MicroRNA MiR-130a-3p promotes gastric cancer by targeting Glucosaminyl N-acetyl transferase 4 (GCNT4) to regulate the TGF-β1/SMAD3 pathway

Integrated analysis of non‑coding RNAs (HOTAIR and miR‑130a) and their cross‑talk with TGF‑β1, SIRT1 and E‑cadherin as potential biomarkers in colorectal cancer

Molecular changes have a substantial impact on the onset of colorectal cancer (CRC). Complexes of HOTAIR and miRNAs disrupt several cellular functions during carcinogenesis, primarily by disrupting several carcinogenic signaling pathways. In the present study, the relationships between the serum levels of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) and E-cadherin and those of HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA (HOTAIR) and microRNA-130a (miR-130a) in individuals with CRC were analyzed, including their correlations and diagnostic potential. Patients with colon cancer and healthy volunteers were enrolled in the study. Blood samples were collected from 70 patients with CRC and 30 age-matched healthy control volunteers and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to determine the serum levels of HOTAIR and miR-130a. In addition, the levels of TGF-β1, SIRT1 and E-cadherin were determined utilizing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Patients with CRC were found to have significantly higher TGF-β1, SIRT1, HOTAIR and miR-130a serum levels than those of healthy participants. In addition, patients with high-grade CRC had significantly higher levels of TGF-β1, SIRT1, HOTAIR and miR-130a compared with those of patients with low-grade CRC. A significant reduction in the serum levels of E-cadherin was observed in participants with CRC compared with healthy participants, but no significant difference was detected according to the grade of CRC. Positive correlations were found between HOTAIR and miR-130a, as well as TGF-β1 and SIRT1. By contrast, negative correlations were noted between E-cadherin and HOTAIR, miR-130a, TGF-β1 and SIRT1. Therefore, it may be concluded that the miR-130a/HOTAIR and TGF-β1/SIRT1/E-cadherin axes may serve as novel biomarkers for the early diagnosis of CRC.

Dextran sulfate inhibits proliferation and metastasis of human gastric cancer cells via miR-34c-5p

Background

Gastric cancer (GC) is a malignant tumor with a high global mortality rate that is currently difficult to treat. Dextran sulfate (DS), a safe anti-tumor agent, can effectively inhibit the malignant biological behavior of gastric cancer; however, its mechanism of action is not fully understood. Therefore, this study aimed at elucidate the potential mechanisms of action.

Methods

In this study we used DS to intervene in lentivirus-transfected gastric cancer cells to observe the effect of DS on miR-34c-5p. RT-qPCR, CCK-8, clone formation assay, wound healing assay, transwell assay and western blot were used to examine whether DS affects the proliferation and metastasis of gastric cancer cells via miR-34c-5p. The results were validated using in vivo experiments.

Results

Our data confirmed that DS up-regulated miR-34c-5p expression in human gastric cancer cells. Moreover, DS intervention enhanced the inhibitory effect of miR-34c-5p over-expression on the proliferation, invasion, and migration of gastric cancer cells, and partially reversed the promotive effect of miR-34c-5p on the proliferation, invasion, and migration of gastric cancer cells. In addition, DS could affect the activation of the MAP2K1/ERK signaling pathway through the up-regulation of miR-34c-5p, thereby inhibiting the malignant biological behavior of gastric cancer. Finally, it was demonstrated that DS could also inhibit the expression of MAP2K1 in vivo, which in turn inhibits the activation of the ERK signaling pathway to exert anti-cancer effects.

Conclusion

DS may inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of gastric cancer cells by regulating miR-34c-5p, which may be a new option for clinical treatment.

