miR-29b inhibits the progression of multiple myeloma through downregulating FOXP1

Highlighting the role of long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) in multiple myeloma (MM) pathogenesis and response to therapy

Transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides that are not translated into proteins are known as long non-coding RNAs, or lncRNAs. Now, they are becoming more significant as important regulators of gene expression, and as a result, of many biological processes in both healthy and pathological circumstances, such as blood malignancies. Through controlling alternative splicing, transcription, and translation at the post-transcriptional level, lncRNAs have an impact on the expression of genes. In multiple myeloma (MM), the majority of lncRNAs is elevated and promotes the proliferation, adhesion, drug resistance and invasion of MM cells by blocking apoptosis and altering the tumor microenvironment (TME). To control mRNA splicing, stability, and translation, they either directly attach to the target mRNA or transfer RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). By expressing certain miRNA-binding sites that function as competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs), most lncRNAs mimic the actions of miRNAs. Here, we highlight lncRNAs role in the MM pathogenesis with emphasize on their capacity to control the molecular mechanisms known as "hallmarks of cancer," which permit earlier tumor initiation and progression and malignant cell transformation.

An integrated analysis of the anticarcinogenic role of forkhead box protein 1 in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Forkhead box protein 1 (FOXP1) serves as a tumour promoter or suppressor depending on different cancers, but its effect in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma has not been fully elucidated. This study investigated the role of FOXP1 in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma through bioinformatics analysis and experimental verification. We determined through public databases that FOXP1 expresses low in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma compared with normal tissues, while high expression of FOXP1 indicates a better prognosis. We identified potential target genes regulated by FOXP1, and explored the potential biological processes and signalling pathways involved in FOXP1 in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma through GO and KEGG enrichment, gene co-expression analysis, and protein interaction network construction. We also analysed the correlation between FOXP1 and tumour immune infiltration levels. We further validated the inhibitory effect of FOXP1 on the proliferation of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells through CCK-8, colony formation and subcutaneous tumour formation assays. This study revealed the anticarcinogenic effect of FOXP1 in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma, which may serve as a novel biological target for the treatment of tumour.

Dysregulation of Non-Coding RNAs: Roles of miRNAs and lncRNAs in the Pathogenesis of Multiple Myeloma

The dysregulation of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), specifically microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), leads to the development and advancement of multiple myeloma (MM). miRNAs, in particular, are paramount in post-transcriptional gene regulation, promoting mRNA degradation and translational inhibition. As a result, miRNAs can serve as oncogenes or tumor suppressors depending on the target genes. In MM, miRNA disruption could result in abnormal gene expression responsible for cell growth, apoptosis, and other biological processes pertinent to cancer development. The dysregulated miRNAs inhibit the activity of tumor suppressor genes, contributing to disease progression. Nonetheless, several miRNAs are downregulated in MM and have been identified as gene regulators implicated in extracellular matrix remodeling and cell adhesion. miRNA depletion potentially facilitates the tumor advancement and resistance of therapeutic drugs. Additionally, lncRNAs are key regulators of numerous cellular processes, such as gene expression, chromatin remodeling, protein trafficking, and recently linked MM development. The lncRNAs are uniquely expressed and influence gene expression that supports MM growth, in addition to facilitating cellular proliferation and viability via multiple molecular pathways. miRNA and lncRNA alterations potentially result in anomalous gene expression and interfere with the regular functioning of MM. Thus, this review aims to highlight the dysregulation of these ncRNAs, which engender novel therapeutic modalities for the treatment of MM.

Decoding the role of miRNAs in multiple myeloma pathogenesis: A focus on signaling pathways

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a cancer of plasma cells that has been extensively studied in recent years, with researchers increasingly focusing on the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating gene expression in MM. Several non-coding RNAs have been demonstrated to regulate MM pathogenesis signaling pathways. These pathways might regulate MM development, apoptosis, progression, and therapeutic outcomes. They are Wnt/β-catenin, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, P53 and KRAS. This review highlights the impending role of miRNAs in MM signaling and their relationship with MM therapeutic interventions.

