The long non-coding RNA CRNDE competed endogenously with miR-205 to promote proliferation and metastasis of melanoma cells by targeting CCL18

Long Noncoding RNA CRNDE Promotes Gastric Cancer Progression through Targeting miR-136-5p/MIEN1

Background: Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) contribute to the initiation and progression of gastric cancer (GC). The purpose of this study is to examine the potential role of lncRNA colorectal neoplasia differentially expressed (CRNDE) in modulating the expression of migration and invasion enhancer 1 (MIEN1) through the suppression of miR-136-5p in GC. Methods: The biological roles of CRNDE, miR-136-5p, and MIEN1 in GC were assessed both in laboratory settings and through the examination of clinical samples. Results: CRNDE was found to be significantly increased in GC tissues, and this upregulation was associated with an unfavorable prognosis of GC patients. In vitro experiments showed that inhibiting cell growth and migration, along with promoting apoptosis in GC cells, could be achieved by either disabling CRNDE or MIEN1, or by increasing the expression of miR-136-5p. MIEN1 is a specific recipient of miR-136-5p, and the anticancer effects of miR-136-5p can be counteracted by the increased expression of MIEN1. Through the examination of clinical specimens, it has been observed that there is a significant positive correlation between the expression of MIEN1 and CRNDE. In contrast, miR-136-5p expression in GC tissues shows a negative correlation. Conclusion: A previously unexplored therapeutic target for GC involves the CRNDE/miR-136-5p/MIEN1 signal transduction cascade.

Decoding long non‑coding RNAs: Friends and foes in cancer development (Review)

Cancer remains a formidable adversary, challenging medical advancements with its dismal prognosis, low cure rates and high mortality rates. Within this intricate landscape, long non‑coding RNAs (lncRNAs) emerge as pivotal players, orchestrating proliferation and migration of cancer cells. Harnessing the potential of lncRNAs as therapeutic targets and prognostic markers holds immense promise. The present comprehensive review delved into the molecular mechanisms underlying the involvement of lncRNAs in the onset and progression of the top five types of cancer. By meticulously examining lncRNAs across diverse types of cancer, it also uncovered their distinctive roles, highlighting their exclusive oncogenic effects or tumor suppressor properties. Notably, certain lncRNAs demonstrate diverse functions across different cancers, confounding the conventional understanding of their roles. Furthermore, the present study identified lncRNAs exhibiting aberrant expression patterns in numerous types of cancer, presenting them as potential indicators for cancer screening and diagnosis. Conversely, a subset of lncRNAs manifests tissue‑specific expression, hinting at their specialized nature and untapped significance in diagnosing and treating specific types of cancer. The present comprehensive review not only shed light on the intricate network of lncRNAs but also paved the way for further research and clinical applications. The unraveled molecular mechanisms offer a promising avenue for targeted therapeutics and personalized medicine, combating cancer proliferation, invasion and metastasis.

Identification and validation of a CCL18-related signature for prediction of overall survival in patients with uveal melanoma

Uveal melanoma (UM), the most frequent primary intraocular tumor in adults, has poor prognosis. High C-C motif chemokine ligand 18 (CCL18) has been detected in various tumors and is closely correlated with patients' clinicopathological characteristics. However, the essential role of CCL18 in UM remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the prognostic value of CCL18 in UM. Uveal melanoma cells (M17) were transfected with pcDNA3.1-CCL18 si-RNA using Lipofectamine™ 2000. Cell growth and invasion abilities were measured through Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and invasion assay. RNA expression data and clinical and histopathological details were downloaded from the UM in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA-UM) and GSE22138 datasets, which were defined as the training and validation cohorts, respectively. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to identify significant prognostic biomarkers. The coefficients of these significant biomarkers generated by multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis were used to establish a risk score formula. Functional enrichment analyses were also carried out. We found that downregulated CCL18 inhibits M17 cell growth and invasion in vitro. CCL18 may affect UM progression by altering C-C motif receptor 8 related pathways. Higher CCL18 expression was associated with worse clinical outcomes and tumor-specific death in the TCGA-UM dataset. Based on the coefficients obtained from the Cox proportional hazard regression analysis, a CCL18-related prognostic signature formula was constructed as follows: risk score = 0.05590 × age +2.43437 × chromosome 3 status +0.39496 × Expression^CCL18. Notably, in this formula, the normal chromosome 3 was coded as 0, whereas the chromosome 3 loss was coded as 1. Each patient was assigned to either low-risk or high-risk groups using the median cut-off in the training cohort. High-risk patients survived for a shorter time than low-risk patients. The time-dependent and multivariate receiver operating characteristic curves showed promising diagnostic efficacy. Multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated the potential of this CCL18-related signature as an independent prognostic indicator. These results were validated using the GSE22138 dataset. In addition, in both TCGA-UM and GSE22138 datasets, stratification of clinical correlations and survival analyses based on this signature indicated the involvement of clinical progression and survival outcome in UM. In the high-risk group, Gene Ontology analyses mainly indicated the enrichment of immune response pathways, such as the T cell activation, response to interferon-gamma, antigen processing and presentation, interferon-gamma-mediated signaling pathway, MHC protein complex, MHC class II protein complex, antigen binding, and cytokine binding. Meanwhile, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses showed enrichments of pathways in cancer, cell adhesion, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, chemokine signaling pathway, Th1 and Th2 cell differentiation, and chemokine signaling pathway. Moreover, single-sample gene set enrichment analysis demonstrated the enrichment of almost all immune cells and immune functions in the high-risk group. In summary, a new prognostic CCL18-related signature was successfully established using the TCGA-UM dataset and validated using the GSE22138 dataset with meaningful predictive and diagnostic efficacies. This signature could serve as an independent and promising prognostic biomarker for patients with UM.

