miR-100-5p inhibition induces apoptosis in dormant prostate cancer cells and prevents the emergence of castration-resistant prostate cancer

Deciphering the genetic and epigenetic architecture of prostate cancer

Prostate cancer, one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in men, leads to significant mortality worldwide. Its study is important due to the complexity and diversity in its progression, highlighting the urgent need for improved therapeutic strategies. This chapter probes into the genetic and epigenetic factors influencing prostate cancer progression, underscoring the importance of understanding the disease's molecular fundamentals for the development of targeted therapies. It specifically reviews the role of key genetic mutations in genes such as Androgen Receptor, TP53, SPOP, FOXA1 and PTEN which are crucial for the disease onset and a progression. Furthermore, it examines the impact of epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation and histone modification, which contribute to the cancer's progression by affecting gene expression and cellular behavior. Further, in this chapter we delve into the underlying signaling mechanism, the advancements in targeting genetic and epigenetic alterations in prostate cancer. These findings have revealed promising targets for therapeutic advancements, aiming to understand and identify promising avenues for future therapies. This chapter improves our current understanding of prostate cancer genetic and epigenetic landscape, emphasizing the necessity of advancing our knowledge to refine and expand treatment options for prostate cancer patients.

Prostate cancer therapy outcome prediction: are miRNAs a suitable guide for therapeutic decisions?

BACKGROUND

Radical prostatectomy, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and androgen-deprivation therapy are among the most common treatment options for different forms of prostate cancer (PCa). However, making therapeutic decisions is difficult due to the lack of reliable prediction markers indicating therapy outcomes in clinical practice. The involvement of miRNAs in all mechanisms of the PCa development and their easy detection characterize them as attractive PCa biomarkers. Although there are extensive data on the role of miRNAs in PCa therapy resistance and sensitivity development, the issues of whether they could be used as a guide for therapy choice and, if so, how we can progress toward this goal, remain unclear. Thus, generalizable reviews and studies which summarize, compare, and analyze data on miRNA involvement in responses to different types of PCa therapies are required.

OBJECTIVES

Data on the involvement of miRNAs in therapy responses, on the role of cross-miRNA expression in different therapies, and on miRNA targets were analyzed in order to determine the miRNA-related factors which can lend perspective to the future development of personalized predictors of PCa sensitivity/resistance to therapies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The data available on the miRNAs associated with different PCa therapies (resistance and sensitivity therapies) are summarized and analyzed in this study, including analyses using bioinformatics resources. Special attention was dedicated to the mechanisms of the development of therapy resistance.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

A comprehensive combined analysis of the current data revealed a panel of miRNAs that were shown to be most closely associated with the PCa therapy response and were found to regulate the genes involved in PCa development via cell proliferation regulation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), apoptosis, cell-cycle progression, angiogenesis, metastasis and invasion regulation, androgen-independent development, and colony formation.

CONCLUSION

The selected miRNA-based panel has the potential to be a guide for therapeutic decision making in the effective treatment of PCa.

The interaction of mast cells with membranes from lung cancer cells induces the release of extracellular vesicles with a unique miRNA signature

Mast cells (MCs) are immune cells that play roles in both normal and abnormal processes. They have been linked to tumor progression in several types of cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the exact role of MCs in NSCLC is still unclear. Some studies have shown that the presence of a large number of MCs is associated with poor prognosis, while others have suggested that MCs have protective effects. To better understand the role of MCs in NSCLC, we aimed to identify the initial mechanisms underlying the communication between MCs and lung cancer cells. Here, we recapitulated cell-to-cell contact by exposing MCs to membranes derived from lung cancer cells and confirming their activation, as evidenced by increased phosphorylation of the ERK and AKT kinases. Profiling of the microRNAs that were selectively enriched in the extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by the lung cancer-activated MCs revealed that they contained significantly increased amounts of miR-100-5p and miR-125b, two protumorigenic miRNAs. We explored the pathways regulated by these miRNAs via enrichment analysis using the KEGG database, demonstrating that these two miRNAs regulate p53 signaling, cancer pathways, and pathways associated with apoptosis and the cell cycle.

Screening and validation of novel serum panel of microRNA in stratification of prostate cancer

Background

Owing to the heterogeneous nature of prostate cancer (PCa) and errors in the characterization of the disease, researchers have been trying to unveil molecular biomarkers like microRNA (miRNA) as diagnostic markers. The purpose of our study is to demonstrate the precision of a panel of miRNAs as biomarkers with diagnostic potential for risk stratification.

Materials and methods

The present study demonstrates the comparative expression profiles of miRNA-141,-1290,-100, and -335 in both tissue and serum, including Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH) and PCa, with healthy volunteers. Firstly, we demonstrate the expression of all miRNAs in the discovery cohort, including metastasis and benign tissue, and later validate their non-invasive diagnostic potential in BPH and PCa with healthy volunteers. MiRNA was isolated from tissue and serum to be quantified by RT-PCR and analyzed for biomarker potential by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, followed by targetome analysis of each miRNA.

