Discriminatory miRNAs for the Management of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma and Noninvasive Follicular Thyroid Neoplasms with Papillary-Like Nuclear Features

Evaluation of reference genes suitable for studying mRNAs and microRNAs expression in thyroid neoplasms

Analysis of gene expression is a pivotal method at the core of biomarkers studies and cancer research. Currently, RT-qPCR is the most commonly used technique to investigate the expression of certain genes. The accurate and reliable result relies on an effective normalization step using suitable reference genes. The present study was designed to evaluate the eligibility of a set of candidate mRNAs and snoRNA as reference genes in the most common human thyroid neoplasms. We tested the expression levels of eleven mRNA and small RNA housekeeping genes in thyroid samples. The stability of the candidate genes was examined in different thyroid lesions and under different experimental conditions. Results were compared to the reported data in the TCGA database. Our results suggested HPRT1 and ACTB as the best mRNA reference genes, SNORD96A, and SNORD95 as the best miRNA reference genes in thyroid tissues. These genes showed the most stable expression pattern among different thyroid lesions as well as different experimental conditions. The findings in this study highlight the effect of reference genes selection on data interpretation and emphasize the importance of testing for suitable reference genes to be used in specific types of cells and experimental conditions to ensure the validity and accuracy of results.

Proteomics profile in encapsulated follicular patterned thyroid neoplasms

Diagnosing encapsulated follicular-patterned thyroid tumors like Invasive Encapsulated Follicular Variant of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma (IEFVPTC), Non-invasive Follicular Thyroid Neoplasm with Papillary-like Nuclear Features (NIFTP), and Well-Differentiated Tumor of Uncertain Malignant Potential (WDT-UMP) remains challenging due to their morphological and molecular similarities. This study aimed to investigate the protein distinctions among these three thyroid tumors and discover biological tumorigenesis through proteomic analysis. We employed total shotgun proteome analysis allowing to discover the quantitative expression of over 1398 proteins from 12 normal thyroid tissues, 13 IEFVPTC, 11 NIFTP, and 10 WDT-UMP. Principal component analysis revealed a distinct separation of IEFVPTC and normal tissue samples, distinguishing them from the low-risk tumor group (NIFTP and WDT-UMP). IEFVPTC exhibited the highest number of differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) compared to the other tumors. No discriminatory proteins between NIFTP and WDT-UMP were identified. Moreover, DEPs in IEFVPTC were significantly associated with thyroid tumor progression pathways. Certain hub genes linked to the response of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy, revealing the potential predictor of prognosis. In conclusion, the proteomic profile of IEFVPTC differs from that of low-risk tumors. These findings may provide valuable insights into tumor biology and offer a basis for developing novel therapeutic strategies for follicular-patterned thyroid neoplasms.

Potential Role of Selected miRNAs in the Pathogenesis of Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases in Children and Adolescents

BACKGROUND

Many epigenetic factors, including microRNAs, are involved in the process of changing gene expressions. Small non-coding RNA molecules, called miRNAs, are responsible for regulating gene translation by silencing or degrading target mRNAs. It is acknowledged that for many diseases, they may be novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Patients with autoimmune thyroid diseases are more likely to develop nodules in the thyroid tissue, and Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease predispose patients to thyroid cancer. We evaluated the concentrations of microRNA molecules (miR-15a-5p, miR-126-3p, miR-142-5p, miR-21-5p, miR-150-5p) in the blood of children with thyroid disorders. In addition, we wished to identify molecules whose change in concentration predisposes to the development of thyroid cancer.

AIM

The aim of this study is to evaluate selected epigenetic elements by analyzing the levels of miR-15a-5p, miR-126-3p, miR-142-5p, miR-150-5p and miR-21-5p in the blood of pediatric patients with Graves' disease (n = 25), Hashimoto's thyroiditis (n = 26) and thyroid nodular disease (n = 20) compared to a control group of healthy children (n = 17).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study consists of groups of children and adolescents aged 10-18 years with autoimmune thyroid disease, with thyroid nodular disease compared to a control group. The miR-15a-5p, miR-126-3p, miR-142-5p, miR-21-5p and miR-150-5p molecules were determined through an immunoenzymatic assay using BioVendor reagents.

RESULTS

There is a statistically significant decrease in the expression of the miR-15a-5p in children with Graves' disease (21.61 vs. 50.22 amol/μL, p = 0.03) and in patients with thyroid nodular disease compared to controls (20.23 vs. 50.22 amol/μL, p = 0.04). Higher levels of the miR-142-5p molecule are found in patients with thyroid disease (with GD-3.8 vs. 3.14 amol/μL, p = 0.01; with HT-3.7 vs. 3.14 amol/μL, p = NS, with thyroid nodular disease-4.16 vs. 3.14 amol/μL, p = 0.04). Lower levels of miR-126-3p were noted in the GD group compared to the control group (7.09 vs. 7.24 amol/μL, p = 0.02). No statistically significant changes in the expressions of miR-150-5p and miR-21-5p molecules were observed in the study groups.

CONCLUSIONS

1. The overexpression of the miR-142-5p molecule occurs in children and adolescents with thyroid diseases. 2. Decreased blood levels of miR-15a-5p predispose patients to the formation of focal lesions in the thyroid gland. 3. Identifying a lower expression of the miR-126-3p molecule in the blood of children with GD requires careful follow-up for the development of focal lesions in the thyroid gland and evaluation for their potential malignancy.

MicroRNA expression profiling of RAS-mutant thyroid tumors with follicular architecture: microRNA signatures to discriminate benign from malignant lesions

PURPOSE

RAS mutations represent common driver alterations in thyroid cancer. They can be found in benign, low-risk and malignant thyroid tumors with follicular architecture, which are often diagnosed as indeterminate nodules on preoperative cytology. Therefore, the detection of RAS mutations in preoperative setting has a suboptimal predictive value for malignancy. In this study, we investigated differentially expressed microRNA (miRNA) in benign and malignant thyroid tumors with follicular architecture carrying mutations in RAS genes.