Contribution of CRNDE lncRNA in the development of cancer and the underlying mechanisms

Colorectal Neoplasia Differentially Expressed (CRNDE) is an lncRNA with crucial roles in cancer development. It is located on chromosome 16 on the opposite strand to the adjacent IRX5 gene, implying the presence of a shared bidirectional promoter for these two genes. Expression of CRNDE has been assessed in a diverse array of hematological malignancies and solid tumors, representing its potential as a therapeutic target in these conditions. This lncRNA has a regulatory effect on activity of several pathways and axes that are involved in the regulation of cell apoptosis, immune responses and tumorigenesis. The current review is an updated review about the role of CRNDE in the development of cancers.

The role of lncRNAs in the tumor microenvironment and immunotherapy of melanoma

Melanoma is one of the most lethal tumors with highly aggressive and metastatic properties. Although immunotherapy and targeted therapy have certain therapeutic effects in melanoma, a significant proportion of patients still have drug resistance after treatment. Recent studies have shown that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are widely recognized as regulatory factors in cancer. They can regulate numerous cellular processes, including cell proliferation, metastasis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) progression and the immune microenvironment. The role of lncRNAs in malignant tumors has received much attention, whereas the relationship between lncRNAs and melanoma requires further investigation. Our review summarizes tumor suppressive and oncogenic lncRNAs closely related to the occurrence and development of melanoma. We summarize the role of lncRNAs in the immune microenvironment, immunotherapy and targeted therapy to provide new targets and therapeutic methods for clinical treatment.

The LINC00152/miR-205-5p/CXCL11 axis in hepatocellular carcinoma cancer-associated fibroblasts affects cancer cell phenotypes and tumor growth

BACKGROUND

CXCL11 has been reported to be up-regulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and CAF-secreted CXCL11 has been found to promote HCC cell proliferation and migration. Knowledge on how CAFs promote HCC progression is imperative for the future design of anti-tumor drugs addressing the high rates of disease recurrence. Herein, we propose a mechanism by which LINC00152 positively regulates CXCL11 expression and, subsequently, HCC cell phenotypes and growth characteristics via miR-205-5p in CAFs.

METHODS

The expression of LINC00152, miR-205-5p in HCC/non-cancerous tissues, CAFs/NFs and HCC cell lines was determined by RT-qPCR. The CXCL11 expression and secretion were determined by westernblot and ELISA. Different expressions of LINC00152, CXCL11 and miR-205-5p in CAFs were achieved by transfection with corresponding overexpression/knockdown vectors or mimics/inhibitor. The interactions among LINC00152, miR-205-5p and CXCL11 were confirmed by FISH, luciferase, AGO2 and RNA-pulldown assays. Transwell, colony formation and MTT assays were performed to assess the role of CAFs conditioned medium (CM) in HCC cell phenotype. BALB/c nude mice xenografts were used to determine the role of CAFs on HCC growth in vivo.

