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Wang T, Li F, Lu Z. Ultra-conserved RNA: a novel biological tool with diagnostic and therapeutic potential. Discov Oncol 2023; 14:41. [PMID: 37036543 PMCID: PMC10086085 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-023-00650-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Ultra-conserved RNA (ucRNA) is a subset of long non-coding RNA, that is highly conserved among mice, rats and humans. UcRNA has attracted extensive attention in recent years for its potential biological significance in normal physiological function and diseases. However, due to the instability of RNA and the technical limitation, the function and mechanism of ucRNAs are largely unknown. Over the last two decades, researchers have made a lot of efforts to try to lift the veil of ucRNA in nervous, cardiovascular system and other systems as well as cancers. Since the concept of the glymphatic system is relatively new, we summarized here recent findings on the functions, regulation and the underlying mechanisms of ucRNAs in physiology and pathology. Meanwhile, pathology in some diseases is likely to contribute to abnormal expression of ucRNA in turn. We also discuss the technical challenges and bright prospects for future applications of ucRNAs in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingye Wang
- Department of Basic Medicine and Medical Technology, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Basic Medicine and Medical Technology, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental & Translational Non-Coding RNA Research, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhanping Lu
- Department of Basic Medicine and Medical Technology, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental & Translational Non-Coding RNA Research, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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de Oliveira JC. Transcribed Ultraconserved Regions: New regulators in cancer signaling and potential biomarkers. Genet Mol Biol 2023; 46:e20220125. [PMID: 36622962 PMCID: PMC9829027 DOI: 10.1590/1678-4685-gmb-2022-0125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The ultraconserved regions (UCRs) are 481 genomic elements, longer than 200 bp, 100% conserved in human, mouse, and rat genomes. Usually, coding regions are more conserved, but more than 80% of UCRs are either intergenic or intronic, and many of them produce long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Recently, the deregulated expression of transcribed UCRs (T-UCRs) has been associated with pathological conditions. But, differently from many lncRNAs with recognized crucial effects on malignant cell processes, the role of T-UCRs in the control of cancer cell networks is understudied. Furthermore, the potential utility of these molecules as molecular markers is not clear. Based on this information, the present review aims to organize information about T-UCRs with either oncogenic or tumor suppressor role associated with cancer cell signaling, and better describe T-UCRs with potential utility as prognosis markers. Out of 481 T-UCRs, 297 present differential expression in cancer samples, 23 molecules are associated with tumorigenesis processes, and 12 have more clear potential utility as prognosis markers. In conclusion, T-UCRs are deregulated in several tumor types, highlighted as important molecules in cancer networks, and with potential utility as prognosis markers, although further investigation for translational medicine is still needed.
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Gao SS, Zhang ZK, Wang XB, Ma Y, Yin GQ, Guo XB. Role of transcribed ultraconserved regions in gastric cancer and therapeutic perspectives. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:2900-2909. [PMID: 35978878 PMCID: PMC9280734 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i25.2900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death. The occurrence and development of GC is a complex process involving multiple biological mechanisms. Although traditional regulation modulates molecular functions related to the occurrence and development of GC, the comprehensive mechanisms remain unclear. Ultraconserved region (UCR) refers to a genome sequence that is completely conserved in the homologous regions of the human, rat and mouse genomes, with 100% identity, without any insertions or deletions, and often located in fragile sites and tumour-related genes. The transcribed UCR (T-UCR) is transcribed from the UCR and is a new type of long noncoding RNA. Recent studies have found that the expression level of T-UCRs changes during the occurrence and development of GC, revealing a new mechanism underlying GC. Therefore, this article aims to review the relevant research on T-UCRs in GC, as well as the function of T-UCRs and their regulatory role in the occurrence and development of GC, to provide new strategies for GC diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shen-Shuo Gao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250021, Shandong Province, China
| | - Zhi-Kai Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250021, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xu-Bin Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yan Ma