METHODS

Total RNA was purified from 60 RAS-mutant follicular-patterned thyroid tumors, including follicular adenoma (FA), noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP), papillary and follicular thyroid carcinoma cases (PTC, FTC); 22 RAS-negative FAs were used as controls. The expression analysis of 798 miRNAs was performed by digital counting (nCounter nanoString platform).

RESULTS

Comparing RAS-mutant and RAS-negative FAs, 12 miRNAs showed significant deregulation, which was likely related to the oncogenic effects of RAS mutations. Twenty-two miRNAs were differentially expressed in RAS-mutant benign versus malignant tumors. Considering the tumor type, 24 miRNAs were deregulated in PTC, 19 in NIFTP, and seven in FTC and compared to FA group; among these, miR-146b-5p, miR-144-3p, and miR-451a showed consistent deregulation in all the comparisons with the highest fold change.

CONCLUSIONS

The miRNA expression analysis of follicular-patterned thyroid tumors demonstrated that RAS mutations influences miRNA profile in benign tumors. In addition, several miRNAs showed a histotype-specific deregulation and could discriminate between RAS-mutant benign and RAS-mutant malignant thyroid lesions, thus deserving further investigation as potential diagnostic markers.

A new paradigm for epidermal growth factor receptor expression exists in PTC and NIFTP regulated by microRNAs

Intoduction

Identification of molecular alterations associated with tumor behavior is necessary to guide clinical management. The 2022 WHO classification has organized the thyroid follicular cell-derived neoplasms into benign, low-risk and high-risk neoplasms, and emphasized the value of biomarkers that may provide differential diagnostic and prognostic information to avoid overtreatment of low risk neoplasms. This work aims to study the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression, functional and spatial dynamics in relation to specific miRNAs alterations in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and in non-invasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP) considered as models of high-risk and low-risk thyroid tumors respectively.

Methods

Primary thyroid cultured cells were used for miRNA gain/loss of function and luciferase reporter assays. Paraffin embedded tissues were used for real time PCR, immuno-fluorescence stain and confocal microscopy experiments.

Results

Our results showed that in PTC, EGFR mRNA is reduced as an effect of miR-146b-5p upregulation. The EGF expression is low and the ERK pathway is inhibited. The EGFR protein high cytoplasmic expression and colocalization with the endosomal/exosomal markers, ALIX and CD63, suggest the occurrence of stress-induced EGFR internalization, accumulation in endosomal vesicles and secretion via exosomes. In NIFTP EGFR transcription is increased in association with downregulation of miR-7-5p and the EGFR/ERK pathway is active indicating dependence on the canonical EGFR pathway for growth.

Conclusion

Downregulation of transcript level along with cytoplasmic accumulation of undegraded protein is a new pattern of EGFR regulation associated with malignancy in thyroid. Further research is needed to elucidate the intracellular trafficking defects responsible for this specific EGFR dynamic in PTC.

Risk Factors for Pulmonary Metastasis in Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma Patients and the Significance of Changes in Matrix Metalloproteinase 13 and microRNA-142 Levels

This work aims to explore the risk factors of lung metastasis (LM) in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) (LM-DTC) and the effect of treatment and to detect the relationship between LM-DTC and the levels of matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) and micro ribonucleic acid (RNA)-142 (miR-142) in peripheral blood. The data of 420 patients with DTC who are admitted from March 2020 to December 2021 are collected and divided into a non-metastasis group (non-LM group) of 400 cases and metastasis group (LM group) of 20 cases according whether the mung metastasis is found. In addition, risk factors of LM-DTC are analysed and compared. The results of multivariate logistic analysis show that age, disease course, and imaging timing are independent influencing factors of the radionuclide treatment effect. Follicular carcinoma, abnormal expressions of MMP-13, and miR-142 can increase the risk of LM-DTC. MMP-13 and miR-142 can be undertaken as auxiliary diagnostic biological indicators.

MicroRNA-144-3p Represses the Growth and EMT of Thyroid Cancer via the E2F2/TNIK Axis in Cells and Male BALB/c Nude Mice

CONTEXT

microRNA (miR/miRNA)-144-3p has been implicated in thyroid cancer (TC) progression with poorly identified mechanisms. Furthermore, E2F2 has been documented to assume a role in the development of various cancers.

OBJECTIVE

This research sought to ascertain the role of miR-144-3p in growth and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in TC in cells and male BALB/c nude mice.

METHODS

In the obtained TC cells, miR-144-3p expression was detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and E2F2 and TNIK expression by Western blot analysis. After gain- and loss-of-function assays, cell viability, clone formation, migration, and invasion were assessed by cell counting kit-8, clone formation, scratch, and Transwell assays. The expression of EMT-related proteins (Snail, Vimentin, N-cadherin, and E-cadherin) was tested by Western blot analysis. The targeting relationship between miR-144-3p and E2F2 was evaluated by dual-luciferase reporter and radioimmunoprecipitation assays, and the binding relationship between E2F2 and TNIK by dual-luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. TC cell growth in vivo was determined by subcutaneous tumorigenesis assays in nude mice.

RESULTS

miR-144-3p was downregulated, whereas E2F2 and TNIK were upregulated in TC cells. Mechanistically, miR-144-3p inversely targeted E2F2, which increased TNIK expression by binding to TNIK promoter in TC cells. Overexpression of miR-144-3p reduced proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT of FRO and KTC3 cells, which was nullified by overexpressing E2F2 or TNIK expression. Upregulation of miR-144-3p diminished FRO cell growth and EMT in nude mice, which was abrogated by overexpressing TNIK.