RESULTS

We found that in vitro, CM from CAFs transfected with sh-LINC00152 dramatically suppressed HCC cell viability, colony formation and migration, and that CM from CAFs transfected with miR-205-5p inhibitor (CAF-CM (miR-205-5p inhibitor)) exerted opposite effects on HCC cell phenotypes. Exogenous overexpression of CXCL11 in CAFs or CAF-CM (miR-205-5p inhibitor) could partially attenuate the effects of LINC00152 knockdown. In contrast, CM from CAFs transfected with LINC00152 dramatically increased HCC cell viability, colony formation and migration, and CM from CAFs transfected with miR-205-5p mimics (CAF-CM (miR-205-5p mimics)) exerted opposite effects on HCC cell phenotypes. Knockdown of CXCL11 in CAFs or CAF-CM (miR-205-5p mimics) could partially attenuate the effects of LINC00152 overexpression. In vivo, LINC00152 knockdown in CAFs inhibited tumor growth in a mouse model, which could be reversed by CXCL11 overexpression in CAFs. Mechanistically, we found that LINC00152 could act as a ceRNA to counteract miR-205-5p-mediated suppression on CXCL11 by directly binding to miR-205-5p and the 3'UTR of CXCL11.

CONCLUSION

Our data indicate that a LINC00152/miR-205-5p/CXCL11 axis in HCC CAFs can affect the proliferative and migrative abilities of HCC cells in vitro and HCC tumor growth in vivo.

The role of tumor-associated macrophages and soluble mediators in pulmonary metastatic melanoma

Skin malignant melanoma is a highly aggressive skin tumor, which is also a major cause of skin cancer-related mortality. It can spread from a relatively small primary tumor and metastasize to multiple locations, including lymph nodes, lungs, liver, bone, and brain. What’s more metastatic melanoma is the main cause of its high mortality. Among all organs, the lung is one of the most common distant metastatic sites of melanoma, and the mortality rate of melanoma lung metastasis is also very high. Elucidating the mechanisms involved in the pulmonary metastasis of cutaneous melanoma will not only help to provide possible explanations for its etiology and progression but may also help to provide potential new therapeutic targets for its treatment. Increasing evidence suggests that tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play an important regulatory role in the migration and metastasis of various malignant tumors. Tumor-targeted therapy, targeting tumor-associated macrophages is thus attracting attention, particularly for advanced tumors and metastatic tumors. However, the relevant role of tumor-associated macrophages in cutaneous melanoma lung metastasis is still unclear. This review will present an overview of the origin, classification, polarization, recruitment, regulation and targeting treatment of tumor-associated macrophages, as well as the soluble mediators involved in these processes and a summary of their possible role in lung metastasis from cutaneous malignant melanoma. This review particularly aims to provide insight into mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets to readers, interested in pulmonary metastasis melanoma.

CCL18 Expression Is Higher in a Glioblastoma Multiforme Tumor than in the Peritumoral Area and Causes the Migration of Tumor Cells Sensitized by Hypoxia

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a brain tumor with a very poor prognosis. For this reason, researchers worldwide study the impact of the tumor microenvironment in GBM, such as the effect of chemokines. In the present study, we focus on the role of the chemokine CCL18 and its receptors in the GBM tumor. We measured the expression of CCL18, CCR8 and PITPNM3 in the GMB tumor from patients (16 men and 12 women) using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. To investigate the effect of CCL18 on the proliferation and migration of GBM cells, experiments were performed using U-87 MG cells. The results showed that CCL18 expression was higher in the GBM tumor than in the peritumoral area. The women had a decreased expression of PITPNM3 receptor in the GBM tumor, while in the men a lower expression of CCR8 was observed. The hypoxia-mimetic agent, cobalt chloride (CoCl₂), increased the expression of CCL18 and PITPNM3 and thereby sensitized U-87 MG cells to CCL18, which did not affect the proliferation of U-87 MG cells but increased the migration of the test cells. The results indicate that GBM cells migrate from hypoxic areas, which may be important in understanding the mechanisms of tumorigenesis.

LINC01063 functions as an oncogene in melanoma through regulation of miR-5194-mediated SOX12 expression

Melanoma is one of the most aggressive skin cancers and a major cause of cancer-linked deaths worldwide. As the morbidity and mortality of melanoma are increasing, it is necessary to elucidate the potential mechanism influencing melanoma progression. Tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues (5 cm away from tumors) from 22 melanoma patients at the I-II stage and 39 patients at the III-VI stage were acquired. The expression of LINC01063 in melanoma was estimated by quantitative PCR. Functional assays were employed to investigate the function of LINC01063 in melanoma. Mechanism assays were adopted to explore the mechanism of LINC01063. LINC01063 knockdown impeded melanoma cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition as well as melanoma tumor growth. Mechanistically, LINC01063 acted as an miR-5194 sponge to upregulate SOX12 expression. Finally, LINC01063 was tested to facilitate the malignant behaviors of melanoma cells via targeting miR-5194/SOX12. LINC01063 was significantly upregulated in melanoma. Specifically, LINC01063 displayed a higher level in patients at an advanced stage or with metastasis than those at an early stage or without metastasis. Our study revealed the oncogenic effects of LINC01063 on melanoma cell/tumor growth and its molecular mechanism involving miR-5194/SOX12, which might support LINC01063 to be the potential prognostic or therapeutic biomarker against melanoma.

