1
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Qin J, Chen Y, Zhao X, Yu J. circCUL3 drives malignant progression of cervical cancer by activating autophagy through sponge miR-223-3p upregulation of ATG7. Gene 2024; 925:148572. [PMID: 38759738 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Circular RNA (circRNA) has emerged as a pivotal regulatory factor in cancer biology, yet its exact role in cervical cancer remains incompletely understood. In this study, we investigated the functional role of circCUL3 in cervical cancer and explored its potential as a therapeutic target. Functional gain and loss experiments were conducted in Hela and Siha cell lines to elucidate the biological functions of circCUL3 in cervical cancer. The results revealed that circCUL3 overexpression significantly enhanced cell viability, migration, and invasion while suppressing apoptosis, while circCUL3 knockout displayed the opposite effects. Mechanistically, we identified hsa-miR-223-3p as a target of circCUL3, with its expression being negatively regulated by circCUL3. Furthermore, we discovered that circCUL3 could sequester miR-223-3p, leading to the upregulation of ATG7 expression, and this was linked to the regulation of autophagy in cervical cancer cells. In vivo validation using a xenograft mouse model further supported our in vitro findings. Notably, we found that chloroquine (CQ), an autophagy inhibitor, restored miR-223-3p expression and counteracted the oncogenic effect of circCUL3 overexpression. In conclusion, circCUL3 potentially contributes to the malignant progression of cervical cancer by acting as a sponge for miR-223-3p, resulting in the upregulation of ATG7 and the activation of autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Qin
- Department of Gynecology, Hangzhou Third People's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Gynecology, Hangzhou Third People's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xia Zhao
- Department of Gynecology, Hangzhou Third People's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jingmin Yu
- Department of Gynecology, Hangzhou Third People's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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2
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Zhang W, Xu C, Yang Z, Zhou J, Peng W, Zhang X, Li H, Qu S, Tao K. Circular RNAs in tumor immunity and immunotherapy. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:171. [PMID: 39169354 PMCID: PMC11337656 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02082-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are unique noncoding RNAs that have a closed and stable loop structure generated through backsplicing. Due to their conservation, stability and tissue specificity, circRNAs can potentially be used as diagnostic indicators and therapeutic targets for certain tumors. Many studies have shown that circRNAs can act as microRNA (miRNA) sponges, and engage in interactions with proteins and translation templates to regulate gene expression and signal transduction, thereby participating in the occurrence and development of a variety of malignant tumors. Immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of cancer. Early researches have indicated that circRNAs are involved in regulating tumor immune microenvironment and antitumor immunity. CircRNAs may have the potential to be important targets for increasing sensitivity to immunotherapy and expanding the population of patients who benefit from cancer immunotherapy. However, few studies have investigated the correlation between circRNAs and tumor immunity. In this review, we summarize the current researches on circRNAs involved in antitumor immune regulation through different mechanisms and their potential value in increasing immunotherapy efficacy with the goal of providing new targets for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710069, China
| | - Chen Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
| | - Zhipeng Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710069, China
| | - Jingshi Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
| | - Wei Peng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
| | - Haimin Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
| | - Shibin Qu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China.
| | - Kaishan Tao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China.
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Botwe G, Fang X, Mukhtar YM, Zhou Y, Tang H, Wang M, Zhang J, Fu M, Jiang P, Gu J, Zhang X. Circular RNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for gastrointestinal cancers. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 39:1230-1246. [PMID: 38504413 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.16536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Circular RNAs are a class of noncoding RNAs with covalently linked 5' and 3' ends that arise from backsplicing events. The absence of a 5' cap and a 3' poly(A) tail makes circular RNAs relatively more stable than their linear counterparts. They are evolutionary conserved and tissue-specific, and some show disease-specific expression patterns. Although their biological functions remain largely unknown, circular RNAs have been shown to play regulatory roles by acting as microRNA sponges, regulators of RNA-binding proteins, alternative splicing, and parental gene expression, and they could even encode proteins. Over the past few decades, circular RNAs have attracted wide attention in oncology owing to their implications in various tumors. Many circular RNAs have been characterized as key players in gastrointestinal cancers and influence cancer growth, progression, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. Accumulating evidence reveals that their unique characteristics, coupled with their critical roles in tumorigenesis, make circular RNAs promising non-invasive clinical biomarkers for gastrointestinal cancers. In the present review, we summarized the biological roles of the emerging circular RNAs and their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets, which may help better understand their clinical significance in the management of gastrointestinal cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Godwin Botwe
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xinjian Fang
- Department of Oncology, Gaochun Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yusif Mohammed Mukhtar
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yue Zhou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haozhou Tang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Maoye Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiahui Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Min Fu
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Pengcheng Jiang
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jianmei Gu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Nantong Tumor Hospital/Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
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4
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Weidle UH, Nopora A. CircRNAs in Pancreatic Cancer: New Tools for Target Identification and Therapeutic Intervention. Cancer Genomics Proteomics 2024; 21:327-349. [PMID: 38944427 PMCID: PMC11215428 DOI: 10.21873/cgp.20451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024] Open
Abstract
We have reviewed the literature for circular RNAs (circRNAs) with efficacy in preclinical pancreatic-cancer related in vivo models. The identified circRNAs target chemoresistance mechanisms (n=5), secreted proteins and transmembrane receptors (n=15), transcription factors (n=9), components of the signaling- (n=11), ubiquitination- (n=2), autophagy-system (n=2), and others (n=9). In addition to identifying targets for therapeutic intervention, circRNAs are potential new entities for treatment of pancreatic cancer. Up-regulated circRNAs can be inhibited by antisense oligonucleotides (ASO), small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) or clustered regularly interspaced short-palindromic repeats-CRISPR associated protein (CRISPR-CAS)-based intervention. The function of down-regulated circRNAs can be reconstituted by replacement therapy using plasmids or virus-based vector systems. Target validation experiments and the development of improved delivery systems for corresponding agents were examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich H Weidle
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Adam Nopora
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
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5
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Wei G, Chen X, Ruan T, Ma X, Zhu X, Wen W, He D, Tao K, Wu C. Human gastric cancer progression and stabilization of ATG2B through RNF5 binding facilitated by autophagy-associated CircDHX8. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:410. [PMID: 38866787 PMCID: PMC11169566 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06782-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
The role of circDHX8 in the interplay between autophagy and gastric cancer (GC) progression remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the mechanism underlying the role of hsa_circ_003899 (circDHX8) in the malignancy of GC. Differential expression of circRNAs between GC and normal tissues was determined using circle-seq and microarray datasets (GSE83521). These circRNAs were validated using qPCR and Sanger sequencing. The function of circDHX8 was investigated through interference with circDHX8 expression experiments using in vitro and in vivo functional assays. Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and transmission electron microscopy were used to establish whether circDHX8 promoted autophagy in GC cells. To elucidate the mechanism underlying the circDHX8-mediated regulation of autophagy, we performed bioinformatics analysis, RNA pull-down, mass spectrometry (MS), RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), and other western Blot related experiments. Hsa_circ_0003899 (circDHX8) was identified as upregulated and shown to enhance the malignant progression in GC cells by promoting cellular autophagy. Mechanistically, circDHX8 increased ATG2B protein levels by preventing ubiquitin-mediated degradation, thereby facilitating cell proliferation and invasion in GC. Additionally, circDHX8 directly interacts with the E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase RNF5, inhibiting the RNF5-mediated degradation of ATG2B. Concurrently, ATG2B, an acetylated protein, is subjected to SIRT1-mediated deacetylation, enhancing its binding to RNF5. Consequently, we established a novel mechanism for the role of circDHX8 in the malignant progression of GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanxin Wei
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Xiang Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Tuo Ruan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Xianxiong Ma
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Xiuxian Zhu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Wenhao Wen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Danzeng He
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Kaixiong Tao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Chuanqing Wu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
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6
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Fu J, Lin J, Dai Z, Lin B, Zhang J. Hypoxia-associated autophagy flux dysregulation in human cancers. Cancer Lett 2024; 590:216823. [PMID: 38521197 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
A general feature of cancer is hypoxia, determined as low oxygen levels. Low oxygen levels may cause cells to alter in ways that contribute to tumor growth and resistance to treatment. Hypoxia leads to variations in cancer cell metabolism, angiogenesis and metastasis. Furthermore, a hypoxic tumor microenvironment might induce immunosuppression. Moreover, hypoxia has the potential to impact cellular processes, such as autophagy. Autophagy refers to the catabolic process by which damaged organelles and toxic macromolecules are broken down. The abnormal activation of autophagy has been extensively recorded in human tumors and it serves as a regulator of cell growth, spread to other parts of the body, and resistance to treatment. There is a correlation between hypoxia and autophagy in human malignancies. Hypoxia can regulate the activity of AMPK, mTOR, Beclin-1, and ATGs to govern autophagy in human malignancies. Furthermore, HIF-1α, serving as an indicator of low oxygen levels, controls the process of autophagy. Hypoxia-induced autophagy has a crucial role in regulating the growth, spread, and resistance to treatment in human malignancies. Hypoxia-induced regulation of autophagy can impact other mechanisms of cell death, such as apoptosis. Chemoresistance and radioresistance have become significant challenges in recent years. Hypoxia-mediated autophagy plays a crucial role in determining the response to these therapeutic treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiding Fu
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510095, China
| | - Jie Lin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510095, China
| | - Zili Dai
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510095, China
| | - Baisheng Lin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510095, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510095, China.
