Long non-coding RNA OIP5-AS1 promotes proliferation of lung cancer cells and leads to poor prognosis by targeting miR-378a-3p

A Novel ceRNET Relying on the lncRNA JPX, miR-378a-3p, and Its mRNA Targets in Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Non-coding RNAs are emerging as critical players for the onset and progression of cancer. Analyses of three different datasets revealed that the lncRNA JPX was overexpressed in adenocarcinoma tissues in comparison to normal lungs, as expected for an oncogene. Intriguingly, the predicted binding miR-378a-3p showed a significant inverse correlation with JPX expression. The lncRNA/miRNA physical interaction was validated by reporter vectors. Then, the oncogenic activity of JPX, the tumor-suppressive role of miR-378a-3p, and the contribution of their functional interaction to cancer hallmarks were demonstrated using assays for cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and 3D-spheroid formation. Finally, molecular circuits were investigated by boosting the expression of both JPX and miR-378a-3p, singularly and in combination, demonstrating that JPX counteracted miR-378a-3p silencing activity toward its oncogenic targets GLUT1, NRP1, YY1, and Wnt5a. Overall, the data unveil a novel ceRNET (competing endogenous RNA network), wherein JPX acts as a ceRNA by binding to miR-378a-3p, thus reducing the miRNA silencing activity toward its downstream targets, and eliciting oncogenic pathways driving lung cancer. The knowledge of the network may pave the way to develop new diagnostic panels, and innovative RNA-targeted and RNA-based therapeutic strategies.

lncRNA MALAT1 promotes diabetic retinopathy by upregulating PDE6G via miR-378a-3p

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the main cause of adult insomnia, which causes certain social and economic pressure. This research was to investigate the role and regulatory mechanisms of MALAT1, miR-378a-3p and PDE6g in retinal microvascular endothelial cells (RMECs) under high glucose (HG). MALAT1, Mir-378a-3p and PDE6G expressions level were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot. The proliferation, Bax and Bcl-2 protein expression of RMECs were detected by CCK-8 and western blot. The target relationships of MALAT1, miR-378a-3p and PDE6G were determined by bioinformatics analysis, dual-luciferase reporter gene, RIP and RNA pull-down assay. HG enhanced the expression of MALAT1 and PDE6G, and inhibited the expression of miR-378a-3p. Overexpression of MALAT1 promotes the proliferation of RMECs and inhibits apoptosis under HG condition. MALAT1 competitively adsorbed miR-378a-3p, which targeted PDE6G. Data reveal that MALAT1/miR-378a-3p/PDE6G signal axis restrain the apoptosis of RMECs under HG. This finding may help to delay the development of DR.

LncRNA OIP5-AS1 Targets the miR-140-5p/UBR5 Cascade to Promote the Development of Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) is a malignant tumor with the highest incidence among all kinds of malignant tumors in China. Long noncoding RNAs (LncRNAs) have been reported to act as microRNA (miRNAs) sponges and thus play key roles in biological processes and pathogenesis. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the functional effects and the regulatory mechanism of lncRNA opa interacting protein 5-antisense 1 (OIP5-AS1) in gastric cancer cells. The expression of OIP5-AS1, miR-140-5p, Ubiquitin protein ligase E3 component n-recognin 5 (UBR5) was detected using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were assessed using Cell-Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), Flow cytometry, and Transwell assays. UBR5 protein level was detected by Western blot. Binding between miR-140-5p and OIP5-AS1 or UBR5 was predicted by Starbasev2.0 and TargetScan, and verified using Dual-luciferase reporter assays and RNA pull-down assay. A xenograft mice model was used to evaluate the effects of OIP5-AS1 on tumor growth in vivo. OIP5-AS1 was upregulated in GC cancer and cells. OIP5-AS1 knockdown inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion, but induced cell apoptosis in GC. In mechanism, OIP5-AS1 might serve as a sponge for miR-140-5p to enhance UBR5 expression. Moreover, overexpression of miR-140-5p or UBR5 partly reversed the effects of OIP5-AS1 depletion on the progression of GC cells. Furthermore, OIP5-AS1 depletion also suppressed tumor growth in vivo. OIP5-AS1 silencing might suppress proliferation, migration, invasion, and induced apoptosis in GC cells by regulating the miR-140-5p/UBR5 axis.

Whole Blood Expression Levels of Long Noncoding RNAs: HOTAIRM1, GAS5, MZF1-AS1, and OIP5-AS1 as Biomarkers in Adolescents with Obesity-Related Asthma

Asthma is a heterogeneous entity encompassing distinct endotypes and varying phenotypes, characterized by common clinical manifestations, such as shortness of breath, wheezing, and variable airflow obstruction. Two major asthma endotypes based on molecular patterns are described: type 2 endotype (allergic-asthma) and T2 low endotype (obesity-related asthma). Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcripts of more than 200 nucleotides in length, currently involved in many diverse biological functions, such as chromatin remodeling, gene transcription, protein transport, and microRNA processing. Despite the efforts to accurately classify and discriminate all the asthma endotypes and phenotypes, if long noncoding RNAs could play a role as biomarkers in allergic asthmatic and adolescent obesity-related asthma, adolescents remain unknown. To compare expression levels of lncRNAs: HOTAIRM1, OIP5-AS1, MZF1-AS1, and GAS5 from whole blood of Healthy Adolescents (HA), Obese adolescents (O), allergic asthmatic adolescents (AA) and Obesity-related asthma adolescents (OA). We measured and compared expression levels from the whole blood of the groups mentioned above through RT-q-PCR. We found differentially expressed levels of these lncRNAs between the groups of interest. In addition, we found a discriminative value of previously mentioned lncRNAs between studied groups. Finally, we generated an interaction network through bioinformatics. Expression levels of OIP5-AS1, MZF1-AS1, HOTAIRM1, and GAS5 in whole blood from the healthy adolescent population, obese adolescents, allergic asthma adolescents, and obesity-related asthma adolescents are differently expressed. Moreover, these lncRNAs could act as molecular biomarkers that help to discriminate between all studied groups, probably through molecular mechanisms with several genes and miRNAs implicated.

Depicting the Implication of miR-378a in Cancers

MicroRNA-378a (miR-378a), including miR-378a-3p and miR-378a-5p, are encoded in PPARGC1B gene. miR-378a is essential for tumorigenesis and is an independent prognostic biomarker for various malignant tumors. Aberrant expression of miR-378a affects several physiological and pathological processes, including proliferation, apoptosis, tumorigenesis, cancer invasion, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. Interestingly, miR-378a has a dual functional role in either promoting or inhibiting tumorigenesis, independent of the cancer type. In this review, we comprehensively summarized the role and regulatory mechanisms of miR-378a in cancer development, hoping to provide a direction for its potential use in cancer therapy.

Integration of TE Induces Cancer Specific Alternative Splicing Events

Alternative splicing of messenger RNA (mRNA) precursors contributes to genetic diversity by generating structurally and functionally distinct transcripts. In a disease state, alternative splicing promotes incidence and development of several cancer types through regulation of cancer-related biological processes. Transposable elements (TEs), having the genetic ability to jump to other regions of the genome, can bring about alternative splicing events in cancer. TEs can integrate into the genome, mostly in the intronic regions, and induce cancer-specific alternative splicing by adjusting various mechanisms, such as exonization, providing splicing donor/acceptor sites, alternative regulatory sequences or stop codons, and driving exon disruption or epigenetic regulation. Moreover, TEs can produce microRNAs (miRNAs) that control the proportion of transcripts by repressing translation or stimulating the degradation of transcripts at the post-transcriptional level. Notably, TE insertion creates a cancer-friendly environment by controlling the overall process of gene expression before and after transcription in cancer cells. This review emphasizes the correlative interaction between alternative splicing by TE integration and cancer-associated biological processes, suggesting a macroscopic mechanism controlling alternative splicing by TE insertion in cancer.