Role of ncRNA in multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM) remains incurable despite advances in current treatment. Patients with MM exhibit significant variations in their prognosis and survival. Recently, genetic abnormalities, such as chromosomal variations and gene mutations, have been increasingly recognized in MM. Therefore, better prognostic indicators of MM are required for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with MM. ncRNAs are non-protein-coding transcripts that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Deregulation of ncRNAs affects cell cycle progression, cancer cell invasion and metastasis. The abnormal expression of these ncRNAs is also critical for the pathogenesis of several cancers, including MM. Hence, this review aims to discuss the recent findings on the role of regulatory ncRNAs and evaluate their potential value in MM.

MiRNA as a Potential Target for Multiple Myeloma Therapy–Current Knowledge and Perspectives

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematological malignancy. Despite the huge therapeutic progress thanks to the introduction of novel therapies, MM remains an incurable disease. Extensive research is currently ongoing to find new options. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression at a post-transcriptional level. Aberrant expression of miRNAs in MM is common. Depending on their role in MM development, miRNAs have been reported as oncogenes and tumor suppressors. It was demonstrated that specific miRNA alterations using miRNA mimics or antagomirs can normalize the gene regulatory network and signaling pathways in the microenvironment and MM cells. These properties make miRNAs attractive targets in anti-myeloma therapy. However, only a few miRNA-based drugs have been entered into clinical trials. In this review, we discuss the role of the miRNAs in the pathogenesis of MM, their current status in preclinical/clinical trials, and the mechanisms by which miRNAs can theoretically achieve therapeutic benefit in MM treatment.

miR-29b-3p suppresses the malignant biological behaviors of AML cells via inhibiting NF-κB and JAK/STAT signaling pathways by targeting HuR

Background

HuR/ELAVL1 (embryonic lethal abnormal vision 1) was a downstream target of miR-29b in some cancer cells. HuR protein exerts important prognostic effects of involving in the pathogenesis and development of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This study aims to investigate the role of miR-29b-3p in biological behaviors of AML cells by targeting HuR and the involvement of the NF-κB and JAK/STAT signaling pathways.

Methods

The expressions of HuR and miR-29b-3p in AML cells were determined using RT-qPCR and Western blot, and the association between them was analyzed using the Spearman method. Next, the target relationship between HuR and miR-29b-3p was predicted by biological information databases and verified by the dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. MTS, methyl cellulose, flow cytometry and transwell assay were employed to detect the cell proliferation, clone formation, cell cycle and apoptosis, invasion and migration respectively, the effect of miR-29b-3p targeted HuR on the biological behaviors of AML cells was explored after over- /down-expression of miR-29b-3p and rescue experiment. Then, immunofluorescence assay and western blot were employed to detect location expression and phosphorylation levels of NF-κB and JAK/STAT signaling pathways related molecules respectively.

Results

HuR was negatively correlated with miR-29b-3p, and was the downstream target of miR-29b-3p in AML cells. When miR-29b-3p was overexpressed in AML cells, HuR was down-regulated, accompanied by cell viability decreased, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis increased, invasion and migration weakened. Moreover, the opposite result appeared after miR-29b-3p was down-regulated. The rescue experiment showed that miR-29b-3p inhibitor could reverse the biological effect of HuR down-regulation in AML cells. Molecular pathway results showed that miR-29b-3p could inhibit p65 expression in nucleus and phosphorylation levels of p65, IκBα, STAT1, STAT3 and STAT5.

Conclusion

miR-29b-3p can inhibit malignant biological behaviors of AML cells via the inactivation of the NF-κB and JAK/STAT signaling pathways by targeting HuR. miR-29b-3p and its target HuR can be used as a new potential molecular for AML treatment.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-022-09996-1.

miR-744-5p Inhibits Multiple Myeloma Proliferation, Epithelial Mesenchymal Transformation and Glycolysis by Targeting SOX12/Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling

Purpose

This study investigated the function and molecular mechanisms of miR-744-5p in multiple myeloma (MM).

Methods

miR-744-5p and SRY-related high-mobility-group box 12 (SOX12) expression in clinical tissues and MM cells was monitored by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reactions and Western blot. miR-744-5p expression in MM cells was regulated by transfection. Cell proliferation was researched by cell counting kit-8 assay and plate clone formation experiment. Transwell experiment was utilized for migration and invasion detection. Glycolysis test was conducted for the detection of glucose uptake and lactate production of MM cells. The relationship between miR-744-5p and SOX12 was determined by dual-luciferase reporter gene assay and RNA pull-down experiment. In vivo experiment was conducted using nude mice.

