MicroRNA-1258 suppresses tumour progression via GRB2/Ras/Erk pathway in non-small-cell lung cancer

Identification of a glycolysis-related miRNA Signature for Predicting Breast cancer Survival

Breast cancer (BC) is a common type of cancer and has a poor prognosis. In this study, we collected the mRNA and miRNA expression profiles of BC patients were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to explore a novel prognostic strategy for BC patients using bioinformatics tools. We found that six glycolysis-related miRNAs (GRmiRs, including hsa-mir-1247, hsa-mir148b, hsa-mir-133a-2, has-mir-1307, hsa-mir-195 and hsa-mir-1258) were correlated with prognosis of BC samples. The risk score model was established based on 6 prognosis-associated GRmiRs. The outcome of high risk group was significantly poorer. Cox regression analysis showed that risk score was an independent prognostic factor. Differentially expressed genes identified between high and low risk groups were mainly enriched in inflammation and immune-related signaling pathways. The proportion of infiltration of 12 kinds of immune cells in high and low risk groups were significantly different. Risk score was closely associated with many immune indexes. Multiple DEGRGs and miRNAs were associated with drugs. In conclusion, glycolysis-related miRNA signature effectively predicts BC prognosis.

Non-coding RNAs and exosomal non-coding RNAs in lung cancer: insights into their functions

Lung cancer is the second most common form of cancer worldwide Research points to the pivotal role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in controlling and managing the pathology by controlling essential pathways. ncRNAs have all been identified as being either up- or downregulated among individuals suffering from lung cancer thus hinting that they may play a role in either promoting or suppressing the spread of the disease. Several ncRNAs could be effective non-invasive biomarkers to diagnose or even serve as effective treatment options for those with lung cancer, and several molecules have emerged as potential targets of interest. Given that ncRNAs are contained in exosomes and are implicated in the development and progression of the malady. Herein, we have summarized the role of ncRNAs in lung cancer. Moreover, we highlight the role of exosomal ncRNAs in lung cancer.

Characterisation of premature cell senescence in Alzheimer's disease using single nuclear transcriptomics

Aging is associated with cell senescence and is the major risk factor for AD. We characterized premature cell senescence in postmortem brains from non-diseased controls (NDC) and donors with Alzheimer's disease (AD) using imaging mass cytometry (IMC) and single nuclear RNA (snRNA) sequencing (> 200,000 nuclei). We found increases in numbers of glia immunostaining for galactosidase beta (> fourfold) and p16INK4A (up to twofold) with AD relative to NDC. Increased glial expression of genes related to senescence was associated with greater β-amyloid load. Prematurely senescent microglia downregulated phagocytic pathways suggesting reduced capacity for β-amyloid clearance. Gene set enrichment and pseudo-time trajectories described extensive DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), mitochondrial dysfunction and ER stress associated with increased β-amyloid leading to premature senescence in microglia. We replicated these observations with independent AD snRNA-seq datasets. Our results describe a burden of senescent glia with AD that is sufficiently high to contribute to disease progression. These findings support the hypothesis that microglia are a primary target for senolytic treatments in AD.

TNFRSF1B Gene Variants in Clinicopathological Aspects and Prognosis of Patients with Cutaneous Melanoma

Regulatory T lymphocytes play a critical role in immune regulation and are involved in the aberrant cell elimination by facilitating tumor necrosis factor connection to the TNFR2 receptor, encoded by the TNFRSF1B polymorphic gene. We aimed to examine the effects of single nucleotide variants TNFRSF1B c.587T>G, c.*188A>G, c.*215C>T, and c.*922C>T on the clinicopathological characteristics and survival of cutaneous melanoma (CM) patients. Patients were genotyped using RT-PCR. TNFRSF1B levels were measured using qPCR. Luciferase reporter assay evaluated the interaction of miR-96 and miR-1271 with the 3'-UTR of TNFRSF1B. The c.587TT genotype was more common in patients younger than 54 years old than in older patients. Patients with c.*922CT or TT, c.587TG or GG + c.*922CT or TT genotypes, as well as those with the haplotype TATT, presented a higher risk of tumor progression and death due to the disease effects. Individuals with the c.*922TT genotype had a higher TNFRSF1B expression than those with the CC genotype. miR-1271 had less efficient binding with the 3'-UTR of the T allele when compared with the C allele of the SNV c.*922C>T. Our findings, for the first time, demonstrate that TNFRSF1B c.587T>G and c.*922C>T variants can serve as independent prognostic factors in CM patients.

MicroRNA‑mediated regulation in lung adenocarcinoma: Signaling pathways and potential therapeutic implications (Review)

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) poses a significant global health burden owing to its high incidence rate and unfavorable prognosis, driven by frequent recurrence and drug resistance. Understanding the biological mechanisms underlying LUAD is imperative to developing advanced therapeutic strategies. Recent research has highlighted the role of dysregulated microRNAs (miRNAs) in LUAD progression through diverse signaling pathways, including the Wnt and AKT pathways. Of particular interest is the novel pathological mechanism involving the interaction between competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) and miRNAs. This review critically analyzed the impact of aberrant miRNA expression on LUAD development, shedding light on the associated signaling pathways. It also highlighted the emerging significance of ceRNA‑miRNA interactions in LUAD pathogenesis. Elucidating the intricate regulatory networks involving miRNAs and ceRNAs presents a promising avenue for the development of potential therapeutic interventions and diagnostic biomarkers in LUAD. Further research in this area is essential to advance precision medicine approaches and improve patient outcomes.

Regulation and therapeutic potentials of microRNAs to non-small cell lung cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer, accounting for 80%-85% of total cases and leading to millions of deaths worldwide. Drug resistance is the primary cause of treatment failure in NSCLC, which urges scientists to develop advanced approaches for NSCLC treatment. Among novel approaches, the miRNA-based method has emerged as a potential approach as it allows researchers to modulate target gene expression. Subsequently, cell behaviors are altered, which leads to the death and the depletion of cancer cells. It has been reported that miRNAs possess the capacity to regulate multiple genes that are involved in various signaling pathways, including the phosphoinositide 3-kinase, receptor tyrosine kinase/rat sarcoma virus/mitogen-activated protein kinase, wingless/integrated, retinoblastoma, p53, transforming growth factor β, and nuclear factor-kappa B pathways. Dysregulation of these signaling pathways in NSCLC results in abnormal cell proliferation, tissue invasion, and drug resistance while inhibiting apoptosis. Thus, understanding the roles of miRNAs in regulating these signaling pathways may enable the development of novel NSCLC treatment therapies. However, a comprehensive review of potential miRNAs in NSCLC treatment has been lacking. Therefore, this review aims to fill the gap by summarizing the up-to-date information on miRNAs regarding their targets, impact on cancer-associated pathways, and prospective outcomes in treating NSCLC. We also discuss current technologies for delivering miRNAs to the target cells, including virus-based, non-viral, and emerging extracellular vesicle-based delivery systems. This knowledge will support future studies to develop an innovative miRNA-based therapy and select a suitable carrier to treat NSCLC effectively.

