Long noncoding RNA n339260 promotes vasculogenic mimicry and cancer stem cell development in hepatocellular carcinoma

Cancer stem cells: The important role of CD markers, Signaling pathways, and MicroRNAs

For the first time, a subset of small cancer cells identified in acute myeloid leukemia has been termed Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs). These cells are notorious for their robust proliferation, self-renewal abilities, significant tumor-forming potential, spread, and resistance to treatments. CSCs are a global concern, as it found in numerous types of cancer, posing a real-world challenge today. Our review encompasses research on key CSC markers, signaling pathways, and MicroRNA in three types of cancer: breast, colon, and liver. These factors play a critical role in either promoting or inhibiting cancer cell growth. The reviewed studies have shown that as cells undergo malignant transformation, there can be an increase or decrease in the expression of different Cluster of Differentiation (CD) markers on their surface. Furthermore, alterations in essential signaling pathways, such as Wnt and Notch1, may impact CSC proliferation, survival, and movement, while also providing potential targets for cancer therapies. Additionally, some research has focused on MicroRNAs due to their dual role as potential therapeutic biomarkers and their ability to enhance CSCs' response to anti-cancer drugs. MicroRNAs also regulate a wide array of cellular processes, including the self-renewal and pluripotency of CSCs, and influence gene transcription. Thus, these studies indicate that MicroRNAs play a significant role in the malignancy of various tumors. Although the gathered information suggests that specific CSC markers, signaling pathways, and MicroRNAs are influential in determining the destiny of cancer cells and could be advantageous for therapeutic strategies, their precise roles and impacts remain incompletely defined, necessitating further investigation.

Regulation and Therapeutic Application of Long non-Coding RNA in Tumor Angiogenesis

Tumor growth and metastasis rely on angiogenesis. In recent years, long non-coding RNAs have been shown to play an important role in regulating tumor angiogenesis. Here, we review the multidimensional modes and relevant molecular mechanisms of long non-coding RNAs in regulating tumor angiogenesis. In addition, we summarize new strategies for tumor anti-angiogenesis therapies by targeting long non-coding RNAs. The aim of this study is to provide new diagnostic targets and treatment strategies for anti-angiogenic tumor therapy.

Tumor Microenvironment Composition and Related Therapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Globally, primary liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for 75%-95%. The tumor microenvironment (TME), composed of the extracellular matrix, helper cells, immune cells, cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors, promotes the immune escape, invasion, and metastasis of HCC. Tumor metastasis and postoperative recurrence are the main threats to the long-term prognosis of HCC. TME-related therapies are increasingly recognized as effective treatments. Molecular-targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and their combined therapy are the main approaches. Immunotherapy, represented by immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), and targeted therapy, highlighted by tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), have greatly improved the prognosis of HCC. This review focuses on the TME compositions and emerging therapeutic approaches to TME in HCC.

Assessment of prognostic role of a novel 7-lncRNA signature in HCC patients

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by extensive risk factors, high morbidity and mortality. Clinical prognostic evaluation assay assumes a nonspecific quality. Better HCC prognostics are urgently needed. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) exerts a crucial role in tumorigenesis and development. Excavating specific lncRNAs signature to ameliorate the high-risk survival prediction in HCC patients is worthwhile.

Methods

Differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) profile was acquired from The Cancer Genome Atlas database (TCGA). Then, the lncRNAs high-risk survival prognostic model was established using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO)-Cox regression algorithm. The lncRNAs were evaluated in clinical specimen by PCR. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was further conducted to assess the potential prognostic value of the model. Moreover, a visible nomogram containing clinicopathological features and prognostic model was developed for prediction of survival property. Potential molecular mechanism was assessed by GO, KEGG, GSEA enrichment analysis and CIBERSORT immune infiltration analysis.

Results

A novel 7-lncRNA risk model (AL161937.2, LINC01063, AC145207.5, POLH-AS1, LNCSRLR, MKLN1-AS, AC105345.1) was constructed and validated for HCC prognosis prediction. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that patients in the high-risk group suffered a poor prognosis (p = 1.813 × 10^-8). These genes were detected by PCR, and the expression trend was in accordance with TCGA database. Interestingly, the risk score served as an independent risk factor for HCC patients (HR: 1.166, 95% CI:1.119-1.214, p < 0.001). The nomogram was established, and the predictive accuracy in the nomogram was prior to the TNM stage according to the ROC curve analysis. Cell proliferation related pathway, decreased CD4⁺ T cell, CD8⁺ T cell, NK cell and elevated Neutrophil, Macrophage M0 were observed in high-risk group. Besides, suppression of MKLN1-AS expression inhibited cell proliferation of HCC cells by CCK8 assay in vitro.

Conclusion

The 7-lncRNA signature may exert a particular prognostic prediction role in HCC and provide new insight in HCC carcinogenesis.

Crosstalk between long noncoding RNA and microRNA in Cancer

miRNAs and lncRNAs play a central role in cancer-associated gene regulations. The dysregulated expression of lncRNAs has been reported as a hallmark of cancer progression, acting as an independent prediction marker for an individual cancer patient. The interplay of miRNA and lncRNA decides the variation of tumorigenesis that could be mediated by acting as sponges for endogenous RNAs, regulating miRNA decay, mediating intra-chromosomal interactions, and modulating epigenetic components. This paper focuses on the influence of crosstalk between lncRNA and miRNA on cancer hallmarks such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition, hijacking cell death, metastasis, and invasion. Other cellular roles of crosstalks, such as neovascularization, vascular mimicry, and angiogenesis were also discussed. Additionally, we reviewed crosstalk mechanism with specific host immune responses and targeting interplay (between lncRNA and miRNA) in cancer diagnosis and management.

Angiogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma: mechanisms and anti-angiogenic therapies

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-associated death worldwide. Angiogenesis, the process of formation of new blood vessels, is required for cancer cells to obtain nutrients and oxygen. HCC is a typical hypervascular solid tumor with an aberrant vascular network and angiogenesis that contribute to its growth, progression, invasion, and metastasis. Current anti-angiogenic therapies target mainly tyrosine kinases, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), and platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR), and are considered effective strategies for HCC, particularly advanced HCC. However, because the survival benefits conferred by these anti-angiogenic therapies are modest, new anti-angiogenic targets must be identified. Several recent studies have determined the underlying molecular mechanisms, including pro-angiogenic factors secreted by HCC cells, the tumor microenvironment, and cancer stem cells. In this review, we summarize the roles of pro-angiogenic factors; the involvement of endothelial cells, hepatic stellate cells, tumor-associated macrophages, and tumor-associated neutrophils present in the tumor microenvironment; and the regulatory influence of cancer stem cells on angiogenesis in HCC. Furthermore, we discuss some of the clinically approved anti-angiogenic therapies and potential novel therapeutic targets for angiogenesis in HCC. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying angiogenesis may lead to the development of more optimized anti-angiogenic treatment modalities for HCC.

Overcoming the therapeutic resistance of hepatomas by targeting the tumor microenvironment

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for the majority of primary liver cancers and is the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Multifactorial drug resistance is regarded as the major cause of treatment failure in HCC. Accumulating evidence shows that the constituents of the tumor microenvironment (TME), including cancer-associated fibroblasts, tumor vasculature, immune cells, physical factors, cytokines, and exosomes may explain the therapeutic resistance mechanisms in HCC. In recent years, anti-angiogenic drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown satisfactory results in HCC patients. However, due to enhanced communication between the tumor and TME, the effect of heterogeneity of the microenvironment on therapeutic resistance is particularly complicated, which suggests a more challenging research direction. In addition, it has been reported that the three-dimensional (3D) organoid model derived from patient biopsies is more intuitive to fully understand the role of the TME in acquired resistance. Therefore, in this review, we have focused not only on the mechanisms and targets of therapeutic resistance related to the contents of the TME in HCC but also provide a comprehensive description of 3D models and how they contribute to the exploration of HCC therapies.

LncRNA n339260 functions in hepatocellular carcinoma progression via regulation of miRNA30e-5p/TP53INP1 expression

BACKGROUND

Currently, the molecular mechanism of the interaction between lncRNAs and microRNAs (miRNAs) and the target of miRNAs in tumor vasculogenic mimicry (VM) formation have not been clarified. Our aim is to study the interaction between lncRNA n339260 and miRNA30e-5p in the formation of VM.

METHODS

Animal xenografts were established, 104 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients' frozen tissues were obtained and HCC cells in vitro were used to observe the role of n339260 in HCC progression.

RESULTS

In vivo experiment showed lncRNA n339260 promoted tumor growth and VM formation. LncRNA n339260 and miRNA30e-5p were found to be associated with VM formation, metastasis and survival time in HCC patients. In vitro experiment showed that LncRNA n339260 could inhibit miRNA30e-5p expression and TP53INP1 was found to be the downstream targets of miRNA30e-5p. Snail, MMP2, MMP9, VE-cadherin, vimentin and N-cadherin overexpression and the downregulation of TP53INP1 and E-cadherin were observed in HCCLM3 and HepG2 cells overexpressing lncRNA n339260 or in cells with decreased expression of miRNA30e-5p.

CONCLUSION

LncRNA n339260 promotes the development of VM, and lncRNA n339260 may enhance Snail expression by decreasing the expression of miRNA30e-5p, thereby reducing TP53INP1 expression. Therefore, a potential lncRNA n339260- miRNA30e-5p- TP53INP1 regulatory axis was associated with HCC progression.

Vasculogenic Mimicry-An Overview

Vasculogenic mimicry (VM), a tumor microcirculation model found in melanoma in the last 20 years, is a vascular channel-like structure composed of tumor cells, but without endothelial cells, that stains positive for periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and negative staining for CD31. VM provides, to the highly aggressive malignant tumor cells, adequate oxygen and nutrient supply for tumor growth and subsequent metastasis process and its presence are related to poor prognosis in patients. VM is independent of endothelial cells, which may partly explain why angiogenesis drug inhibitors have not achieved the expected success for cancer treatment.

LncRNA ILF3-AS1 promotes cell migration, invasion and EMT process in hepatocellular carcinoma via the miR-628-5p/MEIS2 axis to activate the Notch pathway

BACKGROUND

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are essential indicators for hepatocellular carcinoma. LncRNAs can exert the same functions as their antisense mRNAs. ILF3 is an oncogene in hepatocellular carcinoma. ILF3 divergent transcript (ILF3-AS1) is the antisense RNA of ILF3, and has been reported as an oncogene in various cancers.

AIMS

To explore the role of lncRNA ILF3-AS1 in malignant phenotypes of hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

METHODS AND RESULTS

RT-qPCR analysis revealed that ILF3-AS1 was significantly upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. The hepatocellular carcinoma cell viability was suppressed by silenced ILF3-AS1. Transwell and wound healing assays showed that ILF3-AS1 downregulation inhibited cell invasion and migration. The levels of proteins associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process and the Notch pathway were detected by western blot analysis. Luciferase reporter, RNA pull down and RIP assays were used to investigate the relationship between ILF3-AS1 and downstream target genes. ILF3-AS1 competed with meis homeobox 2 (MEIS2) for miR-628-5p in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. ILF3-AS1 elevated the levels of key proteins on the Notch pathway. Rescue assays demonstrated that MEIS2 reversed the antitumor effects of silenced ILF3-AS1 on hepatocellular carcinoma. In vivo assays demonstrated that ILF3-AS1 silencing inhibited the hepatocellular carcinoma tumor growth.