Results

Among the non-invasive miRNA assessed, it was seen that miRNA 141 (P = 0.0003) and miRNA 1290 (P < 0.0001) are oncogenic with significantly higher expression, while miRNA 100 (P = 0.0002) and miRNA 335 are tumor suppressor, in PCa as compared to controls. While for BPH, miRNA 141 (P = 0.003) and miRNA 335 (P = 0.0002) were found to be significantly oncogenic and tumor suppressors, respectively. The analysis of the ROC curve of panel miRNAs (miRNA-141,-1290, and -100) portrayed a significant area under the curve with greater sensitivity and specificity. Moreover, in-silico prediction of their respective targetomes represents their extensive involvement in PCa progression and various other cascades that aid in PCa networks.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, we are going to report for the first time this panel of miRNA that can be used to accurately and efficiently diagnose BPH and PCa patients from healthy males.

Non-coding RNAs in enzalutamide resistance of castration-resistant prostate cancer

Enzalutamide (Enz) is a next-generation androgen receptor (AR) antagonist used to treat castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Unfortunately, the relapsing nature of CRPC results in the development of Enz resistance in many patients. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are RNA molecules that do not encode proteins, which include microRNAs (miRNA), long ncRNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), and other ncRNAs with known and unknown functions. Recently, dysregulation of ncRNAs in CRPC, particularly their regulatory function in drug resistance, has attracted more and more attention. Herein, we introduce the roles of dysregulation of different ncRNAs subclasses in the development of CRPC progression and Enz resistance. Recently determined mechanisms of Enz resistance are discussed, focusing mainly on the role of AR-splice variant-7 (AR-V7), mutations, circRNAs and lncRNAs that act as miRNA sponges. Also, the contributions of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and glucose metabolism to Enz resistance are discussed. We summarize the different mechanisms of miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs in the progression of CRPC and Enz resistance, and highlight the prospect of future therapeutic strategies against Enz resistance.

Prostate Cancer and microRNAs: New insights into Apoptosis

Prostate cancer (PCa) is known as one of the most prevalent malignancies globally and is not yet curable owing to its progressive nature. It has been well documented that Genetic and epigenetic alterations maintain mandatory roles in PCa development. Apoptosis, a form of programmed cell death, has been shown to be involved in a number of physiological processes. Apoptosis disruption is considered as one of the main mechanism involved in lots of pathological conditions, especially malignancy. There is ample of evidence in support of the fact that microRNAs (miRNAs) have crucial roles in several cellular biological processes, including apoptosis. Escaping from apoptosis is a common event in malignancy progression. Emerging evidence revealed miRNAs capabilities to act as apoptotic or anti-apoptotic factors by altering the expression levels of tumor inhibitor or oncogene genes. In the present narrative review, we described in detail how apoptosis dysfunction could be involved in PCa processes and additionally, the mechanisms behind miRNAs affect the apoptosis pathways in PCa. Identifying the mechanisms behind the effects of miRNAs and their targets on apoptosis can provide scientists new targets for PCa treatment.

Effect of MiR-100-5p on proliferation and apoptosis of goat endometrial stromal cell in vitro and embryo implantation in vivo

The growth of endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) at implantation sites may be a potential factor affecting the success rate of embryo implantation. Incremental proofs demonstrated that ncRNAs (e.g. miRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs) were involved in various biological procedures, including proliferation and apoptosis. In this study, the role of miR‐100‐5p on proliferation and apoptosis of goat ESCs in vitro and embryo implantation in vivo was determined. The mRNA expression of miR‐100‐5p was significantly inhibited in the receptive phase (RE) rather than in the pre‐receptive phase (PE). Overexpression of miR‐100‐5p suppressed ESCs proliferation and induced apoptosis. The molecular target of MiR‐100‐5p, HOXA1, was confirmed by 3′‐UTR assays. Meanwhile, the product of HOXA1 mRNA RT‐PCR increased in the RE more than that in the PE. The HOXA1‐siRNA exerted significant negative effects on growth arrest. Instead, incubation of ESCs with miR‐100‐5p inhibitor or overexpressed HOXA1 promoted the cell proliferation. In addition, Circ‐9110 which acted as a sponge for miR‐100‐5p reversed the relevant biological effects of miR‐100‐5p. The intrinsic apoptosis pathway was suppressed in ESCs, revealing a crosstalk between Circ‐9110/miR‐100‐5p/HOXA1 axis, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, and ERK1/2 pathways. To further evaluate the progress in study on embryo implantation regulating mechanism of miR‐100‐5p in vivo, the pinopodes of two phases were observed and analysed, suggesting that, as similar as in situ, miR‐100‐5p was involved in significantly regulating embryo implantation in vivo. Mechanistically, miR‐100‐5p performed its embryo implantation function through regulation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR and ERK1/2 pathways by targeting Circ‐9110/miR‐100‐5p/HOXA1 axis in vivo.

Exosomal-microRNA transcriptome profiling of Parental and CSC-like MDA-MB-231 cells in response to cisplatin treatment

