LINC01088 inhibits tumorigenesis of ovarian epithelial cells by targeting miR-24-1-5p

MiR-24-1-5p Hinders Malignant Phenotypes of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma by Targeting SHOX2

MiRNAs are essential epigenetic modulators that can regulate protein expression. According to the principle of base complementary pairing, miRNA is partially or completely complementary to the 3'-UTR region of its target gene, by which it inhibits the translation of the targeted gene. This study investigated the role of miR-24-1-5p in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Data in TCGA-KIRC denoted that miR-24-1-5p was under-expressed in ccRCC. Bioinformatics analysis predicted that its target gene was SHOX2, which was significantly expressed in cancer tissues. Dual luciferase assay verified the targeting relationship between miR-24-1-5p and SHOX2. Cell function experiments demonstrated that overexpression of miR-24-1-5p significantly inhibited SHOX2 level and the malignant phenotypes of ccRCC cells. The above results illustrated that miR-24-1-5p/SHOX2 axis was critical for the oncogenesis and development of ccRCC, which might be helpful for us to understand the mechanism and novel therapeutic methods of ccRCC.

LINC01088/miR-22/CDC6 Axis Regulates Prostate Cancer Progression by Activating the PI3K/AKT Pathway

Background

Prostate cancer (PCa) harms the male reproductive system, and lncRNA may play an important role in it. Here, we report that the LINC01088/microRNA- (miRNA/miR-) 22/cell division cycle 6 (CDC6) axis regulated through the phosphatidylinositide 3-kinases- (PI3K-) protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway controls the development of PCa.

Methods

lncRNA/miRNA/mRNA associated with PCa was downloaded and analyzed by Gene Expression Omnibus. The expression and correlation of LINC01088/miR-22/CDC6 in PCa were analyzed and verified by RT-qPCR. Dual-luciferase was used to analyze the binding between miR-22 and LINC01088 or CDC6. Cell Counting Kit-8 and Transwell were used to analyze the effects of LINC01088/miR-22/CDC6 interactions on PCa cell viability or migration/invasion ability. Localization of LINC01088 in cells was analyzed by nuclear cytoplasmic separation. The effect of LINC01088/miR-22/CDC6 interaction on downstream PI3K/AKT signaling was analyzed by Western blot.

Results

LINC01088 or CDC6 was upregulated in prostate tumor tissues or cells, whereas miR-22 was downregulated, miR-22 directly targets both LINC01088 and CDC6. si-LINC01088 inhibits the PCa process by suppressing the PI3K/AKT pathway. CDC6 reverses si-linc01088-mediated cell growth inhibition and reduction of PI3K and AKT protein levels.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that the LINC01088/miR-22/CDC6 axis functions in PCa progression and provide a promising diagnostic and therapeutic target.

Identification of lncRNAs Deregulated in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Based on a Gene Expression Profiling Meta-Analysis

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is one of the deadliest gynecological cancers worldwide, mainly because of its initially asymptomatic nature and consequently late diagnosis. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) are non-coding transcripts of more than 200 nucleotides, whose deregulation is involved in pathologies such as EOC, and are therefore envisaged as future biomarkers. We present a meta-analysis of available gene expression profiling (microarray and RNA sequencing) studies from EOC patients to identify lncRNA genes with diagnostic and prognostic value. In this meta-analysis, we include 46 independent cohorts, along with available expression profiling data from EOC cell lines. Differential expression analyses were conducted to identify those lncRNAs that are deregulated in (i) EOC versus healthy ovary tissue, (ii) unfavorable versus more favorable prognosis, (iii) metastatic versus primary tumors, (iv) chemoresistant versus chemosensitive EOC, and (v) correlation to specific histological subtypes of EOC. From the results of this meta-analysis, we established a panel of lncRNAs that are highly correlated with EOC. The panel includes several lncRNAs that are already known and even functionally characterized in EOC, but also lncRNAs that have not been previously correlated with this cancer, and which are discussed in relation to their putative role in EOC and their potential use as clinically relevant tools.

