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Wang B, Gao M, Yao Y, Li H, Zhang X. Focusing on the role of protein kinase mTOR in endometrial physiology and pathology: insights for therapeutic interventions. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:359. [PMID: 38400863 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08937-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a serine/threonine protein kinase crucial for cellular differentiation, proliferation, and autophagy. It shows a complex role in the endometrium, influencing both normal and pathogenic conditions. mTOR promotes the growth and maturation of endometrial cells, enhancing endometrial receptivity and decidualization. However, it also contributes to the development of endometriosis (EMs) and endometrial cancer (EC), thus emerging as a therapeutic target for these conditions. In this review, we summarize recent research progress on the mTOR signalling pathway in the endometrium. This provides insights into female endometrial structure and function and guides the prevention and treatment of related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Wang
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Mingxia Gao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo of Gansu, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ying Yao
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hongwei Li
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xuehong Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo of Gansu, Lanzhou, China.
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Deng K, Li X, Liu Z, Su Y, Sun X, Wei W, Fan Y, Zhang Y, Wang F. IGF2BP2 regulates the proliferation and migration of endometrial stromal cells through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in Hu sheep. J Anim Sci 2024; 102:skae129. [PMID: 38727196 PMCID: PMC11151927 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skae129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 2 (IGF2BP2), a significant member of the conserved RNA-binding protein family, plays various roles in numerous physiological and pathological processes. However, the specific function of IGF2BP2 in regulating endometrial function in sheep remains largely unknown. In this study, we observed a significant upregulation in IGF2BP2 mRNA abundance in the endometrium during the luteal phase compared to the follicular phase in Hu sheep. The knockdown of IGF2BP2 resulted in accelerated cell proliferation and migration of Hu sheep endometrial stromal cells (ESCs). Moreover, RNA sequencing analysis revealed that genes with significantly altered expression in IGF2BP2 knockdown cells were predominantly enriched in endometrial receptivity-related signaling pathways, such as cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, NOD-like receptor, PI3K-AKT, and JAK-STAT signaling pathway. Additionally, the knockdown of IGF2BP2 significantly increased the expression of matrix metalloprotein 9 (MMP9), vascular endothelial growth factor, and prolactin (PRL) in ESCs. The knockdown of IGF2BP2 was also observed to stimulate the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway by upregulating integrin β4 (ITGB4) expression. Notably, the downregulation of ITGB4 attenuates IGF2BP2 knockdown-induced facilitation of proliferation and migration of Hu sheep ESCs by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Collectively, these findings highlight the important role of IGF2BP2 in regulating endometrial function, particularly through the modulation of ESC proliferation and migration via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiping Deng
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Xiaodan Li
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Zhipeng Liu
- Sanya Institute of Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Yalong Su
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Xuan Sun
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Wurilege Wei
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
- Inner Mongolia Academy of Agricultural & Animal Husbandry Sciences, Hohhot, 010000, China
| | - Yixuan Fan
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Yanli Zhang
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
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Wang X, Zheng Q, Sun M, Liu L, Zhang H, Ying W. Signatures of necroptosis-related genes as diagnostic markers of endometriosis and their correlation with immune infiltration. BMC Womens Health 2023; 23:535. [PMID: 37817158 PMCID: PMC10566087 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02668-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis (EMS) occurs when normal uterine tissue grows outside the uterus and causes chronic pelvic pain and infertility. Endometriosis-associated infertility is thought to be caused by unknown mechanisms. In this study, using necroptosis-related genes, we developed and validated multigene joint signatures to diagnose EMS and explored their biological roles. METHODS We downloaded two databases (GSE7305 and GSE1169) from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and 630 necroptosis-related genes from the GeneCards and GSEA databases. The limma package in Rsoftware was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). We interleaved common differentially expressed genes (co-DEGs) and necroptosis-related genes (NRDEGs) in the endometriosis dataset. The DEGs functions were reflected by gene ontology analysis (GO), pathway enrichment analysis, and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). We used CIBERSORT to analyze the immune microenvironment differences between EMS patients and controls. Furthermore, a correlation was found between necroptosis-related differentially expressed genes and infiltrating immune cells to better understand the molecular immune mechanism. RESULTS Compared with the control group, this study revealed that 10 NRDEGs were identified in EMS. There were two types of immune cell infiltration abundance (activated NK cells and M2 macrophages) in these two datasets, and the correlation between different groups of samples was statistically significant (P < 0.05). MYO6 consistently correlated with activated NK cells in the two datasets. HOOK1 consistently demonstrated a high correlation with M2 Macrophages in two datasets. The immunohistochemical result indicated that the protein levels of MYO6 and HOOK1 were increased in patients with endometriosis, further suggesting that MYO6 and HOOK1 can be used as potential biomarkers for endometriosis. CONCLUSIONS We identified ten necroptosis-related genes in EMS and assessed their relationship with the immune microenvironment. MYO6 and HOOK1 may serve as novel biomarkers and treatment targets in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuezhen Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou, 317000, China
| | - Qin Zheng
- Department of Gynecology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou, 317000, China
| | - Man Sun
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Luotong Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China.
