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Lv X, Yang L, Xie Y, Momeni MR. Non-coding RNAs and exosomal non-coding RNAs in lung cancer: insights into their functions. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1397788. [PMID: 38859962 PMCID: PMC11163066 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1397788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the second most common form of cancer worldwide Research points to the pivotal role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in controlling and managing the pathology by controlling essential pathways. ncRNAs have all been identified as being either up- or downregulated among individuals suffering from lung cancer thus hinting that they may play a role in either promoting or suppressing the spread of the disease. Several ncRNAs could be effective non-invasive biomarkers to diagnose or even serve as effective treatment options for those with lung cancer, and several molecules have emerged as potential targets of interest. Given that ncRNAs are contained in exosomes and are implicated in the development and progression of the malady. Herein, we have summarized the role of ncRNAs in lung cancer. Moreover, we highlight the role of exosomal ncRNAs in lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Lv
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The People’s Hospital of Changshou, Chongqing, China
| | - Lei Yang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The People’s Hospital of Tongliang District, Chongqing, China
| | - Yunbo Xie
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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2
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Wang H, Gan X, Tang Y. Mechanisms of Heavy Metal Cadmium (Cd)-Induced Malignancy. Biol Trace Elem Res 2024:10.1007/s12011-024-04189-2. [PMID: 38683269 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-024-04189-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
The environmental pollution of cadmium is worsening, and its significant carcinogenic effects on humans have been confirmed. Cadmium can induce cancer through various signaling pathways, including the ERK/JNK/p38MAPK, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, NF-κB, and Wnt. It can also cause cancer by directly damaging DNA and inhibiting DNA repair systems, or through epigenetic mechanisms such as abnormal DNA methylation, LncRNA, and microRNA. However, the detailed mechanisms of Cd-induced cancer are still not fully understood and require further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hairong Wang
- School of Public Health, Southwest Medical University, No. 1, Section 1, Xianglin Road, Longmatan District, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Xuehui Gan
- School of Public Health, Southwest Medical University, No. 1, Section 1, Xianglin Road, Longmatan District, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Yan Tang
- School of Public Health, Southwest Medical University, No. 1, Section 1, Xianglin Road, Longmatan District, Luzhou, 646000, China.
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Shi G, Tai T, Miao Y, Yan L, Han T, Dong H, Liu Z, Cheng T, Liu Y, Yang Y, Fei S, Pang B, Chen T. The antagonism mechanism of astilbin against cadmium-induced injury in chicken lungs via Treg/Th1 balance signaling pathway. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 277:116364. [PMID: 38657461 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Treg/Th1 imbalance in cadmium-induced lung injury and the potential protective effect of astilbin against cadmium-induced lung injury in chicken. Cadmium exposure significantly decreased T-AOC and GSH-Px levels and SOD activity in the chicken lung tissues. In contrast, it significantly increased the MDA and NO levels. These results indicate that cadmium triggers oxidative stress in lungs. Histopathological analysis revealed that cadmium exposure further induced infiltration of lymphocytes in the chicken lungs, indicating that cadmium causes pulmonary damage. Further analysis revealed that cadmium decreased the expression of IL-4 and IL-10 but increased those of IL-17, Foxp3, TNF-α, and TGF-β, indicating that the exposure of cadmium induced the imbalance of Treg/Th1. Moreover, cadmium adversely affected chicken lung function by activating the NF-kB pathway and inducing expression of genes downstream to these pathways (COX-2, iNOS), associated with inflammatory injury in the lung tissue. Astilbin reduced cadmium-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in the lungs by increasing antioxidant enzyme activities and restoring Treg/Th1 balance. In conclusion, our results suggest that astilbin treatment alleviated the effects of cadmium-mediated lung injury in chickens by restoring the Treg/Th1 balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangliang Shi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education, Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Tiange Tai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education, Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Yusong Miao
- Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Liangchun Yan
- Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China; Translational Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Tianyu Han
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education, Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Han Dong
- Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China; Translational Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhaoyang Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education, Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Tingting Cheng
- Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China; Translational Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yiding Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education, Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Yu Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education, Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Shanshan Fei
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education, Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Bo Pang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education, Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Tiezhu Chen
- Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China; Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory of Quality and Innovation Research of Chinese Materia Medica, Chengdu 610041, China.