Results

miR-744-5p expression was reduced in MM patients (P<0.01). Low miR-744-5p expression was associated with lower 60-month survival in MM patients (P=0.0402). miR-744-5p overexpression inhibited MM cells proliferation, invasion, migration, glucose uptake, lactate production, and epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT) (P<0.01). miR-744-5p directly inhibited SOX12 expression. miR-744-5p silencing promoted MM cells proliferation, invasion, migration, glucose uptake, lactate production, and EMT by elevating SOX12 (P<0.01). miR-744-5p inhibited the growth of MM xenograft tumors in vivo (P<0.001).

Conclusion

miR-744-5p inhibits MM cells proliferation, invasion, migration, EMT, and glycolysis by targeting SOX12/Wnt/β-catenin.

Role of microRNAs in Diagnosis, Prognosis and Management of Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a cancerous bone disease characterized by malignant transformation of plasma cells in the bone marrow. MM is considered to be the second most common blood malignancy, with 20,000 new cases reported every year in the USA. Extensive research is currently enduring to validate diagnostic and therapeutic means to manage MM. microRNAs (miRNAs) were shown to be dysregulated in MM cases and to have a potential role in either progression or suppression of MM. Therefore, researchers investigated miRNAs levels in MM plasma cells and created tools to test their impact on tumor growth. In the present review, we discuss the most recently discovered miRNAs and their regulation in MM. Furthermore, we emphasized utilizing miRNAs as potential targets in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of MM, which can be useful for future clinical management.

The effect of baicalin on microRNA expression profiles in porcine aortic vascular endothelial cells infected by Haemophilus parasuis

Glässer's disease, caused by Haemophilus parasuis (H. parasuis), is associated with vascular damage and vascular inflammation in pigs. Therefore, early assessment and treatment are essential to control the inflammatory disorder. MicroRNAs have been shown to be involved in the vascular pathology. Baicalin has important pharmacological functions, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. In this study, we investigated the changes of microRNAs in porcine aortic vascular endothelial cells (PAVECs) induced by H. parasuis and the effect of baicalin in this model by utilizing high-throughput sequencing. The results showed that 155 novel microRNAs and 76 differentially expressed microRNAs were identified in all samples. Subsequently, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis of the target genes of the differentially expressed microRNAs demonstrated that regulation of actin cytoskeleton, focal adhesion, ECM-receptor interaction, bacterial invasion of epithelial cells, and adherens junction were the most interesting pathways after PAVECs were infected with H. parasuis. In addition, when the PAVECs were pretreated with baicalin, mismatch repair, peroxisome, oxidative phosphorylation, DNA replication, and ABC transporters were the most predominant signaling pathways. STRING analysis showed that most of the target genes of the differentially expressed microRNAs were associated with each other. The expression levels of the differentially expressed microRNAs were negatively co-regulated with their target genes' mRNA following pretreatment with baicalin in the H. parasuis-induced PAVECs using co-expression networks analysis. This is the first report that microRNAs might have key roles in inflammatory damage of vascular tissue during H. parasuis infection. Baicalin regulated the microRNAs changes in the PAVECs following H. parasuis infection, which may represent useful novel targets to prevent or treat H. parasuis infection.

Identification of MicroRNAs With In Vivo Efficacy in Multiple Myeloma-related Xenograft Models

BACKGROUND/AIM

Multiple myeloma is a B-cell neoplasm, which can spread within the marrow of the bones forming many small tumors. In advanced disease, multiple myeloma can spread to the blood as plasma cell leukemia. In some cases, a localized tumor known as plasmacytoma is found within a single bone. Despite the approval of several agents such as melphalan, corticosteroids, proteasome inhibitors, thalidomide-based immuno-modulatory agents, histone deacetylase inhibitors, a nuclear export inhibitor and monoclonal antibodies daratuzumab and elatuzumab, the disease presently remains uncurable.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In order to define new targets and treatment modalities we searched the literature for microRNAs, which increase or inhibit in vivo efficacy in multiple-myeloma-related xenograft models.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

We identified six up-regulated and twelve down-regulated miRs, which deserve further preclinical validation.