CONCLUSIONS

ILF3-AS1 promoted hepatocellular carcinoma progression via the Notch pathway and miR-628-5p/MEIS2 axis.

Lineage Plasticity in Cancer: The Tale of a Skin-Walker

Lineage plasticity, the switching of cells from one lineage to another, has been recognized as a cardinal property essential for embryonic development, tissue repair and homeostasis. However, such a highly regulated process goes awry when cancer cells exploit this inherent ability to their advantage, resulting in tumorigenesis, relapse, metastasis and therapy resistance. In this review, we summarize our current understanding on the role of lineage plasticity in tumor progression and therapeutic resistance in multiple cancers. Lineage plasticity can be triggered by treatment itself and is reported across various solid as well as liquid tumors. Here, we focus on the importance of lineage switching in tumor progression and therapeutic resistance of solid tumors such as the prostate, lung, hepatocellular and colorectal carcinoma and the myeloid and lymphoid lineage switch observed in leukemias. Besides this, we also discuss the role of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in facilitating the lineage switch in biphasic cancers such as aggressive carcinosarcomas. We also discuss the mechanisms involved, current therapeutic approaches and challenges that lie ahead in taming the scourge of lineage plasticity in cancer.

Regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic targeting of vasculogenic mimicry in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a typical hyper-vascular solid tumor; aberrantly rich in tumor vascular network contributes to its malignancy. Conventional anti-angiogenic therapies seem promising but transitory and incomplete efficacy on HCC. Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is one of functional microcirculation patterns independent of endothelial vessels which describes the plasticity of highly aggressive tumor cells to form vasculogenic-like networks providing sufficient blood supply for tumor growth and metastasis. As a pivotal alternative mechanism for tumor vascularization when tumor cells undergo lack of oxygen and nutrients, VM has an association with the malignant phenotype and poor clinical outcome for HCC, and may challenge the classic anti-angiogenic treatment of HCC. Current studies have contributed numerous findings illustrating the underlying molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways supporting VM in HCC. In this review, we summarize the correlation between epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cancer stem cells (CSCs) and VM, the role of hypoxia and extracellular matrix remodeling in VM, the involvement of adjacent non-cancerous cells, cytokines and growth factors in VM, as well as the regulatory influence of non-coding RNAs on VM in HCC. Moreover, we discuss the clinical significance of VM in practice and the potential therapeutic strategies targeting VM for HCC. A better understanding of the mechanism underlying VM formation in HCC may optimize anti-angiogenic treatment modalities for HCC.

LncRNA influence sequential steps of hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis

As a class of new and crucial molecules involved in the regulation of biological function, long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) have obtained widespread attention in recent days. While it was thought that lncRNA would be redundant in the past, it is proved that lncRNA identify a class of molecular that regulate the homeostasis including hepatocellular carcinoma in the present. All kinds of lncRNA have been implicated in a various of diseases, particularly in tumorigenesis and metastasis. But the mechanisms how they act is still not entirely clear. Metastasis is a major factor affecting long-term survival in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Recently, growing numbers of experiments demonstrate that there is close connection between lncRNA and HCC metastasis. Here, we will briefly introduce a series of steps (primary tumor growth, angiogenesis, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, invasion, intravasation, survival in circulatory system, extravasation, dormancy and subsequent secondary tumor growth) of tumor metastasis, its classical but promising theories, the role of lncRNA in metastasis and the possible mechanisms involved. LncRNA, as potentially new and important tumor diagnostic and therapeutic molecules, has attracted much attention in recent years.

Dual relationship between long non-coding RNAs and STAT3 signaling in different cancers: New insight to proliferation and metastasis

Uncontrolled growth and metastasis of cancer cells is an increasing challenge for overcoming cancer, and improving survival of patients. Complicated signaling networks account for proliferation and invasion of cancer cells that need to be elucidated for providing effective cancer therapy, and minimizing their malignancy. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are RNA molecules with a length of more than 200 nucleotides. They participate in cellular events, and their dysregulation in a common phenomenon in different cancers. Noteworthy, lncRNAs can regulate different molecular pathways, and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is one of them. STAT3 is a tumor-promoting factors in cancers due to its role in cancer proliferation (cell cycle progression and apoptosis inhibition) and metastasis (EMT induction). LncRNAs can function as upstream mediators of STAT3 pathway, reducing/enhancing its expression. This dual relationship is of importance in affecting proliferation and metastasis of cancer cells. The response of cancer cells to therapy such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy is regulated by lncRNA/STAT3 axis. Tumor-promoting lncRNAs including NEAT1, SNHG3 and H19 induces STAT3 expression, while tumor-suppressing lncRNAs such as MEG3, PTCSC3 and NKILA down-regulate STAT3 expression. Noteworthy, upstream mediators of STAT3 such as microRNAs can be regulated by lncRNAs. These complicated signaling networks are mechanistically described in the current review.

CD276 Promotes Vasculogenic Mimicry Formation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma via the PI3K/AKT/MMPs Pathway

Purpose

CD276 protein expression and vasculogenic mimicry (VM) formation are associated with the poor prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Although both the effects of CD276 and VM formation involve the activation of matrix metalloproteinases, and their relationship has not yet been explored. The following study investigated the effect of CD276 expression on VM formation and the potential mechanisms.

Materials and Methods

CD276 expression and VM were examined in commercial tissue microarrays by immunohistochemistry and CD31/PAS double staining. Tumor cell proliferation, invasion, migration and, tube formation were detected in vitro after transfecting HCC cell lines with an shRNA lentiviral vector against CD276. The expression of MMP14, MMP2, VE-cadherin, E-cadherin, and vimentin and MMPs activation was detected by Western blot, immunofluorescence and gelatin zymography assay. In addition, an orthotopic xenograft model of HCC cells was established in vivo, after which VM was detected, along with its marker molecules.

