LncRNA SNHG17 aggravated prostate cancer progression through regulating its homolog SNORA71B via a positive feedback loop

Tumour-derived exosome SNHG17 induced by oestrogen contributes to ovarian cancer progression via the CCL13-CCR2-M2 macrophage axis

Oestrogen is known to be strongly associated with ovarian cancer. There was much work to show the importance of lncRNA SNHG17 in ovarian cancer. However, no study has revealed the molecular regulatory mechanism and functional effects between oestrogen and SNHG17 in the development and metastasis of ovarian cancer. In this study, we found that SNHG17 expression was significantly increased in ovarian cancer and positively correlated with oestrogen treatment. Oestrogen could promote M2 macrophage polarization as well as ovarian cancer cells SKOV3 and ES2 cell exosomal SNHG17 expression. When exposure to oestrogen, exosomal SNHG17 promoted ovarian cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vitro, and tumour growth and lung metastasis in vivo by accelerating M2-like phenotype of macrophages. Mechanically, exosomal SNHG17 could facilitate the release of CCL13 from M2 macrophage via the PI3K-Akt signalling pathway. Moreover, CCL13-CCR2 axis was identified to be involved in ovarian cancer tumour behaviours driven by oestrogen. There results demonstrate a novel mechanism that exosomal SNHG17 exerts an oncogenic effect on ovarian cancer via the CCL13-CCR2-M2 macrophage axis upon oestrogen treatment, of which SNHG17 may be a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for ovarian cancer responded to oestrogen.

Updated review on analysis of long non-coding RNAs as emerging diagnostic and therapeutic targets in prostate cancers

Despite advancements, prostate cancers (PCa) pose a significant global health challenge due to delayed diagnosis and therapeutic resistance. This review delves into the complex landscape of prostate cancer, with a focus on long-noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). Also explores the influence of aberrant lncRNAs expression in progressive PCa stages, impacting traits like proliferation, invasion, metastasis and therapeutic resistance. The study elucidates how lncRNAs modulate crucial molecular effectors, including transcription factors and microRNAs, affecting signaling pathways such as androgen receptor signaling. Besides, this manuscript sheds light on novel concepts and mechanisms driving PCa progression through lncRNAs, providing a critical analysis of their impact on the disease's diverse characteristics. Besides, it discusses the potential of lncRNAs as diagnostics and therapeutic targets in PCa. Collectively, this work highlights state of art mechanistic comprehension and rigorous scientific approaches to advance our understanding of PCa and depict innovations in this evolving field of research.

SNORD45A Affects Content of HIF-1α and Promotes Endothelial Angiogenic Function

To find out the differentially expressed small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) in corneal neovascularization and their effect on angiogenesis. The rat model of corneal neovascularization induced by alkali burn was established, and the differentially expressed snoRNAs were sifted by high-throughput sequencing. Human genome homologs were screened and verified in cytopathological models. Polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) and Western blot assays were applied to detect mRNA and corresponding proteins affected by the differentially expressed snoRNA. In vitro, experiments were promoted to identify whether snoRNA affects endothelial cell migration and angiogenesis. Forty-seven differentially expressed snoRNAs were sifted from transparent cornea and neovascularization. According to sequencing and cytopathological model results, SNORD45A was selected for subsequent experiments. At mRNA and protein levels, SNORD45A affected the expression of HIF-1α. SNORD45A promoted endothelial angiogenesis through endothelial cell migration and tube formation regulation. The research suggested that SNORD45A partakes in the corneal neovascularization formation and can become one of the targets for corneal neovascularization therapy.

RNA-seq analysis identifies transcriptomic profiles associated with anal cancer recurrence among people living with HIV

BACKGROUND

Chemoradiation therapy (CRT) is the standard of care for squamous cell carcinoma of the anus (SCCA), the most common type of anal cancer. However, approximately one fourth of patients still relapse after CRT.

METHODS

We used RNA-sequencing technology to characterize coding and non-coding transcripts in tumor tissues from CRT-treated SCCA patients and compare them between 9 non-recurrent and 3 recurrent cases. RNA was extracted from FFPE tissues. Library preparations for RNA-sequencing were created using SMARTer Stranded Total RNA-Seq Kit. All libraries were pooled and sequenced on a NovaSeq 6000. Function and pathway enrichment analysis was performed with Metascape and enrichment of gene ontology (GO) was performed with Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA).

RESULTS

There were 449 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) observed (390 mRNA, 12 miRNA, 17 lincRNA and 18 snRNA) between the two groups. We identified a core of upregulated genes (IL4, CD40LG, ICAM2, HLA-I (HLA-A, HLA-C) and HLA-II (HLA-DQA1, HLA-DRB5) in the non-recurrent SCCA tissue enriching to the gene ontology term 'allograft rejection', which suggests a CD4+ T cell driven immune response. Conversely, in the recurrent tissues, keratin (KRT1, 10, 12, 20) and hedgehog signaling pathway (PTCH2) genes involved in 'Epidermis Development,', were significantly upregulated. We identified miR-4316, that inhibit tumor proliferation and migration by repressing vascular endothelial growth factors, as being upregulated in non-recurrent SCCA. On the contrary, lncRNA-SOX21-AS1, implicated in the progression of many other cancers, was also found to be more common in our recurrent compared to non-recurrent SCCA.

