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Gao Y, Sun J, Li W, Deng W, Wang Y, Li X, Yang Z. Sophoraflavanone G: A review of the phytochemistry and pharmacology. Fitoterapia 2024; 177:106080. [PMID: 38901805 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2024.106080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Bioactive compounds derived from natural sources have long been investigated for the prevention and treatment of human diseases. Sophoraflavanone G (SFG), a lavandulyl flavanone naturally occurring in several Sophora plant species, belongs to the group of prenylated flavonoids that have garnered significant interest in contemporary research. The natural molecule exhibits a wide range of pharmacological properties and shows remarkable efficacy. Its ability to effectively suppress a range of malignant tumor cells, such as leukemia, breast cancer, and lung cancer, is attributed to its multi-target, multi-pathway, and multi-faceted mechanisms of action. Simultaneously, it can also alleviate various inflammatory diseases by mediating inflammatory mediators and molecular pathways. Furthermore, it has the capability to combat antibiotic resistance, exhibit synergistic antibacterial properties with diverse antibiotics, and prevent and treat various agricultural pests. Theoretically, it can bring benefits to human health and has potential value as a drug. Nevertheless, the drawbacks of poor water solubility and inadequate targeting cannot be overlooked. To comprehensively assess the current research on SFG, leverage its structural advantages and pharmacological activity, overcome its low bioavailability limitations, expedite its progression into a novel therapeutic drug, and better serve the clinic, this article presents a overall retrospect of the current research status of SFG. The discussion includes an analysis of the structural characteristics, physicochemical properties, bioavailability, pharmacological activities, and structure-activity relationships of SFG, with the goal of offering valuable insights and guidance for future research endeavors in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China; Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Jialin Sun
- Postdoctoral Research Station, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China; Biological Science and Technology Department, Heilongjiang Vocational College for Nationalities, Harbin, China
| | - Weinan Li
- School of Pharmacy, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China; Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Weizhe Deng
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 962 Hospital of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Joint Logistic Support Force, Chile
| | - Yanhong Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China; Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Xiuyan Li
- School of Pharmacy, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China; Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Zhixin Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China; Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China.
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Al-Hawary SIS, Rodrigues P, Bangali H, Hassan ZF, Elawady A. The role of long noncoding RNA DGCR5 in cancers: Focus on molecular targets. Cell Biochem Funct 2024; 42:e3949. [PMID: 38379219 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are major components of cellular transcripts that are emerging as important players in various biological pathways. Due to their specific expression and functional diversity in a variety of cancers, lncRNAs have promising applications in cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy. Studies have shown that lncRNA DiGeorge syndrome critical region gene 5 (DGCR5) with high specificity and accuracy has the potential to become biomarkers in cancers. LncRNA DGCR5 can be noninvasively extracted from body fluids, tissues, and cells, and can be used as independent or auxiliary biomarkers to improve the accuracy of diagnosis or prognosis. Now, the underlying mechanisms of lncRNAs such as DGCR5 were explored as therapeutic targets, which have been investigated in clinical trials of several cancers. The DGCR5 lacks an appropriate animal model, which is necessary to gain greater knowledge of their functions. While some studies on the uses of DGCR5 have been carried out, the small sample size makes them unreliable. In this review, we presented a compilation of recent publications addressing the potential of lncRNA DGCR5 that could be considered as biomarkers or therapeutic targets, with the hopes of providing promised implications for future cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paul Rodrigues
- Department of Computer Engineering, College of Computer Science, King Khalid University, Al-Faraa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Harun Bangali
- Department of Computer Engineering, College of Computer Science, King Khalid University, Al-Faraa, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Ahmed Elawady
- College of Technical Engineering, The Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq
- College of Technical Engineering, The Islamic University of Al Diwaniyah, Al Diwaniyah, Iraq
- College of Technical Engineering, The Islamic University of Babylon, Babylon, Iraq
