation of estrogen-mediated endometrial carcinoma (EC). Materials and methods: NNT-AS1, miR-30c, and Nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1) expressions were measured by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting. Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay were used to detect the viability and proliferation of Ishikawa and HEC-1-A cells, respectively. RNA immunoprecipitation assay was used to confirm the interaction between NNT-AS1 and miR-30c. Luciferase reporter assay was performed to confirm the interaction between miR-30c and NPM1. Results: NNT-AS1 and NPM1 expressions in EC tissues and cell lines were higher than in benign endometrium and normal endometrial epithelial cells (EECs). miR-30c expression in EC tissues and cell lines was lower than in benign endometrium and normal EECs. NNT-AS1 interacted with miR-30c, and miR-30c negatively regulated NPM1 expression. Overexpression of NNT-AS1 increased NPM1 expression in EC cells, while overexpression of miR-30c reversed the effect. NNT-AS1 interference inhibited the mRNA level of NPM1, while the miR-30c inhibitor reversed the result. Estradiol (E2) promoted the proliferation of EC cells, small interfering RNA (siRNA) against NNT-AS1 inhibited EC cell proliferation, miR-30c inhibitor promoted cell proliferation, and NPM1 siRNA inhibited cell proliferation. E2 increased tumor volume, and NNT-AS1 interference reduced tumor volume in vivo. Conclusion: NNT-AS1 promoted the proliferation of estrogen-mediated EC by regulating miR-30c/NPM1.

Metastatic EMT Phenotype Is Governed by MicroRNA-200-Mediated Competing Endogenous RNA Networks

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a fundamental physiologically relevant process that occurs during morphogenesis and organ development. In a pathological setting, the transition from epithelial toward mesenchymal cell phenotype is hijacked by cancer cells, allowing uncontrolled metastatic dissemination. The competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) hypothesis proposes a competitive environment resembling a large-scale regulatory network of gene expression circuits where alterations in the expression of both protein-coding and non-coding genes can make relevant contributions to EMT progression in cancer. The complex regulatory diversity is exerted through an array of diverse epigenetic factors, reaching beyond the transcriptional control that was previously thought to single-handedly govern metastatic dissemination. The present review aims to unravel the competitive relationships between naturally occurring ceRNA transcripts for the shared pool of the miRNA-200 family, which play a pivotal role in EMT related to cancer dissemination. Upon acquiring more knowledge and clinical evidence on non-genetic factors affecting neoplasia, modulation of the expression levels of diverse ceRNAs may allow for the development of novel prognostic/diagnostic markers and reveal potential targets for the disruption of cancer-related EMT.

Functional Peptides Encoded by Long Non-Coding RNAs in Gastrointestinal Cancer

Gastrointestinal cancer is by far the most common malignancy and the most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Recent studies have shown that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in the epigenetic regulation of cancer cells and regulate tumor progression by affecting chromatin modifications, gene transcription, translation, and sponge to miRNAs. In particular, lncRNA has recently been found to possess open reading frame (ORF), which can encode functional small peptides or proteins. These peptides interact with its targets to regulate transcription or the signal axis, thus promoting or inhibiting the occurrence and development of tumors. In this review, we summarize the involvement of lncRNAs and the function of lncRNAs encoded small peptides in gastrointestinal cancer.

LncRNA LINC01857 promotes cell growth and diminishes apoptosis via PI3K/mTOR pathway and EMT process by regulating miR-141-3p/MAP4K4 axis in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

LINC01857 has been proven to be involved in glioma and breast cancer. However, the biological function of LINC01857 in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is poorly investigated. By accessing to the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTE_X), LINC01857 expression was found upregulated in both DLBCL tissues and cells. Cell proliferation and flow cytometry assays showed that LINC01857 promoted proliferation and cell cycle, but suppressed apoptosis in DLBCL cells. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay confirmed that LINC01857 may serve as a sponge for miR-141-3p and miR-141-3p may target MAP4K4. Mechanically, the regulatory action of miR-141-3p/MAP4K4 on DLBCL cellular behaviors was regulated by LINC01857. In addition, LINC01857 could increase the activity of PI3K/mTOR pathway and facilitate the EMT process in a miR-141-3p-mediated manner in DLBCL. Our data illustrated that the LINC01857/miR-141-3p/MAP4K4 might function as a promising therapeutic avenue for DLBCL treatment.

Long noncoding RNA TTTY15 promotes growth and metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by sponging microRNA-337-3p to upregulate the expression of JAK2

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) testis-specific transcript, Y-linked 15 (TTTY15) plays an important regulatory role in prostate cancer, but its role in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the expression pattern, biological function and underlying mechanism of TTTY15 in ESCC. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of TTTY15 and microRNA (miR)-337-3p in ESCC tissues and cell lines. Cell counting kit-8 method was used to detect the proliferation of ESCC cells. Transwell method was used to determine the migration and invasion of ESCC cells. Luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the interaction between TTTY15 and miR-337-3p. Western blot was used to analyze the effects of TTTY15 and miR-337-3p on Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) expression. In the present study, we demonstrated that the expression level of TTTY15 was significantly upregulated in ESCC tissues, while the expression of miR-337-3p was downregulated. In ESCC samples, the expression levels of TTTY15 and miR-337-3p were negatively correlated. TTTY15 knockdown could significantly reduce the proliferation, migration and invasion of ESCC cells, and miR-337-3p mimics had similar effects. In addition, overexpression of TTTY15 inhibited miR-337-3p by binding with it. TTTY15 could indirectly modulate JAK2, and overexpression of TTTY15 could reverse the inhibitory effects of miR-337-3p on malignant phenotypes of ESCC cells. In conclusion, TTTY15 plays an oncogenic role in ESCC by targeting miR-337-3p/JAK2 axis.

OIP5-AS1 contributes to the development in endometrial carcinoma cells by targeting miR-152-3p to up-regulate SLC7A5

Background

Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is one common gynecological tumor, threatening physical and psychological health of females. Huge amount of essays indicated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were widely reported to serve as a crucial regulator in the biological movements among multiple carcinomas, including EC.

Methods

RT-qPCR was implemented to detect the expression of target genes. Loss/gain-of-function experiments certified the impacts of OIP5-AS1 and miR-152-3p on EC cell progression.

Results

Data of this research suggested that powerful expression of OIP5-AS1 was discovered in EC cell lines. Loss/gain-of-function assays inferred that OIP5-AS1 promoted proliferative, migratory and invasive abilities, and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT). In addition, we identified miR-152-3p expression was negatively modulated by OIP5-AS1. OIP5-AS1 accelerated the development of EC cells via downregulating miR-152-3p expression. SLC7A5 was selected out as a downstream target of miR-152-3p. The competing relationship between OIP5-AS1 and SLC7A5 was corroborated by luciferase reporter assay. Eventually, the results of rescue assays indicated that SLC7A5 overexpression could restore the impacts of OIP5-AS1 ablation on the progression of EC cells.