Our study identified key host factors which may drive the recurrence of SCCA and warrants further studies to understand the mechanism and evaluate their potential use in personalized treatment.Key MessageOur study used RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to identify pivotal factors in coding and non-coding transcripts which differentiate between patients at risk for recurrent anal cancer after treatment. There were 449 differentially expressed genes (390 mRNA, 12 miRNA, 17 lincRNA and 18 snRNA) between 9 non-recurrent and 3 recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of anus (SCCA) tissues. The enrichment of genes related to allograft rejection was observed in the non-recurrent SCCA tissues, while the enrichment of genes related to epidermis development was positively linked with recurrent SCCA tissues.

Integrated analysis reveals a potential cuproptosis-related ceRNA axis SNHG17/miR-29a-3p/GCSH in prostate adenocarcinoma

Cuproptosis is a novel form of programmed cell death. The role and mechanism of cuproptosis-related genes in prostate adenocarcinoma have not been fully understood. In this study, a series of bioinformatic analyses were performed. Consequently, glycine cleavage system protein H with high expression and unfavorable prognosis was regarded as the most potential cuproptosis-related gene in prostate adenocarcinoma. Moreover, glycine cleavage system protein H might be a promising indicator for predicting leuprolide sensitivity in prostate adenocarcinoma and three potential drugs targeting glycine cleavage system protein H were identified. Enrichment analysis revealed that glycine cleavage system protein H-correlated genes were significantly enriched in tricarboxylic acid cycle-related pathways. Subsequently, small nucleolar RNA host gene 17/miR-29a-3p axis was found to partially account for overexpression of glycine cleavage system protein H in prostate adenocarcinoma. Collectively, the current study elucidated a potential cuproptosis-related competing endogenous RNA axis small nucleolar RNA host gene 17/miR-29a-3p/glycine cleavage system protein H in prostate adenocarcinoma.

Importance of long non-coding RNAs in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of prostate cancer

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are regulatory transcripts with essential roles in the pathogenesis of almost all types of cancers, including prostate cancer. They can act as either oncogenic lncRNAs or tumor suppressor ones in prostate cancer. Small nucleolar RNA host genes are among the mostly assessed oncogenic lncRNAs in this cancer. PCA3 is an example of oncogenic lncRNAs that has been approved as a diagnostic marker in prostate cancer. A number of well-known oncogenic lncRNAs in other cancers such as DANCR, MALAT1, CCAT1, PVT1, TUG1 and NEAT1 have also been shown to act as oncogenes in prostate cancer. On the other hand, LINC00893, LINC01679, MIR22HG, RP1-59D14.5, MAGI2-AS3, NXTAR, FGF14-AS2 and ADAMTS9-AS1 are among lncRNAs that act as tumor suppressors in prostate cancer. LncRNAs can contribute to the pathogenesis of prostate cancer via modulation of androgen receptor (AR) signaling, ubiquitin-proteasome degradation process of AR or other important signaling pathways. The current review summarizes the role of lncRNAs in the evolution of prostate cancer with an especial focus on their importance in design of novel biomarker panels and therapeutic targets.

C/D box small nucleolar RNA SNORD104 promotes endometrial cancer by regulating the 2'-O-methylation of PARP1

BACKGROUND

Small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) are dysregulated in many cancers, although their exact role in tumor genesis and progression remains unclear.

METHODS

The expression profiles of snoRNAs in endometrial cancer (EC) tissues were analyzed using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas, and SNORD104 was identified as an upregulated snoRNA in EC. The tumorigenic role of SNORD104 in EC was established in CCK8, colony formation, EdU, apoptosis, Transwell, and in vivo xenograft experiments. The molecular mechanisms of SNORD104 were analyzed by RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), Nm-seq, RTL-P assay, RNA stability assay, qRT-PCR, and western blotting.

RESULTS

Antisense oligonucleotide (ASO)-mediated knockdown of SNORD104 in Ishikawa cells significantly inhibited their proliferation, colony formation ability, migration, and invasion in vitro and increased apoptosis. On the other hand, overexpression of SNORD104 promoted EC growth in vivo and in vitro. RIP assay showed that SNORD104 binds to the 2'-O-methyltransferase fibrillarin (FBL), and according to the results of Nm-seq and RTL-P assay, SNORD104 upregulated PARP1 (encoding poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1) 2'-O-methylation. The binding of FBL to PARP1 mRNA was also verified by RIP assay. Furthermore, SNORD104 expression was positively correlated with PARP1 expression in EC tissues. In the presence of actinomycin D, SNORD104 increased the stability of PARP1 mRNA and promoted its nuclear localization. Finally, silencing FBL or PARP1 in the HEC1B cells overexpressing SNORD104 inhibited their proliferative and clonal capacities and increased apoptosis rates.

CONCLUSIONS

SNORD104 enhances PARP1 mRNA stability and translation in the EC cells by upregulating 2'-O-methylation and promotes tumor growth.

