LncRNA HOXA-AS2 promotes the progression of prostate cancer via targeting miR-509-3p/PBX3 axis

Helicobacter pylori infection induces gastric cancer cell malignancy by targeting HOXA-AS2/miR-509-3p/MMD2 axis

BACKGROUND

Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection is considered to be the strongest risk factor for gastric cancer (GC). Long non-coding RNA HOXA cluster antisense RNA 2 (HOXA-AS2) has been indicated to be significantly related to Hp infection in GC patients.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the detailed role and molecular mechanism of lncRNA HOXA-AS2 in Hp-induced GC.

METHODS

GC cells were treated with Hp filtrate for cell infection. Bioinformatics tools were utilized for survival analysis and prediction of HOXA-AS2 downstream molecules. Western blotting and RT-qPCR were utilized for assessing protein and RNA levels, respectively. Flow cytometry, colony formation and CCK-8 assays were implemented for testing HOXA-AS2 functions in Hp-infected GC cells. HOXA-AS2 localization in cells was determined by subcellular fractionation assay. The relationship between RNAs were measured by luciferase reporter assay.

RESULTS

Hp infection induced HOXA-AS2 upregulation in GC cells. Knocking down HOXA-AS2 restrained cell proliferation but promoted cell apoptosis with Hp infection. HOXA-AS2 bound to miR-509-3p, and miR-509-3p targeted monocyte to macrophage differentiation associated 2 (MMD2). Overexpressing MMD2 reversed HOXA-AS2 depletion-mediated suppression on cell aggressiveness with Hp infection.

CONCLUSION

Hp infection induces the aggressiveness of GC cells by regulating HOXA-AS2/miR-509-3p/MMD2 axis.

LncRNA HOXA‑AS2 is a prognostic and clinicopathological predictor in patients with cancer: A meta‑analysis

Elevated expression of long non-coding RNA homeobox A cluster antisense RNA 2 (lncRNA HOXA-AS2) is known to have prognostic value in various solid tumors. The present meta-analysis aimed to comprehensively quantify its prognostic significance across a wider spectrum of malignancies and to provide an updated synthesis of evidence that could refine prognostic models. To achieve this aim, multiple databases were carefully searched for lncRNA HOXA-AS2-related articles published in the past 10 years. Hazard ratios (HRs) or odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to demonstrate the prognostic value of lncRNA HOXA-AS2 using Stata 15.0 software. The function of lncRNA HOXA-AS2 was inferred from its associations with key clinical outcomes such as lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, tumor stage and tumor size, which may reflect its role in tumor biology. In the present systematic review and meta-analysis of 454 patients across 7 studies, it was found that high lncRNA HOXA-AS2 expression was significantly associated with a shorter overall survival (OS) time in patients with cancer (HR=2.14; 95% CI, 1.40-3.27; P<0.001). High lncRNA HOXA-AS2 expression was also associated with lymph node metastasis [odds ratio (OR)=2.06; 95% CI, 1.07-3.99; P=0.032], distant metastasis (OR=2.11; 95% CI, 1.15-3.88; P=0.016), advanced tumor stage (OR=2.71; 95% CI, 1.50-4.89; P=0.001) and larger tumor size (OR=2.02; 95% CI, 0.86-4.78; P=0.006). However, no significant association was observed with age (OR=1.00; 95% CI, 0.63-1.59; P=0.991) or sex (OR=1.55; 95% CI, 0.72-3.34; P=0.258). In conclusion, elevated expression of lncRNA HOXA-AS2 was significantly related to poor clinical outcomes in various cancer types, such as osteosarcoma, non-small cell lung cancer and papillary thyroid carcinoma, a finding that was further confirmed by the present study. Specifically, the potential of lncRNAHOXA-AS2 as a biomarker in assessing tumor stage, metastasis risk and OS in patients was demonstrated. However, the results of the present study also indicated that the expression of lncRNA HOXA-AS2 was not significantly associated with age or sex, suggesting its role in cancer progression might be independent of these factors. This insight may direct future research to place more focus on the relationship between lncRNA HOXA-AS2 and specific cancer types and clinical characteristics.

