Downregulation of lncRNA-HEIH curbs esophageal squamous cell carcinoma progression by modulating miR-4458/PBX3

Roles of long non‑coding RNAs in esophageal cell squamous carcinoma (Review)

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a prevalent and deadly malignancy of the digestive tract. Recent research has identified long non‑coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as crucial regulators in the pathogenesis of ESCC. These lncRNAs, typically exceeding 200 nucleotides, modulate gene expression through various mechanisms, including the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) pathway and RNA‑protein interactions. The current study reviews the multifaceted roles of lncRNAs in ESCC, highlighting their involvement in processes such as proliferation, migration, invasion, epithelial‑mesenchymal transition, cell cycle progression, resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, glycolysis, apoptosis, angiogenesis, autophagy, tumor growth, metastasis and the maintenance of cancer stem cells. Specific lncRNAs like HLA complex P5, LINC00963 and non‑coding repressor of NFAT have been shown to enhance resistance to radio‑ and chemotherapy by modulating pathways such as AKT signaling and microRNA interaction, which promote cell survival and proliferation under therapeutic stress. Furthermore, lncRNAs like family with sequence similarity 83, member A antisense RNA 1, zinc finger NFX1‑type containing 1 antisense RNA 1 and taurine upregulated gene 1 are implicated in enhancing invasive and proliferative capabilities of ESCC cells through the ceRNA mechanism, while interactions with RNA‑binding proteins further influence cancer cell behavior. The comprehensive analysis underscores the potential of lncRNAs as biomarkers for prognosis and therapeutic targets in ESCC, suggesting avenues for future research focused on elucidating the detailed molecular mechanisms and clinical applications of lncRNAs in ESCC management.

LncRNA HEIH modulates the proliferation, migration, and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by regulating the miR-193a-5p/CDK8 axis

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a malignant tumor with a high mortality rate, is a serious problem worldwide. This research sought to examine how long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) high expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HEIH) affects the development and progression of HCC.

Methods

The expression of HEIH in HCC patients and HCC cell lines was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Additionally, HEIH was knocked down, and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide, wound-healing and transwell assays were conducted to evaluate the effects of HEIH on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of the HCC cells, respectively. A xenografted mice model was constructed to investigate the function of HEIH on HCC tumorigenesis in vivo. The interactions among HEIH, microRNA (miR)-193a-5p and cyclin-dependent kinase 8 (CDK8) were also investigated by dual luciferase reporter (DLR) gene and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays.

Results

HEIH was highly expressed in HCC tissues, and was correlated with advanced TNM stage and the absence of vascular invasion. The in vitro experiments showed that silencing HEIH restrained the viability, migration, and invasion of HCC cells, and hampered xenograft tumor growth in vivo. Additionally, HEIH was shown to bind directly to microRNA 193a-5p (miR-193a-5p) and facilitate the expression of the target gene CDK8 in the HCC cells. CDK8 overexpression and miR-193a-5p silencing attenuated the effects of si-HEIH-induced inhibition on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells.

Conclusions

Silencing HEIH restrained the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells via the miR-193a-5p/CDK8 axis.

Circ-ATIC regulates esophageal squamous cell carcinoma growth and metastasis through miR-1294/PBX3 pathway

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a digestive tract malignancy associated with poor clinical outcome. Growing evidence have elucidated that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play important roles in the pathological process of ESCC. However, the detailed mechanisms how circRNAs modulate the development of ESCC remain largely unknown. Our study aimed to decipher the role and mechanism of circ-ATIC (also termed as circRNA_0058063) in regulating the progression of ESCC. We found that circ-ATIC and its host gene ATIC were significantly increased in ESCC tissues and cells compared with the adjacent noncancerous tissues or normal esophagus epithelial cell. Circ-ATIC knockdown substantially reduced proliferation and the number of invaded ESCC cells and retarded EMT process, reflecting by the decreased N-cadherin and elevated E-cadherin. However, the level of host gene ATIC was not changed under circ-ATIC suppression. It was predicted that circ-ATIC could bind to miR-1294 and serve as a sponge RNA. The luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay confirmed their relations. MiR-1294 was decreased in ESCC tissues and cells, which was reversely correlated with circ-ATIC level. Furthermore, PBX3 was predicted and proved to be a downstream direct target of miR-1294. PBX3 mRNA and protein were obviously upregulated in ESCC tumor tissues and cells. PBX3 overexpression could reverse the suppressive roles of miR-1294 mimics on ESCC proliferation and invasion. In an xenograft nude mice model, stable transfection of sh-circ-ATIC significantly retarded the growth of tumor and suppressed VEGF and Ki67. Collectively, circ-ATIC promoted ESCC proliferation and invasion by regulating miR-1294/PBX3 axis.