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7
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Qiu M, Chen Y, Zeng C. Biological functions of circRNA in regulating the hallmarks of gastrointestinal cancer (Review). Int J Oncol 2024; 64:49. [PMID: 38488023 PMCID: PMC10997371 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2024.5637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Circular RNA (circRNA) was first observed in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells in 1979, but it was not characterized in detail until 2012, when high‑throughput sequencing technology was more advanced and available. Consequently, the mechanism of circRNA formation and its biological function have been progressively elucidated by researchers. circRNA is abundant in eukaryotic cells and exhibits a certain degree of organization, timing and disease‑specificity. Additionally, it is poorly degradable, meeting the characteristics of an ideal clinical biomarker. In the present review, the recent research progress of circRNAs in digestive tract malignant tumors was primarily discussed. This included the roles, biological functions and clinical significance of circRNA, providing references for its research value and clinical potential in gastrointestinal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjun Qiu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Youxiang Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Chunyan Zeng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
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8
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Huang Y, Zhang R, Lyu H, Xiao S, Guo D, Chen XZ, Zhou C, Tang J. LncRNAs as nodes for the cross-talk between autophagy and Wnt signaling in pancreatic cancer drug resistance. Int J Biol Sci 2024; 20:2698-2726. [PMID: 38725864 PMCID: PMC11077374 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.91832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a malignancy with high mortality. In addition to the few symptoms until the disease reaches an advanced stage, the high fatality rate is attributed to its rapid development, drug resistance and lack of appropriate treatment. In the selection and research of therapeutic drugs, gemcitabine is the first-line drug for pancreatic cancer. Solving the problem of gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer will contribute to the progress of pancreatic cancer treatment. Long non coding RNAs (lncRNAs), which are RNA transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides, play vital roles in cellular physiological metabolic activities. Currently, our group and others have found that some lncRNAs are aberrantly expressed in pancreatic cancer cells, which can regulate the process of cancer through autophagy and Wnt/β-catenin pathways simultaneously and affect the sensitivity of cancer cells to therapeutic drugs. This review presents an overview of the recent evidence concerning the node of lncRNA for the cross-talk between autophagy and Wnt/β-catenin signaling in pancreatic cancer, together with the practicability of lncRNAs and the core regulatory factors as targets in therapeutic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhan Huang
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China, 430068
| | - Rui Zhang
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China, 430068
| | - Hao Lyu
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China, 430068
| | - Shuai Xiao
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China, 430068
| | - Dong Guo
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China, 430068
| | - Xing-Zhen Chen
- Membrane Protein Disease Research Group, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada, T6G2R3
| | - Cefan Zhou
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China, 430068
| | - Jingfeng Tang
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China, 430068
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9
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Sun Y, Zhao Y, Lu Y, Li H, Xiang J, Yang D, Wang J, Gao X, Wang Y. Urinary stem cell-derived exocrine circRNA ATG7 regulates the SOCS1/STAT3 signaling pathway through miR-4500, inhibits M1 macrophage polarization, and alleviates the progression of diabetes nephropathy. Int Urol Nephrol 2024; 56:1449-1463. [PMID: 37815664 PMCID: PMC10924005 DOI: 10.1007/s11255-023-03819-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The etiopathogenesis of diabetes nephropathy (DN) has not yet been fully clarified. Finding effective treatments to prevent renal failure in DN patients has become the main focus of research in recent years. Circular RNA (circRNA) has been shown to play a momentous role in DN progression. Based on this, we aimed to investigate the potential mechanism by which urine-derived stem cell (USC)-derived exosome circRNA ATG7 (Exo-ATG7) mediates DN progression. METHODS Exosomes from USCs were isolated and identified. The DN rat model was established by intraperitoneally injecting 60 mg/kg streptozotocin. The protein expression levels were measured by Western blot and immunofluorescence. HE and Masson staining were used to evaluate renal injury, and the expression of related genes was detected by RT-qPCR. RESULTS CircRNA ATG7 was significantly downregulated in the DN rat model, and the extracellular vesicles of USCs improved renal function and reduced inflammation in DN rats. However, after knocking down the USCs-derived exosome circRNA ATG7, improvement and therapeutic effect on renal function in DN rats were lost. In addition, overexpression of ATG7 facilitated the switching of macrophages from the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype to the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype both in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, upregulation of circRNA ATG7 expression can alleviate renal damage in DN rats. Importantly, the USCs-derived exosome circRNA ATG7 promotes macrophage M2 polarization by regulating the SOCS1/STAT3 signaling pathway through miR-4500. In addition, animal experiments also confirmed that after knocking down ATG7 in USC cells, the extracted exosome-treated DN rats could weaken the therapeutic effect of USC exosomes. CONCLUSION Our research results indicate that USC-derived exosomal circRNA ATG7 facilitates macrophage phenotype switching from M1 to M2 through the SOCS1/STAT3 signaling pathway mediated by miR-4500, thereby inhibiting DN progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Sun
- Kidney Internal Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yuxi, 653100, Yunnan, China
| | - Yanhong Zhao
- Kidney Internal Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yuxi, 653100, Yunnan, China
| | - Yongxin Lu
- Kidney Internal Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yuxi, 653100, Yunnan, China
| | - Hongmei Li
- Kidney Internal Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yuxi, 653100, Yunnan, China
| | - Jin Xiang
- Kidney Internal Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yuxi, 653100, Yunnan, China
| | - Dongmei Yang
- Kidney Internal Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yuxi, 653100, Yunnan, China
| | - Jinrui Wang
- Kidney Internal Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yuxi, 653100, Yunnan, China
| | - Xinglian Gao
- Kidney Internal Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yuxi, 653100, Yunnan, China
| | - Yian Wang
- Kidney Internal Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yuxi, 653100, Yunnan, China.