Role of HOXA1-4 in the development of genetic and malignant diseases

The HOXA genes, belonging to the HOX family, encompass 11 members (HOXA1-11) and exert critical functions in early embryonic development, as well as various adult processes. Furthermore, dysregulation of HOXA genes is implicated in genetic diseases, heart disease, and various cancers. In this comprehensive overview, we primarily focused on the HOXA1-4 genes and their associated functions and diseases. Emphasis was placed on elucidating the impact of abnormal expression of these genes and highlighting their significance in maintaining optimal health and their involvement in the development of genetic and malignant diseases. Furthermore, we delved into their regulatory mechanisms, functional roles, and underlying biology and explored the therapeutic potential of targeting HOXA1-4 genes for the treatment of malignancies. Additionally, we explored the utility of HOXA1-4 genes as biomarkers for monitoring cancer recurrence and metastasis.

Newly developed MEIS inhibitor selectively blocks MEIS High prostate cancer growth and induces apoptosis

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most diagnosed cancer in males. Understanding the molecular mechanism and investigation of novel ways to block PCa growth or metastasis are vital and a medical necessity. In this study, we examined differential expression of MEIS1/2/3 and its associated factors in PCa cell lines. MEIS1/2/3 content, reactive oxygen species, and cell cycle status were analyzed in PCa cells post MEIS inhibitor (MEISi) treatments, which is developed in our laboratory as a first-in-class small molecule inhibitor. A correlation was detected between MEIS content and MEISi IC50 values of PCa cells. MEISi decreased the viability of PC-3, DU145, 22Rv-1 and LNCaP cells, and significantly increased apoptosis in parallel with the increased cellular ROS content. The efficacy of MEISi was shown to positively correlate with the levels of MEIS1/2/3 proteins and the long term exposure to MEISi elevated MEIS1/2/3 protein content in PCa cells. Our findings suggest that MEISi could be used to target PCa with high MEIS expression in order to reduce PCa viability and growth; however, more research is needed before this can be translated into clinical settings.

LncRNA SSTR5-AS1 as a Prognostic Marker Promotes Cell Proliferation and Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Prostate Cancer

This study is aimed to investigate the clinical significance and biological function of long non-coding RNA somatostatin receptor 5 antisense RNA 1 (SSTR5-AS1) in prostate cancer (PCa). Here, we found that SSTR5-AS1 expression was upregulated in PCa tissues compared with adjacent tissues using quantitative real time PCR analysis. The results from Chi-square test showed that increased SSTR5-AS1 expression levels were correlated with preoperative prostate specific antigen, tumor stage and lymph node metastasis. Kaplan-Meier survival curve described patients with high SSTR5-AS1 expression level showed poor survival. Univariate and multivariate cox regression analysis further identified SSTR5-AS1 expression as a poor independent prognostic factor for PCa patients. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation assay, wound-healing assay and Transwell assay were performed to investigate the functional role of SSTR5-AS1 in PCa cells. The in vitro results indicated that SSTR5-AS1 knockdown inhibited, while SSTR5-AS1 overexpression promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of PCa cells. At molecular level, SSTR5-AS1 knockdown downregulated the protein levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, N-cadherin and vimentin, and upregulated E-cadherin expression in PC-3 cells. SSTR5-AS1 overexpression obtained opposite results on these protein markers in DU145 cells. In conclusion, these findings indicated that SSTR5-AS1 promotes PCa cell behaviors, which might provide a potential therapeutic target for PCa patients.

