Genetic Polymorphisms Involved in Bladder Cancer: A Global Review

Bladder cancer (BC) has been associated with genetic susceptibility. Single peptide polymorphisms (SNPs) can modulate BC susceptibility. A literature search was performed covering the period between January 2000 and October 2020. Overall, 334 articles were selected, reporting 455 SNPs located in 244 genes. The selected 455 SNPs were further investigated. All SNPs that were associated with smoking and environmental exposure were excluded from this study. A total of 197 genes and 343 SNPs were found to be associated with BC, among which 177 genes and 291 SNPs had congruent results across all available studies. These genes and SNPs were classified into eight different categories according to their function.

rs217727 of lncRNA H19 is Associated with Cervical Cancer Risk in the Chinese Han Population

Background

Long noncoding RNAs (LncRNAs) have been revealed to involve in cervical cancer (CC) developing. The current study was designed to explore the association of SNPs (rs217727, rs2366152, rs1859168, rs10505477) located in the lncRNA H19, HOTAIR, HOTTIP and CASC8 genes with the risk of CC in a Chinese Han population.

Methods

Four SNPs were selected and genotyped in 1426 participants (274 CIN patients, 448 CC patients, and 704 healthy control individuals) using MassArray. The association of these SNPs with susceptibility to CC was evaluated.

Results

Significant differences in allelic distribution of rs217727 were observed in the comparison of CC with control (P = 0.001), indicating the risk of rs217727-A allele in CC (OR = 1.33; 95% CI: 1.12-1.58). The inheritance model analysis revealed that 2AA+GA genotype represented a certain risk of CC (P = 0.001, OR = 1.35; 95% CI: 1.13-1.62). The stratified analysis revealed a risk of the rs217727-A allele for cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (P = 0.002, OR = 1.33; 95% CI: 1.11-1.60).

Conclusion

rs217727 in lncRNA H19 exhibited a significant correlation with CC susceptibility, particularly SCC, and A/A genotype of this SNP might present as a risk in CC.

Long non-coding RNA H19: a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in human malignant tumors

Long non-coding RNAs play important roles in cellular functions and disease development. H19, as a long non-coding RNA, is pervasively over-expressed in almost all kinds of human malignant tumors. Although many studies have reported that H19 is closely associated with tumor cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, metastasis, and chemoresistance, the role and mechanism of H19 in gene regulation and tumor development are largely unclear. In this review, we summarized the recent progress in the study of the major functions and mechanisms of H19 lncRNA in cancer development and progression. H19 possesses both oncogenic and tumor-suppressing activities, presumably through regulating target gene transcription, mRNA stability and splicing, and competitive inhibition of endogenous RNA degradation. Studies indicate that H19 may involve in cell proliferation and apoptosis, tumor initiation, migration, invasion, metastasis and chemoresistance and may serve as a potential biomarker for early diagnosis, prognosis, and novel molecular target for cancer therapy.

Six polymorphisms in the lncRNA H19 gene and the risk of cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Numerous studies have demonstrated long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) play an important role in the occurrence and progression of cancer, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in lncRNA are considered to affect cancer suspensibility. Herein, a meta-analysis was carried out to better assess the relationship of H19 polymorphisms and cancer susceptibility.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted through using PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases to obtain relevant publications before Aug 23, 2022. The reference lists of the retrieved studies were also investigated to identify additional relevant articles. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to appraise the risk of various cancers.

RESULTS

There appeared to be a remarkable correlation between the rs2107425 variation and decreased cancer risk among Caucasians. Nevertheless, the rs217727 polymorphism was significantly associated with an increased risk of lung cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma and oral squamous cell carcinoma. Also, we found a significant correlation between the rs2839698 polymorphism and increased cancer risk among Asians, gastric cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, hospital-based control and larger simple size subgroups, respectively. Similarly, the rs3741219 mutation was notably related to cancer risk in higher quality score. As for rs3024270 polymorphism, the homozygous model was markedly linked to cancer risk in overall analysis and population-based controls. There was no significant association between the rs3741216 polymorphism and cancer risk.

CONCLUSION

H19 rs2839698 and rs3024270 were closely associated with overall cancer risk. H19 rs2107425 was related to lower cancer risk among Caucasians, while the rs2839698 was related to increased cancer risk among Asians. Our results supported that H19 SNPs were significantly correlated with cancer risk.

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) H19: An essential developmental regulator with expanding roles in cancer, stem cell differentiation, and metabolic diseases

Recent advances in deep sequencing technologies have revealed that, while less than 2% of the human genome is transcribed into mRNA for protein synthesis, over 80% of the genome is transcribed, leading to the production of large amounts of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs). It has been shown that ncRNAs, especially long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), may play crucial regulatory roles in gene expression. As one of the first isolated and reported lncRNAs, H19 has gained much attention due to its essential roles in regulating many physiological and/or pathological processes including embryogenesis, development, tumorigenesis, osteogenesis, and metabolism. Mechanistically, H19 mediates diverse regulatory functions by serving as competing endogenous RNAs (CeRNAs), Igf2/H19 imprinted tandem gene, modular scaffold, cooperating with H19 antisense, and acting directly with other mRNAs or lncRNAs. Here, we summarized the current understanding of H19 in embryogenesis and development, cancer development and progression, mesenchymal stem cell lineage-specific differentiation, and metabolic diseases. We discussed the potential regulatory mechanisms underlying H19's functions in those processes although more in-depth studies are warranted to delineate the exact molecular, cellular, epigenetic, and genomic regulatory mechanisms underlying the physiological and pathological roles of H19. Ultimately, these lines of investigation may lead to the development of novel therapeutics for human diseases by exploiting H19 functions.

Association between long non-coding RNA H19 polymorphisms and breast cancer risk: a meta-analysis

Common genes mutation was demonstrated associating with the risk of breast cancer (BC) recently, while the role of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) polymorphism is still controversial. A meta-analysis was designed to discuss the association between lncRNA H19 polymorphisms and susceptibility to BC. The related databases were systematically reviewed up to April 13, 2021. Estimates were summarized as ORs and 95 percent CIs for each included study. The heterogeneity was assessed by the I² test and subgroup analysis. Ten studies with 10354 BC patients and 11,177 control cases were included in our study. LncRNA H19 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2839698 C/T significantly increases the susceptibility of BC (OR = 1.717 , 95 percent CI = 1.052-2.803, P = 0.031). LncRNA H19 polymorphism rs3741219 and rs217727 also increase the risk of ER-positive BC (OR = 1.128 , 95 percent CI = 1.010-1.259, P = 0.0032 for rs3741219, and OR = 1.297, 95 percent CI = 1.027-1.639, P = 0.029 for rs217727). Our results demonstrated that lncRNA H19 SNP rs2839698 C/T was significantly associated with the susceptibility of BC. LncRNA H19 SNP rs217727 and rs3741219 were associated with the risks of ER-positive BC. However, further studies are needed to reach a robust conclusion.

lncRNA ADAMTS9-AS1 promotes bladder cancer cell invasion, migration, and inhibits apoptosis and autophagy through PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway

Bladder cancer is the most common cancer in the urinary system which has threatened lives. Increasing evidence has shown that lncRNAs were expressed in cancer cells as a biomarker and might regulate cancer cell development and progression. It was reported that ADAMTS9-AS1 plays a suppressive role in tumor cell growth and proliferation in prostate cancer. However, it remains unclear whether ADAMTS9-AS1 influences the function of bladder cancer cells. In this study, we detected that ADAMTS9-AS1 is highly expressed in bladder cancer. We observed that the up-regulation of ADAMTS9-AS1 promoted cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and reduced the apoptosis and autophagy of 5637 and T42 cell lines. Meanwhile, the down-regulation of ADAMTS9-AS1 increased the apoptosis and autophagy, and suppressed their proliferation, migration and invasion. Interestingly, the up-regulation of ADAMTS9-AS1 was accompanied by the activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, while the down-regulation of ADAMTS9-AS1 lead to an opposite effect. Together, these results demonstrated that ADAMTS9-AS1 promotes bladder cancer cell invasion and migration, and negatively regulates bladder cancer cell apoptosis and autophagy, which might be through PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Targeting ADAMTS9-AS1 might become a potential therapeutic approach in treating bladder cancer.