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10
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Liu J, Xiao Y, Cao L, Lu S, Zhang S, Yang R, Wang Y, Zhang N, Yu Y, Wang X, Guo W, Wang Z, Xu H, Xing C, Song X, Cao L. Insights on E1-like enzyme ATG7: functional regulation and relationships with aging-related diseases. Commun Biol 2024; 7:382. [PMID: 38553562 PMCID: PMC10980737 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06080-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a dynamic self-renovation biological process that maintains cell homeostasis and is responsible for the quality control of proteins, organelles, and energy metabolism. The E1-like ubiquitin-activating enzyme autophagy-related gene 7 (ATG7) is a critical factor that initiates classic autophagy reactions by promoting the formation and extension of autophagosome membranes. Recent studies have identified the key functions of ATG7 in regulating the cell cycle, apoptosis, and metabolism associated with the occurrence and development of multiple diseases. This review summarizes how ATG7 is precisely programmed by genetic, transcriptional, and epigenetic modifications in cells and the relationship between ATG7 and aging-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwei Liu
- The College of Basic Medical Science, Health Sciences Institute, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
- Key Laboratory of Cell Biology of Ministry of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Liaoning Province Collaborative Innovation Center of Aging Related Disease Diagnosis and Treatment and Prevention, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
- Department of Anus and Intestine Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yutong Xiao
- The College of Basic Medical Science, Health Sciences Institute, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
- Key Laboratory of Cell Biology of Ministry of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Liaoning Province Collaborative Innovation Center of Aging Related Disease Diagnosis and Treatment and Prevention, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Liangzi Cao
- The College of Basic Medical Science, Health Sciences Institute, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
- Key Laboratory of Cell Biology of Ministry of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Liaoning Province Collaborative Innovation Center of Aging Related Disease Diagnosis and Treatment and Prevention, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Songming Lu
- The College of Basic Medical Science, Health Sciences Institute, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
- Key Laboratory of Cell Biology of Ministry of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Liaoning Province Collaborative Innovation Center of Aging Related Disease Diagnosis and Treatment and Prevention, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Siyi Zhang
- The College of Basic Medical Science, Health Sciences Institute, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
- Key Laboratory of Cell Biology of Ministry of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Liaoning Province Collaborative Innovation Center of Aging Related Disease Diagnosis and Treatment and Prevention, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Ruohan Yang
- The College of Basic Medical Science, Health Sciences Institute, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
- Key Laboratory of Cell Biology of Ministry of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Liaoning Province Collaborative Innovation Center of Aging Related Disease Diagnosis and Treatment and Prevention, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yubang Wang
- The College of Basic Medical Science, Health Sciences Institute, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
- Key Laboratory of Cell Biology of Ministry of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Liaoning Province Collaborative Innovation Center of Aging Related Disease Diagnosis and Treatment and Prevention, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Naijin Zhang
- The College of Basic Medical Science, Health Sciences Institute, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
- Department of Cardiology, First Hospital of China Medical University, Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control and Prevention, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yang Yu
- The College of Basic Medical Science, Health Sciences Institute, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
- Key Laboratory of Cell Biology of Ministry of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Liaoning Province Collaborative Innovation Center of Aging Related Disease Diagnosis and Treatment and Prevention, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiwen Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Wendong Guo
- The College of Basic Medical Science, Health Sciences Institute, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
- Key Laboratory of Cell Biology of Ministry of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Liaoning Province Collaborative Innovation Center of Aging Related Disease Diagnosis and Treatment and Prevention, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Zhuo Wang
- The College of Basic Medical Science, Health Sciences Institute, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
- Key Laboratory of Cell Biology of Ministry of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Liaoning Province Collaborative Innovation Center of Aging Related Disease Diagnosis and Treatment and Prevention, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Hongde Xu
- The College of Basic Medical Science, Health Sciences Institute, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
- Key Laboratory of Cell Biology of Ministry of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Liaoning Province Collaborative Innovation Center of Aging Related Disease Diagnosis and Treatment and Prevention, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
| | - Chengzhong Xing
- Department of Anus and Intestine Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
| | - Xiaoyu Song
- The College of Basic Medical Science, Health Sciences Institute, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
- Key Laboratory of Cell Biology of Ministry of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Liaoning Province Collaborative Innovation Center of Aging Related Disease Diagnosis and Treatment and Prevention, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
| | - Liu Cao
- The College of Basic Medical Science, Health Sciences Institute, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
- Key Laboratory of Cell Biology of Ministry of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Liaoning Province Collaborative Innovation Center of Aging Related Disease Diagnosis and Treatment and Prevention, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
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11
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Yu H, Zhuang J, Zhou Z, Song Q, Lv J, Yang X, Yang H, Lu Q. METTL16 suppressed the proliferation and cisplatin-chemoresistance of bladder cancer by degrading PMEPA1 mRNA in a m6A manner through autophagy pathway. Int J Biol Sci 2024; 20:1471-1491. [PMID: 38385084 PMCID: PMC10878153 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.86719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is important in the physiological processes of many species. Methyltransferase-like 16 (METTL16) is a novel discovered m6A methylase, regulating various tumors in an m6A-dependent manner. However, its function in bladder cancer (BLCA) remains largely unclear. In the present study, we found that low expression of METTL16 predicted poor survival in BLCA patients. METTL16 inhibited the proliferation and cisplatin-resistance function of bladder cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. In addition, METTL16 reduced the mRNA stability of prostate transmembrane protein androgen induced-1 (PMEPA1) via binding to its m6A site in the 3'-UTR, thereby inhibited the proliferation of bladder cancer cells and increased the sensitivity of cisplatin through PMEPA1-mediated autophagy pathway. Finally, we found that hypoxia-inducible factor 2α (HIF-2α) exerted its tumor-promoting effect by binding the METTL16 promoter region to repress its transcription. Taken together, High expression of METTL16 predicted better survival in BLCA. METTL16 significantly inhibited bladder cancer cell proliferation and sensitized bladder cancer cells to cisplatin via HIF-2α-METTL16-PMEPA1-autophagy axis in a m6A manner. These findings might provide fresh insights into BLCA therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Yu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
- Laboratory of Urology and Andrology, Jiangsu Clinical Medicine Research Institution, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Juntao Zhuang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
- Laboratory of Urology and Andrology, Jiangsu Clinical Medicine Research Institution, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Zijian Zhou
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Qiang Song
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
- Laboratory of Urology and Andrology, Jiangsu Clinical Medicine Research Institution, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Jiancheng Lv
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
- Laboratory of Urology and Andrology, Jiangsu Clinical Medicine Research Institution, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Xiao Yang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Haiwei Yang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
- Laboratory of Urology and Andrology, Jiangsu Clinical Medicine Research Institution, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Qiang Lu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
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12
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Meng L, Wu H, Wu J, Ding P, He J, Sang M, Liu L. Mechanisms of immune checkpoint inhibitors: insights into the regulation of circular RNAS involved in cancer hallmarks. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:3. [PMID: 38177102 PMCID: PMC10766988 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06389-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Current treatment strategies for cancer, especially advanced cancer, are limited and unsatisfactory. One of the most substantial advances in cancer therapy, in the last decades, was the discovery of a new layer of immunotherapy approach, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), which can specifically activate immune cells by targeting immune checkpoints. Immune checkpoints are a type of immunosuppressive molecules expressed on immune cells, which can regulate the degree of immune activation and avoid autoimmune responses. ICIs, such as anti-PD-1/PD-L1 drugs, has shown inspiring efficacy and broad applicability across various cancers. Unfortunately, not all cancer patients benefit remarkably from ICIs, and the overall response rates to ICIs remain relatively low for most cancer types. Moreover, the primary and acquired resistance to ICIs pose serious challenges to the clinical application of cancer immunotherapy. Thus, a deeper understanding of the molecular biological properties and regulatory mechanisms of immune checkpoints is urgently needed to improve clinical options for current therapies. Recently, circular RNAs (circRNAs) have attracted increasing attention, not only due to their involvement in various aspects of cancer hallmarks, but also for their impact on immune checkpoints in shaping the tumor immune microenvironment. In this review, we systematically summarize the current status of immune checkpoints in cancer and the existing regulatory roles of circRNAs on immune checkpoints. Meanwhile, we also aim to settle the issue in an evidence-oriented manner that circRNAs involved in cancer hallmarks regulate the effects and resistance of ICIs by targeting immune checkpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingjiao Meng
- Department of Tumor Immunotherapy, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050035, China
- Research Center and Tumor Research Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050017, China
| | - Haotian Wu
- The Third Department of Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050011, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Comprehensive Treatment of Gastric Cancer, Shijiazhuang, 050011, China
| | - Jiaxiang Wu
- The Third Department of Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050011, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Comprehensive Treatment of Gastric Cancer, Shijiazhuang, 050011, China
| | - Ping'an Ding
- The Third Department of Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050011, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Comprehensive Treatment of Gastric Cancer, Shijiazhuang, 050011, China
| | - Jinchen He
- The Third Department of Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050011, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Comprehensive Treatment of Gastric Cancer, Shijiazhuang, 050011, China
| | - Meixiang Sang
- Research Center and Tumor Research Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050017, China.