Circular RNA CircCDKN2B−AS_006 Promotes the Tumor-like Growth and Metastasis of Rheumatoid Arthritis Synovial Fibroblasts by Targeting the miR−1258/RUNX1 Axis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune polyarthritis in which synovial fibroblasts (SFs) play a major role in cartilage and bone destruction through tumor−like proliferation, migration, and invasion. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have emerged as vital regulators for tumor progression. However, the regulatory role, clinical significance, and underlying mechanisms of circRNAs in RASF tumor−like growth and metastasis remain largely unknown. Differentially expressed circRNAs in synovium samples from patients with RA and patients with joint trauma were identified via RNA sequencing. Subsequently, in vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to investigate the functional roles of circCDKN2B−AS_006 in RASF proliferation, migration, and invasion. CircCDKN2B−AS_006 was upregulated in synovium samples from patients with RA and promoted the tumor-like proliferation, migration, and invasion of RASFs. Mechanistically, circCDKN2B−AS_006 was shown to regulate the expression of runt−related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) by sponging miR-1258, influencing the Wnt/β−catenin signaling pathway, and promoting the epithelial−to−mesenchymal transition (EMT) in RASFs. Moreover, in the collagen−induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model, intra−articular injection of lentivirus−shcircCDKN2B−AS_006 was capable of alleviating the severity of arthritis and inhibiting the aggressive behaviors of SFs. Furthermore, the correlation analysis results revealed that the circCDKN2B−AS_006/miR−1258/RUNX1 axis in the synovium was correlated with the clinical indicators of RA patients. CircCDKN2B−AS_006 promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of RASFs by modulating the miR−1258/RUNX1 axis.

GRB2 dimerization mediated by SH2 domain-swapping is critical for T cell signaling and cytokine production

GRB2 is an adaptor protein required for facilitating cytoplasmic signaling complexes from a wide array of binding partners. GRB2 has been reported to exist in either a monomeric or dimeric state in crystal and solution. GRB2 dimers are formed by the exchange of protein segments between domains, otherwise known as "domain-swapping". Swapping has been described between SH2 and C-terminal SH3 domains in the full-length structure of GRB2 (SH2/C-SH3 domain-swapped dimer), as well as between α-helixes in isolated GRB2 SH2 domains (SH2/SH2 domain-swapped dimer). Interestingly, SH2/SH2 domain-swapping has not been observed within the full-length protein, nor have the functional influences of this novel oligomeric conformation been explored. We herein generated a model of full-length GRB2 dimer with an SH2/SH2 domain-swapped conformation supported by in-line SEC-MALS-SAXS analyses. This conformation is consistent with the previously reported truncated GRB2 SH2/SH2 domain-swapped dimer but different from the previously reported, full-length SH2/C-terminal SH3 (C-SH3) domain-swapped dimer. Our model is also validated by several novel full-length GRB2 mutants that favor either a monomeric or a dimeric state through mutations within the SH2 domain that abrogate or promote SH2/SH2 domain-swapping. GRB2 knockdown and re-expression of selected monomeric and dimeric mutants in a T cell lymphoma cell line led to notable defects in clustering of the adaptor protein LAT and IL-2 release in response to TCR stimulation. These results mirrored similarly-impaired IL-2 release in GRB2-deficient cells. These studies show that a novel dimeric GRB2 conformation with domain-swapping between SH2 domains and monomer/dimer transitions are critical for GRB2 to facilitate early signaling complexes in human T cells.

Hsa_circ_0000520 Promotes Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Progression through the miR-1258/AKT3 Axis

Background

There are several previous studies suggesting that circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved in tumorigenesis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Nevertheless, the role of circRNA_0000520 (circ_0000520) in this disease has not yet been studied.

Methods

circ_0000520, microRNA (miR)-1258, and AKT serine/threonine kinase 3 (AKT3) mRNA expression levels were detected by qPCR. CCK-8, EdU, and Transwell assays were utilized to detect NSCLC cells' malignant biological behaviors. The targeted relationship between miR-1258 and AKT3 3'-UTR or circ_0000520 was verified through the dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. Western blotting was utilized to measure the AKT3 expression after circ_0000520 and miR-1258 were selectively regulated.

Results

circ_0000520 was upregulated in NSCLC. Highly expressed circ_0000520 is linked to the NSCLC patient's advanced TNM stage and lymph node metastasis. circ_0000520 overexpression facilitated NSCLC cell growth, migration, and invasion. miR-1258 was identified as the downstream target of circ_0000520. miR-1258 overexpression weakened the effect of circ_0000520 overexpression on NSCLC cells. miR-1258 targeted and inhibited AKT3. circ_0000520 positively regulated the AKT3 expression in NSCLC cells by sponging miR-1258.

Conclusion

circ_0000520 upregulates AKT3 by competitively binding with miR-1258 to facilitate NSCLC progression.

Immunoregulatory framework and the role of miRNA in the pathogenesis of NSCLC - A systematic review

With a 5-year survival rate of only 15%, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the most common kind of lung carcinoma and the cause of millions of deaths annually, has drawn attention. Numerous variables, such as disrupted signaling caused by somatic mutations in the EGFR-mediated RAS/RAF/MAPK, PI3K/AKT, JAK/STAT signaling cascade, supports tumour survival in one way or another. Here, the tumour microenvironment significantly contributes to the development of cancer by thwarting the immune response. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are critical regulators of gene expression that can function as oncogenes or oncosuppressors. They have a major influence on the occurrence and prognosis of NSCLC. Though, a myriad number of therapies are available and many are being clinically tested, still the drug resistance, its adverse effect and toxicity leading towards fatality cannot be ruled out. In this review, we tried to ascertain the missing links in between perturbed EGFR signaling, miRNAs favouring tumorigenesis and the autophagy mechanism. While connecting all the aforementioned points multiple associations were set, which can be targeted in order to combat NSCLC. Here, we tried illuminating designing synthetically engineered circuits with the toggle switches that might lay a prototype for better therapeutic paradigm.

MicroRNA-1-3p affects lung adenocarcinoma progression through E2F8 and regulating NF-кB pathway

E2F8 can modulate development and progression of various cancers including cervical cancer, breast cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma. But its mechanism in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains underexplored. In this study, we conducted a series of experiments including qRT-PCR, western blot, CCK-8, scratch healing assay, Transwell, and flow cytometry. Through these assays, we confirmed the notable overexpression of E2F8 in LUAD and its promoting effects on LUAD cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Subsequently, microRNA-1-3p that was negatively associated with E2F8 expression was identified through bioinformatics analysis. qRT-PCR was then carried out for quantification of microRNA-1-3p expression, which displayed low microRNA-1-3p expression in LUAD cells. In addition, dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was utilized for validating the targeted relationship between microRNA-1-3p and E2F8. The results denoted that microRNA-1-3p could bind to the promoter region of E2F8. Finally, the results of rescue experiment revealed that microRNA-1-3p negatively modulated E2F8 level. It regulated NF-κB pathway to repress LUAD cell proliferative, migratory, and invasive properties, lead to cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase, and enhance cell apoptosis level. This study unraveled that microRNA-1-3p/E2F8 constrained LUAD malignant progression through NF-κB pathway, which may provide possible targets for LUAD diagnosis and treatment.

Exosomal hsa_circ_0000519 modulates the NSCLC cell growth and metastasis via miR-1258/RHOV axis

This study aims to explore the function and mechanism of exosomal circ_0000519 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) development. Expression of circ_0000519, microRNA (miR)-1258, and Ras homolog gene family V (RHOV) in serum samples of NSCLC patients or cell lines were examined via quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. The function of circ_0000519 was evaluated through 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining, colony formation, transwell, Western blotting, xenograft, and immunohistochemistry analyses. The binding relationship was evaluated by a dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull-down assay. Results showed that circ_0000519 abundance was enhanced in the serum samples of NSCLC patients and cells. circ_0000519 knockdown suppressed the cell growth by decreasing the colony-formation ability and Cyclin D1 expression and inhibited cell metastasis via reducing migration, invasion, and levels of Vimentin and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9). circ_0000519 overexpression promoted cell growth and metastasis. circ_0000519 was carried by exosomes and knockdown of exosomal circ_0000519 suppressed the cell growth and metastasis. miR-1258 was downregulated in NSCLC cells and targeted by circ_0000519. RHOV was targeted by miR-1258 and upregulated in the NSCLC cells. miR-1258 knockdown or RHOV overexpression attenuated the influence of exosomal circ_0000519 knockdown on cell growth and metastasis. Exosomal circ_0000519 knockdown decreased xenograft tumor growth. Collectively, the knockdown of exosomal circ_0000519 repressed the cell growth and metastasis in NSCLC through the miR-1258/RHOV axis, which provided a new insight into NSCLC development and treatment.