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Ali Hussein M, Kamalakkannan A, Valinezhad K, Kannan J, Paleati N, Saad R, Kajdacsy-Balla A, Munirathinam G. The dynamic face of cadmium-induced Carcinogenesis: Mechanisms, emerging trends, and future directions. Curr Res Toxicol 2024; 6:100166. [PMID: 38706786 PMCID: PMC11068539 DOI: 10.1016/j.crtox.2024.100166] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is a malleable element with odorless, tasteless characteristics that occurs naturally in the earth's crust, underground water, and soil. The most common reasons for the anthropological release of Cd to the environment include industrial metal mining, smelting, battery manufacturing, fertilizer production, and cigarette smoking. Cadmium-containing products may enter the environment as soluble salts, vapor, or particle forms that accumulate in food, soil, water, and air. Several epidemiological studies have highlighted the association between Cd exposure and adverse health outcomes, especially renal toxicity, and the impact of Cd exposure on the development and progression of carcinogenesis. Also highlighted is the evidence for early-life and even maternal exposure to Cd leading to devastating health outcomes, especially the risk of cancer development in adulthood. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain how Cd mediates carcinogenic transformation, including epigenetic alteration, DNA methylation, histone posttranslational modification, dysregulated non-coding RNA, DNA damage in the form of DNA mutation, strand breaks, and chromosomal abnormalities with double-strand break representing the most common DNA form of damage. Cd induces an indirect genotoxic effect by reducing p53's DNA binding activity, eventually impairing DNA repair, inducing downregulation in the expression of DNA repair genes, which might result in carcinogenic transformation, enhancing lipid peroxidation or evasion of antioxidant interference such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione. Moreover, Cd mediates apoptosis evasion, autophagy activation, and survival mechanisms. In this review, we decipher the role of Cd mediating carcinogenic transformation in different models and highlight the interaction between various mechanisms. We also discuss diagnostic markers, therapeutic interventions, and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Ali Hussein
- Department of Pharmaceutical Services, Children’s Cancer Hospital Egypt, 57357 Cairo, Egypt
- Institute of Global Health and Human Ecology (IGHHE), School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, New Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Abishek Kamalakkannan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Rockford, IL 61107, USA
| | - Kamyab Valinezhad
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Rockford, IL 61107, USA
| | - Jhishnuraj Kannan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Rockford, IL 61107, USA
| | - Nikhila Paleati
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, College of Undergraduate Studies, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
| | - Rama Saad
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - André Kajdacsy-Balla
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Gnanasekar Munirathinam
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Rockford, IL 61107, USA
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Chandel SS, Mishra A, Dubey G, Singh RP, Singh M, Agarwal M, Chawra HS, Kukreti N. Unravelling the role of long non-coding RNAs in modulating the Hedgehog pathway in cancer. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 254:155156. [PMID: 38309021 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Cancer is a multifactorial pathological condition characterized by uncontrolled cellular proliferation, genomic instability, and evasion of regulatory mechanisms. It arises from the accumulation of genetic mutations confer selective growth advantages, leading to malignant transformation and tumor formation. The intricate interplay between LncRNAs and the Hedgehog pathway has emerged as a captivating frontier in cancer research. The Hedgehog pathway, known for its fundamental roles in embryonic development and tissue homeostasis, is frequently dysregulated in various cancers, contributing to aberrant cellular proliferation, survival, and differentiation. The Hh pathway is crucial in organizing growth and maturation processes in multicellular organisms. It plays a pivotal role in the initiation of tumors as well as in conferring resistance to conventional therapeutic approaches. The crosstalk among the Hh pathway and lncRNAs affects the expression of Hh signaling components through various transcriptional and post-transcriptional processes. Numerous pathogenic processes, including both non-malignant and malignant illnesses, have been identified to be induced by this interaction. The dysregulation of lncRNAs has been associated with the activation or inhibition of the Hh pathway, making it a potential therapeutic target against tumorigenesis. Insights into the functional significance of LncRNAs in Hedgehog pathway modulation provide promising avenues for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. The dysregulation of LncRNAs in various cancer types underscores their potential as biomarkers for early detection and prognostication. Additionally, targeting LncRNAs associated with the Hedgehog pathway presents an innovative strategy for developing precision therapeutics to restore pathway homeostasis and impede cancer progression. This review aims to elucidate the complex regulatory network orchestrated by LncRNAs, unravelling their pivotal roles in modulating the Hedgehog pathway and influencing cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anurag Mishra
- NIMS Institute of Pharmacy, NIMS University Rajasthan, Jaipur, India
| | - Gaurav Dubey
- NIMS Institute of Pharmacy, NIMS University Rajasthan, Jaipur, India
| | | | - Mithilesh Singh
- NIMS Institute of Pharmacy, NIMS University Rajasthan, Jaipur, India
| | - Mohit Agarwal
- NIMS Institute of Pharmacy, NIMS University Rajasthan, Jaipur, India.