- Science and Education Department, Shanghai Electric Power Hospital, Shanghai, 20050, China.
| | - Lihua Liu
- Department of Tumor Immunotherapy, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050035, China.
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13
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Ashrafizadeh M, Luo K, Zhang W, Reza Aref A, Zhang X. Acquired and intrinsic gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer therapy: Environmental factors, molecular profile and drug/nanotherapeutic approaches. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 240:117443. [PMID: 37863168 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
A high number of cancer patients around the world rely on gemcitabine (GEM) for chemotherapy. During local metastasis of cancers, surgery is beneficial for therapy, but dissemination in distant organs leads to using chemotherapy alone or in combination with surgery to prevent cancer recurrence. Therapy failure can be observed as a result of GEM resistance, threatening life of pancreatic cancer (PC) patients. The mortality and morbidity of PC in contrast to other tumors are increasing. GEM chemotherapy is widely utilized for PC suppression, but resistance has encountered its therapeutic impacts. The purpose of current review is to bring a broad concept about role of biological mechanisms and pathways in the development of GEM resistance in PC and then, therapeutic strategies based on using drugs or nanostructures for overcoming chemoresistance. Dysregulation of the epigenetic factors especially non-coding RNA transcripts can cause development of GEM resistance in PC and miRNA transfection or using genetic tools such as siRNA for modulating expression level of these factors for changing GEM resistance are suggested. The overexpression of anti-apoptotic proteins and survival genes can contribute to GEM resistance in PC. Moreover, supportive autophagy inhibits apoptosis and stimulates GEM resistance in PC cells. Increase in metabolism, glycolysis induction and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) stimulation are considered as other factors participating in GEM resistance in PC. Drugs can suppress tumorigenesis in PC and inhibit survival factors and pathways in increasing GEM sensitivity in PC. More importantly, nanoparticles can increase pharmacokinetic profile of GEM and promote its blood circulation and accumulation in cancer site. Nanoparticles mediate delivery of GEM with genes and drugs to suppress tumorigenesis in PC and increase drug sensitivity. The basic research displays significant connection among dysregulated pathways and GEM resistance, but the lack of clinical application is a drawback that can be responded in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Department of General Surgery and Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China; International Association for Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China; Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Kuo Luo
- Department of Oncology, Chongqing Hyheia Hospital, Chongqing, 4001331, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of General Surgery and Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
| | - Amir Reza Aref
- Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xianbin Zhang
- Department of General Surgery and Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China.
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14
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Bao H, Li J, Dong Q, Liang Z, Yang C, Xu Y. Circular RNAs in pancreatic cancer progression. Clin Chim Acta 2024; 552:117633. [PMID: 37949391 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2023.117633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC), typically diagnosed at relatively advanced stages with poor prognosis, is a dominant cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that circular RNAs (circRNAs) are abnormally expressed in diverse tumors and affect tumorigenesis and progression. In this article, we examine the roles of circRNAs in regulation of PC progression. Additionally, circRNAs enriched in exosomes could be transferred among PC cells to modulate malignancy. Characterization of regulatory mechanisms involving circRNAs in general and PC specifically will enable earlier detection and potential development of therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haolin Bao
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, China
| | - Jiehan Li
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, China
| | - Qingfu Dong
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, China
| | - Zixin Liang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, China
| | - Chengru Yang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, China
| | - Yi Xu
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, China; Department of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563006, China; Key Laboratory of Functional and Clinical Translational Medicine, Fujian Province University, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen, Fujian 361000, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233030, China; Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Tumor Targeted Nano Diagnostic and Therapeutic Materials, Yancheng Teachers University, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224007, China; Key Laboratory of Biomarkers and In Vitro Diagnosis Translation of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, China; Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Fujian Medical University), Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China; Key Laboratory of Intelligent Pharmacy and Individualized Therapy of Huzhou and Department of Pharmacy, Changxing People's Hospital, Changxing, Zhejiang 313000, China.
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15
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Wang F, Yan X, Peng X, Liu D, Bu W, Kang F, Song J, Wang Q. CircRNA PGAM1 Promotes the Migration and Invasion of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Cells by Activating the AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway. Mol Biotechnol 2023:10.1007/s12033-023-00865-1. [PMID: 37702882 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-023-00865-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) is a lethal malignancy of the gastrointestinal tract. Circular RNA, an endogenous noncoding RNA, is considered a new regulatory molecule in tumorigenesis and development. Here, we aimed to investigate the role of circPGAM1 in PAAD. The PAAD cell line HPAC was transfected with OE-circPGAM1 to overexpress circPGAM1 and treated with AZD5363 to inhibit the AKT/mTOR pathway. Simultaneously, another PAAD cell line BxPC-3 was transfected with sh-circPGAM1 to silence circPGAM1. The GEPIA database was used to determine the expression of circPGAM1 in PAAD and its association with overall and disease-free survival. CircPGAM1 expression levels were determined in cell lines using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. The cell counting kit-8, wound healing, and transwell assays were performed to determine cell migration and invasion. The protein expression levels of phosphorylated AKT and mTOR were determined using western blotting. CircPGAM1 was overexpressed in PAAD and related to poor prognosis. Silencing circPGAM1 inhibited migration and invasion of BxPC-3 cells, and overexpression of circPGAM1 showed the opposite effects. Overall, circPGAM1 promoted the migration and invasion of PAAD cells through the AKT/mTOR axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Wang
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, No. 804 Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Xiaogang Yan
- Ningxia Yinchuan First People's Hospital, Yinchuan, China
| | - Xi Peng
- Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Di Liu
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, No. 804 Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Wenping Bu
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, No. 804 Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Fuping Kang
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, No. 804 Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Jianjun Song
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, No. 804 Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, No. 804 Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China.