Tribbles homolog 3 contributes to high glucose-induced injury in retinal pigment epithelial cells via binding to growth factor receptor-bound 2

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most typical complication of diabetes, which severely threatens sight. Tribbles homolog 3 (TRB3), a kind of pseudokinase, is discovered to be highly expressed in diabetes and retinas after retinal detachment. TRB3 expression in human retinal pigment epithelial (hRPE) cells exposed to different concentrations of glucose was tested by RT-qPCR and western blot. Then, cells were induced with 30 mM high glucose (HG) to establish a DR cell model. Following TRB3 knockdown, cell viability estimation employed CCK-8 assay. The mRNA levels of inflammatory factors were detected by RT-qPCR. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was measured by DCFH-DA assay, and levels of oxidative stress markers were evaluated applying corresponding kits. Cell apoptosis was assayed by TUNEL assay and western blot. Following, the growth factor receptor-bound 2 (GRB2) expression was also examined by RT-qPCR and western blot. The interaction between TRB3 and GRB2 was verified by Co-IP assay. After GRB2 was overexpressed in HG-induced hRPE cells transfected with shRNA-TRB3, functional experiments were conducted again. The results manifested that TRB3 expression was elevated under HG conditions. Deficiency of TRB3 enhanced the viability while alleviated inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in HG-induced hRPE cells. GRB2 was also increased in HG-exposed hRPE cells. Moreover, GRB2 had a strong affinity with TRB3 and positively regulated by TRB3. After GRB2 overexpression, the effects of TRB3 knockdown on HG-stimulated hRPE cells were all reversed. Briefly, this study confirmed the promoting role of TRB3/GRB2 axis in the progression of DR.

Regulation of apoptosis, autophagy and ferroptosis by non‑coding RNAs in metastatic non‑small cell lung cancer (Review)

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a common type of cancer worldwide, is normally associated with a poor prognosis. It is difficult to treat successfully as it often metastasizes into brain or bone. Methods to facilitate the induction of effective programmed cell death (PCD) in NSCLC cells to reverse drug resistance, or to inhibit the invasion and migration of NSCLC cells, are currently under investigation. The present study summarized the regulatory functions of PCD, including apoptosis, autophagy and ferroptosis, in the context of NSCLC metastasis. It further summarized how regulatory agents, including long non-coding RNAs, circular RNAs and microRNAs, regulate PCD during the metastasis of NSCLC and characterized new potential diagnostic biomarkers of NSCLC metastasis.

Effects and mechanism of miR-133a on invasion and migration of lung cancer cells

OBJECTIVES

To study the role of miR-133a expression in the invasion, proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of lung cancer cells and its mechanism.

METHODS

miR-133a expression levels in human normal lung epithelial cells (BEAS-2B), H441 cell lines and NSCLC tissues were detected by qPCR. The influence of miR-133a mimics on the migration, proliferation and invasion of H441 cells was examined by CCK-8 assay, transwell migration assay, and invasion assay, respectively. Expression of MMP-9 and LASP1 in H441 cellstreated by miR-133a mimics was determined by western blot. Pearson's test was conducted to study the association of miR-133a expression with clinical characteristics of NSCLC patients. The targeted regulation of miR-133a on LASP1 gene expression was detected by the luciferase reporter gene assay.

RESULTS

miR-133a expression was decreased in H441 cells in contrast to that in BEAS-2B cells (P<0.05). Compared with para-carcinoma tissues, miR-133a levels were markedly down-regulated in NSCLC tissues. miR-133a overexpression inhibited the invasion, proliferation, and migration ability of H441 cells and promoted cell apoptosis (all P<0.05). MMP-9 expression levels were also reduced in the miR-133a mimic group. Moreover, miR-133a expression levels were correlated with tumor size and TNM stage. miR-133a overexpression decreased the expression of LASP1, which is the targeted gene of miR-133a.

CONCLUSIONS

miR-133a overexpression can reduce the invasion, proliferation, migration, and matrix metalloproteinase expression of NSCLC cells and promote cell apoptosis. This may be correlated to targeted down-regulation of LASP1 expression.

Intricate crosstalk between MYB and noncoding RNAs in cancer

MYB is often overexpressed in malignant tumors and plays a carcinogenic role in the initiation and development of cancer. Deletion of the MYB regulatory C-terminal domain may be a driving mutation leading to tumorigenesis, therefore, different tumor mechanisms produce similar MYB proteins. As MYB is a transcription factor, priority has been given to identifying the genes that it regulates. All previous attention has been focused on protein-coding genes. However, an increasing number of studies have suggested that MYB can affect the complexity of cancer progression by regulating tumor-associated noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as microRNAs, long-non-coding RNAs and circular RNAs. ncRNAs can regulate the expression of numerous downstream genes at the transcription, RNA processing and translation levels, thereby having various biological functions. Additionally, ncRNAs play important roles in regulating MYB expression. This review focuses on the intricate crosstalk between oncogenic MYB and ncRNAs, which play a pivotal role in tumorigenesis, including proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, metastasis, senescence and drug resistance. In addition, we discuss therapeutic strategies for crosstalk between MYB and ncRNAs to prevent the occurrence and development of cancer.

Pro-angiogenic effect of PC-3 exosomes in endothelial cells in vitro

The progression to a castration-resistant prostate cancer can occur after treatment with androgen deprivation therapy, resulting in poor prognosis and ineffective therapy response. Hormone dependence transition has been associated with increased tumor vascularization. Considering that exosomes are important components in communication between tumor cells and the microenvironment, we examined the angiogenic potential of exosomes released from Pca cell lines with distinctive profiles of androgen response through exosomes isolation, microscopy and uptake, functional assays follow up by microarray, RT-qPCR and bioinformatics analysis. HUVEC cells treated with PC-3 exosomes (androgen independent) showed increased invasion and tube formation ability. In order to identify microRNAs (miRNAs) related to the angiogenic response, the characterization of exosomal miRNA profile was performed. As result we suggest that the miR-27a-3p could be involved in the pro-angiogenic effect of PC-3 exosomes.

Emerging roles of a pivotal lncRNA SBF2-AS1 in cancers

Long non-coding RNAs refer to transcripts over 200 nt in length that lack the ability to encode proteins, which occupy the majority of the genome and play a crucial role in the occurrence and development of human diseases, especially cancers. SBF2-AS1, a newly identified long non-coding RNA, has been verified to be highly expressed in diversiform cancers, and is involved in processes promoting tumorigenesis, tumor progression and tumor metastasis. Moreover, upregulation of SBF2-AS1 expression was significantly related to disadvantageous clinicopathologic characteristics and indicated poor prognosis. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the up-to-date knowledge of the detailed mechanisms and underlying functions of SBF2-AS1 in diverse cancer types, highlighting the potential of SBF2-AS1 as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and even a therapeutic target.

