microRNA profiling for early detection of nonmelanoma skin cancer

Micro RNA Dysregulation in Keratinocyte Carcinomas: Clinical Evidence, Functional Impact, and Future Directions

The keratinocyte carcinomas, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), are the most common cancers in humans. Recently, an increasing body of literature has investigated the role of miRNAs in keratinocyte carcinoma pathogenesis, progression and their use as therapeutic agents and targets, or biomarkers. However, there is very little consistency in the literature regarding the identity of and/or role of individual miRNAs in cSCC (and to a lesser extent BCC) biology. miRNA analyses that combine clinical evidence with experimental elucidation of targets and functional impact provide far more compelling evidence than studies purely based on clinical findings or bioinformatic analyses. In this study, we review the clinical evidence associated with miRNA dysregulation in KCs, assessing the quality of validation evidence provided, identify gaps, and provide recommendations for future studies based on relevant studies that investigated miRNA levels in human cSCC and BCC. Furthermore, we demonstrate how miRNAs contribute to the regulation of a diverse network of cellular functions, and that large-scale changes in tumor cell biology can be attributed to miRNA dysregulation. We highlight the need for further studies investigating the role of miRNAs as communicators between different cell types in the tumor microenvironment. Finally, we explore the clinical benefits of miRNAs as biomarkers of keratinocyte carcinoma prognosis and treatment.

Dysregulation of exosomal miRNAs and their related genes in head and neck cancer patients

Aim: The present study aimed to figure out the potential role of exosomal microRNAs, and their targeted genes in HNC detection/diagnosis.Methods: In the present study, exosomes were extracted from the serum samples of 400 HNC patients and 400 healthy controls. Exosomes were characterized using TEM, NTA, TEM-immunogold labeling and ELISA. Quantitative PCR was used to measure the expression level of exosomal miRNA-19a, miRNA-19b and targeted genes SMAD2 and SMAD4 in HNC patients and controls.Results: The deregulation of miR-19a (p < 0.01), miR-19b (p < 0.03), SMAD2 (p < 0.04) and SMAD4 (p < 0.04) was observed in HNC patients vs controls.Conclusion: ROC curve and Kaplan-Meier analysis showed the good diagnostic/prognostic value of selected exosomal microRNAs and related genes in HNC patients.

Where Microneedle Meets Biomarkers: Futuristic Application for Diagnosing and Monitoring Localized External Organ Diseases

Extracellular tissue fluids are interesting biomatrices that have recently attracted scientists' interest. Many significant biomarkers for localized external organ diseases have been isolated from this biofluid. In the diagnostic and disease monitoring context, measuring biochemical entities from the fluids surrounding the diseased tissues may give more important clinical value than measuring them at a systemic level. Despite all these facts, pushing tissue fluid-based diagnosis and monitoring forward to clinical settings faces one major problem: its accessibility. Most extracellular tissue fluid, such as interstitial fluid (ISF), is abundant but hard to collect, and the currently available technologies are invasive and expensive. This is where novel microneedle technology can help tackle this significant obstacle. The ability of microneedle technology to minimally invasively access tissue fluid-containing biomarkers will enable ISF and other tissue fluid utilization in the clinical diagnosis and monitoring of localized diseases. This review attempts to present the current pursuit of the application of microneedle systems as a diagnostic and monitoring platform, along with the recent progress of biomarker detection in diagnosing and monitoring localized external organ diseases. Then, the potential use of various microneedles in future clinical diagnostics and monitoring of localized diseases is discussed by presenting the currently studied cases.

Analysis of microRNAs in Exosomes of Breast Cancer Patients in Search of Molecular Prognostic Factors in Brain Metastases

Brain metastases are the most severe tumorous spread during breast cancer disease. They are associated with a limited quality of life and a very poor overall survival. A subtype of extracellular vesicles, exosomes, are sequestered by all kinds of cells, including tumor cells, and play a role in cell-cell communication. Exosomes contain, among others, microRNAs (miRs). Exosomes can be taken up by other cells in the body, and their active molecules can affect the cellular process in target cells. Tumor-secreted exosomes can affect the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and have an impact on brain metastases forming. Serum samples from healthy donors, breast cancer patients with primary tumors, or with brain, bone, or visceral metastases were used to isolate exosomes and exosomal miRs. Exosomes expressed exosomal markers CD63 and CD9, and their amount did not vary significantly between groups, as shown by Western blot and ELISA. The selected 48 miRs were detected using real-time PCR. Area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy. We identified two miRs with the potential to serve as prognostic markers for brain metastases. Hsa-miR-576-3p was significantly upregulated, and hsa-miR-130a-3p was significantly downregulated in exosomes from breast cancer patients with cerebral metastases with AUC: 0.705 and 0.699, respectively. Furthermore, correlation of miR levels with tumor markers revealed that hsa-miR-340-5p levels were significantly correlated with the percentage of Ki67-positive tumor cells, while hsa-miR-342-3p levels were inversely correlated with tumor staging. Analysis of the expression levels of miRs in serum exosomes from breast cancer patients has the potential to identify new, non-invasive, blood-borne prognostic molecular markers to predict the potential for brain metastasis in breast cancer. Additional functional analyzes and careful validation of the identified markers are required before their potential future diagnostic use.