LncRNA-H19 gene plays a significant role in regulating glioma cell function

Background

Glioma is an aggressive adult primary cancer, and is characterized by low cure rate, poor prognosis, and high recurrence. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of lncRNA‐H19 gene silencing on glioma cell function.

Methods

lncRNA‐H19 interference vector (LV3‐si‐H19) and negative control vector (LV3‐NC) were stably transfected into U251 and U87‐MG cells, respectively. Quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) was performed to investigate the expression of lncRNA‐H19. Cell proliferation capacity was tested by adopting cell counting kit (CCK8), and propidium iodide (PI) was used for cell cycle analysis. Meanwhile, flow cytometry (FCM) method was used to investigate cell apoptosis, cell migration capacity was detected via wound healing and transwell experiments, and sphere‐forming ability was examined in serum‐free suspension culture. Additionally, glioma animal models were conducted through injecting U251 cells to estimate the effects of lncRNA‐H19 on glioma growth in vivo.

Results

Knocking down lncRNA‐H19 gene could effectively suppress the proliferation of U251 and U87‐MG cells. The knockdown of lncRNA‐H19 remarkably inhibited the migration and blocked cycle progressions of U251 and U87‐MG cells, yet, no obvious changes were observed in cell apoptosis. Besides, inhibiting lncRNA‐H19 expression could attenuate sphere‐forming function of U251 and U87‐MG cells. Additionally, tumor volume and weight were significantly reduced in rats injected with U251 LV‐si‐H19 cell line compared to untransfected and negative controls, when survival time was obviously prolonged in U251 LV‐si‐H19 injection groups.

Conclusion

LncRNA‐H19 gene plays a carcinogenic role in glioma progression via enhancing aggressive behavior of glioma cells.

The influence of LncRNA H19 polymorphic variants on susceptibility to cancer: A systematic review and updated meta-analysis of 28 case-control studies

OBJECTIVE

Although myriad researches upon the associations between LncRNA H19 polymorphic variants (rs2839698 G>A, rs217727 G>A, rs2107425 C>T, rs2735971 A>G and rs3024270 C>G) and the susceptibility to cancer have been conducted, these results remained contradictory and perplexing. Basing on that, a systematic review and updated meta-analysis was performed to anticipate a fairly precise assessment about such associations.

METHODS

We retrieved the electronic databases EMBASE, PubMed and Web of Science for valuable academic studies before February 28, 2021. Ultimately, 28 of which were encompassed after screening in this meta-analysis, and the available data was extracted and integrated. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was used to evaluate such associations. For multi-level investigation, subgroup analysis derived from source of controls together with genotypic method was preformed.

RESULTS

Eventually, 28 articles altogether embodying 57 studies were included in this meta-analysis. The results illuminated that LncRNA H19 polymorphisms mentioned above were all irrelevant to cancer susceptibility. Nevertheless, crucial results were found concentrated in population-based control group when subgroup analysis by source of controls were performed in H19 mutation rs2839698 and rs2735971. Meanwhile, in the stratification analysis by genotypic method, apparent cancer risks were discovered by TaqMan method in H19 mutation rs2107425 and rs3024270. Then, trial sequential analysis demonstrated that the results about such associations were firm evidence of effect.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, this meta-analysis indicated that LncRNA H19 polymorphisms were not associated with the susceptibility to human cancer. However, after the stratification analysis, inconsistent results still existed in different genotypic method and source of control. Thus, more high-quality studies on cancer patients of different factors were needed to confirm these findings.

Role of Long Non-Coding RNA Polymorphisms in Cancer Chemotherapeutic Response

Genetic polymorphisms are defined as the presence of two or more different alleles in the same locus, with a frequency higher than 1% in the population. Since the discovery of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), which refer to a non-coding RNA with a length of more than 200 nucleotides, their biological roles have been increasingly revealed in recent years. They regulate many cellular processes, from pluripotency to cancer. Interestingly, abnormal expression or dysfunction of lncRNAs is closely related to the occurrence of human diseases, including cancer and degenerative neurological diseases. Particularly, their polymorphisms have been found to be associated with altered drug response and/or drug toxicity in cancer treatment. However, molecular mechanisms are not yet fully elucidated, which are expected to be discovered by detailed studies of RNA–protein, RNA–DNA, and RNA–lipid interactions. In conclusion, lncRNAs polymorphisms may become biomarkers for predicting the response to chemotherapy in cancer patients. Here we review and discuss how gene polymorphisms of lncRNAs affect cancer chemotherapeutic response. This knowledge may pave the way to personalized oncology treatments.

LncRNA H19 rs4929984 Variant is Associated with Coronary Artery Disease Susceptibility in Han Chinese Female Population

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to play an important role in cardiovascular diseases. The present study aimed to investigate the levels of lncRNA H19 in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and the genetic association of lncRNA H19 rs217727 and rs4929984 polymorphisms with CAD susceptibility. We detected an upregulated expression of lncRNA H19 in the peripheral blood of CAD patients compared with healthy controls, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of lncRNA H19 for CAD diagnosis was 0.918. In addition, rs4929984 was associated with the susceptibility of Han Chinese females to CAD, as shown in the additive and dominant models, and the significant association remained after adjusting for age and Bonferroni correction. The A allele carriers of rs4929984 were correlated with females' susceptibility to CAD compared with the C allele, and the A-G haplotype of rs4929984-rs217727 was associated with females' susceptibility to CAD. Furthermore, rs217727 and rs4929984 were associated with the levels of clinicopathological parameters of CAD cases. We suggest that lncRNA H19 has a potential to be a diagnostic biomarker for CAD; rs4929984 polymorphism is associated with females' susceptibility to CAD in the Han Chinese population, and lncRNA H19 variants may influence lipid metabolism, inflammation, and coagulation function of CAD patients.

Significant Associations of lncRNA H19 Genotypes with Susceptibility to Childhood Leukemia in Taiwan

The purpose of our study was to investigate whether genetic variations in lncRNA H19 were associated with susceptibility to childhood leukemia. Two hundred and sixty-six childhood leukemia patients and 266 healthy controls were enrolled in Taiwan, and two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs2839698 and rs217727, in H19 were genotyped and analyzed. There was a significant difference in the genotypic distribution of rs2839698 between patients and healthy controls (p = 0.0277). Compared to the wild-type CC genotype, the heterozygous variant CT and homozygous variant TT genotypes were associated with significantly increased risks of childhood leukemia with an adjusted odd ratio (OR) of 1.46 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.08–2.14, p = 0.0429) and 1.94 (95%CI, 1.15–3.31, p = 0.0169), respectively (p_{for tread} = 0.0277). The difference in allelic frequencies between childhood leukemia patients and controls was also significant (T versus C, adjusted OR = 1.53, 95%CI, 1.13–1.79, p = 0.0077). There were no significant differences in the genotypic and allelic distributions of rs217727 between cases and controls. Interestingly, the average level of H19 rs2839698 was statistically significantly higher for patients with CT and TT genotypes than from those with the CC genotype (p < 0.0001). Our results indicate that H19 SNP rs2839698, but not rs217727, may serve as a novel susceptibility marker for childhood leukemia.