Hsa_circ_002178 Promotes the Growth and Migration of Breast Cancer Cells and Maintains Cancer Stem-like Cell Properties Through Regulating miR-1258/KDM7A Axis

Breast cancer (BrCa) is the most common malignancy in women. Accumulating evidence demonstrated that abnormal circRNA expression is associated with the occurrence and progression of tumors. We analyzed the GSE101123 data and found that the expression of hsa_circ_002178 (circ_002178) was significantly increased in BrCa tissues. However, the role and possible underlying mechanisms of circ_002178 in BrCa still remain unrevealed. In this investigation, the expression levels of circ_002178 in cancer tissues or BrCa cells were significantly upregulated compared with those in paracancer tissues or normal cells. High expression of circ_002178 was correlated with the low survival rate, clinical tumor size, lymph node metastasis, and tumor, nodes, and metastases grade. After microsphere culture, the expression of circ_002178 in SUM149PT and MDA-MB-231 cells was significantly increased. Further investigation exhibited that overexpression of circ_002178 contributed to the formation of microspheres, the elevated protein levels of stemness marker, and the increased activity of ALDH1 in SUM149PT cells. Besides, the overexpression of circ_002178 also significantly promoted the growth, invasion, and migration of BrCa cells. Correspondingly, the knockdown of circ_002178 showed the opposite result in MDA-MB-231 cells. Hsa_circ_002178 was further proved to downregulate the level of miR-1258 and reduce the inhibitory effect of miR-1258 on KDM7A, thus regulating the stem-like characteristics of BrCa cells and promoting the growth and migration of BrCa cells. Taken together, targeting the circ_002178/miR-1258/KDM7A axis may be a prospective strategy for the diagnosis and therapies of BrCa in the future.

Transcription factor PAX4 facilitates gastric cancer progression through interacting with miR-27b-3p/Grb2 axis

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common aggressive cancers. The discovery of an effective biomarker is necessary for GC diagnosis. In this study, we confirmed that Paired box gene 4 (PAX4) is up-regulated in GC tissues and cells via quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), western blot and immunohistochemical staining. It was also identified that PAX4 contributed to GC cell proliferation, migration and invasion through Cell Counting Kit-8, BrdU, flow cytometry assay, colony formation assay, transwell assays, and wound healing assay. miR-27b-3p was confirmed with the binding site with PAX4 using ChIP assay and served as a tumor suppressor that inhibiting GC cell growth and metastasis, and reversed the effect of PAX4. Bioinformatics prediction and dual luciferase assay results demonstrated that miR-27b-3p targeted Grb2, which could alter the function of miR-27b-3p. Furthermore, the transcriptional control of PAX4-regulated miR-27b-3p activated the Ras-ERK pathway. Taken together, the PAX4/miR-27b-3p/Grb2 loop is known to be involved in GC cell promotion, and can be seen as a promising target for GC therapy.

Targeted Therapies in Lung Cancers: Current Landscape and Future Prospects

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer is the most common and malignant cancer worldwide. Targeted therapies have emerged as a promising treatment strategy for lung cancers.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to evaluate the current landscape of targets and finding promising targets for future new drug discovery for lung cancers by identifying the science-technology-clinical development pattern and mapping the interaction network of targets.

METHODS

Targets for cancers were classified into 3 groups based on a paper published in Nature. We search for scientific literature, patent documents and clinical trials of targets in Group 1 and Group 2 for lung cancers. Then, a target-target interaction network of Group 1 was constructed, and the science-technology-clinical(S-T-C) development patterns of targets in Group 1 were identified. Finally, based on the cluster distribution and the development pattern of targets in Group 1, interactions between the targets were employed to predict potential targets in Group 2 on drug development.

RESULTS

The target-target interaction(TTI)network of group 1 resulted in 3 clusters with different developmental stages. The potential targets in Group 2 are divided into 3 ranks. Level-1 is the first priority and level-3 is the last. Level-1 includes 16 targets, such as STAT3, CRKL, and PTPN11, that are mostly involved in signaling transduction pathways. Level-2 and level-3 contain 8 and 6 targets related to various biological functions.

CONCLUSION

This study will provide references for drug development in lung cancers, emphasizing that priorities should be given to targets in Level-1, whose mechanisms are worth further exploration.

hsa_circ_0008234 inhibits the progression of lung adenocarcinoma by sponging miR-574-5p

circRNAs are a novel type of noncoding RNA (ncRNA) that have been identified as an important regulator of gene expression and play a part in the progression of various diseases. However, the function of circ_0008234 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAC) remains unknown. Through the GEO (Gene Expression Omnibus) database, circ_0008234 was first found to be downregulated in LUAC tissues. It could inhibit cell growth and accelerate apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. In terms of its possible mechanism, circ_0008234 mainly was present in the cytoplasm and competed with miR-574-5p to regulate RND3 (Rho family GTPase 3). Our results revealed that circ_0008234 inhibited the progression of LUAC through a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA)-based mechanism and provided potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for LUAC treatment.

miR-483-3p, Mediated by KLF9, Functions as Tumor Suppressor in Testicular Seminoma via Targeting MMP9

Background

Seminoma (SEM) is the most frequent testicular germ cell tumor with a high incidence in young men. The present study aims to explore the function and regulatory mechanism of miR-483-3p in SEM.

Methods

RT-qPCR was performed to investigate miR-483-3p levels in SEM tissues. The effect of miR-483-3p on TCam-2 cells was assessed by CCK-8, colony formation, cell migration, and invasion assays. Luciferase reporter assays were performed to investigate the interaction between miR-483-3p and MMP9, and then the recovery experiments were performed. Moreover, the potential upstream regulator of miR-483-3p was predicted based on JASPAR database.

Results

miR-483-3p was down-regulated in SEM tissues versus paracancerous normal tissues. The expression level of miR-483-3p was significantly associated with tumor stage by RT-qPCR. Functionally, miR-483-3p over-expression suppressed cell growth, migration, and invasion in SEM cell lines. Mechanically, miR-483-3p negatively regulated MMP9 by directly binding to its 3′-UTR. The over-expression of miR-483-3p could reverse the promoting role of MMP9 over-expression on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of TCam-2 cells. Moreover, KLF9 was identified as a potential upstream regulator of miR-483-3p and functions as a tumor suppressor.

Conclusions

In general, our study suggested that miR-483-3p could inhibit the cell growth, migration, and invasion of testicular SEM by targeting MMP9. Moreover, KLF9 is an upstream positive regulator of miR-483-3p and also functions as a tumor suppressor in SEM.

circ_SMAD2 regulate colorectal cancer cells proliferation through targeting miR-1258/RPN2 signaling pathway

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are associated with various diseases, including cancers. However, their roles in colorectal cancer (CRC) have not been established. Hsa_circ_0000847 (circ_SMAD2) is a novel circRNA that was found to be elevated in CRC cell lines and tissues. High circ_SMAD2 levels were positively correlated with CRC clinicopathological features. Functional assays revealed that circ_SMAD2 enhanced CRC cell invasion, proliferation, and tumor growth. Mechanistically, circ_SMAD2 elevated Ribophorin II (RPN2) levels by inhibiting miR-1258. Therefore, circ_SMAD2 is a potential indicator for CRC progression.