Discriminating Neoplastic from Nonneoplastic Tissues Using an miRNA-Based Deep Cancer Classifier

Next-generation sequencing has enabled the collection of large biological data sets, allowing novel molecular-based classification methods to be developed for increased understanding of disease. miRNAs are small regulatory RNA molecules that can be quantified using next-generation sequencing and are excellent classificatory markers. Herein, we adapt a deep cancer classifier (DCC) to differentiate neoplastic from nonneoplastic samples using comprehensive miRNA expression profiles from 1031 human breast and skin tissue samples. The classifier was fine-tuned and evaluated using 750 neoplastic and 281 nonneoplastic breast and skin tissue samples. Performance of the DCC was compared with two machine-learning classifiers: support vector machine and random forests. In addition, performance of feature extraction through the DCC was also compared with a developed feature selection algorithm, cancer specificity. The DCC had the highest performance of area under the receiver operating curve and high performance in both sensitivity and specificity, unlike machine-learning and feature selection models, which often performed well in one metric compared with the other. In particular, deep learning was shown to have noticeable advantages with highly heterogeneous data sets. In addition, our cancer specificity algorithm identified candidate biomarkers for differentiating neoplastic and nonneoplastic tissue samples (eg, miR-144 and miR-375 in breast cancer and miR-375 and miR-451 in skin cancer).

Identification of Target PTEN-Based miR-425 and miR-576 as Potential Diagnostic and Immunotherapeutic Biomarkers of Colorectal Cancer With Liver Metastasis

A major complication of colorectal cancer (CRC), one of the most common and fatal types of cancers, is secondary liver metastasis. For patients with this fate, there are very few biomarkers available in clinical application, and the disease remains incurable. Recently, increasing studies demonstrated that tumorigenesis and development are closely related to immune escape, indicating that the roles of immune-related indicators might have been neglected in the past in colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRLM). Here, we unveil that elevated miR-425 and miR-576 promote CRLM through inhibiting PTEN-mediated cellular immune function. Specifically, miR-425 and miR-576 were identified for their significant upregulation in CRLM compared with the primary CRC tissues based on GSE81581 (n = 8) and GSE44121 (n = 18) datasets. Besides, we determined that the two microRNAs (miRNAs) coparticipated in restraining P53 and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling pathways associated with tumor metastasis, and both shortened the overall survival of the patients with metastatic susceptibility. Notably, in situ hybridization on relatively large samples of paired CRC tissues (n = 157) not only substantiated that the expression of miR-425 and miR-576 was dramatically upregulated in CRLM but also revealed that they were closely related to tumor deterioration, especially liver metastases. Moreover, we further confirmed that the combination of miR-425 and miR-576 was an effective predictive model for liver metastases and poor clinical outcomes. Mechanically, downregulated PTEN (GSE81558, n = 6) was verified to be a shared target of miR-425 and miR-576 acting as metastasis-related oncogenes, on account of the presence of binding sites (+2928-+2934 and +4371-+4378, respectively) and the collaborative suppression of P53/TGF-β signaling in CRLM, which was further confirmed in CRC cells (HCT116 and SW480) based on systematic molecular biology experiments. Importantly, the target PTEN was strongly associated with microsatellite instability, tumor microenvironment, and immune cell infiltration. Thus, we speculate that miR-425 and miR-576 are novel biomarkers for CRLM prevention and immunotherapy and upstream inhibitors of the PTEN-P53/TGF-β function axis.