Conclusion

Our research confirmed that OIP5-AS1 propeled the development of EC cells through targeting miR-152-3p/SLC7A5. OIP5-AS1 could be utilized as a target for EC treatment.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12935-021-02061-0.

Circulating Long Non-Coding RNAs as Novel Potential Biomarkers for Osteogenic Sarcoma

Circulating cell-free nucleic acids recently became attractive targets to develop non-invasive diagnostic tools for cancer detection. Along with DNA and mRNAs, transcripts lacking coding potential (non-coding RNAs, ncRNAs) directly involved in the process of tumor pathogenesis have been recently detected in liquid biopsies. Interestingly, circulating ncRNAs exhibit specific expression patterns associated with cancer and suggest their role as novel biomarkers. However, the potential of circulating long ncRNAs (c-lncRNAs) to be markers in osteosarcoma (OS) is still elusive. In this study we performed a systematic review to identify thirteen c-lncRNAs whose altered expression in blood associate with OS. We herein discuss the potential impact that these c-lncRNAs may have on clinical decision-making in the management of OS. Overall, we aimed to provide novel insights that can contribute to the development of future precision medicine in oncology.

High miR-3650 expression in nasopharyngeal carcinoma and its clinical prognostic values

BACKGROUND

A recent study has reported that miR-3650 expression was significant reduced in hepatocellular carcinoma and predicted poor prognosis. However, the role of miR-3650 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) remains indefinite.

METHODS

Total 140 cases of NPCs were included in this study. The expression of miR-3650 was determined in NPC tissues and adjacent nontumor tissues using qRT-PCR. Then the relationship between miR-3650 expression and clinicopathological features as well as survival were analyzed.

RESULTS

The expression of miR-3650 was significant higher in NPC tissues than that in adjacent nontumor tissues (P <  0.001). High expression of miR-3650 was significant correlated with tumor progression and distant metastasis of NPC patients. And patients with high miR-3650 expression have much worse 5-year overall survival (OS) and 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) than those with low expression (all P <  0.0001). Furthermore, Cox regression analysis showed that miR-3650 was an independent risk predictor for OS and PFS in NPC patients (all P =  0.000).

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrated for the first time that miR-3650 was markedly upregulated in NPC tissues and positively associated with tumor progression and poor survival, suggesting that miR-3650 may be a potential novel prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for NPC patients.

LncRNA DLEU1 Contributes to the Growth and Invasion of Colorectal Cancer via Targeting miR-320b/PRPS1

Growing evidences suggest that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are closely correlated to the development of human cancer, such as colorectal cancer (CRC). A previous report suggested that DLEU1 accelerated CRC development. However, DLEU1's underlying mechanism in CRC remains unclear. In our study, the level of DLEU1 in CRC tissues is investigated by qRT-PCR. Our data exhibited that DLEU1 level was observably increased in CRC tissues and CRC cell lines and was closely associated with bad prognosis of CRC patients. CRC cell proliferation was repressed by sh-LncRNA DLEU1, whereas cell apoptosis was markedly stimulated. Moreover, knockdown of DLEU1 inhibited cell migration and invasion. Mechanistically, through interacting with miR-320b in CRC, DLEU1 promoted the level of PRPS1 which was a target of miR-320b. The rescue experiment confirmed that knockdown of DLEU1 repressed cell proliferation, migration and invasion while stimulated cell apoptosis via miR-320b/phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate synthetase 1 (PRPS1) axis. Meanwhile, the data of xenograft model exhibited that inhibition of DLEU1 suppressed tumor growth in vivo. In summary, DLEU1 knockdown may repress PRPS1 expression via miR-320b, and then repress cell proliferation, migration and invasion while stimulate cell apoptosis. Our research may provide a novel target for the treatment of CRC.

HDAC2 enhances esophageal squamous cell carcinoma development through down-regulating microRNA-503-5p and promoting CXCL10

Objective

Although esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC)-oriented mechanism has been widely explored, the integrated action of histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2), microRNA (miR)-503-5p and C-X-C motif chemokine 10 (CXCL10) in ESCC has not been thoroughly explored. Thus, we performed the research to study the role of HDAC2/miR-503-5p/CXCL10 axis in ESCC.

Methods

ESCC tissues and mucosal tissues (5 cm from cancer tissues) were collected, in which HDAC2, miR-503-5p and CXCL10 expression levels were tested. The mechanism of HDAC2, miR-503-5p and CXCL10 was interpreted. The viability, colony formation ability, apoptosis, invasion and migration abilities of ESCC cells were tested after HDAC2, miR-503-5p or CXCL10 expression was altered. Tumorigenesis in mice was observed to further verify the in vitro effects of HDAC2 and miR-503-5p.

Results

HDAC2 and CXCL10 were up-regulated while miR-503-5p was down-regulated in ESCC. HDAC2 bound to miR-503-5p and miR-503-5p targeted CXCL10. Silencing HDAC2 or restoring miR-503-5p depressed viability, colony-forming, invasion and migration abilities and enhanced apoptosis of ESCC cells in vitro, as well as suppressed ESCC tumorigenesis in vivo. Inhibition of miR-503-5p or elevation of CXCL10 negated HDAC2 knockout-induced effects on ESCC cells.

Conclusion

This work elucidates that HDAC2 knockdown retards the process of ESCC by elevating miR-503-5p and inhibiting CXCL10 expression, which may provide a guidance for ESCC management.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13148-021-01068-8.

LncRNA NKX2-1-AS1 promotes tumor progression and angiogenesis via upregulation of SERPINE1 expression and activation of the VEGFR-2 signaling pathway in gastric cancer

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) can compete with endogenous RNAs to modulate the gene expression and contribute to oncogenesis and tumor metastasis. lncRNA NKX2-1-AS1 (NKX2-1 antisense RNA 1) plays a pivotal role in cancer progression and metastasis; however, the contribution of aberrant expression of NKX2-1-AS1 and the mechanism by which it functions as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) in gastric cancer (GC) remains elusive. NKX2-1-AS1 expression was detected in paired tumor and nontumor tissues of 178 GC patients by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). Using loss-of-function and gain-of-function experiments, the biological functions of NKX2-1-AS1 were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. Further, to assess that NKX2-1-AS1 regulates angiogenic processes, tube formation and co-culture assays were performed. RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay, a dual-luciferase reporter assay, quantitative PCR, Western blot, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assays were performed to determine the potential molecular mechanism underlying this ceRNA. The results indicated that NKX2-1-AS1 expression was upregulated in GC cell lines and tumor tissues. Overexpression of NKX2-1-AS1 was significantly associated with tumor progression and enhanced angiogenesis. Functionally, NKX2-1-AS1 overexpression promoted GC cell proliferation, metastasis, invasion, and angiogenesis, while NKX2-1-AS1 knockdown restored these effects, both in vitro and in vivo. RIP and dual-luciferase assays revealed that the microRNA miR-145-5p is a direct target of NKX2-1-AS1 and that NKX2-1-AS1 serves as a ceRNA to sponge miRNA and regulate angiogenesis in GC. Moreover, serpin family E member 1 (SERPINE1) is an explicit target for miR-145-5p; besides, the NKX2-1-AS1/miR-145-5p axis induces the translation of SERPINE1, thus activating the VEGFR-2 signaling pathway to promote tumor progression and angiogenesis. NKX2-1-AS1 overexpression is associated with enhanced tumor cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and poor prognosis in GC. Collectively, NKX2-1-AS1 functions as a ceRNA to miR-145-5p and promotes tumor progression and angiogenesis by activating the VEGFR-2 signaling pathway via SERPINE1.

