KRT6A expedites bladder cancer progression, regulated by miR-31-5p

Identification of common biomarkers in diabetic kidney disease and cognitive dysfunction using machine learning algorithms

Cognitive dysfunction caused by diabetes has become a serious global medical issue. Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) exacerbates cognitive dysfunction in patients, although the precise mechanism behind this remains unclear. Here, we conducted an investigation using RNA sequencing data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. We analyzed the differentially expressed genes in DKD and three types of neurons in the temporal cortex (TC) of diabetic patients with cognitive dysfunction. Through our analysis, we identified a total of 133 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) shared between DKD and TC neurons (62 up-regulated and 71 down-regulated). To identify potential common biomarkers, we employed machine learning algorithms (LASSO and SVM-RFE) and Venn diagram analysis. Ultimately, we identified 8 overlapping marker genes (ZNF564, VPS11, YPEL4, VWA5B1, A2ML1, KRT6A, SEC14L1P1, SH3RF1) as potential biomarkers, which exhibited high sensitivity and specificity in ROC curve analysis. Functional analysis using Gene Ontology (GO) revealed that these genes were primarily enriched in autophagy, ubiquitin/ubiquitin-like protein ligase activity, MAP-kinase scaffold activity, and syntaxin binding. Further enrichment analysis using Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA) indicates that these biomarkers may play a crucial role in the development of cognitive dysfunction and diabetic nephropathy. Building upon these biomarkers, we developed a diagnostic model with a reliable predictive ability for DKD complicated by cognitive dysfunction. To validate the 8 biomarkers, we conducted RT-PCR analysis in the cortex, hippocampus and kidney of animal models. The results demonstrated the up-regulation of SH3RF1 in the cortex, hippocampus and kidney of mice, which was further confirmed by immunofluorescence and Western blot validation. Notably, SH3RF1 is a scaffold protein involved in cell survival in the JNK signaling pathway. Based on these findings, we support that SH3RF1 may be a common gene expression feature that influences DKD and cognitive dysfunction through the apoptotic pathway.

Dual role of microRNA-31 in human cancers; focusing on cancer pathogenesis and signaling pathways

Widespread changes in the expression of microRNAs in cancer result in abnormal gene expression for the miRNAs that control those genes, which in turn causes changes to entire molecular networks and pathways. The frequently altered miR-31, which is found in a wide range of cancers, is one cancer-related miRNA that is particularly intriguing. MiR-31 has a very complicated set of biological functions, and depending on the type of tumor, it may act both as a tumor suppressor and an oncogene. The endogenous expression levels of miR-31 appear to be a key determinant of the phenotype brought on by aberrant expression. Varied expression levels of miR-31 could affect cell growth, metastasis, drug resistance, and other process by several mechanisms like targeting BRCA1-associated protein-1 (BAP1), large tumor suppressor kinase 1 (LATS1) and protein phosphatase 2 (PP2A). This review highlights the current understanding of the genes that miR-31 targets while summarizing the complex expression patterns of miR-31 in human cancers and the diverse phenotypes brought on by altered miR-31 expression.

Keratins 6, 16, and 17 in Health and Disease: A Summary of Recent Findings

Keratins 6, 16, and 17 occupy unique positions within the keratin family. These proteins are not commonly found in the healthy, intact epidermis, but their expression increases in response to damage, inflammation, and hereditary skin conditions, as well as cancerous cell transformations and tumor growth. As a result, there is an active investigation into the potential use of these proteins as biomarkers for different pathologies. Recent studies have revealed the role of these keratins in regulating keratinocyte migration, proliferation, and growth, and more recently, their nuclear functions, including their role in maintaining nuclear structure and responding to DNA damage, have also been identified. This review aims to summarize the latest research on keratins 6, 16, and 17, their regulation in the epidermis, and their potential use as biomarkers in various skin conditions.

Assessment of Concentration KRT6 Proteins in Tumor and Matching Surgical Margin from Patients with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are one of the most frequently detected cancers in the world; not all mechanisms related to the expression of keratin in this type of cancer are known. The aim of this study was to evaluate type II cytokeratins (KRT): KRT6A, KRT6B, and KRT6C protein concentrations in 54 tumor and margin samples of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Moreover, we examined a possible association between protein concentration and the clinical and demographic variables. Protein concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Significantly higher KRT6A protein concentration was found in HNSCC samples compared to surgical margins. An inverse relationship was observed for KRT6B and KRT6C proteins. We showed an association between the KRT6C protein level and clinical parameters T and N in tumor and margin samples. When analyzing the effect of smoking and drinking on KRT6A, KRT6B, and KRT6C levels, we demonstrated a statistically significant difference between regular or occasional tobacco and alcohol habits and patients who do not have any tobacco and alcohol habits in tumor and margin samples. Moreover, we found an association between KRT6B and KRT6C concentration and proliferative index Ki-67 and HPV status in tumor samples. Our results showed that concentrations of KRT6s were different in the tumor and the margin samples and varied in relation to clinical and demographic parameters. We add information to the current knowledge about the role of KRT6s isoforms in HNSCC. We speculate that variations in the studied isoforms of the KRT6 protein could be due to the presence and development of the tumor and its microenvironment. It is important to note that the analyses were performed in tumor and surgical margins and can provide more accurate information on the function in normal and cancer cells and regulation in response to various factors.