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16
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Cao W, Dai S, Ruan W, Long T, Zeng Z, Lei S. Pancreatic stellate cell-derived exosomal tRF-19-PNR8YPJZ promotes proliferation and mobility of pancreatic cancer through AXIN2. J Cell Mol Med 2023; 27:2533-2546. [PMID: 37488774 PMCID: PMC10468654 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) play an important role in the development of pancreatic cancer (PC) through mechanisms that remain unclear. Exosomes secreted from PSCs act as mediators for communication in PC. This study aimed to explore the role of PSC-derived exosomal small RNAs derived from tRNAs (tDRs) in PC cells. Exosomes from PSCs were extracted and used to detect their effects on PC cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Exosomal tDRs profiling was performed to identify PSC-derived exosomal tDRs. ISH and qRT-PCR were used to examine the tRF-19-PNR8YPJZ levels and clinical value in clinical samples. The biological function of exosomal tRF-19-PNR8YPJZ was determined using the CCK-8, clone formation, wound healing and transwell assays, subcutaneous tumour formation and lung metastatic models. The relationship between the selected exosomal tRF-19-PNR8YPJZ and AXIN2 was determined by RNA sequencing, luciferase reporter assay. PSC-derived exosomes promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of PC cells. Novel and abundant tDRs are found to be differentially expressed in PANC-1 cells after treatment with PSC-derived exosomes, such as tRF-19-PNR8YPJZ. PC tissue samples showed markedly higher levels of tRF-19-PNR8YPJZ than normal controls. Patients with PC exhibiting high tRF-19-PNR8YPJZ expression had a highly lymph node invasion, metastasis, perineural invasion, advanced clinical stage and poor overall survival. Exosomal tRF-19-PNR8YPJZ from PSCs targeted AXIN2 in PC cells and decreased its expression, thus activating the Wnt pathway and promoting proliferation and metastasis. Exosomal tRF-19-PNR8YPJZ from PSCs promoted proliferation and metastasis in PC cells via AXIN2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenpeng Cao
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic MedicineGuizhou Medical UniversityGuiyangChina
| | - Shisi Dai
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic MedicineGuizhou Medical UniversityGuiyangChina
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic MedicineGuizhou Nursing Vocational collegeGuiyangChina
| | - Wanyuan Ruan
- School of Clinical MedicineGuizhou Medical UniversityGuiyangChina
| | - Tingting Long
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic MedicineGuizhou Medical UniversityGuiyangChina
| | - Zhirui Zeng
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic MedicineGuizhou Medical UniversityGuiyangChina
| | - Shan Lei
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic MedicineGuizhou Medical UniversityGuiyangChina
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17
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Kolapalli SP, Nielsen TM, Frankel LB. Post-transcriptional dynamics and RNA homeostasis in autophagy and cancer. Cell Death Differ 2023:10.1038/s41418-023-01201-5. [PMID: 37558732 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-023-01201-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is an essential recycling and quality control pathway which preserves cellular and organismal homeostasis. As a catabolic process, autophagy degrades damaged and aged intracellular components in response to conditions of stress, including nutrient deprivation, oxidative and genotoxic stress. Autophagy is a highly adaptive and dynamic process which requires an intricately coordinated molecular control. Here we provide an overview of how autophagy is regulated post-transcriptionally, through RNA processing events, epitranscriptomic modifications and non-coding RNAs. We further discuss newly revealed RNA-binding properties of core autophagy machinery proteins and review recent indications of autophagy's ability to impact cellular RNA homeostasis. From a physiological perspective, we examine the biological implications of these emerging regulatory layers of autophagy, particularly in the context of nutrient deprivation and tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lisa B Frankel
- Danish Cancer Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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18
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Luo H, Wu X, Huo B, Liu L, Jiang DS, Yi X. The roles of METTL3 on autophagy and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells are mediated by mTOR rather than by CDK1. Cell Div 2023; 18:13. [PMID: 37559091 PMCID: PMC10411010 DOI: 10.1186/s13008-023-00096-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aberrant proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is the cause of neointima formation followed by vascular injury. Autophagy is involved in this pathological process, but its function is controversial. Recently, we found that methyltransferase like 3 (METTL3) inhibited VSMC proliferation by activating autophagosome formation. Moreover, we also demonstrated that METTL3 reduced the levels of phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR) and cyclin dependent kinase 1 (p-CDK1/CDC2), which were critical for autophagy and proliferation regulation. However, whether mTOR and CDK1 mediated the function of METTL3 on autophagy and proliferation in VSMCs remains unknown. RESULTS We showed that the activator of mTOR, MHY1485 largely reversed the effects of METTL3 overexpression on VSMC autophagy and proliferation. Rapamycin, the inhibitor of mTOR, obviously nullified the pro-proliferation effects of METTL3 knockdown by activating autophagy in VSMCs. Unexpectedly, mTOR did not contribute to the impacts of METTL3 on migration and phenotypic switching of VSMCs. On the other hand, by knockdown of CDK1 in VSMC with METTL3 deficiency, we demonstrated that CDK1 was involved in METTL3-regulated proliferation of VSMCs, but this effect was not mediated by autophagy. CONCLUSIONS We concluded that mTOR but not CDK1 mediated the role of METTL3 on VSMC proliferation and autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanshen Luo
- Division of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave., Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Xingliang Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Jiefang Road 238, Wuhan, China
| | - Bo Huo
- Division of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave., Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Liyuan Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Jiefang Road 238, Wuhan, China
| | - Ding-Sheng Jiang
- Division of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave., Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China.
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Xin Yi
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Jiefang Road 238, Wuhan, China.
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Ashrafizadeh M, Zhang W, Zou R, Sethi G, Klionsky DJ, Zhang X. A bioinformatics analysis, pre-clinical and clinical conception of autophagy in pancreatic cancer: Complexity and simplicity in crosstalk. Pharmacol Res 2023; 194:106822. [PMID: 37336429 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a serious gastrointestinal tract disease for which the 5-year survival rate is less than 10%, even in developed countries such as the USA. The genomic profile alterations and dysregulated biological mechanisms commonly occur in PC. Macroautophagy/autophagy is a cell death process that is maintained at a basal level in physiological conditions, whereas its level often changes during tumorigenesis. The function of autophagy in human cancers is dual and can be oncogenic and onco-suppressor. Autophagy is a potent controller of tumorigenesis in PC. The supportive autophagy in PC escalates the growth rate of PC cells and its suppression can mediate cell death. Autophagy also determines the metastasis of PC cells, and it can control the EMT in affecting migration. Moreover, starvation and hypoxia can stimulate glycolysis, and glycolysis induction can be mediated by autophagy in enhancing tumorigenesis in PC. Furthermore, protective autophagy stimulates drug resistance and gemcitabine resistance in PC cells, and its inhibition can enhance radiosensitivity. Autophagy can degrade MHC-I to mediate immune evasion and also regulates polarization of macrophages in the tumor microenvironment. Modulation of autophagy activity is provided by silibinin, ursolic acid, chrysin and huaier in the treatment of PC. Non-coding RNAs are also controllers of autophagy in PC and its inhibition can improve therapy response in patients. Moreover, mitophagy shows dysregulation in PC, which can enhance the proliferation of PC cells. Therefore, a bioinformatics analysis demonstrates the dysregulation of autophagy-related proteins and genes in PC as biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Department of General Surgery and Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China; Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of General Surgery and Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Rongjun Zou
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China; The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, Guangdong, China
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology and NUS Centre for Cancer Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Daniel J Klionsky
- Life Sciences Institute and Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Xianbin Zhang
- Department of General Surgery and Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China.