| | | | - Neelima Kukreti
- School of Pharmacy, Graphic Era Hill University, Dehradun 248007, India
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Xia Y, Wang C, Li X, Gao M, Hogg HDJ, Tunthanathip T, Hulsen T, Tian X, Zhao Q. Development and validation of a novel stemness-related prognostic model for neuroblastoma using integrated machine learning and bioinformatics analyses. Transl Pediatr 2024; 13:91-109. [PMID: 38323183 PMCID: PMC10839279 DOI: 10.21037/tp-23-582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Neuroblastoma (NB) is a common solid tumor in children, with a dismal prognosis in high-risk cases. Despite advancements in NB treatment, the clinical need for precise prognostic models remains critical, particularly to address the heterogeneity of cancer stemness which plays a pivotal role in tumor aggressiveness and patient outcomes. By utilizing machine learning (ML) techniques, we aimed to explore the cancer stemness features in NB and identify stemness-related hub genes for future investigation and potential targeted therapy. Methods The public dataset GSE49710 was employed as the training set for acquire gene expression data and NB sample information, including age, stage, and MYCN amplification status and survival. The messenger RNA (mRNA) expression-based stemness index (mRNAsi) was calculated and patients were grouped according to their mRNAsi value. Stemness-related hub genes were identified from the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) to construct a gene signature. This was followed by evaluating the relationship between cancer stemness and the NB immune microenvironment, and the development of a predictive nomogram. We assessed the prognostic outcomes including overall survival (OS) and event-free survival, employing machine learning methods to measure predictive accuracy through concordance indices and validation in an independent cohort E-MTAB-8248. Results Based on mRNAsi, we categorized NB patients into two groups to explore the association between varying levels of stemness and their clinical outcomes. High mRNAsi was linked to the advanced International Neuroblastoma Staging System (INSS) stage, amplified MYCN, and elder age. High mRNAsi patients had a significantly poorer prognosis than low mRNAsi cases. According to the multivariate Cox analysis, the mRNAsi was an independent risk factor of prognosis in NB patients. After least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis, four key genes (ERCC6L, DUXAP10, NCAN, DIRAS3) most related to mRNAsi scores were discovered and a risk model was built. Our model demonstrated a significant prognostic capacity with hazard ratios (HR) ranging from 18.96 to 41.20, P values below 0.0001, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) values of 0.918 in the training set, suggesting high predictive accuracy which was further confirmed by external verification. Individuals with a low four-gene signature score had a favorable outcome and better immune responses. Finally, a nomogram for clinical practice was constructed by integrating the four-gene signature and INSS stage. Conclusions Our findings confirm the influence of CSC features in NB prognosis. The newly developed NB stemness-related four-gene signature prognostic signature could facilitate the prognostic prediction, and the identified hub genes may serve as promising targets for individualized treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuren Xia
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Cancer Hospital Airport Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Chaoyu Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xin Li
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Cancer Hospital Airport Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Mingyou Gao
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Henry David Jeffry Hogg
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Thara Tunthanathip
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Tim Hulsen
- Data Science & AI Engineering, Philips, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Xiangdong Tian
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Qiang Zhao
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, Tianjin, China
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7