HSSG: Identification of Cancer Subtypes Based on Heterogeneity Score of A Single Gene

Cancer is a highly heterogeneous disease, which leads to the fact that even the same cancer can be further classified into different subtypes according to its pathology. With the multi-omics data widely used in cancer subtypes identification, effective feature selection is essential for accurately identifying cancer subtypes. However, the feature selection in the existing cancer subtypes identification methods has the problem that the most helpful features cannot be selected from a biomolecular perspective, and the relationship between the selected features cannot be reflected. To solve this problem, we propose a method for feature selection to identify cancer subtypes based on the heterogeneity score of a single gene: HSSG. In the proposed method, the sample-similarity network of a single gene is constructed, and pseudo-F statistics calculates the heterogeneity score for cancer subtypes identification of each gene. Finally, we construct gene-gene networks using genes with higher heterogeneity scores and mine essential genes from the networks. From the seven TCGA data sets for three experiments, including cancer subtypes identification in single-omics data, the performance in feature selection of multi-omics data, and the effectiveness and stability of the selected features, HSSG achieves good performance in all. This indicates that HSSG can effectively select features for subtypes identification.

lncRNA-disease association prediction based on matrix decomposition of elastic network and collaborative filtering

In recent years, with the continuous development and innovation of high-throughput biotechnology, more and more evidence show that lncRNA plays an essential role in biological life activities and is related to the occurrence of various diseases. However, due to the high cost and time-consuming of traditional biological experiments, the number of associations between lncRNAs and diseases that rely on experiments to verify is minimal. Computer-aided study of lncRNA-disease association is an important method to study the development of the lncRNA-disease association. Using the existing data to establish a prediction model and predict the unknown lncRNA-disease association can make the biological experiment targeted and improve its accuracy of the biological experiment. Therefore, we need to find an accurate and efficient method to predict the relationship between lncRNA and diseases and help biologists complete the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Most of the current lncRNA-disease association predictions do not consider the model instability caused by the actual data. Also, predictive models may produce data that overfit is not considered. This paper proposes a lncRNA-disease association prediction model (ENCFLDA) that combines an elastic network with matrix decomposition and collaborative filtering. This method uses the existing lncRNA-miRNA association data and miRNA-disease association data to predict the association between unknown lncRNA and disease, updates the matrix by matrix decomposition combined with the elastic network, and then obtains the final prediction matrix by collaborative filtering. This method uses the existing lncRNA-miRNA association data and miRNA-disease association data to predict the association of unknown lncRNAs with diseases. First, since the known lncRNA-disease association matrix is very sparse, the cosine similarity and KNN are used to update the lncRNA-disease association matrix. The matrix is then updated by matrix decomposition combined with an elastic net algorithm, to increase the stability of the overall prediction model and eliminate data overfitting. The final prediction matrix is then obtained through collaborative filtering based on lncRNA.Through simulation experiments, the results show that the AUC value of ENCFLDA can reach 0.9148 under the framework of LOOCV, which is higher than the prediction result of the latest model.

LncRNA OIP5-AS1 Knockdown Targets miR-183-5p/GLUL Axis and Inhibits Cell Proliferation, Migration and Metastasis in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is often associated with the infection of Epstein-Barr virus in nasopharynx and is mainly happened in South China and Southeast Asia. Recently, noncoding RNAs have been reported to regulate NPC carcinogenesis. LncRNA OIP5-AS1 participates in tumorigenesis and progression; however, the inherent mechanism of OIP5-AS1-mediated progression of NPC is unclear. In the current study, we aimed to explore the role of OIP5-AS1 in NPC progression. We measured the cell viability, apoptosis, migration, and invasion in NPC cells after OIP5-AS1 modulation. Moreover, we determined whether OIP5-AS1 exerts its oncogenic functions via sponging miR-183-5p in NPC. Furthermore, we determined whether glutamate ammonia ligase (GLUL) was a downstream target of miR-183-5p. We found that OIP5-AS1 downregulation inhibited the viability, migration and invasion of NPC via targeting miR-183-5p. We also identified that GLUL might be a potential downstream target of miR-183-5p in NPC cells. Mechanistically, OIP5-AS1 promotes cell motility via regulating miR-183-5p and GLUL in NPC cells. We concluded that OIP5-AS1 performed its biological functions via targeting miR-183-5p and GLUL in NPC cells.

Long noncoding RNA OIP5-AS1 promotes the stemness of lung cancer cells through enhancing Oct4 mRNA stability

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) OIP5-AS1 was shown to facilitate drug resistance and metastasis in several tumors. As cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been elucidated as the origin of drug resistance and tumor progression, we speculate that lncRNA OIP5-AS1 holds critical roles in the CSC-like traits of lung cancer. Here, lncRNA OIP5-AS1 was found to be highly expressed in lung cancer cell spheres. Following experiments showed that OIP-AS1 knockdown reduced the CSC-like traits of lung cancer spheres, while overexpression of OIP-AS1 conferred the CSC-like traits in lung cancer cells by performing sphere-formation analysis, detecting stemness marker expression, and ALDH activity. Mechanistic studies revealed that lncRNA OIP5-AS1 could increase Oct4 expression by directly interacting with Oct4 mRNA and enhancing Oct4 mRNA stability. Finally, we found that the knockdown of Oct4 could rescue the promoting effects of OIP5-AS1 overexpression on the CSC-like traits of lung cancer. These results demonstrate that lncRNA OIP5-AS1 can confer lung cancer CSC-like traits by directly interacting with Oct4 mRNA and thus increasing Oct4 mRNA stability and expression.

Long Non-Coding RNAs in Pancreatic Cancer: Biologic Functions, Mechanisms, and Clinical Significance

Despite tremendous efforts devoted to research in pancreatic cancer (PC), the mechanism underlying the tumorigenesis and progression of PC is still not completely clear. Additionally, ideal biomarkers and satisfactory therapeutic strategies for clinical application in PC are still lacking. Accumulating evidence suggests that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) might participate in the pathogenesis of diverse cancers, including PC. The abnormal expression of lncRNAs in PC is considered a vital factor during tumorigenesis that affects tumor cell proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and drug resistance. With this review of relevant articles published in recent years, we aimed to summarize the biogenesis mechanism, classifications, and modes of action of lncRNAs and to review the functions and mechanisms of lncRNAs in PC. Additionally, the clinical significance of lncRNAs in PC was discussed. Finally, we pointed out the questions remaining from recent studies and anticipated that further investigations would address these gaps in knowledge in this field.

Long non-coding RNA Opa interacting protein 5-antisense RNA 1 binds to micorRNA-34a to upregulate oncogenic PD-L1 in non-small cell lung cancer

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) OPA-interacting protein 5 antisense transcript 1 (OIP5-AS1) plays an oncogenic role in several types of cancer, but whether it is involved in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is unclear. Our preliminary sequencing analysis revealed the upregulation of OIP5-AS1 in NSCLC. In this study, gene expression levels were analyzed by RT-qPCR. RNA-RNA pull-down assay was applied to detect direct interactions between RNAs. Overexpression assays were performed to explore the relationship between miR-34a and OIP5-AS1. CCK-8 assay and colony formation assay were applied to evaluate cell proliferation. In NSCLC cells (H23), overexpression of OIP5-AS1 increased the expression levels of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1). In addition, inhibition of OIP5-AS1 and overexpression of miR-34a decreased the expression levels of PD-L1, and miR-34a significantly blocked the role of overexpression of OIP5-AS1. Overexpression of OIP5-AS1 and PD-L1 promoted H23 and H22 cells proliferation, while silencing of miR-34a and OIP5-AS1 played opposite roles and eliminated the effects of overexpression of OIP5-AS1 on cell proliferation. Therefore, OIP5-AS1 was upregulated to enhance the expression of oncogenic PD-L1 by sponging miR-34a in NSCLC, leading to promoted NSCLC cell proliferation. Our study also demonstrated that OIP5-AS1 was upregulated while miR-34a was downregulated in NSCLC.