Long non-coding RNAs involved in retinoblastoma

INTRODUCTION

Retinoblastoma (RB) is the most common childhood tumor that can occur in the retina and develop in a sporadic or heritable form. Although various traditional treatment options have been used for patients with RB, identifying novel strategies for childhood cancers is necessary.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Recently, molecular-based targeted therapies have opened a greater therapeutic window for RB. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) presented a potential role as a biomarker for the detection of RB in various stages.

CONCLUSION

LncRNAs by targeting several miRNA/transcription factors play critical roles in the stimulation or suppression of RB. In this review, we summarized recent progress on the functions of tumor suppressors or oncogenes lncRNAs in RB.

A Pleiotropic Role of Long Non-Coding RNAs in the Modulation of Wnt/β-Catenin and PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathways in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Implication in Chemotherapeutic Drug Response

Despite the availability of modern techniques for the treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), tumor recurrence and metastasis are significant challenges in clinical management. Thus, ESCC possesses a poor prognosis and low five-year overall survival rate. Notably, the origin and recurrence of the cancer phenotype are under the control of complex cancer-related signaling pathways. In this review, we provide comprehensive knowledge about long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) related to Wnt/β-catenin and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway in ESCC and its implications in hindering the efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs. We observed that a pool of lncRNAs, such as HERES, TUG1, and UCA1, associated with ESCC, directly or indirectly targets various molecules of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and facilitates the manifestation of multiple cancer phenotypes, including proliferation, metastasis, relapse, and resistance to anticancer treatment. Additionally, several lncRNAs, such as HCP5 and PTCSC1, modulate PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways during the ESCC pathogenesis. Furthermore, a few lncRNAs, such as AFAP1-AS1 and LINC01014, block the efficiency of chemotherapeutic drugs, including cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, paclitaxel, and gefitinib, used for ESCC treatment. Therefore, this review may help in designing a better therapeutic strategy for ESCC patients.

LINC00963/miR-4458 regulates the effect of oxaliplatin in gastric cancer by mediating autophagic flux through targeting of ATG16L1

Oxaliplatin resistance is the greatest obstacle to the management of local recurrence in gastric cancer patients after surgery. Accumulating evidence has suggested that inhibiting autophagy may be a novel approach for reversing resistance to oxaliplatin treatment. In this manuscript, we aimed to investigate the role of LINC00963 in regulating autophagy and oxaliplatin resistance. qRT-PCR, immunochemistry staining, and western blotting were used to detect gene expression. Plasmids were used to up- and downregulate the expression of LINC00963 and miR-4458. A caspase 3/7 activity kit and flow cytometry were used to detect the apoptosis rate. CCK8 and Transwell assays were used to test cell proliferation and migration, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy and a dual fluorescent lentivirus autophagy system were used to evaluate autophagic flux. Dual luciferase reporter gene assays and RNA pulldown assays were used to evaluate the potential crosstalk. LINC00963 was highly expressed in gastric cancer patients and cell lines. In addition, high LINC00963 expression was found to be associated with poor prognosis and local recurrence in gastric cancer patients, indicating that LINC00963 might be involved in oxaliplatin resistance. Moreover, we found that LINC00963 was aberrantly highly expressed in oxaliplatin-resistant SGC-7901 (SGC-7901-R) cells and promoted proliferation and migration and reduced the apoptosis rate in SGC-7901-R cells. Furthermore, among all potential target microRNAs, miR-4458 was found to be negatively regulated by LINC00963 both in vivo and in vitro. In addition, miR-4458 overexpression led to impaired proliferation and migration and enhanced cell apoptosis and G1 arrest in SGC-7901-R cells. Further RNA pulldown and dual luciferase reporter gene assays indicated the interaction between LINC00963 and miR-4458. Moreover, we found enhanced autophagic flux in SGC-7901-R cells compared with SGC-7901 cells; in addition, an inhibitor of autophagy induced apoptosis in SGC-7901-R cells. Then, we found that downregulation of LINC00963 expression and upregulation of miR-4458 expression significantly suppressed autophagic flux in SGC-7901-R cells. Based on starBase V3.0 and dual luciferase reporter gene assays, we predicted and confirmed that ATG16L1 might be the target of miR-4458 to regulate autophagy. In conclusion, LINC00963 and miR-4458 are potential biomarkers for predicting the overall survival of gastric cancer patients. Moreover, targeting LINC00963 to inhibit autophagic flux sensitizes gastric cancer cells to oxaliplatin treatment, suggesting that it is a potential novel therapeutic target for improving oxaliplatin sensitivity.