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Yang F, Yang Y, Qiu Y, Tang L, Xie L, Guan X. Long Non-Coding RNAs as Regulators for Targeting Breast Cancer Stem Cells and Tumor Immune Microenvironment: Biological Properties and Therapeutic Potential. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:290. [PMID: 38254782 PMCID: PMC10814583 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) is a subpopulation of cancer cells with self-renewal and differentiation capacity, have been suggested to give rise to tumor heterogeneity and biologically aggressive behavior. Accumulating evidence has shown that BCSCs play a fundamental role in tumorigenesis, progression, and recurrence. The development of immunotherapy, primarily represented by programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors, has greatly changed the treatment landscape of multiple malignancies. Recent studies have identified pervasive negative associations between cancer stemness and anticancer immunity. Stemness seems to play a causative role in the formation of cold tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). The multiple functions of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in regulating stemness and immune responses has been recently highlighted in breast cancer. The review focus on lncRNAs and keys pathways involved in the regulation of BCSCs and TIME. Potential clinical applications using lncRNAs as biomarkers or therapies will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Yang
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China; (F.Y.); (Y.Y.); (Y.Q.)
- Clinical Cancer Institute, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Yiqi Yang
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China; (F.Y.); (Y.Y.); (Y.Q.)
- Clinical Cancer Institute, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Yuling Qiu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China; (F.Y.); (Y.Y.); (Y.Q.)
- Clinical Cancer Institute, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Lin Tang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, China;
| | - Li Xie
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China; (F.Y.); (Y.Y.); (Y.Q.)
- Clinical Cancer Institute, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Xiaoxiang Guan
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
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Wang Z, Uddin MB, Wang PS, Liu Z, Barzideh D, Yang C. Up-regulation of RNA m 6A methyltransferase like-3 expression contributes to arsenic and benzo[a]pyrene co-exposure-induced cancer stem cell-like property and tumorigenesis. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2023; 481:116764. [PMID: 37972769 PMCID: PMC11375689 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2023.116764] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
While arsenic or BaP alone exposure can cause lung cancer, studies showed that arsenic plus BaP co-exposure displays a significantly stronger lung tumorigenic effect. However, the underlying mechanism has not been well understood. Studies showed that RNA molecules are chemically modified. The most frequently occurring RNA modification in eukaryotic messenger RNAs is the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation. This study aimed to determine whether arsenic plus BaP exposure alters RNA m6A methylation and its role in lung tumorigenic effect of arsenic plus BaP exposure. Human bronchial epithelial cells transformed by exposure to arsenic or BaP alone, and arsenic plus BaP and mouse xenograft tumorigenesis models were used in this study. It was found that arsenic plus BaP exposure-transformed cells have significantly higher levels of RNA m6A methylation than arsenic or BaP alone exposure-transformed human bronchial epithelial cells. Western blot analysis showed that arsenic plus BaP exposure greatly up-regulates the m6A writer methyltransferase like-3 (METTL3) expression levels in cultured cells and mouse lung tissues. METTL3 knockdown in cells transformed by arsenic plus BaP exposure drastically reduced their RNA m6A methylation levels. Functional studies revealed that METTL3 knockdown in cells transformed by arsenic plus BaP exposure greatly reduces their anchorage-dependent and -independent growth, cancer stem cell characters and tumorigenesis. The findings from this study suggest that arsenic plus BaP co-exposure causes epitranscriptomic dysregulation, which may contribute significantly to arsenic plus BaP co-exposure-caused synergistic lung tumorigenic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhishan Wang
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA; Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA.