| | - Weiwei Ying
- Department of Gynecology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou, 317000, China.
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Driva TS, Schatz C, Haybaeck J. Endometriosis-Associated Ovarian Carcinomas: How PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway Affects Their Pathogenesis. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1253. [PMID: 37627318 PMCID: PMC10452661 DOI: 10.3390/biom13081253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian clear cell (OCCC) and endometrioid (EnOC) carcinomas are often subsumed under the umbrella term "endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer" (EAOC), since they frequently arise from ectopic endometrium settled in the ovaries. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is known to be aberrantly activated both in endometriosis and EAOC; however, its role in the progression of endometriosis to ovarian cancer remains unclear. In fact, cancer-associated alterations in the mTOR pathway may be found in normal uterine epithelium, likely acting as a first step towards ovarian cancer, through the intermediary stage of endometriosis. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge regarding mTOR signaling dysregulation in the uterine endometrium, endometriosis, and EAOC while focusing on the interconnections between the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and other signaling molecules that give rise to synergistic molecular mechanisms triggering ovarian cancer development in the presence of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana S. Driva
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Christoph Schatz
- Institute of Pathology, Neuropathology and Molecular Pathology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Johannes Haybaeck
- Institute of Pathology, Neuropathology and Molecular Pathology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Diagnostic & Research Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
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Zhang M, Xu T, Tong D, Li S, Yu X, Liu B, Jiang L, Liu K. Research advances in endometriosis-related signaling pathways: A review. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 164:114909. [PMID: 37210898 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis (EM) is characterized by the existence of endometrial mucosa outside the uterine cavity, which causesinfertility, persistent aches, and a decline in women's quality of life. Both hormone therapies and nonhormone therapies, such as NSAIDs, are ineffective, generic categories of EM drugs. Endometriosis is a benign gynecological condition, yet it shares a number of features with cancer cells, including immune evasion, survival, adhesion, invasion, and angiogenesis. Several endometriosis-related signaling pathways are comprehensively reviewed in this article, including E2, NF-κB, MAPK, ERK, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, YAP, Wnt/β-catenin, Rho/ROCK, TGF-β, VEGF, NO, iron, cytokines and chemokines. To find and develop novel medications for the treatment of EM, it is essential to implicitly determine the molecular pathways that are disordered during EM development. Additionally, research on the shared pathways between EM and tumors can provide hypotheses or suggestions for endometriosis therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manlin Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Tongtong Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Deming Tong
- Department of General Surgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Siman Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaodan Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Boya Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Lili Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Kuiran Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
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Kuang LW, Zhang CC, Li BH, Liu HZ, Wang H, Li GC. Identification of the MALAT1/miR-106a-5p/ZNF148 feedback loop in regulating HaCaT cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis. Regen Med 2023; 18:239-258. [PMID: 36710662 DOI: 10.2217/rme-2022-0189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims: This study aims to investigate the function of positive feedback loops involving noncoding RNA in diabetic wound healing. Methods: We developed a mouse diabetic wound model to confirm that hyperglycemia can impair wound healing. We also used an in vitro keratinocyte model in high-glucose conditions to investigate the mechanism of delayed wound healing. Results: MALAT1 was decreased in diabetic mouse wound tissue and can promote keratinocyte biological functions. MALAT1 could bind to miR-106a-5p to modulate the expression of ZNF148, a target gene of miR-106a-5p. Surprisingly, ZNF148 bound to a region in the MALAT1 promoter to stimulate gene expression. Conclusion: ZNF148-activated MALAT1 increases ZNF148 expression by competitively binding miR-106a-3p, generating a positive feedback loop that enhances keratinocyte function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Wen Kuang