Long noncoding RNA LINC01088 inhibits esophageal squamous cell carcinoma progression by targeting the NPM1-HDM2-p53 axis

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is characterized by extensive metastasis and poor prognosis. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to play important roles in ESCC. However, the specific roles of lncRNAs in ESCC tumorigenesis and metastasis remain largely unknown. Here, we investigate LINC01088 in ESCC. Differentially expressed LINC01088 levels are screened from the GEO database. We find that LINC01088 is expressed at low level in collected clinical samples and is correlated with vascular tumor emboli and poor overall survival time of patients after surgery. LINC01088 inhibits not only ESCC cell migration and invasion in vitro, but also tumorigenesis and metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, LINC01088 directly interacts with nucleophosmin (NPM1) and increases the expression of NPM1 in the nucleoplasm compared to that in the nucleolar region. LINC01088 decreases mutant p53 (mut-p53) expression and rescues the transcriptional activity of p53 by targeting the NPM1-HDM2-p53 axis. LINC01088 may also interfere with the DNA repair function of NPM1 by affecting its translocation. Our results highlight the potential of LINC01088 as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target of ESCC.

LINC01088 promotes the growth and invasion of glioma cells through regulating small nuclear ribonucleoprotein polypeptide A transcription

Altered long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) exert pivotal parts in pathogenic processes in glioma. Here, we uncovered a differentially expressed long intergenic non-coding RNA 1088 (LINC01088) in glioma and elucidated the molecular mechanism by which LINC01088 affected the malignant phenotypes of glioma cells. Functionally, LINC01088 silencing degraded cell proliferation, invasion in glioma, while LINC01088 overexpression elicited opposite results. Mechanistically, we verified LINC01088 physically interacted with small nuclear ribonucleoprotein polypeptide A (SNRPA) and regulated the expression of SNRPA at the transcription level. Phenotypic analysis ascertained that LINC01088 substantively aggravated glioma cell progression in an SNRPA-dependent manner, and SNRPA played a pivotal part in the tumor-promoting properties of LINC01088. Our findings revealed a novel mechanism by which LINC01088 exerted pro-oncogenic functions through binding with SNRPA and transcriptionally regulating SNRPA mRNA in glioma.

Upregulated LINC01088 facilitates malignant phenotypes and immune escape of colorectal cancer by regulating microRNAs/G3BP1/PD-L1 axis

PURPOSE

Long intergenic non-coding RNA LINC01088 is a newly discovered long non-coding RNA (lncRNA). Its biological function in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unknown.

METHODS

Here, 36 paired CRC and para-cancerous tissues were collected. In vitro, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay, qPCR, western blotting analysis and cellular functional experiments, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay and dual-luciferase reporter system analysis were performed. In vivo, xenograft tumor mouse models were generated. Besides, patient-derived intestinal organoid (PDO) was generated ex vivo.

RESULTS

We found that LINC01088 was significantly upregulated in colorectal cancer tissues and CRC cell lines compared to adjacent normal tissues and colonic epithelial cells. High LINC01088 levels were correlated with adverse outcomes in patients with CRC. LINC01088 was mainly located in the cytoplasm. LINC01088 knockdown suppressed the proliferation, migration, invasion, and immune escape of colorectal cancer cells. Mechanistically, LINC01088 bound directly to miR-548b-5p and miR-548c-5p that were significantly upregulated Ras GTPase-activating protein-binding proteins 1 (G3BP1) and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression, altering CRC cell phenotypes. In mouse xenograft models, LINC01088 knockdown restrained CRC tumor growth and lung metastasis. Furthermore, G3BP1 overexpression reversed LINC01088-knockdown-mediated inhibitory effects on tumor growth. Notably, LINC01088 knockdown downregulated PD-L1 expression, while G3BP1 overexpression restored PD-L1 expression in xenograft tumors. Besides, LINC01088 knockdown repressed CRC organoid growth ex vivo.

CONCLUSION

Overall, these findings suggested that LINC01088 directly targeted miR-548b-5p and miR-548c-5p, promoting G3BP1 and PD-L1 expression, which facilitated colorectal cancer progression and immune escape.

LINC01088 regulates the miR-95/LATS2 pathway through the ceRNA mechanism to inhibit the growth, invasion and migration of gastric cancer cells