Integrative pan-cancer analysis indicates the prognostic importance of long noncoding RNA SNHG17 in human cancers

BACKGROUND

Cancer is one of the most widespread causes of death today. Early diagnosis can dramatically reduce cancer-related mortality. Studies have shown that the lncRNA Small Nucleolar RNA Host Gene 17 (SNHG17) is aberrantly expressed in various types of solid tumors. Nevertheless, its prognostic value remains to be elucidated. The main objective of this meta-analysis was to elucidate whether SNHG17 can be considered as a potential prognostic biomarker for a variety of cancers.

METHODS

Correlational studies were screened from Cochrane, Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science. Hazard ratios (HRs) and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled, and the role of SNHG17 in cancer was analyzed. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was employed to verify the results.

RESULTS

Seventeen original papers including 1451 patients were included in the meta-analysis. SNHG17 expression was upregulated in various cancers. Overexpression of SNHG17 was significantly correlated with worse overall survival (OS) (HR = 1.92, 95% CI 1.55-2.37, P < 0.001) and relapse-free survival (RFS) (HR = 1.87, 95% CI 1.06-3.30, P = 0.030). Furthermore, overexpression of SNHG17 was predictive of earlier lymph node metastasis (LNM) (OR = 2.94, 95% CI 2.29-3.78, P < 0.001), more advanced tumor-node-metastases (TNM) stage (OR = 3.56, 95% CI 2.22-5.68, P < 0.001), larger tumor size (OR = 2.18, 95% CI 1.65-2.88, P < 0.001), worse differentiation grade (OR = 1.69, 95% CI 1.26-2.25, P < 0.001), and earlier distant metastasis (DM) (OR = 1.63, 95% CI 1.03-2.56, P = 0.033) in human cancers. Moreover, further inquiry based on TCGA dataset validated that SNHG17 was high expression in various tumors and foresaw unfavorable clinical prognosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Overexpression of SNHG17 correlates with poor prognosis and advanced clinicopathological features in cancer patients and may be a potential prognostic indicator and a therapeutic target for cancer treatment.

Prognostic significance of lncRNA AP004608.1 in prostate cancer

This study aimed to screen and determine the value of AP004608.1 expression as a biomarker for Prostate cancer (PCa) survival. We investigated the expression and prognosis of AP004608.1 through bioinformatics analysis. Low AP004608.1 expression predicted favorable Overall survival (OS) and Progression-free survival (PFS) in PCa patients, according to the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Cox regression demonstrated that low AP004608.1 expression were in-dependent biomarkers for OS. Moreover, Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was utilized to verify the prognostic role of AP004608.1 in PCa, and the similar results were reached. A meta-analysis revealed that low AP004608.1 expression was closely relevant to better OS. AP004608.1 could constitute a promising prognostic biomarker, and probably plays an important role in PCa.

Enabling factor for cancer hallmark acquisition: Small nucleolar RNA host gene 17

The role of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) in human tumors has gradually received increasing attention in recent years. Particularly, the different functions of lncRNAs in different subcellular localizations have been widely investigated. The upregulation of lncRNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 17 (SNHG17) has been observed in various human tumors. Growing evidence has proved that SNHG17 plays a tumor-promoting role in tumorigenesis and development. This paper describes the molecular mechanisms by which SNHG17 contributes to tumor formation and development. The different functions of SNHG17 in various subcellular localizations are also emphasized: its function in the cytoplasm as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA), its action in the nucleus as a transcriptional coactivator, and its function through the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2)-dependent epigenetic modifications that regulate transcriptional processes. Finally, the correlation between SNHG17 and human tumors is summarized. Its potential as a novel prognostic and diagnostic biomarker for cancer is explored especially.

Long non‑coding RNA CASC11 interacts with YBX1 to promote prostate cancer progression by suppressing the p53 pathway

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the principal causes of cancer‑related death worldwide. The roles and mechanisms of long non‑coding RNA (lncRNA) involved in the development of PCa remain incompletely understood. The present study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of lncRNA in PCa tumorigenesis. In the present study, lncRNA cancer susceptibility candidate 11 (CASC11) was revealed to be a crucial regulator of PCa progression. The expression profiles of CASC11 in PCa were identified through analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus datasets, and validated in human PCa specimens and cell lines. Gain‑ and loss‑of‑function assays were utilized to explore the biological role of CASC11 in PCa initiation and progression. RNA‑sequencing, RNA pull‑down and RNA immunoprecipitation analyses were used to explore potential mechanisms with which CASC11 may be associated. Rescue experiments were further conducted to confirm this association. The present results revealed that CASC11 was dominantly distributed in the nuclei of PCa cells, and was highly expressed in PCa tissues and cells. Overexpression of CASC11 was markedly associated with increased tumor proliferation and migratory ability. Functionally, decreased proliferation and migration, as well as inhibited xenograft tumor growth, were observed in CASC11‑silenced PCa cells, whereas the opposite effects were detected in CASC11‑overexpressing cells. Mechanistically, CASC11 promoted progression of the cell cycle and competitively interacted with Y‑box binding protein 1 (YBX1) to block the p53 pathway. Given this, poly (β‑amino ester) (PBAE)/small interfering RNA‑CASC11 (si‑CASC11) nanoparticles were applied to inhibit CASC11 expression and enhance the antitumor effect in vivo. The results revealed that PBAE/si‑CASC11 nanoparticles augmented the antitumor efficacy of CASC11 knockdown in vivo. In conclusion, the present study suggested that CASC11 may regulate PCa progression and elucidated a novel CASC11/YBX1/p53 signaling axis, providing a potential lncRNA‑directed therapeutic strategy particularly for the treatment of patients with PCa.