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Hamelin B, Obradović MMS, Sethi A, Kloc M, Münst S, Beisel C, Eschbach K, Kohler H, Soysal S, Vetter M, Weber WP, Stadler MB, Bentires-Alj M. Single-cell Analysis Reveals Inter- and Intratumour Heterogeneity in Metastatic Breast Cancer. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 2023; 28:26. [PMID: 38066300 PMCID: PMC10709262 DOI: 10.1007/s10911-023-09551-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths of breast cancer patients. Some cancer cells in a tumour go through successive steps, referred to as the metastatic cascade, and give rise to metastases at a distant site. We know that the plasticity and heterogeneity of cancer cells play critical roles in metastasis but the precise underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Here we aimed to identify molecular mechanisms of metastasis during colonization, one of the most important yet poorly understood steps of the cascade. We performed single-cell RNA-Seq (scRNA-Seq) on tumours and matched lung macrometastases of patient-derived xenografts of breast cancer. After correcting for confounding factors such as the cell cycle and the percentage of detected genes (PDG), we identified cells in three states in both tumours and metastases. Gene-set enrichment analysis revealed biological processes specific to proliferation and invasion in two states. Our findings suggest that these states are a balance between epithelial-to-mesenchymal (EMT) and mesenchymal-to-epithelial transitions (MET) traits that results in so-called partial EMT phenotypes. Analysis of the top differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between these cell states revealed a common set of partial EMT transcription factors (TFs) controlling gene expression, including ZNF750, OVOL2, TP63, TFAP2C and HEY2. Our data suggest that the TFs related to EMT delineate different cell states in tumours and metastases. The results highlight the marked interpatient heterogeneity of breast cancer but identify common features of single cells from five models of metastatic breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baptiste Hamelin
- Department of Biomedicine, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Milan M S Obradović
- Department of Biomedicine, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
- , Roche, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Atul Sethi
- Department of Biomedicine, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
- , Roche, Basel, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michal Kloc
- Department of Biomedicine, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Simone Münst
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christian Beisel
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Katja Eschbach
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Hubertus Kohler
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Savas Soysal
- Department of Biomedicine, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marcus Vetter
- Department of Biomedicine, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Walter P Weber
- Breast Center, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michael B Stadler
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mohamed Bentires-Alj
- Department of Biomedicine, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland.
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Zhang B, Zhao R, Wang Q, Zhang YJ, Yang L, Yuan ZJ, Yang J, Wang QJ, Yao L. An EMT-Related Gene Signature to Predict the Prognosis of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Adv Ther 2023; 40:4339-4357. [PMID: 37462865 PMCID: PMC10499992 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-023-02577-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an important biological process in tumor invasion and metastasis, and thus a potential indicator of the progression and drug resistance of breast cancer. This study comprehensively analyzed EMT-related genes in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) to develop an EMT-related prognostic gene signature. METHODS With the application of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium (METABRIC), and the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) database, we identified EMT-related signature genes (EMGs) by Cox univariate regression and LASSO regression analysis. Risk scores were calculated and used to divide patients with TNBC into high-risk group and low-risk groups by the median value. Kaplan-Meier (K-M) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were applied for model validation. Independent prognostic predictors were used to develop nomograms. Then, we assessed the risk model in terms of the immune microenvironment, genetic alteration and DNA methylation effects on prognosis, the probability of response to immunotherapy and chemotherapy, and small molecule drugs predicted by The Connectivity Map (Cmap) database. RESULTS Thirteen EMT-related genes with independent prognostic value were identified and used to stratify the patients with TNBC into high- and low-risk groups. The survival analysis revealed that patients in the high-risk group had significantly poorer overall survival than patients in the low-risk group. Populations of immune cells, including CD4 memory resting T cells, CD4 memory activated T cells, and activated dendritic cells, significantly differed between the high- and low-risk groups. Moreover, some therapeutic drugs to which the high-risk group might show sensitivity were identified. CONCLUSIONS Our research identified the significant impact of EMGs on prognosis in TNBC, providing new strategies for personalizing TNBC treatment and improving clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zhang
- Department of Breast Oncology, Shanxi Provincial Cancer Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Rong Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Qi Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Ya-Jing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Zhou-Jun Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Breast Oncology, Shanxi Provincial Cancer Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Qian-Jun Wang
- Department of Breast Oncology, Shanxi Provincial Cancer Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Liang Yao
- Department of Breast Oncology, Shanxi Provincial Cancer Hospital, Taiyuan, China.
