miR-125 inhibits colorectal cancer proliferation and invasion by targeting TAZ

The Regulation of Fatty Acid Synthase by Exosomal miR-143-5p and miR-342-5p in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic and progressive disease caused by an aberrant repair of injured alveolar epithelial cells. The maintenance of the alveolar epithelium and its regeneration after the damage is fueled by alveolar type II (ATII) cells. Injured cells release exosomes containing microRNAs (miRNAs), which can alter the recipient cells' function. Lung tissue, ATII cells, fibroblasts, plasma, and exosomes were obtained from naive patients with IPF, patients with IPF taking pirfenidone or nintedanib, and control organ donors. miRNA expression was analyzed to study their impact on exosome-mediated effects in IPF. High miR-143-5p and miR-342-5p levels were detected in ATII cells, lung tissue, plasma, and exosomes in naive patients with IPF. Decreased FASN (fatty acid synthase) and ACSL-4 (acyl-CoA-synthetase long-chain family member 4) expression was found in ATII cells. miR-143-5p and miR-342-5p overexpression or ATII cell treatment with IPF-derived exosomes containing these miRNAs lowered FASN and ACSL-4 levels. Also, this contributed to ATII cell injury and senescence. However, exosomes isolated from patients with IPF taking nintedanib or pirfenidone increased FASN expression in ATII cells compared with naive patients with IPF. Furthermore, fibroblast treatment with exosomes obtained from naive patients with IPF increased SMAD3, CTGF, COL3A1, and TGFβ1 expression. Our results suggest that IPF-derived exosomes containing miR-143-5p and miR-342-5p inhibited the de novo fatty acid synthesis pathway in ATII cells. They also induced the profibrotic response in fibroblasts. Pirfenidone and nintedanib improved ATII cell function and inhibited fibrogenesis. This study highlights the importance of exosomes in IPF pathophysiology.

Saponin from Platycodi radix inactivates PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to hinder colorectal cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and migration through miR-181c/d-5p/RBM47

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third frequent cancer and second leading reason of cancer-related mortality all over the globe. Saponins from Platycodi radix (SPR) and microRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to regulate CRC cell progression. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) detected miR-181c-5p, miR-181d-5p, and RBM47 expression level. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), 5-ethynyl-20-deoxyuridine (EdU), colony formation, transwell, and wound healing assays validated that miR-181c-5p and miR-181d-5p promote CRC cell proliferation, migration and invasion and SPR exerts opposite effects. Cignal Finder Reporter Array and western blot proved that the activity of PI3K/AKT pathway was decreased by RBM47 overexpression. RNA pulldown, luciferase reporter, and RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays proved the interaction between miR-181c/d-5p and RBM47, and RBM47 and PTEN. Rescue experiments were carried out to validate that RBM47 reverses the influence of miR-181c/d-5p on the progression of CRC cells. The stability of PTEN was probed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction in CRC cells treated with Actinomycin D (Act D). To be concluded, SPR inactivates PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to suppress CRC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration via miR-181c/d-5p/RBM47. Elucidating the mechanisms of SPR underlying CRC may offer novel insight into CRC treatment.

Circ_0000467 modulates malignant characteristics of colorectal cancer via sponging miR-651-5p and up-regulating DNMT3B

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are widely expressed in cancer tissues and participate in modulating the progression of malignant tumors, playing a pro- or anti-cancer role. This work is conducted to probe the precise role of circ_0000467 in colorectal cancer (CRC) and its regulatory mechanism. The differentially expressed circRNAs in CRC tissues and paracancerous tissues were screened by bioinformatics analysis. The expression levels of circ_0000467, miR-651-5p and DNA methyltransferases 3B (DNMT3B) mRNA in CRC tissues and cells were detected by qRT-PCR. circ_0000467 knockdown cell model was constructed to investigate the effects of circ_0000467 on CRC cell growth, migration and invasion by CCK-8 and Transwell experiments. Western blot was performed to examine DNMT3B protein expression in CRC cells. Dual-luciferase reporter gene experiment was executed to validate the targeting relationship between circ_0000467 and miR-651-5p, miR-651-5p and DNMT3B. Circ_0000467 expression and DNMT3B mRNA expression were increased and miR-651-5p expression was down-regulated in CRC tissues and cell lines. Knockdown of circ_0000467 repressed CRC cell growth, migration and invasion. Dual-luciferase reporter gene experiments validated that miR-651-5p was a direct target of circ_0000467 and miR-651-5p could specifically bind with DNMT3B 3'UTR. Functional compensation experiments showed that the regulatory effect of circ_0000467 on CRC cells' behaviors could be partially counteracted by miR-651-5p. Circ_0000467 may enhance the growth and metastasis of CRC cells by targeting miR-651-5p and up-regulating DNMT3B expression. Circ_0000467 may be a potential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for CRC.

