SNHG16/miR-605-3p/TRAF6/NF-κB feedback loop regulates hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis

Roles of long non‑coding RNA SNHG16 in human digestive system cancer (Review)

The incidence of tumors in the human digestive system is relatively high, including esophageal cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, gastric cancer and colorectal cancer. These malignancies arise from a complex interplay of environmental and genetic factors. Among them, long non‑coding RNAs (lncRNAs), which cannot be translated into proteins, serve an important role in the development, progression, migration and prognosis of tumors. Small nucleolar RNA host gene 16 (SNHG16) is a typical lncRNA, and its relationship with digestive system tumors has been widely explored. The prevailing hypothesis suggests that the principal molecular mechanism of SNHG16 in digestive system tumors involves it functioning as a competitive endogenous RNA that interacts with other proteins, regulates various genes and influences a downstream target molecule. The present review summarizes recent research on the relationship between SNHG16 and numerous types of digestive system cancer, encompassing its biological functions, underlying mechanisms and potential clinical implications. Furthermore, it outlines the association between SNHG16 expression and pertinent risk factors, such as smoking, infection and diet. The present review indicated the promise of SNHG16 as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in human digestive system cancer.

The potential role of SNHG16/ miRNA-146a/ TRAF6 signaling pathway in the protective effect of zoledronate against colorectal cancer and associated osteoporosis in mouse model

Bone fracture as a consequence of colorectal cancer (CRC) and associated osteoporosis (OP) is considered a risk factor for increasing the mortality rate among CRC patients. SNHG16/ miRNA-146a/ TRAF6 signaling pathway is a substantial contributor to neoplastic evolution, progression, and metastasis. Here, we investigated the effect of zoledronate (ZOL) on the growth of CRC and associated OP in a mouse model. Thirty Balb/c mice were divided into Naïve, azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sodium sulfate (DSS), and ZOL groups. Body weight and small nucleolar RNA host gene 16 (SNHG16) expression, microRNA-146a, and TRAF6 in bone, colon, and stool were investigated. Samples of colon and bone were collected and processed for light microscopic, immunohistochemical staining for cytokeratin 20 (CK20), nuclear protein Ki67 (pKi-67), and caudal type homeobox transcription factor 2 (CDx2) in colon and receptor activator of nuclear factor kB (RANK) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in bone. A computerized tomography (CT) scan of the femur and tibia was studied. ZOL produced a significant decrease in the expression of SNHG16 and TRAF6 and an increase in miRNA-146a in the colon and bone. ZOL administration improved the histopathological changes in the colon, produced a significant decrease in CK20 and Ki-67, and increased CDx2 expressions. In bone, ZOL prevented osteoporotic changes and tumour cell invasion produced a significant decrease in RANK and an increase in OPG expressions, alongside improved bone mineral density in CT scans. ZOL could be a promising preventive therapy against colitis-induced cancer and associated OP via modulation expression of SNHG16, miRNA-146a, and TRAF6.

Atractylenolide II regulates the proliferation, ferroptosis, and immune escape of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by inactivating the TRAF6/NF-κB pathway

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common and lethal tumor worldwide. Atractylenolide II (AT-II) is a natural sesquiterpenoid monomer, with anti-tumor effect. To address the effect and mechanisms of AT-II on HCC. The role and mechanisms of AT-II were assessed through cell counting kit-8, flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunofluorescence, and western blot experiments in Hep3B and Huh7 cells. In vivo experiments were conducted in BALB/c nude mice using immunohistochemistry and western blot assays. AT-II decreased the cell viability of Hep3B and Huh7 cells with a IC50 of 96.43 µM and 118.38 µM, respectively. AT-II increased relative Fe2+ level, which was further promoted with the incubation of erastin and declined with the ferrostatin-1 in Hep3B and Huh7 cells. AT-II enhanced the level of ROS and MDA, but reduced the GSH level, and the expression of xCT and GPX4. AT-II elevated the percent of CD8+ T cells and the IFN-γ contents, and declined the IL-10 concentrations and the expression of PD-L1 in Hep3B and Huh7 cells. AT-II downregulated the relative protein level of TRAF6, p-p65/p-65, and p-IkBα/IkBα, which was rescued with overexpression of TRAF6. Upregulation of TRAF6 also reversed the effect of AT-II on proliferation, ferroptosis, and immune escape in Hep3B cells. In vivo, AT-II reduced tumor volume and weight, the level of GPX4, xCT, and PD-L1, and the expression of TRAF6, p-p65/p-65, and p-IkBα/IkBα, with the increased expression of CD8. AT-II modulated the proliferation, ferroptosis, and immune escape of HCC cells by downregulating the TRAF6/NF-κB pathway.

