MicroRNA-145 overexpression inhibits neuroblastoma tumorigenesis in vitro and in vivo

Epigenetic Dysregulation in MYCN-Amplified Neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma (NB), a childhood cancer arising from the neural crest, poses significant clinical challenges, particularly in cases featuring amplification of the MYCN oncogene. Epigenetic factors play a pivotal role in normal neural crest and NB development, influencing gene expression patterns critical for tumorigenesis. This review delves into the multifaceted interplay between MYCN and known epigenetic modifications during NB genesis, shedding light on the intricate regulatory networks underlying the disease. We provide an extensive survey of known epigenetic mechanisms, encompassing DNA methylation, histone modifications, non-coding RNAs, super-enhancers (SEs), bromodomains (BET), and chromatin modifiers in MYCN-amplified (MNA) NB. These epigenetic changes collectively contribute to the dysregulated gene expression landscape observed in MNA NB. Furthermore, we review emerging therapeutic strategies targeting epigenetic regulators, including histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi), histone methyltransferase inhibitors (HMTi), and DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (DNMTi). We also discuss and summarize current drugs in preclinical and clinical trials, offering insights into their potential for improving outcomes for MNA NB patients.

Role of non-coding RNAs in neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is known as the most prevalent extracranial malignancy in childhood with a neural crest origin. It has been widely accepted that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play important roles in many types of cancer, including glioma and gastrointestinal cancers. They may regulate the cancer gene network. According to recent sequencing and profiling studies, ncRNAs genes are deregulated in human cancers via deletion, amplification, abnormal epigenetic, or transcriptional regulation. Disturbances in the expression of ncRNAs may act either as oncogenes or as anti-tumor suppressor genes, and can lead to the induction of cancer hallmarks. ncRNAs can be secreted from tumor cells inside exosomes, where they can be transferred to other cells to affect their function. However, these topics still need more study to clarify their exact roles, so the present review addresses different roles and functions of ncRNAs in neuroblastoma.

Peptide Targeted Gold Nanoplatform Carrying miR-145 Induces Antitumoral Effects in Ovarian Cancer Cells

One of the recent attractive therapeutic approaches for cancer treatment is restoring downregulated microRNAs. They play an essential muti-regulatory role in cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, survival, apoptosis, cell cycle, angiogenesis, and metastasis, among others. In this study, a gold nanoplatform (GNPF) carrying miR-145, a downregulated microRNA in many cancer types, including epithelial ovarian cancer, was designed and synthesized. For targeting purposes, the GNPF was functionalized with the FSH33 peptide, which provided selectivity for ovarian cancer, and loaded with the miR-145 to obtain the nanosystem GNPF-miR-145. The GNPF-mir-145 was selectively incorporated in A2780 and SKOV3 cells and significantly inhibited cell viability and migration and exhibited proliferative and anchor-independent growth capacities. Moreover, it diminished VEGF release and reduced the spheroid size of ovarian cancer through the damage of cell membranes, thus decreasing cell viability and possibly activating apoptosis. These results provide important advances in developing miR-based therapies using nanoparticles as selective vectors and provide approaches for in vivo evaluation.

Methyltransferase-like 3 induces the development of cervical cancer by enhancing insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding proteins 3-mediated apoptotic chromatin condensation inducer 1 mRNA stability

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) plays a critical role in the tumorigenesis of cervical cancer (CC). Here, we aimed to investigate the potential role of methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) in CC. Gene expression was determined via real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Cellular functions were detected using colony formation, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU), and Transwell assays. The interactions among METTL3, insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 3 (IGF2BP3), and apoptotic chromatin condensation inducer 1 (ACIN1) were confirmed using the MeRIP and RIP assays. An in vivo assay was performed to verify the role of METTL3 in CC development. METTL3 is overexpressed in CC, and therefore, its knockdown inhibits the proliferation and migration of CC cells. Silencing METTL3 inhibits tumor growth in vivo. Moreover, a positive association was observed between METTL3 and ACIN1. METTL3 interacts with IGF2BP3 to promote the mRNA stability of ACIN1, the overexpression of which induces the aggressiveness of CC cells. METTL3 promotes ACIN1 mRNA stability to accelerate CC progression, implying that METTL3 is a promising biomarker in CC.