The Role of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition-Related Signaling Pathways in Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common male malignancies with frequent remote invasion and metastasis, leading to high mortality. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a fundamental process in embryonic development and plays a key role in tumor proliferation, invasion and metastasis. Numerous long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) could regulate the occurrence and development of EMT through various complex molecular mechanisms involving multiple signaling pathways in PCa. Given the importance of EMT and lncRNAs in the progression of tumor metastasis, we recapitulate the research progress of EMT-related signaling pathways regulated by lncRNAs in PCa, including AR signaling, STAT3 signaling, Wnt/β-catenin signaling, PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling, TGF-β/Smad and NF-κB signaling pathways. Furthermore, we summarize four modes of how lncRNAs participate in the EMT process of PCa via regulating relevant signaling pathways.

Integrative Analysis and Experimental Validation Indicated That SNHG17 Is a Prognostic Marker in Prostate Cancer and a Modulator of the Tumor Microenvironment via a Competitive Endogenous RNA Regulatory Network

The incidence of prostate cancer (PC) is growing rapidly worldwide, and studies uncovering the molecular mechanisms driving the progression and modulating the immune infiltration and antitumor immunity of PC are urgently needed. The long noncoding RNA SNHG family has been recognized as a prognostic marker in cancers and contributes to the progression of multiple cancers, including PC. In this study, we aimed to clarify the prognostic values and underlying mechanisms of SNHGs in promoting the progression and modulating the tumor microenvironment of PC through data mining based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. We identified that within the SNHG family, SNHG17 was most correlated with the overall survival of PC patients and could act as an independent predictor. Moreover, we constructed a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network by which SNHG17 promotes progression and potentially inhibits the immune infiltration and immune response of prostate cancer. By interacting with miR-23a-3p/23b-3p/23c, SNHG17 upregulates the expression of UBE2M and OTUB1, which have been demonstrated to play critical roles in the tumorigenesis of human cancers, more importantly promoting cancer cell immunosuppression and resistance to cytotoxic stimulation. Finally, we examined the correlation between SNHG17 expression and the clinical progression of PC patients based on our cohort of 52 PC patients. We also verified the SNHG17/miR-23a/OTUB1 axis in RV-1 and PC-3 cells by dual luciferase and RIP assays, and we further identified that SNHG17 promoted cellular invasive capacity by modulating OTUB1. In summary, the current study conducted a ceRNA-based SNHG17-UBE2M/OTUB1 axis and indicated that SNHG17 might be a novel prognostic factor associated with the progression, immunosuppression, and cytotoxic resistance of PC.

Molecular Landscape of LncRNAs in Prostate Cancer: A focus on pathways and therapeutic targets for intervention

Background

One of the most malignant tumors in men is prostate cancer that is still incurable due to its heterogenous and progressive natures. Genetic and epigenetic changes play significant roles in its development. The RNA molecules with more than 200 nucleotides in length are known as lncRNAs and these epigenetic factors do not encode protein. They regulate gene expression at transcriptional, post-transcriptional and epigenetic levels. LncRNAs play vital biological functions in cells and in pathological events, hence their expression undergoes dysregulation.

Aim of review

The role of epigenetic alterations in prostate cancer development are emphasized here. Therefore, lncRNAs were chosen for this purpose and their expression level and interaction with other signaling networks in prostate cancer progression were examined.

Key scientific concepts of review

The aberrant expression of lncRNAs in prostate cancer has been well-documented and progression rate of tumor cells are regulated via affecting STAT3, NF-κB, Wnt, PI3K/Akt and PTEN, among other molecular pathways. Furthermore, lncRNAs regulate radio-resistance and chemo-resistance features of prostate tumor cells. Overexpression of tumor-promoting lncRNAs such as HOXD-AS1 and CCAT1 can result in drug resistance. Besides, lncRNAs can induce immune evasion of prostate cancer via upregulating PD-1. Pharmacological compounds such as quercetin and curcumin have been applied for targeting lncRNAs. Furthermore, siRNA tool can reduce expression of lncRNAs thereby suppressing prostate cancer progression. Prognosis and diagnosis of prostate tumor at clinical course can be evaluated by lncRNAs. The expression level of exosomal lncRNAs such as lncRNA-p21 can be investigated in serum of prostate cancer patients as a reliable biomarker.

Exosome-Derived miRNAs as Potential Biomarkers for Prostate Bone Metastasis

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to identify the potential exosome-derived microRNAs (miRNAs) related to prostate cancer (Pca) bone metastasis.

