LncRNA TINCR impairs the efficacy of immunotherapy against breast cancer by recruiting DNMT1 and downregulating MiR-199a-5p via the STAT1-TINCR-USP20-PD-L1 axis

Interplay between JAK/STAT pathway and non-coding RNAs in different cancers

Progress in the identification of core multi-protein modules within JAK/STAT pathway has enabled researchers to develop a better understanding of the linchpin role of deregulated signaling cascade in carcinogenesis and metastasis. More excitingly, complex interplay between JAK/STAT pathway and non-coding RNAs has been shown to reprogramme the outcome of signaling cascade and modulate immunological responses within tumor microenvironment. Wealth of information has comprehensively illustrated that most of this complexity regulates the re-shaping of the immunological responses. Increasingly sophisticated mechanistic insights have illuminated fundamental role of STAT-signaling in polarization of macrophages to M2 phenotype that promotes disease aggressiveness. Overall, JAK/STAT signaling drives different stages of cancer ranging from cancer metastasis to the reshaping of the tumor microenvironment. JAK/STAT signaling has also been found to play role in the regulation of infiltration and activity of natural killer cells and CD4/CD8 cells by PD-L1/PD-1 signaling. In this review, we have attempted to set spotlight on regulation of JAK/STAT pathway by microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs and circular RNAs in primary tumors and metastasizing tumors. Therefore, existing knowledge gaps need to be addressed to propel this fledgling field of research to the forefront and bring lncRNAs and circRNAs to the frontline of clinical practice. Leveraging the growing momentum will enable interdisciplinary researchers to gain transition from segmented view to a fairly detailed conceptual continuum.

Exploring the roles of non-coding RNAs in liver regeneration

Liver regeneration (LR) is a complex process encompassing three distinct phases: priming, proliferation phase and restoration, all influenced by various regulatory factors. After liver damage or partial resection, the liver tissue demonstrates remarkable restorative capacity, driven by cellular proliferation and repair mechanisms. The essential roles of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), predominantly microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNA (circRNA), in regulating LR have been vastly studied. Additionally, the impact of ncRNAs on LR and their abnormal expression profiles during this process have been extensively documented. Mechanistic investigations have revealed that ncRNAs interact with genes involved in proliferation to regulate hepatocyte proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation, along with liver progenitor cell proliferation and migration. Given the significant role of ncRNAs in LR, an in-depth exploration of their involvement in the liver's self-repair capacity can reveal promising therapeutic strategies for LR and liver-related diseases. Moreover, understanding the unique regenerative potential of the adult liver and the mechanisms and regulatory factors of ncRNAs in LR are crucial for improving current treatment strategies and exploring new therapeutic approaches for various liver-related diseases. This review provides a brief overview of the LR process and the ncRNA expression profiles during this process. Furthermore, we also elaborate on the specific molecular mechanisms through which multiple key ncRNAs regulate the LR process. Finally, based on the expression characteristics of ncRNAs and their interactions with proliferation-associated genes, we explore their potential clinical application, such as developing predictive indicators reflecting liver regenerative activity and manipulating LR processes for therapeutic purposes.

Replenishment of TCA cycle intermediates and long-noncoding RNAs regulation in breast cancer

The tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle is an essential interface that coordinates cellular metabolism and is as a primary route determining the fate of a variety of fuel sources, including glucose, fatty acid and glutamate. The crosstalk of nutrients replenished TCA cycle regulates breast cancer (BC) progression by changing substrate levels-induced epigenetic alterations, especially the methylation, acetylation, succinylation and lactylation. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) have dual roles in inhibiting or promoting energy reprogramming, and so altering the metabolic flux of fuel sources to the TCA cycle, which may regulate epigenetic modifications at the cellular level of BC. This narrative review discussed the central role of the TCA cycle in interconnecting numerous fuels and the induced epigenetic modifications, and the underlying regulatory mechanisms of lncRNAs in BC.