Long noncoding RNA ZFPM2-AS1 promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by regulating the miR-576-3p/HIF-1α axis

Long noncoding RNA (LncRNA) zinc finger protein multitype 2 antisense RNA 1 (ZFPM2-AS1) is highly expressed in a variety of tumors and is involved in promoting the malignant biological behaviors of cancer cells. However, the mechanism of ZFPM2-AS1 in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains to be explored. The ZFPM2-AS1 expression in HCC was measured by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR); cell counting kit-8, 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU), and transwell assays were used to confirm the biological functions of ZFPM2-AS1 in regulating the malignant biological behaviors of HCC cells; the luciferase reporter gene assay was employed to detect whether ZFPM2-AS1 could bind to microRNA (miR)-576-3p; the regulatory relationship between ZFPM2-AS1 and miR-576-3p was probed by qRT-PCR; the effects of ZFPM2-AS1 and miR-576-3p on the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot. The expression of ZFPM2-AS1 in HCC tissues, compared with that in normal liver tissues, was significantly upregulated. Knockdown of ZFPM2-AS1 markedly inhibited HCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion while the overexpression of ZFPM2-AS1 worked oppositely. miR-576-3p could reverse the effects of ZFPM2-AS1 on the biological behaviors of HCC cells. Besides, ZFPM2-AS1 could bind to miR-576-3p and positively regulate the expression of HIF-1α, a target gene of miR-576-3p, by adsorbing miR-576-3p. ZFPM2-AS1 is abnormally highly expressed in HCC and facilitates proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells by adsorbing miR-576-3p and upregulating HIF-1α expression.

miR-875 Serves as A Candidate Biomarker for Detection and Prognosis and Is Correlated with PHH3 Index Levels in Breast Cancer Patients

BACKGROUND

miRNAs play crucial roles in cancers. This study investigated the potential value of miR-875 to be a detective or/and prognostic marker and evaluate the correlation between its expression and PHH3 index levels in breast cancer.

METHODS

miR-875 expression was determined in breast cancer serum and tissues by a quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The detective value of serum miR-875 expression for breast cancer was assessed by receiver operating characteristic analysis. Then the associations of miR-875 expression with clinical characteristics of patients and overall survival were evaluated by χ² test and Kaplan-Meier curve methods, respectively.

RESULTS

The expression of miR-875 was increased in both breast cancer serum and tissues compared with respective controls. The high miR-875 expression in serum and tissues was associated with positive lymph node metastasis and advanced TNM stages. Besides, miR-875 expression in tissues was positively associated with the PHH3 index. And serum miR-875 could screen breast cancer patients from healthy individuals. Moreover, breast cancer patients with both high expression of miR-875 and PHH3 index had shorter overall survival.

CONCLUSION

This study suggested that miR-875 expression may be suitable as a potential breast cancer detection and prognosis biomarker. And the miR-875 expression in tissues was positively associated with the PHH3 index, suggesting that miR-875 expression may be involved in tumor proliferation of breast cancer.

Export Control: Post-transcriptional Regulation of the COPII Trafficking Pathway

The coat protein complex II (COPII) mediates forward trafficking of protein and lipid cargoes from the endoplasmic reticulum. COPII is an ancient and essential pathway in all eukaryotes and COPII dysfunction underlies a range of human diseases. Despite this broad significance, major aspects of COPII trafficking remain incompletely understood. For example, while the biochemical features of COPII vesicle formation are relatively well characterized, much less is known about how the COPII system dynamically adjusts its activity to changing physiologic cues or stresses. Recently, post-transcriptional mechanisms have emerged as a major mode of COPII regulation. Here, we review the current literature on how post-transcriptional events, and especially post-translational modifications, govern the COPII pathway.

Circulating differential miRNAs profiling and expression in hexavalent chromium exposed electroplating workers

Hexavalent chromium [Cr (Ⅵ)] has extensive applications in industries, and long-term occupational exposure to Cr (Ⅵ) may lead to lung carcinoma and other cancers. While microRNA (miRNA) can take part in carcinogenesis, little is known about its expression profile in the population with Cr (Ⅵ) exposure. Thus, this study aimed to explore miRNA expression profiles in Cr (Ⅵ) exposed workers and to identify the potential biological function of differentially expressed miRNAs. A total of 45 significant differentially expressed miRNAs were identified by the miRNA array. The results of validation showed that miR-19a-3p, miR-19b-3p, and miR-142-3p were downregulated and miR-590-3p and miR-941 were upregulated in the exposure group. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that age, exposure duration and urinary chromium level were associated with one or more miRNAs expression. Target gene analysis indicated that these miRNAs might participate in the regulation of DNA damage-related signaling pathways. Taken together, Cr (Ⅵ) exposure can result in differential expression of miRNAs in occupational workers, and the expression of these miRNAs is correlated with the level and duration of Cr (Ⅵ) exposure, and the differentially expressed miRNAs may participate in DNA damage response.