Long non-coding RNA HEIH: a novel tumor activator in multiple cancers

The last decade has witnessed the altered expression levels of long non-coding RNA HEIH in different types of cancer. More than half of the HEIH studies in cancer have been published within the last two years. To our knowledge, this is the first review to discuss very recent developments and insights into HEIH contribution to carcinogenesis. The functional role, molecular mechanism, and clinical significance of HEIH in human cancers are described in detail. The expression of HEIH is elevated in a broad spectrum of cancers, and its disorder contributes to cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and drug resistance of cancer cells through different underlying mechanisms. In addition, the high expression of HEIH is significantly associated with advanced tumor stage, tumor size and decreased overall survival, suggesting HEIH may function as a prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target for human cancers.

Long Noncoding RNA HEIH Promotes Proliferation, Migration and Invasion of Retinoblastoma Cells Through miR-194-5p/WEE1 Axis

Background

Abnormally expressed long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) high expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HEIH) has been implicated in many types of human cancer, and plays crucial roles in tumor development and progression. However, little is known about its function in retinoblastoma.

Methods

qRT-PCR was used to determine the expression levels of HEIH, miR-194-5p and WEE1 in retinoblastoma tissues and cell lines. The trypan blue exclusion method, colony formation assay, wound-healing assay and transwell invasion assay were performed to evaluate the effects of HEIH, miR-194-5p and WEE1 on cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Bioinformatics analysis, dual-luciferase reporter assay and Western blot were employed to investigate the regulatory relationship among HEIH, miR-194-5p and WEE1.

Results

We found that HEIH was up-regulated in retinoblastoma tissues and cell lines. Furthermore, high level of HEIH was associated with TNM stage, optic nerve invasion and choroidal invasion of patients with retinoblastoma. Functional studies showed that HEIH knockdown significantly suppressed retinoblastoma cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Mechanistically, HEIH promoted retinoblastoma progression by serving as a sponge of miR-194-5p to regulate WEE1 expression.

Conclusion

Our work suggests that HEIH acts as an oncogenic lncRNA to promote retinoblastoma proliferation and metastasis, providing a new insight into the retinoblastoma treatment.

Long noncoding RNA HEIH depletion depresses esophageal carcinoma cell progression by upregulating microRNA-185 and downregulating KLK5

Numerous studies have reported the association of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in cancers, yet the function of lncRNA high expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HEIH) in esophageal carcinoma (EC) has seldom been explored. Here, we aimed to explore the mechanism of HEIH on EC via microRNA-185 (miR-185)/kallikrein-related peptidase 5 (KLK5) modulation. Cancer and non-tumoral tissues were collected, in which HEIH, miR-185 and KLK5 expression were detected, as well as their correlations. Also, the relation between the prognosis of EC patients and HEIH/miR-185/KLK5 expression was clarified. EC cells (KYSE-30 and TE-1) were screened for subsequent gain- and loss-of-function assays and their biological functions were further monitored. Tumor volume and weight in EC mice were also measured. Results from this study indicated that HEIH and KLK5 were elevated and miR-185 was declined in EC. The positive correlation was seen in HEIH and KLK5 expression, while the negative correlation was observed in HEIH or KLK5 and miR-185 expression. High HEIH and KLK5 indicated worse prognosis and high miR-185 suggested better prognosis of EC patients. Depleting HEIH or restoring miR-185 suppressed the malignant phenotypes of EC cells, and delayed tumor growth in EC mice. HEIH was found to bind with miR-185 to regulate KLK5 expression. Overexpressing KLK5 alone promoted EC cell progression while up-regulating miR-185 reversed such effects on EC cells. Collectively, we reveal that HEIH depletion dampens EC progression by upregulating miR-185 and downregulating KLK5, which provides novel treatments for EC.