CONCLUSION

miR-144-3p inhibits cell growth and EMT in TC through E2F2/TNIK axis inactivation in cells and male BALB/c nude mice.

Down-regulation of miR-7-5p and miR-548ar-5p predicts malignancy in indeterminate thyroid nodules negative for BRAF and RAS mutations

PURPOSE

The value of molecular markers in refining preoperative risk assessment of indeterminate thyroid nodules is being widely investigated. MicroRNAs (miRNA) are emerging as promising biomarkers for diagnostic and prognostic purposes. The aim of this study is to identify miRNAs specifically deregulated in mutation-negative indeterminate thyroid nodules.

METHODS

Ninety-eight nodules preoperatively diagnosed as TIR 3A or TIR 3B with available histological diagnosis of follicular adenoma (FA), noninvasive follicular neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP), and follicular variant papillary thyroid carcinoma (FV-PTC) have been retrospectively selected. Mutations in BRAF and RAS genes have been tested in all samples by real-time PCR; miRNAs were purified from cytology slides of 60 samples; expression analysis of 798 miRNAs was measured by the nCounter system.

RESULTS

Point mutations in BRAF and RAS genes were detected in 32 out of 98 nodules (32.7%), the majority of which in FV-PTCs. Differential expression of miRNA in wild-type nodules highlighted that two miRNAs, namely miR-7-5p and miR-548ar-5p, were downregulated in FV-PTCs compared to FAs. The combined expression of these miRNAs, tested by ROC analysis, showed an area under the curve of 0.79. Sensitivity and negative predictive value were high both in wild-type (93% and 92%, respectively) and in mutated nodules (94% and 85%, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The analysis of miR-7-5p and miR-548ar-5p expression in indeterminate thyroid nodules demonstrated a promising value in ruling out malignancy.

Noninvasive Follicular Thyroid Neoplasm with Papillary-like Nuclear Features (NIFTP): Tumour Entity with a Short History. A Review on Challenges in Our Microscopes, Molecular and Ultrasonographic Profile

Since Noninvasive Follicular Thyroid Neoplasm with Papillary-like Nuclear Features (NIFTP) was introduced as a new thyroid tumour entity, many studies, and meta-analyses on diagnosing NIFTP have been published. NIFTP-revised histopathological criteria emerged in 2018. NIFTP is defined as a histological entity and its diagnosis requires a careful histological examination. Its molecular profile is similar to follicular-like tumours. Ultrasound features are unable to differentiate NIFTP. NIFTP is not a cytological diagnosis, but it influences the risk of malignancy in several categories of The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology terminology.

Systems biomarkers for papillary thyroid cancer prognosis and treatment through multi-omics networks

The identification of biomolecules associated with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) has upmost importance for the elucidation of the disease mechanism and the development of effective diagnostic and treatment strategies. Despite particular findings in this regard, a holistic analysis encompassing molecular data from different biological levels has been lacking. In the present study, a meta-analysis of four transcriptome datasets was performed to identify gene expression signatures in PTC, and reporter molecules were determined by mapping gene expression data onto three major cellular networks, i.e., transcriptional regulatory, protein-protein interaction, and metabolic networks. We identified 282 common genes that were differentially expressed in all PTC datasets. In addition, six proteins (FYN, JUN, LYN, PML, SIN3A, and RARA), two Erb-B2 receptors (ERBB2 and ERBB4), two cyclin-dependent receptors (CDK1 and CDK2), and three histone deacetylase receptors (HDAC1, HDAC2, and HDAC3) came into prominence as proteomic signatures in addition to several metabolites including lactaldehyde and proline at the metabolome level. Significant associations with calcium and MAPK signaling pathways and transcriptional and post-transcriptional activities of 12 TFs and 110 miRNAs were also observed at the regulatory level. Among them, six miRNAs (miR-30b-3p, miR-15b-5p, let-7a-5p, miR-130b-3p, miR-424-5p, and miR-193b-3p) were associated with PTC for the first time in the literature, and the expression levels of miR-30b-3p, miR-15b-5p, and let-7a-5p were found to be predictive of disease prognosis. Drug repositioning and molecular docking simulations revealed that 5 drugs (prochlorperazine, meclizine, rottlerin, cephaeline, and tretinoin) may be useful in the treatment of PTC. Consequently, we report here biomolecule candidates that may be considered as prognostic biomarkers or potential therapeutic targets for further experimental and clinical trials for PTC.

A novel mechanism of the lncRNA PTTG3P/miR-142-5p/JAG1 axis modulating tongue cancer cell phenotypes through the Notch1 signaling

Tongue cancer is the most prevalent type of oral cancer. Our previous study revealed that JAG1 exerted an oncogenic effect on tongue carcinoma through the JAG1/Notch pathway. In this study, a lncRNA PTTG3P which was upregulated in tongue cancer, was found to be positively correlated with JAG1. In CAL-27 and SCC4 cells, PTTG3P silencing significantly decreased JAG1 proteins and the ability of tongue tumor cells to proliferate and migrate. PTTG3P overexpression exhibited the opposite effect on CAL-27 and SCC4 cells. PPTG3P directly bound miR-142-5p, and miR-142-5p directly bound 3'UTR of JAG1 and inhibited the expression levels of JAG1. As opposed to PTTG3P silencing, miR-142-5p inhibition increased JAG1 protein levels and tongue cancer cell proliferation and migration; moreover, miR-142-5p inhibition substantially reversed the effects of PTTG3P silencing. Finally, the PPTG3P/miR-142-5p axis regulated the level of NICD, Notch downstream c-myc, and cyclin D1, as well as EMT markers Snail, Twist, and Vimentin. In conclusion, the PTTG3P/miR-142-5p axis modulates tongue cancer aggressiveness through JAG1, potentially through a JAG1/Notch signaling pathway.