A novel 7‑hypoxia‑related long non‑coding RNA signature associated with prognosis and proliferation in melanoma

Hypoxia‑related long non‑coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are important indicators of the poor prognosis of cancers. The present study aimed to explore the potential relationship between melanoma and hypoxia‑related lncRNAs. The transcriptome and clinical data of patients with melanoma were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. The prognostic hypoxia‑related lncRNAs were screened out using Pearson's correlation test and univariate Cox analysis. As a result, a hypoxia‑related‑lncRNA signature based on the expression of 7 lncRNAs was constructed, with one unfavourable [MIR205 host gene (MIR205HG)] and six favourable (T cell receptor β variable 11‑2, HLA‑DQB1 antisense RNA 1, AL365361.1, AC004847.1, ubiquitin specific peptidase 30 antisense RNA 1 and AC022706.1) lncRNAs as prognostic factors for melanoma. Patients with melanoma were divided into high‑ and low‑risk groups based on the risk score obtained. Survival analyses were performed to assess the prognostic value of the present risk model. Potential tumour‑associated biological pathways associated with the present signature were explored using gene set enrichment analysis. The CIBERSORT algorithm demonstrated the important role of the hypoxia‑related lncRNAs in regulating tumour‑infiltrating immune cells. Clinical samples collected from our center partly confirmed our findings. Cell Counting Kit‑8 and flow cytometry assays indicated the suppression of proliferation of melanoma cells following inhibition of MIR205HG expression. Indicators of the canonical Wnt/β‑catenin signalling pathway were detected by western blotting. The present study demonstrated that MIR205HG could promote melanoma cell proliferation partly via the canonical Wnt/β‑catenin signalling pathway. These findings indicated a 7‑hypoxia‑related‑lncRNA signature that can serve as a novel predictor of melanoma prognosis.

CRNDE: A valuable long noncoding RNA for diagnosis and therapy of solid and hematological malignancies

Colorectal neoplasia differentially expressed (CRNDE) is an oncogenic long noncoding RNA (lncRNA). Increased CRNDE expression was initially discovered in colorectal cancer and then in a variety of solid tumors and hematological malignancies. CRNDE participates in multiple biological processes, such as cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, and apoptosis. CRNDE has been shown to modulate target gene expression through multiple mechanisms, including transcriptional regulation, post-transcriptional regulation, and competition for microRNA (miRNA) binding. In this review, we summarize the evidence that supports CRNDE in the diagnosis and prognosis predicting of cancers. The functional roles and molecular mechanisms of CRNDE are further described for major types of solid tumors and hematological malignancies. The therapeutic potential of CRNDE as a target for research and development is also discussed.

The pleiotropic roles of circular and long noncoding RNAs in cutaneous melanoma

Cutaneous melanoma (CM) is a very aggressive disease, often characterized by unresponsiveness to conventional therapies and high mortality rates worldwide. The identification of the activating BRAFV600 mutations in approximately 50% of CM patients has recently fueled the development of novel small-molecule inhibitors that specifically target BRAFV600 -mutant CM. In addition, a major progress in CM treatment has been made by monoclonal antibodies that regulate the immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, although target-based therapies and immunotherapeutic strategies have yielded promising results, CM treatment remains a major challenge. In the last decade, accumulating evidence points to the aberrant expression of different types of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) in CM. While studies on microRNAs have grown exponentially leading to significant insights on CM biology, the role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in this tumor is less understood, and much remains to be discovered. Here, we summarize and critically review the available evidence on the molecular functions of circRNAs and lncRNAs in BRAFV600 -mutant CM and CM immunogenicity, providing recent updates on their functional role in targeted therapy and immunotherapy resistance. In addition, we also include an evaluation of several algorithms and databases for prediction and validation of circRNA and lncRNA functional interactions.