Methods

Two datasets were collected. One dataset was from the authors’ institute, for which two groups of 10 patients each were designed: in the first one, the patients had early-stage localised Pca without bone metastasis, and in the other, the patients presented with Pca with bone metastasis. Then, the miRNA expression profiles of the blood exosomes were obtained and analysed. The other dataset was a public dataset of the miRNA expression transcriptome (GSE26964), which was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). The results of both datasets were jointly analysed and the most bone-metastatic-related differentially expressed miRNAs (diff-miRNAs) were identified and further validated. Finally, a series of bioinformatics analyses were performed and the relationship between target genes of the diff-miRNAs and the pathogenesis and progression of bone metastasis of Pca were studied.

Results

From the authors’ dataset, in all, 313 diff-miRNAs were identified, of which 205 were up-regulated while 108 were down-regulated. From the GSE26964 dataset, 107 diff-miRNAs were found, of which 44 were up-regulated and 63 were down-regulated. Taking the intersection of the results of both datasets, four diff-miRNAs were identified: hsa-miR-125a-3p, hsa-miR-330-3p, hsa-miR-339-5p and hsa-miR-613. In all, 94 target genes of the four diff-miRNAs were predicted. After considering the intersection of the results from the GSE32269 dataset, we obtained 25 target genes. Although either positive or negative correlations were found among the diff-miRNAs with some of the target genes, there is a lack of evidence on how such correlations regulate the development and promotion of Pca bone metastasis.

Conclusion

Hsa-miR-125a-3p, hsa-miR-330-3p, hsa-miR-339-5p and hsa-miR-613 are potential biomarkers for Pca bone metastasis.

Long noncoding RNA SNHG17: a novel molecule in human cancers

Many studies in recent years have found that dysregulation of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can contribute to disease. Small nucleolar RNA host gene 17 (SNHG17) is a novel cancer-related lncRNA of the SNHG family which is highly expressed in various tumors and may exert oncogenic functions. Several studies have demonstrated that SNHG17 is closely related to the proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, and chemical drug resistance of tumor cells, and clinical studies have found an association between high SNHG17 expression and poor prognosis. In this review, we summarize relevant studies investigating SNHG17, focusing on its biological function as well as its potential value for clinical applications.

SNHG17 promotes colorectal tumorigenesis and metastasis via regulating Trim23-PES1 axis and miR-339-5p-FOSL2-SNHG17 positive feedback loop

Background

Small nucleolar RNA host gene (SNHG) long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are frequently dysregulated in human cancers and involved in tumorigenesis and progression. SNHG17 has been reported as a candidate oncogene in several cancer types, however, its regulatory role in colorectal cancer (CRC) is unclear.

Methods

SNHG17 expression in multiple CRC cohorts was assessed by RT-qPCR or bioinformatic analyses. Cell viability was evaluated using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assays. Cell mobility and invasiveness were assessed by Transwell assays. Tumor xenograft and metastasis models were applied to confirm the effects of SNHG17 on CRC tumorigenesis and metastasis in vivo. Immunohistochemistry staining was used to measure protein expression in cancer tissues. RNA pull-down, RNA immunoprecipitation, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and dual luciferase assays were used to investigate the molecular mechanism of SNHG17 in CRC.

Results

Using multiple cohorts, we confirmed that SNHG17 is aberrantly upregulated in CRC and correlated with poor survival. In vitro and in vivo functional assays indicated that SNHG17 facilitates CRC proliferation and metastasis. SNHG17 impedes PES1 degradation by inhibiting Trim23-mediated ubiquitination of PES1. SNHG17 upregulates FOSL2 by sponging miR-339-5p, and FOSL2 transcription activates SNHG17 expression, uncovering a SNHG17-miR-339-5p-FOSL2-SNHG17 positive feedback loop.

Conclusions

We identified SNHG17 as an oncogenic lncRNA in CRC and identified abnormal upregulation of SNHG17 as a prognostic risk factor for CRC. Our mechanistic investigations demonstrated, for the first time, that SNHG17 promotes tumor growth and metastasis through two different regulatory mechanisms, SNHG17-Trim23-PES1 axis and SNHG17-miR-339-5p-FOSL2-SNHG17 positive feedback loop, which may be exploited for CRC therapy.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-021-02162-8.

SNHG17, as an EMT-related lncRNA, promotes the expression of c-Myc by binding to c-Jun in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Dysregulation of long noncoding RNA SNHG17 is associated with the occurrence of several tumors; however, its role in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains obscure. The present study demonstrated that SNHG17 was upregulated in ESCC tissues and cell lines, induced by TGF‐β1, and associated with poor survival. It is also involved in the epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. The mechanism underlying SNHG17‐regulated c‐Myc was detected by RNA immunoprecipitation, RNA pull‐down, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and luciferase reporter assays. SNHG17 was found to directly regulate c‐Myc transcription by binding to c‐Jun protein and recruiting the complex to specific sequences of the c‐Myc promoter region, thereby increasing its expression. Moreover, SNHG17 hyperactivation induced by TGF‐β1 results in PI3K/AKT pathway activation, promoting cells EMT, forming a positive feedback loop. Furthermore, SNHG17 facilitated ESCC tumor growth in vivo. Overall, this study demonstrated that the SNHG17/c‐Jun/c‐Myc axis aggravates ESCC progression and EMT induction by TGF‐β1 and may serve as a new therapeutic target for ESCC.