MiR-125b enhances doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity by suppressing the nucleus-cytoplasmic translocation of YAP via targeting STARD13

The clinical application of doxorubicin (Dox) is limited due to its cardiotoxicity, while the pathogenesis remains to be fully understood. Recent studies have suggested that microRNA (miRNA) plays an important role in Dox-induced cardiotoxicity. This work aims to investigate the effects of miR-125b in Dox-induced cardiotoxicity. Here, mice model combined with cell line analysis were used, and cell viability assay, detection of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA) activity, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, glutathione (GSH) level, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) level, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and histopathological changes were performed to characterize miR-125b effects; real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR), luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation, and western blot analysis were subjected to reveal the underlying mechanisms. It was found that miR-125b level was upregulated in myocardial cell line H9C2 treated with Dox and miR-125b overexpression enhanced Dox-induced cytotoxicology of H9C2 cells, while miR-125b inhibition exhibited a protective effect by measuring ROS level and cell viability. In consistent, in vivo experiments with miR-125b agomir or antagomir obtained a consistent result through examining the activity of MDA, LDH, GSH, GSH-Px, SOD, and histopathological changes. Furthermore, we found that miR-125b could target STARD13 and thus suppressed the nucleus-cytoplasmic translocation of yes-associated protein (YAP). Additionally, this STARD13/YAP axis is necessary for miR-125b-mediated regulation on Dox-induced cytotoxicology of H9C2 cells. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that miR-125b could enhance Dox-induced cardiotoxicity through targeting the STARD13/YAP axis.

The role of lncRNA OIP5-AS1 in cancer development and progression

OIP5-AS1, a conserved lncRNA, has been reported to be involved in several biological and pathological processes, including oncogenesis. OIP5-AS1 exerts its oncogenic or antitumor functions via regulation of different miRNAs in various cancer types. In this review, we describe the dysregulation of OIP5-AS1 expression in a variety of human cancers. Moreover, we discuss the multiple functions of OIP5-AS1 in cancer, including in proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, cell cycle, migration, metastasis, invasion, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis, cancer stem cells and drug resistance. Furthermore, we provide a future perspective for OIP5-AS1 research. We conclude that targeting OIP5-AS1 might be a promising cancer therapy approach.

Long non-coding RNA OIP5-AS1 suppresses microRNA-92a to augment proliferation and metastasis of ovarian cancer cells through upregulating ITGA6

OBJECTIVE

Recently, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified as essential biomarkers during development of malignancies. This study was performed to study the roles of lncRNA opa-interacting protein 5 antisense transcript 1 (OIP5-AS1) and miR-92a in ovarian cancer (OC).

METHODS

OIP5-AS1, miR-92a and integrin alpha 6 (ITGA6) expression in OC tissues and cells was assessed. The screened OC cells were respectively with OIP5-AS1-, miR-92a- and ITGA6-related vectors or oligonucleotides . The viability, migration, invasion and apoptosis of the cells were determined and the levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins were also measured. The interactions between OIP5-AS1 and miR-92a, and between miR-92a and ITGA6 were confirmed.

RESULTS

OIP5-AS1 and ITGA6 were upregulated while miR-92a was downregulated in OC. Inhibited OIP5-AS1 or downregulated ITGA6 or elevated miR-92a repressed EMT, viability, migration and invasion, and promoted apoptosis of OC cells. OIP5-AS1 as a competing endogenous RNA interacted with miR-92a to regulate ITGA6. These effects that induced by silenced OIP5-AS1 could be reversed by miR-92a inhibition while those that induced by up-regulated miR-92a were reduced by restored ITGA6.

CONCLUSION

OIP5-AS1 silencing promoted miR-92a to repress proliferation and metastasis of OC cells through inhibiting ITGA6.

Long non-coding RNA OIP5-AS1 (Cyrano): A context-specific regulator of normal and disease processes

Long non-coding (lnc) RNAs have been implicated in a plethora of normal biological functions, and have also emerged as key molecules in various disease processes. OIP5-AS1, also commonly known by the alias Cyrano, is a lncRNA that displays broad expression across multiple tissues, with significant enrichment in particular contexts including within the nervous system and skeletal muscle. Thus far, this multifaceted lncRNA has been found to have regulatory functions in normal cellular processes including cell proliferation and survival, as well as in the development and progression of a myriad disease states. These widespread effects on normal and disease states have been found to be mediated through context-specific intermolecular interactions with dozens of miRNAs and proteins identified to date. This review explores recent studies to highlight OIP5-AS1's contextual yet pleiotropic roles in normal homeostatic functions as well as disease oetiology and progression, which may influence its utility in the generation of future theranostics.

DNA damage response proteins synergistically affect the cancer prognosis and resistance

Amplification of oxidative stress can be utilized as a strategy to attenuate cancer progression by instigating apoptosis. However, the duration of positive response to such therapies is limited, as cancer cells eventually develop resistance. The underlying molecular mechanisms of cancer cells to escape apoptosis under oxidative stress is unknown. Employing big data, and its integration with transcriptome, proteome and network analysis in six cancer types revealed system-level interactions between DNA damage response (DDR) proteins, including; DNA damage repair, cell cycle checkpoints and anti-apoptotic proteins. Cancer system biology is used to elucidate mechanisms for cancer progression, but networks defining mechanisms causing resistance is less explored. Using system biology, we identified DDR hubs between G1-S and M phases that were associated with bad prognosis. The increased expression of DDR network was involved in resistance under high oxidative stress. We validated our findings by combining H₂O₂ induced oxidative stress and DDR inhibitors in human lung cancer cells to conclude the necessity of targeting a 'disease-causing network'. Collectively, our work provides insights toward designing strategies for network pharmacology to combat resistance in cancer research.

Long non-coding RNA OIP5-AS1 regulates smoke-related chronic obstructive pulmonary disease via targeting micro RNA -410-3p/IL-13

This investigation aimed to assess the levels of serum OIP5-AS1 and micro RNA-410-3p (miR-410-3p) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and their potential molecular mechanism. The levels of OIP5-AS1 and miR-410-3p as well as mRNA levels of IL-13 were measured. Pearson variable linear test was applied to analyze the correlations between forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and OIP5-AS1. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to predict the predictive possibility of OIP5-AS1. The viable cells were detected by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and flow cytometry was used to detect the cell apoptosis. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to indicate the inflammatory situation of 16HBE cells. Luciferase activity assay was conducted to examine the relationships between OIP5-AS1 and miR-410-3p together with miR-410-3p and IL-13. Augmented levels of OIP5-AS1, declined levels of miR-410-3p, and enhanced expression of IL-13 were unveiled. The expression of OIP5-AS1 and miR-410-3p was related to the ratio of FEV1 respectively. OIP5-AS1 might serve as a diagnostic biomarker. Interference of OIP5-AS1 restored the abnormal cell viability, apoptosis, and inflammation in cigarette smoke extract (CSE)-stimulated 16HBE cells by regulating miR-410-3p and IL-13. OIP5-AS1 appeared to be a biomarker for distinguishing COPD patients from smokers. OIP5-AS1/miR-410-3p/IL-13 exerted function on the cell viability, apoptosis, and inflammation in CSE-steered cell models.

miR-378a-3p regulates glioma cell chemosensitivity to cisplatin through IGF1R

Glioma is a type of common intracranial tumor. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanism by which miR-378a-3p regulates cisplatin (CDDP) chemosensitivity in glioma cells via insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R). U251/CDDP cells were treated with CDDP and transfected with miR-378a-3p mimics, NC mimics, or pcDNA-IGF1R. qRT-PCR was used to measure the differential level of miR-378a-3p. CCK-8 assay was used to test cell proliferation, and flow cytometry was used to analyze apoptosis. The targeting relationship between miR-378a-3p and IGF1R was tested through a dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. In contrast to normal glial cells, the miR-378a-3p level decreased in human glioma U251 cells and had lower expression in U251/CDDP cells. Compared with the CDDP group, miR-378a-3p significantly caused the inhibition of U251/CDDP cell proliferation and enhanced apoptosis in the miR-378a-3p mimics + CDDP group. Another experiment confirmed that IGF1R was a target gene of miR-378a-3p, and overexpression of miR-378a-3p inhibited IGF1R expression. In addition, co-overexpression of miR-378a-3p and IGF1R induced the upregulation of the U251/CDDP cell proliferation and the inhibition of apoptosis in the miR-378a-3p mimics + pcDNA-IGF1R + CDDP group. This study confirmed that miR-378a-3p promoted the sensitivity of glioma cells to CDDP in glioma patients via targeting IGF1R to increase the therapeutic effect during chemotherapy.