Protective effects of dioscin on vascular remodeling in pulmonary arterial hypertension via adjusting GRB2/ERK/PI3K-AKT signal

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive and lethal cardiopulmonary. Pulmonary vascular remodeling (PVR) caused by excessive proliferation and apoptosis resistance of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) is the chief pathological feature of PAH. Dioscin is a natural product that possesses multiple pharmacological activities, but its effect on PAH remains unclear. In this study, effect of dioscin on vascular remodeling in PAH was assessed in hypoxia-induced PASMCs, hypoxia-induced and monocrotaline (MCT)-induced rats. Western blot, Real-time PCR and siRNA transfection tests were applied to evaluate the possible mechanisms of dioscin. In vitro experiments, results showed dioscin markedly inhibited the proliferation and migration, and promoted apoptosis of hypoxic PASMCs. In vivo, dioscin significantly decreased the right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) and right ventricular hypertrophy index (RVHI), and improved pulmonary vascular stenosis in rats induced by hypoxia or MCT. Molecular mechanism studies showed that dioscin significantly reduced the expression of growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 (GRB2). Subsequently, dioscin reduced the expressions of Ras, Cyclin D1, CDK4, c-Fos, PCNA and p-ERK to inhibit proliferation and migration of PASMCs, inhibited p-PI3K and p-AKT levels and increased Bax/Bcl2 ratio to promote cell apoptosis. GRB2 siRNA transfection in PASMCs further confirmed that the inhibitory action of dioscin in PAH was evoked by adjusting GRB2/ERK/PI3K-AKT signal. Taken together, our study indicated that dioscin attenuates PAH through adjusting GRB2/ERK/PI3K-AKT signal to inhibit PASMCs proliferation and migration, and promote apoptosis, and dioscin may be developed as a therapeutic strategy for treating PAH in the future.

miR-6838-5p Affects Cell Growth, Migration, and Invasion by Targeting GPRIN3 via the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway in Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) is a highly prevalent digestive malignant tumor, ranking second in the tumor-related mortality globally. The microRNAs have been confirmed to be connected with GC progression. Accumulative evidence has suggested that miR-6838-5p exerts a suppressive effect on human cancers. Nonetheless, whether miR-6838-5p is involved in the regulation of GC remains to be investigated. During our research, miR-6838-5p was downregulated in GC cells. Upregulated miR-6838-5p repressed GC cell cycle progression, proliferation, migration, and invasion. Furthermore, miR-6838-5p overexpression repressed the nuclear import of β-catenin, thus inactivating Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Moreover, we observed that GPRIN3 was targeted by miR-6838-5p in GC with luciferase reporter and RIP assays. GPRIN3 upregulation reversed the suppression of miR-6838-5p in GC cellular processes. These findings suggest miR-6838-5p restrains the malignant behaviors of GC cells via targeting GPRIN3 to repress Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which may provide novel targets for GC treatment.

miR-550a-5p Functions as a Tumor Promoter by Targeting LIMD1 in Lung Adenocarcinoma

Lung adenocarcinoma accounts for half of all lung cancer cases in most countries. Mounting evidence has demonstrated that microRNAs play important roles in cancer progression, and some of them can be identified as potential biomarkers. This study aimed to explore the role of miR-550a-5p, a lung adenocarcinoma-associated mature microRNA screened out from the TCGA database via R-studio and Perl, with abundant expression in samples and with 5-year survival prognosis difference, as well as having not been studied in lung cancer yet. Potential target genes were predicted by the online database. Gene ontology enrichment, pathway enrichment, protein–protein interaction network, and hub genes–microRNA network were constructed by FunRich, STRING database, and Cytoscape. Then, LIMD1, a known tumor suppressor gene reported by multiple articles, was found to have a negative correlation with miR-550a-5p. The expression of miR-550a-5p was up-regulated in tumor samples and tumor-associated cell lines. Its high expression was also correlated with tumor size. Cell line A549 treated with miR-550a-5p overexpression promoted tumor proliferation, while H1299 treated with miR-550a-5p knockdown showed the opposite result. Mechanically, miR-550a-5p negatively regulated LIMD1 by directly binding to its 3′-UTR validated by dual luciferase assay. In summary, a new potential prognostic and therapeutic biomarker, miR-550a-5p, has been identified by bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation in vitro and in vivo, which promotes lung adenocarcinoma by silencing a known suppressor oncogene LIMD1.

KPNA2-Associated Immune Analyses Highlight the Dysregulation and Prognostic Effects of GRB2, NRAS, and Their RNA-Binding Proteins in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Karyopherin α2 (KPNA2) was reported to be overexpressed and have unfavorable prognostic effects in many malignancies including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although its contributions to inflammatory response were reported in many studies, its specific associations with immune infiltrations and immune pathways during cancer progression were unclear. Here, we aimed to identify new markers for HCC diagnosis and prognosis through KPNA2-associated immune analyses. RNA-seq expression data of HCC datasets were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas and International Cancer Genome Consortium. The gene expressions were counts per million normalized. The infiltrations of 24 kinds of immune cells in the samples were evaluated with ImmuCellAI (Immune Cell Abundance Identifier). The Spearman correlations of the immune infiltrations with KPNA2 expression were investigated, and the specific positive correlation of B-cell infiltration with KPNA2 expression in HCC tumors was identified. Fifteen genes in KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) B-cell receptor signaling pathway presented significant correlations with KPNA2 expression in HCC. Among them, GRB2 and NRAS were indicated to be independent unfavorable prognostic factors for HCC overall survival. Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium HCC dataset was investigated to validate the results at protein level. The upregulation and unfavorable prognostic effects of KPNA2 and GRB2 were confirmed, whereas, unlike its mRNA form, NRAS protein was presented to be downregulated and have favorable prognostic effects. Through receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the diagnostic potential of the three proteins was shown. The RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) of KPNA2, NRAS, and GRB2, downloaded via The Encyclopedia of RNA Interactomes, were investigated for their clinical significance in HCC at protein level. An eight-RBP signature with independent prognostic value and dysregulations in HCC was identified. All the RBPs were significantly correlated with MKI67 expression and at least one of KPNA2, GRB2, and NRAS at protein level in HCC, indicating their roles in HCC progression and the regulation of the three proteins. We concluded that KPNA2, GRB2, NRAS, and their RBPs might have coordinating roles in HCC immunoregulation and progression. They might be new markers for HCC diagnosis and prognosis predication and new targets for HCC immunotherapy.

MiR-133a acts as a tumor suppressor in lung cancer progression by regulating the LASP1 and TGF-β/Smad3 signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

MiR-133a has been confirmed to be involved in the development of multiple cancers including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the precise molecular mechanism has not yet been fully elucidated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the functional role and underlying mechanism of miR-133a in the progression of NSCLC.

METHODS

Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed to measure miR-133a and LASP1 expression in NSCLC tissues and cells. 3-(4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to detect cell viability. The protein levels were measured by western blot. The tumor growth was measured by xenograft tumor formation assay.

RESULTS

miR-133a was significantly decreased while LASP1 was increased in NSCLC tissues and cells compared with control groups. Moreover, overexpression of miR-133a suppressed cell viability, whereas miR-133a knockdown enhanced the viability of A549 cells. More importantly, LASP1 was verified as a direct target of miR-133a. Moreover, overexpression of miR-133a inhibited the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and TGF-β/Smad3 pathways by regulating LASP1 in vitro. In addition, miR-133a mimic suppressed tumor growth by modulating the TGF-β/Smad3 pathway in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, miR-133a acted as a tumor suppressor in lung cancer progression by regulating the LASP1 and TGF-β/Smad3 signaling pathway.

SPATS2, negatively regulated by miR-145-5p, promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression through regulating cell cycle

Spermatogenesis associated serine rich 2 (SPATS2) has been reported to contribute to the tumorigenesis of multiple malignancies. The molecular function of SPATS2 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still not fully understood. In this study, we aimed to investigate the expression pattern and function roles of SPATS2 in HCC. The regulation of SPATS2 expression was also explored. We found that SPATS2 was highly expressed in HCC tissues in comparison with that in adjacent normal tissues. High expression of SPATS2 was associated with vascular invasion, advanced TNM stages, tumor multiplicity, and poor survival. Functionally, SPATS2 was found to promote the proliferation and metastasis of HCC cells both in vitro and in vivo, while knockdown of SPATS2 enhanced apoptosis and G1 arrest of HCC cells in vitro. Mechanistically, bioinformatics analysis revealed that MiR-145-5p directly targeted SPATS2 and functional rescue experiments verified that MiR-145-5p overexpression could abolish the effect of SPATS2 on the regulation of HCC malignant phenotype. Taken together, our findings suggest that SPATS2 functions as an oncogene in HCC. The MiR-145-5p/SPATS2 axis provides a novel mechanism underlying HCC progression and may serve as a potential therapeutic target for HCC.