HOX cluster-embedded lncRNAs and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in cancer: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities

Although there has been substantial improvement in the treatment modalities, cancer remains the major cause of fatality worldwide. Metastasis, recurrence, and resistance to oncological therapies are the leading causes of cancer mortality. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a complex biological process that allows cancer cells to undergo morphological transformation into a mesenchymal phenotype to acquire invasive potential. It encompasses reversible and dynamic ontogenesis by neoplastic cells during metastatic dissemination. Hence, understanding the molecular landscape of EMT is imperative to identify a reliable clinical biomarker to combat metastatic spread. Accumulating evidence reveals the role of HOX (homeobox) cluster-embedded long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in EMT and cancer metastasis. They play a crucial role in the induction of EMT, modulating diverse biological targets. The present review emphasizes the involvement of HOX cluster-embedded lncRNAs in EMT as a molecular sponge, chromatin remodeler, signaling regulator, and immune system modulator. Furthermore, the molecular mechanisms behind therapy resistance and the potential use of novel drugs targeting HOX cluster-embedded lncRNAs in the clinical management of distant metastasis will be discussed.

HOXA-AS2 may be a potential prognostic biomarker in human cancers: A meta-analysis and bioinformatics analysis

Background: Dysregulation of long non-coding (lncRNA) has been reported in various solid tumors. HOXA cluster antisense RNA 2 (HOXA-AS2) is a newly identified lncRNA with abnormal expression in several human malignancies. However, its prognostic value remains controversial. This meta-analysis synthesized available data to clarify the association between HOXA-AS2 expression levels and clinical prognosis in multiple cancers.

Methods: Four public databases (Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library) were used to identify eligible studies. Hazard ratios (HRs) and odds ratios (ORs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were combined to assess the correlation of HOXA-AS2 expression with survival outcomes and clinicopathological features of cancer patients. Publication bias was measured using Begg’s funnel plot and Egger’s regression test, and the stability of the combined results was measured using sensitivity analysis. Additionally, multiple public databases were screened and extracted to validate the results of this meta-analysis.

Results: The study included 20 studies, containing 1331 patients. The meta-analysis showed that the overexpression of HOXA-AS2 was associated with poor overall survival (HR = 2.06, 95% CI 1.58–2.69, p &lt; 0.001). In addition, the high expression of HOXA-AS2 could forecast advanced tumor stage (OR = 3.89, 95% CI 2.90–5.21, p &lt; 0.001), earlier lymph node metastasis (OR = 3.48, 95% CI 2.29–5.29, p &lt; 0.001), larger tumor size (OR = 2.36, 95% CI 1.52–3.66, p &lt; 0.001) and earlier distant metastasis (OR = 3.54, 95% CI 2.00–6.28, p &lt; 0.001). However, other clinicopathological features, including age (OR = 1.09, 95% CI 0.86–1.38, p = 0.467), gender (OR = 0.92, 95% CI 0.72–1.18, p = 0.496), depth of invasion (OR = 2.13, 95% CI 0.77–5.90, p = 0.146) and differentiation (OR = 1.02, 95% CI 0.65–1.59, p = 0.945) were not significantly different from HOXA-AS2 expression.

Conclusion: Our study showed that the overexpression of HOXA-AS2 was related to poor overall survival and clinicopathological features. HOXA-AS2 may serve as a potential prognostic indicator and therapeutic target for tumor treatment.

HOXA-AS2 may predict the prognosis of solid tumors among Chinese patients: A meta-analysis and bioinformatic analysis

Background

HOXA cluster antisense RNA 2 (lncRNA HOXA-AS2) is a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) that aberrantly expressed in various cancers and is closely associated with cancer progression. To overcome the limitation of small sample sizes that are inherent to single studies, a meta-analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between the expression level of HOXA-AS2 and cancer prognosis.

Methods

Correlational studies were retrieved by searching the databases of PubMed, Embase and Web of Science (up to August 10, 2022). The survival and prognosis data included overall survival (OS), and clinical parameters were gathered and analyzed.