Roles of lncRNAs in NF-κB-Mediated Macrophage Inflammation and Their Implications in the Pathogenesis of Human Diseases

Over the past century, molecular biology's focus has transitioned from proteins to DNA, and now to RNA. Once considered merely a genetic information carrier, RNA is now recognized as both a vital element in early cellular life and a regulator in complex organisms. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), which are over 200 bases long but do not code for proteins, play roles in gene expression regulation and signal transduction by inducing epigenetic changes or interacting with various proteins and RNAs. These interactions exhibit a range of functions in various cell types, including macrophages. Notably, some macrophage lncRNAs influence the activation of NF-κB, a crucial transcription factor governing immune and inflammatory responses. Macrophage NF-κB is instrumental in the progression of various pathological conditions including sepsis, atherosclerosis, cancer, autoimmune disorders, and hypersensitivity. It orchestrates gene expression related to immune responses, inflammation, cell survival, and proliferation. Consequently, its malfunction is a key contributor to the onset and development of these diseases. This review aims to summarize the function of lncRNAs in regulating NF-κB activity in macrophage activation and inflammation, with a particular emphasis on their relevance to human diseases and their potential as therapeutic targets. The insights gained from studies on macrophage lncRNAs, as discussed in this review, could provide valuable knowledge for the development of treatments for various pathological conditions involving macrophages.

Hsa_circ_0050900 affects ferroptosis in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma cells by targeting hsa‑miR-605‑3p to regulate SLC3A2

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a highly lethal hepatobiliary tumor with high aggressiveness. The role of circular RNA (circRNA) in ICC remains to be explored. The present study aimed to investigate whether hsa_circ_0050900 affected ferroptosis in ICC cells by regulating hsa-microRNA (miR)-605-3p/solute carrier family 3 member 2 (SLC3A2). Human ICC cells were cultured and hsa_circ_0050900 expression was evaluated by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. hsa_circ_0050900 was knocked down and ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 was added to HuCCT-1 cells. Following knockdown or overexpression of hsa-miR-605-3p, Fe2+, reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione peroxidase 4 and SLC3A2 levels were assessed using iron and ROS assay kit or RT-qPCR and western blotting, respectively. Cell function experiments were performed to examine proliferation and migration abilities. Dual-luciferase reporter gene and argonaute2-RNA immunoprecipitation assay verified the relationship among hsa_circ_0050900, hsa-miR-605-3p, and SLC3A2. hsa_circ_0050900 was derived from actinin alpha 4 gene and was elevated in ICC cells. Among HuCCT-1, QBC-939, HCCC-9810, and RBE cell lines, the highest expression was in HuCCT-1 cells. Inhibition of hsa_circ_0050900 inhibited proliferation and migration by facilitating ICC cell ferroptosis. hsa-miR-605-3p expression was elevated after knocking down hsa_circ_0050900 and hsa-miR-605-3p was negatively regulated by hsa_circ_0050900. In addition, hsa-miR-605-3p targeted SLC3A2. Overexpression of hsa-miR-605-3p regulated SLC3A2 to promote ICC cell ferroptosis and inhibit proliferation and migration. Taken together, knockdown of hsa_circ_0050900 inhibited SLC3A2 expression via sponging hsa-miR-605-3p to promote ICC cell ferroptosis, and finally suppressed proliferation and migration. The present study suggested that hsa_circ_0050900 was a potential therapeutic target for ICC.

