Long Noncoding RNA MRPL39 Inhibits Gastric Cancer Proliferation and Progression by Directly Targeting miR-130

LncRNA MRPL39 inhibits cell proliferation and migration by regulating miR-130/TSC1 axis in non-small cell lung cancer

Currently, the effect of miR-130 on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains controversial. In this study, the expression of miR-130 and lncRNA MRPL39 in tumor and non-tumor tissues of NSCLC patients was examined using real-time PCR (RT-PCR) and correlated with the prognosis of NSCLC. The phenotypic effects of miR-130 and MRPL39 on proliferation and migration of NSCLC cell line A549 cells were assessed through CCK-8 and Transwell assays with miR-130 mimic and MRPL39 (mitochondrial ribosomal protein L39) overexpressed plasmid transfection. StarBase/TargetScan analysis and dual-luciferase reporter gene assays were conducted to investigate the relationship between MRPL39, miR-130, and Tuberculosis sclerosis 1 (TSC1). MiR-130 was overexpressed, and MRPL39 was downregulated in NSCLC tissues and cells. Inhibition of miR-130 expression and overexpression of MRPL39 resulted in the inhibition of the viability and migration of A549 cells. MRPL39 is a potential upstream regulatory long non-coding RNA of miR-130, and its expression is negatively regulated by miR-130. TSC1 was identified as a target of miR-130, suppressing the antitumor effects of FGD5-AS1 silencing on GBM cells. After overexpression of MRPL39, the mRNA and protein levels of TSC1 in A549 cells significantly increased. However, after transfection with miR-130 mimic, the up-regulation of mRNA and protein was inhibited, leading to the suppression of cell proliferation and migration.

Targeting NRAS via miR-1304-5p or farnesyltransferase inhibition confers sensitivity to ALK inhibitors in ALK-mutant neuroblastoma

Targeting Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is a promising therapeutic strategy for aberrant ALK-expressing malignancies including neuroblastoma, but resistance to ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors (ALK TKI) is a distinct possibility necessitating drug combination therapeutic approaches. Using high-throughput, genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 knockout screens, we identify miR-1304-5p loss as a desensitizer to ALK TKIs in aberrant ALK-expressing neuroblastoma; inhibition of miR-1304-5p decreases, while mimics of this miRNA increase the sensitivity of neuroblastoma cells to ALK TKIs. We show that miR-1304-5p targets NRAS, decreasing cell viability via induction of apoptosis. It follows that the farnesyltransferase inhibitor (FTI) lonafarnib in addition to ALK TKIs act synergistically in neuroblastoma, inducing apoptosis in vitro. In particular, on combined treatment of neuroblastoma patient derived xenografts with an FTI and an ALK TKI complete regression of tumour growth is observed although tumours rapidly regrow on cessation of therapy. Overall, our data suggests that combined use of ALK TKIs and FTIs, constitutes a therapeutic approach to treat high risk neuroblastoma although prolonged therapy is likely required to prevent relapse.

Protective Effect of Dictyophora Polysaccharides on Sodium Arsenite-Induced Hepatotoxicity: A Proteomics Study

The purpose of this study is to understand the mechanism of sodium arsenite (NaAsO₂)-induced apoptosis of L-02 human hepatic cells, and how Dictyophora polysaccharide (DIP) protects L-02 cells from arsenic-induced apoptosis. The results revealed that DIP pretreatment inhibited NaAsO₂ induced L-02 cells apoptosis by increasing anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 expression and decreasing pro-apoptotic Bax expression. Proteomic analysis showed that arsenic treatment disrupted the expression of metabolism and apoptosis associated proteins, including ribosomal proteins (RPs). After pretreatment with DIP, the expression levels of these proteins were reversed or restored. For the first time, it was observed that the significant decrease of cytoplasmic RPs and the increase of mitochondrial RPs were related to human normal cell apoptosis induced by arsenic. This is also the first report that the protective effect of DIP on cells was related to RPs. The results highlight the relationship between RPs and apoptosis, as well as the relationship between RPs and DIP attenuating arsenic-induced apoptosis.