Pathogenic roles of long noncoding RNAs in melanoma: Implications in diagnosis and therapies

Melanoma is one of the most dangerous types of cutaneous neoplasms, which are pigment-producing cells of neuroectodermal origin found all over the body. A great deal of research is focused on the mechanisms of melanoma to promote better diagnostic and treatment options for melanoma in its advanced stages. The progression of melanoma involves alteration in different levels of gene expression. With the successful implementation of next-generation sequencing technology, an increasing number of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) sequences have been discovered, and a significant number of them have phenotypic effects in both in vitro and in vivo studies, implying that they play an important role in the occurrence and progression of human cancers, particularly melanoma. A number of evidence indicated that lncRNAs are important regulators in tumor cell proliferation, invasion, apoptosis, immune escape, energy metabolism, drug resistance, epigenetic regulation. To better understand the role of lncRNAs in melanoma tumorigenesis, we categorize melanoma-associated lncRNAs according to their cellular functions and associations with gene expression and signaling pathways in this review. Based on the mechanisms of lncRNA, we discuss the possibility of lncRNA-target treatments, and the application of liquid biopsies to detect lncRNAs in melanoma diagnosis and prognosis.

CRNDE enhances the expression of MCM5 and proliferation in acute myeloid leukemia KG-1a cells by sponging miR-136-5p

The long-noncoding RNA colorectal neoplasia differentially expressed (CRNDE) gene has been considered to be crucial in tumor malignancy. Although CRNDE is highly expressed in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), its mechanism of action remains unknown. In this study, GEPIA and qRT-PCR were performed to confirm the expression of CRNDE in AML samples and cell lines, respectively. CRNDE shRNA vectors were transfected to explore the biological functions of CRNDE. The cell proliferation was assessed by the CCK8 assay, while apoptosis and cell cycle distribution were measured by flow cytometry and Western blotting. The results showed that CRNDE was overexpressed in both AML samples and cell lines. CRNDE silencing inhibited proliferation and increased apoptotic rate and cell cycle arrest of KG-1a cells. The luciferase reporter assay coupled with RIP assay revealed that CRNDE act as a ceRNA. Rescue assays demonstrated that the effects of CRNDE silencing could be reversed by miR-136-5p inhibitors. In conclusion, our results expound that the CRNDE/miR-136-5p/MCM5 axis modulates cell progression and provide a new regulatory network of CRNDE in KG-1a cells.

Metastatic colorectal cancer: Perspectives on long non-coding RNAs and promising therapeutics

Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) has long been lethal despite the continuous efforts of researchers worldwide to discover and improve therapeutic regimens. Thanks to the emergence of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), which has strongly reshaped our inherent perspectives on the pathophysiological patterns of disease, research in the field has been reinvigorated. Here, we focus on current understanding of the modes of action of lncRNAs, and review their regulatory roles in metastatic colorectal cancer, and discuss correlated potential lncRNA-based therapeutics. All of the discussed studies share clear and promising perspectives on future diagnostic and therapeutic remedies for metastatic colorectal cancer.

Preliminary screening and correlation analysis for lncRNAs related to radiosensitivity in melanoma cells by inhibiting glycolysis

OBJECTIVES

To screen the expression profiles of lncRNA and mRNA related to the radiosensitivity of melanoma cells by inhibiting glycolysis through microarray technology.

METHODS

WM35 melanoma cells were treated with different concentrations (1.25, 2.50, 5.00, 10.00 mmol/L) of 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) and different doses (0, 2, 4, 6, 8 Gy) of X-ray irradiation. MTT assay was used to detect the proliferation ability of NC-0 Gy group (negative control group), NC-4 Gy group (only 4 Gy X-ray irradiation), 2-DG group (only 2.50 mmol/L DG treatment), and 2-DG-4 Gy group (2.50 mmol/L 2-DG treatment, 4 Gy X-ray irradiation). Microarray chip was used to detect the changes in the expression profiles of lncRNA and mRNA in the NC-4 Gy group and the 2-DG-4 Gy group. Real-time RT-PCR was used to quantitatively detect the top 5 upregulated and the top 5 downregulated expression lncRNA. CNC analysis was used to predict potential target genes for the 10 most significantly expressed lncRNAs, after which the co-expression network of lncRNA and co-regulated mRNA were constructed. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were used to predict the functional distribution of differentially expressed lncRNA. Real-time RT-PCR was used to quantitatively detect the top 5 upregulated and the top 5 downregulated expression lncRNAs.

RESULTS

After 48 and 96 h, the cell proliferation of WM35 treated with 2-DG was significantly inhibited in a dose-dependent manner (all P<0.05). The cell proliferation of WM35 was inhibited by a high dose of X-ray irradiation, resulting in the death of mass cells. The cell proliferation activity of WM35 after 4 Gy X-ray irradiation descended 61% compared to the negative control group. Microarray analysis showed that there were 1 206 lncRNAs and 543 differentially expressed mRNAs between the NC-4 Gy group and the 2-DG-4 Gy group, while real-time RT-PCR showed basically consistent changes in lncRNA and mRNA microarray. Further CNC analysis showed that these 10 lncRNAs had a positive or negative correlation with 333 target genes. GO analysis was mainly concentrated in DNA binding, DNA damage repair, cell cycle arrest, and oxidative stress, while KEGG pathway analysis showed the 10 lncRNAs were related to radiosensitivity.