Posttranslational regulatory mechanism of PD-L1 in cancers and associated opportunities for novel small-molecule therapeutics

Despite the tremendous progress in cancer research over the past few decades, effective therapeutic strategies are still urgently needed. Accumulating evidence suggests that immune checkpoints are the cause of tumor immune escape. PD-1/PD-L1 are among them. Posttranslational modification is the most critical step for protein function, and the regulation of PD-L1 by small molecules through posttranslational modification is highly valuable. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of tumor cell immune escape and several posttranslational modifications associated with PD-L1 and describe examples in which small molecules can regulate PD-L1 through posttranslational modifications. Herein, we propose that the use of small molecule compounds that act by inhibiting PD-L1 through posttranslational modifications is a promising therapeutic approach with the potential to improve clinical outcomes for cancer patients.

Drug resistance mechanisms and treatment strategies mediated by Ubiquitin-Specific Proteases (USPs) in cancers: new directions and therapeutic options

Drug resistance represents a significant obstacle in cancer treatment, underscoring the need for the discovery of novel therapeutic targets. Ubiquitin-specific proteases (USPs), a subclass of deubiquitinating enzymes, play a pivotal role in protein deubiquitination. As scientific research advances, USPs have been recognized as key regulators of drug resistance across a spectrum of treatment modalities, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy. This comprehensive review examines the complex relationship between USPs and drug resistance mechanisms, focusing on specific treatment strategies and highlighting the influence of USPs on DNA damage repair, apoptosis, characteristics of cancer stem cells, immune evasion, and other crucial biological functions. Additionally, the review highlights the potential clinical significance of USP inhibitors as a means to counter drug resistance in cancer treatment. By inhibiting particular USP, cancer cells can become more susceptible to a variety of anti-cancer drugs. The integration of USP inhibitors with current anti-cancer therapies offers a promising strategy to circumvent drug resistance. Therefore, this review emphasizes the importance of USPs as viable therapeutic targets and offers insight into fruitful directions for future research and drug development. Targeting USPs presents an effective method to combat drug resistance across various cancer types, leading to enhanced treatment strategies and better patient outcomes.

Emerging therapeutic frontiers in cancer: insights into posttranslational modifications of PD-1/PD-L1 and regulatory pathways

The interaction between programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1), which is expressed on the surface of tumor cells, and programmed cell death 1 (PD-1), which is expressed on T cells, impedes the effective activation of tumor antigen-specific T cells, resulting in the evasion of tumor cells from immune-mediated killing. Blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway has been shown to be effective in preventing tumor immune evasion. PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies have garnered significant attention in recent years within the field of tumor treatments, given the aforementioned mechanism. Furthermore, clinical research has substantiated the efficacy and safety of this immunotherapy across various tumors, offering renewed optimism for patients. However, challenges persist in anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies, marked by limited indications and the emergence of drug resistance. Consequently, identifying additional regulatory pathways and molecules associated with PD-1/PD-L1 and implementing judicious combined treatments are imperative for addressing the intricacies of tumor immune mechanisms. This review briefly outlines the structure of the PD-1/PD-L1 molecule, emphasizing the posttranslational modification regulatory mechanisms and related targets. Additionally, a comprehensive overview on the clinical research landscape concerning PD-1/PD-L1 post-translational modifications combined with PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies to enhance outcomes for a broader spectrum of patients is presented based on foundational research.

MicroRNAs as regulators of immune checkpoints in cancer immunotherapy: targeting PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 pathways

Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment by harnessing the power of the immune system to eliminate tumors. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) block negative regulatory signals that prevent T cells from attacking cancer cells. Two key ICIs target the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, which includes programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and its receptor programmed death 1 (PD-1). Another ICI targets cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4). While ICIs have demonstrated remarkable efficacy in various malignancies, only a subset of patients respond favorably. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression, play a crucial role in modulating immune checkpoints, including PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4. This review summarizes the latest advancements in immunotherapy, highlighting the therapeutic potential of targeting PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 immune checkpoints and the regulatory role of miRNAs in modulating these pathways. Consequently, understanding the complex interplay between miRNAs and immune checkpoints is essential for developing more effective and personalized immunotherapy strategies for cancer treatment.