Results

CD276 expression was associated with VM and poor prognosis in HCC patients. RNA interference of CD276 reduced tumor cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and VM formation in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, CD276 knockdown up-regulated the expression of E-cadherin but inhibited the phosphorylation of AKT, the expression of MMP14, MMP2, VE-cadherin, vimentin and the activation of MMP2 and MMP9 in HCC cell lines.

Conclusion

CD276 may promote VM formation by activating the PI3K/AKT/MMPs pathway and inducing the EMT process in HCC. CD276 may serve as a promising candidate for the anti-VM treatment of HCC.

Clinical effect and safety evaluation of hydromorphone combined with sufentanil in patient-controlled intravenous analgesia for patients with hepatocellular cancer and its effect on serum immune factors

The present study aimed to explore the clinical efficacy and safety of hydromorphone combined with sufentanil in patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its effect on serum immune factors in serum. Data from 385 patients with HCC, admitted to the Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (Changsha, China) from February 2015 to September 2018, were retrospectively analyzed. Laparoscopic hepatectomy was performed in all patients. A total of 180 patients who received PCIA were treated with sufentanil (control group), and 205 patients who received PCIA were treated with hydromorphone and sufentanil (study group). PCIA was used after hepatocellular cancer operation. In the control group, the analgesic pump was filled with sufentanil (2 µg/kg) and tropisetron (5 mg), whereas in the study group, the analgesic pump was filled with sufentanil (2 µg/kg), tropisetron (5 mg) and hydromorphone (5 mg). Both groups of drugs were diluted into 100 ml with normal saline and the loading dose was 5 ml; the continuous dose was 2 ml/h and the single PCIA amount was 2 ml. The visual analogue scale (VAS) and numeric sedation scale (NSS) scores at 12 and 24 h after operation, as well as and satisfaction score at 24 h after operation, were recorded. The levels of CD3⁺, CD4⁺, CD8⁺ lymphocytes and NK cells in the peripheral blood of patients were detected by flow cytometry. The postoperative hospitalization time, first flatulence time, first defecation time and first ambulation time, as well as the adverse reactions, were recorded. The results revealed that the satisfaction score of the patients at 24 h after operation was significantly higher in the study group than that in the control group (P<0.05). Additionally, there were no serious adverse reactions in either group. In conclusion, PCIA with hydromorphone and sufentanil can provide safe and effective analgesia, may improve the levels of immune factors and enhance the recovery ability of the patients.

Recent Advances in Liver Cancer Stem Cells: Non-coding RNAs, Oncogenes and Oncoproteins

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide, with high morbidity, relapse, metastasis and mortality rates. Although liver surgical resection, transplantation, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and some molecular targeted therapeutics may prolong the survival of HCC patients to a certain degree, the curative effect is still poor, primarily because of tumor recurrence and the drug resistance of HCC cells. Liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs), also known as liver tumor-initiating cells, represent one small subset of cancer cells that are responsible for disease recurrence, drug resistance and death. Therefore, understanding the regulatory mechanism of LCSCs in HCC is of vital importance. Thus, new studies that present gene regulation strategies to control LCSC differentiation and replication are under development. In this review, we provide an update on the latest advances in experimental studies on non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), oncogenes and oncoproteins. All the articles addressed the crosstalk between different ncRNAs, oncogenes and oncoproteins, as well as their upstream and downstream products targeting LCSCs. In this review, we summarize three pathways, the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway, and interleukin 6/Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (IL6/JAK2/STAT3) signaling pathway, and their targeting gene, c-Myc. Furthermore, we conclude that octamer 4 (OCT4) and Nanog are two important functional genes that play a pivotal role in LCSC regulation and HCC prognosis.

Identification and validation of stemness-related lncRNA prognostic signature for breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as crucial contributors to the development of breast cancer and are involved in the stemness regulation of breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs). LncRNAs are closely associated with the prognosis of breast cancer patients. It is critical to identify BCSC-related lncRNAs with prognostic value in breast cancer.

METHODS

A co-expression network of BCSC-related mRNAs-lncRNAs from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was constructed. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards analyses were used to identify a stemness risk model with prognostic value. Kaplan-Meier analysis, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were performed to validate the risk model. Principal component analysis (PCA) and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) functional annotation were conducted to analyze the risk model.

RESULTS

In this study, BCSC-related lncRNAs in breast cancer were identified. We evaluated the prognostic value of these BCSC-related lncRNAs and eventually obtained a prognostic risk model consisting of 12 BCSC-related lncRNAs (Z68871.1, LINC00578, AC097639.1, AP003119.3, AP001207.3, LINC00668, AL122010.1, AC245297.3, LINC01871, AP000851.2, AC022509.2 and SEMA3B-AS1). The risk model was further verified as a novel independent prognostic factor for breast cancer patients based on the calculated risk score. Moreover, based on the risk model, the low- risk and high-risk groups displayed different stemness statuses.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggested that the 12 BCSC-related lncRNA signature might be a promising prognostic factor for breast cancer and can promote the management of BCSC-related therapy in clinical practice.

Non-coding RNA in endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition

Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is the process wherein endothelial cells lose their typical endothelial cell markers and functions and adopt a mesenchymal-like phenotype. EndMT is required for development of the cardiac valves, the pulmonary and dorsal aorta, and arterial maturation, but activation of the EndMT programme during adulthood is believed to contribute to several pathologies including organ fibrosis, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs, modulate EndMT during development and disease. Here, we review the mechanisms by which non-coding RNAs facilitate or inhibit EndMT during development and disease and provide a perspective on the therapeutic application of non-coding RNAs to treat fibroproliferative cardiovascular disease.