Super-enhancer-associated TMEM44-AS1 aggravated glioma progression by forming a positive feedback loop with Myc

Background

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been considered as one type of gene expression regulator for cancer development, but it is not clear how these are regulated. This study aimed to identify a specific lncRNA that promotes glioma progression.

Methods

RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and quantitative real-time PCR were performed to screen differentially expressed genes. CCK-8, transwell migration, invasion assays, and a mouse xenograft model were performed to determine the functions of TMEM44-AS1. Co-IP, ChIP, Dual-luciferase reporter assays, RNA pulldown, and RNA immunoprecipitation assays were performed to study the molecular mechanism of TMEM44-AS1 and the downstream target.

Results

We identified a novel lncRNA TMEM44-AS1, which was aberrantly expressed in glioma tissues, and that increased TMEM44-AS1 expression was correlated with malignant progression and poor survival for patients with glioma. Expression of TMEM44-AS1 increased the proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion of glioma cells. Knockdown of TMEM44-AS1 in glioma cells reduced cell proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion, and tumor growth in a nude mouse xenograft model. Mechanistically, TMEM44-AS1 is directly bound to the SerpinB3, and sequentially activated Myc and EGR1/IL-6 signaling; Myc transcriptionally induced TMEM44-AS1 and directly bound to the promoter and super-enhancer of TMEM44-AS1, thus forming a positive feedback loop with TMEM44-AS. Further studies demonstrated that Myc interacts with MED1 regulates the super-enhancer of TMEM44-AS1. More importantly, a novel small-molecule Myc inhibitor, Myci975, alleviated TMEM44-AS1-promoted the growth of glioma cells.

Conclusions

Our study implicates a crucial role of the TMEM44-AS1-Myc axis in glioma progression and provides a possible anti-glioma therapeutic agent.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-021-02129-9.

Long non-coding RNA SNHG17 promotes lung adenocarcinoma progression by targeting the microRNA-193a-5p/NETO2 axis

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play vital roles in human cancers. It has been reported that lncRNA SNHG17 expression is dysregulated in different types of cancer and involved in cancer progression. However, the role of SNHG17 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the role of SNHG17 in LUAD. Reverse transcription-quantitative (RT-q) PCR analysis was performed to detect SNHG17 expression in LUAD tissues and cells. The effects of SNHG17 on cancer cell migration, invasion, proliferation and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were assessed via Transwell, MTT and western blot assays, respectively. The interactions between SNHG17 and microRNA (miRNA/miR)-193a-5p, miR-193a-5p and neuropilin and tolloid-like 2 (NETO2) were assessed via the dual-luciferase reporter assay. NETO2 expression and its potential role in LUAD were analyzed via RT-qPCR analysis and the UALCAN database. The results demonstrated that SNHG17 expression was significantly upregulated in LUAD tissues and cells, and high SNHG17 expression was associated with tumor-node-metastasis stage and poor prognosis of patients with LUAD. SNHG17 knockdown inhibited cell migration, invasion, proliferation and the EMT process. In addition, the results revealed that SNHG17 functions as a competing endogenous RNA of miR-193a-5p. The results of the dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed that miR-193a-5p can directly target SNHG17. NETO2 was also predicted as a target protein of miR-193a-5p, which was confirmed via the dual-luciferase reporter assay. The roles of NETO2 knockdown in cancer cells were rescued following transfection with miR-193a-5p inhibitor or overexpression of SNHG17. Notably, high NETO2 expression was associated with poor prognosis of patients with LUAD. Bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that the promoter methylation level of NETO2 decreased in LUAD. Taken together, the results of the present study suggest that SNHG17 expression is upregulated in LUAD tissues and cells, and SNHG17 exerts tumor promoting effect by targeting the miR-193a-5p/NETO2 axis.

Carcinoma-associated fibroblasts promote the proliferation and metastasis of osteosarcoma by transferring exosomal LncRNA SNHG17

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) serve as a predominant regulator in the tumor microenvironment. However, the crosstalk between CAFs and OS cells remains mostly unclear. Recent studies explored that long non-coding RNA (LncRNAs) involved in regulating osteosarcoma (OS) formation and development, but their functions in CAFs are unknown. Here, we first investigated the SNHG17 was upregulated in OS tissues and correlated with the poor prognosis through the integrating clinical data. We then evaluated the function of SNHG17 in vitro using the stable SNHG17-depleted OS cells. HOS cells with SNHG17 knocked down were performed to generate the OS xenograft model. Through immunohistochemistry assay and TUNEL apoptosis assay, the role of SNHG17 on OS development was assessed in vivo. We then examined the SNHG17 expression in exosomes derived from CAFs, normal fibroblasts (NFs), and tumor tissues from the OS clinical samples. The interaction among SNHG17, miR-2861, and MMP2 was predicted by bioinformatics analysis and identified by RIP and luciferase assays. The cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of SJSA-1 and HOS cells co-cultured with CAFs-derived exosomes were assessed by CCK-8 and colony formation assays. We found that SNHG17 was upregulated in the tumor tissues and presented a pro-tumorigenic effect on OS both in vitro and in vivo. It also was an essential exosomal cargo of CAFs and could affect OS cell proliferation and migration in vitro. CAFs-released exosomal SNHG17 acted as an essential molecular sponge for miR-2861 in OS cells. Moreover, MMP2 was a direct target of miR-2861 and was regulated by SNHG17. Overall, our findings identified that SNHG17 was an essential exosomal cargo of OS-related CAFs that contributes to proliferation and metastasis of OS, supporting the therapeutic potency of targeting the crosstalk between cancer cells and CAFs.