Roles of the H19/microRNA‑675 axis in the proliferation and epithelial‑mesenchymal transition of human cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma cells

The long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) H19 and microRNA(miR)-675 were reported to serve an important role in the tumorigenesis and metastasis of numerous cancer types by promoting the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process; however, the underlying mechanisms of action of H19 and miR-675 in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) remain unknown. The mRNA expression levels of H19 and miR-675 were analyzed using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, and Cell Counting Kit-8, wound healing and Transwell assays were performed to analyze the cell proliferation, migration and invasion of cSCC cells, respectively. The levels of cell apoptosis were also determined using a TUNEL assay. Protein expression levels of p53 and marker proteins related to the EMT process were analyzed using western blotting. In addition, a dual luciferase reporter assay was performed to determine the interactions between H19, miR-675 and p53. The results of the present study revealed that the expression levels of H19 and miR-675 were upregulated in cSCC tissues and cSCC cell lines. The knockdown of H19 or miR-675 expression inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion, but induced cell apoptosis. In addition, the expression levels of EMT-related markers were also downregulated. The overexpression of H19 upregulated the expression levels of its predicted target, miR-675, which subsequently promoted the EMT process and downregulated the expression levels of p53. Conversely, the genetic silencing of H19 or miR-675 inhibited proliferation and invasion in SCL1 and A431 cSCC cell lines. In conclusion, the findings of the present study provided novel insight into the potential role of H19 and miR-675 in the development, metastasis and progression of cSCC, which may help the development of treatments for cSCC.

LncRNA ZNF503-AS1 acts as a tumor suppressor in bladder cancer by up-regulating Ca2+ concentration via transcription factor GATA6

PURPOSE

Ca2+ homeostasis plays a pivotal role in regulating proliferation and apoptosis during cancer development. This study intended to examine the potential tumor-suppressing role of ZNF503 antisense RNA 1 (ZNF503-AS1) in bladder cancer, which may be implicated in the regulation of Ca2+ homeostasis.

METHODS

Differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) related to bladder cancer were identified using microarray analysis, followed by the verification of transcription factors to which they bind. The relationship between ZNF503-AS1, GATA6 and SLC8A1 was assessed using dual luciferase reporter, RIP and ChIP assays. The expression levels of ZNF503-AS1, GATA6 and SLC8A1 were modulated to examine their effects on the tumorigenic potential, intracellular Ca2+ concentration and Ca2+-ATPase activity in bladder cancer cells. The in vivo tumorigenic ability was validated in nude mice.

RESULTS

Microarray-based expression profile analysis of the GEO GSE61615 dataset revealed that the expression of ZNF503-AS1 was decreased in bladder cancer. Subsequently, we found that ZNF503-AS1 can bind to the transcription factor GATA6 to up-regulate the expression of SLC8A1. ZNF503-AS1 and SLC8A1 were found to be down-regulated in both primary bladder cancer tissues and cells. Exogenous overexpression of ZNF503-AS1 or SLC8A1 attenuated bladder cancer cell proliferation, invasion and migration, but promoted their apoptosis, accompanied by decreased Ca2+-ATPase activities and increased intracellular Ca2+ concentrations. Additional in vivo experiments validated the inhibitory effect of ZNF503-AS1 overexpression on the tumorigenic capacity of bladder cancer cells in nude mice.

CONCLUSION

ZNF503-AS1 can recruit transcription factor GATA6 to up-regulate SLC8A1 expression, thereby increasing the intracellular Ca2+ concentration and repressing the proliferation, invasion and migration, and enhancing the apoptosis of bladder cancer cells.

H19 gene polymorphisms and Wilms tumor risk in Chinese children: a four-center case-control study

BACKGROUND

Wilms tumor is the most common pediatric renal cancer. However, genetic bases behind Wilms tumor remain largely unknown. H19 is a critical maternally imprinted gene. Previous studies indicated that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the H19 can modify the risk of several human malignancies. Epigenetic errors at the H19 locus lead to biallelic silencing in Wilms tumors. Genetic variations in the H19 may be related to Wilms tumor susceptibility.

METHODS

We conducted a four-center study to investigate whether H19 SNP was a predisposing factor to Wilms tumor. Three polymorphisms in the H19 (rs2839698 G > A, rs3024270 C > G, rs217727 G > A) were genotyped in 355 cases and 1070 cancer-free controls, using Taqman method. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to evaluate the strength of the associations.

RESULTS

We found that all of these three polymorphisms were significantly associated with Wilms tumor risk alterations. The rs2839698 G > A polymorphism (AG vs. GG: adjusted OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.57-0.96, p = 0.024; AA vs. GG: adjusted OR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.05-2.22, p = 0.027), the rs3024270 C > G polymorphism (CG vs. CC: adjusted OR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.46-0.81, p = 0.0007; and the rs217727 polymorphism (AG vs. GG: adjusted OR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.58-0.99, p = 0.035). The Carriers of 1, 2, and 1-2 risk genotypes were inclined to develop Wilms tumor compared with those without risk genotype (adjusted OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.02-1.80, p = 0.037; adjusted OR = 1.84, 95% CI = 1.27-2.67, p = 0.001; adjusted OR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.17-1.92, p = 0.002, respectively). The stratified analysis further revealed that rs2839698 AA, rs217727 AA, and 1-2 risk genotypes could strongly increase Wilms tumor risk among children above 18 months of age, males, and with clinical stage I+II disease.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that genetic variations in the H19 may confer Wilms tumor risk.

Association between lncRNA-H19 polymorphisms and hepatoblastoma risk in an ethic Chinese population

H19 polymorphisms are associated with increased susceptibility to several cancers; however, their role in hepatoblastoma remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the association between three H19 polymorphisms (rs2839698 G>A, rs3024270 C>G, rs217727 G>A) and hepatoblastoma susceptibility in 213 hepatoblastoma patients. The rs2839698 and rs3024270 polymorphisms were associated with significantly increased hepatoblastoma risk, with the GG genotype associated with a higher risk of hepatoblastoma than the CC genotype at the rs3024270 locus. The rs217727 polymorphism was associated with significantly decreased hepatoblastoma risk, with the AG genotype associated with a lower risk of hepatoblastoma than the GG genotype. These findings were confirmed by combined analysis, and stratification analysis revealed that age, gender and clinical stage were associated with increased hepatoblastoma susceptibility. The GGG and AGG haplotypes were significantly associated with increased hepatoblastoma risk compared with the GCA reference (rs2839698, rs3024270, rs217727). The rs2839698 and rs3024270 polymorphisms correlated with decreased MRPL23-AS1 expression, whereas the rs217727 polymorphism was associated with increased MRPL23-AS1 expression. Overall, the H19 rs2839698, rs3024270 and rs217727 polymorphisms were associated with hepatoblastoma susceptibility in a Chinese Han population.