Circular RNA expression profiles and bioinformatic analysis in coronary heart disease

Aim: We aimed to identify the expression profile and role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in coronary heart disease (CHD). Materials & methods: We performed sequence analysis of circRNAs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 70 CHD patients and 30 controls. Eight selected circRNAs were validated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in human atherosclerotic coronary arteries. Results: In total, 2283 downregulated and 85 upregulated circRNAs were identified in CHD. Parental genes of top 100 dysregulated-circRNAs are related to metabolism and protein modification, and 12 circRNAs might upregulate their CHD-related parental genes through miRNA sponges. Of the eight circRNAs validated in atherosclerotic coronary arteries by qRT-PCR, six were consistent with sequencing results of peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Conclusion: As potential ceRNAs, dysregulated circRNAs may be involved in CHD pathophysiology.

Construction of a prognosis‑associated long noncoding RNA‑mRNA network for multiple myeloma based on microarray and bioinformatics analysis

At present, the association between prognosis-associated long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and mRNAs is yet to be reported in multiple myeloma (MM). The aim of the present study was to construct prognostic models with lncRNAs and mRNAs, and to map the interactions between these lncRNAs and mRNAs in MM. LncRNA and mRNA data from 559 patients with MM were acquired from the Genome Expression Omnibus (dataset GSE24080), and their prognostic values were calculated using the survival package in R. Multivariate Cox analysis was used on the top 20 most significant prognosis-associated mRNAs and lncRNAs to develop prognostic signatures. The performances of these prognostic signatures were tested using the survivalROC package in R, which allows for time-dependent receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve estimation. Weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) was conducted to investigate the associations between lncRNAs and mRNAs, and a lncRNA-mRNA network was constructed using Cytoscape software. Univariate Cox regression analysis identified 39 lncRNAs and 1,445 mRNAs that were significantly associated with event-free survival of MM patients. The top 20 most significant survival-associated lncRNAs and mRNAs were selected as candidates for analyzing independent MM prognostic factors. Both signatures could be used to separate patients into two groups with distinct outcomes. The areas under the ROC curves were 0.739 for the lncRNA signature and 0.732 for the mRNA signature. In the lncRNA-mRNA network, a total of 143 mRNAs were positively or negatively associated with 23 prognosis-associated lncRNAs. NCRNA00201, LOC115110 and RP5-968J1.1 were the most dominant drivers. The present study constructed a model that predicted prognosis in MM and formed a network with the corresponding prognosis-associated mRNAs, providing a novel perspective for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of MM, and suggesting novel directions for interpreting the mechanisms underlying the development of MM.

MicroRNAs and exosomes: Small molecules with big actions in multiple myeloma pathogenesis

Multiple myeloma (MM), an incurable hematologic malignancy of plasma cells increasing in the bone marrow (BM), has a complex microenvironment made to support proliferation, survival, and drug resistance of tumor cells. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), short non-coding RNAs regulating genes expression at posttranscriptional level, have been indicated to be functionally deregulated or abnormally expressed in MM cells. Moreover, by means of miRNAs, tumor microenvironment also modulates the function of MM cells. Consistently, it has been demonstrated that miRNA levels regulation impairs their interaction with the microenvironment of BM as well as create considerable antitumor feature even capable of overcoming the protective BM milieu. Communication between cancer stromal cells and cancer cells is a key factor in tumor progression. Finding out this interaction is important to develop effective approaches that reverse bone diseases. Exosomes, nano-vehicles having crucial roles in cell-to-cell communication, through targeting their cargos (i.e., miRNAs, mRNAs, DNAs, and proteins), are implicated in MM pathogenesis.

MicroRNA-552 deficiency mediates 5-fluorouracil resistance by targeting SMAD2 signaling in DNA-mismatch-repair-deficient colorectal cancer

OBJECTIVE

Although DNA-mismatch-repair-deficient (dMMR) status and aberrant expression of miRNAs are both critically implicated in the pathogenesis of resistance to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in colorectal cancer (CRC), whether these two factors regulate tumor response to 5-FU in a coordinated manner remains unknown. This study is designed to elucidate whether changes in miR-552 expression levels correlate to 5-FU-based chemoresistance in CRC, and to further identify the putative targets of miR-552 using multiple approaches.

METHODS

miR-552 expression was assessed in 5-FU-resistant CRC tissues and cells using real-time PCR. Effects of miR-552 dysregulation on 5-FU resistance in CRC cells were determined by measuring cell viability, apoptosis and in vivo oncogenic capacity. Finally, we studied the posttranscriptional regulation of SMAD2 by miR-552 using multiple approaches including luciferase reporter assay, site-directed mutagenesis and transient/stable transfection, at molecular and functional levels.