LncRNA SNHG17 promotes tumor progression and predicts poor survival in human renal cell carcinoma via sponging miR-328-3p

Accumulating data shows that dysregulation of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in human tumors' occurrence and progression. Small nucleolar RNA host genes (SNHGs) are recently revealed to play a carcinogenic role in various human neoplasms. However, the functions and underlying mechanisms of lncRNA SNHG17 in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) are still elusive. We analyzed the relationship between SNHG17 expression levels and clinicopathologic characteristics and prognosis in patients with RCC according to TCGA RNA-sequencing data and our cohort data. Loss-of-function and gain-of-function experiments were conducted to examine the biological behaviors of SNHG17 on RCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, and tumor growth in vivo. The interaction between SNHG17, miR-328-3p, and Histone’sH2Avariant (H2AX) was verified by bioinformatics, dual-luciferase reporter gene, and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP). Highly expressed SNHG17 was evident in RCC tissue samples and cell lines, and SNHG17 overexpression was related to advanced TNM stage and reduced relapse-free and overall survival of patients with RCC. Knockdown of SNHG17 prohibited malignant phenotypes, whereas ectopic SNHG17 expression showed the opposite effects. More importantly, SNHG17 could upregulate the expression of H2AX by acting as a miR-328-3p sponge. In vivo experiments confirmed that SNHG17 promoted the growth of RCC tumors. SNHG17/miR-328-3p/H2AXaxis might be involved in RCC progression, which provided a potential therapeutic target for RCC.

Long Non-coding RNA: An Emerging Contributor and Potential Therapeutic Target in Renal Fibrosis

Renal fibrosis (RF) is a pathological process that culminates in terminal renal failure in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Fibrosis contributes to progressive and irreversible decline in renal function. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in RF are complex and remain poorly understood. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a major type of non-coding RNAs, which significantly affect various disease processes, cellular homeostasis, and development through multiple mechanisms. Recent investigations have implicated aberrantly expressed lncRNA in RF development and progression, suggesting that lncRNAs play a crucial role in determining the clinical manifestation of RF. In this review, we comprehensively evaluated the recently published articles on lncRNAs in RF, discussed the potential application of lncRNAs as diagnostic and/or prognostic biomarkers, proposed therapeutic targets for treating RF-associated diseases and subsequent CKD transition, and highlight future research directions in the context of the role of lncRNAs in the development and treatment of RF.

LncRNA SNHG17 Contributes to the Progression of Cervical Cancer by Targeting microRNA-375-3p

Purpose

Cervical cancer is a great threat to women’s health all over the world. Non-coding RNAs performed a wide range of functions. This study aimed to clarify the clinical significance and biological function of lncRNA SNHG17 and miRNA-375-3p (miR-375-3p) in cervical cancer (CC).

Patients and Methods

Blood samples from 124 CC patients and 119 healthy volunteers were collected. The relative expression of SNHG17 and miR-375-3p in CC patient serums and cells was evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The receiver operating curve (ROC) was plotted for diagnostic value estimation. The CCK-8 and transwell assay were conducted to explore the function of SNHG17 on CC cells. A luciferase reporter assay was carried out to confirm the interaction of SNHG17 and miR-375-3p. Rescue experiments were performed to verify the interaction.

Results

SNHG17 showed an ascending expression while miR-375-3p descended in the serum of CC patients. For SNHG17 and miR-375-3p, respectively, the AUC was 0.863 and 0.869, the sensitivity was 84.7% and 75.8%, and the specificity was 78.2% and 86.6%. Knockdown of SNHG17 inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion of CC cells. Serum SNHG17 expression was negatively correlated with miR-375-3p expression, and miR-375-3p was the target miRNA of SNHG17. Rescue experiments verified the knockdown of SNHG17 inhibited cell growth through repressing miR-375-3p expression.

Conclusion

SNHG17 and miR-375-3p have the potential to be diagnostic markers for CC. Overexpression of SNHG17 in CC promoted the progression of CC partly via targeting miR-375-3p, implying a novel therapeutic target for CC emerging.

A seven-lncRNA signature for predicting Ewing's sarcoma

Background

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs with unique characteristics. These RNA can regulate cancer cells’ survival, proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis and are potential diagnostic and prognostic markers. We identified a seven-lncRNA signature related to the overall survival (OS) of patients with Ewing’s sarcoma (EWS).