The long non coding RNA H19 as a biomarker for breast cancer diagnosis in Lebanese women

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Minimally invasive percutaneous image-guided biopsies are the current cornerstone in the diagnosis of breast lesions detected on mammography/ultrasonography/MRI or palpable clinically. However, apparently benign breast disease seen on benign biopsies is a limiting factor for diagnosis and a risk factor of breast cancer especially in the high-risk category patients. Hypothesizing that molecular changes often occur before morphological variations, the levels of the LncRNA H19 were measured in anonymous tissues obtained from 79 women's image guided breast biopsies, and correlated with cancer progression and aggressiveness. Using a double-blinded approach, H19 might be attributed an interesting role of a more sensitive biomarker in core breast biopsies, independently of the radiological/clinical classification and distant from the clinical management. We established different thresholds for H19 levels in normal versus proliferative, versus malignant tissues. Additionnally, H19 could act as an intra-group risk marker categorizing the biopsies in normal versus benign, versus precancerous breast tissue, and as a prognostic factor in cancerous lesions discriminating aggressive versus nonaggressive lesions. Our study suggests that the lncRNA H19 could be a potential marker for breast cancer diagnosis, prognosis and risk management.

Long noncoding RNA H19 acts as a miR-29b sponge to promote wound healing in diabetic foot ulcer

Aberrant expression of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) H19 and microRNA (miR)-29b has been implicated in the complications of diabetes mellitus (DM). As a common and important complication of DM, diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is characterized by high incidence and poor prognosis. Herein, we explored the role of lncRNA H19 in wound healing of DFU. Differentially expressed DM-related lncRNAs were initially screened by microarray data analysis. DFU models were then induced in DM mouse models. The functional role and interaction of lncRNA H19, miR-29b and FBN1 in DFU were subsequently determined by examining the proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of fibroblasts after silencing H19, inhibiting or overexpressing miR-29b and FBN1. According to microarray-based analysis, lncRNA H19 was upregulated in DM. In the ulcerative edge tissues of DFU, high expression of lncRNA H19 and FBN1 and low expression of miR-29b were observed. FBN1 was identified to be a target gene of miR-29b. LncRNA H19 could competitively bind to miR-29b, and then, inhibited its expression, which consequently upregulating FBN1. Silencing of lncRNA H19 led to inhibited proliferation, migration, and enhanced apoptosis of fibroblasts, accompanied by downregulated FBN1 but upregulated miR-29b, which diminished the expression of TGF-β1, Smad3, FN, and Col-1 and reduced extracellular matrix accumulation. Altogether, upregulation of lncRNA H19 can elevate the expression of FBN1 through competitively binding to miR-29b, which enhances the proliferation, migration, and inhibits apoptosis of fibroblasts, thus facilitating the wound healing of DFU.

Galangin promotes cell apoptosis through suppression of H19 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Background

Galangin has been extensively studied as the antitumor agent in various cancers. However, the effect of galangin in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains elusive.

Methods

Using RNA sequencing, the differential expression of lncRNA in human HCC cell line with highly metastatic potential (MHCC97H) cells treated with galangin was investigated. Furthermore, H19 expression pattern was also determined in MHCC97H cells following treatment with galangin. In addition, knockdown and overexpression of H19 was performed to analyze the effect of the expression pattern of H19 on cell apoptosis, cell cycle, migration, and invasion in HCC cells. Moreover, the in vivo effect of galangin on tumor development was also determined in nude mice. In order to analyze loss expression of H19 in vivo, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/Cas9 (CRISPR/Cas9) was used.

Results

Total of 50 lncRNAs were significantly differentially expressed in MHCC97H cells treated with galangin. Besides, the expression of H19 was markedly reduced following treatment with galangin in MHCC97H cells. Compared to the Control group, the galangin‐treated group inhibited cell migration and invasion. Knockdown of H19 expression showed increased cell apoptosis and decreased invasion. In addition, RNA‐seq data also identified 161 mRNA which was significantly differentially expressed following treatment with galangin. To further determine the underlying mechanism, p53 protein was analyzed. Notably, the results indicated that knockdown of H19 and miR675 induced the expression of p53, eventually promoting cell apoptosis in MHCC97H cells. These results indicated that galangin promoted cell apoptosis through reduced the expression of H19 and miR675 in MHCC97H cells. The in vivo result showed that compared to the Con, tumor growth was remarkably suppressed with loss expression of H19.

Conclusion

Our data suggested that galangin has a crucial role in hepatocarcinogenesis through regulating the expression pattern of H19.

Quantitative assessment of lncRNA H19 polymorphisms and cancer risk: a meta-analysis based on 48,166 subjects

Recently, numerous studies have been performed to detect the association between H19 polymorphisms and cancer susceptibility. However, their results were inconsistent and controversial. So, we carried out a meta-analysis aiming to define the association exactly. Eligible studies were collected using PubMed and Embase databases up to March 31, 2019. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the strength of association. Sensitivity analysis and publication bias were established to evaluate the robustness of our results. Totally, 60 studies involving 20763 cases and 27403 patients were analysed in our meta-analysis. Our results indicated that H19 rs217727 C > T polymorphism was significantly associated with increased cancer risk. In subgroup analysis, similarly increased risk could be found in gastrointestinal group for rs2839698 and protective effect was observed in rs2107425 polymorphism for cancer development in Caucasian population. Trial sequential analysis strengthened findings of our meta-analysis that cumulative evidence was adequate. In summary, our meta-analysis supported that H19 polymorphisms may be associated with cancer susceptibility.

The Role of Non-coding RNAs in Oncology

For decades, research into cancer biology focused on the involvement of protein-coding genes. Only recently was it discovered that an entire class of molecules, termed non-coding RNA (ncRNA), plays key regulatory roles in shaping cellular activity. An explosion of studies into ncRNA biology has since shown that they represent a diverse and prevalent group of RNAs, including both oncogenic molecules and those that work in a tumor suppressive manner. As a result, hundreds of cancer-focused clinical trials involving ncRNAs as novel biomarkers or therapies have begun and these are likely just the beginning.

Genetic Variant in Long Non-Coding RNA H19 Modulates Its Expression and Predicts Renal Cell Carcinoma Susceptibility and Mortality

The long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) H19 has been demonstrated to play a crucial role in carcinogenesis, including renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, the impact of genetic variations in H19 gene on RCC has not been investigated before. In the present study, we sought to evaluate whether genetic polymorphisms in H19 are related to the susceptibility and mortality of RCC. We genotyped four widely studied polymorphisms in H19 and assessed their relationship with susceptibility and prognosis of RCC in a case-control study compromising 1,027 cases and 1,094 controls. The functionality of the important polymorphism was further investigated by real-time polymerase chain reaction and luciferase reporter assay. We found that H19 rs2839698 was significantly associated with risk and prognosis of RCC. Compared with the H19 rs2839698 CC genotype, the variant genotypes (CT/TT) were significantly associated with increased risk of RCC (P = 0.023, OR = 1.21; 95% CI = 1.03–1.45). Besides, patients with variant genotypes (CT/TT) were more likely to develop large tumor (P = 0.003, OR = 1.47; 95% CI = 1.16–1.85) and advanced disease (P = 0.010, OR = 1.59; 95% CI = 1.12–2.26); and had a significantly unfavorable overall survival than those with the rs2839698 CC genotype (CT/TT vs. CC: Log-rank P = 0.026, HR = 2.25, 95%CI = 1.07–4.75). Furthermore, the CT/TT genotypes were associated with significantly increased expression of H19 in renal tissue. The luciferase reporter assays revealed the potential effect of rs2839698 variant on the binding of microRNAs to H19. Our results suggest that the H19 rs2839698 variant may be a genetic predictor of susceptibility and mortality of RCC. The risk effects and the functional impact of the variant on H19 still need further validation.