Aberrant Super-Enhancer Landscape in Enzalutamide-Resistant Prostate Cancer Cells

Background: Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), which has developed resistance to next-generation antiandrogens, such as enzalutamide (Enz), is a lethal disease. Furthermore, transcriptional regulation by super enhancers (SEs) is crucial for the growth and spread of prostate cancer, as well as drug resistance. The functions of SEs, a significant class of noncoding DNA cis-regulatory elements, have been the subject of numerous recent studies in the field of cancer research. Materials and Methods: The goal of this research was to identify SEs associated with Enz resistance in C4-2B cells using chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing and cleavage under targets and tagmentation (CUT&Tag). Using HOMER analysis to predict protein/gene-binding motifs, we identified master transcription factors (TFs) that may bind to SE sites. Using small interfering RNA, WST-1 assays, and qRT-PCR, we then confirmed the associations between TFs of SEs and Enz resistance. Results: A total of 999 SEs were screened from C4-2B EnzR cells in total. Incorporating analysis with RNA-seq data revealed 41 SEs to be strongly associated with the promotion of Enz resistance. In addition, we finally predicted that master TFs bind to SE-binding regions. Subsequently, we selected zinc finger protein 467 (ZFP467) and SMAD family member 3 to confirm the functional connections of master TFs with Enz resistance through SEs (ZNF467). Conclusions: In this study, SMAD3 and ZNF467 were found to be closely related to Enz-resistant CRPC. Our research uncovered a sizable group of SEs linked to Enz resistance in prostate cancer, dissected the mechanisms underlying SE Enz resistance, and shed light on potential clinical uses for SEs.

CircPRDM5 inhibits the proliferation, migration, invasion, and glucose metabolism of gastric cancer cells by reducing GCNT4 expression in a miR-485-3p-dependent manner

Circular RNA (circRNA) plays a key part in the pathological process of gastric cancer (GC). The study is organized to analyze the function of circPRDM5 in GC cell tumor properties. Expression levels of circPRDM5, miR-485-3p, glucosaminyl (N-acetyl) transferase 4 (GCNT4), ki67, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and hexokinase 2 (HK2) were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Western blotting or immunohistochemistry assay. Cell proliferation was assessed by cell colony formation assay and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine assay. Cell migration and invasion were investigated by transwell assay. Glycolysis was evaluated by the Seahorse XF Glycolysis Stress Test Kit. Dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull-down assay were performed to identify the associations among circPRDM5, miR-485-3p, and GCNT4. Xenograft mouse model assay was conducted to determine the effects of circPRDM5 on tumor formation in vivo. CircPRDM5 and GCNT4 expression were downregulated, while miR-485-3p expression was upregulated in GC tissues and cells when compared with paracancerous tissues or human gastric epithelial cells. CircPRDM5 overexpression inhibited proliferation, migration, invasion, and glucose metabolism of GC cells; however, circPRDM5 depletion had the opposite effects. CircPRDM5 repressed tumor properties of GC cells in vivo. MiR-485-3p restoration relieved circPRDM5-induced effects in GC cells. GCNT4 overexpression remitted the promoting effects of miR-485-3p mimics on GC cell malignancy. CircPRDM5 acted as a sponge for miR-485-3p, and GCNT4 was identified as a target gene of miR-485-3p. Moreover, circPRDM5 regulated GCNT4 expression by interacting with miR-485-3p.CircPRDM5 acted as a miR-485-3p sponge to inhibit GC progression by increasing GCNT4 expression, proving a potential target for GC therapy.

miRNA/epithelial-mesenchymal axis (EMT) axis as a key player in cancer progression and metastasis: A focus on gastric and bladder cancers

The metastasis a major hallmark of tumors that its significant is not only related to the basic research, but clinical investigations have revealed that majority of cancer deaths are due to the metastasis. The metastasis of tumor cells is significantly increased due to EMT mechanism and therefore, inhibition of EMT can reduce biological behaviors of tumor cells and improve the survival rate of patients. One of the gaps related to cancer metastasis is lack of specific focus on the EMT regulation in certain types of tumor cells. The gastric and bladder cancers are considered as two main reasons of death among patients in clinical level. Herein, the role of EMT in regulation of their progression is evaluated with a focus on the function of miRNAs. The inhibition/induction of EMT in these cancers and their ability in modulation of EMT-related factors including ZEB1/2 proteins, TGF-β, Snail and cadherin proteins are discussed. Moreover, lncRNAs and circRNAs in crosstalk of miRNA/EMT regulation in these tumors are discussed and final impact on cancer metastasis and response of tumor cells to the chemotherapy is evaluated. Moreover, the impact of miRNAs transferred by exosomes in regulation of EMT in these cancers are discussed.