The Integrative Analysis of Competitive Endogenous RNA Regulatory Networks in Coronary Artery Disease

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of cardiovascular death. The competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) hypothesis is a new theory that explains the relationship between lncRNAs and miRNAs. The mechanism of ceRNAs in the pathological process of CAD has not been fully elucidated. The objective of this study was to explore the ceRNA mechanism in CAD using the integrative bioinformatics analysis and provide new research ideas for the occurrence and development of CAD.

Methods: The GSE113079 dataset was downloaded, and differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) and genes (DEGs) were identified using the limma package in the R language. Weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) was performed on DElncRNAs and DEGs to explore lncRNAs and genes associated with CAD. Functional enrichment analysis was performed on hub genes in the significant module identified via WGCNA. Four online databases, including TargetScan, miRDB, miRTarBase, and Starbase, combined with an online tool, miRWalk, were used to construct ceRNA regulatory networks.

Results: DEGs were clustered into ten co-expression modules with different colors using WGCNA. The brown module was identified as the key module with the highest correlation coefficient. 188 hub genes were identified in the brown module for functional enrichment analysis. DElncRNAs were clustered into sixteen modules, including seven modules related to CAD with the correlation coefficient more than 0.5. Three ceRNA networks were identified, including OIP5-AS1-miR-204-5p/miR-211-5p-SMOC1, OIP5-AS1-miR-92b-3p-DKK3, and OIP5-AS1-miR-25-3p-TMEM184B.

Conclusion: Three ceRNA regulatory networks identified in this study may play crucial roles in the occurrence and development of CAD, which provide novel insights into the ceRNA mechanism in CAD.

lncRNA-disease association prediction based on latent factor model and projection

Computer aided research of lncRNA-disease association is an important way to study the development of lncRNA-disease. The correlation analysis of existing data, the establishment of prediction model, prediction of unknown lncRNA-disease association, can make the biological experiment targeted, improve the accuracy of biological experiment. In this paper, a lncRNA-disease association prediction model based on latent factor model and projection is proposed (LFMP). This method uses lncRNA-miRNA association data and miRNA-disease association data to predict the unknown lncRNA-disease association, so this method does not need lncRNA-disease association data. The simulation results show that under the LOOCV framework, the AUC of LFMP can reach 0.8964. Better than the latest results. Through the case study of lung and colorectal tumors, LFMP can effectively infer the undetected lncRNA-disease association.

OIP5-AS1 contributes to the development in endometrial carcinoma cells by targeting miR-152-3p to up-regulate SLC7A5

Background

Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is one common gynecological tumor, threatening physical and psychological health of females. Huge amount of essays indicated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were widely reported to serve as a crucial regulator in the biological movements among multiple carcinomas, including EC.

Methods

RT-qPCR was implemented to detect the expression of target genes. Loss/gain-of-function experiments certified the impacts of OIP5-AS1 and miR-152-3p on EC cell progression.

Results

Data of this research suggested that powerful expression of OIP5-AS1 was discovered in EC cell lines. Loss/gain-of-function assays inferred that OIP5-AS1 promoted proliferative, migratory and invasive abilities, and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT). In addition, we identified miR-152-3p expression was negatively modulated by OIP5-AS1. OIP5-AS1 accelerated the development of EC cells via downregulating miR-152-3p expression. SLC7A5 was selected out as a downstream target of miR-152-3p. The competing relationship between OIP5-AS1 and SLC7A5 was corroborated by luciferase reporter assay. Eventually, the results of rescue assays indicated that SLC7A5 overexpression could restore the impacts of OIP5-AS1 ablation on the progression of EC cells.

Conclusion

Our research confirmed that OIP5-AS1 propeled the development of EC cells through targeting miR-152-3p/SLC7A5. OIP5-AS1 could be utilized as a target for EC treatment.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12935-021-02061-0.

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

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

Long non-coding RNA PRNCR1 modulates non-small cell lung cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and EMT through PRNCR1/miR-126-5p/MTDH axis

Background: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a highly malignant tumor. Accumulating evidence suggested that prostate cancer non-coding RNA 1 (PRNCR1) participated in the pathogenesis of NSCLC, whereas the elaborate mechanism remains unclear. Hence, the role of PRNCR1 in the progression of NSCLC was investigated.

Methods: Levels of PRNCR1, microRNA-126-5p (miR-126-5p), and metadherin (MTDH) were examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Cell proliferation was measured using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8). Flow cytometry was conducted to determine cell apoptosis. Besides, transwell assay was performed to detect cell migration and invasion in NSCLC cells. The expression levels of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Vimentin, and MTDH were detected via Western blot. Dual-luciferase reporter, RNA immunoprecipitation, and RNA pull down assays were employed to verify the relationship between miR-126-5p and PRNCR1 or MTDH.

Results: PRNCR1 and MTDH levels were highly expressed, while miR-126-5p expression was lowly expressed in NSCLC tissues and cell lines. Knockdown of PRNCR1 promoted cell apoptosis, impeded proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in NSCLC cells, and these effects were abrogated by its target gene of miR-126-5p inhibitor. Moreover, MTDH as the target of PRNCR1, its overexpression reversed the impacts of miR-126-5p mimic on cell behaviors and EMT in vitro. Finally, PRNCR1 and miR-126-5p regulated MTDH expression.

Conclusion: PRNCR1 modified cell behaviors and EMT via miR-126-5p/MTDH axis in NSCLC cells, providing a novel thinking for clinical treatment of NSCLC.

LncRNA OIP5-AS1 accelerates ox-LDL-treated HUVECs injury by NF-κB pathway via miR-30c-5p

BACKGROUND

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) could induce endothelial injury and played a vital role in the progression and development of atherosclerosis. This study aimed to investigate the role of Opa-interacting protein 5 antisense RNA 1 (OIP5-AS1) in ox-LDL-induced human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) injury and the potential mechanisms.

METHODS

Cell proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and flow cytometry assay, respectively. The levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and nitric oxide (NO) were detected by corresponding detection kits, respectively. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was conducted to measure the expression of OIP5-AS1 or microRNA-30c-5p (miR-30c-5p) in HUVECs. Binding between OIP5-AS1 and miR-30c-5p was predicted through bioinformatics analysis and confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP). Western blot was used to analyze p-IκB, IκB, p-p65 and p65 levels.

RESULTS

In HUVECs, exposure to ox-LDL led to a decrease in cell viability and an increase in LDH release and apoptosis with concomitant enhancement of oxidative stress, as evidenced by increased ROS and MDA generation, as well as decreased SOD activity and NO levels, while OIP5-AS1 knockdown or miR-30c-5p upregulation could rescue these effects above. Mechanically, OIP5-AS1 functioned as a sponge of miR-30c-5p. OIP5-AS1-induced injury and apoptosis, oxidative stress and activation of NF-κB pathway were reversed by miR-30c-5p in ox-LDL-treated HUVECs.

CONCLUSION

OIP5-AS1 contributed to ox-LDL-treated HUVECs injury by activation of NF-κB pathway via miR-30c-5p.

Downregulation of OIP5-AS1 affects proNGF-induced pancreatic cancer metastasis by inhibiting p75NTR levels

We aimed to explore the mechanism by which long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) OIP5-AS1 affects proNGF (precursor nerve growth factor)-induced pancreatic cancer metastasis by targeting the miR-186-5p/NGFR axis. Bioinformatics was used to analyse whether OIP5-AS1 targets miR-186-5p/NGFR and their expression characteristics in pancreatic cancer. OIP5-AS1 and NGFR were overexpressed in pancreatic cancer, and their levels showed a significant positive correlation. Clinical trials also demonstrated that high expression of OIP5-AS1 and NGFR and low expression of miR-186-5p played a pro-cancer role in pancreatic cancer. MiR-186-5p inhibited the migration and invasion of colon cancer cells by targeting NGFR-regulated p75NTR. OIP5-AS1 regulated the action of miR-186-5p on NGFR mRNA and p75NTR by targeting miR-186-5p. Downregulation of NGFR inhibited the expression of p75NTR protein and blocked the role of proNGF in promoting the migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells. Animal experiments also showed that the knockdown of miR-186-5p promoted cancer via the expression of NGFR mRNA and p75NTR protein, while the downregulation of proNGF blocked the effects. OIP5-AS1, as a ceRNA, promotes the progression of pancreatic cancer by targeting miR-186-5p/NGFR and affecting the prognosis of patients, which may be related to the action of proNGF.