Background: In gastric cancer, a malignant condition with a dismal prognosis, long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) play a significant regulatory role. They often compete with microRNAs through the ceRNA mechanism to affect the expression of target mRNA. However, the specific clinical value and mechanism of action of LncRNA in gastric cancer are still unclear. Methods: This study detected the expression and clinical value of LINC01088 in gastric cancer tissues. Furthermore, the biological functions of LINC01088 and the regulation mechanism of the miR-95/LATS2 pathway were explored.Results: LINC01088 and LATS2 mRNA expression decreased, and miR-95 increased in gastric cancer tissues. LINC01088 has an excellent positive correlation with LATS2 mRNA, which may be a ceRNA pair; LINC01088 has binding sites with miR-95. Gene interference tests on gastric cancer cell lines revealed that LINC01088 could prevent gastric cancer cells from proliferating, invading, and migrating. The function of LINC01088 is achieved by regulating the miR-95/LATS2 pathway through the ceRNA mechanism.Conclusion: The results of this study show that LINC01088 expression is significantly reduced in gastric cancer tissues and cell lines. LINC01088 inhibits gastric cancer cells’ proliferation, invasion, and migration by regulating the miR-95/LATS2 pathway via the ceRNA mechanism.

CXCL14 facilitates the growth and metastasis of ovarian carcinoma cells via activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

There is an urgent need to identify potential targets in anticancer therapy to improve the survival and prognosis of patients with ovarian cancer (OC). Herein, we investigated the functional significance of chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 14 (CXCL14) in OC cell growth and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).

METHODS

qRT PCR and western blotting was used to detect CXCL14 mRNA level and protein expression, respectively. The functional mechanism of CXCL14 in OC was investigated by CCK-8, colony formation and transwell assays. The migration ability of OC cell was determined using wound healing. The protein expressions of CXCL14 and β-catenin in OC tissues were determined by immumohistochemical staining.

RESULTS

We demonstrated that high levels of CXCL14 were associated with a worse prognosis in patients with OC. CXCL14 knockdown considerably restrained the growth, migration and invasion of OC cell in vitro. In contrast, ectopic CXCL14 overexpression yielded the opposite results. Investigations to determine the underlying molecular mechanisms revealed that the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is involved in CXCL14-facilitated OC cell invasiveness.

CONCLUSION

These data collectively demonstrate that CXCL14 contributes to OC cell growth and metastatic potential by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

LncRNAs in Ovarian Cancer Progression, Metastasis, and Main Pathways: ceRNA and Alternative Mechanisms

Ovarian cancer (OvCa) develops asymptomatically until it reaches the advanced stages with metastasis, chemoresistance, and poor prognosis. Our review focuses on the analysis of regulatory long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) competing with protein-coding mRNAs for binding to miRNAs according to the model of competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) in OvCa. Analysis of publications showed that most lncRNAs acting as ceRNAs participate in OvCa progression: migration, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and metastasis. More than 30 lncRNAs turned out to be predictors of survival and/or response to therapy in patients with OvCa. For a number of oncogenic (CCAT1, HOTAIR, NEAT1, and TUG1 among others) and some suppressive lncRNAs, several lncRNA/miRNA/mRNA axes were identified, which revealed various functions for each of them. Our review also considers examples of alternative mechanisms of actions for lncRNAs besides being ceRNAs, including binding directly to mRNA or protein, and some of them (DANCR, GAS5, MALAT1, and UCA1 among others) act by both mechanisms depending on the target protein. A systematic analysis based on the data from literature and Panther or KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) databases showed that a significant part of lncRNAs affects the key pathways involved in OvCa metastasis, EMT, and chemoresistance.

Exosomes and exosomal microRNA in non-targeted radiation bystander and abscopal effects in the central nervous system

Localized cranial radiotherapy is a dominant treatment for brain cancers. After being subjected to radiation, the central nervous system (CNS) exhibits targeted effects as well as non-targeted radiation bystander effects (RIBE) and abscopal effects (RIAE). Radiation-induced targeted effects in the CNS include autophagy and various changes in tumor cells due to radiation sensitivity, which can be regulated by microRNAs. Non-targeted radiation effects are mainly induced by gap junctional communication between cells, exosomes containing microRNAs can be transduced by intracellular endocytosis to regulate RIBE and RIAE. In this review, we discuss the involvement of microRNAs in radiation-induced targeted effects, as well as exosomes and/or exosomal microRNAs in non-targeted radiation effects in the CNS. As a target pathway, we also discuss the Akt pathway which is regulated by microRNAs, exosomes, and/or exosomal microRNAs in radiation-induced targeted effects and RIBE in CNS tumor cells. As the CNS-derived exosomes can cross the blood-brain-barrier (BBB) into the bloodstream and be isolated from peripheral blood, exosomes and exosomal microRNAs can emerge as promising minimally invasive biomarkers and therapeutic targets for radiation-induced targeted and non-targeted effects in the CNS.