Results

Eighteen publications with 1181 patients who were diagnosed with solid tumors were ultimately included. The results showed that, compared with patients with low HOXA-AS2 expression, patients with high HOXA-AS2 expression tended to have poorer overall survival (OS) (HR= 2.52, 95% CI 1.87-3.38, P < 0.01) and shorter disease-free survival (DFS) (HR=7.19, 95% CI 3.20-16.17, P < 0.01). In addition, elevated HOXA-AS2 expression indicated a larger tumor size (OR =2.43, 95% CI 1.53–3.88,P < 0.01), more advanced TNM stage (OR=3.85, 95% CI 2.79-5.31, P < 0.01), earlier lymph node metastasis (LNM) (OR = 4.41, 95% CI 3.05-6.39, P < 0.01) and distant metastasis (DM) (OR= 2.96, 95% CI 1.87-4.7, P < 0.01). Furthermore, HOXA-AS2 expression was notassociated with age (OR=1.15, 95% CI 0.90-1.47), gender (OR=1.16, 95% CI 0.89-1.53), or tumor differentiation (OR=1.21, 95% CI 0.56-2.63). Moreover, aberrant HOXA-AS2 expression was related to drug sensitivity in various types of cancers.

Conclusion

The overexpression of HOXA-AS2 predicted poor cancer prognosis in the Chinese population, including poor OS, DFS, TNM, LNM, and DM. HOXA-AS2 could serve as a promising prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42022352604.

HOXA cluster antisense RNA 2 elevates KIAA1522 expression through microRNA-520d-3p and insulin like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 3 to promote the growth of vascular smooth muscle cells in thoracic aortic aneurysm

AIMS

Recently, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been revealed to mediate smooth muscle dysfunction in thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA). LncRNA HOXA-AS2 has been proposed to engage in the regulation of diverse diseases. However, its function in TAA remains unknown. This study aimed to reveal the role and mechanism of HOXA-AS2 in VSMCs which were implicated in TAA formation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

RT-qPCR or western blot was performed to detect RNA or protein expression levels. The role of HOXA-AS2 in VSMCs was explored by functional assays. The relationship among HOXA-AS2/miR-520d-3p/KIAA1522/IGF2BP3 was analysed via mechanism assays. HOXA-AS2 was detected to have significantly high expression in TAA tissues and function as an oncogene to promote proliferation of VSMCs, while inhibiting cell apoptosis (Figure 1, **P < 0.01). HOXA-AS2 was unveiled to bind with miR-520d-3p (Figure 2, *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01) and further up-regulate KIAA1522 to facilitate the growth of VSMCs (Figure 3-4, *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01). HOXA-AS2 was also found to recruit IGF2BP3 to stabilize KIAA1522 mRNA (Figure 5, **P < 0.01). All data were displayed as mean ± standard deviation.

CONCLUSIONS

HOXA-AS2 up-regulates KIAA1522 through targeting miR-520d-3p/IGF2BP3 to drive VSMC growth in TAA.

The Role of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition-Related Signaling Pathways in Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common male malignancies with frequent remote invasion and metastasis, leading to high mortality. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a fundamental process in embryonic development and plays a key role in tumor proliferation, invasion and metastasis. Numerous long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) could regulate the occurrence and development of EMT through various complex molecular mechanisms involving multiple signaling pathways in PCa. Given the importance of EMT and lncRNAs in the progression of tumor metastasis, we recapitulate the research progress of EMT-related signaling pathways regulated by lncRNAs in PCa, including AR signaling, STAT3 signaling, Wnt/β-catenin signaling, PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling, TGF-β/Smad and NF-κB signaling pathways. Furthermore, we summarize four modes of how lncRNAs participate in the EMT process of PCa via regulating relevant signaling pathways.

Molecular Landscape of LncRNAs in Prostate Cancer: A focus on pathways and therapeutic targets for intervention

Background

One of the most malignant tumors in men is prostate cancer that is still incurable due to its heterogenous and progressive natures. Genetic and epigenetic changes play significant roles in its development. The RNA molecules with more than 200 nucleotides in length are known as lncRNAs and these epigenetic factors do not encode protein. They regulate gene expression at transcriptional, post-transcriptional and epigenetic levels. LncRNAs play vital biological functions in cells and in pathological events, hence their expression undergoes dysregulation.