Long non‑coding RNA OIP5‑AS1 facilitates the progression of ovarian cancer via the miR‑128‑3p/CCNG1 axis

Long non‑coding RNA (LncRNA) o‑phthalaldehyde-interacting protein 5 antisense transcript 1 (OIP5‑AS1) serves major roles in the progression of various types of cancer. The present study investigated its biological function in ovarian cancer (OC) and its mechanisms. The levels of OIP5‑AS1, microRNA‑128‑3p (miR‑128‑3p) and cyclin G1 (CCNG1) were examined by reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR. Cell viability, apoptosis, migration and invasion were detected to analyze cellular progression. Glycolytic metabolism was assessed by detecting the levels of glucose consumption and lactate production. CCNG1 and hexokinase 2 protein levels were measured by western blotting. Dual‑luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation and RNA pull‑down assays were performed to affirm the interaction between two molecules. OIP5‑AS1 was found to be upregulated in OC tissues and cells. Knockdown of OIP5‑AS1 suppressed cell viability, migration, invasion and glycolysis while promoting apoptosis in OC cells. OIP5‑AS1 interacted with miR‑128‑3p and functioned as an oncogene by sequestering miR‑128‑3p. In addition, CCNG1 was a target gene for miR‑128‑3p and miR‑128‑3p regulated the CCNG1‑induced effects on OC cells by downregulating CCNG1. OIP5‑AS1 upregulated the expression of CCNG1 via targeting miR‑128‑3p. OIP5‑AS1 knockdown also inhibited tumor growth of OC in vivo by modulating the expression of miR‑128‑3p and CCNG1. Collectively, these data illustrated that the oncogenic role of OIP5‑AS1 in OC was associated with the miR‑128‑3p/CCNG1 axis at least in part. OIP5‑AS1 might be a probable diagnostic and therapeutic biomarker for the treatment of OC patients.

A review on the role of oncogenic lncRNA OIP5-AS1 in human malignancies

OIP5-AS1 is a long non-coding transcript with high expression in nervous system, but crucial functions in the neoplastic transformation. This lncRNA partake in the regulation of cell cycle transition at different points. Moreover, it acts a competing endogenous RNA for tens of microRNAs among them are miR-338-3p, miR-204-5p, miR-641, miR-422a, miR-367-3p, miR-153-3p, miR-186, miR-369-3p, miR-137, miR-342-3p, miR‑429, miR-3163, miR-363-3p, miR-186a-5p, hsa-miR-26a-3p, miR‑300, miR-217, miR-378a-3p and miR-448. OIP5-AS1 influence the carcinogenesis via different routes among them is modulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Expression of OIP5-AS1 has been elevated in nearly all kinds of neoplastic tissues except for multiple myeloma. Moreover, in bladder, gastric cancer and lung cancers, assessment of its expression in clinical samples has led to conflicting results. In the current paper, we have provided a comprehensive collection of research papers that evaluated function of OIP5-AS1 in diverse cancer types.

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

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

Long Noncoding RNA OIP5-AS1 Promotes the Disease Progression in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma by Targeting miR-203

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a kind of malignancy generated from the nasopharyngeal epithelium. Recently, long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) has been shown to be involved in the regulation of many signaling pathways and is closely associated with carcinogenesis and tumor progression. However, the precise role of lncRNA Opa-interacting protein 5 antisense RNA 1 (OIP5-AS1) in NPC is not well understood. Here, we find that OIP5-AS1 is overexpressed in NPC patient specimens and NPC cell lines. Further investigations reveal that knockdown of OIP5-AS1 significantly inhibits the proliferation, migration, and invasion and accelerates the apoptosis of NPC cells in vitro. Consistent with these findings, NPC progression is significantly slowed in mice when OIP5-AS1 is knocked down. Interestingly, there is a functional link between OIP5-AS1 and microRNA-203 (miR-203), a tumor suppressor, in NPC cells. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that OIP5-AS1 plays an important role in the development and progression of NPC by targeting miR-203 and therefore provide a promising target for the treatment of NPC.

OIP5-AS1 facilitates Th17 differentiation and EAE severity by targeting miR-140-5p to regulate RhoA/ROCK2 signaling pathway

AIMS

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the commonest neurologic disorders globally. LncRNA OIP5-AS1 has been found to be implicated in the etiology of MS. This study was to explore the roles and molecular mechanisms of OIP5-AS1 in the development of MS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

RT-qPCR assay was used to measure expressions of OIP5-AS1, miR-140-5p, IL-17A mRNA and RhoA mRNA. CD4+IL-17+ cell proportion was determined by flow cytometry. IL-17A secretion was examined by ELISA assay. Cell inflammatory infiltration and demyelination were assessed by histological analyses. The interaction between miR-140-5p and OIP5-AS1 or RhoA 3'UTR was validated by bioinformatical analysis and luciferase reporter assay. Western blot assay was performed to detect protein expressions of ROCK2 and RhoA. An experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) models was established to explore the role of OIP5-AS1 in MS in vivo.

KEY FINDINGS

OIP5-AS1 expression was enhanced in MS patients. Also, elevated OIP5-AS1 level was observed during T-helper 17 (Th17) differentiation. Moreover, OIP5-AS1 promoted Th17 differentiation in vitro and contributed to the development of EAE in vivo. Mechanical explorations revealed that OIP5-AS1 targeted miR-140-5p to regulate Th17 differentiation. Moreover, RhoA was a target of miR-140-5p and miR-140-5p inhibited the activation of RhoA/ROCK2 signaling. Also, RhoA upregulation abrogated the inhibitory effects of miR-140-5p on Th17 differentiation.

SIGNIFICANCE

OIP5-AS1 contributed to EAE development by targeting miR-140-5p/RhoA and activating RhoA/ROCK2 signaling pathway, shedding light on the roles and molecular mechanisms of OIP5-AS1 in the development of MS and providing some candidate targets for the diagnose and treatment of MS.

Competing endogenous RNAs in lung cancer

Competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) containing microRNA response elements can competitively interact with microRNA via miRNA response elements, which can combine non-coding RNAs with protein-coding RNAs through complex ceRNA networks. CeRNAs include non-coding RNAs (long non-coding RNAs, circular RNAs, and transcribed pseudogenes) and protein-coding RNAs (mRNAs). Molecular interactions in ceRNA networks can coordinate many biological processes; however, they may also lead to ceRNA network imbalance and thus contribute to cancer occurrence when disturbed. Recent studies indicate that many dysregulated RNAs derived from lung cancer may function as ceRNAs to regulate multitudinous biological functions for lung cancer, including tumor cell proliferation, apoptosis, growth, invasion, migration, and metastasis. This study therefore reviewed the research progress in the field of non-coding and protein-coding RNAs as ceRNAs in lung cancer, and highlighted validated ceRNAs involved in biological lung cancer functions. Furthermore, the roles of ceRNAs as novel prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers were also discussed. Interpreting the involvement of ceRNAs networks in lung cancer will provide new insight into cancer pathogenesis and treatment strategies.

Long non-coding RNA OIP5-AS1 promotes cell proliferation and aerobic glycolysis in gastric cancer through sponging miR-186

INTRODUCTION

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play vital roles in tumour initiation and progression. LncRNA OIP5-AS1 is a potential oncogene in many types of human malignancies, but its biological functions in gastric cancer (GC) remain to be further elucidated.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The expression levels of OIP5-AS1 and miR-186 in GC tissues and cell lines were detected by RT-qPCR analysis. CCK-8 assay and colony formation assay were performed to investigate the proliferation of GC cells in vitro, and a nude mouse tumour model was established to validate the role of OIP5-AS1 in GC tumorigenesis in vivo. The glucose consumption and lactate production of GC cells were detected by ELISA assay. Interaction between OIP5-AS1 and miR-186 was determined using dual luciferase reporter assay.