Profiling of Serum Exosome MiRNA Reveals the Potential of a MiRNA Panel as Diagnostic Biomarker for Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease in the older adults. Although much effort has been made in the analyses of diagnostic biomarkers, such as amyloid-β, tau, and neurofilament light chain, identifying peripheral blood-based biomarkers is in extremely urgent need for their minimal invasiveness and more convenience. Here we characterized the miRNA profile by RNA sequencing in human serum exosomes from AD patients and healthy controls (HC) to investigate its potential for AD diagnosis. Subsequently, Gene Ontology analysis and pathway analysis were performed for the targeted genes from the differentially expressed miRNAs. These basic functions were differentially enriched, including cell adhesion, regulation of transcription, and the ubiquitin system. Functional network analysis highlighted the pathways of proteoglycans in cancer, viral carcinogenesis, signaling pathways regulating pluripotency of stem cells, and cellular senescence in AD. A total of 24 miRNAs showed significantly differential expression between AD and HC with more than ± 2.0-fold change at p value < 0.05 and at least 50 reads for each sample. Logistic regression analysis established a model for AD prediction by serum exosomal miR-30b-5p, miR-22-3p, and miR-378a-3p. Sequencing results were validated using quantitative reverse transcription PCR. The data showed that miR-30b-5p, miR-22-3p, and miR-378a-3p were significantly deregulated in AD, with area under the curve (AUC) of 0.668, 0.637, and 0.718, respectively. The combination of the three miRs gained a better diagnostic capability with AUC of 0.880. This finding revealed a miR panel as potential biomarker in the peripheral blood to distinguish AD from HC.

Emerging roles and mechanisms of microRNA‑222‑3p in human cancer (Review)

MicroRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) are a class of small non‑coding RNAs that maintain the precise balance of various physiological processes through regulating the function of target mRNAs. Dysregulation of miRNAs is closely associated with various types of human cancer. miR‑222‑3p is considered a canonical factor affecting the expression and signal transduction of multiple genes involved in tumor occurrence and progression. miR‑222‑3p in human biofluids, such as urine and plasma, may be a potential biomarker for the early diagnosis of tumors. In addition, miR‑222‑3p acts as a prognostic factor for the survival of patients with cancer. The present review first summarizes and discusses the role of miR‑222‑3p as a biomarker for diverse types of cancers, and then focuses on its essential roles in tumorigenesis, progression, metastasis and chemoresistance. Finally, the current understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of miR‑222‑3p at the molecular level are summarized. Overall, the current evidence highlights the crucial role of miR‑222‑3p in cancer diagnosis, prognosis and treatment.

LncRNA FAM230B promotes the metastasis of papillary thyroid cancer by sponging the miR-378a-3p/WNT5A axis

Emerging evidence indicates that the dysregulation of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) plays critical roles in the progression of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). In this study, we found consistently elevated expression levels of the lncRNA FAM230B in PTC tissues, both in newly generated RNA-seq data and in datasets from the GEO and TCGA databases. We demonstrated that the expression of FAM230B can be used for the diagnosis of PTC and is also strongly associated with lymph node metastasis. The potential biological functions of FAM230B and molecular mechanisms by which it regulates PTC progression were investigated. Functionally, FAM230B promoted the migration and invasion of PTC cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, FAM230B sponged miR-378a-3p and showed competitive binding to the 3'-UTR of WNT5A. FAM230B overexpression resulted in elevated WNT5A expression and thereby regulated the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in PTC cells. Finally, we verified that both miR-378a-3p overexpression and WNT5A silencing effectively offset the impacts of FAM230B on PTC cell migration and invasion. In conclusion, our study demonstrated the oncogenic function of the lncRNA FAM230B in PTC cells, providing a novel target for PTC diagnosis and therapy.

MiR-144-3p-mediated dysregulation of EIF4G2 contributes to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma through the ERK pathway

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers with high incidence and mortality. However, the underlying mechanisms of HCC still remain unclear. Eukaryotic translation initiation factors (eIFs) have a substantial effect on tumor development. In this study, we were aimed to investigate the role of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4 gamma 2 (EIF4G2) in HCC.

Methods

Western blot (WB) of 30 paired HCC tissues and tissue microarrays (TMAs) conducted by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in 89 paired HCC samples were performed to assess EIF4G2 expression. Clone formation, real-time cell analysis (RTCA), wound healing and transwell assays were adopted to evaluate the role of EIF4G2 on HCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion abilities. The function of EIF4G2 in HCC tumor growth was assessed in a xenograft nude mouse model in vivo. The regulation of EIF4G2 by miR-144-3p was performed by luciferase reporter assay and WB.

Results

The EIF4G2 protein was clearly upregulated in HCC tissues, and high EIF4G2 expression was closely related to HCC prognosis. EIF4G2 silencing could inhibit HCC cell growth and metastasis in vitro, and suppress tumorigenesis in vivo by repressing the ERK signaling pathway. The results of luciferase reporter assays, WB and IHC staining verified that EIF4G2 was negatively regulated by miR-144. And re-expression of EIF4G2 could partially reverse the inhibiting effect of miR-144 in HCC.

Conclusion

In summary, our study revealed the role of EIF4G2 in HCC development via the activation of the ERK pathway. We also found that EIF4G2 could be negatively regulated by the tumor suppressor miR-144. Our investigations indicated that EIF4G2 might be a promising therapeutic target in HCC.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-021-01853-6.

