LncRNA NR2F2-AS1 positively regulates CDK4 to promote cancer cell proliferation in prostate carcinoma

Integrative exploration of the mutual gene signatures and immune microenvironment between benign prostate hyperplasia and castration-resistant prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer (CaP) are among the most frequently occurring prostatic diseases. When CaP progressed to castration-resistant CaP (CRPC), the prognosis is poor. Although CaP/CRPC and BPH frequently coexist in prostate, the inter-relational mechanism between them is largely unknown.

METHODS

Single-cell RNA sequencing, bulk-RNA sequencing, and microarray data of BPH, CaP in the Gene Expression Omnibus database were obtained and comprehensively analyzed. Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) and lasso regression analysis were performed to explore the potential biomarkers.

RESULTS

With WGCNA, five modules in BPH, two in CaP, and three in CRPC were identified as significant modules. Pathway enrichment analysis found that the epigenetics and chromosomal-related signaling were dominantly clustered in the CaP group but not in BPH and CRPC. Lasso regression analysis was used to analyze further the mutual genes between the BPH module and the CRPC module. As a result, DDA1, ERG28, OGFOD1, and OXA1L were significantly correlated with the transcriptomic features in both BPH and CRPC. More importantly, the role of the four gene signatures was validated in two independent anti-PD-1 immunotherapy cohort.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed the shared gene signatures and immune microenvironment between BPH and CRPC. The identified hub genes, including DDA1, ERG28, OGFOD1, and OXA1L, might be potential therapeutic targets for facilitating immunotherapy in prostate cancer.

Genetic evidence supporting a causal role of Janus kinase 2 in prostate cancer: a Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND

Janus kinase-2 (JAK2) inhibitors are now being tried in basic research and clinical practice in prostate cancer (PCa). However, the causal relationship between JAK2 and PCa has not been uniformly described. Here, we examined the cause-effect relation between JAK2 and PCa.

METHODS

Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis of genetic variation data of JAK2, PCa from IEU OpenGWAS Project was performed by inverse variance weighted, MR-Egger, and weighted median. Cochran's Q heterogeneity test and MR-Egger multiplicity analysis were performed to normalize the MR analysis results to reduce the effect of bias on the results.

RESULTS

Five instrumental variables were identified for further MR analysis. Specifically, combining the inverse variance-weighted (OR: 1.0009, 95% CI: 1.0001-1.0015, p = 0.02) and weighted median (OR: 1.0009, 95% CI: 1.0000-1.0017, p = 0.03). Sensitivity analysis showed that there was no heterogeneity (p = 0.448) and horizontal multiplicity (p = 0.770) among the instrumental variables.

CONCLUSIONS

We found JAK2 was associated with the development of PCa and was a risk factor for PCa, which might be instructive for the use of JAK2 inhibitors in PCa patients.

Cell Cycle-Related lncRNAs as Innovative Targets to Advance Cancer Management

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) longer than 200nt. They have complex biological functions and take part in multiple fundamental biological processes, such as cell proliferation, differentiation, survival and apoptosis. Recent studies suggest that lncRNAs modulate critical regulatory proteins involved in cancer cell cycle, such as cyclin, cell cycle protein-dependent kinases (CDK) and cell cycle protein-dependent kinase inhibitors (CKI) through different mechanisms. To clarify the role of lncRNAs in the regulation of cell cycle will provide new ideas for design of antitumor therapies which intervene with the cell cycle progression. In this paper, we review the recent studies about the controlling of lncRNAs on cell cycle related proteins such as cyclin, CDK and CKI in different cancers. We further outline the different mechanisms involved in this regulation and describe the emerging role of cell cycle-related lncRNAs in cancer diagnosis and therapy.

Long non-coding RNA NR2F2-AS1 regulates human osteosarcoma growth and metastasis through miR-425-5p-mediated HMGB2

BACKGROUND

Multiple studies have revealed that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) NR2F2-AS1 plays a role in affecting cancer cell proliferation and metastasis. Here, both in vitro and in vivo experiments were performed for investigating the function and mechanism of NR2F2-AS1 in human osteosarcoma (OS).