Aim of review

The role of epigenetic alterations in prostate cancer development are emphasized here. Therefore, lncRNAs were chosen for this purpose and their expression level and interaction with other signaling networks in prostate cancer progression were examined.

Key scientific concepts of review

The aberrant expression of lncRNAs in prostate cancer has been well-documented and progression rate of tumor cells are regulated via affecting STAT3, NF-κB, Wnt, PI3K/Akt and PTEN, among other molecular pathways. Furthermore, lncRNAs regulate radio-resistance and chemo-resistance features of prostate tumor cells. Overexpression of tumor-promoting lncRNAs such as HOXD-AS1 and CCAT1 can result in drug resistance. Besides, lncRNAs can induce immune evasion of prostate cancer via upregulating PD-1. Pharmacological compounds such as quercetin and curcumin have been applied for targeting lncRNAs. Furthermore, siRNA tool can reduce expression of lncRNAs thereby suppressing prostate cancer progression. Prognosis and diagnosis of prostate tumor at clinical course can be evaluated by lncRNAs. The expression level of exosomal lncRNAs such as lncRNA-p21 can be investigated in serum of prostate cancer patients as a reliable biomarker.

HOXA-AS2 enhances GBM cell malignancy by suppressing miR-2116-3p thereby upregulating SERPINA3

Background

Glioblastoma (GBM) is malignant, demanding more attention to the improvement of the diagnosis and therapy. LncRNAs have been implicated in the malignancy of GBM cells.

Methods

HOXA-AS2, miR-2116-3p and SERPINA3 expression levels in GBM tissues and cell lines were detected by qRT-PCR. Western blotting was performed to detect the protein levels of Bax and Bcl-2. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was for detection of relationship among these factors, together with RIP and RNA pull-down. CCK-8, EdU, wound healing and transwell assays were for detection of the role of HOXA-AS2, miR-2116-3p and SERPINA3 in cell viability, proliferation, migration and invasion in GBM, respectively.

Results

HOXA-AS2 and SERPINA3 showed higher level in GBM tissues and cell lines. Low level of HOXA-AS2 attenuated GBM cell growth in vitro. Moreover, the anti-tumor impact of silenced HOXA-AS2 was restored by miR-2116-3p inhibitor, but its tumor-promotional effect could be reversed by silenced SERPINA3.

Conclusion

HOXA-AS2 enhanced GBM cell malignancy through sponging miR-2116-3p and releasing SERPINA3, which might shed light on the diagnosis and therapy for GBM in the future.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-022-09462-y.

The regulation of PBXs and their emerging role in cancer

Pre‐B‐cell leukaemia transcription factor (PBX) proteins are a subfamily of evolutionarily conserved, atypical homeodomain transcription factors that belong to the superfamily of three amino acid loop extension (TALE) homeodomain proteins. Members of the PBX family play crucial roles in regulating multiple pathophysiological processes, such as the development of organs, congenital cardiac defects and carcinogenesis. The dysregulation of PBXs has been shown to be closely associated with many diseases, particularly cancer. However, the detailed mechanisms of PBX dysregulation in cancer progression are still inconclusive. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in the structures, functions and regulatory mechanisms of PBXs, and discuss their underlying mechanisms in cancer progression. We also highlight the great potential of PBXs as biomarkers for the early diagnosis and prognostic evaluation of cancer as well as their therapeutic applications. The information reviewed here may expand researchers’ understanding of PBXs and could strengthen the clinical implication of PBXs in cancer treatment.

FOXD1-AS1 promotes malignant behaviours of prostate cancer cells via the miR-3167/YWHAZ axis