Metadherin (AEG-1/MTDH/LYRIC) expression: Significance in malignancy and crucial role in colorectal cancer

Metadherin (AEG-1/MTDH/LYRIC) is a 582-amino acid transmembrane protein, encoded by a gene located at chromosome 8q22, and distributed throughout the cytoplasm, peri-nuclear region, nucleus, and nucleolus as well as the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). It contains several structural and interacting domains through which it interacts with transcription factors such as nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger (PLZF), staphylococcal nuclease domain containing 1 (SND1) and lung homing domain (LHD). It is regulated by miRNAs and mediates its oncogenic function via activation of cell proliferation, survival, migration and metastasis, as well as, angiogenesis and chemoresistance via phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/AKT (PI3K/AKT), NF-κB, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and Wnt signaling pathways. In this chapter, metadherin is reviewed highlighting its role in mediating growth, metastasis and chemoresistance in colorectal cancer (CRC). Metadherin, as well as its variants, and antibodies are associated with CRC progression, poorer prognosis, decreased survival and advanced clinico-pathology. The potential of AEG-1/MTDH/LYRIC as a diagnostic and prognostic marker as well as a therapeutic target in CRC is explored.

Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) exerts protective effect against acute ischemic stroke (AIS) through enhancing M2 micoglia polarization by regulating adenosine triphosphate (ATP)/ purinergic receptor (P2X7R) axis

Clinically, the effective treatment for patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is very limited. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the mechanism how astragalus polysaccharide (APS) exerts protective effect against AIS and provide a new method for the treatment of AIS. Cell surface antigen flow cytometry and immunofluorescence were used to identify M1 and M2 microglia. Western blot was used to evaluate the expression of associated protein. Oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) was used to simulate the effect of AIS on rat microglia. The middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model was established to simulate the effect of AIS in vivo. Evans blue dye (EBD) was used to evaluate the permeability of blood–brain barrier (BBB). Western blot and cell surface antigen flow cytometry results showed that APS promoted the M2 polarization of rat microglia by inhibiting the expression of purinergic receptor (P2X7R). APS reversed the effect of OGD on the polarization of rat microglia M1/ M2 by regulating P2X7R. APS reversed the effect of MCAO on the polarization of rat microglia M1/ M2 in vivo. Furthermore, APS inhibited the expression of P2X7R by promoting the degradation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the cerebral cortex of MCAO rats. In addition, APS contributed to maintain the integrity of BBB. Summarily, APS can reduce brain injury by promoting the degradation of ATP in microglia and inhibiting the expression of P2X7R after AIS.

Long noncoding RNA H19 suppresses cardiac hypertrophy through the MicroRNA-145-3p/SMAD4 axis

Sustained cardiac hypertrophy (CH) contributes to many heart diseases. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) collectively play critical roles in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). However, the roles of lncRNA H19 in CH are still unclear. A CH model was constructed utilizing isoproterenol (ISO). We demonstrated H19 could participate in regulating ISO-induced CH development both in vivo and in vitro. The online databases DIANA and TargetScan were used to predict the targets of H19 and MicroRNA-145-3p (miR-145-3p), respectively. Luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the downstream targets. The results showed that H19 was decreased under ISO stimulation. The H19 overexpression resulted in significant decrease in mouse heart size and weight, left ventricular systolic dysfunction, left ventricular posterior wall thickness and cardiac hypertrophic growth, while promoted the increase of left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricle fraction shortening. H19 also inhibited protein expression levels of CH markers, such as atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and MYH7. Luciferase assays results showed that miR-145-3p was a target of H19 and SMAD4 was a target of miR-145-3p. We found that H19 regulated SMAD4 by sponging miR-145-3p. Knockout of miR-145-3p or overexpression of SMAD4 facilitated H19-induced decreases in ANP, BNP, and MYH7. Collectively, our findings have indicated that the H19/miR-145-3p/SMAD4 axis should be a negative regulator involved in CH progression.