Significant association between long non-coding RNA H19 polymorphisms and cancer susceptibility: A PRISMA-compliant meta-analysis and bioinformatics prediction

BACKGROUND

H19, a well-known long non-coding RNA, is involved in carcinogenesis and progression of multiple cancers. Molecular epidemiological research suggests that polymorphisms in H19 are associated with an increased risk of cancer, but the results are inconsistent. Thus, we performed a meta-analysis to estimate the associations between H19 polymorphisms and cancer susceptibility.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched. Odds ratios with 95% confidence interval were applied to assess the association between H19 rs2107425, rs217727, rs2839698, rs2735971, rs3024270, and rs3741219 polymorphisms and cancer susceptibility in all 5 models. We also predicted the H19 secondary structure, as well as the generation and abolishment of miRNA binding sites on H19 through the selected SNPs.

RESULTS

Eighteen related studies, involving 17,090 patients and 23,532 control samples, were analyzed. The pooled data showed that rs2839698 polymorphism was significantly associated with an increased cancer susceptibility. As for rs217727 and rs3024270 polymorphisms, similarly increased risks were found in specific genetic models and stratified groups. However, significant decreases in cancer risk were observed for rs2107425 and rs2735971 in the total population, as well as in subgroup analyses. In addition, no significant associations were found in all 5 models for rs3741219 polymorphism. Furthermore, RNAfold prediction revealed that the centroid secondary structure was markedly altered in rs217727 and rs2735971. We also identified that rs217727 G>A and rs2839689 G>A alleles could create and destroy miRNA binding sites on H19.

CONCLUSION

The results of our meta-analyses suggest that H19 polymorphisms may be associated with the risk of cancer development.

The LncRNA H19 rs217727 Polymorphism Is Associated with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Susceptibility in Iranian Population

Lack of protein-coding capacity is a main characteristic of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) which, as molecular biomarkers, have found a novel pharmacological application in cancer and are reported to be important regulators of gene expression. H19 is reportedly involved in cancer progression and tumorigenesis. One of the most common types of head and neck cancers is oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the correlation of OSCC susceptibility with H19 gene in an Iranian population. This research was performed on 400 subjects of both sexes referred to the Namazi Hospital affiliated with the Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (SUMS). Individuals aged 15-88 years were divided into two groups: pathologically diagnosed patients with new-onset OSCC and healthy controls. After written and informed consent was obtained from the individuals, genomic DNA was extracted. The tetra-primer ARMS-PCR technique was performed for DNA genotyping by the use of specific primer pairs. The susceptibility of OSCC and H19 gene polymorphism sites was further analyzed (rs217727 and rs2107425). The allele and genotype frequencies of H19 rs2107425 polymorphism were similar between OSCC cases and controls. The H19 rs217727T allele frequency was significantly higher in OSCC cases (P = 0.002), and the polymorphism of H19 rs217727 was associated with OSCC susceptibility in the codominant (OR = 6.04, 95%CI = 1.70 − 21.42, P = 0.001 for TT genotype), dominant (OR = 1.62, 95%CI = 1.08 − 2.43, P = 0.01), and recessive (OR = 5.32, 95%CI = 1.51 − 18.69, P = 0.003) models. This study showed that rs217727 and OSCC susceptibility were statistically correlated in the Iranian population.

Long Non-Coding RNA BCAR4 Binds to miR-644a and Targets TLX1 to Promote the Progression of Bladder Cancer

Background

Bladder cancer is a serious threat to human health. It is meaningful to study the pathogenesis of bladder cancer. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are reported to promote or inhibit bladder cancer development. However, the role of lncRNA BCAR4 in the regulation of bladder cancer remains unclear.

Purpose

This study was to explore the role of lncRNA BCAR4 in the progression of bladder cancer cell.

Methods

RT-PCR was used to examine the expression of BCAR4 and miR-644a. CCK8 assay, colony formation assay, Transwell assay were used to detect the progression of bladder cancer cells after transfecting of indicated plasmids.

Results

The expression of BCAR4 was higher in bladder cancer cell lines than normal urothelial cell line. Moreover, the expression of BCAR4 was associated with the advanced stage and metastasis of bladder cancer. Through knockdown of BCAR4, we discovered that knockdown of BCAR4 significantly decreased the proliferation, migration and invasive abilities of bladder cancer cells. Mechanically, we showed that BCAR4 can bind to miR-644a directly and targets TLX1. Moreover, we also showed that miR-644a was also highly expressed in bladder cancer cells and inhibition of miR-644a or overexpression of TLX1 can increased the migration abilities of bladder cancer caused by knockdown of BCAR4.

Conclusion

We showed that BCAR4 sponged miR-644a to modulate the expression of TLX1 and promote bladder cancer development.

LncRNA H19 gene rs2839698 polymorphism is associated with a decreased risk of colorectal cancer in a Chinese Han population: A case-control study

Background

Long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) H19 is involved in the carcinogenesis, progression, and metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC). Recently, a few studies explored the relationship between lncRNA H19 gene rs2839698 polymorphism and CRC risk, but with conflicting findings.

Materials and methods

A case‐control study with 315 CRC cases and 441 controls was designed in a Chinese population. Genotyping was performed using PCR‐RFLP.

Results

It was found rs2839698 polymorphism was associated with a decreased risk of CRC (AA vs GG: OR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.54‐0.98; P = .037; A vs G: OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.63‐0.96; P = .021). Stratified analyses indicated this positive association was also significant in the non‐smokers (AA vs GG: OR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.25‐0.93; P = .029), non‐drinkers, those aged ≥ 60 years, and overweight individuals (BMI ≥ 24). In addition, rs2839698 polymorphism was also related to the lymph node metastasis (AA vs GG: OR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.21‐0.88; P = .019) and tumor size (AA vs GG: OR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.20‐0.88; P = .020) for patients with CRC.

Conclusion

To sum up, the lncRNA H19 gene rs2839698 polymorphism decreases the risk of CRC in Chinese individuals, especially among the non‐smokers, non‐drinkers, individuals aged ≥ 60 years, and overweight individuals (BMI ≥ 24). Thus, the lncRNA H19 gene rs2839698 polymorphism might be an important biomarker and diagnostic marker for predicting the susceptibility to CRC in Chinese Han population.

Long non-coding RNAs in genitourinary malignancies: a whole new world

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are regulators of cellular machinery that are commonly dysregulated in genitourinary malignancies. Accordingly, the investigation of lncRNAs is improving our understanding of genitourinary cancers, from development to progression and dissemination. lncRNAs are involved in major oncogenic events in genitourinary malignancies, including androgen receptor (AR) signalling in prostate cancer, hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) pathway activation in renal cell carcinoma and invasiveness in bladder cancer, as well as multiple other proliferation and survival mechanisms. In line with their putative oncogenic roles, new lncRNA-based classifications are emerging as potent predictors of prognosis. In clinical practice, detection of oncogenic lncRNAs in serum or urine might enable early cancer detection, and lncRNAs might also be promising therapeutic targets for patients with genitourinary cancer. Furthermore, as predictors of sensitivity to anticancer treatments, lncRNAs could be integrated into future precision medicine strategies. Overall, lncRNAs are promising new candidates for molecular studies and for discovery of innovative biomarkers and are putative therapeutic targets in genitourinary oncology.

Systematic Review: Genetic Associations for Prognostic Factors of Urinary Bladder Cancer

INTRODUCTION

Many germline associations have been reported for urinary bladder cancer (UBC) outcomes and prognostic characteristics. It is unclear whether there are overlapping genetic patterns for various prognostic endpoints. We aimed to review contemporary literature on genetic associations with UBC prognostic outcomes and to identify potential overlap in reported genes.