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive breast cancer subtype with higher risk of metastasis and cancer reoccurrence. Cisplatin is one of the potential anticancer drugs for treating TNBC, where its effectiveness remains challenged by frequent occurrence of cisplatin resistance. Since acquirement of drug resistance often being associated with presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs), investigation has been conducted, suggesting CSC-like subpopulation to be more resistant to cisplatin than their parental counterpart. On the other hand, plethora evidences showed the transmission of exosomal-miRNAs are capable of promoting drug resistance in breast cancers. In this study, we aim to elucidate the differential expression of exosomal-microRNAs profile and reveal the potential target genes in correlation to cisplatin resistance associated with CSC-like subpopulation by using TNBC cell line (MDA-MB-231). Utilizing next generation sequencing and Nanostring techniques, cisplatin-induced dysregulation of exosomal-miRNAs were evaluated in maximal for CSC-like subpopulation as compared to parental cells. Intriguingly, more oncogenic exosomal-miRNAs profile was detected from treated CSC-like subpopulation, which may correlate to enhancement of drug resistance and maintenance of CSCs. In treated CSC-like subpopulation, unique clusters of exosomal-miRNAs namely miR-221-3p, miR-196a-5p, miR-17-5p and miR-126-3p were predicted to target on six genes (ATXN1, LATS1, GSK3β, ITGA6, JAG1 and MYC), aligned with previous finding which demonstrated dysregulation of these genes in treated CSC-like subpopulation. Our results highlight the potential correlation of exosomal-miRNAs and their target genes as well as novel perspectives of the corresponding pathways that may be essential to contribute to the attenuated cytotoxicity of cisplatin in CSC-like subpopulation.

Latent Membrane Protein 1 (LMP1) from Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV) Strains M81 and B95.8 Modulate miRNA Expression When Expressed in Immortalized Human Nasopharyngeal Cells

The Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is a ubiquitous γ herpesvirus strongly associated with nasopharyngeal carcinomas, and the viral oncogenicity in part relies on cellular effects of the viral latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1). It was previously described that EBV strains B95.8 and M81 differ in cell tropism and the activation of the lytic cycle. Nonetheless, it is unknown whether LMP1 from these strains have different effects when expressed in nasopharyngeal cells. Thus, herein we evaluated the effects of EBV LMP1 derived from viral strains B95.8 and M81 and expressed in immortalized nasopharyngeal cells NP69^SV40T in the regulation of 91 selected cellular miRNAs. We found that cells expressing either LMP1 behave similarly in terms of NF-kB activation and cell migration. Nonetheless, the miRs 100-5p, 192-5p, and 574-3p were expressed at higher levels in cells expressing LMP1 B95.8 compared to M81. Additionally, results generated by in silico pathway enrichment analysis indicated that LMP1 M81 distinctly regulate genes involved in cell cycle (i.e., RB1), mRNA processing (i.e., NUP50), and mitochondrial biogenesis (i.e., ATF2). In conclusion, LMP1 M81 was found to distinctively regulate miRs 100-5p, 192-5p, and 574-3p, and the in silico analysis provided valuable clues to dissect the molecular effects of EBV LMP1 expressed in nasopharyngeal cells.

Role of miR-100-5p and CDC25A in breast carcinoma cells

OBJECTIVE

To inquiry about mechanism of miR-100-5p/CDC25A axis in breast carcinoma (BC), thus offering a new direction for BC targeted treatment.

METHODS

qRT-PCR was employed to explore miR-100-5p and CDC25A mRNA levels. Western blot was employed for detecting protein expression of CDC25A. Targeting relationship of miR-100-5p and CDC25A was verified by dual-luciferase assay. In vitro experiments were used for assessment of cell functions.

RESULTS

In BC tissue and cells, miR-100-5p was significantly lowly expressed (P < 0.05) while CDC25A was highly expressed. Besides, miR-100-5p downregulated CDC25A level. miR-100-5p had a marked influence on the prognosis of patients. The forced miR-100-5p expression hindered BC cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and facilitated cell apoptosis. Upregulated miR-100-5p weakened promotion of CDC25A on BC cell growth.

CONCLUSION

Together, these findings unveiled that CDC25A may be a key target of miR-100-5p that mediated progression of BC cells. Hence, miR-100-5p overexpression or CDC25A suppression may contribute to BC diagnosis.

Integrated Analysis of Circular RNA-Associated ceRNA Network Reveals Potential circRNA Biomarkers in Human Breast Cancer

Circular RNA (circRNA) is closely related to tumorigenesis and cancer progression. Yet, the roles of cancer-specific circRNAs in the circRNA-related ceRNA network of breast cancer (BRCA) remain unclear. The aim of this study was to construct a ceRNA network associated with circRNA and to explore new therapeutic and prognostic targets and biomarkers for breast cancer. We downloaded the circRNA expression profile of BRCA from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) microarray datasets and downloaded the miRNA and mRNA expression profiles of BRCA from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs), differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs), and differentially expressed circRNAs (DEcircRNAs) were identified, and a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network was constructed based on circRNA-miRNA pairs and miRNA-mRNA pairs. Gene ontology and pathway enrichment analyses were performed on mRNAs regulated by circRNAs in ceRNA networks. Survival analysis and correlation analysis of all mRNAs and miRNAs in the ceRNA network were performed. A total of 72 DEcircRNAs, 158 DEmiRNAs, and 2762 DE mRNAs were identified. The constructed ceRNA network contains 60 circRNA-miRNA pairs and 140 miRNA-mRNA pairs, including 40 circRNAs, 30 miRNAs, and 100 mRNAs. Functional enrichment indicated that DEmRNAs regulated by DEcircRNAs in ceRNA networks were significantly enriched in the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, microRNAs in cancer, and proteoglycans in cancer. Survival analysis and correlation analysis of all mRNAs and miRNAs in the ceRNA network showed that 13 mRNAs and 6 miRNAs were significantly associated with overall survival, and 48 miRNA-mRNA interaction pairs had a significant negative correlation. A PPI network was established, and 21 hub genes were determined from the network. This study provides an effective bioinformatics basis for further understanding of the molecular mechanisms and predictions of breast cancer. A better understanding of the circRNA-related ceRNA network in BRCA will help identify potential biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis.