Long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 1273 confers sorafenib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma via regulation of methyltransferase 3

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is often diagnosed in patients with advanced disease who are ineligible for curative surgical therapies. Sorafenib is a first-line agent approved for the treatment of advanced HCC. However, the frequent resistance of HCC cells to sorafenib greatly reduces its efficacy. Herein, we describe a novel long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) conferring sorafenib resistance. Long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 1273 (LINC01273) was significantly overexpressed in human HCC and sorafenib-resistant tissues, linking it to poor overall and relapse-free survival. We established sorafenib-resistant Huh7 (Huh7-SR) and SMMC-7721 (SMMC-7721-SR) cells, and found that the knockdown of LINC01273 repressed the viability, colony formation, and DNA synthesis rate of Huh7-SR and SMMC-7721-SR cells. The level of N6-methyladenosine (m⁶A) in sorafenib-resistant HCC cells was significantly decreased, which was rescued by LINC01273 silencing. Mechanistically, LINC01273 complementarity bound to miR-600, served as a ‘reservoir’ increasing miR-600 stability, and facilitating miR-600 targeting methyltransferase 3 (METTL3), a m⁶A ‘writer’, resulting in reducing METTL3 level. In addition, LINC01273 was modified with m⁶A, METTL3 increased LINC01273 m⁶A modification, followed by LINC01273 decay in the presence of YTHDF2, a m⁶A ‘reader’. Our findings reveal the key role of LINC01273 in sorafenib-resistant HCC cells, and targeting of the newly identified LINC01273/miR-600/METTL3 feedback regulatory axis may be a promising effective intervention for HCC patients with sorafenib resistance.

Co-treatment with miR-21-5p inhibitor and Aurora kinase inhibitor reversine suppresses breast cancer progression by targeting sprouty RTK signaling antagonist 2

Numerous studies have reported the regulatory effects of miR-21-5p and reversine in human breast cancer (HBC). However, the mechanism of reversine and miR-21-5p has not been fully investigated in HBC. The aim of the current study was to assess the mechanism of action of reversine, with or without miR-21-5p, in HBC progression. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot results confirmed the upregulation of miR-21-5p and downregulation of sprouty RTK signaling antagonist 2 (SPRY2) in HBC. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase assay identified the correlation between miR-21-5p and SPRY2. Cell function experiment results indicated a decrease in migration, proliferation, and invasion of HBC cells treated with miR-21-5p inhibitor and reversine; however, an increase in apoptosis was observed in these cells. Apoptotic ability was more enhanced and migration, proliferation, and invasion were more impaired in HBC cells treated with both miR-21-5p inhibitor and reversine than in those treated individually with either inhibitors. SPRY2, downstream of miR-21-5p, participated in HBC progression with reversine. Overall, our study proved that combining the miR-21-5p inhibitor with reversine produced a synergistic effect by regulating SPRY2, thereby limiting HBC progression. This knowledge might offer insights into the clinical therapy of HBC.

Deciphering the Role of MicroRNAs in Neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma (NB) is a type of peripheral sympathetic nervous system cancer that most commonly affects children. It is caused by the improper differentiation of primitive neural crest cells during embryonic development. Although NB occurs for 8% of paediatric cancers, it accounts for 15% of cancer-related deaths. Despite a considerable increase in cytotoxic chemo- and radiotherapy, patients in advanced stages remain virtually incurable. Therefore, there is a desperate necessity for new treatment strategies to be investigated. Accumulating evidence suggested that microRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs with 19–25 nucleotides lengths and play a central role in the development of NB carcinogenesis. Fascinatingly, miRNA inhibitors have an antisense property that can inhibit miRNA function and suppress the activity of mature miRNA. However, many studies have addressed miRNA inhibition in the treatment of NB, but their molecular mechanisms and signalling pathways are yet to be analysed. In this study, we impart the current state of knowledge about the role of miRNA inhibition in the aetiology of NB.

Inhibition of integrin subunit alpha 11 restrains gastric cancer progression through phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt pathway

Gastric cancer (GC) is among the most frequent malignancies originating from the digestive system worldwide, while the role and specific mechanism of integrin-subunit alpha 11 (ITGA11) in GC remain unclear. This study probes the expression characteristics and function of ITGA11 in GC. Firstly, the ITGA11 profile in GC tissues and paracancerous non-tumor tissues was assessed by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot (WB), and the association between ITGA11 and GC patients' clinicopathological indicators was evaluated. ITGA11 knockdown models were set up in GC cell lines MKN45 and AGS. Cell proliferation was determined by the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and colony formation assay. WB was utilized to gauge the expression of apoptosis-related proteins (Bax, Bcl2, Bad, and C-Caspase3) and the PI3K/AKT pathway. We discovered that the ITGA11 expression was boosted in GC tissues and was related to the unfavorable prognosis of GC patients. Additionally, ITGA11 knockdown abated GC cell proliferation, invasion and migration, and enhanced cell apoptosis. In animal experiments, the tumorigenesis of GC cells knocking down ITGA11 was reduced. Mechanically, knocking down ITGA11 notably inactivated the PI3K/AKT axis. The tumor-suppressive effect mediated by ITGA11 knockdown was attenuated after activating the PI3K/AKT pathway with insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Overall, this study substantiated that the ITGA11 expression was heightened in GC tissues, which affected GC progression by modulating the PI3K/AKT pathway.