METHODS

The NR2F2-AS1 level in human OS tissues and adjacent non-tumor tissues was examined by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The NR2F2-AS1 overexpression model was constructed in OS cells, then cell proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis were monitored. The OS xenograft model was established in nude mice using NR2F2-AS1-overexpressed OS cells. The downstream target genes of NR2F2-AS1 were predicted. qRT-PCR and Western blot were implemented to validate the profiles of miR-425-5p and HMGB2. The targeting link between NR2F2-AS1 and miR-425-5p, miR-425-5p and HMGB2 was further probed by dual-luciferase reporter experiment.

RESULTS

In comparison to adjacent non-tumor tissues, OS tissues showed upregulated NR2F2-AS1 expression. Higher NR2F2-AS1 level was predominantly correlated with worse clinical stages. In vivo and in vitro tests corroborated that NR2F2-AS1 overexpression spurred OS cell proliferation, growth, invasion, and choked apoptosis. Mechanistically, NR2F2-AS1 hampered miR-425-5p expression as its competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA). Thus, NR2F2-AS1 facilitated the HMGB2 expression. However, miR-425-5p inhibited HMGB2 expression by targeting the latter.

CONCLUSION

NR2F2-AS1 expedited the evolution of OS by elevating HMGB2 levels through sponging miR-425-5p. The NR2F2-AS1/miR-425-5p/HMGB2 regulatory axis is a promising target in treating human OS.

A review on the role of cyclin dependent kinases in cancers

The Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) class of serine/threonine kinases has crucial roles in the regulation of cell cycle transition and is mainly involved in the pathogenesis of cancers. The expression of CDKs is controlled by a complex regulatory network comprised of genetic and epigenetic mechanisms, which are dysregulated during the progression of cancer. The abnormal activation of CDKs results in uncontrolled cancer cell proliferation and the induction of cancer stem cell characteristics. The levels of CDKs can be utilized to predict the prognosis and treatment response of cancer patients, and further understanding of the function and underlying mechanisms of CDKs in human tumors would pave the way for future cancer therapies that effectively target CDKs. Defects in the regulation of cell cycle and mutations in the genes coding cell-cycle regulatory proteins lead to unrestrained proliferation of cells leading to formation of tumors. A number of treatment modalities have been designed to combat dysregulation of cell cycle through affecting expression or activity of CDKs. However, effective application of these methods in the clinical settings requires recognition of the role of CDKs in the progression of each type of cancer, their partners, their interactions with signaling pathways and the effects of suppression of these kinases on malignant features. Thus, we designed this literature search to summarize these findings at cellular level, as well as in vivo and clinical levels.

A novel inflammation-related lncRNAs prognostic signature identifies LINC00346 in promoting proliferation, migration, and immune infiltration of glioma

In this study, a total of 13 inflammation-related lncRNAs with a high prognostic value were identified with univariate, multivariate Cox regression analysis, and LASSO analysis. LINC00346, which is one of the 13 lncRNAs identified, was positively associated with type 2 macrophage activation and the malignant degree of glioma. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and immunohistochemical staining showed that LINC00346 was highly expressed in high-grade glioma, while type 2 macrophages key transcription factor STAT3 and surface marker CD204 were also highly expressed simultaneously. LINC00346 high-expression gliomas were more sensitive to the anti–PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 therapy. LINC00346 was also associated with tumor proliferation and tumor migration validated by EdU, cell colony, formation CCK8, and transwell assays. These findings reveal novel biomarkers for predicting glioma prognosis and outline relationships between lncRNAs inflammation, and glioma, as well as possible immune checkpoint targets for glioma.