Circular BANP knockdown inhibits the malignant progression of residual hepatocellular carcinoma after insufficient radiofrequency ablation

BACKGROUND

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are endogenous non-coding RNAs, some of which have pathological roles. The current study aimed to explore the role of circRNA BTG3-associated nuclear protein (circ-BANP) binding with let-7f-5p and its regulation of the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway in residual hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after insufficient radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

METHODS

Circ-BANP, let-7f-5p, and TLR4 expressions in HCC samples were assessed using reverse transcription- quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blotting. Bioinformatics prediction, RNA pull-down assay, and dual luciferase reporter gene assay were used to analyze the relationships among circ-BANP, let-7f-5p, and TLR4. Huh7 cells were used to generate an in vitro model of residual HCC, defined as Huh7-H cells, which were transfected with either a plasmid or the sequence of circ-BANP, let-7f-5p, or TLR4. Expression of circ-BANP, let-7f-5p, and TLR4 mRNA was determined by RT-qPCR. TLR4, STAT3, p-STAT3, vascular endothelial growth factor A, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2, and epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT)-related factors proteins were determined by Western blotting. Cell proliferation was determined by cell counting kit-8 and 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay and cell migration and invasion by Transwell assay. Animal studies were performed by inducing xenograft tumors in nude mice.

RESULTS

Circ-BANP and TLR4 mRNAs were upregulated in HCC tissues (the fold change for circ-BANP was 1.958 and that for TLR4 was 1.736 relative to para-tumors) and expression further increased following insufficient RFA (fold change for circ- BANP was 2.407 and that of TLR4 was 2.224 relative to para-tumors). Expression of let-7f-5p showed an opposite tendency (fold change for let-7f-5p in HCC tissues was 0.491 and that in tumors after insufficient RFA was 0.300 relative to para-tumors). Competitive binding of circ-BANP to let-7f-5p was demonstrated and TLR4 was identified as a target of let-7f-5p (P < 0.01). Knockdown of circ-BANP or elevation of let-7f-5p expression inhibited the TLR4/STAT3 signaling pathway, proliferation, invasion, migration, angiogenesis, and EMT in Huh7 and Huh7-H cells (P < 0.01). The effects induced by circ-BANP knockdown were reversed by let-7f-5p inhibition. Overexpression of TLR4 reversed the impact of let-7f-5p upregulation on the cells (P < 0.01). Silencing of circ-BANP inhibited the in vivo growth of residual HCC cells after insufficient RFA (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Knockdown of circ-BANP upregulated let-7f-5p to inhibit proliferation, migration, and EMT formation in residual HCC remaining after insufficient RFA. Effects occur via regulation of the TLR4/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Circ-FOXM1 promotes the proliferation, migration and EMT process of osteosarcoma cells through FOXM1-mediated Wnt pathway activation

BACKGROUND

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a malignant bone tumor that commonly occurs in adolescents with a high mortality rate and frequent pulmonary metastasis. Emerging evidence has suggested that circular RNAs (circRNAs) are important regulators in multiple biological activities of carcinomas. Nevertheless, the role of circRNAs derived from forkhead box M1 (FOXM1), a well-accepted modulator of OS progression, has not been discussed in OS.

METHODS

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was utilized to test circ-FOXM1 (hsa_circ_0025033) expression in OS cell lines. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU), terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL), transwell assays and western blot analysis of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers were conducted to evaluate cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and EMT process. Luciferase reporter assay and RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay were utilized to detect the interaction of circ-FOXM1 and RNAs.

RESULTS

High expression of circ-FOXM1 was detected in OS cell lines. Functionally, circ-FOXM1 knockdown inhibited the proliferation, migration and EMT process, whereas induced the apoptosis of OS cells. From the aspect of molecular mechanism, circ-FOXM1 was discovered to upregulate FOXM1 expression via sponging miR-320a and miR-320b, therefore activating Wnt signaling pathway. Besides, rescue experiments elucidated that circ-FOXM1 regulated cellular activities of OS cells via FOXM1. Further, in vivo assays supported that loss of circ-FOXM1 restrained OS tumor growth.

CONCLUSION

Circ-FOXM1 facilitated the malignant phenotypes of OS cells through FOXM1-mediated Wnt pathway activation, revealing circ-FOXM1 as a potential biomarker for OS treatment.

Deciphering the role of miR-187-3p/LRFN1 axis in modulating progression, aerobic glycolysis and immune microenvironment of clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is one of the most common malignant genitourinary cancers with high recurrence risk worldwide. Recently, multi-omics data facilitate obtaining a molecular landscape of tumor development, and were implemented to affect pathogenesis, phenotype, and prognosis of ccRCC. In this study, after screening for differential expressed microRNAs based on multiply datasets, we tested expression levels and prognostic value of miR-187-3p in ccRCC samples, and transfected miR-187-3p mimics or negative controls into ccRCC cells. Up-regulation of miR-187-3p restrains proliferation, migration and promotes apoptosis ability in human ccRCC A498 and 786O cells. In addition, Luciferase reporter assay revealed that miR-187-3p directly targets LRFN1-3'-UTR and negatively modulates LRFN1 expression. LRFN1 rescues proliferation and invasion capacities after miR-187-3p mimic transfection in vitro and in subcutaneous xenograft models. We further performed deep-sequencing technology and bioinformatics analyses to evaluate the biological functions and potential clinical implications of LRFN1 expression in ccRCC. Interestingly, LRFN1 could serve as an independent and potential biomarker for prognosis in over 1000 patients with ccRCC from multiply independent cohorts. Besides, the up-regulated LRFN1 expression prominently promoted intra-tumoral heterogeneity and immune-infiltrating microenvironment, represented by elevated M2 macrophage infiltration, CD8+ T cells activity and PD-L1 expression. In conclusion, this study revealed the tumor-specific and immunological role of miR-187-3p/LRFN1 axis in the progression and reshaping of tumor immune microenvironment of ccRCC.