RESULTS

The results demonstrated that OIP5-AS1 was upregulated in GC tissues and cell lines and that its high expression was notably correlated with aggressive clinicopathological features of GC patients. Functionally, knockdown of OIP5-AS1 inhibited GC cell proliferation and enhanced cell apoptosis in vitro, and inhibited GC xenograft growth in vivo. In addition, knockdown of OIP5-AS1 reduced the glucose consumption and lactate production in GC cells. In particular, OIP5-AS1 may function as a ceRNA for miR-186, and inhibition of miR-186 blocks the effects of OIP5-AS1 knockdown on aerobic glycolysis in GC cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Accordingly, our findings suggested that the OIP5-AS1/miR-186 axis might be considered as a potential therapeutic target for GC patients.

Long non-coding RNAs as potential biomarkers in the prognosis and diagnosis of lung cancer: A review and target analysis

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) have been emerged as a novel class of molecular regulators in cancer. They are dysregulated in many types of cancer; however, there is not enough knowledge available on their expression and functional profiles. Lung cancer is the leading cause of the cancer deaths worldwide. Generally, lncRNAs may be associated with lung tumor pathogenesis and they may act as biomarkers for the cancer prognosis and diagnosis. Compared to other invasive prognostic and diagnostic methods, detection of lncRNAs might be a user-friendly and noninvasive method. In this review article, we selected 27 tumor-associated lncRNAs by literature reviewing to further discussing in detail for using as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in lung cancer. Also, in an in silico target analysis, the "Experimentally supported functional regulation" approach of the LncTarD web tool was used to identifying the target genes and regulatory mechanisms of the selected lncRNAs. The reports on diagnostic and prognostic potential of all selected lncRNAs were discussed. However, the target genes and regulatory mechanisms of the 22 lncRNAs were identified by in silico analysis and we found the pathways that are controlled by each target group of lncRNAs. They use epigenetic mechanisms, ceRNA mechanisms, protein interaction and sponge mechanism. Also, 10, 23, 5, and 28 target genes for each of these mechanisms were identified, respectively. Finally, each group of target genes controls 50, 12, 7, and 2 molecular pathways, respectively. In conclusion, LncRNAs could be used as biomarkers in lung cancer due to their roles in control of several signaling pathways related to lung tumors. Also, it seems that lncRNAs, which use epigenetic mechanisms for modulating a large number of pathways, could be considered as important subjects for lung cancer-related diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers.

Long Non-Coding RNA OIP5-AS1 Contributes to Gallbladder Cancer Cell Invasion and Migration by miR-143-3p Suppression

Objective

This study was designed to investigate the effect of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) OIP5-AS1 on cell migration and invasion of gallbladder cancer (GBC) and its specific mechanism.

Methods

The expressions of lncRNA OIP5-AS1 and miR-143-3p in GBC cell lines (GBC-SD, SGC996 and NOZ) and gallbladder epithelial cells (HGBE cells) were measured by qRT-PCR. After loss- and gain-of-function experiments for OIP5-AS1 and miR-143-3p in GBC-SD cells, CCK-8 was applied to examine cell viability, cell scratch assay to measure cell migration, and transwell chamber to inspect cell invasion capacity. The interaction between OIP5-AS1 and miR-143-3p was predicted by StarBase. Then, luciferase reporter gene assay and RNA pull-down were used to verify the targeting relationship between miR-143-3p and OIP5-AS1.

Results

OIP5-AS1 was highly expressed and miR-143-3p was downregulated in GBC cell lines, when compared with HGBE cells. Overexpression of OIP5-AS1 or downregulation of miR-143-3p facilitated GBC-SD cell invasion, proliferation and migration, while different expression patterns were found in GBC-SD cells in response to OIP5-AS1 suppression or miR-143-3p overexpression. OIP5-AS1 negatively mediated miR-143-3p. MiR-143-3p upregulation partially reversed the inhibitory effect of OIP5-AS1 knockdown on GBC-SD cell activities.

Conclusion

LncRNA OIP5-AS1 accelerates the progression of GBC by suppressing miR-143-3p.

MiR-378a-3p Is Critical for Burkitt Lymphoma Cell Growth

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNA molecules with important gene regulatory roles in normal and pathophysiological cellular processes. Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is an MYC-driven lymphoma of germinal center B (GC-B) cell origin. To gain further knowledge on the role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of BL, we performed small RNA sequencing in BL cell lines and normal GC-B cells. This revealed 26 miRNAs with significantly different expression levels. For five miRNAs, the differential expression pattern was confirmed in primary BL tissues compared to GC-B cells. MiR-378a-3p was upregulated in BL, and its inhibition reduced the growth of multiple BL cell lines. RNA immunoprecipitation of Argonaute 2 followed by microarray analysis (Ago2-RIP-Chip) upon inhibition and ectopic overexpression of miR-378a-3p revealed 63 and 20 putative miR-378a-3p targets, respectively. Effective targeting by miR-378a-3p was confirmed by luciferase reporter assays for MAX Network Transcriptional Repressor (MNT), Forkhead Box P1 (FOXP1), Interleukin 1 Receptor Associated Kinase 4 (IRAK4), and lncRNA Just Proximal To XIST (JPX), and by Western blot for IRAK4 and MNT. Overexpression of IRAK4 and MNT phenocopied the effect of miR-378a-3p inhibition. In summary, we identified miR-378a-3p as a miRNA with an oncogenic role in BL and identified IRAK4 and MNT as miR-378a-3p target genes that are involved in its growth regulatory role.

The SP1-Induced Long Noncoding RNA, LINC00339, Promotes Tumorigenesis in Colorectal Cancer via the miR-378a-3p/MED19 Axis

Introduction

Accumulating evidence has indicated that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are pivotal regulators involved in the pathogenesis of cancer; however, the molecular mechanism of LINC00339 in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear.

Methods

The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction for the expression of LINC00339 and miR-378a-3p and Western blots for MED19 were performed. A dual-luciferase assay was used to investigate the interaction between LIN00339 and miR-378a-3p, as well as between miR-378a-3p and MED19. Cell proliferation was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and 5-ethynyl-2ʹ-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay. The cell cycle was analyzed by propidium iodide staining followed by flow cytometry analysis. The wound-healing and transwell invasion assays were used to evaluate cell migration and invasion.

Results

The expression of LINC00339 was significantly upregulated in CRC cells and tissues, and high LINC00339 expression indicated an advanced tumor stage. Further experiments demonstrated that SP1 activated LINC00339 expression by binding to its promoter region. Luciferase activity and RNA pull-down assays demonstrated a direct interaction between LINC00339 and miR-378a-3p. miR-378a-3p expression was decreased in CRC samples and negatively correlated with LINC00339 expression in tumors. Gain- and loss-of-function assays indicated that LINC00339 contributed to cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, migration, and invasion, while miR-378a-3p reversed these effects. Furthermore, cotransfection of wild-type MED19 3ʹ-UTR reporters and miR-378a-3p significantly reduced luciferase activity. MED19 mRNA and protein expression was inhibited and enhanced by miR-378a-3p and LINC00339, respectively. MED19 overexpression reversed the effect of miR-378a-3p on cellular processes. Moreover, LINC00339 promoted tumor growth in vivo and induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and activated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in cells.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate the regulatory role of the SP1/LINC00339/miR-378a-3p/MED19 axis in CRC tumorigenesis and provide novel insight into the molecular mechanism underlying CRC.

LncRNA HOXB-AS3 promotes growth, invasion and migration of epithelial ovarian cancer by altering glycolysis

HEADING AIMS

LncRNA HOXB-AS3 is proved as an oncogene in tumors. Herein, we determine the function and mechanism of HOXB-AS3 in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Chi-square test, Kaplan-Meier (KM) analysis and Cox regression analysis were used to analyze the clinicopathological features of HOXB-AS3 in EOC patients. CCK8, transwell and wound healing assay were used to test the function of HOXB-AS3. Luciferase reporter assay, western blot and glycolysis rate assay were used for further mechanistic studies.