LncRNA TMPO-AS1 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation, migration and invasion through sponging miR-329-3p to stimulate FOXK1-mediated AKT/mTOR signaling pathway

Purpose

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer‐related death worldwide. Numerous analyses have revealed the abnormal expression of long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in HCC cells. This study aims to explore biological functions of lncRNA TMPO‐AS1 (TMPO antisense RNA 1) in HCC cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and migration.

Methods

The gene expression in HCC tissues and cell lines were measured by qRT‐PCR. The role of TMPO‐AS1 in HCC was confirmed by CCK‐8, colony formation, TUNEL, transwell and western blot as well as by in vivo experiments. RNA pull down and luciferase reporter assays were utilized to prove the binding relationship between TMPO‐AS1/FOXK1 (forkhead box K1) andmiR‐329‐3p. Rescue assays elucidated the regulatory effects of TMPO‐AS1/miR‐329‐3p/FOXK1/AKT/mTOR pathway on cellular activities in HCC.

Results

TMPO‐AS1was upregulated in HCC tissues and cells and its depletion inhibits HCC cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and EMT process as well as tumor growth. Furthermore, TMPO‐AS1 could bind with miR‐329‐3p, which suppressed HCC cell proliferation. FOXK1 served as the target gene of miR‐329‐3p and TMPO‐AS1 upregulated FOXK1 by sponging miR‐329‐3p in HCC cells. Additionally, FOXK1 overexpression or miR‐329‐3p inhibitor neutralized the repressing effects of TMPO‐AS1 knockdown on HCC development. Finally, it verified that TMPO‐AS1 could regulate AKT/mTOR pathway via FOXK1 to promote HCC.

Conclusion

TMPO‐AS1 contributes to HCC progression by sponging miR‐329‐3p to activate FOXK1‐mediated AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

HOX Transcript Antisense RNA HOTAIR Abrogates Vasculogenic Mimicry by Targeting the AngiomiR-204/FAK Axis in Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells

HOX transcript antisense RNA (HOTAIR) is an oncogenic long non-coding RNA frequently overexpressed in cancer. HOTAIR can enhance the malignant behavior of tumors by sponging microRNAs with tumor suppressor functions. Vasculogenic mimicry is a hypoxia-activated process in which tumor cells form three-dimensional (3D) channel-like networks, resembling endothelial blood vessels, to obtain nutrients. However, the role of HOTAIR in vasculogenic mimicry and the underlying mechanisms are unknown in human cancers. In the current study, we investigated the relevance of HOTAIR in hypoxia-induced vasculogenic mimicry in metastatic MDA-MB-231 and invasive Hs-578t triple negative breast cancer cells. Analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database using cBioPortal confirmed that HOTAIR was upregulated in clinical breast tumors relative to normal mammary tissues. Our quantitative RT-PCR assays showed a significant increase in HOTAIR levels after 48 h hypoxia relative to normoxia in breast cancer cell lines. Remarkably, knockdown of HOTAIR significantly abolished the hypoxia-induced vasculogenic mimicry which was accompanied by a reduction in the number of 3D channel-like networks and branch points. Likewise, HOTAIR silencing leads to reduced cell migration abilities of cancer cells. Bioinformatic analysis predicted that HOTAIR has a potential binding site for tumor suppressor miR-204. Luciferase reporter assays confirmed that HOTAIR is a competitive endogenous sponge of miR-204. Congruently, forced inhibition of HOTAIR in cells resulted in augmented miR-204 levels in breast cancer cells. Further bioinformatic analysis suggested that miR-204 can bind to the 3′ untranslated region of focal adhesion kinase 1 (FAK) transcript involved in cell migration. Western blot and luciferase reporter assays confirmed that FAK is a novel target of miR-204. Finally, silencing of HOTAIR resulted in low levels of cytoplasmic FAK protein and alterations in the organization of cellular cytoskeleton and focal adhesions. In summary, our results showed, for the first time, that HOTAIR mitigates cell migration and vasculogenic mimicry by targeting the miR-204/FAK axis in triple negative breast cancer cells.

An upstream open reading frame regulates vasculogenic mimicry of glioma via ZNRD1-AS1/miR-499a-5p/ELF1/EMI1 pathway

Increasing evidence has suggested that gliomas can supply blood through vasculogenic mimicry. In this study, the expression and function of ZNRD1‐AS1‐144aa‐uORF (144aa‐uORF) and some non‐coding RNAs in gliomas were assessed. Real‐time quantitative PCR or Western blot was used to discover the expression of 144aa‐uORF, ZNRD1‐AS1, miR‐499a‐5p, ELF1 and EMI1 in gliomas. In addition, RIP and RNA pull‐down assays were applied to explore the interrelationship between 144aa‐uORF and ZNRD1‐AS1. The role of the 144aa‐uORF\ZNRD1‐AS1\miR‐499a‐5p\ELF1\EMI1 axis in vasculogenic mimicry formation of gliomas was analysed. This study illustrates the reduced expression of the 144aa‐uORF in glioma tissues and cells. Up‐regulation of 144aa‐uORF inhibits proliferation, migration, invasion and vasculogenic mimicry formation within glioma cells. The up‐regulated 144aa‐uORF can increase the degradation of ZNRD1‐AS1 through the nonsense‐mediated RNA decay (NMD) pathway. Knockdown of ZNRD1‐AS1 inhibits vasculogenic mimicry in glioma cells by modulating miR‐499a‐5p. At the same time, miR‐499a‐5p is down‐regulated and has a tumour‐suppressive effect in gliomas. In addition, ZNRD1‐AS1 serves as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) and regulates the expression of ELF1 by binding to miR‐499a‐5p. Notably, ELF1 binds to the promoter region of EMI1 and up‐regulates EMI1 expression, while simultaneously promoting vasculogenic mimicry in glioma cells. This study suggests that the 144aa‐uORF\ZNRD1‐AS1\miR‐499a‐5p\ELF1\EMI1 axis takes key part in regulating the formation of vasculogenic mimicry in gliomas and may provide a potential target for glioma treatment.