The Role of the Transforming Growth Factor-β Signaling Pathway in Gastrointestinal Cancers

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) has attracted attention as a tumor suppressor because of its potent growth-suppressive effect on epithelial cells. Dysregulation of the TGF-β signaling pathway is considered to be one of the key factors in carcinogenesis, and genetic alterations affecting TGF-β signaling are extraordinarily common in cancers of the gastrointestinal system, such as hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer and pancreatic cancer. Accumulating evidence suggests that TGF-β is produced from various types of cells in the tumor microenvironment and mediates extracellular matrix deposition, tumor angiogenesis, the formation of CAFs, and suppression of the anti-tumor immune reaction. It is also being considered as a factor that promotes the malignant transformation of cancer, particularly the invasion and metastasis of cancer cells, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Therefore, elucidating the role of TGF-β signaling in carcinogenesis, cancer invasion, and metastasis will provide novel basic insight for diagnosis and prognosis and the development of new molecularly targeted therapies for gastrointestinal cancers. In this review, we outline an overview of the complex mechanisms and functions of TGF-β signaling. Furthermore, we discuss the therapeutic potentials of targeting the TGF-β signaling pathway for gastrointestinal cancer treatment and discuss the remaining challenges and future perspectives on targeting this pathway.

MicroRNA-130a-3p impedes the progression of papillary thyroid carcinoma through downregulation of KPNB1 by targeting PSME3

BACKGROUND

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the main type of thyroid cancer (THCA). Despite the good prognosis, some PTC patients may deteriorate into more aggressive disease, leading to poor survival. Our study aimed to explore the role of microRNA (miR)-130a-3p in regulating PTC.

METHODS

After transfection with miR-130a-3p-mimic, OE-PSME3, or miR-130a-3p-mimic + OE-KPNB1 in PTC cells (TPC-1), CCK-8, Transwell, scratch, and flow cytometry experiments were performed to analyze TPC-1 cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis. Western blotting was used to detect proliferation or invasion-related protein markers (PCNA, E-cadherin, and N-cadherin). The RNA22 database, dual-luciferase reporter assay, and RNA pull-down assay were applied for the prediction and verification of the binding site between miR-130a-3p and PSME3. Pan-cancer software identified a positive correlation between PSME3 and KPNB1 in THCA. Co-immunoprecipitation was utilized to verify the interaction of PSME3 with KPNB1. Nude mice were transplanted with TPC-1 cells overexpressing miR-130a-3p. The tumors were isolated for detection of the expression of miR-130a-3p, PSME3, KPNB1, Ki-67, and CD31.

RESULTS

miR-130a-3p was lowly expressed in PTC cell lines. Upregulation of miR-130a-3p repressed the expression of PSME3 and KPNB1 and reduced the malignancy of TPC-1 cells in vitro, shown by inhibited cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and the expression of PCNA and N-cadherin. Also, overexpressed miR-130a-3p inhibited the growth of xenograft tumors in nude mice. miR-130a-3p bound to PSME3 which interacted with KPNB1.

CONCLUSION

miR-130a-3p impedes the progression of PTC by downregulating PSME3/KPNB1.

Comprehensive analysis to construct a novel immune-related prognostic panel in aging-related gastric cancer based on the lncRNA‒miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network