Association between functional polymorphisms in the flanking region of miR-143/145 and risk of papillary thyroid carcinoma: A case-control study

MiR-143 and miR-145 were down-regulated in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) involving in cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and epithelial to mesenchymal transition. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between 2 functional polymorphisms (ie, rs4705342 and rs353292) in the flanking region of miR-143/145 and risk of PTC.A case-control study including 316 PTC patients and 347 controls was performed. The rs4705342 and rs353292 were genotyped by using the TaqMan allelic discrimination. The results were confirmed by DNA sequencing.For the rs4705342, a reduced risk of PTC was observed in heterozygous comparison, dominant genetic model and allele comparison (CC vs TT: adjusted OR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.19-0.74, P = .003; CT/CC vs TT: adjusted OR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.47-0.87, P = .005; C vs T: adjusted OR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.52-0.85, P = .001, respectively). No significant difference was found in the genotypic distributions of the rs353292 between cases and controls.These findings indicate that the rs4705342 in the flanking region of miR-143/145 may be a protective factor against the occurrence of PTC. Further study is therefore required to investigate the correlation between the genotype and V-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 V600E, rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog mutations, rearranged in transformation/PTC1 and rearranged in transformation/PTC3.

Reciprocal Dysregulation of MiR-146b and MiR-451 Contributes in Malignant Phenotype of Follicular Thyroid Tumor

Over the last few years, incidental thyroid nodules are being diagnosed with increasing frequency with the use of highly sensitive imaging techniques. The ultrasound thyroid gland examination, followed by the fine-needle aspiration cytology is the standard diagnostic approach. However, in cases of the follicular nature of nodules, cytological diagnosis is not enough. Analysis of miRNAs in the biopsy presents a promising approach. Increasing our knowledge of miRNA's role in follicular carcinogenesis, and development of the appropriate the miRNA analytical technologies are required to implement miRNA-based tests in clinical practice. We used material from follicular thyroid nodes (n.84), grouped in accordance with their invasive properties. The invasion-associated miRNAs expression alterations were assayed. Expression data were confirmed by highly sensitive two-tailed RT-qPCR. Reciprocally dysregulated miRNAs pair concentration ratios were explored as a diagnostic parameter using receiver operation curve (ROC) analysis. A new bioinformatics method (MiRImpact) was applied to evaluate the biological significance of the observed expression alterations. Coupled experimental and computational approaches identified reciprocal dysregulation of miR-146b and miR-451 as important attributes of follicular cell malignant transformation and follicular thyroid cancer progression. Thus, evaluation of combined dysregulation of miRNAs relevant to invasion and metastasis can help to distinguish truly malignant follicular thyroid cancer from indolent follicular adenoma.

A Panel of Plasma Exosomal miRNAs as Potential Biomarkers for Differential Diagnosis of Thyroid Nodules

Background: A liquid biopsy using circulating exosomal genetic materials provides new insights for thyroid cancer diagnosis. This study aimed to identify plasma-derived exosomal biomarkers that could be used for early detection of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).

Method: Exosomal miRNAs in plasma were isolated from patients with benign thyroid nodules and patients with PTC. Profiling of exosomal miRNA was performed using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to identify miRNA candidates and differentiate the benign from malignant. The validation cohort consisted of 30 patients with benign thyroid nodules, 35 PTC patients, and 31 healthy individuals. Real-time PCR was used to quantify the expression of miRNA candidates. The diagnostic potential of the candidates was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results: After RNA-seq, eight plasma exosomal miRNAs were selected as candidates. Further validation indicated that the levels of exosomal miR-16-2-3p, miR-223-5p, miR-34c-5p, miR-182-5p, miR-223-3p, and miR-146b-5p were significantly lower in nodules compared to healthy controls (p < 0.0001), whereas miR-16-2-3p and miR-223-5p were significantly higher in the PTC cases than in those with benign nodules (p < 0.05). ROC analyses revealed that the above six miRNAs were potent indicators for detection of thyroid nodules. Meanwhile, miR-16-2-3p and miR-223-5p can be utilized for detecting PTC from benign nodules. Additionally, combined miRNA panels showed increased diagnostic sensitivities and specificities compared to single miRNA markers.

Conclusion: Six aberrantly expressed plasma exosomal miRNAs may be used as diagnostic biomarkers to differentiate thyroid nodules from healthy individuals. The panel consisting of miR-16-2-3p, miR-223-5p, miR-101-3p, and miR-34c-5p are eligible for discriminating benign from malignant thyroid nodules.

Role of miR-155-5p expression and its involvement in apoptosis-related factors in thyroid follicular carcinoma

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

Thyroid follicular carcinoma is a malignant tumor from thyroid follicular epithelium, which is prone to involve capsular and vascular invasion. The present study was conducted in order to detect the expression of microRNA-155-5p (miR-155-5p) in thyroid follicular carcinoma with an attempt to analyze its involvement in apoptosis-related factors.

METHODS

Forty-five patients with thyroid follicular carcinoma made up the observation group and 45 patients with thyroid follicular adenoma were included into the control group. Tissues of thyroid follicular carcinoma and thyroid follicular adenoma were obtained from the patients, and analysed for expression of miR-155-5p by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qPCR). The expression of cysteine-containing aspartic acid protein hydrolase-3 (Caspase-3) in thyroid follicular carcinoma was detected with the use of Western Blot analyses. Immunohistochemical method was used to detect the expression of B-cell lymphoma protein-2 (Bcl-2) in thyroid follicular carcinoma.