Rho kinase mediates transforming growth factor-β1-induced vasculogenic mimicry formation: involvement of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and cancer stemness activity

Vasculogenic mimicry (VM), a newly defined pattern of tumor blood supply, has been identified in several malignant tumors, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Rho kinase (ROCK) plays an important role in various types of cancers. However, whether ROCK participates in transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced VM formation is unclear. Here, we evaluated the role of ROCK in TGF-β1-induced VM formation in HCC. Our findings showed that the TGF-β1/ROCK signaling pathway is involved in VM formation by inducing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Furthermore, TGF-β1 and ROCK were found to play distinct roles in the cancer stem cell phenotype during VM formation. These results provide insights into potential antitumor therapies for inhibiting VM by targeting the TGF-β1/ROCK signaling pathway in HCC.

Cancer Stem Cells and Its Role in Angiogenesis and Vasculogenic Mimicry in Gastrointestinal Cancers

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are able to promote initiation, survival and maintenance of tumor growth and have been involved in gastrointestinal cancers (GICs) such as esophageal, gastric and colorectal. It is well known that blood supply facilitates cancer progression, recurrence, and metastasis. In this regard, tumor-induced angiogenesis begins with expression of pro-angiogenic molecules such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which in turn lead to neovascularization and thus to tumor growth. Another pattern of blood supply is called vasculogenic mimicry (VM). It is a reminiscent of the embryonic vascular network and is carried out by CSCs that have the capability of transdifferentiate and form vascular-tube structures in absence of endothelial cells. In this review, we discuss the role of CSCs in angiogenesis and VM, since these mechanisms represent a source of tumor nutrition, oxygenation, metabolic interchange and facilitate metastasis. Identification of CSCs mechanisms involved in angiogenesis and VM could help to address therapeutics for GICs.

Vasculogenic mimicry in carcinogenesis and clinical applications

Distinct from classical tumor angiogenesis, vasculogenic mimicry (VM) provides a blood supply for tumor cells independent of endothelial cells. VM has two distinct types, namely tubular type and patterned matrix type. VM is associated with high tumor grade, tumor progression, invasion, metastasis, and poor prognosis in patients with malignant tumors. Herein, we discuss the recent studies on the role of VM in tumor progression and the diverse mechanisms and signaling pathways that regulate VM in tumors. Furthermore, we also summarize the latest findings of non-coding RNAs, such as lncRNAs and miRNAs in VM formation. In addition, we review application of molecular imaging technologies in detection of VM in malignant tumors. Increasing evidence suggests that VM is significantly associated with poor overall survival in patients with malignant tumors and could be a potential therapeutic target.

Cancer Stem Cells: A Potential Breakthrough in HCC-Targeted Therapy

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are subpopulations of cells with stem cell characteristics that produce both cancerous and non-tumorigenic cells in tumor tissues. The literature reports that CSCs are closely related to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and promote the malignant features of HCC such as high invasion, drug resistance, easy recurrence, easy metastasis, and poor prognosis. This review discusses the origin, molecular, and biological features, functions, and applications of CSCs in HCC in recent years; the goal is to clarify the importance of CSCs in treatment and explore their potential value in HCC-targeted therapy.

RPV-modified epirubicin and dioscin co-delivery liposomes suppress non-small cell lung cancer growth by limiting nutrition supply

Chemotherapy for non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is far from satisfactory, mainly due to poor targeting of antitumor drugs and self‐adaptations of the tumors. Angiogenesis, vasculogenic mimicry (VM) channels, migration, and invasion are the main ways for tumors to obtain nutrition. Herein, RPV‐modified epirubicin and dioscin co‐delivery liposomes were successfully prepared. These liposomes showed ideal physicochemical properties, enhanced tumor targeting and accumulation in tumor sites, and inhibited VM channel formation, tumor angiogenesis, migration and invasion. The liposomes also downregulated VM‐related and angiogenesis‐related proteins in vitro. Furthermore, when tested in vivo, the targeted co‐delivery liposomes increased selective accumulation of drugs in tumor sites and showed extended stability in blood circulation. In conclusion, RPV‐modified epirubicin and dioscin co‐delivery liposomes showed strong antitumor efficacy in vivo and could thus be considered a promising strategy for NSCLC treatment.

Regulation Networks Driving Vasculogenic Mimicry in Solid Tumors

Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a mechanism whereby cancer cells form microvascular structures similar to three-dimensional channels to provide nutrients and oxygen to tumors. Unlike angiogenesis, VM is characterized by the development of new patterned three-dimensional vascular-like structures independent of endothelial cells. This phenomenon has been observed in many types of highly aggressive solid tumors. The presence of VM has also been associated with increased resistance to chemotherapy, low survival, and poor prognosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level through different pathways. In recent years, these tiny RNAs have been shown to be expressed aberrantly in different human malignancies, thus contributing to the hallmarks of cancer. In this context, miRNAs and lncRNAs can be excellent biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and the prediction of response to therapy. In this review, we discuss the role that the tumor microenvironment and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition have in VM. We include an overview of the mechanisms of VM with examples of diverse types of tumors. Finally, we describe the regulation networks of lncRNAs-miRNAs and their clinical impact with the VM. Knowing the key genes that regulate and promote the development of VM in tumors with invasive, aggressive, and therapy-resistant phenotypes will facilitate the discovery of novel biomarker therapeutics against cancer as well as tools in the diagnosis and prognosis of patients.