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Yu Y, Zhang Y, Li Z, Dong Y, Huang H, Yang B, Zhao E, Chen Y, Yang L, Lu J, Qiu F. An EMT-related genes signature as a prognostic biomarker for patients with endometrial cancer. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:879. [PMID: 37723477 PMCID: PMC10506329 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11358-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays an indispensable role in the development and progression of Endometrial cancer (EC). Nevertheless, little evidence is reported to uncover the functionality and application of EMT-related molecules in the prognosis of EC. This study aims to develop novel molecular markers for prognosis prediction in patients with EC. METHODS RNA sequencing profiles of EC patients obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database were used to screen differential expression genes (DEGs) between tumors and normal tissues. The Cox regression model with the LASSO method was utilized to identify survival-related DEGs and to establish a prognostic signature whose performance was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier curve, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and calibration curve. Eventually, functional enrichment analysis and cellular experiments were performed to reveal the roles of prognosis-related genes in EC progression. RESULTS A total of 540 EMT-related DEGs in EC were screened, and subsequently a four-gene risk signature comprising SIRT2, SIX1, CDKN2A and PGR was established to predict overall survival of EC. This risk signature could serve as a meaningfully independent indicator for EC prognosis via multivariate Cox regression (HR = 2.002, 95%CI = 1.433-2.798; P < 0.001). The nomogram integrating the risk signature and clinical characteristics exhibited robust validity and performance at predicting EC overall survival indicated by ROC and calibration curve. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that the EMT-related genes risk signature was associated with extracellular matrix organization, mesenchymal development and cellular component morphogenesis, suggesting its possible relevance to epithelial-mesenchymal transition and cancer progression. Functionally, we demonstrated that the silencing of SIX1, SIRT2 and CDKN2A expression could accelerate the migratory and invasive capacities of tumor cells, whereas the downregulation of PGR dramatically inhibited cancer cells migration and invasion. CONCLUSIONS Altogether, a novel four-EMT-related genes signature was a potential biomarker for EC prognosis. These findings might help to ameliorate the individualized prognostication and therapeutic treatment of EC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonghui Yu
- State Key Lab of Respiratory Disease, Institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, Collaborative Innovation Center for Environmental Toxicity, School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, 1 Xinzao Road, Xinzao, Panyu District, Guangzhou, 511436, China
| | - Yiwen Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhi Li
- State Key Lab of Respiratory Disease, Institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, Collaborative Innovation Center for Environmental Toxicity, School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, 1 Xinzao Road, Xinzao, Panyu District, Guangzhou, 511436, China
| | - Yongshun Dong
- State Key Lab of Respiratory Disease, Institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, Collaborative Innovation Center for Environmental Toxicity, School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, 1 Xinzao Road, Xinzao, Panyu District, Guangzhou, 511436, China
| | - Hongmei Huang
- State Key Lab of Respiratory Disease, Institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, Collaborative Innovation Center for Environmental Toxicity, School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, 1 Xinzao Road, Xinzao, Panyu District, Guangzhou, 511436, China
| | - Binyao Yang
- Innovation Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Eryong Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yongxiu Chen
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Guangdong Women's and Children's Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lei Yang
- State Key Lab of Respiratory Disease, Institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, Collaborative Innovation Center for Environmental Toxicity, School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, 1 Xinzao Road, Xinzao, Panyu District, Guangzhou, 511436, China
| | - Jiachun Lu
- State Key Lab of Respiratory Disease, Institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, Collaborative Innovation Center for Environmental Toxicity, School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, 1 Xinzao Road, Xinzao, Panyu District, Guangzhou, 511436, China
| | - Fuman Qiu
- State Key Lab of Respiratory Disease, Institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, Collaborative Innovation Center for Environmental Toxicity, School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, 1 Xinzao Road, Xinzao, Panyu District, Guangzhou, 511436, China.
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Tiwari PK, Ko TH, Dubey R, Chouhan M, Tsai LW, Singh HN, Chaubey KK, Dayal D, Chiang CW, Kumar S. CRISPR/Cas9 as a therapeutic tool for triple negative breast cancer: from bench to clinics. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1214489. [PMID: 37469704 PMCID: PMC10352522 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1214489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) is a third-generation genome editing method that has revolutionized the world with its high throughput results. It has been used in the treatment of various biological diseases and infections. Various bacteria and other prokaryotes such as archaea also have CRISPR/Cas9 systems to guard themselves against bacteriophage. Reportedly, CRISPR/Cas9-based strategy may inhibit the growth and development of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) via targeting the potentially altered resistance genes, transcription, and epigenetic regulation. These therapeutic activities could help with the complex issues such as drug resistance which is observed even in TNBC. Currently, various methods have been utilized for the delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 into the targeted cell such as physical (microinjection, electroporation, and hydrodynamic mode), viral (adeno-associated virus and lentivirus), and non-viral (liposomes and lipid nano-particles). Although different models have been developed to investigate the molecular causes of TNBC, but the lack of sensitive and targeted delivery methods for in-vivo genome editing tools limits their clinical application. Therefore, based on the available evidences, this review comprehensively highlighted the advancement, challenges limitations, and prospects of CRISPR/Cas9 for the treatment of TNBC. We also underscored how integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning could improve CRISPR/Cas9 strategies in TNBC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashant Kumar Tiwari