Programmed Death Ligand 1 Regulatory Crosstalk with Ubiquitination and Deubiquitination: Implications in Cancer Immunotherapy

Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) plays a pivotal role in cancer immune evasion and is a critical target for cancer immunotherapy. This review focuses on the regulation of PD-L1 through the dynamic processes of ubiquitination and deubiquitination, which are crucial for its stability and function. Here, we explored the intricate mechanisms involving various E3 ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) that modulate PD-L1 expression in cancer cells. Specific ligases are discussed in detail, highlighting their roles in tagging PD-L1 for degradation. Furthermore, we discuss the actions of DUBs that stabilize PD-L1 by removing ubiquitin chains. The interplay of these enzymes not only dictates PD-L1 levels but also influences cancer progression and patient response to immunotherapies. Furthermore, we discuss the therapeutic implications of targeting these regulatory pathways and propose novel strategies to enhance the efficacy of PD-L1/PD-1-based therapies. Our review underscores the complexity of PD-L1 regulation and its significant impact on the tumor microenvironment and immunotherapy outcomes.

Long non-coding RNAs in cancer: multifaceted roles and potential targets for immunotherapy

Cancer remains a major global health concern with high mortality rates mainly due to late diagnosis and poor prognosis. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as key regulators of gene expression in human cancer, functioning through various mechanisms including as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) and indirectly regulating miRNA expression. LncRNAs have been found to have both oncogenic and tumor-suppressive roles in cancer, with the former promoting cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and poor prognosis. Recent research has shown that lncRNAs are expressed in various immune cells and are involved in cancer cell immune escape and the modulation of the tumor microenvironment, thus highlighting their potential as targets for cancer immunotherapy. Targeting lncRNAs in cancer or immune cells could enhance the anti-tumor immune response and improve cancer immunotherapy outcomes. However, further research is required to fully understand the functional roles of lncRNAs in cancer and the immune system and their potential as targets for cancer immunotherapy. This review offers a comprehensive examination of the multifaceted roles of lncRNAs in human cancers, with a focus on their potential as targets for cancer immunotherapy. By exploring the intricate mechanisms underlying lncRNA-mediated regulation of cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and immune evasion, we provide insights into the diverse therapeutic applications of these molecules.

Novel immunotherapies for breast cancer: Focus on 2023 findings

Immunotherapy has emerged as a revolutionary approach in cancer therapy, and recent advancements hold significant promise for breast cancer (BCa) management. Employing the patient's immune system to combat BCa has become a focal point in immunotherapeutic investigations. Strategies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), adoptive cell transfer (ACT), and targeting the tumor microenvironment (TME) have disclosed encouraging clinical outcomes. ICIs, particularly programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/PD-L1 inhibitors, exhibit efficacy in specific BCa subtypes, including triple-negative BCa (TNBC) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive cancers. ACT approaches, including tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, showed promising clinical outcomes in enhancing tumor recognition and elimination. Targeting the TME through immune agonists and oncolytic viruses signifies a burgeoning field of research. While challenges persist in patient selection, resistance mechanisms, and combination therapy optimization, these novel immunotherapies hold transformative potential for BCa treatment. Continued research and clinical trials are imperative to refine and implement these innovative approaches, paving the way for improved outcomes and revolutionizing the management of BCa. This review provides a concise overview of the latest immunotherapies (2023 studies) in BCa, highlighting their potential and current status.

LINC00887 regulates malignant progression and T-cell chemotaxis in clear cell renal cell carcinoma by activating CD70 via recruitment of SPI1

BACKGROUND

LINC00887 has been mentioned in several articles regarding its involvement in various cancers like nasopharyngeal carcinoma, lung cancer and glioma. However, the mechanism of LINC00887 in the malignant progression of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is still unclear. The topic of our study is mainly centered on exploring how LINC00887 exactly affects ccRCC malignant progression.

METHODS

The bioinformatics method predicted the downstream TF and target genes of LINC00887 by the "LncRNA-transcription factor (TF)-Gene" triplet model. RNA immunoprecipitation, chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis, and Dual-luciferase reporter assay determined the regulatory relationship between LINC00887 and its downstream genes. The LINC00887 expression and its downstream gene expression in ccRCC cells were examined by qRT-PCR and Western blot. The effect of LINC00887-SPI1-CD70 modulation axis on proliferative transfer, cell stemness and T cell chemotaxis of ccRCC cells was examined in cellular and animal experiments.