Epigenetic regulation in the pathogenesis of non-melanoma skin cancer

Understanding of cancer with the help of ever-expanding cutting edge technological tools and bioinformatics is revolutionizing modern cancer research by broadening the space of discovery window of various genomic and epigenomic processes. Genomics data integrated with multi-omics layering have advanced cancer research. Uncovering such layers of genetic mutations/modifications, epigenetic regulation and their role in the complex pathophysiology of cancer progression could lead to novel therapeutic interventions. Although a plethora of literature is available in public domain defining the role of various tumor driver gene mutations, understanding of epigenetic regulation of cancer is still emerging. This review focuses on epigenetic regulation association with the pathogenesis of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). NMSC has higher prevalence in Caucasian populations compared to other races. Due to lack of proper reporting to cancer registries, the incidence rates for NMSC worldwide cannot be accurately estimated. However, this is the most common neoplasm in humans, and millions of new cases per year are reported in the United States alone. In organ transplant recipients, the incidence of NMSC particularly of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is very high and these SCCs frequently become metastatic and lethal. Understanding of solar ultraviolet (UV) light-induced damage and impaired DNA repair process leading to DNA mutations and nuclear instability provide an insight into the pathogenesis of metastatic neoplasm. This review discusses the recent advances in the field of epigenetics of NMSCs. Particularly, the role of DNA methylation, histone hyperacetylation and non-coding RNA such as long-chain noncoding (lnc) RNAs, circular RNAs and miRNA in the disease progression are summarized.

Anti-antioxidant impacts of circZNF609 silence in HaCaT cells through regulating miR-145

Background: CircZNF609 (cZNF609) is previously revealed as an essential mediator in oxidative stress. This paper determined the role of cZNF609 in skin oxidative damage to evaluate its importance in pressure ulcer.Methods: HaCaT cells treated by H₂O₂ were considered as a cell model of pressure ulcer. The role of cZNF609 in the model was checked by conducting CCK-8 assay, FITC-PI double-staining, ROS detection and Western blot. The downstream gene and signalling of cZNF609 were studied by utilizing qRT-PCR and Western blot.Results: HaCaT cells were remarkably damaged by H₂O₂, as evidenced by the viability loss, apoptosis and ROS generation. It was coupled with the elevated expression of p53, p16, Bax and the activated forms of caspase-3 and PARP. Meanwhile, cZNF609 was high-expressed in response to H₂O₂. The oxidative stress driven by H₂O₂ was alleviated by transfection with cZNF609 specific siRNA. Further, the anti-antioxidant impacts of cZNF609 silence were impeded by miR-145 silence. The inhibition of JNK and p38MAPK pathways induced by cZNF609 silence was impeded by miR-145 silence.Conclusion: The protective function of cZNF609 silence in H₂O₂-injured HaCaT cells was revealed in vitro. Silence of cZNF609 exhibited its impact possibly through regulating miR-145, and JNK and p38MAPK pathways.

A three-miRNA panel in serum as a noninvasive biomarker for colorectal cancer detection

BACKGROUND

Circulating miRNAs have been proved to be promising biomarkers for disease detection in recent years. The present study aimed at exploring available serum miRNA biomarkers for the detection of colorectal cancer.

METHODS

A three-phase study was performed to select and validate candidate miRNAs with significant dysregulation in colorectal cancer using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. This study recruited 137 colorectal cancer patients and 145 healthy controls. The diagnostic values of miRNAs were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic analysis. Bioinformatics analyses were utilized to predict target genes of miRNAs, and to conduct functional annotation and enrichment.

RESULTS

miR-30e-3p, miR-31-5p, miR-34b-3p and miR-146a-5p, miR-148a-3p and miR-192-5p were significantly dysregulated in colorectal cancer serum when compared with healthy controls. The panel composed of miR-30e-3p, miR-146a-5p, and miR-148a-3p exhibited strong diagnostic ability. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the three-miRNA panel was 0.883, with a sensitivity of 0.800 and specificity of 0.787.

CONCLUSION

The present study identified a three-miRNA panel in serum with a strong diagnostic ability of colorectal cancer, which may be able to serve as a novel noninvasive biomarker for colorectal cancer detection.