- Biological and Bio-Computational Lab, Department of Life Sciences, Sharda School of Basic Science and Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Tin-Hsien Ko
- Department of Orthopedics, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Rajni Dubey
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Mandeep Chouhan
- Biological and Bio-Computational Lab, Department of Life Sciences, Sharda School of Basic Science and Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Lung-Wen Tsai
- Department of Medicine Research, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Information Technology Office, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei City, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Data Science, College of Management, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Himanshu Narayan Singh
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Centre, New York, NY, United States
| | - Kundan Kumar Chaubey
- Division of Research and Innovation, School of Applied and Life Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Deen Dayal
- Department of Biotechnology, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Chih-Wei Chiang
- Department of Orthopedics, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Sanjay Kumar
- Biological and Bio-Computational Lab, Department of Life Sciences, Sharda School of Basic Science and Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Akhmetkaliyev A, Alibrahim N, Shafiee D, Tulchinsky E. EMT/MET plasticity in cancer and Go-or-Grow decisions in quiescence: the two sides of the same coin? Mol Cancer 2023; 22:90. [PMID: 37259089 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01793-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and mesenchymal epithelial transition (MET) are genetic determinants of cellular plasticity. These programs operate in physiological (embryonic development, wound healing) and pathological (organ fibrosis, cancer) conditions. In cancer, EMT and MET interfere with various signalling pathways at different levels. This results in gross alterations in the gene expression programs, which affect most, if not all hallmarks of cancer, such as response to proliferative and death-inducing signals, tumorigenicity, and cell stemness. EMT in cancer cells involves large scale reorganisation of the cytoskeleton, loss of epithelial integrity, and gain of mesenchymal traits, such as mesenchymal type of cell migration. In this regard, EMT/MET plasticity is highly relevant to the Go-or-Grow concept, which postulates the dichotomous relationship between cell motility and proliferation. The Go-or-Grow decisions are critically important in the processes in which EMT/MET plasticity takes the central stage, mobilisation of stem cells during wound healing, cancer relapse, and metastasis. Here we outline the maintenance of quiescence in stem cell and metastatic niches, focusing on the implication of EMT/MET regulatory networks in Go-or-Grow switches. In particular, we discuss the analogy between cells residing in hybrid quasi-mesenchymal states and GAlert, an intermediate phase allowing quiescent stem cells to enter the cell cycle rapidly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azamat Akhmetkaliyev
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Nazarbayev University School of Medicine, Astana, 020000, Kazakhstan
| | | | - Darya Shafiee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Nazarbayev University School of Medicine, Astana, 020000, Kazakhstan
| | - Eugene Tulchinsky
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Nazarbayev University School of Medicine, Astana, 020000, Kazakhstan.
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK.
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Casalino L, Talotta F, Matino I, Verde P. FRA-1 as a Regulator of EMT and Metastasis in Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098307. [PMID: 37176013 PMCID: PMC10179602 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Among FOS-related components of the dimeric AP-1 transcription factor, the oncoprotein FRA-1 (encoded by FOSL1) is a key regulator of invasion and metastasis. The well-established FRA-1 pro-invasive activity in breast cancer, in which FOSL1 is overexpressed in the TNBC (Triple Negative Breast Cancer)/basal subtypes, correlates with the FRA-1-dependent transcriptional regulation of EMT (Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition). After summarizing the major findings on FRA-1 in breast cancer invasiveness, we discuss the FRA-1 mechanistic links with EMT and cancer cell stemness, mediated by transcriptional and posttranscriptional interactions between FOSL1/FRA-1 and EMT-regulating transcription factors, miRNAs, RNA binding proteins and cytokines, along with other target genes involved in EMT. In addition to the FRA-1/AP-1 effects on the architecture of target promoters, we discuss the diagnostic and prognostic significance of the EMT-related FRA-1 transcriptome, along with therapeutic implications. Finally, we consider several novel perspectives regarding the less explored roles of FRA-1 in the tumor microenvironment and in control of the recently characterized hybrid EMT correlated with cancer cell plasticity, stemness, and metastatic potential. We will also examine the application of emerging technologies, such as single-cell analyses, along with animal models of TNBC and tumor-derived CTCs and PDXs (Circulating Tumor Cells and Patient-Derived Xenografts) for studying the FRA-1-mediated mechanisms in in vivo systems of EMT and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Casalino
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "A. Buzzati Traverso", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Via Pietro Castellino, 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Talotta