Human Retinal Progenitor Cells Derived Small Extracellular Vesicles Delay Retinal Degeneration: A Paradigm for Cell-free Therapy

Retinal degeneration is a leading cause of irreversible vision impairment and blindness worldwide. Previous studies indicate that subretinal injection of human retinal progenitor cells (hRPCs) can delay the progression of retinal degeneration, preserve retinal function, and protect photoreceptor cells from death, albeit the mechanism is not well understood. In this study, small extracellular vesicles derived from hRPCs (hRPC-sEVs) were injected into the subretinal space of retinal dystrophic RCS rats. We find that hRPC-sEVs significantly preserve the function of retina and thickness of the outer nuclear layer (ONL), reduce the apoptosis of photoreceptors in the ONL, and suppress the inflammatory response in the retina of RCS rats. In vitro, we have shown that hRPC-sEV treatment could significantly reserve the low-glucose preconditioned apoptosis of photoreceptors and reduce the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in microglia. Pathway analysis predicted the target genes of hRPC-sEV microRNAs involved in inflammation related biological processes and significantly enriched in processes autophagy, signal release, regulation of neuron death, and cell cycle. Collectively, our study suggests that hRPC-sEVs might be a favorable agent to delay retinal degeneration and highlights as a new paradigm for cell-free therapy.

IL13Rα1 prevents a castration resistant phenotype of prostate cancer by targeting hexokinase 2 for ubiquitin-mediated degradation

OBJECTIVE

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is still the principal treatment option for prostate cancer (PCa). In addition to reactivation of androgen receptor signaling, the resistance of PCa to apoptosis during ADT also contributes to castration resistant PCa (CRPC). A previous study reported that gene transfer of IL-13Rα2 into PCa cells sensitized the cells to the IL-13R-targeted cytotoxin IL13Rα1, leading to apoptosis. Compared with IL-13Rα2, IL13Rα1 is more constitutively expressed in PCa cells, but its function in PCa remains to be established.

METHODS

We determined the role and expression of IL13Rα1 in PCa cancer cells using western blotting, flow cytometry, and cell proliferation assays. Co-immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry were used to identify the proteins that interacted with IL13Rα1, to elucidate its function.

RESULTS

In this study, we showed that IL13Rα1 was selectively suppressed in androgen-deprived PCa cells and that its suppression tended to be associated with poor prognoses of PCa patients. IL13Rα1 overexpression promoted apoptosis and inhibited tumor growth under androgen-deprived or castrated conditions (P < 0.01). Mechanistically, IL13Rα1 recruited and facilitated ubiquitin protein ligase E3C-mediated ubiquitination and degradation of hexokinase 2 (HK2), resulting in glycolytic inhibition and eventually leading to PCa cell apoptosis. Furthermore, our data revealed that mutated ataxia-telangiectasia kinase phosphorylated and facilitated the selective ubiquitin proteasome-mediated degradation of HK2. Notably, IL13Rα1-overexpressing PCa cells were more susceptible to apoptosis and exhibited reduced tumor growth after exposure to the HK2 inhibitor, 2-deoxy-D-glucose (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data identified a tumor suppressor role for IL13Rα1 in preventing the resistance of PCa cells to apoptosis during androgen deprivation by inhibiting glycolysis. IL13Rα1-mediated signaling involving HK2 may therefore provide a novel treatment target and strategy for CRPC.

miRNAs and androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is mainly used for the treatment of advanced, metastatic or recurrent prostate cancer (PCa). However, patients progress to ADT resistance and castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) with a poor prognosis. Reliable validated markers of ADT resistance with proven clinical utility are necessary for timely correction of the therapy as well as for improvement of patient quality of life. MiRNAs involved in the ADT response and CRPC development via multiple mechanisms may act as biomarkers for patient outcomes. Available data on miRNAs associated with the ADT response (resistance and sensitivity) are summarized and analyzed in the manuscript, including analyses using bioinformatics resources. Molecular targets of miRNAs, as well as reciprocal relations between miRNAs and their targets, were studied using different databases. Special attention was dedicated to the mechanisms of ADT resistance and CRPC development, including testosterone, PI3K-AKT, VEGF pathways and associated genes. Several different approaches can be used to search for miRNAs associated with the ADT response, each of which focuses on the associated set of miRNAs - potential markers of ADT. The intersection of these approaches and combined analysis allowed us to select the most promising miRNA markers of the ADT response. Meta-analysis of the current data indicated that the selected 5 miRNAs (miRNAs - 125b, miR-21, miR-23b, miR-27b and miR-221) and 14 genes are involved in the regulation of key processes of CRPC development and represent the most promising predictors of the ADT response, further demonstrating their potential in combination therapy for advanced PCa.