Upregulated microRNA-210-3p improves sevoflurane-induced protective effect on ventricular remodeling in rats with myocardial infarction by inhibiting ADCY9

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a significant cause of death and disability, and sevoflurane (sevo) can protect myocardium in clinic. We aim to assess the effects of miR-210-3p on MI rats undergoing sevo treatment with the involvement of adenylyl cyclase type 9 (ADCY9). Rat MI models were constructed by ligation of the left anterior descending, and the modeled rats were respectively treated with sevo, miR-210-3p agomir, antagomir, or overexpressed ADCY9. Then, miR-210-3p and ADCY9 expression, cardiac function, myocardial injury and fibrosis, and cardiomyocyte apoptosis in rats were evaluated. Target relation between miR-210-3p and ADCY9 was detected. miR-210-3p was downregulated while ADCY9 was upregulated in MI rats. Sevo was able to promote cardiac function and attenuate myocardial injury and fibrosis, as well as cardiomyocyte apoptosis in MI rats. These effects of sevo were strengthened by miR-210-3p elevation but abolished by miR-210-3p inhibition in MI rats. The role of elevated miR-210-3p in MI rats was reversed by overexpression of ADCY9. Upregulated miR-210-3p improves sevo-induced protective effect on ventricular remodeling in rats with MI through inhibiting ADCY9.

Circular BANP knockdown inhibits the malignant progression of residual hepatocellular carcinoma after insufficient radiofrequency ablation

BACKGROUND

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are endogenous non-coding RNAs, some of which have pathological roles. The current study aimed to explore the role of circRNA BTG3-associated nuclear protein (circ-BANP) binding with let-7f-5p and its regulation of the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway in residual hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after insufficient radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

METHODS

Circ-BANP, let-7f-5p, and TLR4 expressions in HCC samples were assessed using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blotting. Bioinformatics prediction, RNA pull-down assay, and dual luciferase reporter gene assay were used to analyze the relationships among circ-BANP, let-7f-5p, and TLR4. Huh7 cells were used to generate an in vitro model of residual HCC, defined as Huh7-H cells, which were transfected with either a plasmid or the sequence of circ-BANP, let-7f-5p, or TLR4. Expression of circ-BANP, let-7f-5p, and TLR4 mRNA was determined by RT-qPCR. TLR4, STAT3, p-STAT3, vascular endothelial growth factor A, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2, and epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT)-related factors proteins were determined by Western blotting. Cell proliferation was determined by cell counting kit-8 and 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay and cell migration and invasion by Transwell assay. Animal studies were performed by inducing xenograft tumors in nude mice.

RESULTS

Circ-BANP and TLR4 mRNAs were upregulated in HCC tissues (the fold change for circ-BANP was 1.958 and that for TLR4 was 1.736 relative to para-tumors) and expression further increased following insufficient RFA (fold change for circ-BANP was 2.407 and that of TLR4 was 2.224 relative to para-tumors). Expression of let-7f-5p showed an opposite tendency (fold change for let-7f-5p in HCC tissues was 0.491 and that in tumors after insufficient RFA was 0.300 relative to para-tumors). Competitive binding of circ-BANP to let-7f-5p was demonstrated and TLR4 was identified as a target of let-7f-5p (P < 0.01). Knockdown of circ-BANP or elevation of let-7f-5p expression inhibited the TLR4/STAT3 signaling pathway, proliferation, invasion, migration, angiogenesis, and EMT in Huh7 and Huh7-H cells (P < 0.01). The effects induced by circ-BANP knockdown were reversed by let-7f-5p inhibition. Overexpression of TLR4 reversed the impact of let-7f-5p upregulation on the cells (P < 0.01). Silencing of circ-BANP inhibited the in vivo growth of residual HCC cells after insufficient RFA (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Knockdown of circ-BANP upregulated let-7f-5p to inhibit proliferation, migration, and EMT formation in residual HCC remaining after insufficient RFA. Effects occur via regulation of the TLR4/STAT3 signaling pathway.

miR-9-5p Promotes Lung Adenocarcinoma Cell Proliferation, Migration and Invasion by Targeting ID4

Objectives Evidence reveals that microRNAs (miRNAs) are abnormally expressed in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) tissue and are crucial in LUAD occurrence. Therefore, this study aims to find the miRNA which could regulate LUAD and to further explore its regulatory mechanism, thus providing a potential molecular target for LUAD. Methods miR-9-5p and ID4 expression in LUAD cells were measured by real-time quantitative PCR and western blot. Cell functional assays were conducted to detect the biological functions of LUAD cells. A dual-luciferase reporter assay was utilized to validate the binding relationship between miR-9-5p and ID4. Results miR-9-5p was highly expressed whereas ID4 was lowly expressed in LUAD. miR-9-5p facilitated LUAD cell progression by targeting ID4. Conclusion miR-9-5p promotes LUAD cell progression by modulating ID4 and may become a potential target for LUAD.

RPARP-AS1/miR125a-5p Axis Promotes Cell Proliferation, Migration and Invasion in Colon Cancer

Background

It was reported that long-noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) had been identified as a novel class of regulators related to various cancers. RPARP-AS1, a differentially-expressed gene, was found in analysis of the gene expression profile of CRC from GEO database. However, its function has not been clear.

Methods

RPARP-AS1 expression was determined by qPCR and Startbase3 analysis. Knockdown of RPARP-AS1 in CRC cell lines was performed by RNAi technology, named si-RPARP-AS1 HCT116 and si-RPARP-AS1 LoVo. Cell proliferation was examined by CCK8 and colony formation assay. RNA pull-down and Luciferase reporter assay were performed to confirm the interaction between RPARP-AS1 and miR-125a-5p.