The clinical significance of microRNA-409 in pancreatic carcinoma and associated tumor cellular functions

In recent years, the increasing incidence of pancreatic carcinoma (PC) patients has become one of the hot issues in the world. microRNAs (miRNAs) can act as oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes and have unpredictable effects on tumors, thus affecting the prognosis and survival of cancer patients. In this paper, we mainly studied the role of microRNA (miR)-409 in PC. The expression levels of miR-409 were analyzed by qRT-PCR. Kaplan-Meier curve and Cox regression were used to analyze the relationship between miR-409 and patient prognosis. The effects of miR-409 on the abilities of proliferation, migration and invasion were detected by CCK-8 and Transwell. The expression levels of miR-409 were down-regulated in PC, compared with normal controls. The prognosis of patients with low miR-409 expression is significantly poor in comparison with those with high expression. The down-regulation of miR-409 was conducive to the proliferation, migration and invasion of PC cells. miR-409 is a tumor suppressor of PC, the clinical significance of miR-409 in pancreatic cancer and related tumor cell function was clarified.

Ramelteon ameliorated 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+)-induced neurotoxicity in neuronal cells in a mitochondrial-dependent pathway

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease with global health and economic impact. 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+)-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are reported to participate in the pathological mechanism of PD. Ramelteon is a novel oral hypnotic agent that has recently been reported to display neuronal protective effects. However, it is unknown whether Ramelteon possesses a beneficial effect in PD. In this study, we aimed to examine the potential function of Ramelteon in MPP+-challenged neurons. We found that Ramelteon rescued the cell viability reduced by MPP+-stimulation. Further, oxidative stress in MPP+-challenged SH-SY5Y cells was mitigated by Ramelteon as verified by the upregulated levels of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) and protein carboxyl, and the upregulation of NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX-4). Furthermore, the declined mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) caused by MPP+ was reversed by Ramelteon. Importantly, Ramelteon attenuated MPP+-induced apoptosis, accompanied by a decreased ratio of Bax/Bcl-2, inhibition of cytochrome C release, and downregulation of cleaved caspase-3. For the first time, we conclude that Ramelteon might ameliorate MPP+-induced neurotoxicity in neuronal cells in a mitochondrial-dependent pathway.

MYCN in Neuroblastoma: "Old Wine into New Wineskins"

MYCN Proto-Oncogene, BHLH Transcription Factor (MYCN) has been one of the most studied genes in neuroblastoma. It is known for its oncogenetic mechanisms, as well as its role in the prognosis of the disease and it is considered one of the prominent targets for neuroblastoma therapy. In the present work, we attempted to review the literature, on the relation between MYCN and neuroblastoma from all possible mechanistic sites. We have searched the literature for the role of MYCN in neuroblastoma based on the following topics: the references of MYCN in the literature, the gene's anatomy, along with its transcripts, the protein's anatomy, the epigenetic mechanisms regulating MYCN expression and function, as well as MYCN amplification. MYCN plays a significant role in neuroblastoma biology. Its functions and properties range from the forming of G-quadraplexes, to the interaction with miRNAs, as well as the regulation of gene methylation and histone acetylation and deacetylation. Although MYCN is one of the most primary genes studied in neuroblastoma, there is still a lot to be learned. Our knowledge on the exact mechanisms of MYCN amplification, etiology and potential interventions is still limited. The knowledge on the molecular mechanisms of MYCN in neuroblastoma, could have potential prognostic and therapeutic advantages.