| | - Mohammad Burhan Uddin
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky School of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Po-Shun Wang
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Zulong Liu
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - David Barzideh
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Chengfeng Yang
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA; Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
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Wu Y, Mou J, Liu Y, Zheng W. Association of LncRNA PCBP1-AS1 with cancer occurrence and development: A review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e35631. [PMID: 37904442 PMCID: PMC10615425 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000035631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Long-stranded noncoding RNAs (LncRNAs) are noncoding RNAs >200 nucleotides in length. Polycytidine binding protein 1 antisense LncRNA is abbreviated as LncRNA polycytosine binding protein 1 antisense1 (PCBP1-AS1). Since studies in recent years have revealed the importance of PCBP1-AS1 in human genetic analysis, it is an important member of the LncRNA family. Genetically engineered group analysis of PCBP1-AS1 regulates the progression of cancer in biology. Therefore, it may be an important RNA in the regulation of human cancer. This article summarizes the molecular mechanism and clinical role of PCBP1-AS1 in various tumor types. Taking "PCBP1-AS1" and "cancer" as keywords, this paper analyzed the relationship between PCBP1-AS1 and various tumors by searching PubMed and Geen Medical, and summarized the related regulatory mechanism of PCBP1-AS1. PCBP1-AS1 is a valuable tumor-associated LncRNA that plays different biological roles in different cancers. Overall, it can both promote and inhibit the development of cancer. For example, abnormally high expression in castration-resitant prostate cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, cervical cancer, glioma, and colorectal cancer promotes the proliferation and progression of these cancers; in contrast, PCBP1-AS1 inhibits cancer proliferation, metastasis, invasion, and recurrence when highly expressed in vulvar squamous cell carcinoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, and lung adenocarcinoma. PCBP1-AS1 regulates the development of multiple tumors, and the specific mechanism needs to be further investigated, which may become a new tumor marker and potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Wu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The First college of China Medical Science, China Three Gorges University/Yichang Central People’s Hospital, Yichang, Hubei, China
| | - Jie Mou
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The First college of China Medical Science, China Three Gorges University/Yichang Central People’s Hospital, Yichang, Hubei, China
| | - Yuling Liu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The First college of China Medical Science, China Three Gorges University/Yichang Central People’s Hospital, Yichang, Hubei, China
| | - Wenfei Zheng
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The First college of China Medical Science, China Three Gorges University/Yichang Central People’s Hospital, Yichang, Hubei, China
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Long non-coding RNA NONHSAT217600.1 is involved in the regulation of neodymium oxide-induced cytotoxicity in 16HBE cells. Mol Cell Toxicol 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s13273-023-00347-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
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11
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Zhao L, Islam R, Wang Y, Zhang X, Liu LZ. Epigenetic Regulation in Chromium-, Nickel- and Cadmium-Induced Carcinogenesis. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235768. [PMID: 36497250 PMCID: PMC9737485 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental and occupational exposure to heavy metals, such as hexavalent chromium, nickel, and cadmium, are major health concerns worldwide. Some heavy metals are well-documented human carcinogens. Multiple mechanisms, including DNA damage, dysregulated gene expression, and aberrant cancer-related signaling, have been shown to contribute to metal-induced carcinogenesis. However, the molecular mechanisms accounting for heavy metal-induced carcinogenesis and angiogenesis are still not fully understood. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have indicated that in addition to genotoxicity and genetic mutations, epigenetic mechanisms play critical roles in metal-induced cancers. Epigenetics refers to the reversible modification of genomes without changing DNA sequences; epigenetic modifications generally involve DNA methylation, histone modification, chromatin remodeling, and non-coding RNAs. Epigenetic regulation is essential for maintaining normal gene expression patterns; the disruption of epigenetic modifications may lead to altered cellular function and even malignant transformation. Therefore, aberrant epigenetic modifications are widely involved in metal-induced cancer formation, development, and angiogenesis. Notably, the role of epigenetic mechanisms in heavy metal-induced carcinogenesis and angiogenesis remains largely unknown, and further studies are urgently required. In this review, we highlight the current advances in understanding the roles of epigenetic mechanisms in heavy metal-induced carcinogenesis, cancer progression, and angiogenesis.