Results

In the study, we found that the expression of RPARP-AS1 was significantly up-regulated in CRC tissues and multiple CRC cell lines, which was closely related to poor prognosis of CRC patients. Loss-of-function studies indicated that knockdown of RPARP-AS1 inhibited CRC cell proliferation, migration and invasion in HCT116 and LoVo cell lines. Results of research on the mechanisms showed that RPARP-AS1 functioned as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to sponge miR-125a-5p, therefore promoting CRC procession.

Conclusion

In summary, these results indicated that RPARP-AS1/miR-125a-5p axis played a positive role in promoting cell proliferation, migration and invasion in CC. It may be as a biomarker used to evaluate CRC prognosis.

MicroRNA function can be reversed by altering target gene expression levels

Paradoxically, many microRNAs appear to exhibit entirely opposite functions when placed in different contexts. For example, miR-125b has been shown to be pro-apoptotic in some studies, but anti-apoptotic in others. To investigate this phenomenon, we combine computational modeling with experimental approaches to examine how the function of miR-125b in apoptosis varies with respect to the expression levels of its pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic targets. In doing so, we elucidate a general trend that miR-125b is more pro-apoptotic when its anti-apoptotic targets are overexpressed, whereas it is more anti-apoptotic when its pro-apoptotic targets are overexpressed. We show that it is possible to completely reverse miR-125b′s function in apoptosis by modifying the expression levels of its target genes. Furthermore, miR-125b′s function may also be altered by the presence of anticancer drugs. These results suggest that the function of a microRNA can vary substantially and is dependent on its target gene expression levels.

•

Many miRNAs exhibit entirely opposite functions when placed in different contexts

•

miR-125b can be pro- or anti-apoptotic depending on target gene expression levels

•

The function of a miRNA can be reversed by altering target gene expression levels

•

The presence of anticancer drugs can also alter a miRNA's function

Epigenetic Regulation of the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway in Cancer

Studies over the past four decades have elucidated the role of Wnt/β-catenin mediated regulation in cell proliferation, differentiation and migration. These processes are fundamental to embryonic development, regeneration potential of tissues, as well as cancer initiation and progression. In this review, we focus on the epigenetic players which influence the Wnt/β-catenin pathway via modulation of its components and coordinated regulation of the Wnt target genes. The role played by crosstalk with other signaling pathways mediating tumorigenesis is also elaborated. The Hippo/YAP pathway is particularly emphasized due to its extensive crosstalk via the Wnt destruction complex. Further, we highlight the recent advances in developing potential therapeutic interventions targeting the epigenetic machinery based on the characterization of these regulatory networks for effective treatment of various cancers and also for regenerative therapies.

miR‑125a‑5p reverses epithelial‑mesenchymal transition and restores drug sensitivity by negatively regulating TAFAZZIN signaling in breast cancer

MicroRNA (miR)‑125a‑5p represses tafazzin phospholipid‑lysophospholipid transacylases (TAFAZZIN) expression and inhibits the epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT) of ovarian cancer cells. EMT was found to have a crucial role in the acquisition of chemoresistance. Thus, the present study aimed to determine whether miR‑125a‑5p reverses EMT and restores drug sensitivity by negatively regulating TAFAZZIN in breast cancer. The expression of miR‑125a‑5p/TAFAZZIN and its association with chemotherapy response were determined in tissue samples from patients with breast cancer. Furthermore, the effects of miR‑125a‑5p on breast cancer cells were elucidated using cell proliferation and cell apoptosis assays. Then, the regulatory mechanism of miR‑125a‑5p in breast cancer was investigated by reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR, western blotting, dual‑luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation assays. The results demonstrated that miR‑125a‑5p inhibited the EMT of MCF‑7/adriamycin (Adr) breast cancer cells, as well as decreased the proliferation and increased the apoptosis of breast cancer cells treated with Adr/docetaxel. In addition, miR‑125a‑5p downregulated the expression levels of TAFAZZIN, Transglutaminase 2, phosphorylated‑AKT, N‑cadherin, vimentin and proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and significantly increased those of E‑cadherin, cleaved caspase-3 and Bax in MCF7/Adr cells. Similar results were obtained with small interfering RNA‑TAFAZZIN. Moreover, TAFAZZIN was identified as a direct target of miR‑125a‑5p in MCF7/Adr breast cancer cells. In addition, increased miR‑125a‑5p expression was observed in breast tumors from patients exhibiting a chemotherapy response, and TAFAZZIN mRNA expression was elevated in patients with no chemotherapy response. Hence, miR‑125a‑5p expression was negatively correlated with TAFAZZIN mRNA expression in breast cancer tissues. All these data suggested that miR‑125a‑5p reverses EMT and restores drug sensitivity by negatively regulating TAFAZZIN in breast cancer and, therefore, has potential as a novel therapeutic target for this disease.