METHODS

EMBASE, MEDLINE, and PubMed databases were queried for relevant articles in English language without date restrictions. The initial search identified 1346 articles. After exclusions, 112 studies have been summarized. Cumulatively, 316 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were reported across prognostic outcomes (recurrence, progression, death) and characteristics (tumor stage, grade, size, age, risk group). There were considerable differences between studied outcomes in the context of genetic associations. The most commonly reported SNPs were located in OGG1, TP53, and MDM2. For outcomes with the highest number of reported associations (ie, recurrence and death), functional enrichment annotation yields different terms, potentially indicating separate biological mechanisms.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that all UBC prognostic outcomes may have different biological origins with limited overlap. Further validation of these observations is essential to target a phenotype that could best predict patient outcome and advance current management practices.

H19 lncRNA: Roles in tumorigenesis

H19 is a long non-coding RNA [lncRNA] which was firstly described as an oncofetal transcript. The imprinted gene is normally expressed from the maternal allele. However, this pattern of imprinting is dysregulated in several cancers leading to aberrant up-regulation of H19 in malignant tissues. Several studies have utilized this aberrant expression pattern to find specific biomarkers for detection of cancer in tumoral tissues or peripheral blood. Moreover, single nucleotide polymorphisms within H19 have been associated with risk of oral squamous cell carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, breast cancer, bladder cancer, gastric cancer and colorectal cancer. Taken together, H19 is regarded as a biomarker for cancer and a putative therapeutic target in these human disorders.

Long noncoding RNA NNT-AS1 enhances the malignant phenotype of bladder cancer by acting as a competing endogenous RNA on microRNA-496 thereby increasing HMGB1 expression

The long noncoding RNA nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase antisense RNA 1 (NNT-AS1) is a key malignancy regulator in a variety of human cancers. In this study, we first measured the expression of NNT-AS1 in bladder cancer and examined its role in cancer progression. The mechanisms behind the oncogenic functions of NNT-AS1 in bladder cancer were explored. We found that NNT-AS1 was upregulated in bladder cancer tissues and cell lines. This increased expression demonstrated a significant correlation with advanced clinical stage, lymph node metastasis, and shorter overall survival. NNT-AS1 knockdown suppressed bladder cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and facilitated apoptosis in vitro and hindered tumor growth in vivo. NNT-AS1 functioned as a competing endogenous RNA for microRNA-496 (miR-496), and the suppressive effects of NNT-AS1 knockdown on malignant characteristics were abrogated by miR-496 silencing. HMGB1 was identified as a direct target gene of miR-496 in bladder cancer, and HMGB1 expression was enhanced by NNT-AS1 via sponging of miR-496. In conclusion, the NNT-AS1–miR-496–HMGB1 pathway plays a significant role in the aggressive behavior of bladder cancer and may lead to new NNT-AS1–based diagnostics and therapeutics.

Association between lncRNA H19 rs217727 polymorphism and the risk of cancer: an updated meta-analysis

Background

We have performed this study to evaluate the association between H19 rs217727 polymorphism and the risk of cancer.

Methods

An odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was applied to determine a potential association.

Results

A total of 17 case–control publications were selected. This meta-analysis showed that H19 rs217727 has a significant increased association with cancer risk in allelic, homozygous, heterozygote, dominant and recessive models (T vs C: OR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.06–1.27, I² = 75.7; TT vs CC: OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.06–1.56, I² = 71.6; CT vs CC: OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.01–1.31, I² = 75.4; CT + TT vs CC: OR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.05–1.36, I² = 76.5; TT vs CT + CC: OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.02–1.45, I² = 70.6;). In the subgroup analysis of smoking status, both smokers and nonsmokers showed an increase in cancer risk in allelic, homozygous, dominant and heterozygote models.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis revealed H19 rs217727 may influence cancer susceptibility.

The clinicopathological characteristic associations of long non-coding RNA gene H19 polymorphisms with uterine cervical cancer

The purposes of the current study were conducted to explore the relationships among long non-coding RNA gene H19 (LncRNA H19) polymorphisms and clinicopathological characteristics of uterine cervical cancer, and patient prognosis in Taiwan. Five genetic variants of LncRNA H19 rs3024270, rs2839698, rs3741219, rs2107425 and rs217727 were recruited from one hundred and thirty-four patients with invasive cancer, 101 with high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) of uterine cervix and 325 controls and their genetic distributions were determined. It indicated no associations of these LncRNA H19 genetic variants with development of cervical cancer. CC/CT in LncRNA H19 rs2839698 exhibited less risk to have pelvic lymph node metastasis [Odds ratio (OR): 0.19, 95% Confidence interval (CI):0.04-0.82, p=0.028)], as compared with TT. Meanwhile, cervical cancer patients with AA/AG in rs3741219 also had less risk to develop pelvic lymph node metastasis (OR: 0.17, 95% CI: 0.05-0.63, p=0.008), large tumor (OR: 0.17, 95% CI: 0.04-0.82, p=0.014) as well as parametrium (OR: 0.26, 95% CI: 0.07-0.95, p=0.045) and vagina invasion (OR: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.07-0.91, p=0.041, as compared to those with GG. However, only positive pelvic lymph node metastasis was related to worse recurrence-free survival and poor overall survival. Conclusively, it indicated no association of LncRNA H19 SNPs with cervical carcinogensis in Taiwanese women. Although genotypes TT in LncRNA H19 rs2839698 and GG in rs3741219 are related to some poor clinicopathological parameters of cervical cancer, only pelvic lymph node status could predict 5 year patient survival significantly.

Association of lncRNA H19 Gene Polymorphisms with the Occurrence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer, whose diversified occurrence worldwide indicates a connection between genetic variations among individuals and the predisposition to such neoplasms. Mounting evidence has demonstrated that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) H19 can have both promotive and inhibitory effects on cancer development, revealing a dual role in tumorigenesis. In this study, the link of H19 gene polymorphisms to hepatocarcinogenesis was assessed between 359 HCC patients and 1190 cancer-free subjects. We found that heterozygotes for the minor allele of H19 rs2839698 (T) and rs3741219 (G) were more inclined to develop HCC (OR, 1.291; 95% CI, 1.003–1.661; p = 0.047, and OR, 1.361; 95% CI, 1.054–1.758; p = 0.018, respectively), whereas homozygotes for the polymorphic allele of rs2107425 (TT) were correlated with a decreased risk of HCC (OR, 0.606; 95% CI, 0.410–0.895; p = 0.012). Moreover, patients who bear at least one variant allele (heterozygote or homozygote) of rs3024270 were less prone to develop late-stage tumors (for stage III/IV; OR, 0.566; 95% CI, 0.342–0.937; p = 0.027). In addition, carriers of a particular haplotype of three H19 SNPs tested were more susceptible to HCC. In conclusion, our results indicate an association between H19 gene polymorphisms and the incidence and progression of liver cancer.

Silencing of LINC01116 suppresses the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma by up-regulating microRNA-136 to inhibit FN1

Background

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), one of the most common cancers worldwide with a high mortality rate, is accompanied by poor prognosis, highlighting the significance of early diagnosis and effective treatment. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been linked with the development and progression of various cancers. In this study, aberrantly expressed lncRNA LINC01116, microRNA-136 (miR-136), and fibronectin1 (FN1) were identified in OSCC using a microarray analysis. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the role of LINC01116/miR-136/FN1 regulatory axis in OSCC.