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20
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Fan L, Wei Z, Liu L, Qi X, Yu H. Emerging trends and research foci in autophagy of pancreatic cancer: a bibliometric and visualized study. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1220435. [PMID: 37409253 PMCID: PMC10319421 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1220435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The purpose of this study was to analyze the trends by year, country, institution, journal, reference and keyword in publications on the autophagy of pancreatic cancer (PC) and to predict future research hotspots. Methods The Web of Science Core Collection was used to search for publications. The contributions of various countries/regions, institutes, authors, identified research hotspots, and promising future trends were analyzed using the VOSviewer1.6.16 and CiteSpace6.6.R2 programs. We also summarized autophagy relevant clinical trials of PC. Results A total of 1293 papers on the autophagy of PC published between 2013 and 2023 were included in the study. The average number of citations per article was 33.76. The China had the most publications, followed by USA, and a total of 50 influential articles were identified through co-citation analysis. Clustering analysis revealed clusters of keywords: metabolic reprogramming and ER stress, mTOR-mediated apoptosis, extracellular trap as the most concerned clusters. The co-occurrence cluster analysis showed pancreatic stellate cell, autophagy-dependent ferroptosis, autophagy-related pathway, metabolic rewiring, on-coding RNA as the highly concerned research topics in recently. Conclusion The number of publications and research interest have generally increased over the past few years. The China and USA have made prominent contributions to the study of the autophagy of PC. The current research hotspots mainly focus not only on the related modulation, metabolic reprogramming, ferroptosis of tumor cells themselves, but also on tumor microenvironments such as autophagy associated pancreatic stellate cells and new treatments targeting autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Fan
- Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
- Department of Pathology, Linyi People’s Hospital, Linyi, Shandong, China
| | - Zhiyong Wei
- Department of Pathology, Linyi People’s Hospital, Linyi, Shandong, China
| | - Lili Liu
- Department of Pathology, Linyi People’s Hospital, Linyi, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaojie Qi
- Department of Pathology, Linyi People’s Hospital, Linyi, Shandong, China
| | - Hong Yu
- Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Taizhou People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, Jiangsu, China
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21
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Zhao R, Han Z, Zhou H, Xue Y, Chen X, Cao X. Diagnostic and prognostic role of circRNAs in pancreatic cancer: a meta-analysis. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1174577. [PMID: 37361594 PMCID: PMC10285410 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1174577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are types of endogenous noncoding RNAs produced by selective splicing that are expressed highly specifically in various organisms and tissues and have numerous clinical implications in the regulation of cancer development and progression. Since circRNA is resistant to digestion by ribonucleases and has a long half-life, there is increasing evidence that circRNA can be used as an ideal candidate biomarker for the early diagnosis and prognosis of tumors. In this study, we aimed to reveal the diagnostic and prognostic value of circRNA in human pancreatic cancer (PC). Methods A systematic search for publications from inception to 22 July 2022 was conducted on Embase, PubMed, Web of Science (WOS), and the Cochrane Library databases. Available studies that correlated circRNA expression in tissue or serum with the clinicopathological, diagnostic, and prognostic values of PC patients were enrolled. Odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to evaluate clinical pathological characteristics. Area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity were adopted to assess diagnostic value. Hazard ratios (HRs) were utilized to assess disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Results This meta-analysis enrolled 32 eligible studies, including six on diagnosis and 21 on prognosis, which accounted for 2,396 cases from 245 references. For clinical parameters, high expression of carcinogenic circRNA was significantly associated with degree of differentiation (OR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.47-2.34), TNM stage (OR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.35-0.62), lymph node metastasis (OR = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.32-0.48), and distant metastasis (OR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.13-0.51). As for clinical diagnostic utility, circRNA could discriminate patients with pancreatic cancer from controls, with an AUC of 0.86 (95% CI: 0.82-0.88), a relatively high sensitivity of 84%, and a specificity of 80% in tissue. In terms of prognostic significance, carcinogenic circRNA was correlated with poor OS (HR = 2.00, 95% CI: 1.76-2.26) and DFS (HR = 1.96, 95% CI: 1.47-2.62). Conclusion In summary, this study demonstrated that circRNA may act as a significant diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruihua Zhao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhuo Han
- Department of General Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Haiting Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yaru Xue
- Department of Pediatric Medicine, Northwest Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Xi’an, China
| | - Xiaobing Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xinguang Cao
- Department of Digestive Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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22
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Qadir J, Wen SY, Yuan H, Yang BB. CircRNAs regulate the crosstalk between inflammation and tumorigenesis: The bilateral association and molecular mechanisms. Mol Ther 2023; 31:1514-1532. [PMID: 36518080 PMCID: PMC10278049 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation, a hallmark of cancer, has been associated with tumor progression, transition into malignant phenotype and efficacy of the chemotherapeutic agents in cancer. Chronic inflammation provides a favorable environment for tumorigenesis by inducing immunosuppression, whereas acute inflammation prompts tumor suppression by generating anti-tumor immune responses. Inflammatory factors derived from interstitial cells or tumor cells can stimulate cell proliferation and survival by modulating oncogenes and/or tumor suppressors. Recently, a new class of RNAs, i.e., circular RNAs (circRNAs), has been implicated in inflammatory diseases. Although there are reports on circRNAs imparting functions in inflammatory insults, whether these circularized transcripts hold the potential to regulate inflammation-induced cancer or tumor-related inflammation, and modulate the interactions between tumor microenvironment (TME) and the inflammatory stromal/immune cells, awaits further elucidation. Contextually, the current review describes the molecular association between inflammation and cancer, and spotlights the regulatory mechanisms by which circRNAs can moderate TME in response to inflammatory signals/triggers. We also present comprehensive information about the immune cell(s)-specific expression and functions of the circRNAs in TME, modulation of inflammatory signaling pathways to drive tumorigenesis, and their plausible roles in inflammasomes and tumor development. Moreover, the therapeutic potential of these circRNAs in harnessing inflammatory responses in cancer is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javeria Qadir
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Shuo-Yang Wen
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Hui Yuan
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Burton B Yang
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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23
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Peng B, Li J, Yan Y, Liu Y, Liang Q, Liu W, Thakur A, Zhang K, Xu Z, Wang J, Zhang F. Non-coding RNAs: The recently accentuated molecules in the regulation of cell autophagy for ovarian cancer pathogenesis and therapeutic response. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1162045. [PMID: 37063265 PMCID: PMC10102359 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1162045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a self-recycling and conserved process, in which the senescent cytoplasmic components are degraded in cells and then recycled to maintain homeostatic balance. Emerging evidence has suggested the involvement of autophagy in oncogenesis and progression of various cancers, such as ovarian cancer (OC). Meanwhile, the non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) frequently regulate the mRNA transcription and other functional signaling pathways in cell autophagy, displaying promising roles in human cancer pathogenesis and therapeutic response. This article mainly reviews the cutting-edge research advances about the interactions between ncRNAs and autophagy in OC. This review not only summarizes the underlying mechanisms of dynamic ncRNA-autophagy association in OC, but also discusses their prognostic implications and therapeutic biomarkers. The aim of this review was to provide a more in-depth knowledge framework exploring the ncRNA-autophagy crosstalk and highlight the promising treatment strategies for OC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bi Peng
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Pudong New Area People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanliang Yan
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yuanhong Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qiuju Liang
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Hospital University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Abhimanyu Thakur
- Ben May Department for Cancer Research, Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Kui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhijie Xu
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Pudong New Area People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- *Correspondence: Fan Zhang,
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Zhang J, Li Y, Chen Y, Yu X, Wang S, Sun H, Zheng X, Zhang L, Wang Y, Zhu D. Circ-calm4 regulates hypoxia-induced pulmonary artery smooth muscle autophagy by binding Purb. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2023; 176:41-54. [PMID: 36716953 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2023.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a serious and fatal disease characterized by pulmonary vasoconstriction and pulmonary vascular remodeling. The excessive autophagy of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) is one of the important factors of pulmonary vascular remodeling. A number of studies have shown that circular RNA (circRNA) can participate in the onset of PH. Our previous studies have shown that circRNA calmodulin 4 (circ-calm4) is involved in the progression of hypoxic PH. However, the role of circ-calm4 on regulation of hypoxic PH autophagy has not been reported. In this study, we demonstrated for the first time that hypoxia-mediated upregulated circ-calm4 expression has a key regulatory effect on autophagy in hypoxia-induced PASMCs and hypoxic PH mouse models. Knockdown of circ-calm4 both in vivo and in vitro can inhibit the autophagy in PASMCs induced by hypoxia. We also performed bioinformatics predictions and conducted experiments to verify that circ-calm4 bound to the purine-rich binding protein (Purb) to promote its expression in the nucleus, thereby initiating the transcription of autophagy-related protein Beclin1. Interestingly, we found that Beclin1 transcription initiated by Purb was accompanied by a modification of Beclin1 super-enhancer to improve transcription activity and efficiency. Overall, our results confirm that the circ-calm4/Purb/Beclin1 signal axis is involved in the occurrence of hypoxia-induced PASMCs autophagy, and the novel regulatory mechanisms and signals transduction pathways in PASMC autophagy induced by hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junting Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, PR China; Central Laboratory of Harbin Medical University (Daqing), PR China
| | - Yiying Li
- College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, PR China; Central Laboratory of Harbin Medical University (Daqing), PR China
| | - Yujie Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, PR China; Central Laboratory of Harbin Medical University (Daqing), PR China
| | - Xiufeng Yu
- College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University (Daqing), PR China; Central Laboratory of Harbin Medical University (Daqing), PR China
| | - Shanshan Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, PR China; Central Laboratory of Harbin Medical University (Daqing), PR China
| | - Hanliang Sun
- College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, PR China; Central Laboratory of Harbin Medical University (Daqing), PR China
| | - Xiaodong Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology, Harbin Medical University (Daqing), PR China
| | - Lixin Zhang
- College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University (Daqing), PR China; Central Laboratory of Harbin Medical University (Daqing), PR China
| | - Yifan Wang
- Central Laboratory of Harbin Medical University (Daqing), PR China
| | - Daling Zhu
- College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, PR China; College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University (Daqing), PR China; Central Laboratory of Harbin Medical University (Daqing), PR China; State Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, PR China; Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Medicine Research, Ministry of Education, Harbin Medical University, PR China..