KEY FINDINGS

HOXB-AS3 was abundantly expressed in EOC tissues, and higher levels of HOXB-AS3 in EOC patients were significantly associated with disease status and overall survival status. EOC patients with high levels of HOXB-AS3 had strikingly shorter disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) times than those with low levels. HOXB-AS3 also might as an independent prognostic factor. Further study revealed knockdown of HOXB-AS3 significantly inhibited the proliferation, invasion and migration of EOC cells. Mechanistic investigations suggested that knockdown of HOXB-AS3 could decrease lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) expression and the extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) by sponging miR-378a-3p.

SIGNIFICANCE

To our knowledge, this is the first study to suggest that HOXB-AS3 could crosstalk with miRNA in the cytoplasm and alter glycolysis in cancer cells. Our results improve our understanding of the mechanism of HOXB-AS3 and suggest that HOXB-AS3 can act as a predictor of OS and a target for EOC therapies.

microRNA -378a-3p Restrains the Proliferation of Retinoblastoma Cells but Promotes Apoptosis of Retinoblastoma Cells via Inhibition of FOXG1

Purpose

More recently, literature has emerged providing findings about the novelty of microRNAs (miR)-targeted therapeutics in the treatment of retinoblastoma (RB). The prime objective of this study was to identify the potential role of miR-378a-3p and its regulation in RB cells via forkhead box G1 (FOXG1).

Methods

The expression of miR-378a-3p and FOXG1 in the clinical RB tissues was determined using RNA quantitation and Western blot assays. The interaction between miR-378a-3p and FOXG1 was identified using dual luciferase reporter gene assay. The potential effects of miR-378a-3p on the RB cell biological processes were evaluated by conducting gain- and loss-of-function studies of miR-378a-3p and FOXG1, followed by cell viability, cell cycle progression, and apoptosis measurements. Furthermore, experiments were performed in nude mice to assess its effects on tumor formation.

Results

miR-378a-3p was poorly expressed, whereas FOXG1 was highly expressed in RB tissues and cells. miR-378a-3p bound to the FOXG1 3′ untranslated region and negatively modulated its expression. The overexpression of miR-378a-3p was found to decrease RB cell viability and to promote cell apoptosis in vitro, whereas overexpressed FOXG1 reversed the regulatory effects of miR-378a-3p on RB cellular behaviors. In nude mice, the restoration of miR-378a-3p by miR-378a-3p agomir was shown to play a role in the reduction of tumor volume and size relative to nude mice injected with negative control-agomir.

Conclusions

Our findings identified that increased miR-378a-3p exerted an inhibitory effect on RB cell proliferation by targeting FOXG1, suggesting the role of miR-378a-3p as a novel therapeutic target for RB.

Prognostic and clinicopathologic significance of long non-coding RNA opa-interacting protein 5-antisense RNA 1 in multiple human cancers

Background: OIP5-AS1 has been reported to be aberrantly expressed in multiple cancers and associated with clinical outcomes. We conducted this study to assess the generalized prognostic value of OIP5-AS1 in cancers.Methods: PubMed, Web of science, and Cochrane Library were searched for eligible studies. Hazards ratios (HRs) or odd ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled to estimate the prognostic value of OIP5-AS1 in cancers, including overall survival (OS), age, gender, tumor size, clinical stage, and lymph node metastasis (LNM). Publication bias was measured by Begg's test and funnel plot. Sensitivity analysis were used to detect the stability of pooled results.Results: Overall, eleven studies containing 713 patients were eventually enrolled. The pooled results showed that high OIP5-AS1 expression was correlated with shorter OS (HR = 0.48, 95%CI: 0.35-0.64), regardless of the sample size, tumor type and follow-up time. Furthermore, elevated expression of OIP5-AS1 indicated advanced clinical stage (OR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.06-4.23), but not associated with age, gender, tumor size and LNM. No publication bias was detected.Conclusion: High expression of lncRNA OIP5-AS1 may predict a poor OS and advanced clinical stage, implicating that OIP5-AS1 may be a possible prognostic factor in cancers.

Long non coding RNA OIP5‑AS1 promotes metastasis of breast cancer via miR‑340‑5p/ZEB2 axis

Breast cancer is the most common invasive cancer in women with the highest number of related deaths which is caused by distal metastasis. Recently, integrated analysis of gene expression profile suggested widespread gene dysregulation in various types of cancer. Research in the past decade has focused on long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), particularly in cell proliferation, tumor progression and metastasis. OPA-interacting protein 5 antisense transcript 1 (OIP5-AS1) is an evolutionarily conserved long non-coding RNA that has been linked to oncogenesis in multiple cancers. In breast cancer, dysregulation of OIP5-AS1 was reported but the precise role in cancer development and progression remains unclear. In the present study, using small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting OIP5-AS1, it was shown that knockdown of OIP5-AS1 was associated with alteration of EMT markers and suppressed migration and invasion of breast cancer cells. Among the EMT-related transcription factors, ZEB1 and ZEB2 were significantly downregulated with OIP5-AS1 knockdown. Computational analysis and a dual-luciferase reporter system identified miR-340-5p was the target gene for OIP5-AS1. Further experiments verified the function of OIP5-AS1 in cell invasion was dependent on miR-340a-5p through regulating target gene ZEB2. In vivo study demonstrated that overexpressing OIP5-AS1 in breast cancer cells promoted lung metastasis in nude mice. The findings of the present study revealed the mechanism of OIP5-AS1 in breast cancer metastasis. Overall, our study may provide a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer metastasis.

OIP5-AS1/miR-137/ZNF217 Axis Promotes Malignant Behaviors in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

Background

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to play crucial regulatory roles in cellular activities and are associated with the carcinogenesis of various diseases. OIP5-AS1, as a novel lncRNA, function in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) still remains unclear.

Material and Methods

qRT-PCR and Western blot analyses were performed to measure relevant expression, as needed. A series of functional experiments were performed to determine the role of OIP5-AS1 in EOC cells. Luciferase report, RNA pull down and RIP assays were performed to testify the interaction between relevant RNAs.

Results

We found that OIP5-AS1 was significantly overexpressed in EOC. Knockdown of OIP5-AS1 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, yet facilitated apoptosis in vitro. OIP5-AS1 functioned as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to elevate ZNF217 expression through sponging miR-137. Furthermore, miR-137 inhibition and ZNF217 upregulation can reverse the effects of silencing OIP5-AS1 on the cellular activities of ovarian cancer cells. Also, depleted OIP5-AS1 hindered tumor growth and metastasis in vivo.

Conclusion

OIP5-AS1 regulated ovarian cancer progression via modulating miR-137/ZNF217 signaling, suggesting that targeting OIP5-AS1 could be conducive to EOC clinical treatment.

OIP5-AS1 modulates epigenetic regulator HDAC7 to enhance non-small cell lung cancer metastasis via miR-140-5p

Long non-coding RNAs have been reported to be involved in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) progression. However, whether Opa-interacting protein 5 antisense RNA 1 (OIP5-AS1) serves a role in NSCLC remains unclear. Bioinformatics analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas datasets showed clinical significance and relevance of OIP5-AS1 in NSCLC. Western blotting and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR revealed protein and RNA expression levels of the genes [including OIP5-AS1, microRNA (miR)-140-5p, histone deacetylase 7 (HDAC7) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA)]. Direct associations between the genes (miR-140-5p and OIP5-AS1, or miR-140-5p and HDAC7) were confirmed using a dual-luciferase reporter assay. Lymphatic vessel formation and invasion ability were detected using a lymphatic vessel formation assay and Transwell invasion assay. OIP5-AS1 knockdown attenuated lymphatic vessel length and invasion. The role of OIP5-AS1 was reverted by miR-140-5p. HDAC7 and VEGFA are downstream effectors of miR-140-5p-mediated NSCLC metastasis. OIP5-AS1, miR-140-5p, HDAC7 and VEGFA were all dysregulated in human clinical NSCLC tumor tissues. In conclusion, the present results demonstrated a novel mechanism for OIP5-AS1-induced metastatic phenotypes of NSCLC via the miR-140-5p/HDAC7/VEGFA axis.