Small RNAs, Big Diseases

The past two decades have seen extensive research done to pinpoint the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) that have led to discovering thousands of miRNAs in humans. It is not, therefore, surprising to see many of them implicated in a number of common as well as rare human diseases. In this review article, we summarize the progress in our understanding of miRNA-related research in conjunction with different types of cancers and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as their potential in generating more reliable diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

miR-1258 Regulates Cell Proliferation and Cell Cycle to Inhibit the Progression of Breast Cancer by Targeting E2F1

Objective

This study is designed to clarify that miR-1258 targets E2F1 to regulate the proliferation and cell cycle of breast cancer (BC) cells and consequently suppress the progression of BC.

Methods

Bioinformatics analysis was used to analyze the differentially expressed genes in BC. The expression of miR-1258 and E2F1 mRNA in BC cell lines and immortalized breast epithelial cell lines were detected by qRT-PCR. The proliferation and growth activity of BC cells were detected by MTT and colony formation assays. The apoptosis and cell cycle of BC cells were detected by flow cytometry and the targeting relationship between miR-1258 and E2F1 was identified by dual-luciferase assay.

Results

The expression of miR-1258 was decreased while that of E2F1 was increased in BC cells. Overexpression of miR-1258 and silencing E2F1 could inhibit the cell proliferation and growth, block cells in the G0/G1 phase, and promote cell apoptosis. Besides, miR-1258 inhibited cell proliferation and growth, block cells in the G0/G1 phase, and promote cell apoptosis by downregulating E2F1.

Conclusion

miR-1258 regulates the proliferation and cell cycle to inhibit the progression of BC by targeting and downregulating E2F1.

miR-874 directly targets AQP3 to inhibit cell proliferation, mobility and EMT in non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a major type of lung cancer with high morbidity and high mortality. miR-874 has been determined to play a role in tumor suppression in several cancers. The purpose of our study was to detect the biological mechanisms of miR-874 and AQP3 in NSCLC.

METHODS

CCK-8 and Transwell assays were utilized to perform cell invasion.Western blot was employed to evaluate the protein expression.

RESULTS

The expression of miR-874 was lower in NSCLC tissues than that of corresponding adjacent nontumor tissues. Downregulation of miR-874 predicted a poor prognosis in NSCLC. The cell proliferation and mobility were suppressed by overexpression of miR-874, which were promoted by knockdown of miR-874 in A549 and H1299 cells. miR-874 mediated the expression of AQP3 by directly binding to the 3'-untranslated regions (UTR) of AQP3 mRNA in NSCLC cells. Moreover, miR-874 inhibited the proliferation and mobility by targeting AQP3 and inhibited the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in A549 cells. miR-874 inhibited the growth of NSCLC in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, miR-874 inhibited proliferation and mobility by regulating AQP3 in NSCLC. The newly identified miR-874/AQP3 axis provides novel insight into the pathogenesis of NSCLC.

E2F1-Induced Overexpression of Long Noncoding RNA SBF2-AS1 Promotes Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Metastasis Through Regulating miR-362-3p/GRB2 Axis

Long noncoding RNA SBF2 antisense RNA 1 (lncRNA SBF2-AS1) has been reported to be involved in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumorigenesis. However, the biological role and regulatory mechanism of lncRNA SBF2-AS1 on NSCLC metastasis remain largely unknown. In this study, the expression level and functional role of SBF2-AS1 were investigated in both NSCLC tissues and cell lines. We found that SBF2-AS1 was upregulated in both NSCLC tissues and cell lines. Patients with high levels of SBF2-AS1 have larger tumors, higher malignancy, and poor prognosis. Knockdown of SBF2-AS1 significantly inhibited tumor growth in vivo and cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro. Moreover, bioinformatics analysis, chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, and luciferase reporter assay proved that the upregulation of SBF2-AS1 was mediated by transcription factor E2F1. Further experiments demonstrated that miR-362-3p had complementary binding site with 3'-UTR of SBF2-AS1. Besides, luciferase reporter assay validated that GRB2 was the target protein of miR-362-3p. Rescue experiments showed that SBF2-AS1 silencing inhibited cell invasion and migration, while cotransfection si-SBF2-AS1 and miR-362-3p inhibitor rescued the effect of si-SBF2-AS1. These results demonstrate that E2F1-induced overexpression of SBF2-AS1 promotes the expression of GRB2 by targeting miR-362-3p to facilitate the metastasis of NSCLC.

miR-140-3p inhibits progression of non-small cell lung cancer by targeting Janus kinase 1

microRNAs (miRNAs) have gained more attention due to the biological functions in many cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the roles and the mechanism of miR-140-3p in NSCLC progression remain poorly understood. In this study, the expression levels of miR-140-3p and Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) were measured in NSCLC tissues and cells by quantitative real-time PCR. Cell viability, apoptosis, migration and invasion were detected by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl-trtrazolium bromide, flow cytometry, Western blot or trans-well assay, respectively. Murine xenograft model was conducted to analyze the anti-tumor effect of miR-140-3p in vivo. Interaction between miR-140-3p and JAK1 was probed by luciferase reporter activity and Western blot. We found that miR-140-3p expression was down-regulated and JAK1 expression was increased in NSCLC tissues and cells compared with those in corresponding controls. Moreover, overexpression of miR-140-3p inhibited cell viability, migration and invasion while promoted cell apoptosis in NSCLC cells and suppressed NSCLC xenograft tumor growth in vivo. Besides, JAK1 was proved as a target of miR-140-3p and its restoration reversed miR-140-3p-mediated regulatory effect on progression of NSCLC. We concluded that miR-140-3p inhibited NSCLC progression by targeting JAK1, providing a novel avenue for treatment of NSCLC.

miR-938 promotes cell proliferation by regulating RBM5 in lung adenocarcinoma cells

A growing body of research suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) may play a key part in the progression of various cancers, including lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). However, the expression and mechanism of miR-938 (microRNA-938) in LUAD have not been defined. Compared with adjacent tissues, the level of miR-938 was up-regulated in LUAD tissues. miR-938 expression was significantly associated with tumor size. In vitro assays indicated that miR-938 expression was also increased in the LUAD cell lines. Overexpression of miR-938 promoted LUAD cell proliferation, whereas down-regulation of miR-938 had the opposite effect. We identified RNA-binding protein 5 (RBM5) as a potential target gene of miR-938 in LUAD. Expression of RBM5 was down-regulated in LUAD tumor tissues and negatively correlated with expression of miR-938. Up-regulation of RBM5 reversed cell proliferation by inhibition of miR-938 expression in LUAD cells. These results showed that miR-938 may act as an oncogenic miRNA by targeting RBM5 in LUAD, indicating that miR-938 could be used as a potential therapeutic target for LUAD patients.