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25
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A Novel Cuproptosis-Associated Gene Signature to Predict Prognosis in Patients with Pancreatic Cancer. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 2023:3419401. [PMID: 36714025 PMCID: PMC9876676 DOI: 10.1155/2023/3419401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Background Pancreatic cancer (PAAD) is a malignant tumor with a poor prognosis and lacks sensitive biomarkers for diagnosis and targeted therapy. Cuproptosis, a recently proposed form of cell death based on cellular copper ion concentration, plays a key role in cancer biology. This study is aimed at constructing a risk model for predicting the prognosis of PAAD patients based on cuproptosis-related genes. Methods Pancreatic-related data from UCSC-TCGA and UCSC-GTEx databases were extracted for analysis, and TCGA-PAAD samples were randomly divided into the training and validation groups. Pearson correlation analysis was used to obtain cuproptosis-related genes coexpressed with 19 copper death genes. Univariate Cox and Lasso regression analyses were used to obtain cuproptosis-related prognostic genes. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to construct the final prognostic risk model. The risk score curve, Kaplan-Meier survival curves, and ROC curve were used to evaluate the predictive ability of the Cox risk model. Finally, the functional annotation of the risk model was obtained through enrichment analysis. Results The Cox risk model has an eight prognostic cuproptosis-related gene signature. Kaplan-Meier survival curves demonstrated that the high-risk group had a shorter survival time. The ROC curve of the risk score was well created to predict one-, three-, and five-year survival rates, and AUC of the risk score was higher than other clinical characteristics. Cox regression analysis revealed that the risk score has an independent prognostic value for PAAD. GSEA reveals specific tumor pathways associated with the risk model (Myc targets v1, mTORC1 signaling, and E2F targets). Conclusions We constructed a prognostic model containing eight cuproptosis-related genes (AKR1B10, KLHL29, PROM2, PIP5K1C, KIF18B, AMIGO2, MRPL3, and PI4KB) that can accurately predict the prognosis of PAAD patients. The results will provide new perspectives for individualized outcome prediction and new therapy development for PAAD patients.
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Gupta J, Kareem Al-Hetty HRA, Aswood MS, Turki Jalil A, Azeez MD, Aminov Z, Alsaikhan F, Ramírez-Coronel AA, Ramaiah P, Farhood B. The key role of microRNA-766 in the cancer development. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1173827. [PMID: 37205191 PMCID: PMC10185842 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1173827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is caused by defects in coding and non-coding RNAs. In addition, duplicated biological pathways diminish the efficacy of mono target cancer drugs. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, endogenous, non-coding RNAs that regulate many target genes and play a crucial role in physiological processes such as cell division, differentiation, cell cycle, proliferation, and apoptosis, which are frequently disrupted in diseases such as cancer. MiR-766, one of the most adaptable and highly conserved microRNAs, is notably overexpressed in several diseases, including malignant tumors. Variations in miR-766 expression are linked to various pathological and physiological processes. Additionally, miR-766 promotes therapeutic resistance pathways in various types of tumors. Here, we present and discuss evidence implicating miR-766 in the development of cancer and treatment resistance. In addition, we discuss the potential applications of miR-766 as a therapeutic cancer target, diagnostic biomarker, and prognostic indicator. This may shed light on the development of novel therapeutic strategies for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitendra Gupta
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, Mathura, India
| | - Hussein Riyadh Abdul Kareem Al-Hetty
- Department of Nursing, Al-Maarif University College, Ramadi, Anbar, Iraq
- *Correspondence: Hussein Riyadh Abdul Kareem Al-Hetty, ; Abduladheem Turki Jalil, ; Bagher Farhood, ,
| | - Murtadha Sh. Aswood
- Department of Physics, College of Education, University of Al-Qadisiyah, Al-Diwaniyah, Iraq
| | - Abduladheem Turki Jalil
- Medical Laboratories Techniques Department, Al-Mustaqbal University College, Babylon, Hilla, Iraq
- *Correspondence: Hussein Riyadh Abdul Kareem Al-Hetty, ; Abduladheem Turki Jalil, ; Bagher Farhood, ,
| | | | - Zafar Aminov
- Department of Public Health and Healthcare management, Samarkand State Medical University, Samarkand, Uzbekistan
- Department of Scientific Affairs, Tashkent State Dental Institute, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
| | - Fahad Alsaikhan
- College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Andrés Alexis Ramírez-Coronel
- Azogues Campus Nursing Career, Health and Behavior Research Group (HBR), Psychometry and Ethology Laboratory, Catholic University of Cuenca, Cuenca, Ecuador
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Research Group, CES University, Medellín, Colombia
- Educational Statistics Research Group (GIEE), National University of Education, Azogues, Ecuador
| | | | - Bagher Farhood
- Department of Medical Physics and Radiology, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
- *Correspondence: Hussein Riyadh Abdul Kareem Al-Hetty, ; Abduladheem Turki Jalil, ; Bagher Farhood, ,
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Zandieh MA, Farahani MH, Rajabi R, Avval ST, Karimi K, Rahmanian P, Razzazan M, Javanshir S, Mirzaei S, Paskeh MDA, Salimimoghadam S, Hushmandi K, Taheriazam A, Pandey V, Hashemi M. Epigenetic regulation of autophagy by non-coding RNAs in gastrointestinal tumors: Biological functions and therapeutic perspectives. Pharmacol Res 2023; 187:106582. [PMID: 36436707 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is the manifestation of changes and mutations in genetic and epigenetic levels. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are commonly dysregulated in disease pathogenesis, and their role in cancer has been well-documented. The ncRNAs regulate various molecular pathways and mechanisms in cancer that can lead to induction/inhibition of carcinogenesis. Autophagy is a molecular "self-digestion" mechanism its function can be pro-survival or pro-death in tumor cells. The aim of the present review is to evaluate the role of ncRNAs in regulating autophagy in gastrointestinal tumors. The role of the ncRNA/autophagy axis in affecting the progression of gastric, liver, colorectal, pancreatic, esophageal, and gallbladder cancers is investigated. Both ncRNAs and autophagy mechanisms can function as oncogenic or onco-suppressor and this interaction can determine the growth, invasion, and therapy response of gastrointestinal tumors. ncRNA/autophagy axis can reduce/increase the proliferation of gastrointestinal tumors via the glycolysis mechanism. Furthermore, related molecular pathways of metastasis, such as EMT and MMPs, are affected by the ncRNA/autophagy axis. The response of gastrointestinal tumors to chemotherapy and radiotherapy can be suppressed by pro-survival autophagy, and ncRNAs are essential regulators of this mechanism. miRNAs can regulate related genes and proteins of autophagy, such as ATGs and Beclin-1. Furthermore, lncRNAs and circRNAs down-regulate miRNA expression via sponging to modulate the autophagy mechanism. Moreover, anti-cancer agents can affect the expression level of ncRNAs regulating autophagy in gastrointestinal tumors. Therefore, translating these findings into clinics can improve the prognosis of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Arad Zandieh
- Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Division of Epidemiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Melika Heydari Farahani
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Shahr-e kord Branch, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Iran
| | - Romina Rajabi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Kimia Karimi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parham Rahmanian
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrnaz Razzazan
- Medical Student, Student Research Committee, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Salar Javanshir
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sepideh Mirzaei
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahshid Deldar Abad Paskeh
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shokooh Salimimoghadam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Kiavash Hushmandi
- Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Division of Epidemiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Afshin Taheriazam
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Vijay Pandey
- Precision Medicine and Healthcare Research Center, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, China; Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Mehrdad Hashemi
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
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28