Long coding RNA CCAT2 enhances the proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of cervical carcinoma cells via the microRNA-493-5p/CREB1 axis

Cervical cancer (CC) is one of the most common malignancies among women. It has been demonstrated that long coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a crucial role in CC. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of the colon cancer associated transcript 2 (CCAT2) lncRNA in CC and elucidate its possible mechanisms of action. The expression of CCAT2, the miR-493-5p microRNA (miRNA), and mRNA was detected using qRT-PCR. Cell viability, proliferation, and migration and invasion were determined using the MTT, colony formation, and transwell assays, respectively. The interactions between miR-493-5p and CCAT2 or cAMP response element-binding protein 1 (CREB1) were verified using the luciferase and RNA pull-down assays. The effects of CCAT2 knockdown on in vivo tumor growth were determined using tumor xenografts and immunohistochemistry assays. The expression of CCAT2 was upregulated in CC cells and tissues. However, the knockdown of CCAT2 inhibited the proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of CC cells in vitro and suppressed tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, CCAT2 functions as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to upregulate the expression of CREB1 by binding to miR-493-5p. The overexpression of CREB1 or downregulation of miR-493-5p antagonized the effect of CCAT2 knockdown on the proliferation and EMT of CC cells. The knockdown of CCAT2 suppressed the aggressiveness of CC via the miR-493-5p/CREB1 axis. Therefore, CCAT2 is likely to be a promising therapeutic target for CC.

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) regulates fibroblast growth factor receptor substrate 2 (FRS2) by targeting microRNA (miR)-29-3p in hypertrophic scar fibroblasts

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in human diseases. However, the detailed role of lncRNAs in hypertrophic scar fibroblasts (HSFs) is inadequately understood. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of lncRNA nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) in hypertrophic scarring. Expression of lncRNAs, miRNAs, and genes were detected by polymerase chain reaction; protein expression was evaluated using western blotting. Cellular function was determined using the CCK-8 assay. The interaction between microRNA (miR)-29-3p and NEAT1 or fibroblast growth factor receptor substrate 2 (FRS2) was verified by luciferase and RNA pull-down assays. The results showed that NEAT1 was overexpressed in the hypertrophic dermis and in HSFs. However, knockdown of NEAT1 suppressed the proliferation and extracellular matrix (ECM) production of HSFs. Moreover, NEAT1 functioned as a competing endogenous RNA to upregulate FRS2 by sponging miR-29-3p. Downregulation of miR-29-3p or overexpression of FRS2 antagonized the effects of NEAT1 knockdown and promoted HSF proliferation and ECM release. In conclusion, NEAT1 knockdown protected against hypertrophic scarring by modulating the miR-29-3p/FRS2 axis, which is a viable target in scar treatment.

Long non-coding RNA H19 protects against intracerebral hemorrhage injuries via regulating microRNA-106b-5p/acyl-CoA synthetase long chain family member 4 axis

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is one of the most common refractory diseases. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in ICH. This study was designed to investigate the role of lncRNA H19 in ICH and the underlying molecular mechanisms involved. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was performed to determine mRNA expression. Cell viability was analyzed using Cell Counting Kit 8 (CCK8). PI staining Flow cytometry and TdT-mediated biotinylated nick end-labeling (TUNEL) assays were performed to determine ferroptosis in brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMVECs). Targeting relationships were predicted using Starbase and TargetScan and verified by RNA pull-down and luciferase reporter gene assays. Western blotting was performed to assess protein expression. LncRNA H19 is highly expressed in ICH model cells. Over-expression of H19 suppressed cell viability and promoted ferroptosis of BMVECs. miR-106b-5p is predicted to be a target of H19. The expression of miR-106b-5p was lower in oxygen and glucose deprivation hemin-treated (OGD/H-treated) cells. Over-expression of miR-106b-5p reversed the effects of H19 on cell viability and ferroptosis in BMVECs. Furthermore, acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) was verified to be a target gene of miR-106b-5p and was highly expressed in OGD/H-treated cells. Upregulation of ACSL4 inhibited the effects of miR-106b-5p and induced BMVEC dysfunction. In conclusion, lncRNA H19 was overexpressed in ICH. Knockdown of H19 promoted cell proliferation and suppressed BMVECs ferroptosis by regulating the miR-106b-5p/ACSL4 axis. Therefore, H19 knockdown may be a promising therapeutic strategy for ICH.