The role of noncoding RNAs in the tumor microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the leading fatal malignancy worldwide. The tumor microenvironment (TME) can affect the survival, proliferation, migration, and even dormancy of cancer cells. Hypoxia is an important component of the TME, and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is the most important transcriptional regulator. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), comprise a large part of the human transcriptome and play an important role in regulating the tumorigenesis of HCC. This review discusses the role of ncRNAs in hepatocarcinogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and angiogenesis in a hypoxic microenvironment, as well as the interactions between ncRNAs and key components of the TME. It further discusses their use as biomarkers and the potential clinical value of drugs, as well as the challenges faced in the future.

Whole blood miRNAs in relapsing MS patients treated with dimethyl fumarate in the phase 4 TREMEND trial

We investigated the impact of dimethyl fumarate (DMF), an oral therapy for relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS), on blood microRNA (miRNA) signatures and neurofilament light (NFL) levels. DMF normalized miR-660-5p and modulated various miRNAs associated with the NF-kB pathway. These alterations reached a peak 4-7 months after treatment. Notably, particular miRNAs correlated with high or low NFL levels, implying their potential role as markers of treatment efficacy. Our findings broaden the understanding of DMF's immunomodulatory effects and may aid in predicting treatment responses.

CIRC_0026466 KNOCKDOWN PROTECTS HUMAN BRONCHIAL EPITHELIAL CELLS FROM CIGARETTE SMOKE EXTRACT-INDUCED INJURY BY PROMOTING THE MIR-153-3P/TRAF6/NF-ΚB PATHWAY

ABSTRACT

Background: Considerable data have shown that circular RNAs (circRNAs) mediate the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study aims to analyze the function and mechanism of circ_0026466 in COPD. Methods: Human bronchial epithelial cells (16HBE) were treated with cigarette smoke extract (CSE) to establish a COPD cell model. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were used to detect the expression of circ_0026466, microRNA-153-3p (miR-153-3p), TNF receptor associated factor 6 (TRAF6), cell apoptosis-related proteins, and NF-κB pathway-related proteins. Cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, and inflammation were investigated by cell counting kit-8, EdU assay, flow cytometry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Oxidative stress was evaluated by lipid peroxidation malondialdehyde assay kit and superoxide dismutase activity assay kit. The interaction between miR-153-3p and circ_0026466 or TRAF6 was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull-down assay. Results: Circ_0026466 and TRAF6 expression were significantly increased, but miR-153-3p was decreased in the blood samples of smokers with COPD and CSE-induced 16HBE cells when compared with controls. CSE treatment inhibited the viability and proliferation of 16HBE cells but induced cell apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress, but these effects were attenuated after circ_0026466 knockdown. Circ_0026466 interacted with miR-153-3p and regulated CSE-caused 16HBE cell damage by targeting miR-153-3p. Additionally, TRAF6, a target gene of miR-153-3p, regulated CSE-induced 16HBE cell injury by combining with miR-153-3p. Importantly, circ_0026466 activated NF-κB pathway by targeting the miR-153-3p/TRAF6 axis. Conclusion: Circ_0026466 absence protected against CSE-triggered 16HBE cell injury by activating the miR-153-3p/TRAF6/NF-κB pathway, providing a potential therapeutic target for COPD.

Multifaceted role of NF-κB in hepatocellular carcinoma therapy: Molecular landscape, therapeutic compounds and nanomaterial approaches