MiR-1273 g-3p Promotes Malignant Progression and has Prognostic Implications in Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most popular cancer of mankind. Our study aimed to provide the expression and the predictive significance of miR-1273 g-3p in PCa. Moreover, the effects on cell biological activities were also investigated. The relative expression of miR-1273 g-3p in PCa tissues and cell lines was validated by quantitative real-time PCR. Kaplan-Meier curve and Cox regression analyses were performed to indicate the prognostic value. The implications of miR-1273 g-3p on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were validated using the CCK-8 and Transwell assay. Our results provided that the expression of miR-1273 g-3p was increased in PCa tissues and cell lines. The levels of miR-1273 g-3p were associated with Gleason score, TNM stage, clinical stage, and lymph node metastasis. Overexpression of miR-1273 g-3p indicated a promising overall survival rate. Cox regression results indicated miR-1273 g-3p might be an independent marker for PCa patients. Silenced miR-1273 g-3p inhibited PCa cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. In total, miR-1273 g-3p was increased in PCa and identified as a therapeutic target and a prognostic factor for PCa patients. Overexpression of miR-1273 g-3p might be an oncogene via accelerating cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.

Long non-coding RNA SDCBP2-AS1 delays the progression of ovarian cancer via microRNA-100-5p-targeted EPDR1

Background

Dysregulation of long non-coding RNAs has been implied to connect with cancer progression. This research was to decipher the mechanism of long non-coding RNA SDCBP2-AS1 in ovarian cancer (OC) through regulation of microRNA (miR)-100-5p and ependymin-related protein 1 (EPDR1).

Methods

LncRNA SDCBP2-AS1 and EPDR1 levels in OC were assessed by Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis. lncRNA SDCBP2-AS1, miR-100-5p, and EPDR1 levels in OC tissues and cells were determined. SKOV3 and A2780 cells were transfected with lncRNA SDCBP2-AS1, miR-100-5p, and EPDR1-related plasmids or sequences, and then their functions in cell viability, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were evaluated. The interplay of lncRNA SDCBP2-AS1, miR-100-5p, and EPDR1 was clarified.

Results

LncRNA SDCBP2-AS1 and EPDR1 levels were suppressed whilst miR-100-5p level was elevated in OC. After upregulating lncRNA SDCBP2-AS1 or EPDR1, viability, migration, and invasion of OC cells were impaired, and apoptosis rate was increased. Downregulating EPDR1 or upregulating miR-100-5p partially mitigated upregulated lncRNA SDCBP2-AS1-induced impacts on the biological functions of OC cells. LncRNA SDCBP2-AS1 sponged miR-100-5p, and EPDR1 was targeted by miR-100-5p.

Conclusion

It is illustrated that lncRNA SDCBP2-AS1 regulates EPDR1 by sponge adsorption of miR-100-5p to inhibit the progression of OC.

Role of noncoding RNA in drug resistance of prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer around the world. Androgen-deprivation treatment and chemotherapy are the curative approaches used to suppress prostate cancer progression. However, drug resistance is extensively and hard to overcome even though remarkable progress has been made in recent decades. Noncoding RNAs, such as miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs, are a group of cellular RNAs which participate in various cellular processes and diseases. Recently, accumulating evidence has highlighted the vital role of non-coding RNA in the development of drug resistance in prostate cancer. In this review, we summarize the important roles of these three classes of noncoding RNA in drug resistance and the potential therapeutic applications in this disease.

The role of single nucleotide polymorphisms of miRNAs 100 and 146a as prognostic factors for prostate cancer

INTRODUCTION

Prostate cancer has a high incidence in men and is the second cause of cancer death among americans male. microRNA (miR) is becoming a potential new prognostic factor for prostate cancer. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are common polymorphisms, characterized by a single exchange of nitrogen based in the DNA. This polymorphism is present in the miRs, altering their function.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the role of SNP rs1834306 of miR100 and rs2910164 of miR146a in the development and prognosis of prostate cancer.

METHODS

One hundred patients diagnosed with prostate cancer and 68 controls were selected. The identification of SNP was rated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction from blood samples, and the analysis was performed within the presence of SNP and the prognostic variables.

RESULTS

In the SNP rs1834306 (miR100), a smaller presence of the polymorphic homozygous genotype was identified in patients with PSA >10 ng/mL, (P=0.03); when evaluating only the presence of the polymorphic allele G (P=0.09) it was compared to the presence of the wild type allele A. Among the patients with prostate cancer, SNP rs2910164 (miR146A), the polymorphic allele was more frequent in patients with a Gleason score ⩾7 than in patients with a Gleason score <7, (P=0.043). In patients with prostate cancer, miR100 was overexpressed in those with pT3 staging compared to pT2 and among those who had biochemical recurrence (P = 0.004 and P = 0.011, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

SNP of miR146a acts as a poor prognostic factor (Gleason ⩾7), and the SNP of miR100 is linked to better prognostic data (PSA <10). MiR100 was overexpressed in prostate cancer with worse prognostic factors.

Diterpenoid anthraquinones as chemopreventive agents altered microRNA and transcriptome expressions in cancer cells

OBJECTIVE

Cryptotanshinone (CPT) and dihydrotanshinone (DHT) are diterpenoid anthraquinone compounds extracted from traditional Chinese herbal medicine (TCM). Recent studies have shown that CPT regulates the signal transduction pathways via microRNA (miRNA) alterations. However, few studies have investigated the role of DHT in miRNA alterations affecting cell-signaling pathways. This study aimed to investigate the miRNA alterations and post-transcriptional regulation activities of DHT in comparison to CPT.

METHODS

HepG2 and HT-29 cells were treated with DHT or CPT for 72 h. MiRNA, transcription factor encoding mRNA, and downstream gene expression were determined using real-time quantitative PCR. Protein expression was analyzed using western blotting.