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Prognostic, Diagnostic, and Clinicopathological Significance of Circular RNAs in Pancreatic Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14246187. [PMID: 36551673 PMCID: PMC9777076 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14246187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a highly aggressive malignant tumor with a high mortality rate. It is urgent to find optimal molecular targets for the early diagnosis and treatment of PC. Here, we aimed to systematically analyze the prognostic, diagnostic, and clinicopathological significance of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in PC. Relevant studies were screened through PubMed, Web of Science, and other databases. The prognostic value of PC-associated circRNAs was assessed using the composite hazard ratio (HR), the diagnostic performance was assessed using the area under the summary receiver operator characteristic (SROC) curve (AUC), and the correlation with clinicopathological characteristics using the composite odds ratio (OR) was explored. In our study, 48 studies were included: 34 for prognosis, 11 for diagnosis, and 30 for correlation with clinicopathological characteristics. For prognosis, upregulated circRNAs were associated with poorer overall survival (OS) (HR = 2.02) and disease-free survival/progression-free survival (HR = 1.84) while downregulated circRNAs were associated with longer OS (HR = 0.55). Notably, the combination of circRNAs, including hsa_circ_0064288, hsa_circ_0000234, hsa_circ_0004680, hsa_circ_0071036, hsa_circ_0000677, and hsa_circ_0001460, was associated with worse OS (HR = 2.35). For diagnosis, the AUC was 0.83, and the pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.79 and 0.73, respectively. For clinicopathologic characteristics, upregulated circRNAs were associated with poorer tumor differentiation, more nerve and vascular invasion, higher T stage, lymphatic metastasis, distant metastasis, advanced TNM stage, and higher preoperative CA19-9 level. In contrast, downregulated circRNAs were negatively associated with PC differentiation and lymphatic metastasis. Overall, our results showed that circRNAs are closely related to the prognosis and clinicopathological characteristics of PC patients and could be utilized for early diagnosis; thus, they are promising biomarkers for clinical application in PC.
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Autophagy-Related ncRNAs in Pancreatic Cancer. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15121547. [PMID: 36558998 PMCID: PMC9785627 DOI: 10.3390/ph15121547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a malignancy accounting for only 3% of total cancers, but with a low 5-year relative survival rate. Approximately 80% of PC patients are diagnosed at a late stage when the disease has already spread from the primary site. Despite advances in PC treatment, there is an urgently needed for the identification of novel therapeutic strategies for PC, particularly for patients who cannot undergo classical surgery. Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved process used by cells to adapt to metabolic stress via the degrading or recycling of damaged or unnecessary organelles and cellular components. This process is elevated in PC and, thus, it contributes to the onset, progression, and cancer cell resistance to chemotherapy in pancreatic tumors. Autophagy inhibition has been shown to lead to cancer regression and to increase the sensitivity of pancreatic cells to radiation and chemotherapy. Emerging studies have focused on the roles of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as miRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs, in PC development and progression. Furthermore, ncRNAs have been reported as crucial regulators of many biological processes, including autophagy, suggesting that ncRNA-based autophagy targeting methods could be promising novel molecular approaches for specifically reducing autophagic flux, thus improving the management of PC patients. In this review, we briefly summarize the existing studies regarding the role and the regulatory mechanisms of autophagy-related ncRNAs in the context of this cancer.
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Seimiya T, Otsuka M, Fujishiro M. Roles of circular RNAs in the pathogenesis and treatment of pancreatic cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1023332. [PMID: 36467402 PMCID: PMC9712786 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1023332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs are single-stranded RNAs with a covalently closed structure formed by the process of back-splicing. Aberrant expression of circular RNAs contributes to the pathogenesis of a wide range of cancers. Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal cancers due to diagnostic difficulties and limited therapeutic options. Circular RNAs are emerging as novel diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for pancreatic cancer. Moreover, recent advances in the therapeutic application of engineered circular RNAs have provided a promising approach to overcoming pancreatic cancer. This review discusses the roles of circular RNAs in the pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer and in potential treatment applications and their usefulness as diagnostic biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Motoyuki Otsuka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Jin Z, Sun X, Wang Y, Zhou C, Yang H, Zhou S. Regulation of autophagy fires up the cold tumor microenvironment to improve cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1018903. [PMID: 36300110 PMCID: PMC9589261 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1018903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, have revolutionized the treatment of patients with advanced and metastatic tumors resistant to traditional therapies. However, the immunosuppressed tumor microenvironment (TME) results in a weak response to immunotherapy. Therefore, to realize the full potential of immunotherapy and obstacle barriers, it is essential to explore how to convert cold TME to hot TME. Autophagy is a crucial cellular process that preserves cellular stability in the cellular components of the TME, contributing to the characterization of the immunosuppressive TME. Targeted autophagy ignites immunosuppressive TME by influencing antigen release, antigen presentation, antigen recognition, and immune cell trafficking, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy and overcoming resistance to immunotherapy. In this review, we summarize the characteristics and components of TME, explore the mechanisms and functions of autophagy in the characterization and regulation of TME, and discuss autophagy-based therapies as adjuvant enhancers of immunotherapy to improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhicheng Jin
- Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology of Taizhou, Radiation Oncology Institute of Enze Medical Health Academy, Department of Radiation Oncology, Taizhou Hospital Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xuefeng Sun
- Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology of Taizhou, Radiation Oncology Institute of Enze Medical Health Academy, Department of Radiation Oncology, Taizhou Hospital Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yaoyao Wang
- Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College/National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology of Taizhou, Radiation Oncology Institute of Enze Medical Health Academy, Department of Radiation Oncology, Taizhou Hospital Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Haihua Yang
- Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology of Taizhou, Radiation Oncology Institute of Enze Medical Health Academy, Department of Radiation Oncology, Taizhou Hospital Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
- *Correspondence: Suna Zhou, ; HaihuaYang,
| | - Suna Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology of Taizhou, Radiation Oncology Institute of Enze Medical Health Academy, Department of Radiation Oncology, Taizhou Hospital Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Xi’an No.3 Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Suna Zhou, ; HaihuaYang,
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Zhou X, Lin J, Wang F, Chen X, Zhang Y, Hu Z, Jin X. Circular RNA-regulated autophagy is involved in cancer progression. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:961983. [PMID: 36187468 PMCID: PMC9515439 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.961983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a sort of long, non-coding RNA molecules with a covalently closed continuous ring structure without 5'-3' polarity and poly-A tail. The modulative role of circRNAs in malignant diseases has been elucidated by many studies in recent years via bioinformatics and high-throughput sequencing technologies. Generally, circRNA affects the proliferative, invasive, and migrative capacity of malignant cells via various mechanisms, exhibiting great potential as novel biomarkers in the diagnoses or treatments of malignancies. Meanwhile, autophagy preserves cellular homeostasis, serving as a vital molecular process in tumor progression. Mounting studies have demonstrated that autophagy can not only contribute to cancer cell survival but can also induce autophagic cell death in specific conditions. A growing number of research studies have indicated that there existed abundant associations between circRNAs and autophagy. Herein, we systemically reviewed and discussed recent studies on this topic in different malignancies and concluded that the circRNA–autophagy axis played crucial roles in the proliferation, metastasis, invasion, and drug or radiation resistance of different tumor cells.
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