RESULTS

Our research demonstrated an upregulation of LINC00887 in ccRCC, which facilitated tumor growth and stemness in vivo. In addition, LINC00887 could upregulate the CD70 expression by recruiting transcriptional factor SPI1. The results of in vitro experiments illustrated that the LINC00887-SPI1-CD70 regulatory axis facilitated ccRCC malignant progression by promoting cell stemness and hindering T-cell chemotaxis.

CONCLUSION

LINC00887, by recruiting SPI1, activated CD70 transcription, thereby propelling malignant progression and cell stemness and suppressing T cell chemotaxis in ccRCC. Based on our findings, we believed that the LINC00887-SPI1-CD70 regulatory axis had the potential to be a critical breakthrough for treating ccRCC.

In Vitro and In Vivo Preventive Effects of Thymoquinone against Breast Cancer: Role of DNMT1

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common cancers in women and is a major cause of female cancer-related deaths. BC is a multifactorial disease caused by the dysregulation of many genes, raising the need to find novel drugs that function by targeting several signaling pathways. The antitumoral drug thymoquinone (TQ), found in black seed oil, has multitargeting properties against several signaling pathways. This study evaluated the inhibitory effects of TQ on the MCF7 and T47D human breast cancer cell lines and its antitumor activity against BC induced by a single oral dose (65 mg/kg) of 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA) in female rats. The therapeutic activity was evaluated in DMBA-treated rats who received oral TQ (50 mg/kg) three times weekly. TQ-treated MCF7 and T47D cells showed concentration-dependent inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis. TQ also decreased the expression of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) in both cancer cell types. In DMBA-treated animals, TQ inhibited the number of liver and kidney metastases. These effects were associated with a reduction in DNMT1 mRNA expression. These results indicate that TQ has protective effects against breast carcinogens through epigenetic mechanisms involving DNMT1 inhibition.

Long Non-Coding RNAs as Regulators for Targeting Breast Cancer Stem Cells and Tumor Immune Microenvironment: Biological Properties and Therapeutic Potential

Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) is a subpopulation of cancer cells with self-renewal and differentiation capacity, have been suggested to give rise to tumor heterogeneity and biologically aggressive behavior. Accumulating evidence has shown that BCSCs play a fundamental role in tumorigenesis, progression, and recurrence. The development of immunotherapy, primarily represented by programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors, has greatly changed the treatment landscape of multiple malignancies. Recent studies have identified pervasive negative associations between cancer stemness and anticancer immunity. Stemness seems to play a causative role in the formation of cold tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). The multiple functions of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in regulating stemness and immune responses has been recently highlighted in breast cancer. The review focus on lncRNAs and keys pathways involved in the regulation of BCSCs and TIME. Potential clinical applications using lncRNAs as biomarkers or therapies will be discussed.

Potential effects of biomaterials on macrophage function and their signalling pathways

The use of biomaterials in biomedicine and healthcare has increased in recent years. Macrophages are the primary immune cells that induce inflammation and tissue repair after implantation of biomaterials. Given that macrophages exhibit high heterogeneity and plasticity, the influence of biomaterials on macrophage phenotype should be considered a crucial evaluation criterion during the development of novel biomaterials. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the physicochemical, biological, and dynamic characteristics of biomaterials that drive the regulation of immune responses in macrophages. The mechanisms involved in the interaction between macrophages and biomaterials, including endocytosis, receptors, signalling pathways, integrins, inflammasomes and long non-coding RNAs, are summarised in this review. In addition, research prospects of the interaction between macrophages and biomaterials are discussed. An in-depth understanding of mechanisms underlying the spatiotemporal changes in macrophage phenotype induced by biomaterials and their impact on macrophage polarization can facilitate the identification and development of novel biomaterials with superior performance. These biomaterials may be used for tissue repair and regeneration, vaccine or drug delivery and immunotherapy.