RESULTS

There was significant difference in the expression of miR-155-5p between the two groups (Observation vs Control: 1.46 ± 0.42 vs 0.98 ± 0.33 P < .05). The expression of miR-155-5p was significantly different in the maximum diameter of tumor, vascular invasion and neural invasion (maximum diameter of tumor <4 cm vs ≥4 cm: 1.36 ± 0.40 vs 1.68 ± 0.32, vascular invasion N vs Y: 1.35 ± 0.42 vs 1.69 ± 0.39, Neural invasion N vs Y: 1.35 ± 0.38 vs 1.70 ± 0.31 P < .05). However, there was no significant difference in the expression of miR-155-5p in terms of different gender, age and group with or without lymph node metastasis (P > .05). Based on survival analysis, patients with high expression of miR-155-5p experienced short survival time (median survival time was 45 months, P < .05). There was a negative correlation between miR-155-5p and Caspase-3 (r = -.50, P < .05). In addition, positive correlation was observed between miR-155-5p and Bcl-2 (r = .55, P < .05).

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

There was increased expression of miR-155-5p in thyroid follicular carcinoma. The abnormal expression of miR-155-5p may be an independent prognostic factor for thyroid follicular carcinoma associated with cell apoptosis.

Long non-coding RNA MALAT1 aggravates human retinoblastoma by sponging miR-20b-5p to upregulate STAT3

OBJECTIVE

Retinoblastoma (RB) is an uncommon childhood carcinoma of the developing retina. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) metastasis associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1), microRNA-20b-5p (miR-20b-5p) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) was revealed to partake in RB. But their relationship was still to be investigated, so we intended to discuss the specific interaction of MALAT1, miR-20b-5p and STAT3 in RB.

METHODS

By RNA isolation and quantitation, we measured the MALAT1 expression in RB tissues and cell lines. Then, to determine the influence of MALAT1 on RB cells, RB cells were transfected with siRNA-MALAT1 or pcDNA-MALAT1. The interplay among MALAT1, miR-20b-5p and STAT3 were evaluated through dual luciferase reporter gene assay and RNA pull-down after RB cells treated with siRNA/pcDNA-MALAT1 or/and miR-20b-5p mimic/inhibitor. The influence of their interaction on cells was evaluated by cell counting kit-8, EdU assay and flow cytometry. Finally, the involvement of MALAT1 in tumorigenesis was elucidated in vivo.

RESULTS

Both RB tissues and cells showed highly expressed MALAT1. When MALAT1 was downregulated, RB cell proliferation was hindered and apoptosis was accelerated. MALAT1 sponged miR-20b-5p and upregulated STAT3. Silencing MALAT1 or overexpressing miR-20b-5p inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis in RB cells. The tumor growth of nude mice treated with siRNA-MALAT1 was inhibited.

CONCLUSION

MALAT1 could increase proliferation and reduce apoptosis by sponging miR-20b-5p to upregulate STAT3 in RB cells. Therefore, MALAT1 might be a latent target in the RB treatment.

Network-Based Genetic Profiling Reveals Cellular Pathway Differences Between Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma and Follicular Thyroid Adenoma

Molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis and progression of malignant thyroid cancers, such as follicular thyroid carcinomas (FTCs), and how these differ from benign thyroid lesions, are poorly understood. In this study, we employed network-based integrative analyses of FTC and benign follicular thyroid adenoma (FTA) lesion transcriptomes to identify key genes and pathways that differ between them. We first analysed a microarray gene expression dataset (Gene Expression Omnibus GSE82208, n = 52) obtained from FTC and FTA tissues to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Pathway analyses of these DEGs were then performed using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) resources to identify potentially important pathways, and protein-protein interactions (PPIs) were examined to identify pathway hub genes. Our data analysis identified 598 DEGs, 133 genes with higher and 465 genes with lower expression in FTCs. We identified four significant pathways (one carbon pool by folate, p53 signalling, progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation signalling, and cell cycle pathways) connected to DEGs with high FTC expression; eight pathways were connected to DEGs with lower relative FTC expression. Ten GO groups were significantly connected with FTC-high expression DEGs and 80 with low-FTC expression DEGs. PPI analysis then identified 12 potential hub genes based on degree and betweenness centrality; namely, TOP2A, JUN, EGFR, CDK1, FOS, CDKN3, EZH2, TYMS, PBK, CDH1, UBE2C, and CCNB2. Moreover, transcription factors (TFs) were identified that may underlie gene expression differences observed between FTC and FTA, including FOXC1, GATA2, YY1, FOXL1, E2F1, NFIC, SRF, TFAP2A, HINFP, and CREB1. We also identified microRNA (miRNAs) that may also affect transcript levels of DEGs; these included hsa-mir-335-5p, -26b-5p, -124-3p, -16-5p, -192-5p, -1-3p, -17-5p, -92a-3p, -215-5p, and -20a-5p. Thus, our study identified DEGs, molecular pathways, TFs, and miRNAs that reflect molecular mechanisms that differ between FTC and benign FTA. Given the general similarities of these lesions and common tissue origin, some of these differences may reflect malignant progression potential, and include useful candidate biomarkers for FTC and identifying factors important for FTC pathogenesis.

The stress-activated protein kinase pathway and the expression of stanniocalcin-1 are regulated by miR-146b-5p in papillary thyroid carcinogenesis

Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is the most common type of thyroid cancer. Deciphering the pathophysiological mechanisms that contribute to PTC development is essential to the discovery of optimal diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. MiR-146b-5p has been identified as a cancer-associated microRNA highly up-regulated in PTC. This study explores the hypothesis that miR-146b-5p contributes to papillary thyroid carcinogenesis through regulation of cell signaling pathways in a manner that overcomes the cellular growth suppressive events and provides survival advantage. The effect of miR-146b-5p inhibition on major cancer related signaling pathways and expression of Stanniocalcin-1 (STC1), an emerging molecule associated with stress response and carcinogenesis, was tested in cultured primary thyroid cells using luciferase reporter assays, quantitative real-time PCR, immunofluorescence staining, and flow cytometry. Our results demonstrated that miR-146b-5p inhibits the JNK/AP1 pathway activity and down-regulates the expression of STC-1 in thyroid-cultured cells and in thyroid tissue samples. In the presence of miR-146b-5p, PTC cells were resistant to cell death in response to oxidative stress. This is a novel report that miR-146b-5p directly targets STC1 and regulates the activity of JNK/AP1 pathway. Considering the importance of the JNK/AP1 pathway and STC1 in mediating many physiological and pathological processes like apoptosis, stress response and cellular metabolism, a biological regulator of these pathways would have a great scientific and clinical significance.