Long non-coding RNA NR2F2-AS1: its expanding oncogenic roles in tumor progression

Long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) is a new type of non-coding RNA whose transcription is more than 200 nucleotides in length and can be up to 100 kb. The crucial regulatory function of lncRNAs in different cellular processes is now notable in many human diseases, especially in different steps of tumorigenesis, making them clinically significant. This research tried to collect all evidence obtained so far regarding Nuclear Receptor subfamily 2 group F member 2 Antisense RNA 1 (NR2F2-AS1) to explore its role in carcinogenesis and molecular mechanism in several cancers. Collecting evidence value an oncogenic role for NR2F2-AS1, whose dysregulation changes the status for cancerous cells to gain the supremacy toward cellular proliferation, dissemination, and ultimately migration. The NR2F2-AS1 acts as competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) and contains several microRNA response elements (MREs) for different microRNAs involved in various pathways such as PI3K/AKT, Wnt/β-catenin, and TGF-β. This clinically makes NR2F2-AS1 a remarkable lncRNA which contributes to cancer progression and invasion and perhaps could be a candidate as a prognostic marker or even a therapeutic target.

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.

Non-coding RNAs and macrophage interaction in tumor progression

The macrophages are abundantly found in TME and their M2 polarization is in favor of tumor malignancy. On the other hand, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) can modulate macrophage polarization in TME to affect cancer progression. The miRNAs can dually induce/suppress M2 polarization of macrophages and by affecting various molecular pathways, they modulate tumor progression and therapy response. The lncRNAs can affect miRNAs via sponging and other molecular pathways to modulate macrophage polarization. A few experiments have also examined role of circRNAs in targeting signaling networks and affecting macrophages. The therapeutic targeting of these ncRNAs can mediate TME remodeling and affect macrophage polarization. Furthermore, exosomal ncRNAs derived from tumor cells or macrophages can modulate polarization and TME remodeling. Suppressing biogenesis and secretion of exosomes can inhibit ncRNA-mediated M2 polarization of macrophages and prevent tumor progression. The ncRNAs, especially exosomal ncRNAs can be considered as non-invasive biomarkers for tumor diagnosis.

NR2F2-AS1 accelerates cell proliferation through regulating miR-4429/MBD1 axis in cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is one of the most frequent malignant tumors in female. Increasing studies have demonstrated that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a key role in the development of multiple cancers. Although some studies have confirmed that lncRNA NR2F2 antisense RNA 1 (NR2F2-AS1) is a pro-cancer gene in many cancers, the molecular mechanism of NR2F2-AS1 in cervical cancer has not been completely elucidated. In the present study, our results revealed that NR2F2-AS1 expression was up-regulated in cervical cancer tissues and cells, notably in patients with advanced cervical cancer. NR2F2-AS1 accelerated progression of cervical cancer by facilitating cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT process, but inhibiting cell apoptosis. Moreover, NR2F2-AS1 acted as a molecular sponge of miR-4429 and methyl-CpG-binding domain protein 1 (MBD1) was a downstream target of miR-4429 in cervical cancer. Furthermore, there was a negative correlation between miR-4429 expression and NR2F2-AS1 or MBD1 expression in tumor tissues. Rescue experiments confirmed that MBD1 overexpression partly rescued NR2F2-AS1 knockdown-mediated inhibition of progression in cervical cancer. To sum up, these results suggested the potential mechanism of NR2F2-AS1 in cervical cancer and revealed that NR2F2-AS1 exerted its carcinogenic effect via regulating miR-4429/MBD1 axis, indicating a promising insight into the therapeutic target of cervical cancer.

Fusion of the COL4A5 Gene With NR2F2-AS1 in a Hemangioma Carrying a t(X;15)(q22;q26) Chromosomal Translocation

BACKGROUND/AIM

Hemangiomas are benign neoplastic proliferations of blood vessels. Cytogenetic information on hemangiomas is limited to four tumors with abnormal karyotypes. We report here a solitary chromosomal translocation and its molecular consequence in a hemangioma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cavernous hemangioma was extirpated from the foot of a 62 years old man and genetically studied with cytogenetic and molecular genetic methodologies.