MicroRNAs: The Link between the Metabolic Syndrome and Oncogenesis

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) represents a cluster of disorders that increase the risk of a plethora of conditions, in particular type two diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain types of cancers. MetS is a complex entity characterized by a chronic inflammatory state that implies dysregulations of adipokins and proinflammatory cytokins together with hormonal and growth factors imbalances. Of great interest is the implication of microRNA (miRNA, miR), non-coding RNA, in cancer genesis, progression, and metastasis. The adipose tissue serves as an important source of miRs, which represent a novel class of adipokines, that play a crucial role in carcinogenesis. Altered miRs secretion in the adipose tissue, in the context of MetS, might explain their implication in the oncogenesis. The interplay between miRs expressed in adipose tissue, their dysregulation and cancer pathogenesis are still intriguing, taking into consideration the fact that miRNAs show both carcinogenic and tumor suppressor effects. The aim of our review was to discuss the latest publications concerning the implication of miRs dysregulation in MetS and their significance in tumoral signaling pathways. Furthermore, we emphasized the role of miRNAs as potential target therapies and their implication in cancer progression and metastasis.

Abnormal Expression of Mitochondrial Ribosomal Proteins and Their Encoding Genes with Cell Apoptosis and Diseases

Mammalian mitochondrial ribosomes translate 13 proteins encoded by mitochondrial genes, all of which play roles in the mitochondrial respiratory chain. After a long period of reconstruction, mitochondrial ribosomes are the most protein-rich ribosomes. Mitochondrial ribosomal proteins (MRPs) are encoded by nuclear genes, synthesized in the cytoplasm and then, transported to the mitochondria to be assembled into mitochondrial ribosomes. MRPs not only play a role in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Moreover, they participate in the regulation of cell state as apoptosis inducing factors. Abnormal expressions of MRPs will lead to mitochondrial metabolism disorder, cell dysfunction, etc. Many researches have demonstrated the abnormal expression of MRPs in various tumors. This paper reviews the basic structure of mitochondrial ribosome, focuses on the structure and function of MRPs, and their relationships with cell apoptosis and diseases. It provides a reference for the study of the function of MRPs and the disease diagnosis and treatment.

Long Noncoding RNA LOC400043 (LINC02381) Inhibits Gastric Cancer Progression Through Regulating Wnt Signaling Pathway

Gastric cancer is one of the common causes of cancer mortality worldwide, with a low survival rate for the affected people. Recent studies have revealed the key role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the development and progression of many cancers, including gastric cancer. Looking for the potential molecular regulators of gastric cancer incidence and progression, LINC02381 was identified as a downregulated lncRNA in gastric cancer tissues by analysis of available microarray and RNA-seq data and RT-qPCR confirmed this differential expression. MiR-21, miR-590, and miR-27a miRNAs were predicted to be sponged by LINC02381, and dual luciferase assay verified LINC02381 as a competitive endogenous RNA (CeRNA), which binds to them. Furthermore, we found that increased expression of LINC02381 attenuates Wnt pathway activity. Also, functional analysis indicates that LINC02381 arrests cell cycle, increases apoptosis and caspase activity, and reduces cell survival and proliferation rate of the human gastric cancer cell lines AGS and MKN45. Moreover, EMT analysis showed that LINC02381 is involved in gastric cancer progression and inhibits metastasis. Overall, this work for the first time introduces LINC02381 as a CeRNA involved in gastric cancer and provides novel insight into the molecular pathogenesis of gastric cancer.

Expanding cancer predisposition genes with ultra-rare cancer-exclusive human variations

It is estimated that up to 10% of cancer incidents are attributed to inherited genetic alterations. Despite extensive research, there are still gaps in our understanding of genetic predisposition to cancer. It was theorized that ultra-rare variants partially account for the missing heritable component. We harness the UK BioBank dataset of ~ 500,000 individuals, 14% of which were diagnosed with cancer, to detect ultra-rare, possibly high-penetrance cancer predisposition variants. We report on 115 cancer-exclusive ultra-rare variations and nominate 26 variants with additional independent evidence as cancer predisposition variants. We conclude that population cohorts are valuable source for expanding the collection of novel cancer predisposition genes.