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250021, Shandong Province, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, Shandong Province, China
| | - Guo-Qing Yin
- Department of Anus and Intestine Surgery, Qingzhou Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Qingzhou 262500, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiao-Bo Guo
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250021, Shandong Province, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, Shandong Province, China
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Gibert MK, Sarkar A, Chagari B, Roig-Laboy C, Saha S, Bednarek S, Kefas B, Hanif F, Hudson K, Dube C, Zhang Y, Abounader R. Transcribed Ultraconserved Regions in Cancer. Cells 2022; 11:1684. [PMID: 35626721 PMCID: PMC9139194 DOI: 10.3390/cells11101684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcribed ultraconserved regions are putative lncRNA molecules that are transcribed from DNA that is 100% conserved in human, mouse, and rat genomes. This is notable, as lncRNAs are typically poorly conserved. TUCRs remain very understudied in many diseases, including cancer. In this review, we summarize the current literature on TUCRs in cancer with respect to expression deregulation, functional roles, mechanisms of action, and clinical perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myron K. Gibert
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; (M.K.G.J.); (A.S.); (B.C.); (C.R.-L.); (S.S.); (S.B.); (B.K.); (F.H.); (K.H.); (C.D.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Aditya Sarkar
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; (M.K.G.J.); (A.S.); (B.C.); (C.R.-L.); (S.S.); (S.B.); (B.K.); (F.H.); (K.H.); (C.D.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Bilhan Chagari
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; (M.K.G.J.); (A.S.); (B.C.); (C.R.-L.); (S.S.); (S.B.); (B.K.); (F.H.); (K.H.); (C.D.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Christian Roig-Laboy
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; (M.K.G.J.); (A.S.); (B.C.); (C.R.-L.); (S.S.); (S.B.); (B.K.); (F.H.); (K.H.); (C.D.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Shekhar Saha
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; (M.K.G.J.); (A.S.); (B.C.); (C.R.-L.); (S.S.); (S.B.); (B.K.); (F.H.); (K.H.); (C.D.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Sylwia Bednarek
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; (M.K.G.J.); (A.S.); (B.C.); (C.R.-L.); (S.S.); (S.B.); (B.K.); (F.H.); (K.H.); (C.D.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Benjamin Kefas
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; (M.K.G.J.); (A.S.); (B.C.); (C.R.-L.); (S.S.); (S.B.); (B.K.); (F.H.); (K.H.); (C.D.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Farina Hanif
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; (M.K.G.J.); (A.S.); (B.C.); (C.R.-L.); (S.S.); (S.B.); (B.K.); (F.H.); (K.H.); (C.D.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Kadie Hudson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; (M.K.G.J.); (A.S.); (B.C.); (C.R.-L.); (S.S.); (S.B.); (B.K.); (F.H.); (K.H.); (C.D.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Collin Dube
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; (M.K.G.J.); (A.S.); (B.C.); (C.R.-L.); (S.S.); (S.B.); (B.K.); (F.H.); (K.H.); (C.D.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; (M.K.G.J.); (A.S.); (B.C.); (C.R.-L.); (S.S.); (S.B.); (B.K.); (F.H.); (K.H.); (C.D.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Roger Abounader
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; (M.K.G.J.); (A.S.); (B.C.); (C.R.-L.); (S.S.); (S.B.); (B.K.); (F.H.); (K.H.); (C.D.); (Y.Z.)
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
- NCI Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
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Bozgeyik I. The dark matter of the human genome and its role in human cancers. Gene 2022; 811:146084. [PMID: 34843880 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2021.146084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The transcribed ultra-conserved regions (T-UCRs) are a novel family of non-coding RNAs which are absolutely conserved (100%) across orthologous regions of the human, mouse, and rat genomes. T-UCRs represent a small portion of the human genome that is likely to be functional but does not code for proteins and is referred to as the "dark matter" of the human genome. Although T-UCRs are ubiquitously expressed, tissue- and disease-specific expression of T-UCRs have also been observed. Accumulating evidence suggests that T-UCRs are differentially expressed and involved in the malignant transformation of human tumors through various genetic and epigenetic regulatory mechanisms. Therefore, T-UCRs are novel candidate predisposing biomarkers for cancer development. T-UCRs have shown to drive malignant transformation of human cancers through regulating non-coding RNAs and/or protein coding genes. However, the functions and fate of most T-UCRs remain mysterious. Here, we review and highlight the current knowledge on these ultra-conserved elements in the formation and progression of human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Bozgeyik
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Adiyaman University, Adiyaman, Turkey.