Knockdown of DNA polymerase ζ relieved the chemoresistance of glioma via inhibiting the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

Previous reports suggest that DNA polymerase ζ is highly expressed in glioma tissues. The present study aimed to investigate the roles of the REV7 subunit of DNA polymerase ζ in glioma cell chemoresistance and its underlying mechanisms. The bioinformatics method was used to compare the expression of REV7 in glioma and normal tissues. The expression of REV7 in glioma tumor samples and the adjacent tissue was examined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Moreover, an in vitro analysis using glioma cells was used to test the effects of REV7 siRNA on the proliferation and apoptosis of glioma cell line U251 cells, and the effect of REV7 siRNA on the sensitivity of the U251 cells to cisplatin was also explored. The expression of REV7 in glioma tumors was significantly increased. Moreover, the knockdown of REV7 in glioma cells decreased the proliferation and increased the apoptosis of U251 cells; moreover, REV7 siRNA also increased the sensitivity of U251 cells to cisplatin. Finally, REV7 may regulate the proliferation, apoptosis, and chemosensitivity of U251 cells by affecting phosphoinositide 3-kinase signaling. Our data suggest that REV7 is involved in the chemosensitivity of glioma cells and provides a theoretical basis for targeting DNA polymerase ζ to improve the sensitivity of glioma cells to chemotherapy.

MicroRNA miR-145-5p inhibits Phospholipase D 5 (PLD5) to downregulate cell proliferation and metastasis to mitigate prostate cancer

Prostate cancer (PCa), a frequently detected malignant tumor, is the fifth leading global cancer mortality cause in men. Although research has improved the PCa survival rate, significantly reduced survival occurs among patients at the metastatic stage. MiRNAs, which are short non-coding proteins, are crucial for several biological roles, essential for PCa proliferation, differentiation, multiplication, and migration. The investigation aimed to explore miR-145-5p and PLD5 association and clarify their function in regulating proliferation in PCa cell lines.The study used PC-3, LNCaP, DU-145 PCa, and RWPE-1 non-cancerous cell line, PCa, and BPH tissue specimens, and nude mice to validate results. MiR-145-5p and PLD5 manifestation were assessed through RT-qPCR. PLD5 and miR-145 binding was determined through dual-luciferase reporter gene assays. Validation of cell proliferation, migration, and invasion was assessed through MTT, scratch wound, and transwell assays, respectively.The results indicated a downregulation of miR-145-5p level in PCa cell lines and tissues in comparison to the non-cancerous controls. PLD5 overexpression exerted a cancerous effect while mimicking of miR-145-5p reversed the PLD5-oncogenic effects and significantly inhibited PCa cells proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis.In conclusion, the study revealed that miR-145-5p upregulated apoptosis and repressed migration, invasion, and metastasis of PCa via direct PLD5 modulation.

Conservation of Zebrafish MicroRNA-145 and Its Role during Neural Crest Cell Development

The neural crest is a multipotent cell population that develops from the dorsal neural fold of vertebrate embryos in order to migrate extensively and differentiate into a variety of tissues. A number of gene regulatory networks coordinating neural crest cell specification and differentiation have been extensively studied to date. Although several publications suggest a common role for microRNA-145 (miR-145) in molecular reprogramming for cell cycle regulation and/or cellular differentiation, little is known about its role during in vivo cranial neural crest development. By modifying miR-145 levels in zebrafish embryos, abnormal craniofacial development and aberrant pigmentation phenotypes were detected. By whole-mount in situ hybridization, changes in expression patterns of col2a1a and Sry-related HMG box (Sox) transcription factors sox9a and sox9b were observed in overexpressed miR-145 embryos. In agreement, zebrafish sox9b expression was downregulated by miR-145 overexpression. In silico and in vivo analysis of the sox9b 3′UTR revealed a conserved potential miR-145 binding site likely involved in its post-transcriptional regulation. Based on these findings, we speculate that miR-145 participates in the gene regulatory network governing zebrafish chondrocyte differentiation by controlling sox9b expression.

Resveratrol acts via melanoma-associated antigen A12 (MAGEA12)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling to inhibit the proliferation of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells

The present study examined how resveratrol affects cell growth and MAGEA12/Akt signaling pathway in OSCC cells. Cal-27 cells were transiently transfected with a plasmid encoding MAGEA12, and the effects of overexpression were assessed in terms of cell viability, colony formation and the epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Cal-27 cells and MAGEA12-overexpressing cells were treated with resveratrol, then the cell viability and colony formation were also assessed by CCK8 assay and microscope, respectively. Levels of MAGEA12, p-Akt, Akt, Cyclin D1, and CDK14 genes and these proteins were analyzed using quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase-chain reaction and western blot. In the present research, we first generated and transiently transfected MAGEA12 plasmid into Cal-27 cells. Our results suggested that overexpressing MAGEA12 led to an increase in levels of phospho-Akt, which was associated with increased cell viability, colony formation. Moreover, overexpressing MAGEA12 also resulted in the up-regulation of Cyclin D1 and CDK14, indicating MAGEA12 induces the cell proliferation of Cal-27 cells. In addition, these effects were partially reversed by inhibiting Akt. Furthermore, resveratrol could inhibit the proliferation and colony in Cal-27 cells and decrease the expressions of MAGEA12 and p-Akt depending on the time and concentration. These effects were also partially reversed by MAGEA12 overexpression and Akt activation. In summary, resveratrol may suppress the growth of OSCC cells by inactivating MAGEA12/Akt signaling. These findings suggest that resveratrol may be a therapeutic drug for OSCC in clinical.