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Han X, Li B. The emerging role of noncoding RNAs in the Hedgehog signaling pathway in cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 154:113581. [PMID: 36037783 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog (HH), a conserved signaling pathway, is involved in embryo development, organogenesis, and other biological functions. Dysregulation and abnormal activation of HH are involved in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. With the emergence of interest in noncoding RNAs, studies on their involvement in abnormal regulation of biological processes in tumors have been published one after another. In this review, we focus on the crosstalk between noncoding RNAs and the HH pathway in tumors and elaborate the mechanisms by which long noncoding RNAs and microRNAs regulate or are regulated by HH signaling in cancer. We also discuss the interaction between noncoding RNAs and the HH pathway from the perspective of cancer hallmarks, presenting this complex network as concisely as possible and organizing ideas for cancer diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Han
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, China
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, China. libo--
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13
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Sargazi ML, Jafarinejad-Farsangi S, Moazzam-Jazi M, Rostamzadeh F, Karam ZM. The crosstalk between long non-coding RNAs and the hedgehog signaling pathway in cancer. Med Oncol 2022; 39:127. [PMID: 35716241 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-022-01710-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) is a conserved signaling pathway that is involved in embryo development as well as adult tissue maintenance and repair in invertebrates and vertebrates. Abnormal activation of this pathway in various types of malignant drug- and apoptosis-resistant tumors has made it a therapeutic target against tumorigenesis. Thus, understanding the molecular mechanisms that promote the activation or inhibition of this pathway is critical. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), a subclass of non-coding RNAs with a length of > 200 nt, affect the expression of Hh signaling components via a variety of transcriptional and post-transcriptional processes. This review focuses on the crosstalk between lncRNAs and the Hh pathway in carcinogenesis, outlines the broad role of Hh-related lncRNAs in tumor progression, and illustrates their clinical diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic potential in tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzieh Lotfian Sargazi
- Student Research Committee, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Jehad Blvd, Ebn Sina Avenue, 7619813159, Kerman, Iran
| | - Saeideh Jafarinejad-Farsangi
- Physiology Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, 7619813159, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Maryam Moazzam-Jazi
- Cellular and Molecular Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, 19839-63113, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Rostamzadeh
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, 7619813159, Kerman, Iran
| | - Zahra Miri Karam
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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14
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Wang Z, Uddin MB, Xie J, Tao H, Zeidler-Erdely PC, Kondo K, Yang C. Chronic Hexavalent Chromium Exposure Upregulates the RNA Methyltransferase METTL3 Expression to Promote Cell Transformation, Cancer Stem Cell-Like Property, and Tumorigenesis. Toxicol Sci 2022; 187:51-61. [PMID: 35201342 PMCID: PMC9216043 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfac023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] is a common environmental carcinogen causing lung cancer in humans. This study investigates the mechanism of Cr(VI) carcinogenesis focusing on the role of the epitranscriptomic dysregulation. The epitranscriptomic effect of Cr(VI) was determined in Cr(VI)-transformed human bronchial epithelial cells, chromate-exposed mouse and human lungs. The epitranscriptomic effect and its role in Cr(VI)-induced cell transformation, cancer stem cell (CSC)-like property, and tumorigenesis were determined by microarray analysis, soft agar colony formation, suspension spheroid formation, and mouse xenograft tumorigenesis assays. It was found that chronic Cr(VI) exposure