Herein, the effect of long noncoding RNA forkhead box D1 antisense RNA 1 (FOXD1-AS1) on malignant phenotypes of prostate cancer (PCa) cells was investigated. FOXD1-AS1 presented high expression in PCa cells according to the results of RT-qPCR. As shown by cell counting kit-8 assays, colony formation assays, wound-healing assays, Transwell assays and flow cytometry analyses, silenced FOXD1-AS1 suppressed PCa cell viability, proliferation, migration and invasion and enhanced cell apoptosis. Additionally, FOXD1-AS1 was primarily localised in cytoplasm of PCa cells. RNA immunoprecipitation assays and luciferase reporter assays revealed that FOXD1-AS1 interacted with miR-3167 in PCa cells. MiR-3167 functioned as an anti-oncogene in PCa and miR-3167 overexpression suppressed cell proliferation while promoted cell apoptosis. Moreover, the downstream target of miR-3167 is mRNA YWHAZ. FOXD1-AS1 elevated the expression of YWHAZ by binding with miR-3167. The suppressive effect of miR-3167 on YWHAZ expression was reversed by FOXD1-AS1 overexpression. Furthermore, overexpressed YWHAZ reversed the suppressive effect of FOXD1-AS1 deficiency on malignant behaviours of PCa cells. Overall, FOXD1-AS1 facilitates malignant phenotypes of PCa cells by up-regulating YWHAZ via miR-3167. The study first reveals the molecular mechanism of FOXD1-AS1 in PCa, suggesting that FOXD1-AS1 and its downstream molecules might be prognostic biomarkers before medical treatment.

LncRNA HOXA-AS2 Promotes Oral Squamous Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion via Upregulating EZH2 as an Oncogene

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. Accumulating evidence has shown that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) serve important roles in the development of OSCC. The purpose of this study was to investigate the biological function and underlying regulatory mechanism of lncRNA homeobox A cluster antisense RNA2 (HOXA-AS2) in OSCC. RT-qPCR was performed to analyze the HOXA-AS2 expressions in human immortalized oral epithelial cell (HIOEC) line, human OSCC cell lines, and plasma. The expression of HOXA-AS2 and enhancer of zeste 2 polycomb repressive complex 2 subunit (EZH2) in Tca-8113 cells were knocked down or overexpressed by transfection with shRNA-HOXA-AS2 or pcDNA-EZH2, respectively. The interaction between HOXA-AS2 and EZH2 was validated by RNA immunoprecipitation assay. In addition, cell proliferation was assessed by CCK-8 and EdU assays. Cell cycle distribution was analyzed by flow cytometry. Cell migration and invasion were detected using wound healing and Transwell assays, respectively. Apoptosis was detected by TUNEL staining. The protein expression levels of cell cycle and apoptosis-related proteins were measured by western blot analysis. Compared with HIOEC cells, HOXA-AS2 expression in OSCC cells was upregulated. HOXA-AS2 knockdown significantly inhibited Tca-8113 cell proliferation, blocked the cell cycle by arresting cells in the G0/G1 phase, promoted apoptosis, and suppressed migration and invasion. In addition, HOXA-AS2 was predicted to directly target EZH2 and positively regulate EZH2 expression. EZH2 overexpression could reverse the inhibitory effect of HOXA-AS2 knockdown on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of Tca-8113 cells. In summary, the findings suggested that HOXA-AS2 may inhibit cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, induce cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase, and increase cell apoptosis by targeting EZH2. The research indicated that HOXA-AS2/EZH2 axis may play a key role in the development of OSCC.

Long noncoding RNA HOXA-AS2 accelerates cervical cancer by the miR-509-3p/BTN3A1 axis

OBJECTIVES

Cervical cancer is an aggressive malignant tumour and causes high mortality in women. LncRNA HOXA-AS2 is a tumour promoter in many cancers. The current work was designed to elucidate the functions of HOXA-AS2 in cervical cancer and the underlying regulatory mechanism.

METHODS

qRT-PCR was conducted to reveal RNA levels. A FISH assay was conducted for the identification of the subcellular location of HOXA-AS2. MTT, EdU, Transwell and tube formation were used for detection of cell growth, migration and angiogenesis, respectively. In-vivo studies were conducted to reveal the role of HOXA-AS2 on transplanted tumour growth in mice.