Basal Cell Carcinoma: A Comprehensive Review

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of carcinoma worldwide. BCC development is the result of a complex interaction between environmental, phenotypic and genetic factors. However, despite the progress in the field, BCC biology and mechanisms of resistance against systemic treatments have been poorly investigated. The aim of the present review is to provide a revision of BCC histological and molecular features, including microRNA (miRNA) dysregulation, with a specific focus on the molecular basis of BCC systemic therapies. Papers from the last ten years regarding BCC genetic and phenotypic alterations, as well as the mechanism of resistance against hedgehog pathway inhibitors vismodegib and sonidegib were included. The involvement of miRNAs in BCC resistance to systemic therapies is emerging as a new field of knowledge.

Diagnostic value of miR-186-5p for carotid artery stenosis and its predictive significance for future cerebral ischemic event

BACKGROUND

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) serve as novel promising biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of many human diseases. This study investigated the diagnostic value of miR-186-5p for asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis (CAS), and its predictive value for future cerebral ischemic events (CIEs).

METHODS

Sixty-seven cases with asymptomatic CAS and 60 healthy individuals were recruited. Serum levels of miR-186-5p were tested by using qRT-PCR. Receiving-operator characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn based on sensitivity and specificity analyses. All asymptomatic CAS cases were followed up for 5 years. Kaplan-Meier method was applied for the evaluation of the predictive value of miR-186-5p for the occurrence of CIE.

RESULTS

The serum level of miR-186-5p was increased significantly in asymptomatic CAS patients. MiR-186-5p was the most significant factor associated with the high degree of carotid stenosis in asymptomatic CAS patients. In the ROC curve analysis, the AUC was 0.919, with the sensitivity of 89.6% and specificity of 81.7% at the cutoff value of 1.221. Kaplan-Meier method results revealed that high miR-186-5p level was associated with the occurrence of CIEs. High miR-186-5p level and high degree of carotid stenosis were independent factors for the occurrence of CIEs.

CONCLUSION

MiR-186-5p serves as a potential diagnostic biomarker for patients with asymptomatic CAS, and predicts the occurrence of future CIEs.

Clinical Potentials of miR-576-3p, miR-613, NDRG2 and YKL40 in Colorectal Cancer Patients

Introduction:

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common type of gastrointestinal tract cancers. This investigation aim was to assess the expression of miR-576-3p and miR-613 in CRC patients in addition to NDRG2 and YKL40 serum levels determination to decide their diagnostic and prognostic significance.

Methods:

Sixty early diagnosed CRC patients prior to any treatment in addition to twelve healthy subjects were enrolled in this study. Blood samples were taken from subjects and allowed for clotting and centrifugation, then the collected sera were stored at -80ºC till it were used for detection of our molecular biomarkers. The mature miRNAs expressions (miR-576-3p and miR-613) were detected in serum by qRT-PCR, while NDRG2 and YKL40 serum levels were determined by ELISA. In addition, the correlation of the measured parameters with the clinicopathological data of the patients was investigated.

Results:

The study results showed that both miRNA-576-3p and miRNA-613 were down-regulated in CRC patients with fold change 0.33, 0.36; respectively. A significant positive correlation was observed between miR-576-3p and miR-613 (r = 0.75, p < 0.001). NDRG2 serum levels were decreased in patients compared to the control group but the decrease wasn’t statistically significant. On the other hand, it was observed that YKL40 serum level was significantly increased in CRC patients compared to control (p-value < 0.001). Furthermore, YKL40 showed a very high diagnostic value (AUC = 0.97, specificity = 91.7%, sensitivity = 96%, p-value = 0.0001).

Conclusion:

The observations of this investigation concluded that, the expressions of miR-576-3p and miR-613 in addition to YKL40 serum levels determinations may help in the diagnosis of CRC.

miR-664b-5p Inhibits Hepatocellular Cancer Cell Proliferation Through Targeting Oncogene AKT2

Background: miR-664b-5p accelerates the development of certain cancers, but the role of miR-664b-5p in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been less reported. Therefore, the authors aimed to study the role of miR-664b-5p in HCC progression. Materials and Methods: miR-664b-5p expression in liver cancer and adjacent tissues, and in HepG2 and SUN-475 cells, was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Relationship between miR-664b-5p and AKT2 was predicted by TargetScan and confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay, and gene or protein expressions were determined by performing qRT-PCR and Western blotting. The viability and apoptosis, and the migration and invasion of HepG2 and SUN-475 cells were determined by CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry, and transwell assay, respectively. Results: Downregulated miR-664b-5p was observed in hepatocellular cancer tissues. Functional analyses revealed that miR-664b-5p mimic suppressed viability, migration, and invasion, but promoted apoptosis in HepG2 and SUN-475 cells. AKT2 was a target of miR-664b-5p, whose mimics inhibited the expression of AKT2. However, upregulated AKT2 promoted viability, migration, and invasion, but inhibited apoptosis in HepG2 and SUN-475 cells, and such effects were reversed by miR-664b-5p mimics. Conclusions: miR-664b-5p acts as a cancer suppressor through negatively regulating AKT2 expression in HepG2 and SUN-475 cells, suggesting that miR-664b-5p could be a protective target for HCC patients.