Methods

The gain-of-function and loss-of-function experiments in vitro were performed to alter the expression of LINC01116 and miR-136 in OSCC cells to elucidate their effects on cellular processes, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), viability, invasion, and migration. In addition, the interaction among LINC01116, miR-136, and FN1 was identified. Additionally, the tumorigenicity and lymph node metastasis (LNM) affected by LINC01116 were observed through xenograft tumor in nude mice.

Results

LINC01116 and FN1 were abundant in both OSCC tissues and cells, while miR-136 was poorly expressed. LINC01116 could competitively bind to miR-136, which targets and negatively regulates FN1. Moreover, in response to LINC01116 silencing or miR-136 over-expression, OSCC cells exhibited diminished EMT process and inhibited cell viability, invasion, and migration in vitro, coupling with impaired tumorigenicity and LNM in vivo.

Conclusion

The fundamental findings in this study collectively demonstrate that LINC01116 silencing may inhibit the progression of OSCC via the miR-136-mediated FN1 inhibition, highlighting a promising therapeutic strategy for OSCC treatment.

Long non-coding RNA H19 promotes the proliferation and invasion of lung cancer cells and regulates the expression of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and vimentin

Background

This study aimed to explore the effect of long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) H19 on the proliferation and invasion of lung carcinoma cells A549, and to determine its molecular targets.

Methods

A549 cells were with either LncRNA H19 or LncRNA H19 shRNA, and the expression levels of LncRNA H19 were evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR (RT-PCR). We measured cell proliferation using the CCK-8 assay, cell counting assays, and colony formation assay in response to shLncRNA H19-2. Cell migration and invasion were assessed by wound healing assay and Transwell assay, respectively. The mRNA and protein expression levels of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and vimentin were determined by RT-PCR and western blot, respectively.

Results

The three LncRNA H19 shRNAs used in our study significantly reduced the expression levels of LncRNA H19 in A549 cells (P<0.05). Moreover, LncRNA H19 shRNA 2 (shLncRNA-2) was the most potent inhibitor of LncRNA H19 expression, and was selected for further experimentation. Transfection with shLncRNA H19-2 significantly decreased the proliferation, migration, and invasion of A549 cells, while overexpression of LncRNA H19 had the opposite effect in these cells (P<0.05). In response to shLncRNA H19-2, the expression levels of E-cadherin were notably elevated (P<0.05), while the expression levels of N-cadherin and vimentin were decreased (P<0.05). In contrast, overexpression of LncRNA H19 induced the expression of E-cadherin, and blocked the expression of N-cadherin, and vimentin (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that LncRNA H19 mediates the proliferation and invasion of lung cancer cells via upregulation of N-cadherin and vimentin, and downregulation of E-cadherin.

Associations between H19 polymorphisms and neuroblastoma risk in Chinese children

BackgroundH19 polymorphisms have been reported to correlate with an increased susceptibility to a few types of cancers, although their role in neuroblastoma has not yet been clarified.Materials and methods We investigated the association between three single polymorphisms (rs2839698 G>A, rs3024270 C>G, and rs217727 G>A) and neuroblastoma susceptibility in Chinese Han populations. Three hundred ninety-three neuroblastoma patients and 812 healthy controls were enrolled from the Henan and Guangdong provinces. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to determine the strength of the association of interest.Results Separated and combined analyses revealed no associations of the rs2839698 G>A, rs3024270 C>G or rs217727 G>A polymorphisms and neuroblastoma susceptibility. In the stratification analysis, female children with rs3024270 GG genotypes had an increased neuroblastoma risk (adjusted OR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.04-2.50, P=0.032).Conclusion The rs3024270 GG genotype might contribute to an increased neuroblastoma susceptibility in female Chinese children.

A noncoding RNA LINC00504 interacts with c-Myc to regulate tumor metabolism in colon cancer

Accumulating evidence has shown a critical role of long-non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) during multiple tumor progression. However, the potential functions of LINC00504 in colon cancer as well as its mechanisms remain obscure. By lncRNA profiling, we identified LINC00504 as a novel oncogenic lncRNA in colon cancer. The lncRNA LINC00504 was markedly upregulated in colon cancer cell lines and specimens. LINC00504 increases viability and migration of colon cells in vitro. Furthermore, LINC00504 also enhances colon cancer xenograft tumors in vivo. We noted that LINC00504 regulates metabolism at a transcriptional level which influences multiple metabolic pathways, such as glucose metabolism, pentose phosphate pathway, and tricarboxylic acid cycle. Mechanistic study showed that LINC00504 could interact with c-Myc to promote chromatin recruitment of c-Myc and enhance its transactivation activity. Collectively, our results showed that LINC00504 serves as an important transcriptional regulator for c-Myc in colon cancer cells. LINC00504 can reprogram central metabolism in colon cancer cells implying that LINC00504 may serve as a potential target for therapeutic intervention.

Effects of Long Noncoding RNA H19 Polymorphisms on Urothelial Cell Carcinoma Development

Urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC) is one of the major malignancies of the genitourinary tract, and it is induced by carcinogenic epidemiological risk factors. H19 is one of the most crucial long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and is involved in various types of bladder cancer. In this study, we examined H19 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to investigate UCC susceptibility and clinicopathological characteristics. Using real-time polymerase chain reaction, we analyzed five SNPs of H19 in 431 UCC patients and 431 controls without cancer. The results showed that patients with UCC carrying the H19 rs217727 CT + TT and rs2107425 CT + TT genetic variants had a high risk of developing muscle invasive tumors (pT2-T4) (p = 0.030; p = 0.025, respectively). With a median follow up of 39 months, CT+TT polymorphisms of rs2107425 were associated with worse disease-specific survival (adjusted hard ratio (AHR) = 2.043, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.029-4.059) in UCC patients aged older than 65 years. In conclusion, our results indicate that patients with UCC carrying the H19 rs217727 CT + TT and rs2107425 CT + TT genetic variants have a high risk of developing muscle invasive tumors. Thus, H19 polymorphisms may be applied as a marker or therapeutic target in UCC treatment.

Rs217727 polymorphism in H19 promotes cell apoptosis by regulating the expressions of H19 and the activation of its downstream signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

The objective of the current study was to explore the role of H19 rs217727 polymorphism in the control of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHOD

The Student's t test, Cox regression, and Kaplan-Meier analyses were used to clarify whether the H19 rs217727 polymorphism played an important role in the development of HCC. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western-blot analysis were carried out to measure the levels of H19, microRNA (miR)-675, FAS-associated death domain (FADD), caspase-8, and caspase-3 among H19 CC, CT, and TT groups, as well as in cells transfected with H19/si-H19, or miR-675 mimic/inhibitor. The MTT assay, colony formation assay, and flow cytometry assay were performed to detect the effect of H19/miR-675 on cell viability, cell colony formation, and cell apoptosis.

RESULT

T allele of H19 rs217727 polymorphism apparently increased the survival rate of patients with HCC. Meanwhile, H19 enhanced miR-675 expression but reduced the mRNA and protein levels of FADD, caspase-3, and caspase-8. The T allele of H19 rs217727 polymorphism apparently increased the apoptotic rate of HCC cells. Furthermore, FADD was a virtual target gene of miR-675 with a potential "hit" located in the 3'-untranslated region (UTR) of FADD, whereas H19 inhibited FADD expression via increasing the expression of miR-675. Moreover, H19 upregulated the expression of miR-675 whereas reducing the expression of FADD, caspase-3, and caspase-8. Finally, H19 and miR-675 promoted cell proliferation and cell colony formation but repressed cell apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

In summary, the above findings demonstrated that the polymorphism of rs217727 in H19 was associated with HCC via the H19/miR-675/FADD/caspase-8/caspase-3/apoptosis signaling pathway.