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "A. Buzzati Traverso", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Via Pietro Castellino, 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Ilenia Matino
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "A. Buzzati Traverso", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Via Pietro Castellino, 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Pasquale Verde
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "A. Buzzati Traverso", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Via Pietro Castellino, 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
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lncRNA CRNDE Affects Th17/IL-17A and Inhibits Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Lung Epithelial Cells Reducing Asthma Signs. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2023; 2023:2092184. [PMID: 36743692 PMCID: PMC9897922 DOI: 10.1155/2023/2092184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Background Asthma treatment is difficult due to disease heterogeneity and comorbidities. In addition, the development of drugs targeting the underlying mechanisms of asthma remains slow. We planned to identify the most upregulated differentially expressed long noncoding RNA in asthma to explore its regulatory patterns and pathways in asthma. Methods We sensitized mice using a mixture of ovalbumin, house dust mites, and lipopolysaccharide to establish an asthma mouse model. We also sensitized asthma cells with TGF-β1 in an in vitro model. We performed a microarray analysis to identify the lncRNA with the differential expression level in model mice. We applied hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome stainings to mouse tissues to quantify the tissue damage extent. Next, we assess the levels of lncRNA CRNDE, miR-29a-3p, TGF-β1, MCL-1, E-cadherin, vimentin, and snail. We counted the percentages of Th17 cells using flow cytometry. Finally, we performed a dual-luciferase reporter assay to assess the association between lncRNA CRNDE and miR-29a-3p. Results We successfully established asthma mouse/cell models and selected the lncRNA CRNDE for our study. Transfection of si-CRNDE reduced the degree of injury and inflammation in the mouse model and reversed the TGF-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in the cell model. Moreover, the E-cadherin level was upregulated, and the levels of IL-17A, vimentin, snail, and α-SMA were downregulated. We also discovered that lncRNA CRNDE negatively regulated miR-29a-3p and that this one in turn inhibited MCL-1 in mice. After lncRNA CRNDE expression downregulation, the level of miR-29a-3p was increased, and we detected reduced levels of MCL-1 and EMTs. Conclusions lncRNA CRNDE expression downregulation led to reduced inflammation and reduced lung damage in mice with induced asthma, it inhibited the EMTs of lung epithelial cells via the miR-29a-3p/MCL-1 pathway, and it reduced the levels of Th17/IL-17A cells to reduce asthma signs.
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Rahmani F, Safavi P, Fathollahpour A, Tanhaye Kalate Sabz F, Tajzadeh P, Arefnezhad M, Ferns GA, Hassanian SM, Avan A. The interplay between non-coding RNAs and Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway in urinary tract cancers: from tumorigenesis to metastasis. EXCLI JOURNAL 2022; 21:1273-1284. [PMID: 36483915 PMCID: PMC9727268 DOI: 10.17179/excli2022-5348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are emerging as important regulators in various pathological conditions including tumorigenesis, metastasis, and drug resistance in human cancers. Oncogenic or tumor suppressor ncRNAs exert prominent effects on cell proliferation, migration and invasion in cancer cells through modulating various signaling pathways including Wnt/β-catenin. Upregulation of the oncogenic Wnt/β-catenin pathway was reported to be implicated in multiple human cancers including breast, liver, colorectal, and urothelial cancers. Therefore, identifying interactions between ncRNAs and canonical Wnt signaling components may represent novel therapeutic targets for better treatment and management of cancer. In this review, we summarized the recent findings about miRNA/lncRNA-dependent mechanisms that regulate Wnt/β-catenin signaling involved in tumorigenesis and metastasis of urinary tract cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzad Rahmani
- Kashmar School of Nursing, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran,Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran,Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Pegah Safavi
- Department of Medical Radiation, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Parastoo Tajzadeh
- Kashmar School of Nursing, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohsen Arefnezhad
- Kashmar School of Nursing, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Gordon A. Ferns
- Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Division of Medical Education, Falmer, Brighton, Sussex, UK
| | - Seyed Mahdi Hassanian
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran,Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amir Avan
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran,Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran,Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran,*To whom correspondence should be addressed: Amir Avan, Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran, E-mail:
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11
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Peña-Flores JA, Bermúdez M, Ramos-Payán R, Villegas-Mercado CE, Soto-Barreras U, Muela-Campos D, Álvarez-Ramírez A, Pérez-Aguirre B, Larrinua-Pacheco AD, López-Camarillo C, López-Gutiérrez JA, Garnica-Palazuelos J, Estrada-Macías ME, Cota-Quintero JL, Barraza-Gómez AA. Emerging role of lncRNAs in drug resistance mechanisms in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:965628. [PMID: 35978835 PMCID: PMC9376329 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.965628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) originates in the squamous cell lining the mucosal surfaces of the head and neck region, including the oral cavity, nasopharynx, tonsils, oropharynx, larynx, and hypopharynx. The heterogeneity, anatomical, and functional characteristics of the patient make the HNSCC a complex and difficult-to-treat disease, leading to a poor survival rate and a decreased quality of life due to the loss of important physiologic functions and aggressive surgical injury. Alteration of driver-oncogenic and tumor-suppressing lncRNAs has recently been