Functions and mechanisms of miR-186 in human cancer

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Mounting evidence suggests the involvement of miRNAs in carcinogenesis and the development of human cancer. Among the miRNAs, miR-186 has been extensively studied in various cancers. The expression of miR-186 in tissues varies depending on the type of cancer and miR-186 in tissues and body fluids may serve as a marker for the diagnosis and prognosis of cancers. Various biological processes in human cancer are affected by miR-186. Additionally, miR-186 itself is regulated by several factors. Thus, this evidence highlights the potential value of miR-186 in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of human cancer.

miRNA expression profiles of premalignant and malignant arsenic-induced skin lesions

Arsenic, a naturally occurring element, contaminates the drinking water of over 200 million people globally. Chronic arsenic exposure causes multiple cancers including those originating from skin, lung and bladder, and is associated with liver, kidney, and prostate cancers. Skin is the primary target organ for arsenic toxicity; chronic toxicity initially manifests as non-malignant hyperkeratoses (HK) and subsequently advances to malignant lesions, including squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC). In this study, we evaluate the miRNA expression profiles of premalignant (3 HK) and malignant (3 BCC and 3 SCC) skin lesions from individuals chronically exposed to high levels of arsenic (59–172 ppb) in their drinking water in West Bengal, India. The lesions were histologically complex requiring histopathologic identification of keratinocytes to be isolated for RNA analyses. Keratinocytes were harvested using Laser Capture Microdissection and miRNA expression profiles were determined using TaqMan® Array Human MiRNA A Card v2.0. Thirty-five miRNAs were differentially expressed among the three lesion types analyzed. Two miRNAs (miR-425-5p and miR-433) were induced in both BCC and SCC relative to HK indicating their association with malignancy. Two other miRNAs (miR-184 and miR-576-3p) were induced in SCC relative to both BCC and HK suggesting selective induction in tumors capable of metastasis. Six miRNAs (miR-29c, miR-381, miR-452, miR-487b, miR-494 and miR-590-5p) were selectively suppressed in BCC relative to both SCC and HK. In conclusion, the differential miRNA expression was both phenotype- and stage-related. These miRNAs are potential biomarkers and may serve as therapy targets for arsenic-induced internal tumors.

Regulation of FSH expression by differentially expressed miR-186-5p in rat anterior adenohypophyseal cells

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) has key roles in animal reproduction, including spermatogenesis and ovarian maturation. Many factors influence FSH secretion. However, despite the broad functions of microRNAs (miRNAs) via the regulation of target genes, little is known about their roles in FSH secretion. Our previous results suggested that miR-186-5p targets the 3′ UTR of FSHb; therefore, we examined whether miR-186-5p could regulate FSH secretion in rat anterior adenohypophyseal cells. miR-186-5p was transfected into rat anterior pituitary cells. The expression of FSHb and the secretion of FSH were examined by RT-qPCR and ELISA. A miR-186-5p mimic decreased the expression of FSHb compared with expression in the control group and decreased FSH secretion. In contrast, both the mRNA levels and secretion of FSH increased in response to miR-186-5p inhibitors. Our results demonstrate that miR-186-5p regulates FSH secretion by directly targeting the FSHb 3′ UTR, providing additional functional evidence for the importance of miRNAs in the regulation of animal reproduction.

The microRNA landscape of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is a keratinocyte-derived skin tumor. It is the second-most-common cancer affecting the Caucasian population and is responsible for >20% of all skin-cancer-related deaths. The estimated incidence of non-melanoma skin cancer in the USA is >1000000 cases per year, of which roughly 20-30% are squamous cell carcinoma. To better understand and treat this challenging cancer, current research focuses on development of novel strategies to improve the understanding of tumor biogenesis on an individual basis. microRNAs are becoming important biomarkers in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of cSCC. This review describes the current knowledge on miRNA expression in cSCC and its role as a biomarker for personalized medicine.