CONCLUSIONS

Microarray chip screens the expression profiles of differentially expressed lncRNA related to the radiosensitivity of melanoma cells via inhibiting glycolysis, and lncRNA RPL34-AS1 might be a potential biological target for melanoma radiotherapy.

The immunosuppressive and pro-tumor functions of CCL18 at the tumor microenvironment

Chemokines are essential mediators of immune cell trafficking. In a tumor microenvironment context, chemotactic cytokines are known to regulate the migration, positioning and interaction of different cell subsets with both anti- and pro-tumor functions. Additionally, chemokines have critical roles regarding non-immune cells, highlighting their importance in tumor growth and progression. CCL18 is a primate-specific chemokine produced by macrophages and dendritic cells. This chemokine presents both constitutive and inducible expression. It is mainly associated with a tolerogenic response and involved in maintaining homeostasis of the immune system under physiological conditions. Recently, CCL18 has been noticed as an important component of the complex chemokine system involved in the biology of tumors. This chemokine induces T regulatory cell differentiation and recruitment to the tumor milieu, with subsequent induction of a pro-tumor (M2-like) macrophage phenotype. CCL18 is also directly involved in cancer cell-invasion, migration, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and angiogenesis stimulation, pinpointing an important role in the promotion of cancer progression. Interestingly, this chemokine is highly expressed in tumor tissues, particularly at the invasive front of more advanced stages (e.g. colorectal cancer), and high levels are detected in the serum of patients, correlating with poor prognosis. Despite the promising role of CCL18 as a biomarker and/or therapeutic target to hamper disease progression, its pleiotropic functions in a context of cancer are still poorly explored. The scarce knowledge concerning the receptors for this chemokine, together with the insufficient insight on the downstream signaling pathways, have impaired the selection of this molecule as an immediate target for translational research. In this Review, we will discuss recent findings concerning the role of CCL18 in cancer, integrate recently disclosed molecular mechanisms and compile data from current clinical studies.

Macrophages in dermatology: pathogenic roles and targeted therapeutics

The field of macrophage biology is rapidly growing. Recent studies have shifted focus from classic wound healing roles to newly identified roles in dermatologic pathology. These studies have identified pathogenic roles of macrophages in relatively common conditions, such as psoriasis, skin cancer, and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Selective depletion of these cells or their associated cytokines leads to improved clinical outcome. Herein, we review recent animal and human studies that have elucidated novel pathogenic roles of macrophages in conditions frequently encountered by dermatologists and discuss clinically relevant macrophage-targeted therapies.

Long noncoding RNA CRNDE functions as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in osteosarcoma, as well as promotes its progression via inhibition of miR-335-3p

BACKGROUND

This study was performed to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic value, as well as the role of long-chain noncoding RNA (lncRNA) colorectal neoplasia differentially expressed (CRNDE) in osteosarcoma (OS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assay was to determine lncRNA CRNDE and microRNA-335-3p (miR-335-3p) expressions. The Kaplan-Meier analysis was to analyze the relationship between lncRNA CRNDE expression and survival in patients with OS. Receiver operating characteristic curves were to evaluate the diagnostic value of lncRNA CRNDE in OS. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assays were used to predict and confirm the relationship between lncRNA CRNDE and miR-335-3p. Cell counting Kit-8 and transwell migration assays assessed the role of lncRNA CRNDE and miR-335-3p in OS cells.

RESULTS

lncRNA CRNDE expression was upregulated and miR-355-3p expression was downregulated in OS. In patients with OS, low lncRNA CRNDE expression demonstrated higher overall survival, whereas high lncRNA CRNDE expression was an independent poor prognostic factor. Furthermore, increased lncRNA CRNDE expression was associated with distant metastasis and the tumor-node-metastasis stage in patients with OS, which can be considered as an independent diagnostic biomarker in OS. We revealed that miR-335-3p was the target of lncRNA CRNDE. It also demonstrated that knockdown of lncRNA CRNDE inhibited OS cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and inhibition of miR-355-3p promoted this effect. Finally, miR-335-3p partially mediated the stimulatory effects of lncRNA CRNDE in OS.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated that lncRNA CRNDE is a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for OS, and the lncRNA CRNDE/miR-335-3p axis participates in OS progression.

