Long non-coding RNA human leucocyte antigen complex group-18 HCG18 (HCG18) promoted cell proliferation and migration in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma through cyclin D1-WNT pathway

The role of lncRNA HCG18 in human diseases

A substantial number of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified as potent regulators of human disease. Human leukocyte antigen complex group 18 (HCG18) is a new type of lncRNA that has recently been proven to play an important role in the occurrence and development of various diseases. Studies have found that abnormal expression of HCG18 is closely related to the clinicopathological characteristics of many diseases. More importantly, HCG18 was also found to promote disease progression by affecting a series of cell biological processes. This article mainly discusses the expression characteristics, clinical characteristics, biological effects and related regulatory mechanisms of HCG18 in different human diseases, providing a scientific theoretical basis for its early clinical application.

Crosstalk between Non-Coding RNAs and Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling in Head and Neck Cancer: Identification of Novel Biomarkers and Therapeutic Agents

Head and neck cancers (HNC) encompass a broad spectrum of neoplastic disorders characterized by significant morbidity and mortality. While contemporary therapeutic interventions offer promise, challenges persist due to tumor recurrence and metastasis. Central to HNC pathogenesis is the aberration in numerous signaling cascades. Prominently, the Wnt signaling pathway has been critically implicated in the etiology of HNC, as supported by a plethora of research. Equally important, variations in the expression of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been identified to modulate key cancer phenotypes such as cellular proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, metastatic potential, recurrence, and treatment resistance. This review aims to provide an exhaustive insight into the multifaceted influence of ncRNAs on HNC, with specific emphasis on their interactions with the Wnt/β-catenin (WBC) signaling axis. We further delineate the effect of ncRNAs in either exacerbating or attenuating HNC progression via interference with WBC signaling. An overview of the mechanisms underlying the interplay between ncRNAs and WBC signaling is also presented. In addition, we described the potential of various ncRNAs in enhancing the efficacy of chemotherapeutic and radiotherapeutic modalities. In summary, this assessment posits the potential of ncRNAs as therapeutic agents targeting the WBC signaling pathway in HNC management.

Long non-coding RNA as a potential diagnostic biomarker in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a group of malignancies arising from the epithelium of the head and neck. Despite efforts in treatment, results have remained unsatisfactory, and the death rate is high. Early diagnosis of HNSCC has clinical importance due to its high rates of invasion and metastasis. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of lncRNAs in HNSCC patients.

METHODS

PubMed, ISI, SCOPUS, and EMBASE were searched for original publications published till April 2023 using MeSH terms and free keywords "long non-coding RNA" and "head and neck squamous cell carcinoma" and their expansions. The Reitsma bivariate random effect model pooled diagnostic test performance for studies that reported specificity and sensitivity; diagnostic AUC values from all trials were meta-analyzed using the random effects model with the inverse variance method.

RESULTS

The initial database search yielded 3209 articles, and 25 studies met our criteria. The cumulative sensitivity and specificity for lncRNAs in the diagnosis of HNSCC were 0.74 (95%CI: 0.68-0.7 (and 0.79 (95%CI: 0.74-0.83), respectively. The pooled AUC value for all specimen types was found to be 0.83. Using the inverse variance method, 71 individual lncRNAs yielded a pooled AUC of 0.77 (95%CI: 0.74-0.79). Five studies reported on the diagnostic accuracy of the MALAT1 lncRNA with a pooled AUC value of 0.83 (95%CI: 0.73-0.94).

CONCLUSIONS

LncRNAs could be used as diagnostic biomarkers for HNSCC, but further investigation is needed to validate clinical efficacy and elucidate mechanisms. High-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics should be used to ascertain expression profiles.