Downregulation of miR‑19a‑3p promotes invasion, migration and bone metastasis via activating TGF‑β signaling in prostate cancer

Constitutive activation of TGF-β signaling pathway is a well-documented mechanism responsible for the bone metastasis of prostate cancer (PCa). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to be crucial for the activation of TGF-β signaling via targeting downstream components of TGF-β signaling pathway. Here, we report that miR-19a-3p is downregulated in bone metastatic PCa tissues and cells. Upregulation of miR-19a-3p suppresses invasion, migration in vitro and inhibits bone metastasis in vivo in PCa cells. Conversely, silencing miR-19a-3p yields the opposite effect. Our results further demonstrate that miR-19a-3p inhibits invasion and migration abilities of PCa cells via targeting downstream effectors of TGF-β signaling, SMAD2 and SMAD4, resulting in the inactivation of TGF-β signaling. Therefore, our results uncover a novel mechanistic understanding of miR-19a-3p-induced suppressive role in bone metastasis of PCa, which will facilitate the development of effective cancer therapy methods against PCa.

MicroRNA-186-5p overexpression modulates colon cancer growth by repressing the expression of the FAM134B tumour inhibitor

OBJECTIVES

The role and underlying mechanism of miR-186-5p in colorectal cancer remain unknown. The present study aims to examine the various cellular effects of miR-186-5p in the carcinogenesis of colorectal cancer. Also, the interacting targets and association of clinicopathological factors with miR-186-5p expression in patients with colorectal cancer were analysed.

METHODS

The miR-186-5p expression levels in colorectal cancer tissues (n=126) and colon cancer cell lines (n=3) were analysed by real-time PCR. Matched non-neoplastic colorectal tissues and a non-neoplastic colonic epithelial cell line were used as controls. Various in vitro assays such as cell proliferation, wound healing and colony formation assays were performed to examine the miR-186-5p specific cellular effects. Western blots and immunohistochemistry analysis were performed to examine the modulation of FAM134B, PARP9 and KLF7 proteins expression.

RESULTS

Significant high expression of miR-186-5p was noted in cancer tissues (p< 0.001) and cell lines (p<0.05) when compared to control tissues and cells. The majority of the patients with colorectal cancer (88/126) had shown overexpression of miR-186-5p. This miR-186-5p overexpression was predominantly noted with in cancer with distant metastasis (p=0.001), lymphovascular permeation (p=0.037), microsatellite instability (MSI) stable (p=0.015), in distal colorectum (p=0.043) and with associated adenomas (p=0.047). Overexpression of miR-186-5p resulted in increased cell proliferation, colony formation, wound healing capacities and induced alteration of cell cycle kinetics in colon cancer cells. On the other hand, inhibition of endogenous miR-186-5p reduced the cancer growth properties. miR-186-5p overexpression reduced FAM134B expression significantly in the cancer cells (p<0.01). Also, FAM134B and miR-186-5p expressions are inversely correlated in colorectal cancer tissues and cells.

CONCLUSION

The miR-186-5p expression promotes colorectal cancer pathogenesis by regulating tumour suppressor FAM134B. Reduced cancer cells growth followed by inhibition of miR-186-5p highlights the potential of miR-186-5p inhibitor as a novel strategy for targeting colorectal cancer initiation and progression.

MicroRNA-30a-5p suppresses epithelial-mesenchymal transition by targeting profilin-2 in high invasive non-small cell lung cancer cell lines

PFN2 is an invasion promoter in several cancers including lung cancer. However, the probable effects and underlying mechanisms of PFN2 in tumor cell epithelial-mesenchymal-transition (EMT) of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remain poorly understood. The protein and mRNA levels of PFN2 in human bronchial epithelial cell line 16HBE and three NSCLC cell lines A549, NCI-H520 and 95D were assessed. The gain-of-function (overexpression) and loss‑of-function (siRNA) experiments of PFN2 were performed in 95D cells. A dual-luciferase reporter assay, western blotting and real-time PCR were used to investigate the relationship between PFN2 and miR‑30a‑5p. PFN2 was upregulated in three NSCLC cell lines, and the highest in 95D cell line. Furthermore, the upregulation of PFN2 promoted, whereas the downregulation of PFN2 suppressed invasion and EMT in 95D. Dual-luciferase reporter assay showed that miR‑30a‑5p directly interacts with the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of PFN2 mRNA. Interestingly, miR‑30a‑5p negatively regulates the expression of PFN2 and suppresses EMT and invasion in 95D. In summary, the present study demonstrated that miR‑30a‑5p inhibits EMT and invasion in high invasive NSCLC cell lines via targeting PFN2. Suggesting the association of miR‑30a‑5p and PFN2 may play an essential role in the development of NSCLC by modulating EMT and cell invasion.