Interplay between DNA Methyltransferase 1 and microRNAs During Tumorigenesis

Cancer is a genetic disease resulting from genomic changes; however, epigenetic alterations act synergistically with these changes during tumorigenesis and cancer progression. Epigenetic variations are gaining more attention as an important regulator in tumor progression, metastasis and therapy resistance. Aberrant DNA methylation at CpG islands is a central event in epigeneticmediated gene silencing of various tumor suppressor genes. DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) predominately methylates at CpG islands on hemimethylated DNA substrates in proliferation of cells. DNMT1 has been shown to be overexpressed in various cancer types and exhibits tumor-promoting potential. The major drawbacks to DNMT1-targeted cancer therapy are the adverse effects arising from nucleoside and non-nucleoside based DNMT1 inhibitors. This paper focuses on the regulation of DNMT1 by various microRNAs (miRNAs), which may be assigned as future DNMT1 modulators, and highlights how DNMT1 regulates various miRNAs involved in tumor suppression. Importantly, the role of reciprocal inhibition between DNMT1 and certain miRNAs in tumorigenic potential is approached in this review. Hence, this review seeks to project an efficient and strategic approach using certain miRNAs in conjunction with conventional DNMT1 inhibitors as a novel cancer therapy. It has also been pinpointed to select miRNA candidates associated with DNMT1 regulation that may not only serve as potential biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis, but may also predict the existence of aberrant methylation activity in cancer cells.

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomal miR-206 promotes osteoblast proliferation and differentiation in osteoarthritis by reducing Elf3

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) serve as gene silencers involved in essential cell functions. The role of miR‐206 and E74‐like factor 3 (Elf3) has been identified in osteoarthritis (OA), while the effect of exosomal miR‐206 from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in OA remains largely unknown. Thus, we aim to explore the role of exosomal miR‐206 from BMSCs in OA with the involvement of Elf3. BMSCs and BMSC‐derived exosomes (BMSC‐exos) were obtained and identified. OA mouse models were constructed by anterior cruciate ligament transection and then treated with BMSC‐exos or BMSC‐exos containing miR‐206 mimic/inhibitor. The expression of miR‐206, Elf3, inflammatory factors, osteocalcin (OCN) and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) in mouse femoral tissues was assessed. The pathological changes in mouse femur tissues were observed. The mouse osteoblasts were identified and treated with untransfected or transfected BMSC‐exos, and then, the expression of miR‐206, Elf3, OCN and BMP2 was determined. The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, calcium deposition level, OCN secretion, proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in osteoblasts were measured. MiR‐206 was down‐regulated while Elf3 was up‐regulated in OA animal and cellular models. Exosomal miR‐206 ameliorated inflammation and increased expression of OCN and BMP2 in mouse femoral tissues. Moreover, exosomal miR‐206 promoted ALP activity, calcium deposition level, OCN secretion and proliferation and inhibited apoptosis in OA osteoblasts. Overexpressed Elf3 reversed miR‐206 up‐regulation‐induced effects on OA osteoblasts. BMSC‐derived exosomal miR‐206 promotes proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts in OA by reducing Elf3. Our research may provide novel targets for OA treatment.

miRNA-6715-5p Inhibits Cellular Proliferation and Invasion in Colorectal Cancer by Directly Targeting CST4

Background

Data on the correlation between CST4 and colorectal cancer (CRC) metastasis are scarce. The aim of this study was to analyze CST4 expression and investigate its biological roles and related microRNA- (miRNA-) mediated regulation in CRC.

Methods

The expression of CST4 was examined in cancer tissues and their corresponding adjacent normal tissues from 40 gastric adenocarcinoma patients. The expression level of CST4 in specimens (cancer and normal tissues) was assessed through immunohistochemistry and/or quantitative polymerase chain reaction. miRNAs targeting CST4 in CRC were predicted by bioinformatics software. CST4 was knocked down in HCT116 cells and candidate miRNAs were transfected into HCT116 cells, and the effects of CST4 knockdown and miRNA transfection on cell proliferation and invasion were examined using CCK8, cell colony formation, and Transwell migration assays. Luciferase double-reporter assays were performed to verify the relationship between miRNA and CST4.

Results

The expression of CST4 in CRC tissues was significantly higher than that in normal paracancerous tissues, but the results for miRNA-6715-5p were opposite. Regardless of CST4 knockdown or miRNA-6715-5p overexpression, the proliferation and invasion ability of HCT116 cells decreased significantly. Luciferase double-reporter assays showed that the upregulation of miR-6715-5p significantly reduced the luciferase activities of the CST4 3'-UTR plasmid in HCT116 cells.

Conclusion

CST4 may be involved in CRC proliferation and metastasis. miRNA-6715-5p directly targets CST4 and negatively regulates its expression.

Predictive Efficacy of MiR-125b-5p, MiR-17-5p, and MiR-185-5p in Liver Metastasis and Chemotherapy Response Among Advanced Stage Colorectal Cancer Patients

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small non-coding RNAs represent potential biomarkers for colorectal cancer (CRC). The study hypothesized that miRNAs associated with liver metastases may also contribute to assessing treatment response when associated to plasma exosomes. In this study, we used two sets of biological samples, a collection of tumor tissues harvested from patients with CRC with and without liver metastases, and a collection of plasma from CRC patients with and without response to FOLFOX4/FOLFIRI regimens. We investigated 10 target miRNAs in the tissue of 28 CRC patients and identified miR-125b-5p, miR-17-5p, and miR-185-5p to be associated with liver metastasis. Further, we investigated the three miRNAs at the exosomal level in a plasma collection to test their association with chemotherapy response. Our data suggest that the elevated plasma levels of miR-17-5p and miR-185-5p could be predictive of treatment response. Overexpression of miR-17-5p and underexpression of miR-125b-5p and miR-185-5p in CRC tissue seem to be associated with metastatic potential. On the other hand, an increased expression of miR-125b-5p in plasma exosomes was potentially correlated with a more aggressive CRC phenotype.