Bioinformatics-based analysis of the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA and TF regulatory networks reveals functional genes in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a 5-year survival rate unsatisfied malignancies. The study aimed to identify the novel diagnostic and prognostic targets for ESCC. Expression profiling (GSE89102, GSE97051, and GSE59973) data were downloaded from the GEO database. Then, differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs, DEmiRNAs, and genes (DEGs) with P-values < 0.05, and |log₂FC| ≥ 2, were identified using GEO2R. Functional enrichment analysis of miRNA-related mRNAs and lncRNA co-expressed mRNA was performed. LncRNA–miRNA–mRNA, protein–protein interaction of miRNA-related mRNAs and DEGs, co-expression, and transcription factors-hub genes network were constructed. The transcriptional data, the diagnostic and prognostic value of hub genes were estimated with ONCOMINE, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses, and Kaplan–Meier plotter, respectively. Also, the expressions of hub genes were assessed through qPCR and Western blot assays. The CDK1, VEGFA, PRDM10, RUNX1, CDK6, HSP90AA1, MYC, EGR1, and SOX2 used as hub genes. And among them, PRDM10, RUNX1, and CDK6 predicted worse overall survival (OS) in ESCC patients. Our results showed that the hub genes were significantly up-regulated in ESCA primary tumor tissues and cell lines, and exhibited excellent diagnostic efficiency. These results suggest that the hub genes may server as potential targets for the diagnosis and treatment of ESCC.

Downregulation of long non-coding RNA LOC101928477 correlates with tumor progression by regulating the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Background

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the deadliest malignancies. There is a growing body of evidence showing that long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical roles in ESCC oncogenesis. The present study aimed to explore the role of LOC101928477, a newly discovered lncRNA, in the development and metastasis of ESCC.

Methods

In this study, real‐time PCR, western blotting, cell counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8), flow cytometry, colony formation, wound healing, transwell migration/invasion assay, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry were used. We also applied an in situ xenograft mouse model and a lung metastasis mouse model to verify our findings.

Results

We determined that LOC101928477 expression was inhibited in ESCC tissue and ESCC cell lines when compared with controls. Moreover, forced expression of LOC101928477 effectively inhibited ESCC cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion via suppression of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). Furthermore, LOC101928477 overexpression inhibited in situ tumor growth and lung metastasis in a mouse model.

Conclusions

Together, our results suggested that LOC101928477 could be a novel suppressor gene involved in ESCC progression.

LncRNA LINC00467 acted as an oncogene in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by accelerating cell proliferation and preventing cell apoptosis via the miR-485-5p/DPAGT1 axis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Esophageal carcinoma has been regarded as one of the top 10 common malignancies globally. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is an important subtype of esophageal carcinoma with approximately 20% survival rate. Long noncoding RNAs were documented to regulate the occurrence or progression of several tumors. However, neither the biological role nor the molecular mechanism of LINC00467 has been explored. This research is aimed to investigating the regulatory mechanism of LINC00467 in ESCC.

METHODS

In this study, a series of experiments including reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Cell Counting Kit-8, luciferase reporter, western blot, and RNA immunoprecipitation were designed and conducted to explore the potential function and mechanism of LINC00467 in ESCC.

RESULTS

According to experimental results, we found out upregulated LINC00467 improved cell proliferation, but hindered cell apoptosis. In mechanism, miR-485-5p was predicted, screened out, and validated to combine with LINC00467, which displayed lower expression in ESCC. Additionally, miR-485-5p negatively regulated and directly targeted DPAGT1. Rescue assays suggested that DPAGT1 amplification was able to recover the influence of LINC00467 deficiency on cell proliferation and apoptosis. Furthermore, knockdown of LINC00467 suppressed tumor growth in vivo.

CONCLUSION

We proved that LINC00467 acted as an oncogene in ESCC by accelerating cell proliferation and preventing cell apoptosis via miR-485-5p/DPAGT1 axis. This may provide a potential diagnostic marker for ESCC treatment.

Involvement of long non-coding RNAs in the progression of esophageal cancer

Esophageal cancer (EC) is one of the most common malignant tumors of the digestive system with high incidence and mortality rate worldwide. Therefore, exploring the pathogenesis of EC and searching for new targeted therapies are the current research hotspot for EC treatment. Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are endogenous RNAs with more than 200 nucleotides, but without protein‐coding function. In recent years, lncRNAs have gradually become the focuses in the field of non‐coding RNA. Some lncRNAs have been proved to be closely related to the pathogenesis of EC. Many lncRNAs are abnormally expressed in EC and participate in many biological processes including cell proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis by inhibiting or promoting target gene expression. LncRNAs can also regulate the progression of EC through epithelial‐mesenchymal transformation (EMT), which is closely related to the occurrence, development, and prognosis of EC. In this article, we review and discuss the involvement of lncRNAs in the progression of EC.

Long non-coding RNA KCNQ1 overlapping transcript 1 promotes the progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by adsorbing microRNA-133b

OBJECTIVE

The long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) KCNQ1 overlapping transcript 1 (KCNQ1OT1) exerts vital regulatory functions in diverse tumors. However, the biological function of KCNQ1OT1 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unclear.

METHODS

KCNQ1OT1 expression was detected in ESCC tissues using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were detected by the CCK-8 assay, EdU assay, flow cytometry analysis, and Transwell experiments, respectively. Bioinformatics analysis, luciferase reporter experiments, and RNA immunoprecipitation assays were used to predict and validate the regulatory relationships between KCNQ1OT1, microRNA-133b (miR-133b) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR).

RESULTS

KCNQ1OT1 expression was remarkably upregulated in ESCC tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of KCNQ1OT1 markedly promoted ESCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and enhanced the expression of N-cadherin, MMP-2, and MMP-9, but inhibited apoptosis and E-cadherin expression in ESCC cell lines; KCNQ1OT1 knockdown exerted the opposite effects. KCNQ1OT1 could directly bind to miR-133b and suppress its expression, and miR-133b reversed the effects of KCNQ1OT1 overexpression in ESCC cells. MiR-133b reduced the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR); further, KCNQ1OT1 activated the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway by repressing miR-133b repression and indirectly upregulating EGFR. KCNQ1OT1 expression was positively correlated with EGFR mRNA expression and negatively correlated with miR-133b expression.