KEY FINDINGS

The HOXA-AS2 level was found high in tissues and cells of cervical cancer. Silencing of HOXA-AS2 restrained cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Angiogenesis of HUVECs was restrained after silencing HOXA-AS2. Additionally, HOXA-AS2 upregulated the BTN3A1 by interaction with miR-509-3p. BTN3A1 overexpression rescues the inhibitory effect of silenced HOXA-AS2 on cell phenotypes in cervical cancer. Moreover, xenograft tumour growth in mice was suppressed by HOXA-AS2 depletion and was facilitated by BTN3A1 overexpression.

CONCLUSIONS

HOXA-AS2 accelerates cellular progression in cervical cancer by the miR-509-3p/BTN3A1 axis.

There and Back Again: Hox Clusters Use Both DNA Strands

Bilaterian animals operate the clusters of Hox genes through a rich repertoire of diverse mechanisms. In this review, we will summarize and analyze the accumulated data concerning long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that are transcribed from sense (coding) DNA strands of Hox clusters. It was shown that antisense regulatory RNAs control the work of Hox genes in cis and trans, participate in the establishment and maintenance of the epigenetic code of Hox loci, and can even serve as a source of regulatory peptides that switch cellular energetic metabolism. Moreover, these molecules can be considered as a force that consolidates the cluster into a single whole. We will discuss the examples of antisense transcription of Hox genes in well-studied systems (cell cultures, morphogenesis of vertebrates) and bear upon some interesting examples of antisense Hox RNAs in non-model Protostomia.

LncRNA HOXA-AS2 Activates the Notch Pathway to Promote Cervical Cancer Cell Proliferation and Migration

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are crucial participants in cancer development. HOXA cluster antisense RNA 2 (HOXA-AS2) plays a tumor promoter role in bladder cancer. However, the functional role of HOXA-AS2 in cervical cancer remains unclear. Our study first found that HOXA-AS2 expression was up-regulated in cervical cancer cells. Then functional analysis including cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation, transwell, and wound healing uncovered that reduction of HOXA-AS2 remarkably impeded cell proliferation and migration in cervical cancer. Additionally, luciferase reporter assays were performed to confirm that HOXA-AS2 activated Notch signaling pathway via the mediation of independent recombination signal binding protein for JK (RBP-JK) activity. As we know, Notch intracellular domain (NICD) is associated with RBP-JK in the nucleus to promote target genes in the Notch pathway. Through RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), RNA pull down, and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) assays, we observed that HOXA-AS2 combined with NICD. Moreover, the data from Co-IP assays indicated that HOXA-AS2 reduction weakened the interaction of NICD and RBP-JK. Collectively, HOXA-AS2 played a cancer-promoting role in cervical cancer development by modulating the Notch pathway, which might become a novel target for cervical cancer treatment.

LncRNA LHFPL3-AS1 Promotes Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Growth and Cisplatin Resistance Through Targeting miR-362-5p/CHSY1 Pathway

Background

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common oral cancer. The current study aims to elucidate the potential roles of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) LHFPL3-AS1 in OSCC development.

Methods

Gene expression was measured by qRT-PCR in tumor tissues and cell lines. Loss-of-function assays were performed to analyze the effects of LHFPL3-AS1 on malignant behaviors. Bioinformatics analysis was conducted to explore the downstream signaling pathway of LHFPL3-AS1 in OSCC.

Results

LHFPL3-AS1 was highly expressed in OSCC tissues and cell lines. LHFPL3-AS1 was upregulated in cisplatin-resistant tumor cell lines. LHFPL3-AS1 level was correlated with survival rate. LHFPL3-AS1 knockdown suppressed OSCC proliferation, migration and invasion. LHFPL3-AS1 downregulation reduced cisplatin resistance of OSCC cells. LHFPL3-AS1 was the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for miR-194-5p to enhance CHSY1 expression.

Conclusion

LHFPL3-AS1/miR-362-5p/CHSY1 signaling pathway plays essential roles in regulating OSCC development and cisplatin resistance.

LncRNA ELFN1-AS1 Promotes Retinoblastoma Growth and Invasion via Regulating miR-4270/SBK1 Axis

Background

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) has been reported to play important roles in tumor initiation. However, how lncRNA ELFN1-AS1 affects retinoblastoma development remains unclear. Thus, we sought to elucidate its functions in retinoblastoma progression.