Hsa-miR-125b Therapeutic Role in Colon Cancer Is Dependent on the Mutation Status of the TP53 Gene

Colon cancer is the third most common cancer type worldwide and is highly dependent on DNA mutations that progressively appear and accumulate in the normal colon epithelium. Mutations in the TP53 gene appear in approximately half of these patients and have significant implications in disease progression and response to therapy. miR-125b-5p is a controversial microRNA with a dual role in cancer that has been reported to target specifically TP53 in colon adenocarcinomas. Our study investigated the differential therapeutic effect of miR-125b-5p replacement in colon cancer based on the TP53 mutation status of colon cancer cell lines. In TP53 mutated models, miR-125b-5p overexpression slows cancer cells’ malignant behavior by inhibiting the invasion/migration and colony formation capacity via direct downregulation of mutated TP53. In TP53 wild type cells, the exogenous modulation of miR-125b-5p did not significantly affect the molecular and phenotypic profile. In conclusion, our data show that miR-125b-5p has an anti-cancer effect only in TP53 mutated colon cancer cells, explaining partially the dual behavior of this microRNA in malignant pathologies.

Lumican inhibits immune escape and carcinogenic pathways in colorectal adenocarcinoma

Lumican (LUM), a small leucine-rich proteoglycan, is a component of the extracellular matrix. Abnormal LUM expression is potentially associated with cancer progression. In the present study, we confirmed high LUM mRNA expression in colorectal adenocarcinoma (COAD) through the UALCAN database. The Kaplan-Meier method, univariate, and multivariate COX analysis showed that high LUM expression is an independent determinant of poor prognosis in COAD. A COX regression model was constructed based on clinical information and LUM expression. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve indicated that this model was highly accurate in monitoring COAD prognosis. The co-expression network of LUM was determined by LinkedOmics, which showed that LUM expression was closely related to immune escape and the miR200 family. Furthermore, we studied the co-expression network of LUM and found that LUM could promote tumor metastasis and invasion. The Tumor Immune Estimation Resource website showed that LUM was closely related to immune infiltration and correlated with regulatory T cells, tumour-associated macrophages, and dendritic cells. We found that LUM cultivated cancer progression by targeting the miR200 family to promote epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. These findings suggest that LUM is a potential target for inhibiting immune escape and carcinogenic pathways.

MicroRNAs Associated With a Good Prognosis of Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Their Effect on Macrophage Polarization

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive myeloid malignancy with poor outcomes despite very intensive therapeutic approaches. For the majority of patients which are unfit and treated less intensively, the prognosis is even worse. There has been unspectacular progress in outcome improvement over the last decades and the development of new approaches is of tremendous interest. The tumor microenvironment is credited with an important role in supporting cancer growth, including leukemogenesis. Macrophages are part of the tumor microenvironment and their contribution in this setting is increasingly being deciphered, these cells being credited with a tumor supporting role. Data on macrophage role and polarization in leukemia is scarce. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have a role in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression, by impending translation and promoting degradation of messenger RNAs. They are important modulators of cellular pathways, playing major roles in normal hematopoietic differentiation. miRNA expression is significantly correlated with the prognosis of hematopoietic malignancies, including AML. Oncogenic miRNAs correlate with poor prognosis, while tumor suppressor miRNAs, which inhibit the expression of proto-oncogenes, are correlated with a favorable prognosis. miRNAs are proposed as biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis and are regarded as therapeutic approaches in many cancers, including AML. miRNAs with epigenetic or modulatory activity, as well as with synergistic activity with chemotherapeutic agents, proved to be promising therapeutic targets in experimental, pre-clinical approaches. The clinical availability of emerging compounds with mimicking or suppressor activity provides the opportunity for future therapeutic targeting of miRNAs. The present paper is focusing on miRNAs which, according to current knowledge, favorably impact on AML outcomes, being regarded as tumor suppressors, and reviews their role in macrophage polarization. We are focusing on miRNA expression in the setting of AML, but data on correlations between miRNA expression and macrophage polarization is mostly coming from studies involving normal tissue.

miR‑125/CDK2 axis in cochlear progenitor cell proliferation

Hearing loss ranks fourth among the principal causes of disability worldwide, and manipulation of progenitor cells may be a key strategy for hair cell regeneration. The present study investigated the role and mechanism of miR‑125 on the proliferation of cochlear progenitor cells (CPCs). CPCs were isolated from the cochleae of neonatal rats, and their morphology was observed. Furthermore, the differentiation ability of CPCs was determined by assessing the expression of 5‑bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), nestin and myosin VII by immunofluorescence. The expression levels of miR‑125 and cyclin‑dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) as well as the cell proliferation of CPCs were assessed. In addition, following gain‑ and loss‑of‑function assays, the cell cycle was examined by flow cytometry, and the expression levels of miR‑125, CDK2, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and nestin were determined by reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR and western blotting. The binding sites between miR‑125 and CDK2 were predicted by TargetScan and identified by the dual luciferase reporter assay. The results demonstrated that different types of progenitor spheres were observed from CPCs with positive expression of BrdU, nestin and myosin VII. Following in vitro incubation for 2, 4 and 7 days, the spheres were enlarged, and CPC proliferation gradually increased and reached a plateau after further incubation for 3 days. Furthermore, the expression levels of nestin and PCNA in CPCs increased and then decreased during in vitro incubation for 2, 4 and 7 days. Following this incubation, the expression levels of miR‑125 in CPCs decreased; thereafter, its expression increased, and the expression pattern was different from that of CDK2. In addition, miR‑125 overexpression in CPCs decreased the expression of CDK2 and the number of cells in the S phase. Different expression patterns were found in CPCs in response to the miR‑125 knockdown. In addition, miR‑125 directly targeted CDK2. Simultaneous knockdown of miR‑125 and CDK2 enhanced CPC proliferation compared with CDK2 knockdown alone. Taken together, the findings from the present study suggested that miR‑125 may inhibit CPC proliferation by downregulating CDK2. The present study may provide a novel therapeutic direction for treatment of hearing loss.