Long non-coding RNA NEAT1/miR-338-3p axis impedes the progression of acute myeloid leukemia via regulating CREBRF

Background

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous hematological disease. Our purpose of the research was to investigate the regulatory influence of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1)/microRNA-338-3p (miR-338-3p)/CREB3 regulatory factor (CREBRF) in AML progression.

Methods

The associated RNA and protein levels were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot, respectively. Cell growth was assessed through colony formation assay and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-y1)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Flow cytometry was exploited to determine the apoptosis rate. Cell migration and invasion were detected by transwell assay. The combination of miR-338-3p and NEAT1 or CREBRF was analyzed via the dual-luciferase reporter assay.

Results

NEAT1 and CREBRF were down-regulated in AML tissues and cells. NEAT1 up-regulation suppressed cell growth, migration and invasion but enhanced apoptosis of AML cells. Inhibition of CREBRF reverted the NEAT1-induced effects on AML cells. Moreover, NEAT1 directly targeted miR-338-3p and miR-338-3p targeted CREBRF. NEAT1/miR-338-3p could affect cellular behaviors of AML cells via the modulation of CREBRF.

Conclusion

NEAT1/miR-338-3p axis repressed the AML progression through regulating CREBRF, which might afford a favorable perspective for the AML treatment molecularly.

miRNAs and lncRNAs in Echinococcus and Echinococcosis

Echinococcosis are considered to be potentially lethal zoonotic diseases that cause serious damage to hosts. The metacestode of Echinococcus multilocularis and E. granulosus can result in causing the alveolar and cystic echinococcoses, respectively. Recent studies have shown that non-coding RNAs are widely expressed in Echinococcus spp. and hosts. In this review, the two main types of non-coding RNAs—long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs)—and the wide-scale involvement of these molecules in these parasites and their hosts were discussed. The expression pattern of miRNAs in Echinococcus spp. is species- and developmental stage-specific. Furthermore, common miRNAs were detected in three Echinococcus spp. and their intermediate hosts. Here, we primarily focus on recent insights from transcriptome studies, the expression patterns of miRNAs and lncRNAs, and miRNA-related databases and techniques that are used to investigate miRNAs in Echinococcus and echinococcosis. This review provides new avenues for screening therapeutic and diagnostic markers.

Identification of Crucial Candidate Genes and Pathways in Glioblastoma Multiform by Bioinformatics Analysis

The present study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying glioblastoma multiform (GBM) and its biomarkers. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were diagnosed using the limma software package. The ToppGene (ToppFun) was used to perform pathway and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis of the DEGs. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks, extracted modules, miRNA-target genes regulatory network and TF-target genes regulatory network were used to obtain insight into the actions of DEGs. Survival analysis for DEGs was carried out. A total of 590 DEGs, including 243 up regulated and 347 down regulated genes, were diagnosed between scrambled shRNA expression and Lin7A knock down. The up-regulated genes were enriched in ribosome, mitochondrial translation termination, translation, and peptide biosynthetic process. The down-regulated genes were enriched in focal adhesion, VEGFR3 signaling in lymphatic endothelium, extracellular matrix organization, and extracellular matrix. The current study screened the genes in the PPI network, extracted modules, miRNA-target genes regulatory network, and TF-target genes regulatory network with higher degrees as hub genes, which included NPM1, CUL4A, YIPF1, SHC1, AKT1, VLDLR, RPL14, P3H2, DTNA, FAM126B, RPL34, and MYL5. Survival analysis indicated that the high expression of RPL36A and MRPL35 were predicting longer survival of GBM, while high expression of AP1S1 and AKAP12 were predicting shorter survival of GBM. High expression of RPL36A and AP1S1 were associated with pathogenesis of GBM, while low expression of ALPL was associated with pathogenesis of GBM. In conclusion, the current study diagnosed DEGs between scrambled shRNA expression and Lin7A knock down samples, which could improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms in the progression of GBM, and these crucial as well as new diagnostic markers might be used as therapeutic targets for GBM.