PSMB8-AS1 activated by ELK1 promotes cell proliferation in glioma via regulating miR-574-5p/RAB10

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) get great involvements in the development of countless cancers. Nonetheless, the deep molecular mechanism by which lncRNA regulates the formation of glioma is unclear. In our study, the expression of PSMB8-AS1 was dramatically upregulated in glioma tissues and cells, further, PSMB8-AS1 silencing restrained cell proliferation in glioma, and the results of PSMB8-AS1 overexpression were opposite. Moreover, PSMB8-AS1 could bind with miR-574-5p, which was low expressed in glioma cells. In addition, RAB10 acted the target gene of miR-574-5p, and PSMB8-AS1 could regulate RAB10 via modulating miR-574-5p. Besides, miR-574-5p inhibitor/mimics remedied the repressive/simulative role of PSMB8-AS1 depletion/overexpression, and RAB10 downregulation/upregulation reversed the encouraging/blocked function caused by miR-574-5p inhibitor/mimics in PSMB8-AS1 depletion/overexpression transfected glioma cells. Additionally, ELK1, a transcription factor, could active PSMB8-AS1 expression. To be concluded, PSMB8-AS1 activated by ELK1 promotes cell proliferation in glioma via regulating miR-574-5p/RAB10, which may be contributory to find new targets to treat glioma.

Analysis of lncRNA expression profiles by sequencing reveals that lnc-AL928768.3 and lnc-AC091493.1 are novel biomarkers for disease risk and activity of rheumatoid arthritis

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to analyze long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) expression profiles in synovium tissue of patients with RA using RNA sequencing, and to further assess the clinical values of dysregulated lncRNAs in RA diagnosis and monitoring.

METHODS

Thirty patients with RA who underwent knee arthroscopy and 30 controls with knee trauma who underwent surgery were consecutively enrolled and synovium tissue samples of both groups were obtained during surgery. In the exploration stage, lncRNA and mRNA expression profiles in three RA samples and three control samples were detected by RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analyses were then performed. In the validation stage, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was subsequently used to detect expression of five candidate lncRNAs in 30 patients with RA and 30 control patients.

RESULTS

A total of 349 lncRNAs and 1582 mRNAs were upregulated and 806 lncRNAs and 1295 mRNAs were downregulated in patients with RA compared with controls. Enrichment analyses revealed that these dysregulated lncRNAs and mRNAs were mainly involved in regulating immune response, leukocyte migration, complement activation, and B cell receptor signaling pathway. Subsequent qPCR validation discovered that lnc-AL928768.3 (P < 0.001) and lnc-AC091493.1 (P < 0.001) were elevated in patients with RA compared with controls and afford good predictive values for RA risk by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Additionally, the two lncRNAs were positively associated with C-reactive protein level and disease activity score in 28 joints (ESR) (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Analysis of lncRNA expression profiles by sequencing reveals that lnc-AL928768.3 and lnc-AC091493.1 are novel biomarkers for RA risk and activity.

LncRNA SPRY4-IT1 regulates breast cancer cell stemness through competitively binding miR-6882-3p with TCF7L2

SPRY4-intronic transcript 1 has been found in several kinds of cancers, but the role of SPRY4-IT1 in breast cancer stem cells has not been studied. We investigated whether SPRY4-IT1 is involved in the promotion of breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs). We used qRT-PCR to detect the expression of SPRY4-IT1 in MCF-7 cells and MCF-7 cancer stem cells (MCF-7 CSCs). The effects of SPRY4-IT1 on the proliferation and renewal ability of breast cancer cells were investigated by in vitro and in vivo assays (ie in situ hybridization, colony formation assay, sphere formation assay, flow cytometry assay, western blotting, xenograft model and immunohistochemistry). The mechanism of SPPRY4-IT1 as a ceRNA was studied by a dual-luciferase reporter assay and bioinformatic analysis. In our study, SPRY4-IT1 was up-regulated in MCF-7 CSCs compared with MCF-7 cells, and high SPRY4-IT1 expression was related to reduced breast cancer patient survival. Furthermore, SPRY4-IT1 overexpression promoted breast cancer cell proliferation and stemness in vitro and in vivo. In addition, SPRY4-IT1 knockdown suppressed BCSC renewal ability and stemness maintenance in vivo and in vitro. The dual-luciferase reporter assays indicated that SPRY4-IT1 as a sponge for miR-6882-3p repressed transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) expression. Taken together, these findings demonstrated that SPRY4-IT1 promotes proliferation and stemness of breast cancer cells as well as renewal ability and stemness maintenance of BCSCs by increasing the expression of TCF7L2 through targeting miR-6882-3p.

Crosstalk Between Long Non-coding RNAs, Micro-RNAs and mRNAs: Deciphering Molecular Mechanisms of Master Regulators in Cancer

Cancer is a complex disease, and its study requires deep understanding of several biological processes and their regulation. It is an accepted fact that non-coding RNAs are vital components of the regulation and cross-talk among cancer-related signaling pathways that favor tumor aggressiveness and metastasis, such as neovascularization, angiogenesis, and vasculogenic mimicry. Both long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and micro-RNAs (miRNAs) have been described as master regulators of cancer on their own; yet there is accumulating evidence that, besides regulating mRNA expression through independent mechanisms, these classes of non-coding RNAs interact with each other directly, fine-tuning the effects of their regulation. While still relatively scant, research on the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA axis regulation is growing at a fast rate, it is only in the last 5 years, that lncRNA-miRNA interactions have been identified in tumor-related vascular processes. In this review, we summarize the current progress of research on the cross-talk between lncRNAs and miRNAs in the regulation of neovascularization, angiogenesis and vasculogenic mimicry.

