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Rodrigues L, Da Cruz Paula A, Soares P, Vinagre J. Unraveling the Significance of DGCR8 and miRNAs in Thyroid Carcinoma. Cells 2024; 13:561. [PMID: 38607000 PMCID: PMC11011343 DOI: 10.3390/cells13070561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) act as negative regulators for protein-coding gene expression impacting cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. These miRNAs are frequently dysregulated in cancer and constitute classes of blood-based biomarkers useful for cancer detection and prognosis definition. In thyroid cancer (TC), the miRNA biogenesis pathway plays a pivotal role in thyroid gland formation, ensuring proper follicle development and hormone production. Several alterations in the miRNA biogenesis genes are reported as a causality for miRNA dysregulation. Mutations in microprocessor component genes are linked to an increased risk of developing TC; in particular, a recurrent mutation affecting DGCR8, the E518K. In this review, we explore these novel findings and resume the current state-of-the-art in miRNAs in thyroid carcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lia Rodrigues
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde da Universidade do Porto (i3S), Rua Alfredo Allen, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (L.R.); (A.D.C.P.); (P.S.)
- Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto (Ipatimup), Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Escola Superior de Saúde do Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Arnaud Da Cruz Paula
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde da Universidade do Porto (i3S), Rua Alfredo Allen, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (L.R.); (A.D.C.P.); (P.S.)
- Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto (Ipatimup), Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Soares
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde da Universidade do Porto (i3S), Rua Alfredo Allen, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (L.R.); (A.D.C.P.); (P.S.)
- Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto (Ipatimup), Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - João Vinagre
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde da Universidade do Porto (i3S), Rua Alfredo Allen, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (L.R.); (A.D.C.P.); (P.S.)
- Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto (Ipatimup), Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
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Seyhan AA. Circulating microRNAs as Potential Biomarkers in Pancreatic Cancer-Advances and Challenges. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13340. [PMID: 37686149 PMCID: PMC10488102 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
There is an urgent unmet need for robust and reliable biomarkers for early diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction of response to specific treatments of many aggressive and deadly cancers, such as pancreatic cancer, and liquid biopsy-based miRNA profiling has the potential for this. MiRNAs are a subset of non-coding RNAs that regulate the expression of a multitude of genes post-transcriptionally and thus are potential diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers and have also emerged as potential therapeutics. Because miRNAs are involved in the post-transcriptional regulation of their target mRNAs via repressing gene expression, defects in miRNA biogenesis pathway and miRNA expression perturb the expression of a multitude of oncogenic or tumor-suppressive genes that are involved in the pathogenesis of various cancers. As such, numerous miRNAs have been identified to be downregulated or upregulated in many cancers, functioning as either oncomes or oncosuppressor miRs. Moreover, dysregulation of miRNA biogenesis pathways can also change miRNA expression and function in cancer. Profiling of dysregulated miRNAs in pancreatic cancer has been shown to correlate with disease diagnosis, indicate optimal treatment options and predict response to a specific therapy. Specific miRNA signatures can track the stages of pancreatic cancer and hold potential as diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive markers, as well as therapeutics such as miRNA mimics and miRNA inhibitors (antagomirs). Furthermore, identified specific miRNAs and genes they regulate in pancreatic cancer along with downstream pathways can be used as potential therapeutic targets. However, a limited understanding and validation of the specific roles of miRNAs, lack of tissue specificity, methodological, technical, or analytical reproducibility, harmonization of miRNA isolation and quantification methods, the use of standard operating procedures, and the availability of automated and standardized assays to improve reproducibility between independent studies limit bench-to-bedside translation of the miRNA biomarkers for clinical applications. Here I review recent findings on miRNAs in pancreatic cancer pathogenesis and their potential as diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attila A. Seyhan
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology and Experimental Cancer Therapeutics, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA;
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
- Joint Program in Cancer Biology, Lifespan Health System and Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
- Legorreta Cancer Center, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
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Bortoletto AS, Parchem RJ. KRAS Hijacks the miRNA Regulatory Pathway in Cancer. Cancer Res 2023; 83:1563-1572. [PMID: 36946612 PMCID: PMC10183808 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-0296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
Extensive studies have focused on the misregulation of individual miRNAs in cancer. More recently, mutations in the miRNA biogenesis and processing machinery have been implicated in several malignancies. Such mutations can lead to global miRNA misregulation, which may promote many of the well-known hallmarks of cancer. Interestingly, recent evidence also suggests that oncogenic Kristen rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) mutations act in part by modulating the activity of members of the miRNA regulatory pathway. Here, we highlight the vital role mutations in the miRNA core machinery play in promoting malignant transformation. Furthermore, we discuss how mutant KRAS can simultaneously impact multiple steps of miRNA processing and function to promote tumorigenesis. Although the ability of KRAS to hijack the miRNA regulatory pathway adds a layer of complexity to its oncogenic nature, it also provides a potential therapeutic avenue that has yet to be exploited in the clinic. Moreover, concurrent targeting of mutant KRAS and members of the miRNA core machinery represents a potential strategy for treating cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelina S. Bortoletto