MicroRNA-24 in Cancer: A Double Side Medal With Opposite Properties

MicroRNA-24 (miR-24) has been widely studied in a variety of human cancers, which plays different roles in specific type of cancers. In the present review, we summarized the recent surveys regarding the role of miR-24 in different human cancers. On the one hand, miR-24 was reported to be down-regulated in some types of cancer, indicating its role as a tumor suppressor. On the other hand, it has shown that miR-24 was up-regulated in some other types of cancer, even in the same type of cancer, suggesting the role of miR-24 being as an oncogene. Firstly, miR-24 was dysregualted in human cancers, which is related to the clinical performance of cancer patients. Thus miR-24 could be used as a potential non-invasive diagnostic marker in human cancers. Secondly, miR-24 was associated with the tumor initiation and progression, being as a promoter or inhibitor. Therefore, miR-24 might be an effective prognostic biomarker in different type of cancers. Lastly, the abnormal expression of miR-24 was involved in the chemo- and radio- therapies of cancer patients, indicating the role of miR-24 being as a predictive biomarker to cancer treatment. Totally, miR-24 contributes to tumorigenesis, tumor progression, and tumor therapy, which closely related to clinic. The present review shows that miR-24 plays a double role in human cancers and provides plenty of evidences to apply miR-24 as a potential novel therapeutic target in treating human cancers.

LncRNA IGBP1-AS1/miR-24-1/ZIC3 loop regulates the proliferation and invasion ability in breast cancer

Background

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the malignant solid tumors with the highest morbidity in the world. Currently, the therapeutic outcome of different types of treatment can be unsatisfactory. Novel lncRNA biomarkers in BC remains to be further explored.

Methods

Different expression of lncRNAs among BC tissues and adjacent normal tissues were identified with microarray analyses. A series of in vivo and in vitro gain-of-function laboratory procedures were conducted to study the biological functions of IGBP1-AS1. The prognostic effects on IGBP1-AS1 survival were evaluated by using in situ hybridization and survival analysis. In addition, other experiments including RNA pull down analysis, RNA immunoprecipitation, luciferase reporter assays, and chromatin immunoprecipitation as well as validating assays conducted in vivo were applied to identify the target and regulatory mechanisms of IGBP1-AS1.

Results

Significant down-regulation of IGBP1-AS1 was discovered in the cell lines and tissues of BC. With respect to its biological function, overexpression of IGBP1-AS1 had inhibitory effects on the invasion and proliferation of BC cells in vivo as well as in vitro. Analysis of the samples obtained from BC patients indicated a positive effect of IGBP1-AS1 on survival outcomes. LncRNA IGBP1-AS1/miR-24-1/ZIC3 axis as a loop can regulate the proliferation and invasion of BC cells.

Conclusions

IGBP1-AS1 could have inhibitory impact on the invasion and proliferation of BC and may serve as a promising biomarker for BC.

The Challenges and Opportunities of LncRNAs in Ovarian Cancer Research and Clinical Use

Ovarian cancer is one of the most lethal gynecological malignancies worldwide because it tends to be detected late, when the disease has already spread, and prognosis is poor. In this review we aim to highlight the importance of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in diagnosis, prognosis and treatment choice, to make progress towards increasingly personalized medicine in this malignancy. We review the effects of lncRNAs associated with ovarian cancer in the context of cancer hallmarks. We also discuss the molecular mechanisms by which lncRNAs become involved in cellular physiology; the onset, development and progression of ovarian cancer; and lncRNAs' regulatory mechanisms at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional and post-translational stages of gene expression. Finally, we compile a series of online resources useful for the study of lncRNAs, especially in the context of ovarian cancer. Future work required in the field is also discussed along with some concluding remarks.

Significant association between long non-coding RNA H19 polymorphisms and cancer susceptibility: A PRISMA-compliant meta-analysis and bioinformatics prediction

BACKGROUND

H19, a well-known long non-coding RNA, is involved in carcinogenesis and progression of multiple cancers. Molecular epidemiological research suggests that polymorphisms in H19 are associated with an increased risk of cancer, but the results are inconsistent. Thus, we performed a meta-analysis to estimate the associations between H19 polymorphisms and cancer susceptibility.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched. Odds ratios with 95% confidence interval were applied to assess the association between H19 rs2107425, rs217727, rs2839698, rs2735971, rs3024270, and rs3741219 polymorphisms and cancer susceptibility in all 5 models. We also predicted the H19 secondary structure, as well as the generation and abolishment of miRNA binding sites on H19 through the selected SNPs.