Long non-coding RNA LUCAT1/miR-5582-3p/TCF7L2 axis regulates breast cancer stemness via Wnt/β-catenin pathway

Background

The mechanism underlying breast cancer stem cell (BCSCs) characteristics remains to be fully elucidated. Accumulating evidence implies that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a pivotal role in regulating BCSCs stemness.

Methods

LncRNA LUCAT1 expression was assessed in breast cancer tissues (n = 151 cases) by in situ hybridization. Sphere-formation assay and colony formation assay were used to detect cell self-renewal and proliferation, respectively. RNA immunoprecipitation, RNA pull down and luciferase reporter assays were used to identify LUCAT1 and TCF7L2 as the direct target of miR-5582-3p. The activity of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway was analyzed by TOP/FOP-Flash reporter assays, western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC).

Results

This study found LUCAT1 expression was related to tumor size (p = 0.015), lymph node metastasis (p = 0.002) and TNM staging (p < 0.001). High LUCAT1 expression indicated a shorter overall survival (p = 0.006) and disease-free survival (p = 0.011). Furthermore, LUCAT1 was more expressed in BCSCs than in breast cancer cells (BCCs) by lncRNA microarray chips. LUCAT1 up-regulation promoted proliferation of BCCs, while LUCAT1 down-regulation inhibited self-renewal of BCSCs. MiR-5582-3p was directly bound to LUCAT1 and TCF7L2 and negatively regulated their expression. LUCAT1 affected Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Conclusions

LUCAT1 might be a significant biomarker to evaluate prognosis in breast cancer. LUCAT1 increased stem-like properties of BCCs and stemness of BCSCs by competitively binding miR-5582-3p with TCF7L2 and enhancing the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. The LUCAT1/miR-5582-3p/TCF7L2 axis provides insights for regulatory mechanism of stemness, and new strategies for clinical practice.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13046-019-1315-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Long noncoding RNAs, emerging and versatile regulators of tumor-induced angiogenesis

Angiogenesis is an essential step in maintaining tumor growth and facilitating metastasis. The regulatory mechanisms of tumor-induced angiogenesis are extremely complicated, and include sophisticated crosstalk between tumors and surrounding microenvironment cells, oncogenic signaling pathway activation and aberrant expression of angiogenesis-related genes. Recently, emerging evidence demonstrated that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in angiogenesis. However, there are lack of reports to review the progression in this scientific field. Here, we focus on and summarize the latest findings of lncRNA in angiogenesis in various cancers. Firstly, we introduced how lncRNAs in tumor cells to modulate the cellular signaling axis, interact with proteins and serve as competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) to alter target gene expression, by which induce endothelial cell to form capillaries. Then, we recapitulated the essential functions of lncRNA in endothelial cells, and how lncRNAs in tumor-associated macrophages to mediate angiogenesis. Next, the angiogenesis mechanism of tumor-derived lncRNAs via exosomes were collectively described. At last, the effects of lncRNAs on vasculogenic mimicry were summarized, which showed that malignant tumor cells acquire dedifferentiated and endothelial properties to form vessel-like structures by themselves. This review provides new insights into the complexity of angiogenesis, and suggests that lncRNAs may become promising biomarkers and targets for enhancing the efficacy of anti-angiogenesis therapy in cancer.

LncRNA SNHG16 aggravates tumorigenesis and development of hepatocellular carcinoma by sponging miR-4500 and targeting STAT3

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver tumor and becomes a lethal malignancy on account of high mortality and increasing incidence. A growing body of studies has proved that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) participate in the development of diverse cancers. Although it has been commonly accepted that SNHG16 is a procancer gene in numerous cancers, the regulatory mechanism of SNHG16 in HCC still needs more explorations. In this study, our results delineated that SNHG16 presented much higher expression levels in HCC tissues and cells, particularly in advanced stages of HCC. Enhanced SNHG16 expression was strongly related to poor prognosis. SNHG16 facilitated HCC progression by promoting cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition process as well as inhibiting cell apoptosis. SNHG16 served as a sponge for miR-4500 in HCC and miR-4500 neutralized the influences of SNHG16 knockdown on HCC. SNHG16 was confirmed to compete with signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) to bind with miR-4500. SNHG16 aggravated the development of HCC via sponging miR-4500 so as to upregulate STAT3. In other words, this study was the first to investigate the potential mechanism of SNHG16 in HCC and verified SNHG16 exerted its carcinogenesis by miR-4500/STAT3 axis, suggesting SNHG16 may be a new underlying therapeutic target for HCC treatment.

Long noncoding RNA n339260 promotes vasculogenic mimicry and cancer stem cell development in hepatocellular carcinoma

Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) refers to the unique capability of aggressive tumor cells to mimic the pattern of embryonic vasculogenic networks. Cancer stem cells (CSC) represent a subpopulation of tumor cells endowed with the capacity for self‐renewal and multilineage differentiation. Previous studies have indicated that CSC may participate in the formation of VM. With the advance of high‐resolution microarrays and massively parallel sequencing technology, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are suggested to play a critical role in tumorigenesis and, in particular, the development of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Currently, no definitive relationship between lncRNA and VM formation has been described. In the current study, we demonstrated that expression of the lncRNA, n339260, is associated with CSC phenotype in HCC, and n339260 level correlated with VM, metastasis, and shorter survival time in an animal model. Overexpression of n339260 in HepG2 cells was associated with a significant increase in CSC. Additionally, the appearance of VM and vascular endothelial (VE)‐cadherin, a molecular marker of VM, was also induced by n339260 overexpression. Using a short hairpin RNA approach, n339260 was silenced in tumor cells, and knockdown of n339260 was associated with reduced VM and CSC. The results of this study indicate that n339260 promotes VM, possibly by the development of CSC. The related molecular pathways may be used as novel therapeutic targets for the inhibition of HCC angiogenesis and metastasis.