Role and action mechanisms of miR-149 and miR-31 in regulating function of pig cumulus cells and oocytes

Understanding the mechanisms for oocyte maturation and optimizing the protocols for in vitro maturation (IVM) are greatly important for improving developmental potential of IVM oocytes. The miRNAs expressed in cumulus cells (CCs) play important roles in oocyte maturation and may be used as markers for selection of competent oocytes/embryos. Although a recent study from our group identified several new CCs-expressed miRNAs that regulate cumulus expansion (CE) and CC apoptosis (CCA) in mouse oocytes, validation of these findings and further investigation of mechanisms of action in other model species was essential before wider applications. By using both in vitro and in vivo pig oocyte models with significant differences in CE, CCA and developmental potential, the present study validated that miR-149 and miR-31 improved CE and developmental potential while suppressing CCA of pig oocytes. We demonstrated that miR-149 and miR-31 targeted SMAD family member 6 (SMAD6) and transforming growth factor β2 (TGFB2), respectively, in the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling. Furthermore, both miR-149 and miR-31 increased CE and decreased CCA via activating SMAD family member 2 (SMAD2) and increasing the expression of SMAD2 and SMAD family member 4. In conclusion, the present results show that miR-149 and miR-31 improved CE and developmental potential while suppressing CCA of pig oocytes by activating the TGF-β signaling, suggesting that they might be used as markers for pig oocyte quality.

Sinapine thiocyanate exhibited anti-colorectal cancer effects by inhibiting KRT6A/S100A2 axis

Sinapine thiocyanate (ST), an alkaloid existed extensively in seeds of cruciferous plants, exhibits a number of pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory and anti-malignancy properties. However, it is still unknown what effects and molecular mechanisms ST has on colorectal cancer (CRC). In the current study, it was indicated that ST inhibited proliferation, colony formation, and apoptosis in vitro, as well as arrested the G1 phase of CRC cells. There was a significant repressive effects of ST on invasion and migration of CRC cells in vitro. RNA-sequencing indicated that 750 differentially expressed genes existed in CRC cells after ST treatment, and enrichment analysis demonstrated that ST obviously decreased the activation of keratinization pathways. Among DEGs enriched in keratinization, keratin 6A (KRT6A) was decreased the most significant, as well as its target gene S100 calcium-binding protein A2 (S100A2). Low expression of KRT6A and S100A2 signatures indicated a favorable prognosis in CRC patients. Moreover, we found overexpression of KRT6A relieved the inhibitory effects of ST in CRC cells. Furthermore, ST inhibited the CRC cell proliferation in vivo, and reduced KRT6A and KI67 expression in xenograft tumor. Taken together, we demonstrated that ST exhibited anti-CRC properties by inhibiting KRT6A/S100A2 axis. It is possible that ST can be used as a treatment for CRC.

PI3K/Akt signaling in urological cancers: Tumorigenesis function, therapeutic potential, and therapy response regulation

In addition to environmental conditions, lifestyle factors, and chemical exposure, aberrant gene expression and mutations involve in the beginning and development of urological tumors. Even in Western nations, urological malignancies are among the top causes of patient death, and their prevalence appears to be gender dependent. The prognosis for individuals with urological malignancies remains dismal and unfavorable due to the ineffectiveness of conventional treatment methods. PI3K/Akt is a popular biochemical mechanism that is activated in tumor cells as a result of PTEN loss. PI3K/Akt escalates growth and metastasis. Moreover, due to the increase in tumor cell viability caused by PI3K/Akt activation, cancer cells may acquire resistance to treatment. This review article examines the function of PI3K/Akt in major urological tumors including bladder, prostate, and renal tumors. In prostate, bladder, and kidney tumors, the level of PI3K and Akt are notably elevated. In addition, the activation of PI3K/Akt enhances the levels of Bcl-2 and XIAP, hence increasing the tumor cell survival rate. PI3K/Akt ] upregulates EMT pathways and matrix metalloproteinase expression to increase urological cancer metastasis. Furthermore, stimulation of PI3K/Akt results in drug- and radio-resistant cancers, but its suppression by anti-tumor drugs impedes the tumorigenesis.