The predominant kind of liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that its treatment have been troublesome difficulties for physicians due to aggressive behavior of tumor cells in proliferation and metastasis. Moreover, stemness of HCC cells can result in tumor recurrence and angiogenesis occurs. Another problem is development of resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy in HCC cells. Genomic mutations participate in malignant behavior of HCC and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) has been one of the oncogenic factors in different human cancers that after nuclear translocation, it binds to promoter of genes in regulating their expression. Overexpression of NF-κB has been well-documented in increasing proliferation and invasion of tumor cells and notably, when its expression enhances, it induces chemoresistance and radio-resistance. Highlighting function of NF-κB in HCC can shed some light on the pathways regulating progression of tumor cells. The first aspect is proliferation acceleration and apoptosis inhibition in HCC cells mediated by enhancement in expression level of NF-κB. Moreover, NF-κB is able to enhance invasion of HCC cells via upregulation of MMPs and EMT, and it triggers angiogenesis as another step for increasing spread of tumor cells in tissues and organs. When NF-κB expression enhances, it stimulates chemoresistance and radio-resistance in HCC cells and by increasing stemness and population of cancer-stem cells, it can provide the way for recurrence of tumor. Overexpression of NF-κB mediates therapy resistance in HCC cells and it can be regulated by non-coding RNAs in HCC. Moreover, inhibition of NF-κB by anti-cancer and epigenetic drugs suppresses HCC tumorigenesis. More importantly, nanoparticles are considered for suppressing NF-κB axis in cancer and their prospectives and results can also be utilized for treatment of HCC. Nanomaterials are promising factors in treatment of HCC and by delivery of genes and drugs, they suppress HCC progression. Furthermore, nanomaterials provide phototherapy in HCC ablation.

In vitro Anti-malignant Property of PCMT1 Silencing and Identification of the SNHG16/miR-195/PCMT1 Regulatory Axis in Breast Cancer Cells

BACKGROUND

Protein L-isoaspartate (D-aspartate) O-methyltransferase (PCMT1) is a highly conserved protein repair enzyme that participates in regulating the progression of human cancers. We therefore studied the function and the related mechanisms of PCMT1 in breast cancer cells.

METHODS

Expression profile and prognostic analysis of PCMT1 in breast cancer patients were analyzed using online databases. PCMT1 expression in breast cancer cells was detected by western blot analysis. Cell proliferation was determined by CCK-8 and colony formation assays. Apoptosis was evaluated using flow cytometry analysis and caspase-3/7 activity assay. Cell invasion was assessed by Transwell invasion assay. The small nucleolar RNA host gene 16 (SNHG16)/miR-195/PCMT1 regulatory axis was identified using bioinformatics analysis.

RESULTS

PCMT1 expression was increased in breast cancer tissues and cells. High PCMT1 expression was correlated with poor prognosis in breast cancer patients. PCMT1 knockdown suppressed cell proliferation and colony formation ability in breast cancer cells. Moreover, PCMT1 knockdown induced apoptosis and restrained the invasive ability in breast cancer cells. PCMT1 overexpression increased the proliferative and invasive abilities of breast cancer cells. miR-195 was identified as the unique upstream miRNA of PCMT1. SNHG16 was identified as the unique upstream lncRNA of miR-195. SNHG16 knockdown downregulated PCMT1 by increasing miR-195 expression. Breast cancer cell proliferation was regulated by the SNHG16/miR-195/PCMT1 axis.

CONCLUSION

PCMT1 silencing inhibited cell proliferation and invasion and induced apoptosis in breast cancer cells and the SNHG16/miR-195/PCMT1 regulatory axis might serve as a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer.

Oncogenic role and potential regulatory mechanism of fatty acid binding protein 5 based on a pan-cancer analysis

As one member of fatty acid binding proteins (FABPs), FABP5 makes a contribution in the occurrence and development of several tumor types, but existing analysis about FABP5 and FABP5-related molecular mechanism remains limited. Meanwhile, some tumor patients showed limited response rates to current immunotherapy, and more potential targets need to be explored for the improvement of immunotherapy. In this study, we made a pan-cancer analysis of FABP5 based on the clinical data from The Cancer Genome Atlas database for the first time. FABP5 overexpression was observed in many tumor types, and was statistically associated with poor prognosis of several tumor types. Additionally, we further explored FABP5-related miRNAs and corresponding lncRNAs. Then, miR-577-FABP5 regulatory network in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma as well as CD27-AS1/GUSBP11/SNHG16/TTC28-AS1-miR-22-3p-FABP5 competing endogenous RNA regulatory network in liver hepatocellular carcinoma were constructed. Meanwhile, Western Blot and reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis were used to verify miR-22-3p-FABP5 relationship in LIHC cell lines. Moreover, the potential relationships of FABP5 with immune infiltration and six immune checkpoints (CD274, CTLA4, HAVCR2, LAG3, PDCD1 and TIGIT) were discovered. Our work not only deepens the understanding of FABP5's functions in multiple tumors and supplements existing FABP5-related mechanisms, but also provides more possibilities for immunotherapy.