Introduction: Gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth frequent malignancy and is responsible for the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Gastric cancer is an aging-related disease, with incidence and mortality rates increasing with aging. The development of GC is affected by lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs at the transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels. This study aimed to establish a prognostic panel for GC based on competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks. Methods: RNA sequences were obtained from the TCGA database. Different expressions of RNAs were scrutinized with the EdgeR package. The ceRNA network was built using the starBase database and the Cytoscape. The prognostic panel was constituted with the LASSO algorithm. We developed a nomogram comprising clinical characteristic and risk score. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) was used to evaluate the accuracy of the nomogram prediction. Hub RNAs expressions were detected by qPCR, immunohistochemistry and western blot respectively. Clinical relevance and survival analyses were analyzed. The relationship between RNAs and immune infiltrations, as well as immune checkpoints, was analyzed and evaluated using the CIBERSORT, TIMER and TISIDB databases. Results: Four DElncRNAs, 21 DEmiRNAs and 45 DEmRNAs were included in the ceRNA network. A 3-element panel (comprising lncRNA PVT1, hsa-miR-130a-3p and RECK) with poor overall survival (OS) was established and qPCR was applied to validate the expressions of hub RNAs. Hub RNAs were firmly associated with T, M, and N stage. The CIBERSORT database showed that the high lassoScore group exhibited a significantly high ratio of resting memory CD4⁺ T cells, M2 macrophages and a significantly low ratio of activated memory CD4⁺ T cells and M1 macrophages. According to the TIMER database, this panel was linked to immune infiltrations and immune cell gene markers. TISIDB database indicated that RECK was positively correlated with immune checkpoints (including CD160, CD244, PDCD1, and TGFBR1). Discussion: A novel triple prognostic panel of GC constructed based on the ceRNA network was associated with clinical prognostic, clinicopathological features, immune infiltrations, immune checkpoints and immune gene markers. This panel might provide potential therapeutic targets for GC and more experimental verification research is needed.

MEIS1 Is a Common Transcription Repressor of the miR-23a and NORHA Axis in Granulosa Cells

MicroRNA-23a (miR-23a) is an endogenous small activating RNA (saRNA) involved in ovarian granulosa cell (GC) apoptosis and sow fertility by activating lncRNA NORHA transcription. Here, we reported that both miR-23a and NORHA were repressed by a common transcription factor MEIS1, which forms a small network regulating sow GC apoptosis. We characterized the pig miR-23a core promoter, and the putative binding sites of 26 common transcription factors were detected in the core promoters of both miR-23a and NORHA. Of them, transcription factor MEIS1 expression was the highest in the ovary, and widely distributed in various ovarian cells, including GCs. Functionally, MEIS1 is involved in follicular atresia by inhibiting GC apoptosis. Luciferase reporter and ChIP assays showed that transcription factor MEIS1 represses the transcription activity of miR-23a and NORHA through direct binding to their core promoters. Furthermore, MEIS1 represses miR-23a and NORHA expression in GCs. Additionally, MEIS1 inhibits the expression of FoxO1, a downstream of the miR-23a/NORHA axis, and GC apoptosis by repressing the miR-23a/NORHA axis. Overall, our findings point to MEIS1 as a common transcription repressor of miR-23a and NORHA, and develop the miR-23a/NORHA axis into a small regulatory network regulating GC apoptosis and female fertility.

Circ_0005758 impedes gastric cancer progression through miR-1229-3p/GCNT4 feedback loop

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been reported to have roles in the carcinogenesis of gastric cancer (GC). Circ_0005758 was discovered to be decreased in GC, here, the detailed functions and molecular mechanism of circ_0005758 in GC progression were investigated. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting were used to measure the levels of genes and proteins. The biological functions of circ_0005758 on GC progression were investigated by using in vitro assays, including 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EDU), transwell, tube formation and flow cytometry, and in vivo murine xenograft model. The binding between miR-1229-3p and circ_0005758 or GCNT4 (Glucosaminyl (N-Acetyl) Transferase 4) was confirmed using dual-luciferase reporter assay and pull-down assay. Circ_0005758 expression was decreased in GC tissues and cells, re-expression of circ_0005758 induced apoptosis and suppressed proliferation, migration, invasion and angiogenesis in GC cells in vitro, and impeded xenograft tumor growth in nude mice. Mechanistically, circ_0005758 sequestered miR-1229-3p to release GCNT4 expression, indicating the circ_0005758/miR-1229-3p/GCNT4 competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network GC cells. Besides, an increased miR-1229-3p level and a decreased GCNT4 expression were observed in GC. Rescue experiments demonstrated that miR-1229-3p up-regulation or GCNT4 down-regulation attenuated the anticancer effects of circ_0005758 re-expression on GC cells. Circ_0005758 acts as a tumor suppressor to impede gastric cancer progression via miR-1229-3p/GCNT4 axis, implying that therapeutic targeting of circ_0005758 may better to prevent gastric cancer.