CONCLUSION

KCNQ1OT1 facilitates ESCC progression by sponging miR-133b and activating the EGFR/PI3K/AKT pathway.

Forkhead box D1 promotes EMT and chemoresistance by upregulating lncRNA CYTOR in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Chemotherapy regimens containing cisplatin remain the first-line treatments for patients with oral squamous cell cancer (OSCC); however, the treatment effect is often transient because of chemoresistance and recurrence. Understanding the mechanisms of chemoresistance in OSCC might provide novel targetable vulnerabilities. In the present study, we revealed that Forkhead box D1 (FOXD1) is upregulated in OSCC and predicted poor prognosis. Moreover, ectopic expression of FOXD1 promoted, while silencing of FOXD1 inhibited, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and chemoresistance of OSCC, both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, FOXD1 binds to the promoter of long non-coding RNA Cytoskeleton Regulator RNA (CYTOR) and activates its transcription. CYTOR then acts as a competing endogenous RNA to inhibit miR-1252-5p and miR-3148, thus upregulating lipoma preferred partner (LPP) expression. Importantly, the CYTOR/LPP axis was proven to be essential for FOXD1-induced EMT and chemoresistance in OSCC. These findings reveal a novel mechanism for the chemotherapy resistance of OSCC, suggesting that FOXD1 might be a potential prognostic marker and anti-resistance therapeutic target.

LINC00355 promoted the progression of lung squamous cell carcinoma through regulating the miR-466/LYAR axis

LINC00355 has been reported aberrantly over-expressed and associated with poor prognosis in various types of cancer. However, reports regarding the effect of LINC00355 on lung squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are rare. This study aimed to explore the function of LINC00355 in the development and progression of lung SCC and reveal the underlying mechanism. The expression and subcellular location of LINC00355 were determined by qRT-PCR and RNA-FISH, respectively. The lung SCC cell growth was analyzed by CCK-8 assay, transwell invasion, wound healing, colony formation, and flow cytometry assays. Reactive oxygen species level was evaluated by DCFH-DA probes. Bioinformatics online websites, luciferase reporter assay, RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP), and RNA pull-down assays were utilized to investigate the interaction among LINC00355, miR-466, and Ly-1 antibody reactive clone (LYAR). The results showed that LINC00355 was upregulated in lung SCC and was positively associated with poor overall survival in lung SCC patients. LINC00355 was mainly located in the cytoplasm of SCC cells. Additionally, LINC0035 functioned as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to target miR-466, and LYAR was identified as a direct target of miR-466. LINC00355 expression negatively correlated with miR-466 level, and positively correlated with LYAR level. Mechanistically, knockdown of LINC00355 inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion, promoted cell apoptosis in vitro, and suppressed tumor growth in vivo through targeting miR-466, and thus down-regulated LYAR expression. These findings provide a new sight for understanding the molecular mechanism of lung SCC and indicate that LINC00355 may serve as a potential biomarker for the diagnosis and treatment of lung SCC.

Exosomal lncRNA FAM225A accelerates esophageal squamous cell carcinoma progression and angiogenesis via sponging miR-206 to upregulate NETO2 and FOXP1 expression

Esophageal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer‐related deaths worldwide. FAM225A is a novel lncRNA, only has been explored in nasopharyngeal carcinoma tumorigenesis. This study aims to investigate the regulatory mechanism of FAM225A in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). We discovered that FAM225A exhibited higher expression in ESCC. The silence of FAM225A attenuated cell viability, migration, and invasion, but facilitated cell apoptosis in ESCC. Exosome‐mediated transfer of lncRNA FAM225A could participate in ESCC progression. In addition, we found that miR‐206 bound to FAM225A. Moreover, we further demonstrated that FAM225A absorbed miR‐206 to upregulate NETO2 and FOXP1 expression, and FOXP1 acted as a transcription factor to enhance FAM225A expression. Eventually, it was revealed that the overexpression of NETO2 or FOXP1 rescued the effects of FAM225A repression on ESCC progression. Our results suggested that FAM225A upregulated NETO2 and FOXP1 expression by sponging miR‐206 to accelerate ESCC progression and angiogenesis. These results determined the biological role of lncRNA FAM225A in ESCC tumorigenesis, and FAM225A may be a promising biomarker for ESCC treatment.

Long non‑coding RNA BANCR mediates esophageal squamous cell carcinoma progression by regulating the IGF1R/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway via miR‑338‑3p

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a type of digestive tract malignant tumor that severely threatens human health. The long non‑coding RNA BRAF activated non‑coding RNA (BANCR) and insulin‑like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) are associated with various types of cancer; however, it remains unclear whether BANCR can regulate IGF1R expression in ESCC. In the present study, the expression levels of BANCR, IGF1R mRNA and microRNA‑338‑3p (miRNA/miR‑338‑3p) in ESCC tissues or cells were detected by reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‑qPCR). The levels of IGF1R, E‑cadherin, N‑cadherin, Vimentin, p‑Raf‑1, p‑MEK1/2 and p‑ERK1/2 were measured by western blot analysis. The proliferation, migration and invasion of ESCC cells were determined by 3‑(4,5‑dimethylthiazol‑2‑yl)‑2,5‑diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) or Transwell assays. The relationship between miR‑338‑3p and BANCR or IGF1R was predicted using starBase2.0 and confirmed by dual‑luciferase reporter assay. The role of BANCR in ESCC in vivo was confirmed through a tumor xenograft assay. It was found that BANCR and IGF1R were upregulated, while miR‑338‑3p was downregulated in ESCC tissues and cells. Both BANCR and IGF1R knockdown suppressed the proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT) of ESCC cells. IGF1R enhancement reversed BANCR knockdown‑mediated effects on the proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT of ESCC cells. BANCR regulated the Raf/MEK/ERK pathway by regulating IGF1R expression. Notably, BANCR regulated IGF1R expression by sponging miR‑338‑3p. Moreover, BANCR silencing inhibited tumor growth in vivo. On the whole, the findings of the present study demonstrate that BANCR inhibition blocks ESCC progression by inactivating the IGF1R/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway by sponging miR‑338‑3p.

Kindlin-2 Inhibits the Hippo Signaling Pathway by Promoting Degradation of MOB1

The Hippo signaling pathway plays a key role in development and cancer progression. However, molecules that intrinsically inhibit this pathway are less well known. Here, we report that the focal adhesion molecule Kindlin-2 inhibits Hippo signaling by interacting with and degrading MOB1 and promoting the interaction between MOB1 and the E3 ligase praja2. Kindlin-2 thus inhibits the phosphorylation of LATS1 and YAP and promotes YAP translocation into the nucleus, where it activates downstream Hippo target gene transcription. Kindlin-2 depletion activates Hippo/YAP signaling and alleviates renal fibrosis in Kindlin-2 knockout mice with unilateral ureteral occlusion (UUO). Moreover, Kindlin-2 levels are negatively correlated with MOB1 and phosphorylated (p) YAP in samples from patients with renal fibrosis. Altogether, these results demonstrate that Kindlin-2 inhibits Hippo signaling through degradation of MOB1. A specific long-lasting siRNA against Kindlin-2 effectively alleviated UUO-induced renal fibrosis and could be a potential therapy for renal fibrosis.