Optimization of N-hydroxysuccinimide ester coupling with aminoallyl-modified RNA for fluorescent labeling

Site-specific fluorescent labeling of RNA is crucial for obtaining the structural and dynamic information of RNAs by fluorescence techniques. Post-synthetic modification of RNA based on N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) coupling reaction is an economic, efficient and simple strategy to introduce fluorophore to samples. However, this strategy are not that frequently used in RNA molecules, and the reported reaction conditions and yields varied among different systems. This study results mainly focused on screening the reaction conditions (reactants concentrations, dimethylsulfoxide concentration, solution conditions, pH and reaction time) between NHS-linked fluorophore and aminoallyl-RNA (aa-RNA) to optimize the yield of fluorescent RNA up to 55%, doubled the initial yield. What's more, as low as one tenth of fluorescent reagent was used in our protocol compared with the reported protocols, greatly reducing the experimental cost. The protocol can be applied as a general guide potentially for RNA labeling by NHS-ester coupling reaction.

Emerging therapeutic targets for neuroblastoma

INTRODUCTION

Neuroblastoma (NB) is the prime cancer of infancy, and accounts for 9% of pediatric cancer deaths. While children diagnosed with clinically stable NB experience a complete cure, those with high-risk disease (HR-NB) do not recover, despite intensive therapeutic strategies. Development of novel and effective targeted therapies is needed to counter disease progression, and to benefit long-term survival of children with HR-NB.

AREAS COVERED

Recent studies (2017-2020) pertinent to NB evolution are selectively reviewed to recognize novel and effective therapeutic targets. The prospective and promising therapeutic targets/strategies for HR-NB are categorized into (a) targeting oncogene-like and/or reinforcing tumor suppressor (TS)-like lncRNAs; (b) targeting oncogene-like microRNAs (miRs) and/or mimicking TS-miRs; (c) targets for immunotherapy; (d) targeting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and cancer stem cells; (e) novel and beneficial combination approaches; and (f) repurposing drugs and other strategies in development.

EXPERT OPINION

It is highly unlikely that agents targeting a single candidate or signaling will be beneficial for an HR-NB cure. We must develop efficient drug deliverables for functional targets, which could be integrated and advance clinical therapy. Fittingly, the looming evidence indicated an aggressive evolution of promising novel and integrative targets, development of efficient drugs, and improvised strategies for HR-NB treatment.

MicroRNAs in cancer therapy: Their involvement in oxaliplatin sensitivity/resistance of cancer cells with a focus on colorectal cancer

The resistance of cancer cells into chemotherapy has restricted the efficiency of anti-tumor drugs. Oxaliplatin (OX) being an anti-tumor agent/drug is extensively used in the treatment of various cancer diseases. However, its frequent application has led to chemoresistance. As a consequence, studies have focused in finding underlying molecular pathways involved in OX resistance. MicroRNAs (miRs) are short endogenous non-coding RNAs that are able to regulate vital biological mechanisms such as cell proliferation and cell growth. The abnormal expression of miRs occurs in pathological events, particularly cancer. In the present review, we describe the involvement of miRs in OX resistance and sensitivity. The miRs are able to induce the oncogene factors and mechanisms, resulting in stimulation OX chemoresistance. Also, onco-suppressor miRs can enhance the sensitivity of cancer cells into OX chemotherapy and trigger apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, leading to reduced viability and progression of cancer cells. MiRs can also enhance the efficacy of OX chemotherapy. It is worth mentioning that miRs affect various down-stream targets in OX resistance/sensitivity such as STAT3, TGF-β, ATG4B, FOXO1, LATS2, NF-κB and so on. By identification of these miRs and their upstream and down-stream mediators, further studies can focus on targeting them to sensitize cancer cells into OX chemotherapy and induce apoptotic cell death.