recently in HNSCC to obtain possible biomarkers for diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic approaches. This review provides current knowledge about the implication of lncRNAs in drug resistance mechanisms in HNSCC. Chemotherapy resistance is a major therapeutic challenge in HNSCC in which lncRNAs are implicated. Lately, it has been shown that lncRNAs involved in autophagy induced by chemotherapy and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) can act as mechanisms of resistance to anticancer drugs. Conversely, lncRNAs involved in mesenchymal–epithelial transition (MET) are related to chemosensitivity and inhibition of invasiveness of drug-resistant cells. In this regard, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a pivotal role in both processes and are important for cancer detection, progression, diagnosis, therapy response, and prognostic values. As the involvement of more lncRNAs is elucidated in chemoresistance mechanisms, an improvement in diagnostic and prognostic tools could promote an advance in targeted and specific therapies in precision oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- José A. Peña-Flores
- Faculty of Odontology, Autonomous University of Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico
| | - Mercedes Bermúdez
- Faculty of Odontology, Autonomous University of Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico
- *Correspondence: Mercedes Bermúdez,
| | - Rosalío Ramos-Payán
- Faculty of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, Culiacán, Mexico
| | | | - Uriel Soto-Barreras
- Faculty of Odontology, Autonomous University of Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jorge A. López-Gutiérrez
- Faculty of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, Culiacán, Mexico
- Faculty of Biology, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, Culiacán, Mexico
| | | | | | - Juan L. Cota-Quintero
- Faculty of Biology, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, Culiacán, Mexico
- Faculty of Odontology , Autonomous University of Sinaloa, Culiacán, Mexico
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12
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Feng X, Han H, Guo Y, Feng X, Guo S, Zhou W. LncRNA ENST869 Targeting Nestin Transcriptional Region to Affect the Pharmacological Effects of Chidamide in Breast Cancer Cells. Front Oncol 2022; 12:874343. [PMID: 35444938 PMCID: PMC9014306 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.874343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the leading threats to the health of women. It has the highest incidence and mortality in women worldwide. Although progress has been made in the development and application of anti-breast cancer drugs such as Chidamide and others, the occurrence of drug resistance limits the effective application of chemotherapies. The purpose of this study is to explore the role of LncRNA in the pharmacological effect of Chidamide in breast cancer therapy. The human breast cancer MCF-7 or MDA-MB-231 cells were used as the research cell models. The RNA library screening and high-throughput sequencing comparative analysis was conducted. The binding of LncRNA and its downstream target genes in RNA and protein levels was tested. The results showed that the expression of LncRNA ENST869 in cells treated with Chidamide increased significantly, as demonstrated by real-time PCR and cell viability assay. RNAplex analysis showed that LncRNA ENST869 and Nestin mRNA may interact. RNA interference and Western blot analysis indicated that LncRNA ENST869 could target and regulate the expression of Nestin. Luciferase assay and RNA-protein pulldown showed that LncRNA ENST869 affected Nestin transcription. There might be a highly active binding region of LncRNA ENST869 in regulating Nestin transcriptional activity within the site of 250 bp upstream of the transcription starting point of Nestin. In addition, LncRNA ENST869 did not directly interact with Nestin protein to affect its activity. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that LncRNA ENST869 could affect the function of Nestin in breast cancer cells treated with Chidamide. Nestin is a key player in influencing the pharmacological activity of Chidamide and an essential factor in drug resistance of breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuyan Feng
- Medical Administration Division, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang City, China
| | - Han Han
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang City, China
| | - Yarui Guo
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang City, China
| | - Xue Feng
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang City, China
| | - Shanchun Guo
- RCMI Cancer Research Center, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Weiqiang Zhou
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang City, China
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Yang Q, Al-Hendy A. The Regulatory Functions and the Mechanisms of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Cervical Cancer. Cells 2022; 11:cells11071149. [PMID: 35406713 PMCID: PMC8998012 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of death in gynecology cancer worldwide. High-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are the major etiological agents for cervical cancer. Still, other factors also contribute to cervical cancer development because these cancers commonly arise decades after initial exposure to HPV. So far, the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of cervical cancer are still quite limited, and a knowledge gap needs to be filled to help develop novel strategies that will ultimately facilitate the development of therapies and improve cervical cancer patient outcomes. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been increasingly shown to be involved in gene regulation, and the relevant role of lncRNAs in cervical cancer has recently been investigated. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in ascertaining the biological functions of lncRNAs in cervical cancer from the perspective of cervical cancer proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. In addition, we provide the current state of knowledge by discussing the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation and emerging role of lncRNAs in the pathogenesis of cervical cancer. Comprehensive and deeper insights into lncRNA-mediated alterations and interactions in cellular events will help develop novel strategies to treat patients with cervical cancer.