The prognostic value of long noncoding RNA activated by TGF-β in digestive system cancers: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

To systematically evaluate whether the expression level of long non-coding RNA activated by transforming growth factor-β (lncRNA-ATB) is correlated with the prognosis of digestive system cancer (DSC) patients.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Springerlink, Nature, and Karger databases were searched up to April 20, 2019 by 2 experienced researchers independently. The quality of studies was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. The Review Manager 5.2 and STATA 12.0 software were used for this meta-analysis.

RESULT

Eleven studies with 1227 DSC patients were included in the meta-analysis. Except for pancreatic cancer, high expression of lncRNA-ATB was associated with lymph node metastasis (risk ratio (RR) = 1.26, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.12-1.42, P < .001), advanced clinical staging (RR = 1.44, 95%CI: 1.23-1.69, P < .001), reduced overall survival rate (OS) (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.33, 95%CI: 1.22-4.50, P = .01), and recurrence-free survival (RFS) (HR = 2.61, 95%CI: 1.46-4.65, P = .001) compared with low lncRNA-ATB expression in DSCs.

CONCLUSIONS

High expression of lncRNA-ATB was significantly correlated with poor prognosis for most DSCs. The expression level of lncRNA-ATB could be a promising prognostic biomarker for DSC patients.

Tumor-suppressive miR-3650 inhibits tumor metastasis by directly targeting NFASC in hepatocellular carcinoma

In recent years, a growing body of evidence has provided support for the important role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the progression of human cancers. A recent study showed that a novel miRNA miR-3650 expression was significantly decreased in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the precise role of miR-3650 in HCC have remained poorly understood. In this study, we found that miR-3650 expression was frequently decreased in HCC tissues. Low expression of miR-3650 is positively associated with tumor metastasis and poor survival of HCC patients. Forced expression of miR-3650 significantly inhibited the migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of HCC cells. Through bioinformatic analysis and luciferase assays, we confirmed that neurofascin (NFASC) is a directly target mRNA of miR-3650. Rescue experiment demonstrated that NAFSC overexpression could partially counteracted the inhibitory effect of miR-3650 in HCC metastasis and EMT. In conclusion, our findings are the first time to demonstrate that reduced expression of miR-3650 in HCC was correlated with tumor metastasis and poor survival. MiR-3650 repressed HCC migration and EMT by directly targeting NFASC. Our findings suggested that miR-3650 may serve as a potential prognostic marker and promising application in HCC therapy.

lncRNA-ATB promotes stemness maintenance in colorectal cancer by regulating transcriptional activity of the β-catenin pathway

Long non-coding RNA activated by transforming growth factor-β (ATB) was recently reported to be involved in a wide range of physiological and pathological processes. However, the role of ATB in colorectal cancer (CRC) stemness remains unclear. In the present study, the functional role of ATB in maintaining stemness of CRC was determined using colony formation and sphere formation assays, and xenograft models. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, western blotting and immunohistochemistry were performed to investigate the mechanisms underlying the effects of ATB. Knockdown of ATB impaired colony formation and sphere formation in CRC cells, accompanied by an inhibition of colon tumor growth. Further results suggested that ATB regulated the transcriptional activity of the β-catenin pathway by inhibiting β-catenin expression. In addition, the results confirmed the role of β-catenin in ATB-mediated regulation of stemness in CRC. Collectively, the results indicated that ATB is a promising therapeutic target for CRC.

Prognostic impact of lncRNA-ATB expression in malignant solid tumors: A meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Numerous studies have reported the prognostic role of lncRNA-ATB high expression in solid tumours, but its prognostic effect is still uncertain. Therefore, the purpose of this meta-analysis was to further comprehensively verify the prognostic role of the lncRNA-ATB high expression in solid tumours.

METHODS

A literature search was performed using the electronic platforms to obtain relevant research studies published up to 31 May 2019. Confidence intervals of research endpoints in each study were extracted and merged. All data analysis was performed using Stata12.0 software.

RESULTS

A total of 2120 patients with solid cancers in 14 studies were enrolled in our meta-analysis eventually. The analysis results revealed that high expression of lncRNA-ATB was related to lower OS (HR:1.46, P < 0.001), shorter DFS(HR:1.73, P < 0.001), and earlier RFS (HR:2.67, P < 0.001). Besides, the high expression of lncRNA-ATB has a considerable risk of lymph node metastasis (OR:2.13, P = 0.017)and perineural invasion (OR:1.58, P = 0.018).

CONCLUSIONS

Meta-analysis showed that the high lncRNA-ATB expression was a poor prognostic marker in multiple cancer types. The high expression of lncRNA-ATB symbolizes the high risk of lymph node metastasis and perineural invasion in cancer patients.

Biological and clinical relevance of metastasis-associated long noncoding RNAs in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: A systematic review

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a foremost cancer-related death worldwide owing to rapid metastasis and poor prognosis. Metastasis, as the most important reason for death, is biologically a multifaceted process involving a range of cell signaling pathways. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), as transcriptional regulators, can regulate numerous genomic processes and cellular processes such as cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. LncRNAs have also been shown to involve in/regulate the cancer metastasis-related signaling pathways. Hence, they have increasingly been brought to international attention in molecular oncology research. A number of researchers have attempted to reveal the biological and clinical relevance of lncRNAs in ESCC tumourigenesis and metastasis. The aberrant expression of these molecules in ESCC has regularly been reported to involve in various cellular processes and clinical features, including diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic responses. Here, we especially consider the pathways in which lncRNAs act as metastasis-mediated effectors, mainly by interacting with epithelial-mesenchymal transition-associated factors. We review the biological roles of lncRNAs through involving in ESCC metastasis as well as the clinical significance of the metastasis-related lncRNAs in cancer diagnosis and prognosis.