Investigation of the miRNA and mRNA Coexpression Network and Their Prognostic Value in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Purpose

To identify pivotal differentially expressed miRNAs and genes and construct their regulatory network in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methods

mRNA (GSE101728) and microRNA (GSE108724) microarray datasets were obtained from the NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Then, we identified the differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs. Sequentially, transcription factor enrichment and gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis for miRNA were performed. Target genes of these differential miRNAs were obtained using packages in R language (R package multiMiR). After that, downregulated miRNAs were matched with target mRNAs which were upregulated, while upregulated miRNAs were paired with downregulated target mRNA using scripts written in Perl. An miRNA-mRNA network was constructed and visualized in Cytoscape software. For miRNAs in the network, survival analysis was performed. And for genes in the network, we did gene ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis.

Results

A total of 35 miRNAs and 295 mRNAs were involved in the network. These differential genes were enriched in positive regulation of cell-cell adhesion, positive regulation of leukocyte cell-cell adhesion, and so on. Eight differentially expressed miRNAs were found to be associated with the OS of patients with HCC. Among which, miR-425 and miR-324 were upregulated while the other six, including miR-99a, miR-100, miR-125b, miR-145, miR-150, and miR-338, were downregulated.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these results can provide a potential research direction for further studies about the mechanisms of how miRNA affects malignant behavior in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Down-Regulation of Circ_0032833 Sensitizes Colorectal Cancer to 5-Fluorouracil and Oxaliplatin Partly Depending on the Regulation of miR-125-5p and MSI1

Background

5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX) is an effective chemotherapy for colorectal cancer (CRC) in clinic. It remains unclear regarding the effect of circular RNA (circRNA) circ_0032833 on regulating chemosensitivity in CRC.

Methods

Drug resistance analysis was performed by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. All RNA and protein levels were, respectively, measured via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot. Cellular colony capacity, apoptosis and metastasis were evaluated using colony formation assay, Annexin-FITC/PI flow cytometry and transwell migration/invasion assays. The molecular combination was notarized using dual-luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays. The in vivo experiment was conducted via xenograft tumors in mice.

Results

Circ_0032833 was significantly up-regulated in FOLFOX-resistant CRC and associated with drug resistance. Knockdown of circ_0032833 could sensitize FOLFOX-resistant CRC cells to 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin. Circ_0032833 was a miR-125-5p sponge, and miR-125-5p overexpression was responsible for the effect of circ_0032833 knockdown on 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin sensitivities. Besides, miR-125-5p targeted Musashi1 (MSI1) to increase the susceptibility of 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin in FOLFOX-resistant CRC cells. We found that circ_0032833 generated the regulation on MSI1 by sponging miR-125-5p. Circ_0032833 down-regulation also promoted the 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin sensitivities partly through the miR-125-5p/MSI1 axis in vivo.

Conclusion

This study illuminated an unambiguous mechanism circ_0032833/miR-125-5p/MSI1 on regulating 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin sensitivities in FOLFOX therapy, maybe providing a deep insight of resistance formation and developing a novel strategy to enhance chemosensitivity in CRC.

Identification of MiR-211-5p as a tumor suppressor by targeting ACSL4 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Liver cancer is among the most common malignancy worldwide. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the principal histological subtype of liver cancer, is globally the third most common cause of cancer-related mortality. The high rates of recurrence and metastasis contribute to the poor prognosis of HCC patients. In recent years, increasing evidence has shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the tumorigenesis, progression, and prognosis of HCC.

METHODS

To screen for key candidate miRNAs in HCC, three microarray datasets were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). The sole common differentially expressed miRNA (DEmiR) observed in the above three datasets using a Venn diagram was microRNA-211-5p (miR-211-5p). The expression of miR-211-5p from HCC tissues was measured in several HCC cell lines. Additionally, using Kaplan-Meier plots, the potential prognostic value of miR-211-5p in HCC was analyzed. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and transwell assays examined the ability of miR-211-5p to induce cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in HCC cultures. The interaction of miR-211-5p and Acyl-CoA Synthetase Long Chain Family Member 4 (ACSL4) was assessed both theoretically and using a luciferase reporter assay. Finally, the ability of miR-211-5p to modulate tumorigenesis in HCC in vivo was assessed after establishing a xenograft model.