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Sun Z, Hu J, Ren W, Fang Y, Hu K, Yu H, Liao D, Liu S, Zhou L, He T, Zhang Y. LncRNA SNHG3 regulates the BMSC osteogenic differentiation in bone metastasis of breast cancer by modulating the miR-1273g-3p/BMP3 axis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 594:117-123. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.12.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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The role of FOXC1/FOXCUT/DANCR axis in triple negative breast cancer: a bioinformatics and experimental approach. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:2821-2829. [PMID: 35066769 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-07093-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most challenging subtype of breast cancer and does not benefit from the existing targeted therapies. In the present study, we used bioinformatics and experimental approaches to assess the genes that are somehow involved in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway which may explain the invasive features of TNBC. METHOD AND RESULTS We analyzed five GEO datasets consisting of 657 breast tumors by GEO2R online software to achieve common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between TNBC and non-TNBC tumors. The expression of the selected coding and non-coding genes was validated in 100 breast tumors, including fifty TNBC and fifty non-TNBC samples, using quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR). The bioinformatics approach resulted in a final DEG list consisting of ten upregulated and seventeen downregulated genes (logFC ≥|1| and P < 0.05). Co-expression network construction indicated the FOXC1 transcription factor as a central hub node. Considering the notable role of FOXC1 in EMT, the expression levels of FOXC1-related lncRNAs, lnc-FOXCUT and lnc-DANCR, were also evaluated in the studied tumors. The results of qRT-PCR confirmed notable upregulation of FOXC1, lnc-FOXCUT, and lnc-DANCR in TNBC tissues compared to non-TNBC samples (P < 0.0001, P = 0.0005, and P = 0.0008, respectively). Moreover, ROC curve analysis revealed the potential biomarker role of FOXC1 in TNBC samples. CONCLUSION Present study suggested that the deregulation of FOXC1/lnc-FOXCUT/lnc-DANCR axis may contribute to the aggressive features of triple-negative breast tumors. Therefore, this axis may be considered as a new probable therapeutic target in the treatment of TNBC.
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Development of a Prognostic Model Based on the Identification of EMT-Related lncRNAs in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2021; 2021:9219961. [PMID: 34873403 PMCID: PMC8643262 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9219961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Background Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains the most incurable subtype of breast cancer owing to high heterogeneity, aggressive nature, and lack of treatment options. It is generally acknowledged that epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is the key step in tumor metastasis. Methods With the application of TCGA and GEO databases, we identified EMT-related lncRNAs by the Cox univariate regression analysis. Optimum risk scores were calculated and used to divide TNBC patients into high-/low-risk subgroups by the median value using the Lasso regression analysis. The Kaplan–Meier and ROC curve analyses were applied for model validation. Then, we assessed the risk model from multi-omic aspects including immune infiltration, drug sensitivity, mutability spectrum, signaling pathways, and clinical indicators. We also analyzed the expression pattern of lncRNAs involved in the model using qRT-PCR in TNBC cell lines and constructed the ceRNA network. Results The risk model was composed of EMT-related long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), which seemed to be valuable in the prognostic prediction of TNBC patients. The model could act as an independent prognostic factor of TNBC and showed a robust prognostic ability in the stratification analysis. Further investigation demonstrated that the expression of lncRNAs was different between high aggressive and low aggressive TNBC cell lines, as well as TNBC patients. Conclusions Together, our study successfully established a risk model with great accuracy and efficacy in the prognostic prediction of TNBC patients.
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Naz F, Tariq I, Ali S, Somaida A, Preis E, Bakowsky U. The Role of Long Non-Coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in Female Oriented Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:6102. [PMID: 34885213 PMCID: PMC8656502 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13236102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in molecular biology have discovered the mysterious role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as potential biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and targets for advanced cancer therapy. Studies have shown that lncRNAs take part in the incidence and development of cancers in humans. However, previously they were considered as mere RNA noise or transcription byproducts lacking any biological function. In this article, we present a summary of the progress on ascertaining the biological functions of five lncRNAs (HOTAIR, NEAT1, H19, MALAT1, and MEG3) in female-oriented cancers, including breast and gynecological cancers, with the perspective of carcinogenesis, cancer proliferation, and metastasis. We provide the current state of knowledge from the past five years of the literature to discuss the clinical importance of such lncRNAs as therapeutic targets or early diagnostic biomarkers. We reviewed the consequences, either oncogenic or tumor-suppressing features, of their aberrant expression in female-oriented cancers. We tried to explain the established mechanism by which they regulate cancer proliferation and metastasis by competing with miRNAs and other mechanisms involved via regulating genes and signaling pathways. In addition, we revealed the association between stated lncRNAs and chemo-resistance or radio-resistance and their potential clinical applications and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faiza Naz
- Punjab University College of Pharmacy, Allama Iqbal Campus, University of the Punjab, Lahore 54000, Pakistan;
| | - Imran Tariq
- Punjab University College of Pharmacy, Allama Iqbal Campus, University of the Punjab, Lahore 54000, Pakistan;
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, University of Marburg, Robert-Koch-Str. 4, 35037 Marburg, Germany or (S.A.); (A.S.); (E.P.)
| | - Sajid Ali
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, University of Marburg, Robert-Koch-Str. 4, 35037 Marburg, Germany or (S.A.); (A.S.); (E.P.)