RESULTS

Eighteen related studies, involving 17,090 patients and 23,532 control samples, were analyzed. The pooled data showed that rs2839698 polymorphism was significantly associated with an increased cancer susceptibility. As for rs217727 and rs3024270 polymorphisms, similarly increased risks were found in specific genetic models and stratified groups. However, significant decreases in cancer risk were observed for rs2107425 and rs2735971 in the total population, as well as in subgroup analyses. In addition, no significant associations were found in all 5 models for rs3741219 polymorphism. Furthermore, RNAfold prediction revealed that the centroid secondary structure was markedly altered in rs217727 and rs2735971. We also identified that rs217727 G>A and rs2839689 G>A alleles could create and destroy miRNA binding sites on H19.

CONCLUSION

The results of our meta-analyses suggest that H19 polymorphisms may be associated with the risk of cancer development.

Novel miRNA markers for the diagnosis and prognosis of endometrial cancer

As endometrial cancer (EC) is a major threat to female health worldwide, the ability to provide an accurate diagnosis and prognosis of EC is promising to improve its treatment guidance. Since the discovery of miRNAs, it has been realized that miRNAs are associated with every cell function, including malignant transformation and metastasis. This study aimed to explore diagnostic and prognostic miRNA markers of EC. In this study, differential analysis and machine learning were performed, followed by correlation analysis of miRNA-mRNA based on the miRNA and mRNA expression data. Nine miRNAs were identified as diagnostic markers, and a diagnostic classifier was established to distinguish between EC and normal endometrium tissue with overall correct rates >95%. Five specific prognostic miRNA markers were selected to construct a prognostic model, which was confirmed more effective in identifying EC patients at high risk of mortality compared with the FIGO staging system. This study demonstrates that the expression patterns of miRNAs may hold promise for becoming diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets for EC.

linc01088 promotes cell proliferation by scaffolding EZH2 and repressing p21 in human non-small cell lung cancer

AIMS

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), characterized by extensive metastasis and poor prognosis, is the most common type of lung cancer. Dysregulation of certain lncRNAs is known to be linked to the tumorigenesis of NSCLC. However, the specific roles in NSCLC for many other lncRNAs, such as linc01088, remain largely unknown.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The expression patterns of linc01088, p21 and EZH2 were examined both in NSCLC tissues and cell lines using RT-qPCR assay. CCK-8, colony formation, immunofluorescence staining, and flow cytometry assays were employed to evaluate the effects of linc01088 on NSCLC cell proliferation properties. RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay was performed to determine the direct binding relationship between linc01088 and zeste homolog 2 (EZH2). Western blot and RT-qPCR analysis were performed to assess p21 level within knockdown of either linc01088 or EZH2. Nude mouse subcutaneous NSCLC models were constructed for further validating the effects and mechanisms of linc01088 in vivo.

KEY FINDINGS

linc01088 and EZH2 were highly expressed both in NSCLC tissues and cell lines. Knockdown of linc01088 suppressed the proliferation of NSCLC cells, and prolonged the G1 phase while shortened S and G2-M phases. RIP assay revealed the direct binding relationship between linc01088 and EZH2. Knockdown of either linc01088 or EZH2 induced up-regulation of p21 expression, which subsequently inhibited the tumor growth.

SIGNIFICANCE

We demonstrated that linc01088 could promote cell proliferation via binding with EZH2 to repress p21, which aggravates the tumorigenesis of NSCLC. Therefore, linc01088 might be a potential oncogene and target for novel anti-tumor therapies.

LINC01018 confers a novel tumor suppressor role in hepatocellular carcinoma through sponging microRNA-182-5p