- Department of Wound Repair Surgery, Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430062, PR China
| | - Chen-Chen Zhang
- Department of Wound Repair Surgery, Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430062, PR China
| | - Bing-Hui Li
- Department of Wound Repair Surgery, Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430062, PR China
| | - Hui-Zhen Liu
- Department of Wound Repair Surgery, Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430062, PR China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Wound Repair Surgery, Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430062, PR China
| | - Gong-Chi Li
- Department of Hand Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430022, PR China
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The Role of mTOR and eIF Signaling in Benign Endometrial Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073416. [PMID: 35408777 PMCID: PMC8998789 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Adenomyosis, endometriosis, endometritis, and typical endometrial hyperplasia are common non-cancerous diseases of the endometrium that afflict many women with life-impacting consequences. The mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) pathway interacts with estrogen signaling and is known to be dysregulated in endometrial cancer. Based on this knowledge, we attempt to investigate the role of mTOR signaling in benign endometrial diseases while focusing on how the interplay between mTOR and eukaryotic translation initiation factors (eIFs) affects their development. In fact, mTOR overactivity is apparent in adenomyosis, endometriosis, and typical endometrial hyperplasia, where it promotes endometrial cell proliferation and invasiveness. Recent data show aberrant expression of various components of the mTOR pathway in both eutopic and ectopic endometrium of patients with adenomyosis or endometriosis and in hyperplastic endometrium as well. Moreover, studies on endometritis show that derangement of mTOR signaling is linked to the establishment of endometrial dysfunction caused by chronic inflammation. This review shows that inhibition of the mTOR pathway has a promising therapeutic effect in benign endometrial conditions, concluding that mTOR signaling dysregulation plays a critical part in their pathogenesis.
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Cao S, Zhang S. Forkhead-box C1 attenuates high glucose-induced trophoblast cell injury during gestational diabetes mellitus via activating adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase through regulating fibroblast growth factor 19. Bioengineered 2022; 13:1174-1184. [PMID: 34982020 PMCID: PMC8805828 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.2018094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a complication developed during pregnancy and recover after childbirth. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective role of FOXC1 during GDM and the underlying mechanism. FOXC1 was downregulated in GDM placental tissues and HG-treated HTR-8/SVneo cells. Overexpression of FOXC1 prevented HG-induced inhibition of cell proliferation, migration and invasion. FOXC1 suppressed HG-induced cell apoptosis in HTR-8/SVneo cells. The apoptosis-related proteins: cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-9 and BAX, were also downregulated by FOXC1 overexpression. FOXC1 increased glucose uptake and improved insulin sensitivity. The expression of FOXC1 was positively correlated with FGF19 expression. FOXC1 regulated the expression of FGF19 and phosphorylation of AMPK. Inhibition of FGF19 attenuated the biological functions of FOXC1 through inactivation of AMPK. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that FOXC1 attenuates HG-induced trophoblast cell injury through upregulating FGF19 to activate the AMPK signaling pathway during GDM, suggesting that FOXC1 is a potential therapeutic target for drug discovery in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Cao
- Department of Obstetrics, Xuzhou First People’s Hospital, Xuzhou, China
| | - Shuxuan Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics, Xuzhou First People’s Hospital, Xuzhou, China