Silencing lncRNA AGAP2-AS1 Upregulates miR-195-5p to Repress Migration and Invasion of EC Cells via the Decrease of FOSL1 Expression

The interaction of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and mRNAs has been implicated in various types of cancers, including esophageal cancer (EC). The current study aimed to investigate the role of AGAP2-AS1/miR-195-5p/Fos-like antigen-1 (FOSL1) in EC progression. The expression of AGAP2-AS1, miR-195-5p, and FOSL1 in tumor tissues isolated from EC patients and EC cell lines was determined by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), the results of which illustrated that AGAP2-AS1 and FOSL1 were increased while miR-195-5p was reduced in EC. Next, the ectopic expression, knockdown, and reporter assay experiments were all employed to elucidate the mechanism of AGAP2-AS1/miR-195-5p/FOSL1 in the processes of EC cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, invasion, and migration as well as tumor growth. Knockdown of AGAP2-AS1 or overexpression of miR-195-5p reduced EC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, blocked cell cycle entry, and elevated apoptosis. FOSL1 was found to be specifically targeted by miR-195-5p. AGAP2-AS1 was observed to upregulate FOSL1 by binding to miR-195-5p. Silencing of AGAP2-AS1 was observed to restrain the development of EC both in vitro and in vivo through upregulating miR-195-5p and downregulating FOSL1. Taken together, AGAP2-AS1 knockdown exercises suppressive effects on the development of EC through miR-195-5p-dependent downregulation of FOSL1. Therefore, targeting AGAP2-AS1 could be a future direction to develop a novel molecule-targeted therapeutic strategy for EC.

Emerging Role of Non-Coding RNAs in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a highly prevalent tumor and is associated with ethnicity, genetics, and dietary intake. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), specifically microRNAs (miRNAs), long ncRNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been reported as functional regulatory molecules involved in the development of many human cancers, including ESCC. Recently, several ncRNAs have been detected as oncogenes or tumor suppressors in ESCC progression. These ncRNAs influence the expression of specific genes or their associated signaling pathways. Moreover, interactions of ncRNAs are evident in ESCC, as miRNAs regulate the expression of lncRNAs, and further, lncRNAs and circRNAs function as miRNA sponges to compete with the endogenous RNAs. Here, we discuss and summarize the findings of recent investigations into the role of ncRNAs (miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs) in the development and progression of ESCC and how their interactions regulate ESCC development.

miR-92b-3p Functions As A Key Gene In Esophageal Squamous Cell Cancer As Determined By Co-Expression Analysis

Background

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a highly aggressive malignancy. The aims of the present study were to screen the critical miRNA and corresponding target genes that related to development of ESCC by weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) and investigate the functions by experimental validation.

Methods

Datasets of mRNA and miRNA expression data were downloaded from GEO. The R software was used for data preprocessing and differential expression gene analysis. The differentially expressed protein-coding genes (DEGs) and miRNAs (DEMs) were selected (FDR <0.05 or |Fold Change (FC)| >1.5). Meanwhile, 81 expression data of ESCC patients in TCGA combined with clinic information were applied by WGCNA to create networks. The correlational analyses between each module and clinical parameters were conducted, and enrichment analyses of GO and KEGG were subsequently performed. Then, a series of experiments were conducted in ESCC cells by use of miRNA mimics.

Results

In total, 4,023 DEGs and 328 DEMs were screened. After checking good genes and samples, 3,841 genes (3,696 DEGs and 145 DEMs) were used for WGCNA. As a consequence, altogether 11 gene modules were found. Among them, the brown modules were found to be strongly inversely associated with pathological grade. Meanwhile, has-mir-92b, the only miRNA in brown module, had a positive correlation with grade and negatively correlated with potential target gene (KFL4 and DCS2) in the same module. Furthermore, an increased expression of miR-92b-3p and down-regulated KLF4 and DSC2 protein was detected in the ESCC clinical samples. Up-regulated miR-92b-3p shortened G0/G1 phase and promote ESCC cells invasion and migration. Furthermore, we verified that DSC2 and KFL4 was target genes of miR-92b-3p by luciferase report assay.

Conclusion

WGCNA is an efficient approach to system biology. By this procedure, miR-92b-3p was identified as an ESCC-promoting gene by target KLF4 and DCS2.

Up-regulated LncRNA-ATB regulates the growth and metastasis of cholangiocarcinoma via miR-200c signals

Background and objective

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a highly aggressive neoplasm featured with regional invasiveness and distant metastasis, which often present a phenotype of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) are dysregulated during carcinogenesis, and up-regulated LncRNA-activated by TGF-β (Lnc-ATB) supports tumor growth and metastasis via tumor suppressor microRNA 200 (miR-200). However, the role of Lnc-ATB in CCA is unclear.

Methods

CCA tissues and non-cancer tissues (n=30) were used to determine the Lnc-ATB and miR-200a/b/c levels. The functions and mechanisms of Lnc-ATB/miR-200 pathway were determined by knockdown of Lnc-ATB via siRNAs in vitro and in vivo.

Results

CCA tissues have increased Lnc-ATB and reduced miR-200a/b/c levels, but the down-regulated miR-200c was most prominent. Up-regulated Lnc-ATB significant negatively correlated with miR-200c and predicted advanced TNM stage and more lymph node metastasis of CCA patients. Knockdown of Lnc-ATB in two CCA cell lines HuCCT1 and RBE increased miR-200c levels. The luciferase reporter assay further confirmed the direct binding site of miR-200c in Lnc-ATB. Inhibition of Lnc-ATB significantly impaired cell vitality and induced apoptosis and G0/G1 arrest, which, however, was rescued by miR-200c inhibitor. The ability of migration of CCA cells was also up-regulated by Lnc-ATB but was suppressed by miR-200c. Mechanistically, the cell cycle-related CCND1/CDK2, apoptosis-related BCL-2/caspase-3 and EMT-related E-cadherin/ZEB1/2 were regulated by Lnc-ATB via miR-200c. Knockdown of Lnc-ATB in vivo up-regulated miR-200c signals to inhibit tumor growth with decreased PCNA expression in tumor tissues, which was restored by miR-200c inhibition.

Conclusion

Overexpressed Lnc-ATB functioned as an oncogene for CCA growth and metastasis via miR-200 signals.

Long noncoding RNA lnc-ABCA12-3 promotes cell migration, invasion, and proliferation by regulating fibronectin 1 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to play important roles in human cancers, including esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). We previously demonstrated that a novel lncRNA, lnc-ABCA12-3, was overexpressed in ESCC tissues. However, the exact function of lnc-ABCA12-3 is unknown. In the current study, we aimed to evaluate the expression of lnc-ABCA12-3 in ESCC and to explore the potential mechanism of lnc-ABCA12-3 in cell migration, invasion, and proliferation. We showed that lnc-ABCA12-3 was upregulated in ESCC tumor tissues and cell lines. The increased expression of lnc-ABCA12-3 was positively associated with advanced tumor-node-metastasis stages and poor prognosis. The knockdown of lnc-ABCA12-3 inhibited the cell migration, invasion, and proliferation abilities of KYSE-510 and Eca-109 cells. We also found that fibronectin 1 (FN1) was upregulated in ESCC tumor tissues. The expression of FN1 messenger RNA was positively correlated with the expression of lnc-ABCA12-3 in ESCC tumor tissues. After lnc-ABCA12-3 knockdown, the expression of FN1 was downregulated. In addition, the overexpression of FN1 restored the abilities of cell migration, invasion and proliferation in Eca-109 cells. Further studies indicated that lnc-ABCA12-3 acted as a competing endogenous RNA for miR-200b-3p to regulate FN1 expression. In conclusion, these results suggest that lnc-ABCA12-3 is a novel oncogene in tumorigenesis and that its high expression is related to a poor prognosis for patients with ESCC. lnc-ABCA12-3 promotes cell migration, invasion, and proliferation via the regulation of FN1 in ESCC. Our data suggest that lnc-ABCA12-3 might serve as a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for ESCC.