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Transcribed Ultraconserved Regions Are Associated with Clinicopathological Features in Breast Cancer. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12020214. [PMID: 35204715 PMCID: PMC8961524 DOI: 10.3390/biom12020214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Ultraconserved regions (UCRs) are 481 genome segments, with length longer than 200 bp, that are 100% conserved among humans, mice, and rats. The majority of UCRs are transcriptionally active (T-UCRs) as many of them produce non-coding RNAs. In a previous study, we evaluated the expression level of T-UCRs in breast cancer (BC) patients and found that 63% of transcripts correlated with some clinical and/or molecular parameter of BC. In this study, we delved into the expression levels of 12 T-UCRs and correlated them with clinicopathological parameters, immunohistochemical markers, and overall survival in two breast cancer cohorts: TCGA and Brazilian patients. We found that uc.268 is more expressed in TCGA patients under 40 years of age, associated with progesterone receptor (PR) and estrogen receptor (ER), and its high expression is found in luminal A. Lower uc.84 and uc.376 were respectively observed in metastatic and stage IV tumors associated with good prognostic in luminal B. Moreover, uc.84 was only related to the HER2+, while uc.376 was related to ER+ and PR+, and HER2+. A panel composed of uc.147, uc.271, and uc.427 distinguished luminal A from triple negative patients with an AUC of 0.9531 (sensitivity 92.19% and specificity 86.76%). These results highlight the potential role of T-UCRs in BC and provide insights into the potential application of T-UCRs as biomarkers.
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Xing Y, Lin Y, Zhang Y, Hu J, Liu J, Tian Y, Zhao J, Chen W, Han B. Novel cytoplasmic lncRNA IKBKBAS promotes lung adenocarcinoma metastasis by upregulating IKKβ and consequential activation of NF-κB signaling pathway. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:1004. [PMID: 34702815 PMCID: PMC8548314 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-04304-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
NF-κB signaling pathway is a critical link between inflammation and cancer. Emerging evidence suggested that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were involved in dysregulation of NF-κB. Herein, we reported a novel lncRNA IKBKBAS that activated NF-κB in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) by upregulating IKKβ, a key member of NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby promoting the metastasis of LUAD both in vitro and in vivo. The upregulated IKBKBAS functioned as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) via competing with IKKβ mRNA for binding miR-4741, consequently leading to upregulation and activation of IKKβ, and ultimately activation of NF-κB. The abnormally elevated IKBKBAS in LUAD was mainly resulted from the extremely decrease of miR-512-5p that targeting IKBKBAS. Furthermore, we identified a positive feedback loop between NF-κB and IKBKBAS, in which NF-κB activation induced by overexpression of IKBKBAS could promote the transcription of IKBKBAS by binding the κB sites within IKBKBAS promoter. Our studies revealed that IKBKBAS was involved in the activation of NF-κB signaling by upregulating the expression of IKKβ, which made it serve as a potential novel target for therapies to LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanxin Xing
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China
| | - Yani Lin
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China
| | - Ying Zhang
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China
| | - Jing Hu
- grid.452402.50000 0004 1808 3430Department of Pathology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China
| | - Junmei Liu
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China
| | - Yuanyuan Tian
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China
| | - Jian Zhao
- grid.452402.50000 0004 1808 3430Department of Thoracic Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China
| | - Weiwen Chen
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China
| | - Bo Han
- grid.452402.50000 0004 1808 3430Department of Pathology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education and Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China
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