- Angström Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Uppsala University, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ahmed Somaida
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, University of Marburg, Robert-Koch-Str. 4, 35037 Marburg, Germany or (S.A.); (A.S.); (E.P.)
| | - Eduard Preis
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, University of Marburg, Robert-Koch-Str. 4, 35037 Marburg, Germany or (S.A.); (A.S.); (E.P.)
| | - Udo Bakowsky
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, University of Marburg, Robert-Koch-Str. 4, 35037 Marburg, Germany or (S.A.); (A.S.); (E.P.)
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A Nitrocarbazole as a New Microtubule-Targeting Agent in Breast Cancer Treatment. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app11199139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is still considered a high-incidence disease, and numerous are the research efforts for the development of new useful and effective therapies. Among anticancer drugs, carbazole compounds are largely studied for their anticancer properties and their ability to interfere with specific targets, such as microtubule components. The latter are involved in vital cellular functions, and the perturbation of their dynamics leads to cell cycle arrest and subsequent apoptosis. In this context, we report the anticancer activity of a series of carbazole analogues 1–8. Among them, 2-nitrocarbazole 1 exhibited the best cytotoxic profile, showing good anticancer activity against two breast cancer cell lines, namely MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, with IC50 values of 7 ± 1.0 and 11.6 ± 0.8 μM, respectively. Furthermore, compound 1 did not interfere with the growth of the normal cell line MCF-10A, contrarily to Ellipticine, a well-known carbazole derivative used as a reference molecule. Finally, in vitro immunofluorescence analysis and in silico studies allowed us to demonstrate the ability of compound 1 to interfere with tubulin organization, similarly to vinblastine: a feature that results in triggering MCF-7 cell death by apoptosis, as demonstrated using a TUNEL assay.
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The Effect of Genomic DNA Contamination on the Detection of Circulating Long Non-Coding RNAs: The Paradigm of MALAT1. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11071160. [PMID: 34202021 PMCID: PMC8305527 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11071160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of contaminating gDNA in RNA preparations is a frequent cause of false positives in RT-PCR-based analysis. However, in some cases, this cannot be avoided, especially when there are no exons-intron junctions in the lncRNA sequences. Due to the lack of exons in few of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and the lack of DNAse treatment step in most studies reported so far, serious questions are raised about the specificity of lncRNA detection and the potential of reporting false-positive results. We hypothesized that minute amounts of gDNA usually co-extracted with RNA could give false-positive signals since primers would specifically bind to gDNA due to the lack of junction. In the current study, we evaluated the effect of gDNA and other forms of DNA like extrachromosomal circular DNAs (eccDNAs) contamination and the importance of including a DNAse treatment step on lncRNAsexpression.As a model, we have chosen as one of the most widely studied lncRNAs in cancer namely MALAT1, which lacks exons. When we tested this hypothesis in plasma and primary tissue samples from NSCLC patients, our findings clearly indicated that results on MALAT1 expression are highly affected by the presence of DNA contamination and that the DNAse treatment step is absolutely necessary to avoid false positive results.
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The cellular pathways and potential therapeutics of Polycystic Kidney Disease. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:1171-1188. [PMID: 34156429 DOI: 10.1042/bst20200757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) refers to a group of disorders, driven by the formation of cysts in renal tubular cells and is currently one of the leading causes of end-stage renal disease. The range of symptoms observed in PKD is due to mutations in cilia-localising genes, resulting in changes in cellular signalling. As such, compounds that are currently in preclinical and clinical trials target some of these signalling pathways that are dysregulated in PKD. In this review, we highlight these pathways including cAMP, EGF and AMPK signalling and drugs that target them and may show promise in lessening the disease burden of PKD patients. At present, tolvaptan is the only approved therapy for ADPKD, however, it carries several adverse side effects whilst comparatively, no pharmacological drug is approved for ARPKD treatment. Aside from this, drugs that have been the subject of multiple clinical trials such as metformin, which targets AMPK signalling and somatostatins, which target cAMP signalling have shown great promise in reducing cyst formation and cellular proliferation. This review also discusses other potential and novel targets that can be used for future interventions, such as β-catenin and TAZ, where research has shown that a reduction in the overexpression of these signalling components results in amelioration of disease phenotype. Thus, it becomes apparent that well-designed preclinical investigations and future clinical trials into these pathways and other potential signalling targets are crucial in bettering disease prognosis for PKD patients and could lead to personalised therapy approaches.
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