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Marima R, Francies FZ, Hull R, Molefi T, Oyomno M, Khanyile R, Mbatha S, Mabongo M, Owen Bates D, Dlamini Z. MicroRNA and Alternative mRNA Splicing Events in Cancer Drug Response/Resistance: Potent Therapeutic Targets. Biomedicines 2021; 9:1818. [PMID: 34944633 PMCID: PMC8698559 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a multifaceted disease that involves several molecular mechanisms including changes in gene expression. Two important processes altered in cancer that lead to changes in gene expression include altered microRNA (miRNA) expression and aberrant splicing events. MiRNAs are short non-coding RNAs that play a central role in regulating RNA silencing and gene expression. Alternative splicing increases the diversity of the proteome by producing several different spliced mRNAs from a single gene for translation. MiRNA expression and alternative splicing events are rigorously regulated processes. Dysregulation of miRNA and splicing events promote carcinogenesis and drug resistance in cancers including breast, cervical, prostate, colorectal, ovarian and leukemia. Alternative splicing may change the target mRNA 3'UTR binding site. This alteration can affect the produced protein and may ultimately affect the drug affinity of target proteins, eventually leading to drug resistance. Drug resistance can be caused by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. The interplay between miRNA and alternative splicing is largely due to splicing resulting in altered 3'UTR targeted binding of miRNAs. This can result in the altered targeting of these isoforms and altered drug targets and drug resistance. Furthermore, the increasing prevalence of cancer drug resistance poses a substantial challenge in the management of the disease. Henceforth, molecular alterations have become highly attractive drug targets to reverse the aberrant effects of miRNAs and splicing events that promote malignancy and drug resistance. While the miRNA-mRNA splicing interplay in cancer drug resistance remains largely to be elucidated, this review focuses on miRNA and alternative mRNA splicing (AS) events in breast, cervical, prostate, colorectal and ovarian cancer, as well as leukemia, and the role these events play in drug resistance. MiRNA induced cancer drug resistance; alternative mRNA splicing (AS) in cancer drug resistance; the interplay between AS and miRNA in chemoresistance will be discussed. Despite this great potential, the interplay between aberrant splicing events and miRNA is understudied but holds great potential in deciphering miRNA-mediated drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahaba Marima
- SAMRC Precision Oncology Research Unit (PORU), Pan African Cancer Research Institute (PACRI), University of Pretoria, Hatfiel, Pretoria 0028, South Africa; (R.M.); (F.Z.F.); (R.H.); (T.M.); (M.O.); (R.K.); (S.M.); (M.M.); (D.O.B.)
| | - Flavia Zita Francies
- SAMRC Precision Oncology Research Unit (PORU), Pan African Cancer Research Institute (PACRI), University of Pretoria, Hatfiel, Pretoria 0028, South Africa; (R.M.); (F.Z.F.); (R.H.); (T.M.); (M.O.); (R.K.); (S.M.); (M.M.); (D.O.B.)
| | - Rodney Hull
- SAMRC Precision Oncology Research Unit (PORU), Pan African Cancer Research Institute (PACRI), University of Pretoria, Hatfiel, Pretoria 0028, South Africa; (R.M.); (F.Z.F.); (R.H.); (T.M.); (M.O.); (R.K.); (S.M.); (M.M.); (D.O.B.)
| | - Thulo Molefi
- SAMRC Precision Oncology Research Unit (PORU), Pan African Cancer Research Institute (PACRI), University of Pretoria, Hatfiel, Pretoria 0028, South Africa; (R.M.); (F.Z.F.); (R.H.); (T.M.); (M.O.); (R.K.); (S.M.); (M.M.); (D.O.B.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Meryl Oyomno
- SAMRC Precision Oncology Research Unit (PORU), Pan African Cancer Research Institute (PACRI), University of Pretoria, Hatfiel, Pretoria 0028, South Africa; (R.M.); (F.Z.F.); (R.H.); (T.M.); (M.O.); (R.K.); (S.M.); (M.M.); (D.O.B.)
- Department of Surgery, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Richard Khanyile
- SAMRC Precision Oncology Research Unit (PORU), Pan African Cancer Research Institute (PACRI), University of Pretoria, Hatfiel, Pretoria 0028, South Africa; (R.M.); (F.Z.F.); (R.H.); (T.M.); (M.O.); (R.K.); (S.M.); (M.M.); (D.O.B.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Sikhumbuzo Mbatha
- SAMRC Precision Oncology Research Unit (PORU), Pan African Cancer Research Institute (PACRI), University of Pretoria, Hatfiel, Pretoria 0028, South Africa; (R.M.); (F.Z.F.); (R.H.); (T.M.); (M.O.); (R.K.); (S.M.); (M.M.); (D.O.B.)
- Department of Surgery, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Mzubanzi Mabongo
- SAMRC Precision Oncology Research Unit (PORU), Pan African Cancer Research Institute (PACRI), University of Pretoria, Hatfiel, Pretoria 0028, South Africa; (R.M.); (F.Z.F.); (R.H.); (T.M.); (M.O.); (R.K.); (S.M.); (M.M.); (D.O.B.)
- Department of Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery, School of Dentistry, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - David Owen Bates
- SAMRC Precision Oncology Research Unit (PORU), Pan African Cancer Research Institute (PACRI), University of Pretoria, Hatfiel, Pretoria 0028, South Africa; (R.M.); (F.Z.F.); (R.H.); (T.M.); (M.O.); (R.K.); (S.M.); (M.M.); (D.O.B.)