Identification of the MALAT1/miR-106a-5p/ZNF148 feedback loop in regulating HaCaT cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis

Aims: This study aims to investigate the function of positive feedback loops involving noncoding RNA in diabetic wound healing. Methods: We developed a mouse diabetic wound model to confirm that hyperglycemia can impair wound healing. We also used an in vitro keratinocyte model in high-glucose conditions to investigate the mechanism of delayed wound healing. Results: MALAT1 was decreased in diabetic mouse wound tissue and can promote keratinocyte biological functions. MALAT1 could bind to miR-106a-5p to modulate the expression of ZNF148, a target gene of miR-106a-5p. Surprisingly, ZNF148 bound to a region in the MALAT1 promoter to stimulate gene expression. Conclusion: ZNF148-activated MALAT1 increases ZNF148 expression by competitively binding miR-106a-3p, generating a positive feedback loop that enhances keratinocyte function.

Long noncoding RNAs: glycolysis regulators in gynaecologic cancers

The three most common gynaecologic cancers that seriously threaten female lives and health are ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, and endometrial cancer. Glycolysis plays a vital role in gynaecologic cancers. Several long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are known to function as oncogenic molecules. LncRNAs impact downstream target genes by acting as ceRNAs, guides, scaffolds, decoys, or signalling molecules. However, the role of glycolysis-related lncRNAs in regulating gynaecologic cancers remains poorly understood. In this review, we emphasize the functional roles of many lncRNAs that have been found to promote glycolysis in gynaecologic cancers and discuss reasonable strategies for future research.

Transcription factor c-Rel regulated by E5 affects the whole process after HPV16 infection through miR-133a-modulated feedback loop aim at mir-379-369 cluster

BACKGROUND

During the development of cervical cancer, HPV infection causes a series of changes in transcription factors and microRNAs. But their relationships with pathogenic processes are not clear.

METHODS

Base on previous study, to analyse the relationship among HPV16 infection and the related transcription factors, related miRNAs, so as to further understand the molecular mechanism of HPV16 infection to cervical cancer, around the HPV16 related miRNAs we have reported, the methods of bioinformatics prediction, histology, cell model in vitro and molecular interaction were used for prediction and validation respectively RESULTS: The results showed that NF-κB family members(c-Rel, p65 and p50) were identified as main HPV16rmiR-transcription factors. They have different expressive characteristics in cervical lesions and play tumorigenesis or progression roles in different periods of HPV16 infection. c-Rel, p65 and p50 act as mediators which link the HPV16 E5 and HPV16 related miRNAs. Among them, c-Rel affects the occurrence and progression of cervical cancer during whole HPV16 infection stage through miR133a-3p-modulated mir-379-369 cluster with a positive feedback way which targeted c-Rel itself and its positive regulator AKT3.

CONCLUSION

So in the course of HPV16 infection, the E5, c-Rel, and miR-133a-3p form a positive feedback system which aim at mir-379-369 cluster for the whole process from HPV16 infection to cervical cancer.