RESULTS

The results revealed that CPT and DHT targeted cell proliferation and apoptosis signaling pathways via miR-15a-5p, miR-27a-5p, miR-100-5p, and miR-200a-5p alterations.In silico target predictions showed that downregulation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mRNA expression by DHT might also suppress the expression of STAT family proteins and lead to anti-proliferation effects. We also found that, compared to CPT, DHT might possess higher potency in cell growth regulation via multi-miRNA and transcription factor alterations.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that CPT and DHT targeted cell proliferation and apoptosis signaling pathways via alterations in miRNAs and transcription factors. In addition, the findings of this study suggest that DHT is more potent than CPT in cancer chemopreventive activities. Therefore, DHT at a low dose is a TCM compound with less toxic side effects and may contribute to the development of natural medicine as a potential cancer chemopreventive agent.

microRNAs Mediated Regulation of the Ribosomal Proteins and its Consequences on the Global Translation of Proteins

Ribosomal proteins (RPs) are mostly derived from the energy-consuming enzyme families such as ATP-dependent RNA helicases, AAA-ATPases, GTPases and kinases, and are important structural components of the ribosome, which is a supramolecular ribonucleoprotein complex, composed of Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and RPs, coordinates the translation and synthesis of proteins with the help of transfer RNA (tRNA) and other factors. Not all RPs are indispensable; in other words, the ribosome could be functional and could continue the translation of proteins instead of lacking in some of the RPs. However, the lack of many RPs could result in severe defects in the biogenesis of ribosomes, which could directly influence the overall translation processes and global expression of the proteins leading to the emergence of different diseases including cancer. While microRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs and one of the potent regulators of the post-transcriptional gene expression, miRNAs regulate gene expression by targeting the 3' untranslated region and/or coding region of the messenger RNAs (mRNAs), and by interacting with the 5' untranslated region, and eventually finetune the expression of approximately one-third of all mammalian genes. Herein, we highlighted the significance of miRNAs mediated regulation of RPs coding mRNAs in the global protein translation.

miR-100-5p Downregulates mTOR to Suppress the Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion of Prostate Cancer Cells

Background

Previous studies have shown that miR-100-5p expression is abnormal in prostate cancer. However, the role and regulatory mechanism of miR-100-5p requires further investigation. Thus, the aim of this study was to observe the effects of miR-100-5p on the proliferation, migration and invasion of prostate cancer (PCa) cells and to explore the potential related regulatory mechanism.

Materials and Methods

Differential miRNA expression analysis was performed using next-generation sequencing (NGS) in the patients with PCa and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The expression levels of miR-100-5p were detected using real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR). PCa cells were transfected with NC-mimics or miR-100-5p mimics, inhibitor by using liposome transfection. Moreover, the CCK-8 proliferation assay, colony formation assay, cell scratch assay and Transwell assay were used to detect the effects of miR-100-5p on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. In addition, the target gene of miR-100-5p was verified by luciferase reporter gene assay, and the influence of miR-100-5p on the expression of mTOR mRNA by qRT-PCR and the expression of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) protein was detected by western blot and immunohistochemical staining.

Results

Differential expression analysis of high-throughput sequencing data showed low expression of miR-100-5p in the patients of PCa. It was further confirmed by qRT-PCR that the expression of miR-100-5p in PCa cells was significantly lower than that in RWPE-1 cells (P<0.01). miR-100-5p expression in lymph node carcinoma of prostate(LNCaP) cells was markedly upregulated after transfection with miR-100-5p mimics (P<0.01), while cell proliferation, migration and invasion capacities were clearly reduced (P<0.01). mTOR mRNA and protein expression was also substantially lowered (P<0.01) and mTOR adjusted the expression of NOX4. Finally, we further confirmed by immunohistochemical staining that miR-100-5p regulated the expression of mTOR and NOX4.

Conclusion

miR-100-5p is expressed at low levels in PCa cells, and it can suppress PCa cell proliferation, migration and invasion, the mechanism of which is related to downregulating the expression of mTOR.

MicroRNA-99 family in cancer and immunity

The microRNA (miR)-99 family comprising miR-99a, miR-99b, and miR-100 is an evolutionarily conserved family with existence dating prior to the bilaterians. Members are typically oncogenic in leukemia while their functional roles in other cancers alternate between that of a tumor suppressor and a tumor promoter. Targets of the miR-99 family rank in the lists of oncogenes and tumor suppressors, thereby illustrating the dual role of this miR family as oncogenic miRs (oncomiRs) and tumor suppressing miRs (TSmiRs) in different cellular contexts. In addition to their functional roles in cancers, miR-99 family is implicated in the modulation of macrophage inflammatory responses and T-cell subsets biology, thereby exerting critical roles in the maintenance of tissue homeostasis, establishment of peripheral tolerance as well as resolution of an inflammatory reaction. Here, we review emerging knowledge of this miR family and discuss remaining concerns linked to their activities. A better dissection of the functional roles of miR-99 family members in cancer and immunity will help in the development of novel miR-99-based therapeutics for the treatment of human cancer and immune-related diseases. This article is categorized under: RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease.

PDX: Moving Beyond Drug Screening to Versatile Models for Research Discovery

Patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) are tools of the trade for many researchers from all disciplines and medical specialties. Most endocrinologists, and especially those working in oncology, commonly use PDXs for preclinical drug testing and development, and over the last decade large collections of PDXs have emerged across all tumor streams. In this review, we examine how the field has evolved to include PDXs as versatile resources for research discoveries, providing evidence for guidelines and changes in clinical practice.