causes epitranscriptomic dysregulations as evidenced by the increased levels of total RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification and the RNA m6A methyltransferase like-3 (METTL3) in Cr(VI)-transformed cells and chromate exposure-caused mouse and human lung tumors. Knockdown of METTL3 expression in Cr(VI)-transformed cells significantly reduces their m6A levels and transformed phenotypes and tumorigenicity in mice. Moreover, knockdown of METTL3 expression in parental nontransformed cells significantly reduces the capability of chronic Cr(VI) exposure to induce cell transformation and CSC-like property. Together, this study reveals that chronic Cr(VI) exposure is capable of altering cellular epitranscriptome by increasing the m6A RNA modification via upregulating the RNA methyltransferase METTL3 expression, which plays an important role in Cr(VI)-induced cell transformation, CSC-like property, and tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhishan Wang
- Division of Cancer Biology, Department of Medicine, MetroHealth Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio 44109, USA
| | - Mohammad Burhan Uddin
- Center for Environmental and Systems Biochemistry, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA
| | - Jie Xie
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA
| | - Hua Tao
- Division of Cancer Biology, Department of Medicine, MetroHealth Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio 44109, USA
| | - Patti C Zeidler-Erdely
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia 26508, USA
| | - Kazuya Kondo
- Department of Oncological Medical Services, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima City 770-8509, Japan
| | - Chengfeng Yang
- Division of Cancer Biology, Department of Medicine, MetroHealth Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio 44109, USA
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15
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Identification of Candidate lncRNA and Pseudogene Biomarkers Associated with Carbon-Nanotube-Induced Malignant Transformation of Lung Cells and Prediction of Potential Preventive Drugs. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19052936. [PMID: 35270630 PMCID: PMC8910615 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19052936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Mounting evidence has linked carbon nanotube (CNT) exposure with malignant transformation of lungs. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and pseudogenes are important regulators to mediate the pathogenesis of diseases, representing potential biomarkers for surveillance of lung carcinogenesis in workers exposed to CNTs and possible targets to develop preventive strategies. The aim of this study was to screen crucial lncRNAs and pseudogenes and predict preventive drugs. GSE41178 (small airway epithelial cells exposed to single- or multi-walled CNTs or dispersant control) and GSE56104 (lung epithelial cells exposed to single-walled CNTs or dispersant control) datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Weighted correlation network analysis was performed for these two datasets, and the turquoise module was preserved and associated with CNT-induced malignant phenotypes. In total, 24 lncRNAs and 112 pseudogenes in this module were identified as differentially expressed in CNT-exposed cells compared with controls. Four lncRNAs (MEG3, ARHGAP5-AS1, LINC00174 and PVT1) and five pseudogenes (MT1JP, MT1L, RPL23AP64, ZNF826P and TMEM198B) were predicted to function by competing endogenous RNA (MEG3/RPL23AP64-hsa-miR-942-5p-CPEB2/PHF21A/BAMBI; ZNF826P-hsa-miR-23a-3p-SYNGAP1, TMEM198B-hsa-miR-15b-5p-SYNGAP1/CLU; PVT1-hsa-miR-423-5p-PSME3) or co-expression (MEG3/MT1L/ZNF826P/MT1JP-ATM; ARHGAP5-AS1-TMED10, LINC00174-NEDD4L, ARHGAP5-AS1/PVT1-NIP7; MT1L/MT1JP-SYNGAP1; MT1L/MT1JP-CLU) mechanisms. The expression levels and prognosis of all genes in the above interaction pairs were validated using lung cancer patient samples. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed the combination of four lncRNAs, five pseudogenes or lncRNAs + pseudogenes were all effective for predicting lung cancer (accuracy >0.8). The comparative toxicogenomics database suggested schizandrin A, folic acid, zinc or gamma-linolenic acid may be preventive drugs by reversing the expression levels of lncRNAs or pseudogenes. In conclusion, this study highlights lncRNAs and pseudogenes as candidate diagnostic biomarkers and drug targets for CNT-induced lung cancer.