Down-regulation of the human major histocompatibility complex class I chain-related gene A (MICA) and its receptor is mediated by microRNA-146b-5p and is a potential mechanism of immunoediting in papillary thyroid carcinoma

Immune escape is one of the main reasons for the rapid progression of cancer and the poor efficacy of immunotherapy. Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is usually accompanied by intra-tumoral lymphocytic infiltration. The mechanisms regulating this tumor associated immune response or its evasion are not well understood. The major histocompatibility complex class I chain-related proteins A (MICA) and its receptor the natural killer group 2 member D (NKG2D) are major executers of the anti-tumor defense. This work aimed to study the expression and regulation of MICA-NKG2D and its association with the lymphocytic infiltration and miRNAs in PTC. Expression of MICA and NKG2D in thyroid tissues, and in cultured primary thyroid cancer cells and lymphocytes transfected with miR-146b-5p inhibitor/mimic was tested by RT-PCR. Results were confirmed by immunofluorescence staining and confocal microscopy. MICA is expressed in malignant and benign thyroid tissues with no association with aggressive behavior. Expression of MICA and NKG2D in PTC is concomitant with the presence of tumor associated lymphocytic response and is regulated by miR-146b-5p. MiR-146b-5p indirectly downregulates NKG2D expression in cancer cells and in lymphocytes. Overexpression of miR-146b-5p in PTC down-regulates MICA expression possibly to reduce the immunogenicity of the tumor cells. Targeting of the MICA-NKG2D axis by miR-146b-5p might be one of the ways adopted by thyroid cancer cells to aid the tumor in evading the immune response. The importance of our findings resides in the potential therapeutic use of MICA, NKG2D and miRNA-146b-5p as targets or modulators to enable the immune response against cancer.

Upregulation of microRNA-143-3p induces apoptosis and suppresses proliferation, invasion, and migration of papillary thyroid carcinoma cells by targeting MSI2

As a tumor-associated biological molecule, microRNA-143-3p (miR-143-3p) is implicated in the progression of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). We conducted this study to elucidate the effects of miR-143-3p mediated by Musashi RNA binding protein 2 (MSI2) on the biological activities of PTC cells. The K1 cells with the lowest miR-143-3p expression were selected for the experiments. The targeting relationship between miR-143-3p and MSI2 was verified. The biological functions of miR-143-3p and MSI2 with respect to K1 cell proliferation, cycle distribution, apoptosis, invasion, migration, and tumorigenesis were studied using gain- and loss-of-function assays both in vitro and in vivo. MSI2 was verified to be a target gene of miR-143-3p. Cells treated with upregulation of miR-143-3p or silencing of MSI2 exhibited significantly decreased the expression of Bcl-2, PCNA, MCM2, Ki67, MSI2, MMP-2, and MMP-9. This was accompanied by inhibited cell proliferation, cell invasion, and migration, as well as a significant increase in Bax expression, cell cycle arrest, and cell apoptosis. More importantly, the tumor inhibitory effects of upregulated miR-143-3p were also confirmed in the tumor xenografts in nude mice. Our results indicate that upregulation of miR-143-3p suppresses the progression of PTC by impeding cell growth, invasion, and migration via downregulation of MSI2, highlighting the potential of miR-143-3p as a target for future PTC treatment.

Schizandrin A inhibits proliferation, migration and invasion of thyroid cancer cell line TPC-1 by down regulation of microRNA-429

OBJECTIVE

Schizandrin A (SchA) exerts anticancer potential. However, the effects of SchA on thyroid cancer (TC) have not been clear illuminated. Therefore, we investigated the effects of SchA on TC cell line TPC-1 and the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

TPC-1 cells were treated with SchA and/or transfected with miR-429 mimic, anti-miR-429 and their corresponding negative controls (NC). Cell viability, proliferation, migration, invasion and cell apoptosis were examined by CCK-8 assay, bromodeoxyuridine, modified two-chamber migration assay, Millicell Hanging Cell Culture and flow cytometry analysis, respectively. The expression of miR-429, p16, Cyclin D1, cyclin-dependent kinases 4 (CDK4), matrix metalloprotein (MMP)-2, MMP-9 and Vimentin was detected by qRT-PCR. All protein expression was examined by western blot.

RESULTS

SchA inhibited cell proliferation, metastasis and induced cell apoptosis. Moreover, SchA negatively regulated miR-429 expression. Treatment with miR-429 mimic and SchA reversed the results led by SchA and NC. Furthermore, the phosphorylation β-catenin, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) were statistically down-regulated by SchA while co-treatment with miR-429 mimic and SchA led to the opposite trend. Moreover, miR-429 knockdown showed contrary results.

CONCLUSION

SchA inhibits cell proliferation, migration, invasion and inactivates Wnt/β-catenin and MEK/ERK signaling pathways by down regulating miR-429.