Noncoding RNAs and Liquid Biopsy in Lung Cancer: A Literature Review

Lung cancer represents a genetically heterogeneous disease with low survival rates. Recent data have evidenced key roles of noncoding RNAs in lung cancer initiation and progression. These functional RNA molecules that can act as both oncogenes and tumor suppressors may become future biomarkers and more efficient therapeutic targets. In the precision medicine era, circulating nucleic acids have the potential to reshape the management and prognosis of cancer patients. Detecting genomic alterations and level variations of circulating nucleic acids in liquid biopsy samples represents a noninvasive method for portraying tumor burden. Research is currently trying to validate the potential role of liquid biopsy in lung cancer screening, prognosis, monitoring of disease progression, and treatment response. However, this method requires complex detection assays, and implementation of plasma genotyping in clinical practice continues to be hindered by discrepancies that arise when compared to tissue genotyping. Understanding the genomic landscape of lung cancer is essential in order to provide useful and innovative research in the age of patient-tailored therapy. In this landscape, the noncoding RNAs play a crucial role due to their target genes that dramatically influence the tumor microenvironment and the response to therapy. This article addresses present and future possible roles of liquid biopsy in lung cancer. It also discusses how the complex role of noncoding RNAs in lung tumorigenesis could influence the management of this pathology.

K-Ras-ERK1/2 accelerates lung cancer cell development via mediating H3K18ac through the MDM2-GCN5-SIRT7 axis

Context: H3^K18ac is linked to gene expression and DNA damage. Nevertheless, whether H3^K18ac participates in regulating Ras-ERK1/2-affected lung cancer cell phenotypes remains unclear. Objective: We explored the effects of H3^K18ac on Ras-ERK1/2-affected lung cancer cell phenotypes. Material and methods: NCI-H2126 cells were transfected with, pEGFP-K-Ras^WT and pEGFP-K-Ras^G12V/T35S plasmids for 48 h, and transfection with pEGFP-N1 served as a blank control. Then H3^K18ac and AKT and ERK1/2 pathways-associated factors were examined. Different amounts of the H3^K18Q (0.5, 1, and 2 μg) plasmids and Ras^G12V/T35S were co-transfected into NCI-H2126 cells, cell viability, cell colonies and migration were analyzed for exploring the biological functions of H3^K18ac in NCI-H2126 cells. The ERK1/2 pathway downstream factors were detected by RT-PCR and ChIP assays. The regulatory functions of SIRT7, GCN5 and MDM2 in Ras-ERK1/2-regulated H3^K18ac expression were finally uncovered. Results: Ras^G12V/T35S transfection decreased the expression of H3^K18ac about 2.5 times compared with the pEGFP-N1 transfection group, and activated ERK1/2 and AKT pathways. Moreover, H3^K18ac reduced cell viability, colonies, migration, and altered ERK1/2 downstream transcription in NCI-H2126 cells. Additionally, SIRT7 knockdown increased H3^K18ac expression and repressed cell viability, migration and the percentage of cells in S phase by about 50% compared to the control group, as well as changed ERK1/2 downstream factor expression. Besides, Ras-ERK1/2 decreased H3^K18ac was linked to MDM2-regulated GCN5 degradation. Conclusion: These observations disclosed that Ras-ERK1/2 promoted the development of lung cancer via decreasing H3^K18ac through MDM2-mediated GCN5 degradation. These findings might provide a new therapeutic strategy for lung cancer.

LINC01234 promotes multiple myeloma progression by regulating miR-124-3p/GRB2 axis

LncRNA is gradually considered as a vital regulator in various physiological and pathological processes. Recently, the role of LINC01234 in several cancers has been reported. However, the function and underlying regulatory mechanism of LINC01234 in multiple myeloma (MM) remain unclear. Our results indicated that LINC01234 was over-expressed in tumor tissues of MM patients, and LINC01234 down-regulation remarkably inhibited cell proliferation, cycle progression and promoted cell apoptosis in MM cells. Mechanistic studies revealed that LINC01234 could sponge miR-124-3p and decreased its expression, thereby up-regulated the protein level of miR-124-3p's targets growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 (GRB2). Additionally, in vivo experiments revealed that LINC01234 shRNA could serve as a tumor suppressor through down-regulating GRB2 in MM. In this study, a novel established regulatory manner of LINC01234/miR-124-3p/GRB2 axis was systematically studied, which may hold promise as a promising target for MM treatment.

miR-942 promotes tumor migration, invasion, and angiogenesis by regulating EMT via BARX2 in non-small-cell lung cancer

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has an important function in cancer. Recently, microRNAs have been reported to be involved in EMT by regulating target genes. miR-942 is considered a novel oncogene in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. However, its role in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has not been investigated. In this study, the expression of miR-942 in NSCLC patients tumor and paired adjacent tissues were assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridization. Transwell, wound healing, tube formation, and tail vein xenograft assays were conducted to assess miR-942's function in NSCLC. Potential miR-942 targets were confirmed using dual-luciferase reporter assays, immunohistochemistry, immunoblot, and rescue experiments. The results showed miR-942 is relatively highly expressed in human NSCLC tissues and cells. In vitro assays demonstrated that overexpression of miR-942 promoted cell migration, invasion, and angiogenesis. Tail vein xenograft assays suggested that miR-942 contributed to NSCLC metastasis in vivo. Three bioinformatics software was searched, and BARX2 was predicted as a downstream target of miR-942. Direct interaction between them was validated by dual-luciferase assays. Rescue experiments further confirmed that BARX2 overexpression could reverse functional changes caused by miR-942. Moreover, miR-942 increased EMT-associated proteins N-cadherin and vimentin by inhibiting BARX2, while E-cadherin expression is reduced. In summary, this study reveals that miR-942 induces EMT-related metastasis by directly targeting BARX2, which may provide a potential therapeutic strategy for NSCLC.

MicroRNA-877 inhibits cell proliferation and invasion in non-small cell lung cancer by directly targeting IGF-1R

MicroRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) are frequently differentially expressed in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and differential miRNAs expression may be closely associated with NSCLC genesis and development. Therefore, an in-depth investigation of the cancer-associated miRNAs that are crucial for NSCLC pathogenesis may provide effective therapeutic targets for patients with this aggressive malignant tumor type. The expression levels and roles of miR-877 have been well studied in hepatocellular carcinoma and renal cell carcinoma. However, the expression pattern and functions of miR-877 in NSCLC as well as associated underlying mechanisms, to the best of our knowledge, have not yet been investigated. The present study revealed that miR-877 expression was downregulated in NSCLC tissues and cell lines. Low miR-877 expression was significantly associated with TNM stage and distant metastasis in patients with NSCLC. Functional experiments demonstrated that recovery of miR-877 expression restricted the proliferation and invasion of NSCLC cells. In addition, bioinformatics analysis predicted insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) as a potential target of miR-877. Luciferase reporter assays, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blot analysis further validated that IGF-1R was a direct target of miR-877 in NSCLC. Furthermore, IGF-1R expression was markedly upregulated in NSCLC tissues, and exhibited an inverse correlation with miR-877 expression. Additionally, IGF-1R overexpression reversed the inhibitory effects in NSCLC cells caused by miR-877 upregulation. These findings demonstrated that miR-877 attenuated NSCLC cell proliferation and invasion, at least partly, by downregulating IGF-1R expression, thereby providing an new candidate biomarker for the diagnosis and therapy of patients with NSCLC.

Helicobacter pylori CagA promotes the malignant transformation of gastric mucosal epithelial cells through the dysregulation of the miR-155/KLF4 signaling pathway

The Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) cytotoxin-associated gene A (CagA) and Krüppel-like transcription factor (KLF4) were both closely associated with the development and progression of gastric cancer (GC). However, the nature of the interactions between CagA and KLF4 in GC development has not been elucidated. Therefore, we focused on the CagA-mediated promotion of the malignant transformation of gastric epithelial cells. Herein, we first examined the expression of KLF4 in both human cancer and paracarcinoma tissues with or without H. pylori infection and found that KLF4 expression was significantly decreased in H. pylori-positive GC cells compared with the H. pylori-negative GC cells. Further functional studies revealed that the increased expression of CagA could suppress KLF4 expression and promote the malignant transformation of normal epithelial cells. Subsequently, we found that CagA could upregulate miR-155 and further restrict the expression of downstream KLF4. More importantly, the overexpression of miR-155 in GES-1 promoted epithelial-mesenchymal transition and eventually facilitated tumor growth in vivo. Overall, the identification of the CagA/miR-155/KLF4 signaling pathway provided a new insight into the development and treatment of GC.