The Two Faces of Immune-Related lncRNAs in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a group of cancers originating from the mucosal epithelium in the oral cavity, larynx, oropharynx, nasopharynx, and hypopharynx. Molecular factors can be key in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of HNSCC patients. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are molecular regulators composed of 200 to 100,000 nucleotides that act on the modulation of genes that activate signaling pathways associated with oncogenic processes such as proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis in tumor cells. However, up until now, few studies have discussed the participation of lncRNAs in modeling the tumor microenvironment (TME) to generate a protumor or antitumor environment. Nevertheless, some immune-related lncRNAs have clinical relevance, since AL139158.2, AL031985.3, AC104794.2, AC099343.3, AL357519.1, SBDSP1, AS1AC108010.1, and TM4SF19-AS1 have been associated with overall survival (OS). MANCR is also related to poor OS and disease-specific survival. MiR31HG, TM4SF19-AS1, and LINC01123 are associated with poor prognosis. Meanwhile, LINC02195 and TRG-AS1 overexpression is associated with favorable prognosis. Moreover, ANRIL lncRNA induces resistance to cisplatin by inhibiting apoptosis. A superior understanding of the molecular mechanisms of lncRNAs that modify the characteristics of TME could contribute to increasing the efficacy of immunotherapy.

NUP160 knockdown inhibits the progression of diabetic nephropathy in vitro and in vivo

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a severe diabetic complication and podocyte damage is a hallmark of DN. The Nucleoporin 160 (NUP160) gene was demonstrated to regulate cell proliferation and apoptosis in mouse podocytes. This study explored the possible role and mechanisms of NUP160 in high glucose-triggered podocyte injury. A rat model of DN was established by intraperitoneal injection of 60 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ). Podocytes were treated with 33 mM high glucose. The effects of the Nup160 on DN and its mechanisms were assessed using MTT, flow cytometry, Western blot, ELISA, RT-qPCR, and luciferase reporter assays. The in vivo effects of NUP160 were analyzed by HE, PAS, and MASSON staining assays. The NUP160 level was significantly upregulated in podocytes treated with 33 mM high glucose. Functionally, NUP160 knockdown alleviated high glucose-induced apoptosis and inflammation in podocytes. Mechanistically, miR-495-3p directly targeted NUP160, and lncRNA HCG18 upregulated NUP160 by sponging miR-495-3p by acting as a ceRNA. Additionally, NUP160 overexpression reversed the effects of HCG18 knockdown in high glucose treated-podocytes. The in vivo assays indicated that NUP160 knockdown alleviated the symptoms of DN rats. NUP160 knockdown plays a key role in preventing the progression of DN, suggesting that targeting NUP160 may be a potential therapeutic strategy for DN treatment.

Relationship between M6A methylation regulator and prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization

Background

Patients with mid-stage HCC (hepatocellular carcinoma) may benefit from transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE). However, patient efficacy varies widely, and the detailed assessment index is unknown. The most general methylation alteration in mRNA (Messenger RNA), N6-methyladenosine (m6A), is controlled by the m6A regulator, which is associated with the emergence of tumors. To include the molecular causes of cancer, competition with ceRNA (endogenous RNA) networks is crucial. However, the exact processes they contribute to TACE HCC remain uncertain. The purpose of this study was tantamount to investigating the possible function of ceRNA networks and m6A regulators in patients with TACE HCC.

Methods

Genes Associated with m6A were discovered using the TACE GEO (Gene Expression Omnibus) dataset. An additional estimate of M6A-associated DEGs (differentially expressed genes) was used to create a predictive response model, which is required. LncRNA-miRNA and miRNA-mRNA interactions were then predicted, the regulatory ceRNA network was set up using Cytoscape software, and target genes were identified using GEPIA online analysis. The connection between immunological checkpoints, immune cell marker genes, and target genes for immune cells was also examined.

Results

The detection of 4 m6A-associated DEGs, the development and evaluation of 2 Machine learning models, and the development of risk models that accurately predicted the response rate of specific patients. Additionally, we obtained two miRNAs (micro RNAs)and six lncRNAs (Long non-coding RNAs), forming an 8-pair ceRNA network, and the target gene LRPPRC deletion of one copy number and gene expression was highly correlated with the amount of Tregs immune cells. LRPPRC was related positively with NRP1, IRF5, and ITGAM and negatively with CCR7 and CD8B among immune cell marker genes. We also discovered that LRPPRC correlates positively with immune checkpoint CD274 cells.

Conclusion

The response of HCC patients to TACE therapy may be predicted using a model based on four gene expression data. We also developed a ceRNA network for TACE HCC related to m6A, which offered suggestions for more research into its molecular processes and possible prognostic indicators.