LncRNA OIP5-AS1 promotes the malignancy of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma via regulating miR-429/FOXD1/ERK pathway

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a subtype of pancreatic cancer, is a malignant tumor with unfavorable prognosis. Despite accumulating researches have made efforts on finding novel therapeutic methods for this disease, the underlying mechanism of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) remains elusive. OIP5 antisense RNA 1 (OIP5-AS1) has been reported to play important role in the occurrence and development of multiple human cancers. This study was aimed at unveiling the regulatory role of OIP5-AS1 in PDAC.

METHODS

RT-qPCR analysis revealed the OIP5-AS1 expression in PDAC tissues and adjacent normal ones. Kaplan-Meier method was applied to analyze the overall survival of patients with high or low level of OIP5-AS1. Gain- or loss-of function assays were performed to assess the effects of OIP5-AS1 knockdown on cell functions, including proliferation, migration and EMT process. Mechanism experiments, such as luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assays proved the interaction between OIP5-AS1 and miR-429 as well as that between miR-429 and FOXD1.

RESULTS

OIP5-AS1 was up-regulated in PDAC tissues and cell lines, and high level of OIP5-AS1 indicated poor prognosis in PDAC patients. OIP5-AS1 knockdown hindered cell proliferation, migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, while overexpression of OIP5-AS1 caused the opposite results. OIP5-AS1 activated ERK pathway through up-regulating forkhead box D1 (FOXD1) expression by sponging miR-429. Furthermore, OIP5-AS1 facilitated cell growth in vivo.

CONCLUSION

OIP5-AS1 exerted oncogenic function in PDAC cells through targeting miR-429/FOXD1/ERK pathway.

Long non-coding RNA OIP5-AS1 suppresses multiple myeloma progression by sponging miR-27a-3p to activate TSC1 expression

BACKGROUND

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a prevalent hematological malignancy. Long noncoding RNAs are correlated with the development of MM. In this project, the function of lncRNA opa interacting protein 5-antisense 1 (OIP5-AS1) in MM and the potential mechanistic pathway were explored.

METHODS

The expression of OIP5-AS1, microRNA (miR)-27a-3p and tuberous sclerosis 1 (TSC1) was analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay. Cell proliferation was assessed by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, colony formation assay and Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) staining. And cell apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry assay. Cell metastasis was assessed utilizing transwell assay. Western blot analysis was employed to detect protein level. The target relation between miR-27a-3p and OIP5-AS1 or TSC1 was confirmed via dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation assay. Tumor xenograft assay was conducted to measure the function of OIP5-AS1 in vivo.

RESULTS

The expression levels of OIP5-AS1 and TSC1 were decreased in MM, whereas miR-27a-3p was upregulated. High level of OIP5-AS1 could predict favourable prognosis of MM patients. Overexpression of OIP5-AS1 inhibited cell viability, colony formation ability, migration and invasion, induced cell cycle arrest in G1 phase and apoptosis of MM cells in vitro as well as repressed tumorigenesis in vivo. MiR-27a-3p was a target of OIP5-AS1, and reversed the impact of OIP5-AS1 on MM cells. MiR-27a-3p directly targeted TSC1. Silencing of miR-27a-3p repressed MM progression by elevating TSC1 expression. OIP5-AS1 upregulated TSC1 by sponging miR-27a-3p.

CONCLUSION

OIP5-AS1 repressed multiple myeloma progression by regulating miR-27a-3p/TSC1 axis.

Effects of long non-coding RNA Opa-interacting protein 5 antisense RNA 1 on colon cancer cell resistance to oxaliplatin and its regulation of microRNA-137

BACKGROUND

The incidence of colon cancer (CC) is currently high, and is mainly treated with chemotherapy. Oxaliplatin (L-OHP) is a commonly used drug in chemotherapy; however, long-term use can induce drug resistance and seriously affect the prognosis of patients. Therefore, this study investigated the mechanism of Opa-interacting protein 5 antisense RNA 1 (OIP5-AS1) on L-OHP resistance by determining the expression of OIP5-AS1 and microRNA-137 (miR-137) in CC cells and the effects on L-OHP resistance, with the goal of identifying new targets for the treatment of CC.

AIM

To study the effects of long non-coding RNA OIP5-AS1 on L-OHP resistance in CC cell lines and its regulation of miR-137.

METHODS

A total of 114 CC patients admitted to China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University were enrolled, and the expression of miR-137 and OIP5-AS1 in tumor tissues and corresponding normal tumor-adjacent tissues was determined. The influence of OIP5-AS1 and miR-137 on the biological behavior of CC cells was evaluated. Resistance to L-OHP was induced in CC cells, and their activity was determined and evaluated using cell counting kit-8. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the apoptosis rate, Western blot to determine the levels of apoptosis-related proteins, and dual luciferase reporter assay combined with RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation to analyze the relationship between OIP5-AS1 and miR-137.

RESULTS

OIP5-AS1 was up-regulated in CC tissues and cells, while miR-137 was down-regulated in CC tissues and cells. OIP5-AS1 was inversely correlated with miR-137 (P < 0.001). Silencing OIP5-AS1 expression significantly hindered the proliferation, invasion and migration abilities of CC cells and markedly increased the apoptosis rate. Up-regulation of miR-137 expression also suppressed these abilities in CC cells and increased the apoptosis rate. Moreover, silencing OIP5-AS1 and up-regulating miR-137 expression significantly intensified growth inhibition of drug-resistant CC cells and improved the sensitivity of CC cells to L-OHP. OIP5-AS1 targetedly inhibited miR-137 expression, and silencing OIP5-AS1 reversed the resistance of CC cells to L-OHP by promoting the expression of miR-137.

CONCLUSION

Highly expressed in CC, OIP5-AS1 can affect the biological behavior of CC cells, and can also regulate the resistance of CC cells to L-OHP by mediating miR-137 expression.

LncRNA OIP5-AS1 interacts with miR-363-3p to contribute to hepatocellular carcinoma progression through up-regulation of SOX4

Long noncoding RNA OIP5-AS1 has been observed to be increased in several cancers, however, its role and biological mechanism was poorly understood in HCC. Currently, we found OIP5-AS1 expression was upregulated in HCC cells compared with normal human liver cells. Knockdown of OIP5-AS1 suppressed HCC cell proliferation, induced cells cycle arrest and cells apoptosis. In addition, HCC cell migration and invasion capacity in vitro were also inhibited by OIP5-AS1 inhibition. Bioinformatics analysis revealed OIP5-AS1 could interact with miR-363-3p, thereby repressing HCC development. We also observed miR-363-3p was significantly decreased in HCC cells and overexpression of miR-363-3p repressed HCC progression. The correlation between OIP5-AS1 and miR-363-3p was confirmed by performing RIP assay and RNA pull-down assay. Subsequently, SOX4 was predicted as a target of miR-363-3p and miR-363-3p modulated SOX4 levels negatively in vitro. Apart from these, in vivo experiments established that OIP5-AS1 can suppress HCC development through regulating miR-363-3p and SOX4. Collectively, these demonstrated that OIP5-AS1 was involved in HCC progression via targeting miR-363-3p and SOX4. OIP5-AS1 can act as a novel candidate for HCC diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy.

Long non-coding RNA OIP5-AS1 serves as an oncogene in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma by regulating miR-204-5p/ZEB1 axis

Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is the most common type of laryngeal cancer with poor prognosis. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the biological role of long non-coding RNA OIP5-AS1 in LSCC. The results demonstrated that the expression levels of OIP5-AS1 were significantly increased in LSCC tissues and cell lines. High expression of OIP5-AS1 was closely correlated with lymph node metastasis and advanced clinical stage of LSCC patients. Moreover, in vitro assays showed that OIP5-AS1 overexpression promoted the proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of LSCC cells, whereas OIP5-AS1 knockdown exerted suppressive effects on LSCC cells. Furthermore, OIP5-AS1 was confirmed to serve as a competing endogenous RNA of miR-204-5p in LSCC cells, and restoration of miR-204-5p counteracted the OIP5-AS1-mediated oncogenic effects. In conclusion, our study provides promising evidence that lncRNA OIP5-AS1 functions as a tumor promoter in LSCC and may be used as a potential target for LSCC therapy.