MiR-29 regulates the function of goat granulosa cell by targeting PTX3 via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Erk1/2 signaling pathways

PTX3, a member of the pentraxin protein family, plays important roles in ovulation as a marker of cumulus cell-oocyte complex expansion. However, the expression and function of PTX3 in goat ovarian GCs remain unclear. We isolated GCs from small and large follicles and found that PTX3 expression was significantly decreased and miR-29 mRNA expression was significantly increased during the growth of antral follicles. MiR-29 decreased PTX3 expression by targeting its 3' untranslated. Furthermore, miR-29 promoted GC proliferation, suppressed steroidogenesis and apoptosis by targeting PTX3 via the activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Erk1/2 signaling pathways. Treatment with inhibitors also verified these results. Meanwhile, we found that PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Erk1/2 signaling pathways had different role in secretion of E2 and P4 by regulating differently various steroidogenic enzyme (CYP19A1, CYP11A1, StAR and HSD3B) expression. These outcomes indicate the potential role of PTX3 in goat follicular growth and atresia.

The regulatory pathways leading to stem-like cells underlie prostate cancer progression

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common cause of malignancy in males and the third leading cause of cancer mortality in the United States. The standard care for primary PCa with local invasive disease mainly is surgery and radiation. For patients with distant metastases, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a gold standard. Regardless of a favorable outcome of ADT, patients inevitably relapse to an end-stage castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) leading to mortality. Therefore, revealing the mechanism and identifying cellular components driving aggressive PCa is critical for prognosis and therapeutic intervention. Cancer stem cell (CSC) phenotypes characterized as poor differentiation, cancer initiation with self-renewal capabilities, and therapeutic resistance are proposed to contribute to the onset of CRPC. In this review, we discuss the role of CSC in CRPC with the evidence of CSC phenotypes and the possible underlying mechanisms.

Oncogenic and tumor-suppressive microRNAs in prostate cancer

MicroRNAs are known to be dysregulated in prostate cancer. These small noncoding RNAs can function as biomarkers and are involved in the biology of prostate cancer. The canonical mechanism for microRNAs is post-transcription regulation of gene expression via binding to the 3' untranslated region of mRNAs, resulting in RNA degradation and/or translational repression. Thus, oncogenic microRNAs, also known as oncomiRs, often have high expression in prostate cancer and target the mRNAs of tumor suppressors. Conversely, tumor-suppressive microRNAs have reduced expression in cancer and typically target oncogenes. Some microRNAs function outside the classical mechanism and serve to stabilize their mRNA targets. Herein, we review contemporary studies that demonstrate oncogenic and tumor-suppressive activity of microRNAs in prostate cancer.

Plasma miR-200c-3p, miR-100-5p, and miR-1826 serve as potential diagnostic biomarkers for knee osteoarthritis: Randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

To study the potential diagnostic value of plasma miR-200c-3p, miR-100-5p, and miR-1826 levels in knee osteoarthritis (KOA).

METHODS

Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-PCR) was used to measure the expression levels of serum miR-200c-3p, miR-100-5p, and miR-1826 in 150 KOA patients and 150 control controls. In addition, the levels of DNMT3A, ZEB1, MMP13, and CTNNB1 mRNAs in the synovial fluid were also measured by RT-PCR.

RESULTS

The expression levels of miR-100-5p, miR-200c-3p, and miR-1826 in the synovial fluid of 150 KOA patients were significantly lower than those in 54 controls (P < .001). In the synovial fluid, the miR-100-5p and DNMT3A mRNA levels, miR-100-5p and ZEB1 mRNA levels, miR-200c-3p and MMP13 mRNA levels, and miR-1826 and CTNNB1 mRNA levels were all negatively correlated (r = -0.83, -0.81, -0.83, -0.58, respectively). The AUCs of the diagnosis for KOA using the plasma levels of miR-200c-3p, miR-100-5p, and miR-1826 were 0.755, 0.845, and 0.749, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The plasma levels of miR-200c-3p, miR-100-5p, and miR-1826 are of potentially high value in the diagnosis of KOA.

Treatment-emergent neuroendocrine prostate cancer: molecularly driven clinical guidelines

An increasingly recognized mechanism of prostate cancer resistance is the transdifferentiation from adenocarcinoma to treatment-emergent neuroendocrine prostate cancer (t-NEPC), an extremely aggressive malignancy. The incidence of t-NEPC has been increasing in recent years, in part due to novel treatments that target the androgen receptor pathway. While clinicians historically had very few options for t-NEPC detection and treatment, recent research has uncovered key diagnostic tools and therapeutic targets that can be translated into improved patient care. In this article, we will outline the clinical features of t-NEPC and its molecular pathogenesis. Importantly, we will also discuss recently uncovered molecularly based strategies aimed at improving the diagnosis and treatment of t-NEPC. Finally, we will propose a unified algorithm that integrates clinical and molecular information for the clinical management of t-NEPC.