Overexpression of long non‑coding RNA n346372 in bladder cancer tissues is associated with a poor prognosis

Accumulating evidence has confirmed that dysregulated long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) participate in the initiation and progression of a number of solid tumors and have potential applications for early diagnosis, targeted therapy, and the prognosis of patients with bladder cancer. In the present study, via high-throughput sequencing technology and bioinformatics analysis, a total of 169 lncRNAs with significantly differential expression between bladder cancer tissues and paired adjacent normal tissues (n=10) were initially identified by screening. Reverse-transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was carried out to validate the expression levels of lncRNA-n346372 in 60 pairs of tissue samples from bladder cancer patients. The results indicated that lncRNA-n346372 was upregulated in bladder cancer tissues compared with the matched adjacent normal tissues (P<0.05). In addition, the results of fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis of bladder cancer cells and tissues demonstrated that lncRNA-n346372 is located in the cytoplasm, and the expression of lncRNA-n346372 in bladder cancer tissues was significantly increased compared with the paired normal tissues. Following a χ² test with common clinical variables among the patients, the expression level of lncRNA-n346372 was demonstrated to be positively associated with advanced tumor stage and poor histological differentiation of bladder cancer. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that patients with high expression of n346372 were more likely to have a poor prognosis compared with patients with low n346372 expression. Finally, univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that the relative level of n346372, apart from tumor stage and histological grade, may serve as an independent prognostic factor of bladder cancer. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to verify the dysregulated expression of lncRNA-n346372 in bladder cancer; an association of this lncRNA with overall survival of bladder cancer patients was also uncovered in the present study, suggesting that lncRNA-n346372 may contribute to the initiation and/or progression of bladder cancer with potential applications in the clinic.

Polymorphisms in the H19 gene and the risk of lung Cancer among female never smokers in Shenyang, China

Background

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) H19 is a hot spot in tumor development, progression and metastasis. This study assessed the association between H19 genetic polymorphisms and the susceptibility of lung cancer.

Methods

The case-control study was conducted to evaluate the association between four selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs217727, rs2107425, rs2735469 and rs17658052) in H19 gene and the risk of lung cancer. There were 556 female never smoking lung cancer patients and 395 cancer-free controls. Unconditional logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the associations between four SNPs and lung cancer risks by calculating the odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals. The gene-environment interactions were assessed on both additive and multiplicative scales.

Results

Compared with carriers carrying homozygous CC genotype, there was a statistically significant increased risk of lung cancer for carriers of the rs2107425 TT genotype (odds ratio = 1.599, 95%CI = 1.106–2.313, P = 0.013). In both dominant and recessive models, significant associations were found between rs2107425 and lung cancer risk, and the corresponding odds ratios were 1.346 (1.022–1.774) and 1.400 (1.011–1.937), with P values 0.035 and 0.043, respectively. There was no significant correlation between lung cancer risk and rs2735469, rs217727 and rs17658052. Interaction analysis showed that their combined effects had a greater impact on lung cancer than individual effects of polymorphism and cooking smoke exposure. However, further analysis showed that the both additive model and the multiplicative model were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

The polymorphism rs2107425 in H19 gene was associated with the risk of lung cancer among female who never smokes in Shenyang, China.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-018-4795-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Association between Pri-miR-34b/c rs4938723 polymorphism and bladder cancer risk

Several studies examined the impact of miR-34b/c rs4938723 polymorphism and cancer risk, but the findings are inconsistent. However, no study has been conducted to inspect the impact of miR-34b/c polymorphism on bladder cancer. This study aimed to assess possible association between rs4938723 polymorphism and bladder cancer risk. This case-control study was done on 136 pathologically proven bladder cancer patients and 144 controls. Genotyping of Pri-miR-34b/c rs4938723 polymorphism was achieved by using the polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. Our findings did not show any statistically significant differences in genotype and allele frequencies between bladder cancer and controls. Larger sample sizes with diverse ethnicities are required to validate our findings.

Genetic variation at the long noncoding RNA H19 gene is associated with the risk of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Aim: The long noncoding RNA H19 and its host micro RNA miR-675 have been found deregulated in cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure tissues. Our aim was to investigate whether the H19 gene variants were associated with the risk of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Patients & methods: We genotyped two H19 tag single nucleotide polymorphisms in 405 HCM patients and 550 controls, and sequenced this gene in 100 patients. Results: The rs2107425 C was significantly increased in sarcomere no-mutation patients (n = 225; p = 0.01): CC versus CT + TT, p = 0.017; odd ratios: 1.51. Sequencing of the H19 coding transcript identified two patients heterozygous carriers for a rare variant, rs945977096 G/A, that was absent among the controls. Conclusion: Our study suggested a significant association between H19 variants and the risk of developing HCM.

lncRNA H19 predicts poor prognosis in patients with melanoma and regulates cell growth, invasion, migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in melanoma cells

Introduction

Melanoma is a deadly malignancy and the poor prognosis of patients with advanced disease is relatively poor. Recent studies indicate that long non-coding RNAs are involved in the pathogenesis of malignant melanoma. This study aims to investigate the role of the long non-coding RNA H19 in melanoma and to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Materials and methods

The expression levels of H19 in clinical samples and melanoma cells were determined by quantitative real-time PCR. The cell growth and cell metastasis were assessed by Cell Counting Kit 8, cell invasion and wound healing assays. Cell apoptosis and cell cycle were determined by flow cytometry. Protein levels were determined by Western blotting assay.

Results

H19 was highly expressed in melanoma tissues compared to normal adjacent skin tissues, and the tissue expression level of H19 from melanoma patients with metastasis was significantly higher than that from patients without distant metastasis. In addition, the high expression of H19 in melanoma tissues was associated with advanced tumor invasion and TNM stage, distal metastasis, lymph node metastasis and shorter overall survival in patients with melanoma. The in vitro functional assays showed that knockdown of H19 inhibited cell growth, invasion and migration and also induced cell apoptosis as well as G₀/G₁ arrest in melanoma cells. Further quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot experiments showed that knockdown of H19 differentially regulated the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related gene expressions and reversed EMT in melanoma cell lines. Knockdown of H19 suppressed in vivo tumor growth and modulated the expressions of EMT-related genes in nude mice.

Conclusion

The results from this study suggest that upregulation of H19 contributes to melanoma development and progression.

Significant association between lncRNA H19 polymorphisms and cancer susceptibility: a meta-analysis

Previous epidemiological research suggests polymorphisms in long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) H19 are associated with an increased risk of cancer, but the results are inconsistent. We therefore conducted a meta-analysis to more accurately determine the association between lncRNA H19 polymorphisms and cancer risk. The PubMed, Embase, and Science Citation Index online databases were searched and 11 relevant studies involving a total of 33,209 participants were identified. Odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CIs) from these studies were used to detect associations between H19 polymorphisms and cancer risk using five genetic models. The pooled result suggested that the rs2839698 G>A polymorphism was associated with digestive cancer risk in all five models. Moreover, a protective effect against cancer development was observed for the T allele variant of the rs2107425 C>T polymorphism, especially in Caucasian patient populations. No significant associations were found between lncRNA H19 rs217727 G>A polymorphism and cancer risk. In summary, the rs2839698 G>A and rs2107425 C>T polymorphisms in lncRNA H19 may therefore play opposing roles during cancer development, and their effects may vary depending on cancer type and patient ethnicity.