RESULTS

qRT-PCR demonstrated that the relative expression of miR-211-5p was considerably down-regulated in HCC tissues and cell lines compared with normal tissue. Kaplan-Meier plots indicated that HCC patients with decreased expression of miR-211-5p had poor overall survival. Upregulation of miR-211-5p in vitro consistently suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. In contrast, enhanced expression of ACSL4 promoted a malignant phenotype in HCC cells. Importantly, we discovered that ACSL4 was a direct downstream target of miR-211-5p in HCC, and that miR-211-5p suppressed the malignant phenotype by inhibition of ACSL4 expression. Furthermore, miR-211-5p overexpression impaired tumorigenesis and growth of HCC in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

Targeting miR-211-5p and the downstream gene ACSL4 will possibly provide novel insight and represents a promising approach to future therapy of HCC patients.

miR-541 serves as a prognostic biomarker of osteosarcoma and its regulatory effect on tumor cell proliferation, migration and invasion by targeting TGIF2

Background

Several studies reported the dysregulation of miR-541 in the progression of some human malignancies. Osteosarcoma (OS) is one of the most common primary malignant bone tumors. This study aimed to assess the expression and clinical significance of miR-541 in OS patients and explore the biological function of miR-541 in tumor progression.

Methods

Expression of miR-541 was detected by quantitative real-time PCR, and its prognostic value was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. The biological function of miR-541 was examined by analyzing its effects on OS cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Additionally, the underlying potential target of miR-541 was predicated and analyzed.

Results

The expression of miR-541 was significantly decreased in OS tissues and cell lines. The deregulated expression of miR-541 in tumor tissues was associated with the overall survival of OS patients and was a potential independent prognostic indicator. In OS cells, the overexpression of miR-541 could inhibit cell proliferation, migration and invasion. The luciferase activity results indicated that TGIF2 was a potential target of miR-541.

Conclusion

The results of this study revealed that the decreased miR-541 expression in OS patients may serve as a prognostic biomarker, and that the overexpression of miR-541 in OS cells results in inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion, indicating the potential of miR-541 as a therapeutic target in OS treatment.

IRE1α inhibition attenuates neuronal pyroptosis via miR-125/NLRP1 pathway in a neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy rat model

BACKGROUND

Inhibition of inositol-requiring enzyme-1 alpha (IRE1α), one of the sensor signaling proteins associated with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, has been shown to alleviate brain injury and improve neurological behavior in a neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) rat model. However, there is no information about the role of IRE1α inhibitor as well as its molecular mechanisms in preventing neuronal pyroptosis induced by NLRP1 (NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing 1) inflammasome. In the present study, we hypothesized that IRE1α can degrade microRNA-125-b-2-3p (miR-125-b-2-3p) and activate NLRP1/caspased-1 pathway, and subsequently promote neuronal pyroptosis in HIE rat model.

METHODS

Ten-day old unsexed rat pups were subjected to hypoxia-ischemia (HI) injury, and the inhibitor of IRE1α, STF083010, was administered intranasally at 1 h after HI induction. AntimiR-125 or NLRP1 activation CRISPR was administered by intracerebroventricular (i.c.v) injection at 24 h before HI induction. Immunofluorescence staining, western blot analysis, reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), brain infarct volume measurement, neurological function tests, and Fluoro-Jade C staining were performed.

RESULTS

Endogenous phosphorylated IRE1α (p-IRE1α), NLRP1, cleaved caspase-1, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-18 (IL-18) were increased and miR-125-b-2-3p was decreased in HIE rat model. STF083010 administration significantly upregulated the expression of miR-125-b-2-3p, reduced the infarct volume, improved neurobehavioral outcomes and downregulated the protein expression of NLRP1, cleaved caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-18. The protective effects of STF083010 were reversed by antimiR-125 or NLRP1 activation CRISPR.

CONCLUSIONS

IRE1α inhibitor, STF083010, reduced neuronal pyroptosis at least in part via miR-125/NLRP1/caspase-1 signaling pathway after HI.

The YAP/TAZ Pathway in Osteogenesis and Bone Sarcoma Pathogenesis

YAP and TAZ are intracellular messengers communicating multiple interacting extracellular biophysical and biochemical cues to the transcription apparatus in the nucleus and back to the cell/tissue microenvironment interface through the regulation of cytoskeletal and extracellular matrix components. Their activity is negatively and positively controlled by multiple phosphorylation events. Phenotypically, they serve an important role in cellular plasticity and lineage determination during development. As they regulate self-renewal, proliferation, migration, invasion and differentiation of stem cells, perturbed expression of YAP/TAZ signaling components play important roles in tumorigenesis and metastasis. Despite their high structural similarity, YAP and TAZ are functionally not identical and may play distinct cell type and differentiation stage-specific roles mediated by a diversity of downstream effectors and upstream regulatory molecules. However, YAP and TAZ are frequently looked at as functionally redundant and are not sufficiently discriminated in the scientific literature. As the extracellular matrix composition and mechanosignaling are of particular relevance in bone formation during embryogenesis, post-natal bone elongation and bone regeneration, YAP/TAZ are believed to have critical functions in these processes. Depending on the differentiation stage of mesenchymal stem cells during endochondral bone development, YAP and TAZ serve distinct roles, which are also reflected in bone tumors arising from the mesenchymal lineage at different developmental stages. Efforts to clinically translate the wealth of available knowledge of the pathway for cancer diagnostic and therapeutic purposes focus mainly on YAP and TAZ expression and their role as transcriptional co-activators of TEAD transcription factors but rarely consider the expression and activity of pathway modulatory components and other transcriptional partners of YAP and TAZ. As there is a growing body of evidence for YAP and TAZ as potential therapeutic targets in several cancers, we here interrogate the applicability of this concept to bone tumors. To this end, this review aims to summarize our current knowledge of YAP and TAZ in cell plasticity, normal bone development and bone cancer.