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine Program, Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Ronald J. Parchem
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine Program, Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
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Pelletier D, Rivera B, Fabian MR, Foulkes WD. miRNA biogenesis and inherited disorders: clinico-molecular insights. Trends Genet 2023; 39:401-414. [PMID: 36863945 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2023.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play vital roles in the regulation of gene expression, a process known as miRNA-induced gene silencing. The human genome codes for many miRNAs, and their biogenesis relies on a handful of genes, including DROSHA, DGCR8, DICER1, and AGO1/2. Germline pathogenic variants (GPVs) in these genes cause at least three distinct genetic syndromes, with clinical manifestations that range from hyperplastic/neoplastic entities to neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Over the past decade, DICER1 GPVs have been shown to lead to tumor predisposition. Moreover, recent findings have provided insight into the clinical consequences arising from GPVs in DGCR8, AGO1, and AGO2. Here we provide a timely update with respect to how GPVs in miRNA biogenesis genes alter miRNA biology and ultimately lead to their clinical manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan Pelletier
- Department of Human Genetics, Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Cancer Axis, Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Barbara Rivera
- Molecular Mechanisms and Experimental Therapy in Oncology Program - Oncobell, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain; Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Marc R Fabian
- Cancer Axis, Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada; Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - William D Foulkes
- Department of Human Genetics, Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Cancer Axis, Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada; Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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Rodrigues L, Canberk S, Macedo S, Soares P, Vinagre J. DGCR8 Microprocessor Subunit Mutation and Expression Deregulation in Thyroid Lesions. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314812. [PMID: 36499151 PMCID: PMC9740158 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
DGCR8 emerged recently as miRNAs biogenesis pathway protein with a highlighted role in thyroid disease. This study aimed to characterize this miRNA biogenesis component, in particular the p.(E518K) mutation and DGCR8 expression in a series of thyroid lesions. The series of thyroid lesions was genotyped for the c.1552G>A p.(E518K) mutation. When frozen tissue was available, DGCR8 mRNA expression was analysed by qPCR. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues were studied for DGCR8 immunoexpression. We present for the first time the p.(E518K) mutation in a case of poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma and present the deregulation of DGCR8 expression at mRNA level in follicular-patterned tumours. The obtained data solidify DGCR8 as another important player of miRNA-related gene mutations in thyroid tumorigenesis, particularly in follicular-patterned thyroid tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lia Rodrigues
- Escola Superior de Saúde do Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde da Universidade do Porto (I3S), Rua Alfredo Allen, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto (Ipatimup), Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sule Canberk
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde da Universidade do Porto (I3S), Rua Alfredo Allen, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto (Ipatimup), Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas da Universidade do Porto (ICBAS), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sofia Macedo
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde da Universidade do Porto (I3S), Rua Alfredo Allen, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto (Ipatimup), Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas da Universidade do Porto (ICBAS), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Soares
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde da Universidade do Porto (I3S), Rua Alfredo Allen, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto (Ipatimup), Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - João Vinagre
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde da Universidade do Porto (I3S), Rua Alfredo Allen, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto (Ipatimup), Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-22-557-0700
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Implication of microRNAs in Carcinogenesis with Emphasis on Hematological Malignancies and Clinical Translation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105838. [PMID: 35628648 PMCID: PMC9143361 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are evolutionarily conserved small non-coding RNAs, that are involved in the multistep process of carcinogenesis, contributing to all established hallmarks of cancer. In this review, implications of miRNAs in hematological malignancies and their clinical utilization fields are discussed. As components of the complex regulatory network of gene expression, influenced by the tissue microenvironment and epigenetic modifiers, miRNAs are “micromanagers” of all physiological processes including the regulation of hematopoiesis and metabolic pathways. Dysregulated miRNA expression levels contribute to both the initiation and progression of acute leukemias, the metabolic reprogramming of malignantly transformed hematopoietic precursors, and to the development of chemoresistance. Since they are highly stable and can be easily quantified in body fluids and tissue specimens, miRNAs are promising biomarkers for the early detection of hematological malignancies. Besides novel opportunities for differential diagnosis, miRNAs can contribute to advanced chemoresistance prediction and prognostic stratification of acute leukemias. Synthetic oligonucleotides and delivery vehicles aim the therapeutic modulation of miRNA expression levels. However, major challenges such as efficient delivery to specific locations, differences of miRNA expression patterns between pediatric and adult hematological malignancies, and potential side effects of miRNA-based therapies should be considered.
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