Diet phytochemicals and cutaneous carcinoma chemoprevention: A review

Cutaneous carcinoma, which has occupied a peculiar place among worldwide populations, is commonly responsible for the considerably increasing morbidity and mortality rates. Currently available medical procedures fail to completely avoid cutaneous carcinoma development or to prevent mortality. Cancer chemoprevention, as an alternative strategy, is being considered to reduce the incidence and burden of cancers through chemical agents. Derived from dietary foods, phytochemicals have become safe and reliable compounds for the chemoprevention of cutaneous carcinoma by relieving multiple pathological processes, including oxidative damage, epigenetic alteration, chronic inflammation, angiogenesis, etc. In this review, we presented comprehensive knowledges, main molecular mechanisms for the initiation and development of cutaneous carcinoma as well as effects of various diet phytochemicals on chemoprevention.

Ultraviolet radiation-induced tumor necrosis factor alpha, which is linked to the development of cutaneous SCC, modulates differential epidermal microRNAs expression

Chronic exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is linked to the development of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a non-melanoma form of skin cancer that can metastasize. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, is linked to UVR-induced development of SCC. To find clues about the mechanisms by which TNFα may promote UVR-induced development of SCC, we investigated changes in the expression profiling of microRNAs (miRNA), a novel class of short noncoding RNAs, which affects translation and stability of mRNAs. In this experiment, TNFα knockout (TNFα KO) mice and their wild type (WT) littermates were exposed to acute UVR (2.0 kJ/m²) and the expression profiling of epidermal miRNA was determined 4hr post UVR exposure. TNFα deletion in untreated WT mice resulted in differential expression (log fold change>1) of seventeen miRNA. UVR exposure in WT mice induced differential expression of 22 miRNA. However, UVR exposure in TNFα KO mice altered only two miRNAs. Four miRNA, were differentially expressed between WT+UVR and TNFα KO+UVR groups. Differentially expressed selected miRNAs were further validated using real time PCR. Few of the differentially expressed miRNAs (miR-31-5p, miR-196a-5p, miR-127-3p, miR-206-3p, miR-411-5p, miR-709, and miR-322-5p) were also observed in UVR-induced SCC. Finally, bio-informatics analysis using DIANA, MIRANDA, Target Scan, and miRDB algorithms revealed a link with major UVR-induced pathways (MAPK, PI3K-Akt, transcriptional mis-regulation, Wnt, and TGF-beta).

MTUS1 and its targeting miRNAs in colorectal carcinoma: significant associations

Deregulated microRNA (miRNA) expression has been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of several types of cancers including colorectal cancer (CRC). Thus, determining miRNA targets of genes that play critical role in the malignant transformation is very important. Here, expression levels of tumor suppressor microtubule-associated tumor suppressor 1 (MTUS1) and its regulatory miRNAs were reported. Predicted and validated targets of MTUS1 gene was determined by a computational approach. Expressions of MTUS1 and miRNAs were determined by using 96.96 Dynamic Array™ integrated fluidic circuit (Fluidigm). As a result, MTUS1 levels were found to be diminished in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples of CRC patients compared to controls. Also, several of MTUS1 targeting miRNAs were found to be upregulated in CRC samples (miR-373-3p, 183-5p, 142-5p, 200c-3p, 19a-3p, -20a-5p, -181a-5p, -184, -181d-5p, -372-3p, 27b-3p, 98-5p, -let-7i-5p, -let-7d-5p, -let-7g-5p, -let-7b-5p, and -let-7c-5p). Of these miRNAs, miR-135b-5p, -373-3p, 183-5p, 142-5p, 200c-3p, 19a-3p showed marked expression levels. In contrast, expression levels of let-7a-5p, 7e-5p, 7f-5p, hsa-miR-125a-5p, and 125b-5p were found to be downregulated in CRC tissues. Accordingly, some of the overexpressed miRNAs especially the miR-135b-5p, -373-3p, 183-5p, 142-5p, 200c-3p, and 19a-3p may play key roles in CRC pathophysiology through MTUS1. In contrast, let-7a-5p, 7e-5p, 7f-5p, miR-125a-5p, and 125b-5p may play important roles in CRC carcinogenesis independent from the MTUS1. In conclusion, MTUS1 targeting miRNAs may play key roles in the development of CRC by downregulating tumor suppressor MTUS1.