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Emerging evidence has demonstrated that some long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in the development and progression of HCC. Herein, the current study aimed to explore the potential mechanism of LINC01018 in regulating the progression of HCC. Initially, the expression of LINC01018, microRNA-182-5p (miR-182-5p), and forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) was quantified in 72 paired HCC and adjacent normal tissue samples as well as HCC cells, followed by identification of the interaction among them. To define the contributory role of LINC01018 in the progression of HCC, the expression of LINC01018, miR-182-5p, or FOXO1 was altered in HCC cells, followed by evaluation of cell proliferation, cell cycle distribution, and cell apoptosis. Finally, in vivo tests were performed to further verify the role of LINC01018 in HCC. It was observed that LINC01018 and FOXO1 were poorly expressed but miR-182-5p was highly expressed in HCC tissues and cells. The upregulation of LINC01018 was shown to decrease proliferation while promoting apoptosis of HCC cells. LINC01018 acted as a sponge of miR-182-5p, which targeted FOXO1. Last, mice injected with Hep3B overexpressing FOXO1 displayed suppressed xenograft tumor formation. Collectively, overexpression of LINC01018 represses proliferation and promotes apoptosis of HCC cells via upregulation of FOXO1 by sponging miR-182-5p, which highlights overexpression of LINC01018 as a candidate suppressor of HCC.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study provides evidence for understanding the molecular mechanism involved in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma and identifies a novel network of LINC01018/miR-182-5p/FOXO1. We also conducted in vivo experiments in nude mice to validate the anti-tumor effect of LINC01018.

ZEB1-AS1 initiates a miRNA-mediated ceRNA network to facilitate gastric cancer progression

Background

Currently, cancer-related competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks are attracting significant interest. As long noncoding RNA ZEB1-AS1 has been reported to function as an oncogene due to sponging microRNAs (miRNAs) in several cancers, we hypothesized that it could interact with specific miRNAs to form regulatory networks and facilitate the growth of gastric cancer (GC).

Methods

MiRNAs interacting with ZEB1-AS1 were screened for and selected by bioinformatics analysis. Overexpression or repression of ZEB1-AS1 was performed to determine whether it could regulate selected miRNAs. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reactions (qPCR) validated the expression profiles of ZEB1-AS1 and miR-149-3p in GC cell lines and tissue. Statistical analysis determined the clinical significance of ZEB1-AS1 in relation to miR-149-3p. Cell counting, wound healing and transwell assays were performed to assess cell proliferation, migration and invasion. A luciferase reporter assay was utilized to confirm the putative miR-149-3p-binding sites in ZEB1-AS1.

Results

Briefly, bioinformatics analysis inferred that ZEB1-AS1 interacts with miR-204, miR-610, and miR-149. Gain- or loss-of function assays suggested that ZEB1-AS1 negatively regulates miR-149-3p, miR-204-5p and miR-610 in GC cells. Validated by qPCR, ZEB1-AS1 was up-regulated and miR-149-3p down-regulated in GC cells and tissue. Data analyses indicated that ZEB1-AS1 and miR-149-3p are associated with the independent diagnosis and prognosis of GC. Functional assays support the theory that miR-149-3p hinders GC proliferation, migration and invasion, whereas its overexpression abrogates the corresponding effects induced by ZEB1-AS1. Lastly, dissection of the molecular mechanisms involved indicated that ZEB1-AS1 can regulate GC partly via a ZEB1-AS1/miR-149-3p axis.

Conclusions

ZEB1-AS1 can interact with specific miRNAs, forming a miRNA-mediated ceRNA network and promoting GC progress, partly through a ZEB1-AS1/miR-149-3p axis.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12935-019-0742-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Multiomics of azacitidine-treated AML cells reveals variable and convergent targets that remodel the cell-surface proteome

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are diseases of abnormal hematopoietic differentiation with aberrant epigenetic alterations. Azacitidine (AZA) is a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor widely used to treat MDS and AML, yet the impact of AZA on the cell-surface proteome has not been defined. To identify potential therapeutic targets for use in combination with AZA in AML patients, we investigated the effects of AZA treatment on four AML cell lines representing different stages of differentiation. The effect of AZA treatment on these cell lines was characterized at three levels: the DNA methylome, the transcriptome, and the cell-surface proteome. Untreated AML cell lines showed substantial overlap at all three omics levels; however, while AZA treatment globally reduced DNA methylation in all cell lines, changes in the transcriptome and surface proteome were subtle and differed among the cell lines. Transcriptome analysis identified five commonly up-regulated coding genes upon AZA treatment in all four cell lines, TRPM4 being the only gene encoding a surface protein, and surface proteome analysis found no commonly regulated proteins. Gene set enrichment analysis of differentially regulated RNA and surface proteins showed a decrease in metabolic pathways and an increase in immune defense response pathways. As such, AZA treatment led to diverse effects at the individual gene and protein levels but converged to common responses at the pathway level. Given the heterogeneous responses in the four cell lines, we discuss potential therapeutic strategies for AML in combination with AZA.