RESULTS

G-Banding analysis of short-term cultured tumor cells yielded the karyotype 46,Y,t(X;15)(q22;q26)[4]/46,XY[12]. RNA sequencing detected fusion of the collagen type IV alpha 5 chain gene (COL4A5 on Xq22.3) with intronic sequences of nuclear receptor subfamily 2 group F member 2 antisense RNA 1 (NR2F2-AS1 on 15q26.2) resulting in a putative COL4A5 truncated protein. The fusion was verified by RT-PCR together with Sanger sequencing and FISH analyses.

CONCLUSION

The involvement of COL4A5 indicates that some hemangiomas have pathogenetic similarities with other benign tumors such as leiomyomas and subungual exostosis.

The Role of Non-Coding RNAs in Controlling Cell Cycle Related Proteins in Cancer Cells

Cell cycle is regulated by a number of proteins namely cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and their associated cyclins which bind with and activate CDKs in a phase specific manner. Additionally, several transcription factors (TFs) such as E2F and p53 and numerous signaling pathways regulate cell cycle progression. Recent studies have accentuated the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) in the regulation of cell cycle. Both lncRNAs and miRNAs interact with TFs participating in the regulation of cell cycle transition. Dysregulation of cell cycle regulatory miRNAs and lncRNAs results in human disorders particularly cancers. Understanding the role of lncRNAs, miRNAs, and TFs in the regulation of cell cycle would pave the way for design of anticancer therapies which intervene with the cell cycle progression. In the current review, we describe the role of lncRNAs and miRNAs in the regulation of cell cycle and their association with human malignancies.

Identification of lncRNA-associated ceRNA network in high-grade serous ovarian cancer metastasis

Aim: To uncover a novel lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network associated with high-grade serous ovarian cancer metastasis. Material & methods: The candidate differentially expressed lncRNAs were obtained from RNA-sequencing data and determined by functional experiments. The downstream miRNAs and mRNAs were identified by bioinformatic prediction and subjected to functional enrichment analysis. Results: The expression levels of lncRNA ENTPD1-AS1/PRANCR/NR2F2-AS1 were reduced in omental metastatic tissues. Similar differential expression patterns of these lncRNAs were also found in lnCAR database and we verified their tumor suppressive roles by performing functional experiments. Furthermore, we predicted miRNAs and mRNAs via bioinformatic tools and validated their alteration in expression levels in presence of lncRNA interference. Conclusion: We proposed a potential ceRNA regulatory mechanism in high-grade serous ovarian cancer omental metastasis.

Breviscapine suppresses the growth and metastasis of prostate cancer through regulating PAQR4-mediated PI3K/Akt pathway

OBJECTIVES

Prostate cancer, one of the most frequently diagnosed tumors of men, leads to poor quality of life. Previous studies have shown that breviscapine (BRE) exerts therapeutic activity in malignant tumors. However, the role and mechanism of BRE exhibit an anti-tumor effect on prostate cancer are largely unknown.

METHODS

The mRNA and protein levels in prostate cancer tissues and cell lines were measured using RT-qPCR, western blot, and immunohistochemical staining, respectively. Cell proliferation, invasion, and migration in both PC3 and DU145 cells were evaluated using CCK-8 and Transwell assay. The effect of BRE on cell proliferation and metastasis by regulating the PAQR4-mediated PI3K/Akt pathway in vitro and in vivo was determined.

RESULTS

PAQR4 was significantly overexpressed in prostate cancer tissues and cell lines, which was positively correlated with poor prognosis. Knockdown of PAQR4 inhibited the proliferation, invasion, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of both PC3 and DU145 cells. Mechanistically, BRE treatment significantly suppressed the malignant biological behavior of both prostate cancer cells by downregulating PAQR4 and blocking the PI3K/Akt pathway. In vivo experiments, BRE administration remarkably inhibited tumor growth and metastasis in a xenograft model of prostate cancer.

CONCLUSION

Our findings revealed that BRE exerts anti-tumor and anti-metastasis roles in prostate cancer by inhibiting PAQR4-mediated PI3K/Akt pathway, which provides a new therapeutic agent for prostate cancer clinical treatment.