Implications of obstructive sleep apnea in lung adenocarcinoma: A valuable omission in cancer prognosis and immunotherapy

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a highly invasive malignant tumor with poor prognosis, and there is growing evidence that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) could significantly promotes the risk of LUAD. In order to improve the treatment outcomes of patients with LUAD and OSA, we aim to screen OSA-related genes that may potentially affect LUAD and to discover a high sensitivity prognostic signature that can stratify LUAD/OSA patients and to further accurately identify LUAD patients who might respond to immunotherapy. Molecular subtypes classified by the prognostic signature did not belong to any previously reported subtypes of LUAD. The tumor microenvironment (TME), mutation, and so on, were significantly distinct between patients within different risk groups or clusters. Combined with gene set variation analysis (GSVA) and drug susceptibility analysis, patients in the low-risk group (The vast majority of patients belonging to cluster2 by molecular subtyping) were not suitable for immunotherapy due to T-cell exhaustion caused by long-term inflammatory response; the question of how to reverse T-cell exhaustion may be a primary consideration. Cluster3 patients had the highest benefit from immunotherapy, and although cluster1 patients had the worst prognosis, they were more sensitive to traditional chemotherapeutic drugs. Animal experiments showed that chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) could not only significantly promote the tumor growth of LUAD, but also increase the expression levels of risk genes. This risk model may contribute greatly to the evaluation of prognosis, molecular characteristics, and treatment modalities of LUAD/OSA, and could be further translated into clinical applications to ameliorate the treatment dilemmas.

Knockdown of lncRNA SNHG16 Attenuates the Proliferation and Radioresistance of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cells by Mediating miR-31-5p/SFN Axis

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a rare head and neck tumor that threatens people's health. Radiotherapy is a major treatment for NPC, however, radioresistance of the NPC cells may contribute to treatment failure. LncRNA SNHG16 was upregulated in NPC; however, the function of SNHG16 in radioresistant NPC cells remains unexplored. RT-qPCR was applied for detecting SNHG16, miR-31-5p and SFN levels. MTT assay and colony formation assay were applied to assess the cell viability and proliferation. Dual luciferase was applied for assessing the relation among SNHG16, miR-31-5p and SFN. SFN level in NPC cells was examined by Western blot. The level of SNHG16 and SFN in NPC cells was significantly upregulated by exposure to radiation. In addition, silencing of SNHG16 or miR-31-5p mimics notably attenuated radioresistance of NPC cells. SNHG16 could positively regulate the expression of SFN in NPC cells through binding with miR-31-5p. Furthermore, SNHG16 downregulation obviously attenuated the proliferation and radioresistance of NPC cells by regulation of miR-31-5p/SFN axis. Knockdown of lncRNA SNHG16 attenuates radioresistance of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells by miR-31-5p/SFN axis. Thus, our research data show a novel method for improving the efficacy of radiotherapy for NPC.

Identification and analysis of microRNA editing events in recurrent bladder cancer based on RNA sequencing: MicroRNA editing level is a potential novel biomarker

Background: With the continued advancement of RNA-seq (RNA-sequencing), microRNA (miRNA) editing events have been demonstrated to play an important role in different malignancies. However, there is yet no description of the miRNA editing events in recurrent bladder cancer.

Objective: To identify and compare miRNA editing events in primary and recurrent bladder cancer, as well as to investigate the potential molecular mechanism and its impact on patient prognosis.

Methods: We examined the mRNA and miRNA transcriptomes of 12 recurrent bladder cancer cases and 13 primary bladder cancer cases. The differentially expressed mRNA sequences were analyzed. Furthermore, we identified the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in recurrent bladder cancer. The Gene Ontology (GO) functional enrichment analyses on DEGs and gene set enrichment analysis were performed. The consensus molecular subtype (CMS) classification of bladder cancer was identified using the Consensus MIBC package in R (4.1.0); miRNA sequences were then further subjected to differentially expressed analysis and pathway enrichment analysis. MiRNA editing events were identified using miRge3.0. miRDB and TargetScanHuman were used to predict the downstream targets of specific differentially edited or expressed miRNAs. The expression levels of miR-154-5p and ADAR were validated by RT-qPCR. Finally, survival and co-expression studies were performed on the TCGA-BLCA cohort.

Results: First, the mRNA expression levels in recurrent bladder cancer changed significantly, supporting progression via related molecular signal pathways. Second, significantly altered miRNAs in recurrent bladder cancer were identified, with miR-154-5p showing the highest level of editing in recurrent bladder cancer and may up-regulate the expression levels of downstream targets HS3ST3A1, AQP9, MYLK, and RAB23. The survival analysis results of TCGA data revealed that highly expressed HS3ST3A1 and RAB23 exhibited poor prognosis. In addition, miR-154 editing events were found to be significant to CMS classification.

Conclusion: MiRNA editing in recurrent bladder cancer was detected and linked with poor patient prognosis, providing a reference for further uncovering the intricate molecular mechanism in recurrent bladder cancer. Therefore, inhibiting A-to-I editing of miRNA may be a viable target for bladder cancer treatment, allowing current treatment choices to be expanded and individualized.