MicroRNA-1258, regulated by c-Myb, inhibits growth and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition phenotype via targeting SP1 in oral squamous cell carcinoma

The biological function and underlying mechanism of miR-1258 has seldom been investigated in cancer progression, including in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). In the current study, we revealed that the expression level of miR-1258 was significantly down-regulated in OSCC tissues and cell lines. Restoration of miR-1258 decreased OSCC cell growth and invasion. The luciferase and Western blot assays revealed that SP1 protein was a downstream target of miR-1258. Overexpression of SP1 dismissed miR-1258's effect on cell growth and invasion. We also revealed that c-Myb inhibited miR-1258 by directly binding at its promoter. In addition, miR-1258 inhibited PI3K/AKT and ERK signalling pathway activity. Taken together, these findings demonstrated that miR-1258 may function as a tumour-suppressive micorRNA in OSCC and suggested that miR-1258 may be a potential therapeutic target for OSCC patients.

The Roles of MicroRNA in Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the most devastating malignancy in the world. Beyond genetic research, epigenomic studies—especially investigations of microRNAs—have grown rapidly in quantity and quality in the past decade. This has enriched our understanding about basic cancer biology and lit up the opportunities for potential therapeutic development. In this review, we summarize the involvement of microRNAs in lung cancer carcinogenesis and behavior, by illustrating the relationship to each cancer hallmark capability, and in addition, we briefly describe the clinical applications of microRNAs in lung cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Finally, we discuss the potential therapeutic use of microRNAs in lung cancer.

miR‑802 inhibits the aggressive behaviors of non‑small cell lung cancer cells by directly targeting FGFR1

Emerging reports have revealed that several microRNAs (miRNAs) are abnormally expressed in non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). miRNAs have been identified as oncogenes or tumor suppressors, and regulate various biological processes including oncogenesis and development. miR‑802 is dysregulated in multiple types of human cancer, and exerts tumor‑suppressive or promoting roles. However, the expression levels and functional roles of miR‑802 in NSCLC remain largely unknown. In the present study, miR‑802 expression was demonstrated to be decreased in NSCLC tissues and cell lines. A low miR‑802 expression was significantly correlated with the tumor stage, lymph node metastasis and brain metastasis in NSCLC patients. Restoring miR‑802 expression inhibited NSCLC cell proliferation and colony formation, induced cell apoptosis, decreased cell migration and invasion in vitro, and hindered in vivo tumor growth. Mechanistically, fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) was confirmed as the target gene of miR‑802 in NSCLC cells. In addition, FGFR1 silencing mimicked the tumor‑suppressing roles of miR‑802 upregulation in NSCLC cells. Furthermore, rescue experiments revealed that FGFR1 reintroduction rescued the miR‑802‑induced inhibition of the malignant phenotypes in NSCLC cells. Notably, miR‑802 was able to deactivate the phosphoinositide 3‑kinase (PI3K)/AKT serine/threonine kinase (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway in NSCLC cells in vitro and in vivo. Overall, these results demonstrated that miR‑802 could downregulate FGFR1 expression, thereby deactivating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and inhibiting the malignant development of NSCLC. Thus, miR‑802 may be a therapeutic candidate for patients with NSCLC.

MiR-1246 Promotes Metastasis and Invasion of A549 cells by Targeting GSK-3β‒Mediated Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway

PURPOSE

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of small non-coding RNAs involved in different cancers, including lung cancer. Here, we aim to investigate the expression profiles of circulating miRNAs and their roles contributed to the progress of lung cancer.

Materials and Methods

The levels of circulating miRNA in lung cancer patients were investigated by miRNAs assay. Then we predicted the target genes of aberrantly expressing miRNAs by searching genetic databases. Based on the A549 cells transfected with miR-1246 mimics or miR-1246 inhibitor,we further measured the roles of miR-1246 involving in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), migration and invasion capacities of lung cancer cells in vitro. Finally, we detected the effects of miR-1246 on glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β)/β-catenin pathway by immunofluorescence and Western blot, respectively.

RESULTS

We identified that 14 miRNAs were aberrantly expressed in the serum of lung cancer patients. Among them, miR-1246 was the most up-regulated. The cell assays indicated that miR-1246 significantly increased the migration and invasion capabilities of A549 lung cancer cells. Meanwhile, immunofluorescence analysis revealed that miR-1246 promoted EMT process of A549 cells accompanying with decreasing E-cadherin expression, while increasing vimentin and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) expression. Furthermore, an online tool predicated that miR-1246 might bind to 3'-untranslated region of GSK-3β, which was confirmed by overexpression and knockdown of miR-1246 assays.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, the study illustrates that miR-1246 regulates Wnt/β-catenin pathway through targeting GSK-3β/β-catenin, which partly contributing to tumor metastasis. MiR-1246 may play an essential role in the diagnosis and therapeutic of lung cancer.

miR-5582-5p inhibits cell proliferation of non-small cell lung cancer through targeting FGF-10

Accumulating evidence has suggested that microRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in regulating the progression of cancerby acting as tumor suppressors or oncogenes. Here, our results demonstrated that miR-5582-5p was significantly down-regulated in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues and cell lines compared with normal controls. Overexpression of miR-5582-5p markedly inhibited the proliferation and migration of NSCLC cells. Consistently, the apoptosis of NSCLC cells was also significantly promoted by overexpressed miR-5582-5p. Functional study uncovered that miR-5582-5p bound the 3'-untranslated region (UTR) of fibroblastic growth factor-10 (FGF-10) and decreased the expression of FGF-10 in NSCLC cells. FGF-10 was up-regulated in NSCLC tissues and inversely correlated with the level of miR-5582-5p in NSCLC tissues. Overexpression of FGF-10 significantly reversed the inhibitory effect of miR-5582-5p on the proliferation of NSCLC cells. Taken together, our results demonstrated the functional mechanism of miR-5582-5p in suppressing malignant behaviors of NSCLC cells by targeting FGF-10. These findings demonstrated that miR-5582-5p might be a novel therapeutic target in the treatment of NSCLC.

Overexpression of miR-1258 inhibits cell proliferation by targeting AKT3 in osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma (OS) has emerged as the most common primary musculoskeletal malignant tumor which affects children and adolescents. A growing number of relevant studies have shown that many microRNAs (miRNAs) play a vital regulatory role in the etiology of various types of cancer. miR-1258 has been widely studied in various cancers, but there have been few studies of its role in OS. In this present study, miR-1258 expression was dramatically decreased in OS tissues as well as OS cell lines. In addition, decreased expression of miR-1258 was significantly associated with malignant clinical manifestations and poor clinical prognosis of patients with OS. Moreover, upregulation of miR-1258 significantly inhibited cell proliferation as well as promoting cell cycle arrest at G0/G1. AKT3 was identified as a direct target of miR-1258 by binding to its 3'-UTR, and miR-1258 was negatively correlated with AKT3 expression in clinical OS tissues. AKT3 was evidently upregulated in OS tissues and cells and upregulation of AKT3 accelerated the progression of OS. Moreover, through a series of rescue experiments, we demonstrated that AKT3 can abolish the role of miR-1258 in suppressing proliferation as well as regulating the cell cycle in OS cells. In conclusion, our results suggest that the miR-1258-AKT3 axis may be a promising prognostic marker and therapeutic target for human OS.