Comprehensive Review on the Clinical Relevance of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Cutaneous Melanoma

Cutaneous melanoma is considered a rare tumor, although it is one of the most common cancers in young adults and its incidence has risen in the last decades. Targeted therapy, with BRAF and MEK inhibitors, and immunotherapy revolutionized the treatment of metastatic melanoma but there is still a considerable percentage of patients with primary or acquired resistance to these therapies. Recently, oncology researchers directed their attention at the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in different types of cancers, including melanoma. lncRNAs are RNA transcripts, initially considered "junk sequences", that have been proven to have a crucial role in the fine regulation of physiological and pathological processes of different tissues. Furthermore, they are more expressed in tumors than protein-coding genes, constituting perfect candidates either as biomarkers (diagnostic, prognostic, predictive) or as therapeutic targets. In this work, we reviewed all the literature available for lncRNA in melanoma, elucidating all the potential roles in this tumor.

miR-205 inhibits the development of hypertrophic scars by targeting THBS1

Increasing evidence shows that miRNAs are involved in the growth and development of hypertrophic scars. However, the specific mechanism of miR-205 is unclear. Here, we investigated the relationship between miR-205, thrombospondin 1 (THBS1) expression, and hypertrophic scars, and showed that miR-205 inhibits cell proliferation and migration and induces apoptosis. Double luciferase analysis, Western blot, and real-time polymerase chain reaction showed that miR-205 downregulates THBS1 expression and activity. Compared to the control group, miR-205 inhibited hypertrophic scar development. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the miR-205-THBS1 pathway as a promising therapeutic target for reducing hypertrophic scars.

CCL18 in the Progression of Cancer

A neoplastic tumor consists of cancer cells that interact with each other and non-cancerous cells that support the development of the cancer. One such cell are tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). These cells secrete many chemokines into the tumor microenvironment, including especially a large amount of CCL18. This chemokine is a marker of the M2 macrophage subset; this is the reason why an increase in the production of CCL18 is associated with the immunosuppressive nature of the tumor microenvironment and an important element of cancer immune evasion. Consequently, elevated levels of CCL18 in the serum and the tumor are connected with a worse prognosis for the patient. This paper shows the importance of CCL18 in neoplastic processes. It includes a description of the signal transduction from PITPNM3 in CCL18-dependent migration, invasion, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) cancer cells. The importance of CCL18 in angiogenesis has also been described. The paper also describes the effect of CCL18 on the recruitment to the cancer niche and the functioning of cells such as TAMs, regulatory T cells (T_reg), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumor-associated dendritic cells (TADCs). The last part of the paper describes the possibility of using CCL18 as a therapeutic target during anti-cancer therapy.

The critical roles of lncRNAs in the pathogenesis of melanoma

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) embrace a huge fraction of human transcripts and participate in the pathogenesis of human disorders especially malignant conditions. Malignant melanoma, as the most fatal type of cutaneous malignnacies, is associated with dysregulation of several lncRNAs including PVT1, H19, MALAT1, and CCAT1. Moreover, a portion of lncRNAs are exclusively expressed in melanoma cell lines. Expression levels of several lncRNAs are associated with TNM stage, tumor size and progression of melanoma. Thus, these lncRNAs are regarded as biomarkers for this malignancy. Peripheral transcript levels of a number of lncRNAs, such as PVT1, SNHG5 and SPRY4-IT1, could distinguish melanoma patients from unaffected persons with appropriate sensitivity and specificity values. Moreover, expression levels of numerous lncRNAs in tissue biopsies could differentiate malignant samples from benign samples. Based on the results of both cell line and in vivo studies, lncRNAs regulate critical pathways in the carcinogenesis of melanoma, such as the PI3K/Akt and NF-κB signaling pathways, and are involved in the modulation of response to chemotherapeutic agents. Here we review the existing information on the role of lncRNAs in malignant melanoma.

LncRNAs: Potential Novel Prognostic and Diagnostic Biomarkers in Colorectal Cancer

BACKGROUND

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), a type of regulatory RNAs, play a key role in numerous cellular pathways. Ectopic expression of this group of non-coding RNAs has been specified to be involved in numerous diseases. Moreover, the role of lncRNAs in the initiation and development of cancers including colorectal cancer (CRC) has been acknowledged.

OBJECTIVE

In the present review, the role of lncRNAs as prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers in CRC as well as the molecular mechanisms of their contribution to development of CRC has been addressed.