Methods

ELFN1-AS1 expression was measured in retinoblastoma tissues and normal tissues by qRT-PCR. CCK8, colony formation and Transwell assay were carried out to investigate the effects of ELFN1-AS1 knockdown on cell malignant behaviors. Bioinformatics analyses were performed to predict the relationship among ELFN1-AS1, miR-4270 and SBK1.

Results

ELFN1-AS1 was highly expressed in retinoblastoma tissues and cell lines. ELFN1-AS1 was positively correlated with retinoblastoma progression and prognosis. ELFN1-AS1 knockdown curtailed retinoblastoma proliferation, migration and invasion. ELFN1-AS1 was the competing endogenous RNA for miR-4270 and promoted SBK1expression.

Conclusion

Altogether, our findings demonstrated that ELFN1-AS1 promotes retinoblastoma progression through mediating miR-4270/SBK1 axis and might be a promising therapeutic target.

Long non-coding RNA signatures as predictors of prognosis in thyroid cancer: a narrative review

Thyroid cancer (TC) is the most common endocrine malignancy, with high incidence rates in recent decades. Most TC cases have good prognoses, but a high risk of recurrence and metastases poses challenges, especially for patients with high-risk factors. Currently used prognostic markers for TC involve a combination of genetic factors and overexpressed proteins. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate several integral biologic processes by playing key roles in the transcription of several downstream targets maintaining cellular behavior. Prior studies have revealed that lncRNAs promote tumor cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis, making them important targets for therapeutic intervention in cancer. While the exact molecular mechanisms underlying the role of lncRNAs in modulating TC progression and recurrence is still unclear, it is important to note that some lncRNAs are upregulated in certain cancers, while others are downregulated. In the present study, we review several key lncRNAs, their association with cancer progression, and the important roles they may play as tumor suppressors or tumor promoters in tumorigenesis. We discuss the potential mechanisms of lncRNA-mediated pathogenesis that can be targeted for the treatment of TC, the existing and potential benefits of using lncRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic measures for cancer detection, and tumor burden in patients.

Overexpression of HOXA-AS2 LncRNA in Patients with Gastric Cancer and Its Association with Helicobacter pylori Infection

PURPOSE

LncRNAs are regulatory factors that play a prominent role in the carcinogenesis processes and cancer cell ability to invade and metastasize. Hence, lncRNAs are considered as the potential diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers in diverse malignancies. The present study was designed to assess the difference of HOXA-AS2 gene expression levels in cancerous tissues as compared to marginal noncancerous tissues of gastric cancer patients.

METHODS

Fifty pairs of cancerous and marginal noncancerous tissue of gastric cancer patients were collected in the present study. Then, RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis were performed for all specimens. The qRT-PCR was carried out to examine the difference of HOXA-AS2 gene expression. Furthermore, the association between HOXA-AS2 expression and the clinicopathological features as well as the function of HOXA-AS2 biomarkers was evaluated.

RESULTS

The HOXA-AS2 expression was significantly elevated in cancerous tissues as compared to marginal noncancerous tissues in gastric cancer patients (p < 0.0001). Analysis of gene expression data revealed that there was a significant association between an increased HOXA-AS2 gene expression and clinicopathological features such as tumor size ˃ 5 cm (p = 0.009), lymph node metastasis (p = 0.028), and H. pylori infection (p = 0.011). The results of ROC analysis indicated that HOXA-AS2 with AUC, sensitivity, and specificity of 0.816, 92%, and 70%, respectively, can act as a potential biomarker (CI 95% = 0.7297-0.9023).

CONCLUSION

With regard to the overexpression of HOXA-AS2 in gastric cancer tissues, the mentioned gene may serve as an oncogenic lncRNA in gastric cancer patients. Moreover, HOXA-AS2 can act as a potential biomarker in molecular targeted therapies to recognize and treat gastric cancer patients.