Emerging roles of interactions between ncRNAs and other epigenetic modifications in breast cancer

Up till the present moment, breast cancer is still the leading cause of cancer-related death in women worldwide. Although the treatment methods and protocols for breast cancer are constantly improving, the long-term prognosis of patients is still not optimistic due to the complex heterogeneity of the disease, multi-organ metastasis, chemotherapy and radiotherapy resistance. As a newly discovered class of non-coding RNAs, ncRNAs play an important role in various cancers. Especially in breast cancer, lncRNAs have received extensive attention and have been confirmed to regulate cancer progression through a variety of pathways. Meanwhile, the study of epigenetic modification, including DNA methylation, RNA methylation and histone modification, has developed rapidly in recent years, which has greatly promoted the attention to the important role of non-coding RNAs in breast cancer. In this review, we carefully and comprehensively describe the interactions between several major classes of epigenetic modifications and ncRNAs, as well as their different subsequent biological effects, and discuss their potential for practical clinical applications.

Knockdown of ABHD11‑AS1 prevents the procession of TNBC by upregulating miR‑199a‑5p

Breast cancer (BC) has become a threat to women's health. In addition, patients with triple-negative BC (TNBC) have the worst prognosis among all patients with BC. Furthermore, long non-coding RNA ABHD11-AS1 is aberrantly highly expressed in TNBC, suggesting that RNA ABHD11-AS1 may serve as an important role in the progression of TNBC. However, the detailed function of ABHD11-AS1 in TNBC remains largely unknown. The levels of ABHD11-AS1 in MDA-MB-231 cells were assessed by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. To investigate the effect of ABHD11-AS1 on the progression of TNBC, a xenograft animal model was established. Knockdown of ABHD11-AS1 inhibited the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and migration of TNBC cells. In addition, ABHD11-AS1 promoted the viability and migration of TNBC cells by upregulating microRNA (miR)-199a-5p. Furthermore, knockdown of ABHD11-AS1 suppressed TNBC tumor growth in vivo by upregulating miR-199a-5p. In conclusion, knockdown of ABHD11-AS1 suppressed the progression of TNBC via upregulation of miR-199a-5p. The data of the present study may provide novel directions and a theoretical basis for TNBC treatment.

PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors Response in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Can Long Noncoding RNAs Be Associated?

As immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) emerge as a paradigm-shifting treatment option for patients with advanced or metastatic cancer, there is a growing demand for biomarkers that can distinguish which patients are likely to benefit. In the case of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), characterized by a lack of therapeutic targets, pembrolizumab approval for high-risk early-stage disease occurred regardless of PD-L1 status, which keeps the condition in a biomarker limbus. In this review, we highlight the participation of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the regulation of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, as well as in the definition of prognostic immune-related signatures in many types of tumors, aiming to shed light on molecules that deserve further investigation for a potential role as biomarkers. We also conducted a bioinformatic analysis to investigate lncRNAs already investigated in PD-1/PDL-1 pathways in other cancer types, considering the TNBC molecular context. In this sense, from the generated data, we evidence here two lncRNAs, UCA1 and HCP5, which have not yet been identified in the context of the tumoral immune response in breast cancer. These candidates can be further explored to verify their use as biomarkers for ICI response. In this article, we present an updated review regarding the use of lncRNA as biomarkers of response to ICI, highlighting the versatility of using these molecules.

Targeting ubiquitin specific proteases (USPs) in cancer immunotherapy: from basic research to preclinical application

Tumors have evolved in various mechanisms to evade the immune system, hindering the antitumor immune response and facilitating tumor progression. Immunotherapy has become a potential treatment strategy specific to different cancer types by utilizing multifarious molecular mechanisms to enhance the immune response against tumors. Among these mechanisms, the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is a significant non-lysosomal pathway specific to protein degradation, regulated by deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) that counterbalance ubiquitin signaling. Ubiquitin-specific proteases (USPs), the largest DUB family with the strongest variety, play critical roles in modulating immune cell function, regulating immune response, and participating in antigen processing and presentation during tumor progression. According to recent studies, the expressions of some USP family members in tumor cells are involved in tumor immune escape and immune microenvironment. This review explores the potential of targeting USPs as a new approach for cancer immunotherapy, highlighting recent basic and preclinical studies investigating the applications of USP inhibitors. By providing insights into the structure and function of USPs in cancer immunity, this review aims at assisting in developing new therapeutic approaches for enhancing the immunotherapy efficacy.