Identification of an amino acid metabolism-associated gene signature predicting the prognosis and immune therapy response of clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Background

The upregulation of amino acid metabolism is an essential form of metabolic reprogramming in cancer. Here, we developed an amino acid metabolism signature to predict prognosis and anti-PD-1 therapy response in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC).

Methods

According to the amino acid metabolism-associated gene sets contained in the Molecular Signature Database, consensus clustering was performed to divide patients into two clusters. An amino acid metabolism-associated signature was identified and verified. Immune cell infiltrates and their corresponding signature risk scores were investigated. Two independent cohorts of clinical trials were analyzed to explore the correspondence between the signature risk score and the immune therapy response.

Results

Two clusters with different amino acid metabolic levels were identified by consensus clustering. The patients in the two clusters differed in overall survival, progression-free survival, amino acid metabolic status, and tumor microenvironment. We identified a signature containing eight amino acid metabolism-associated genes that could accurately predict the prognosis of patients with ccRCC. The signature risk score was positively correlated with infiltration of M1 macrophages, CD8+ T cells, and regulatory T cells, whereas it was negatively correlated with infiltration of neutrophils, NK cells, and CD4+ T cells. Patients with lower risk scores had better overall survival but worse responses to nivolumab.

Conclusion

Amino acid metabolic status is closely correlated with tumor microenvironment, response to checkpoint blockade therapy, and prognosis in patients with ccRCC. The established amino acid metabolism-associated gene signature can predict both survival and anti-PD-1 therapy response in patients with ccRCC.

Upregulated miRNAs on the TP53 and RB1 Binding Seedless Regions in High-Risk HPV-Associated Penile Cancer

Cancer development by the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection can occur through the canonical HPV/p53/RB1 pathway mediated by the E2/E6/E7 viral oncoproteins. During the transformation process, HPV inserts its genetic material into host Integration Sites (IS), affecting coding genes and miRNAs. In penile cancer (PeCa) there is limited data on the miRNAs that regulate mRNA targets associated with HPV, such as the TP53 and RB1 genes. Considering the high frequency of HPV infection in PeCa patients in Northeast Brazil, global miRNA expression profiling was performed in high-risk HPV-associated PeCa that presented with TP53 and RB1 mRNA downregulated expression. The miRNA expression profile of 22 PeCa tissue samples and five non-tumor penile tissues showed 507 differentially expressed miRNAs: 494 downregulated and 13 upregulated (let-7a-5p, miR-130a-3p, miR-142-3p, miR-15b-5p miR-16-5p, miR-200c-3p, miR-205-5p, miR-21-5p, miR-223-3p, miR-22-3p, miR-25-3p, miR-31-5p and miR-93-5p), of which 11 were identified to be in HPV16-IS and targeting TP53 and RB1 genes. One hundred and thirty-one and 490 miRNA binding sites were observed for TP53 and RB1, respectively, most of which were in seedless regions. These findings suggest that up-regulation of miRNA expression can directly repress TP53 and RB1 expression by their binding sites in the non-canonical seedless regions.

Noncoding RNAs and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in advanced gastric cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignant tumors globally. About 20-30% of patients with gastric cancer show peritoneal implantation metastasis at the first diagnosis. Peritoneal metastasis is responsible for 70% of deaths of patients with advanced gastric cancer. Although there are many ways to treat advanced gastric cancer, the prognosis of patients with recurrence is unsatisfactory. An auxiliary treatment with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), is an internationally recognized recommended treatment for advanced gastric cancer. A series of clinical trials have shown that HIPEC significantly improves the overall survival of patients with cancer. Compared with the cytoreductive surgery (CRS) alone, HIPEC combined with CRS markedly reduced the rate of peritoneal metastasis in patients with ovarian cancer and colorectal cancer. It has been demonstrated that HIPEC alters transcription of many genes by affecting non-coding RNAs, which may contribute to the suppressive effect of HIPEC on the synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins in cancer cells. This paper reviews the recent advances in understanding the role of non-coding RNAs in tumor invasion and metastasis of advanced gastric cancer. We also consider changes in noncoding RNA levels and other molecules in advanced gastric cancer cases treated with HIPEC. We hope that our review will provide a reference for future research on molecular epidemiology and etiology of advanced gastric cancer and promote precise treatment of this malignancy using HIPEC.