lncRNA PTAR promotes NSCLC cell proliferation, migration and invasion by sponging microRNA‑101

MicroRNA (miR)‑101 copy loss is an early event in the development of human lung cancer, and it occurs in 29% of all lung cancer incidences. In addition, miR‑101 expression in non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is known to be downregulated. The aim of the present study was to explore the roles and mechanisms of the long non‑coding (lnc)‑RNA pro‑transition associated RNA (PTAR) on NSCLC cell proliferation, migration and invasion in association with miR‑101. Reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR analysis was performed to detect the expression of lncRNA PTAR in 30 paired human NSCLC tissues and the corresponding para‑tumor tissues. PTAR was amplified and cloned into the expression vector pCDNA3.1. Then, PTAR‑overexpression plasmids or small interfering (si)‑RNA‑PTAR was transfected into A549 cells for 48 h, after which cell proliferation and the cell cycle distribution were evaluated. In addition, Transwell chamber and cell scratch‑wound assays were conducted to analyze A549 cell migration and invasion. A luciferase activity assay was evaluated to determine the interaction between PTAR and miR‑101. Furthermore, our results demonstrated that in human NSCLC tissues and cell lines, lncRNA PTAR expression was upregulated compared with normal lung tissues and cell lines, respectively. Additionally, PTAR transfection was observed to promote A549 cell proliferation, migration and invasion; opposing effects were observed with siRNA‑PTAR transfection. The luciferase activity assay revealed that PTAR could act as a sponge to bind miR‑101. Thus, miR‑101 plays a role in NSCLC tumorigenesis and progression. In conclusion, lncRNA PTAR was proposed to promote NSCLC cell growth through sponging and inactivating miR‑101, which may be a possible mechanism underlying miR‑101 copy loss in human NSCLC.

Regulatory effects of lncRNA ATB targeting miR-200c on proliferation and apoptosis of colorectal cancer cells

This investigation was intended to elucidate whether long noncoding RNA (lncRNA)-activated by transforming growth factor-β (ATB) interacting with miR-200c could mediate colorectal cancer (CRC) progression, offering potential strategies for diagnosing and treating CRC. Here totally 315 patients with CRC were recruited, and their CRC tissues and adjacent normal tissues were gathered. Concurrently, four colon cancer cell lines (ie, SW620, Lovo, HCT116, and SW480) and the human colon mucosal epithelial cell line (NCM460) were also purchased. Moreover, si-ATB, si-NC, miR-200c mimic, miR-200c inhibitor, and miR-NC were prepared for transfection into the CRC cells, and their effects on CRC cell lines were evaluated based on the conduction of 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, colony formation assay, and flow cytometry assay. Eventually, the Luciferase reporter gene assay was carried out to judge if there existed a targeted relationship between ATB and miR-200c. The results of Cox regression analyses suggested that overexpressed lncRNA ATB, underexpressed miR-200c, poor tumor differentiation, lymph-vascular invasion, and perineural invasion were symbolic of shortened survival of the patients with CRC (all P < .05). Besides, transfection of pcDNA3.1-ATB and miR-200c inhibitor could boost the viability and proliferation of Lovo and SW620 cell lines (all P < .05). Meanwhile, the expressions of p53 and p21 were also reduced under treatments of pcDNA3.1-ATB and miR-200c inhibitor (P < .05). In addition, CDK2 seemed to reverse the contribution of miR-200c to intensifying viability and proliferation of Lovo and SW420 cell lines (P < .05). Furthermore, ATB might downregulate miR-200c expression by targeting it (P < .05), and CDK2 was subjected to dual regulation of both ATB and miR-200c (P < .05). In conclusion, the lncRNA ATB/miR-200c/CDK2 signaling was responsible for intensified proliferation and prohibited apoptosis of CRC cells, which might provide effective approaches for diagnosing and treating CRC.

LncRNA-ATB promotes TGF-β-induced glioma cells invasion through NF-κB and P38/MAPK pathway

Glioma constitutes the most aggressive primary intracranial malignancy in adults. We previously showed that long noncoding RNA activated by TGF-β (lncRNA-ATB) promoted the glioma cells invasion. However, whether lncRNA-ATB is involved in TGF-β-mediated invasion of glioma cells remains unknown. In this study, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis were used for detecting the mRNA and protein expression of related genes, respectively. Transwell assay was performed to assess the impact of lncRNA-ATB on TGF-β-induced glioma cells migration and invasion. Immunofluorescence staining was utilized to characterize related protein distribution. Results showed that TGF-β upregulated lncRNA-ATB expression in glioma LN-18 and U251 cells. Overexpression of lncRNA-ATB activated nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway and promoted P65 translocation into the nucleus, thus facilitated glioma cells invasion stimulated by TGF-β. Similarly, lncRNA-ATB markedly enhanced TGF-β-mediated invasion of glioma cells through activation P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (P38/MAPK) pathway. Moreover, both the NF-κB selected inhibitor pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate ammonium and P38/MAPK specific inhibitor SB203580 partly reversed lncRNA-ATB induced glioma cells invasion mediated by TGF-β. Collectively, this study revealed that lncRNA-ATB promotes TGF-β-induced glioma cell invasion through NF-κB and P38/MAPK pathway and established a detailed framework for understanding the way how lncRNA-ATB performs its function in TGF-β-mediated glioma invasion.

TFAP2C-Activated MALAT1 Modulates the Chemoresistance of Docetaxel-Resistant Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells

Chemoresistance remains a great obstacle in effective lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) treatment. Previously, we verified the role of microRNA-200b (miR-200b) in the formation of docetaxel (DTX)-resistant LUAD cells. This study aims to investigate the mechanism underlying the low level of miR-200b in DTX-resistant LUAD cells. The real-time reverse transcription (RT2) lncRNA PCR array system was applied to explore lncRNAs that potentially regulated miR-200b in DTX-resistant LUAD cells. Metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) contributed to the low miR-200b level in DTX-resistant LUAD cells. Functional assays were conducted to determine the role of MALAT1 in regulating the growth and metastasis of parental and DTX-resistant LUAD cells. Investigation revealed the mechanism of the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) pathway. MALAT1 regulated miR-200b by acting as a ceRNA. MALAT1 modulated the sensitivity of LUAD cells to DTX. E2F transcription factor 3 (E2F3) and zinc-finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) were two targets of miR-200b and mediated the function of MALAT1 in DTX-resistant LUAD cells. Transcription factor AP-2 gamma (TFAP2C) and ZEB1 activated the MALAT1 transcription. In conclusion, TFAP2C-activated MALAT1 modulated the chemoresistance of LUAD cells by sponging miR-200b to upregulate E2F3 and ZEB1. Our findings may provide novel therapeutic targets and perspectives for LUAD treatment.