- Centre for Cancer Sciences, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Zodwa Dlamini
- SAMRC Precision Oncology Research Unit (PORU), Pan African Cancer Research Institute (PACRI), University of Pretoria, Hatfiel, Pretoria 0028, South Africa; (R.M.); (F.Z.F.); (R.H.); (T.M.); (M.O.); (R.K.); (S.M.); (M.M.); (D.O.B.)
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10
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Lu X, Song X, Hao X, Liu X, Zhang X, Yuan N, Ma H, Zhang Z. miR-186-3p attenuates the tumorigenesis of cervical cancer via targeting insulin-like growth factor 1 to suppress PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Bioengineered 2021; 12:7079-7092. [PMID: 34551673 PMCID: PMC8806770 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.1977053] [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] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
miR-186-3p acts as a tumor suppressor in various cancers. This study aimed to explore the expression levels of miR-186-3p and its role in cervical cancer. We analyzed the effects of miR-186-3p and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) on the proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis of cervical cancer cells in vitro by regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. In cervical cancer tissues and cells, miR-186-3p was downregulated, and IGF1 was upregulated. In addition, miR-186-3p inhibited cell proliferation and invasion and enhanced apoptosis of cervical cancer cells. Moreover, our results showed that miR-186-3p inversely regulated the mRNA expression of IGF1 through direct contact. Knockdown of IGF1 reversed the results of miR-186-3p inhibitor in cervical cancer cells. In addition, the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway was activated by the miR-186-3p inhibitor, although partially arrested by IGF1 knockdown. The PI3K/Akt signaling pathway inhibitor suppressed miR-186-3p inhibitor-stimulated cell proliferation in cervical cancer. In conclusion, miR-186-3p inhibits tumorigenesis of cervical cancer by repressing IGF1, which inactivates the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, implicating miR-186-3p as a potential new target for the treatment of cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiurong Lu
- Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, Hebei, China
| | - Xiao Song
- Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, Hebei, China
| | - Xiaohui Hao
- Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, Hebei, China
| | - Xiaoyu Liu
- Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, Hebei, China
| | - Xianyu Zhang
- Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, Hebei, China
| | - Na Yuan
- Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, Hebei, China
| | - Huan Ma
- Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, Hebei, China
| | - Zhilin Zhang
- Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, Hebei, China
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Du P, Luo K, Li G, Zhu J, Xiao Q, Li Y, Zhang X. Long non-coding RNA VCAN-AS1 promotes the malignant behaviors of breast cancer by regulating the miR-106a-5p-mediated STAT3/HIF-1α pathway. Bioengineered 2021; 12:5028-5044. [PMID: 34365889 PMCID: PMC8806652 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.1960774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
An accumulating number of studies have found that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) participate in breast cancer (BC) development. LncRNA VCAN-AS1, a novel lncRNA, has been confirmed to regulate the progression of gastric cancer, while its role in BC is elusive. Here, our results illustrate that VCAN-AS1 is overexpressed in BC tissues and cells, while miR-106a-5p was downregulated and negatively correlated with VCAN-AS1. In addition, high VCAN-AS1 expression and low miR-106a-5p expression were closely correlated with poor overall survival in BC patients. Functional experiments confirmed that VCAN-AS1 overexpression notably accelerated BC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and enhanced tumor cell growth while also suppressing cell apoptosis. However, overexpression of miR-106a-5p had the opposite effects. In addition, rescue experiments confirmed that overexpression of VCAN-AS1 inhibited the tumor-suppressive effects mediated by miR-106a-5p. Mechanistically, through bioinformatics analysis, we found that VCAN-AS1 functions as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) of miR-106a-5p, which targets the 3ʹ untranslated region (UTR) of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). Further experiments indicated that miR-106a-5p downregulated the STAT3/hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1α) pathway, while activating the STAT3 pathway reversed miR-106a-5p-mediated antitumor effects. Collectively, our data suggest that VCAN-AS1 is upregulated in breast cancer and promotes its progression by regulating the miR-106a-5p-mediated STAT3/HIF-1α pathway. This study provides a new target for BC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Du
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Kaifeng Luo
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Guoyong Li
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jisheng Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Qi Xiao
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yong Li
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xingjian Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
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