Tumor Cell Dormancy: Threat or Opportunity in the Fight against Cancer

Tumor dormancy, a clinically undetectable state of cancer, makes a major contribution to the development of multidrug resistance (MDR), minimum residual disease (MRD), tumor outgrowth, cancer relapse, and metastasis. Despite its high incidence, the whole picture of dormancy-regulated molecular programs is far from clear. That is, it is unknown when and which dormant cells will resume proliferation causing late relapse, and which will remain asymptomatic and harmless to their hosts. Thus, identification of dormancy-related culprits and understanding their roles can help predict cancer prognosis and may increase the probability of timely therapeutic intervention for the desired outcome. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the dormancy-dictated molecular mechanisms, including angiogenic switch, immune escape, cancer stem cells, extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, metabolic reprogramming, miRNAs, epigenetic modifications, and stress-induced p38 signaling pathways. Further, we analyze the possibility of leveraging these dormancy-related molecular cues to outmaneuver cancer and discuss the implications of such approaches in cancer treatment.

Cell Cycle Regulation of Stem Cells by MicroRNAs

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNA molecules involved in the regulation of gene expression. They are involved in the fine-tuning of fundamental biological processes such as proliferation, differentiation, survival and apoptosis in many cell types. Emerging evidence suggests that miRNAs regulate critical pathways involved in stem cell function. Several miRNAs have been suggested to target transcripts that directly or indirectly coordinate the cell cycle progression of stem cells. Moreover, previous studies have shown that altered expression levels of miRNAs can contribute to pathological conditions, such as cancer, due to the loss of cell cycle regulation. However, the precise mechanism underlying miRNA-mediated regulation of cell cycle in stem cells is still incompletely understood. In this review, we discuss current knowledge of miRNAs regulatory role in cell cycle progression of stem cells. We describe how specific miRNAs may control cell cycle associated molecules and checkpoints in embryonic, somatic and cancer stem cells. We further outline how these miRNAs could be regulated to influence cell cycle progression in stem cells as a potential clinical application.

Neuroendocrine differentiation of prostate cancer leads to PSMA suppression

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is overexpressed in most prostate adenocarcinoma (AdPC) cells and acts as a target for molecular imaging. However, some case reports indicate that PSMA-targeted imaging could be ineffectual for delineation of neuroendocrine (NE) prostate cancer (NEPC) lesions due to the suppression of the PSMA gene (FOLH1). These same reports suggest that targeting somatostatin receptor type 2 (SSTR2) could be an alternative diagnostic target for NEPC patients. This study evaluates the correlation between expression of FOLH1, NEPC marker genes and SSTR2. We evaluated the transcript abundance for FOLH1 and SSTR2 genes as well as NE markers across 909 tumors. A significant suppression of FOLH1 in NEPC patient samples and AdPC samples with high expression of NE marker genes was observed. We also investigated protein alterations of PSMA and SSTR2 in an NE-induced cell line derived by hormone depletion and lineage plasticity by loss of p53. PSMA is suppressed following NE induction and cellular plasticity in p53-deficient NEPC model. The PSMA-suppressed cells have more colony formation ability and resistance to enzalutamide treatment. Conversely, SSTR2 was only elevated following hormone depletion. In 18 NEPC patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models we find a significant suppression of FOLH1 and amplification of SSTR2 expression. Due to the observed FOLH1-supressed signature of NEPC, this study cautions on the reliability of using PMSA as a target for molecular imaging of NEPC. The observed elevation of SSTR2 in NEPC supports the possible ability of SSTR2-targeted imaging for follow-up imaging of low PSMA patients and monitoring for NEPC development.

Exosome: a novel mediator in drug resistance of cancer cells

Exosomes are small membrane vesicles with a diameter of 40–100 nm, which are released into the intracellular environment. Exosomes could influence the genetic and epigenetic changes of receptor cells by promoting the horizontal transfer of various proteins or RNAs, especially miRNAs. Moreover, exosomes also play an important role in tumor microenvironment. Exosomes could promote the short- and long-distance exchanges of genetic information by acting as mediators of cell-to-cell communication. In addition, exosomes participate in drug resistance of tumor cells by genetic exchange between cells. It is reported that exosomes could be absorbed by recipient cells and transmit chemoresistance from drug-resistant tumor cells to sensitive ones. Then understanding the mechanisms of chemotherapy failure and controlling tumor progression effectively will be a major challenge for us. Therefore, in this review, we will briefly reveal the role of exosomes in drug resistance.

Unveiling massive numbers of cancer-related urinary-microRNA candidates via nanowires

Analyzing microRNAs (miRNAs) within urine extracellular vesicles (EVs) is important for realizing miRNA-based, simple, and noninvasive early disease diagnoses and timely medical checkups. However, the inherent difficulty in collecting dilute concentrations of EVs (<0.01 volume %) from urine has hindered the development of these diagnoses and medical checkups. We propose a device composed of nanowires anchored into a microfluidic substrate. This device enables EV collections at high efficiency and in situ extractions of various miRNAs of different sequences (around 1000 types) that significantly exceed the number of species being extracted by the conventional ultracentrifugation method. The mechanical stability of nanowires anchored into substrates during buffer flow and the electrostatic collection of EVs onto the nanowires are the two key mechanisms that ensure the success of the proposed device. In addition, we use our methodology to identify urinary miRNAs that could potentially serve as biomarkers for cancer not only for urologic malignancies (bladder and prostate) but also for nonurologic ones (lung, pancreas, and liver). The present device concept will provide a foundation for work toward the long-term goal of urine-based early diagnoses and medical checkups for cancer.