Emerging role of deubiquitination modifications of programmed death-ligand 1 in cancer immunotherapy

Immune evasion is essential for carcinogenesis and cancer progression. Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), a critical immune checkpoint molecule, interacts with programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) on immune cells to suppress anti-tumor immune responses. In the past decade, antibodies targeting PD-1/PD-L1 have tremendously altered cancer treatment paradigms. Post-translational modifications have been reported as key regulators of PD-L1 expression. Among these modifications, ubiquitination and deubiquitination are reversible processes that dynamically control protein degradation and stabilization. Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) are responsible for deubiquitination and have emerged as crucial players in tumor growth, progression, and immune evasion. Recently, studies have highlighted the participation of DUBs in deubiquitinating PD-L1 and modulating its expression. Here, we review the recent developments in deubiquitination modifications of PD-L1 and focus on the underlying mechanisms and effects on anti-tumor immunity.

The current advances of lncRNAs in breast cancer immunobiology research

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy and the leading cause of cancer-related death in women worldwide. Breast cancer development and progression are mainly associated with tumor-intrinsic alterations in diverse genes and signaling pathways and with tumor-extrinsic dysregulations linked to the tumor immune microenvironment. Significantly, abnormal expression of lncRNAs affects the tumor immune microenvironment characteristics and modulates the behavior of different cancer types, including breast cancer. In this review, we provide the current advances about the role of lncRNAs as tumor-intrinsic and tumor-extrinsic modulators of the antitumoral immune response and the immune microenvironment in breast cancer, as well as lncRNAs which are potential biomarkers of tumor immune microenvironment and clinicopathological characteristics in patients, suggesting that lncRNAs are potential targets for immunotherapy in breast cancer.

Underexplored reciprocity between genome-wide methylation status and long non-coding RNA expression reflected in breast cancer research: potential impacts for the disease management in the framework of 3P medicine

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common female malignancy reaching a pandemic scale worldwide. A comprehensive interplay between genetic alterations and shifted epigenetic regions synergistically leads to disease development and progression into metastatic BC. DNA and histones methylations, as the most studied epigenetic modifications, represent frequent and early events in the process of carcinogenesis. To this end, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are recognized as potent epigenetic modulators in pathomechanisms of BC by contributing to the regulation of DNA, RNA, and histones' methylation. In turn, the methylation status of DNA, RNA, and histones can affect the level of lncRNAs expression demonstrating the reciprocity of mechanisms involved. Furthermore, lncRNAs might undergo methylation in response to actual medical conditions such as tumor development and treated malignancies. The reciprocity between genome-wide methylation status and long non-coding RNA expression levels in BC remains largely unexplored. Since the bio/medical research in the area is, per evidence, strongly fragmented, the relevance of this reciprocity for BC development and progression has not yet been systematically analyzed. Contextually, the article aims at:consolidating the accumulated knowledge on both-the genome-wide methylation status and corresponding lncRNA expression patterns in BC andhighlighting the potential benefits of this consolidated multi-professional approach for advanced BC management. Based on a big data analysis and machine learning for individualized data interpretation, the proposed approach demonstrates a great potential to promote predictive diagnostics and targeted prevention in the cost-effective primary healthcare (sub-optimal health conditions and protection against the health-to-disease transition) as well as advanced treatment algorithms tailored to the individualized patient profiles in secondary BC care (effective protection against metastatic disease). Clinically relevant examples are provided, including mitochondrial health control and epigenetic regulatory mechanisms involved.

Crosstalk between Noncoding RNAs and the Epigenetics Machinery in Pediatric Tumors and Their Microenvironment

According to the World Health Organization, every year, an estimated 400,000+ new cancer cases affect children under the age of 20 worldwide. Unlike adult cancers, pediatric cancers develop very early in life due to alterations in signaling pathways that regulate embryonic development, and environmental factors do not contribute much to cancer development. The highly organized complex microenvironment controlled by synchronized gene expression patterns plays an essential role in the embryonic stages of development. Dysregulated development can lead to tumor initiation and growth. The low mutational burden in pediatric tumors suggests the predominant role of epigenetic changes in driving the cancer phenotype. However, one more upstream layer of regulation driven by ncRNAs regulates gene expression and signaling pathways involved in the development. Deregulation of ncRNAs can alter the epigenetic machinery of a cell, affecting the transcription and translation profiles of gene regulatory networks required for cellular proliferation and differentiation during embryonic development. Therefore, it is essential to understand the role of ncRNAs in pediatric tumor development to accelerate translational research to discover new treatments for childhood cancers. This review focuses on the role of ncRNA in regulating the epigenetics of pediatric tumors and their tumor microenvironment, the impact of their deregulation on driving pediatric tumor progress, and their potential as effective therapeutic targets.