RESULTS

The presented studies have indicated the ectopic expression of various lncRNAs in CRC. Some lncRNAs which were considered as tumor suppressors were downregulated in the colorectal cancerous tissues compared with healthy controls; however, some with oncogenic effects were upregulated. LncRNAs contribute to tumor development via various molecular mechanisms such as epigenetically controlling the expression of target genes, interacting with miRNAs as their sponge, etc. Conclusion: LncRNAs that have been recognized as prognostic biomarkers may pave the way for clinical management to offer adjuvant treatments for patients with CRC.

lncRNA CRNDE is Upregulated in Glioblastoma Multiforme and Facilitates Cancer Progression Through Targeting miR-337-3p and ELMOD2 Axis

Introduction

Colorectal neoplasia differentially expressed (CRNDE) was reported to promote carcinogenesis in several cancers. However, the role of CRNDE in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) needs to be further explored.

Methods

CRNDE expression levels in GBM tissues and cells were explored using real-time quantitative PCR at first. Effects of CRNDE on GBM cell behaviors were detected by conducting in vitro experiments. Interactions of CRNDE, microRNA-337-3p (miR-337-3p), and ELMO domain containing 2 (ELMOD2) were verified by bioinformatics analysis tools and dual-luciferase reporter assay. Expression correlations of CRNDE and ELMOD2 in GBM tissues were analyzed at GEPIA website.

Results

CRNDE expression was upregulated in GBM tissues and cells compared with normal counterparts. CRDNE knockdown inhibits proliferation and migration, but promotes apoptosis in GBM cell, while CRNDE overexpression caused opposite effects. Mechanisms exploration indicated CRNDE serves as sponge of miR-337-3p to upregulate ELMOD2 expression. Furthermore, we showed CRNDE and ELMOD2 were positively correlated in GBM tissues.

Discussion

In conclusion, our study highlighted the importance of CRNDE/miR-337-3p/ELMOD2 axis in GBM progression and offered novel strategies for GBM treatment.

CRNDE: an oncogenic long non-coding RNA in cancers

Colorectal neoplasia differentially expressed (CRNDE) is a long non-coding RNA which has been proved upregulated in various cancers. Meanwhile, CRNDE has been demonstrated to be involved in multiple biological processes of different cancers according to previous study. Moreover, recent studies suggested CRNDE might be a potential diagnostic biomarker and prognostic predictor due to its high sensitivity and specificity in cancer tissues and plasma. In this review, we summarize the biological function of CRNDE and the relevant mechanisms in cancers to establish a molecular basis for the clinical use of CRNDE in the future.

Ovarian cancer cell-secreted exosomal miR-205 promotes metastasis by inducing angiogenesis

Background: By providing oxygen, nutrients and metastatic conduits, tumour angiogenesis is essential for cancer metastasis. Cancer cell-secreted microRNAs can be packaged into exosomes and are implicated in different aspects of tumour angiogenesis. However, the underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood. Methods: The GEPIA database and in situ hybridization assay were used to analyse expression of miR-205 in ovarian tissues. Immunohistochemistry was performed to examine the relationship between miR-205 and microvessel density. Expression of circulating miR-205 was evaluated by RT-PCR and GEO database analysis. Co-culture and exosome labelling experiments were performed to assess exosomal miR-205 transfer from ovarian cancer (OC) cells to endothelial cells ECs. Exosome uptake assays were employed to define the cellular pathways associated with the endocytic uptake of exosomal miR-205. The role of exosomal miR-205 in angiogenesis was further investigated in vivo and in vitro. Western blotting and rescue experiments were applied to detect regulation of the PTEN-AKT pathway by exosomal miR-205 in ECs. Results: miR-205 was up-regulated in OC tissues, and high expression of miR-205 was associated with metastatic progression in OC patients. Moreover, miR-205 was highly enriched in cancer-adjacent ECs, and up-regulation of miR-205 correlated positively with high microvessel density in OC patients. Importantly, miR-205 was markedly enriched in the serum of OC patients, and a high level of miR-205 in circulating exosomes was associated with OC metastasis. In addition, OC-derived miR-205 was secreted into the extracellular space and efficiently transferred to adjacent ECs in an exosome-dependent manner, and the lipid raft-associated pathway plays an important role in regulating uptake of exosomal miR-205. Exosomal miR-205 from OC cells significantly promoted in vitro angiogenesis and accelerated angiogenesis and tumour growth in a mouse model. Furthermore, we found that exosomal miR-205 induces angiogenesis via the PTEN-AKT pathway. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate an exosome-dependent mechanism by which miR-205 derived from cancer cells regulates tumour angiogenesis and implicate exosomal miR-205 as a potential therapeutic target for OC.