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Zhao J, Xu L, Dong Z, Zhang Y, Cao J, Yao J, Xing J. The LncRNA DUXAP10 Could Function as a Promising Oncogene in Human Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:832388. [PMID: 35186937 PMCID: PMC8850700 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.832388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the most prevalent and deadliest diseases globally, with an increasing morbidity of approximately 14 million new cancer cases per year. Identifying novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for cancers is important for developing cancer therapeutic strategies and lowering mortality rates. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) represent a group of noncoding RNAs of more than 200 nucleotides that have been shown to participate in the development of human cancers. The novel lncRNA DUXAP10 was newly reported to be abnormally overexpressed in several cancers and positively correlated with poor clinical characteristics of cancer patients. Multiple studies have found that DUXAP10 widely regulates vital biological functions related to the development and progression of cancers, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, migration, and stemness, through different molecular mechanisms. The aim of this review was to recapitulate current findings regarding the roles of DUXAP10 in cancers and evaluate the potential of DUXAP10 as a novel biomarker for cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prognostic assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lixia Xu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zihui Dong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yize Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Junhua Cao
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jie Yao
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jiyuan Xing
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Jiyuan Xing,
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Dai S, Liu T, Liu YY, He Y, Liu T, Xu Z, Wang ZW, Luo F. Long Non-Coding RNAs in Lung Cancer: The Role in Tumor Microenvironment. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:795874. [PMID: 35047506 PMCID: PMC8762058 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.795874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of various therapeutic interventions, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy, have effectively induced tumor remission for patients with advanced lung cancer. However, few cancer patients can obtain significant and long-lasting therapeutic effects for the limitation of immunological nonresponse and resistance. For this case, it’s urgent to identify new biomarkers and develop therapeutic targets for future immunotherapy. Over the past decades, tumor microenvironment (TME)-related long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have gradually become well known to us. A large number of existing studies have indicated that TME-related lncRNAs are one of the major factors to realize precise diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. Herein, this paper discusses the roles of lncRNAs in TME, and the potential application of lncRNAs as biomarkers or therapeutic targets for immunotherapy in lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Dai
- Department of Medical Oncology, Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ting Liu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan-Yang Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yingying He
- Oncology Department, People's Hospital of Deyang City, Deyang, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Zihan Xu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhi-Wu Wang
- Department of Chemoradiotherapy, Tangshan People's Hospital, Tangshan, China
| | - Feng Luo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Lin HP, Rea M, Wang Z, Yang C. Down-regulation of lncRNA MEG3 promotes chronic low dose cadmium exposure-induced cell transformation and cancer stem cell-like property. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2021; 430:115724. [PMID: 34520792 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2021.115724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal and one of carcinogens that cause lung cancer. However, the exact mechanism of Cd carcinogenesis remains unclear. To investigate the mechanism of Cd carcinogenesis, we exposed human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) to a low dose of Cd (2.5 μM, CdCl2) for 9 months, which caused cell malignant transformation and generated cancer stem cell (CSC)-like cells. The goal of this study is to investigate the underlying mechanism. The long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) microarray analysis showed that the expression level of a tumor suppressive lncRNA maternally expressed 3 (MEG3) is significantly down-regulated in Cd-transformed cells, which is confirmed by further q-PCR analysis. Mechanistically, it was found that chronic Cd exposure up-regulates the levels of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), which increases the methylation of the differentially methylated region (DMR) 1.5 kb upstream of MEG3 transcription start site to reduce MEG3 expression. Functional studies showed that stably overexpressing MEG3 in Cd-transformed cells significantly reduces their transformed phenotypes. Moreover, stably overexpressing MEG3 in parental non-transformed human bronchial epithelial cells significantly impaired the capability of chronic Cd exposure to induce cell transformation and CSC-like property. Further mechanistic studies revealed that the cell cycle inhibitor p21 level is reduced and retinoblastoma protein (Rb) phosphorylation is increased in Cd-transformed cells to promote cell cycle progression. In addition, Cd-transformed cells also expressed higher levels of Bcl-xL and displayed apoptosis resistance. In contrast, stably overexpressing MEG3 increased p21 levels and reduced Rb phosphorylation and Bcl-xL levels in Cd-exposed cells and reduced their cell cycle progression and apoptosis resistance. Together, these findings suggest that MEG3 down-regulation may play important roles in Cd-induced cell transformation and CSC-like property by promoting cell cycle progression and apoptosis resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsuan-Pei Lin
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, United States of America
| | - Matthew Rea
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, United States of America
| | - Zhishan Wang
- Division of Cancer Biology, Department of Medicine, MetroHealth Medical Center, Case Western University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44109, United States of America
| | - Chengfeng Yang
- Division of Cancer Biology, Department of Medicine, MetroHealth Medical Center, Case Western University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44109, United States of America.
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