RUNX1-IT1 favors breast cancer carcinogenesis through regulation of IGF2BP1/GPX4 axis

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women and the leading cause of cancer deaths, with complicated pathogenesis that is largely unknown. In this study, we identified a novel long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) as a critical driver of breast cancer tumorigenesis. RUNX1 intronic transcript 1 (RUNX1-IT1) was notably overexpressed in human breast cancer tissues, and knockdown of RUNX1-IT1 inhibited breast cancer cell viability and invasion, as well as tumor growth in orthotopic transplantation model. Further, RUNX1-IT1 repressed ferroptosis, a novel iron-dependent form of regulated cell death, via increasing glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) expression. Specifically, RUNX1-IT1 directly bound to N6-methyladenosine m⁶A reader IGF2BP1 and promoted the formation of (insulin like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 1) IGF2BP1 liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) biomolecular condensates, resulting in more IGF2BP1 occupation on GPX4 mRNA, increasing GPX4 mRNA stability. Moreover, high RUNX1-IT1 was linked to poor prognosis, and a strong positive correlation between RUNX1-IT1 and GPX4 was observed in clinical breast cancer tissues. Taken together, our data reveal that RUNX1-IT1 promotes breast cancer carcinogenesis through blocking ferroptosis via elevating GPX4, targeting of the previously unappreciated regulatory axis of RUNX1-IT1/IGF2BP1/GPX4 may be a promising treatment for patient with breast cancer.

Mechanisms of Long Non-Coding RNA in Breast Cancer

The landscape of pervasive transcription in eukaryotic genomes has made space for the identification of thousands of transcripts that are difficult to frame in a specific functional category. A new class has been broadly named as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and shortly defined as transcripts that are longer than 200 nucleotides with no or limited coding potential. So far, about 19,000 lncRNAs genes have been annotated in the human genome (Gencode 41), nearly matching the number of protein-coding genes. A key scientific priority is the functional characterization of lncRNAs, a major challenge in molecular biology that has encouraged many high-throughput efforts. LncRNA studies have been stimulated by the enormous clinical potential that these molecules promise and have been based on the characterization of their expression and functional mechanisms. In this review, we illustrate some of these mechanisms as they have been pictured in the context of breast cancer.

LINC00668 promoted non-small lung cancer progression by miR-518c-3p/TRIP4 axis

BACKGROUND

Non-small lung cancer ranks first in the cancer-related death of all malignant tumors. Exploring novel biological targets is of great significance for diagnosis and therapy of NSCLC.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we aimed to explore the effect of LINC00668 on the biological functions of NSCLC cells and the underlying mechanism.

METHODS

RT-qPCR assays and western blot assays were utilized to estimate the relative gene expression at mRNA and protein levels, respectively. CCK8, colony formation, wound healing, transwell, and cell apoptosis assays were employed to assess cell function. IHC and FISH assays were used to determine the gene expression in NSCLC tissues. RIP and dual-luciferase assays were conducted to validate the combination between LINC00668 and miR-518c-3p. The correlation of expression between miR-518c-3p and LINC00668 or TRIP4 was determined by Pearson correlation analysis.

RESULTS

LINC00668 was aberrantly upregulated in NSCLC tumor tissues and cell lines. Inhibition of LINC00668 significantly suppressed tumor proliferation, migration, invasion and promoted cell apoptosis. Mechanistically, LINC00668 could bind to miR-518c-3p, thus targeting the 3'UTR of TRIP4. TRIP4 overexpression rescued the weakened cell function mediated by LINC00668 silencing.

CONCLUSIONS

LINC00668 acted as an oncogene in NSCLC progression through miR-518c-3p/TRIP4 axis. Our study disclosed a new mechanism of LINC00668 functioned in NSCLC and may give a deeper insight of the targeted therapy of NSCLC in the future.