LncRNA MAFG-AS1 facilitates the migration and invasion of NSCLC cell via sponging miR-339-5p from MMP15

Non-small-cell carcinoma (NSCLC) is the most common cancer along with high mortality rate worldwide. In the present study, our data showed that lncRNA MAF BZIP Transcription Factor G Antisense RNA 1 (MAFG-AS1) was over-expressed in NSCLC tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of MAFG-AS1 promoted the migration, invasion and enhanced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of NSCLC cell. In addition, miR-339-5p was predicted to be a target of MAFG-AS1 and the level of miR-339-5p was down-regulated in NSCLC. Over-expression of MAFG-AS1 significantly decreased the level of miR-339-5p in NSCLC cell. Moreover, the matrix metalloproteinase 15 (MMP15) was identified to be a target of miR-339-5p. The level of MMP15 was negatively regulated by miR-339-5p whereas positively controlled by MAFG-AS1. In addition, up-regulation of miR-339-5p neutralized the promoting impact of MAFG-AS1 on the migration, invasion and EMT of NSCLC cell. Finally, the xenograft model suggested that MAFG-AS1 promoted the metastasis of NSCLC cell in vivo. Altogether, we proved that MAFG-AS1-miR-339-5p-MMP15 axis might be a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of patients with NSCLC.

A novel long noncoding RNA PGC1β-OT1 regulates adipocyte and osteoblast differentiation through antagonizing miR-148a-3p

Long noncoding RNAs (LncRNAs) have been implicated in the regulation of adipocyte and osteoblast differentiation. However, the functional contributions of LncRNAs to adipocyte or osteoblast differentiation remain largely unexplored. In the current study we have identified a novel LncRNA named peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1β-OT1 (PGC1β-OT1). The expression levels of PGC1β-OT1 were altered during adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation from progenitor cells. 5'- and 3'-rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) revealed that PGC1β-OT1 is 1759 nt in full length. Overexpression of PGC1β-OT1 in progenitor cells inhibited adipogenic differentiation, whereas silencing of endogenous PGC1β-OT1 induced adipogenic differentiation. By contrast, overexpression of PGC1β-OT1 in progenitor cells stimulated, whereas silencing of PGC1β-OT1 inhibited osteogenic differentiation. In vivo experiment showed that silencing of endogenous PGC1β-OT1 in marrow stimulated fat accumulation and decreased osteoblast differentiation in mice. Mechanism investigations revealed that PGC1β-OT1 contains a functional miR-148a-3p binding site. Overexpression of the mutant PGC1β-OT1 with mutation at the binding site failed to regulate either adipogenic or osteogenic differentiation. In vivo crosslinking combined with affinity purification studies demonstrated that PGC1β-OT1 physically associated with miR-148a-3p through the functional miR-148a-3p binding site. Furthermore, PGC1β-OT1 affected the expression of endogenous miR-148a-3p and its target gene lysine-specific demethylase 6b (KDM6B). Supplementation of miR-148a-3p in progenitor cells blocked the inhibitory effect of PGC1β-OT1 on adipocyte formation. Moreover, overexpression of Kdm6b restored the osteoblast differentiation which was inhibited by silencing of endogenous PGC1β-OT. Our studies provide evidences that the novel LncRNA PGC1β-OT1 reciprocally regulates adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation through antagonizing miR-148a-3p and enhancing KDM6B effect.

LINC01939 inhibits the metastasis of gastric cancer by acting as a molecular sponge of miR-17-5p to regulate EGR2 expression

Accumulating evidence have suggested that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are known to regulate diverse tumorigenic processes. Recently, a novel lncRNA LINC01939 was underexpressed and emerged as a tumor suppressive lncRNA in gastric cancer (GC). In this study, we aimed to investigate the biological function and molecular mechanism of LINC01939 in GC. We found that LINC01939 expression was significantly downregulated in GC tissues and cell lines. Low expression of LINC01939 was correlated with tumor metastasis and shorter survival in GC patients. Functionally, LINC01939 overexpression remarkably inhibited the invasion and migration of GC cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, LINC01939 regulated the expression of early growth response 2 (EGR2) protein by competitively binding to miR-17-5p. Upregulation of miR-17-5p reversed GC metastasis and EMT process caused by LINC01939 by rescue analysis. Taken together, these results suggested that LINC01939 repressed GC invasion and migration by functioning as a ceRNA for miR-17-5p to regulate EGR2 expression. Our findings provided a novel prognostic marker and therapeutic target for GC patients.

Long Noncoding RNA-ATB Impairs the Function of Tumor Suppressor miR-126-Mediated Signals in Endometrial Cancer for Tumor Growth and Metastasis

OBJECTIVE

Long non-coding RNA-ATB (Lnc-ATB) have been reported to promote tumor proliferation and metastasis via regulation of tumor suppressive miRNA-related signals. Patients with endometrial cancer (EC) have advanced stage disease or metastasis have poor prognosis. We here investigated the role of Lnc-ATB in endometrial cancer.

METHODS

Endometrial cancer tissues and normal tissues (n = 35) were collected to determine the expression and clinical significance of Lnc-ATB, and bioinformatics analysis was used to predict the miRNA target. siRNA was used to estimate the function of Lnc-ATB in EC cell lines and in vivo.

RESULT

The expression of Lnc-ATB is up-regulated in tumor tissues and EC cell lines. Patients with high expressed Lnc-ATB have high FIGO stage and poor tumor differentiation. The tumor suppressor miR-126 interacted with Lnc-ATB. Down-regulated miR-126 negative correlated with FIGO stage and tumor differentiation. Knockdown of Lnc-ATB in RL95 and HEC1A cell lines increased the miR-126 level and impaired the cell vitality, induced caspase-3-related tumor apoptosis and G1/S arrest. However, abrogation of miR-126 by its inhibitors counteracted Lnc-ATB knockdown-induced tumor inhibition via regulation of miR-126 target gene PIK3R2 and Sox2-related apoptosis and cell cycle pathway. Meanwhile, Lnc-ATB knockdown also suppressed the migration and invasion and inhibited TGF-β-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype via miR-126. Knockdown of Lnc-ATB in vivo remarkably induced tumor regression via restoration of tumor suppressor miR-126, leading to deceased tumor volume, reduced expression of PCNA and PIK3R2/Sox2 signals and EMT phenotype in tumor tissues.

CONCLUSION

These data demonstrate the tumorigenic role of Lnc-ATBs in endometrial cancer via abrogation of tumor suppressor miR-126 signals.