RESULTS

Expression of miR-552 was significantly downregulated in 5-FU-resistant CRC tissues and cells, and this downregulation, regulated by dMMR, was associated with poor postchemotherapy prognosis. Functionally, forced expression of miR-552 exhibited a proapoptotic effect and attenuated 5-FU resistance, whereas inhibition of miR-552 expression potentiated 5-FU resistance in CRC cells. Mechanically, miR-552 directly targeted the 3'-UTR of SMAD2, and stable ablation of SMAD2 neutralized the promoting effects of miR-552 deficiency-induced 5-FU resistance.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, our findings have revealed a critical role of miR-552/SMAD2 cascade in modulating cellular response to 5-FU chemotherapy. miR-552 may act as an efficient mechanistic link synchronizing dMMR and 5-FU resistance in CRC.

Long noncoding RNA TUG1 promotes proliferation and inhibits apoptosis in multiple myeloma by inhibiting miR-29b-3p

Background: Long non-coding RNA taurine up-regulated gene 1 (TUG1) was reportedly involved in initiation and development of several cancers. However, its function and molecular mechanisms in multiple myeloma (MM) are still unclear. The present study aimed to determine the expression status, biological function, and potential mechanisms of TUG1 in the progression of MM.

Materials and methods: The expression levels of TUG1 were examined in MM samples and cell lines by real-time quantitative PCR. The effects of TUG1 on MM cells proliferation and apoptosis were assessed using Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and flow cytometry respectively. MiRNAs-targeted sites in TUG1 were screened by Starbase2.0 and were identified by RNA immunoprecipitation assay combined with luciferase reporter assay.

Results: The expression levels of TUG1 were markedly increased in MM samples and cell lines. Knockdown of TUG1 significantly suppressed the proliferation, induced cell cycle arrest at G1/G0 phase, and promoted apoptosis of MM cells. In exploring the regulatory mechanism, miR-29b-3p was confirmed to be a direct target of TUG1, and repression of miR-29b-3p could partially rescue the effect TUG1 knockdown on MM cell proliferation, cycle, and apoptosis. In addition, TUG1 positively modulated histone deacetylases 4 (HDAC4, a target of miR-29b-3p) expression through sponging of miR-29b-3p in MM cells.

Conclusion: These findings suggested that TUG1 exerted an oncogenic role in MM by acting as a competing endogenous RNA of miR-29b-3p, and implied the potential application of TUG1 in treatment for MM.

Retracted Article: Long non-coding RNA PCAT1 facilitates cell growth in multiple myeloma through an MTDH-mediated AKT/β-catenin signaling pathway by sponging miR-363-3p

Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell myeloma.

The Epigenome in Multiple Myeloma: Impact on Tumor Cell Plasticity and Drug Response

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a clonal plasma cell malignancy that develops primarily in the bone marrow (BM), where reciprocal interactions with the BM niche foster MM cell survival, growth, and drug resistance. MM cells furthermore reshape the BM to their own needs by affecting the different BM stromal cell types resulting in angiogenesis, bone destruction, and immune suppression. Despite recent advances in treatment modalities, MM remains most often incurable due to the development of drug resistance to all standard of care agents. This underscores the unmet need for these heavily treated relapsed/refractory patients. Disruptions in epigenetic regulation are a well-known hallmark of cancer cells, contributing to both cancer onset and progression. In MM, sequencing and gene expression profiling studies have also identified numerous epigenetic defects, including locus-specific DNA hypermethylation of cancer-related and B cell specific genes, genome-wide DNA hypomethylation and genetic defects, copy number variations and/or abnormal expression patterns of various chromatin modifying enzymes. Importantly, these so-called epimutations contribute to genomic instability, disease progression, and a worse outcome. Moreover, the frequency of mutations observed in genes encoding for histone methyltransferases and DNA methylation modifiers increases following treatment, indicating a role in the emergence of drug resistance. In support of this, accumulating evidence also suggest a role for the epigenetic machinery in MM cell plasticity, driving the differentiation of the malignant cells to a less mature and drug resistant state. This review discusses the current state of knowledge on the role of epigenetics in MM, with a focus on deregulated histone methylation modifiers and the impact on MM cell plasticity and drug resistance. We also provide insight into the potential of epigenetic modulating agents to enhance clinical drug responses and avoid disease relapse.