Therapeutic Delivery of miR-143 Targeting Tumor Metabolism in Poorly Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Xenografts and Efficacy Evaluation Using 18F-FDG MicroPET-CT

Poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma cells tend to be more aggressive and show enhanced glucose uptake which could be exploited for anti-cancer strategy. Previously, we identified hexokinase 2 (HK2) as a direct target of miR-143. In our current study, the effects of miR-143 on glucose metabolism and tumor biological behavior were investigated in FTC-133 cells which is a poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC). Additionally, tumor-bearing mice xenografts of PDTC were constructed, with encapsulated miR-143 agomir being administered intravenously. 18F-FDG microPET-CT scanning was used for the evaluation of therapeutic efficacy. The tumor-restrained effect of miR-143 was demonstrated in PDTC. Furthermore, microPET/CT imaging exhibited a reduction of 18F-FDG uptake in tumors, corresponding to the downregulated expression of HK2 in tissues. In summary, our results suggest that miR-143 can be an alternative treatment for PDTC and the specific assessment of therapeutic response to miR-143 can be achieved by 18F-FDG microPET/CT in advanced thyroid carcinoma xenografts.

Prognostic value of a two-microRNA signature for papillary thyroid cancer and a bioinformatic analysis of their possible functions

BACKGROUND

Recent scientific evidence has suggested that microRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). In the current study, we aim to identify a miRNA-related signature as the sensitive and novel prognostic biomarkers.

METHODS

We performed a comprehensive analysis of the data downloaded from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The association between survival outcome and miRNA was assessed by the univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards model. The risk score model was built to evaluate the predicting value of miRNA signature. The potential biofunctions and transcription factors of target miRNAs were investigated through bioinformatic analysis. The result was verified by the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in 32 pairs of PTC and adjacent nontumor tissues. In addition, the results were verified by other cohorts from gene expression omnibus (GEO) as detected by microarrays.

RESULTS

A total of 1030 miRNAs were identified from the TCGA database. Thirty-six key intersection miRNAs were obtained. The associations between clinical features and key miRNAs were evaluated. Eventually, a two-miRNA signature (hsa-miR-181a-2-3p and hsa-miR-138-1-3p) was identified. The power of the miRNA prognostic signature was effective. In total, we identified 202 genes that were associated with 2 miRNAs above, and the top 10 enriched transcript factors that highly related with the target miRNAs were explored. The qRT-PCR and GEO data validation were consistent with bioinformatics results.

CONCLUSIONS

A tumor-specific miRNA signature was identified, and the joint prognostic power was evaluated, which may be potential biomarkers for prognosis of PTC.

IMPACT

The two-miRNA signature could become the potential prognostic indicator of PTC in the future.

LncRNA FOXD2-AS1 Functions as a Competing Endogenous RNA to Regulate TERT Expression by Sponging miR-7-5p in Thyroid Cancer

Long non-coding RNA FOXD2 Adjacent Opposite Strand RNA 1 (FOXD2-AS1) has been widely reported to be implicated in the progression and recurrence of several cancers. The clinical significance and functional role of FOXD2-AS1 in thyroid carcinoma remain unknown. FOXD2-AS1 expression was evaluated by analyzing thyroid cancer RNA sequencing dataset from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). In vitro and in vivo assays were performed to assess the biological roles of FOXD2-AS1 in thyroid cancer cells. Western blot, luciferase, immunoprecipitation (IP), and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays were used to identify the underlying miRNA and mRNA target mediating the biological roles of FOXD2-AS1 in thyroid cancer cells. FOXD2-AS1 was upregulated in thyroid carcinoma tissues and cells. High expression of FOXD2-AS1 significantly correlated with clinical stage, recurrence of thyroid carcinoma. Silencing FOXD2-AS1 inhibited cancer stem cell-like phenotypes and attenuates the anoikis resistance in vitro. Downregulating FOXD2-AS1 represses the tumorigenesis of thyroid carcinoma cells in vivo. FOXD2-AS1 acts as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for miR-7-5p, up-regulating the expression of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), which further promotes the cancer stem cells features and anoikis resistance in thyroid cancer cells. Our findings indicate that FOXD2-AS1 functions as an oncogenic regulator in the development of thyroid cancer, contributing to early recurrence of thyroid cancer.

MiR-7-5p suppresses stemness and enhances temozolomide sensitivity of drug-resistant glioblastoma cells by targeting Yin Yang 1

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most malignant tumor of the central nervous system, and chemoresistance blunts the effect of temozolomide (TMZ) in the treatment of GBM. Clarifying the underlying mechanism of chemoresistance might yield novel strategies to improve the patients' response to chemotherapeutics. Mounting evidence indicates that microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in chemoresistance and tumorigenesis. At present, miR-7-5p has been recognized as a tumor suppressor involved in multiple cancers. However, the biological effects of miR-7-5p in TMZ resistance have not been illuminated. In this study, we used RNA sequencing and high-throughput screening techniques, which revealed that miR-7-5p is significantly downregulated in TMZ resistant LN229 cells (LN229/TMZ-R) compared to control cells (LN229), and low miR-7-5p expression was correlated with recurrence in GBM patients. Ectopic overexpression of miR-7-5p sensitized LN229/TMZ-R cells to TMZ and suppressed the stemness of glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs). Further experiments demonstrated that miR-7-5p exerts its role by directly targeting the 3'-untranslated region of Yin Yang 1 (YY1). Our findings suggest that combinational use of miR-7-5p and TMZ might be a promising therapeutic strategy to increase the long-term drug response in GBM patients.

Uncovering association networks through an eQTL analysis involving human miRNAs and lincRNAs

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNA) have an essential role in the complex landscape of human genetic regulatory networks. One area that is poorly explored is the effect of genetic variations on the interaction between ncRNA and their targets. By integrating a significant amount of public data, the present study cataloged the vast landscape of the regulatory effect of microRNAs (miRNA) and long intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNA) in the human genome. An expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis was used to identify genetic variants associated with miRNA and lincRNA and whose genotypes affect gene expression. Association networks were built for eQTL associated to traits of clinical and/or pharmacological relevance.