Methods

We used an expression profile from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database as a training cohort to screen out the OS-associated lncRNAs in EWS and further established a seven-lncRNA signature using univariate Cox regression, the least absolute shrinkage, and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis. The prognostic lncRNA signature was validated in an external dataset from the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) as a validation cohort.

Results

We obtained 10 survival-related lncRNAs from the Kaplan-Meier and ROC curve analysis (log-rank test P < 0.05; AUC >0.6). Univariate Cox regression and LASSO regression analyses confirmed seven key lncRNAs and we established a lncRNA signature to predict an EWS prognosis. EWS patients in the training cohort were categorized into a low-risk group or a high-risk group based on their median risk score. The high-risk group’s survival time was significantly shorter than the low-risk group’s. This seven-lncRNA signature was further confirmed by the validation cohort. The area under the curve (AUC) for this lncRNA signature was up to 0.905 in the training group and 0.697 in the 3-year validation group. The nomogram’s calibration curves demonstrated that EWS probability in the two cohorts was consistent between the nomogram prediction and actual observation.

Conclusion

We screened a seven-lncRNA signature to predict the EWS patients’ prognosis. Our findings provide a new reference for the current prognostic evaluation of EWS and new direction for the diagnosis and treatment of EWS.

Small nucleolar RNA host genes promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition lead cancer progression and metastasis

The small nucleolar RNA host genes (SNHGs) belong to the long non-coding RNAs and are reported to be able to influence all three levels of cellular information-bearing molecules, that is, DNA, RNA, and proteins, resulting in the generation of complex phenomena. As the host genes of the small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs), they are commonly localized in the nucleolus, where they exert multiple regulatory functions orchestrating cellular homeostasis and differentiation as well as metastasis and chemoresistance. Indeed, worldwide literature has reported their involvement in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of different histotypes of cancer, being able to exploit peculiar features, for example, the possibility to act both in the nucleus and the cytoplasm. Moreover, SNHGs regulation is a fundamental topic to better understand their role in tumor progression albeit such mechanism is still debated. Here, we reviewed the biological functions of SNHGs in particular in the EMT process and discussed the perspectives for new cancer therapies.

LncRNA PlncRNA-1 accelerates the progression of prostate cancer by regulating PTEN/Akt axis

Long non-coding RNAs are key regulators of tumor development and progression, with the potential to be biomarkers of tumors. This study aimed to explore the role of PlncRNA-1 in the progression of prostate cancer (PCa). We found that PlncRNA-1 was up-regulated in 85.29% of PCa tissues and could predict the T stage of PCa patients to a certain extent. Results showed that inhibition of PlncRNA-1 expression potentially promoted cell apoptosis, suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of cells, and triggered G2/M cycle arrest in vitro and in vivo. PlncRNA-1 was mainly localized in the nucleus and PlncRNA-1 expression and phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) expression were negatively correlated. Mechanistically, knockdown of PlncRNA-1 increased expression levels of PTEN protein and phosphorylated PTEN protein, and decreased expression levels of Akt protein and phosphorylated Akt protein. Rescue experiments demonstrated that PTEN inhibitors abolished the changes in PTEN/Akt pathway caused by PlncRNA-1 interference. PlncRNA-1 can promote the occurrence and development of PCa via the PTEN/Akt pathway. PlncRNA-1 may, therefore, be a new candidate target for the treatment of PCa.

lncRNA SNHG17 promotes pancreatic carcinoma progression via cross-talking with miR-942

OBJECTIVE

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) SNHG17 has been shown to modulate the biological behavior of multiple cancers (e.g., colorectal and lung cancers). However, its involvement in pancreatic cancer (PC) has not been explored; therefore, in the present study, we sought to examine this involvement.

METHODS

First, the mRNA expression levels of various genes were quantified in PC tissues and cell lines using quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). The interaction between SNHG17 and miR-942 was explored by bioinformatics prediction as well as a dual luciferase reporter assay. The proliferation and viability of pancreatic carcinoma cells were examined using cell counting kit-8 and MTT assays, respectively. Cellular migratory and invasive properties were evaluated using transwell migration and wound healing assays. Cell death was measured using flow cytometry. Protein expression was quantified by western blotting.

RESULTS

SNHG17 expression was markedly higher in human PC specimens and cell lines than in normal healthy tissues and pancreatic epithelial cells. MiR-942 expression displayed the opposite trend. Bioinformatics prediction and a dual luciferase reporter assay confirmed that SNHG17 serves as a sponge for miR-942. Loss-of-function assay revealed that SNHG17 silencing reduced the proliferation and viability of PC cells, impaired their migratory and invasive capacities, and led to their apoptosis. All these changes could be reversed by miR-942 inhibition. Further mechanical studies showed that SNHG17 silencing decreased the expression of several tumor modulators, including XXX, and this decrease was countered by miR-942 inhibition.

CONCLUSION

Our study provides experimental evidence for an interaction between SNHG17 and miR-942, which may unveil a new approach for PC pharmacotherapy.