Hepatocellular Carcinoma: The Role of MicroRNAs

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. HCC is diagnosed in its advanced stage when limited treatment options are available. Substantial morphologic, genetic and epigenetic heterogeneity has been reported in HCC, which poses a challenge for the development of a targeted therapy. In this review, we discuss the role and involvement of several microRNAs (miRs) in the heterogeneity and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma with a special emphasis on their possible role as a diagnostic and prognostic tool in the risk prediction, early detection, and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

The Predictive Competing Endogenous RNA Regulatory Networks and Potential Prognostic and Immunological Roles of Cyclin A2 in Pan-Cancer Analysis

Although accumulating evidence has verified the relationship between CCNA2 and cancers, no pan-cancer analysis about the function and the upstream molecular mechanism of CCNA2 is available. For the first time, we analyzed potential oncogenic roles of CCNA2 in 33 cancer types via The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Overexpression of CCNA2 is widespread in almost all cancer types, and it is related to poor prognosis and advanced pathological stages in most cases. Moreover, we conducted upstream miRNAs and lncRNAs of CCNA2 to establish upstream regulatory networks in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (LINC00997/miR-27b-3p/CCNA2), liver hepatocellular carcinoma (SNHG16, GUSBP11, FGD5-AS1, LINC00630, CD27-AS1, LINC00997/miR-22-3p/CCNA2, miR-29b-3p/CCNA2, miR-29c-3p/CCNA2, and miR-204-5p/CCNA2), and lung adenocarcinoma (miRNA-218-5p/CCNA2 and miR-204-5p/CCNA2) by expression analysis, survival analysis, and correlation analysis. The CCNA2 expression is positively correlated with Th2 cell infiltration and negatively correlated with CD4+ central memory and effector memory T-cell infiltration in different cancer types. Furthermore, CCNA2 is positively associated with expressions of immune checkpoints (CD274, CTLA4, HAVCR2, LAG3, PDCD1, and TIGIT) in most cancer types. Our first CCNA2 pan-cancer study contributes to understanding the prognostic and immunological roles and potential upstream molecular mechanisms of CCNA2 in different cancers.

Long non-coding RNA small nucleolar RNA host genes: functions and mechanisms in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors of the digestive system, with a high degree of malignancy. Although treatment methods are constantly improving, the mortality of patients is still very high, and the small nucleolar RNA host gene (SNHG) plays an important role in the occurrence and development of cancer. It can activate downstream signaling molecules by acting on microRNA and microRNA target genes, promote the proliferation, invasion, and migration of HCC cells, and provide a new molecular target for the treatment of HCC. At present, the molecular mechanisms of HCC remain unclear. In this study, the mechanism and signaling pathway of SNHG in HCC are reviewed, which provides a theoretical basis for the clinical treatment of HCC.

Macrophages in dermal disease progression of phospholipase D4-deficient Fleckvieh calves

A new gene defect in Fleckvieh calves leads to a syndrome with partial phenotype overlap with bovine hereditary zinc deficiency. A mutation in a gene encoding phospholipase D4 (PLD4), an endosomal exonuclease, causes the disorder. In mice, PLD4 activity indirectly regulates the Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) pathway via degradation of microbial DNA. PLD4 absence thus results in visceral macrophage activation comparable to human macrophage activation syndrome. In this study, disease progression and the role of macrophages in affected calves were monitored clinically, clinicopathologically, and histologically over time. Breeding data identified 73 risk matings of heterozygous carriers resulting in 54 potentially PLD4-deficient calves born on farms. PLD4 status was examined via 5'-exonuclease assay, detecting 6 calves carrying the defect. These were purchased and monitored daily until final necropsy. The calves developed progressive skin lesions starting with small scaling areas terminating in severe crusting dermatitis, especially in areas with mechanical exposure. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses indicated that macrophages with cytoplasmic vacuolation increased considerably in skin sections obtained weekly during the disease course. Macrophage increase correlated with increased dermal lesion severity. Macrophage activation was confirmed by prominent phagocytic activity in the superficial dermis using electron microscopy. Dermal mRNA abundance of CCL2 and CCL3 measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction verified macrophage activation. Further increase in mRNA of downstream molecule MyD88 and cytokine IL12b connected bovine PLD4 deficiency to increased TLR9 pathway activation. In contrast to human macrophage activation syndrome, the main feature of bovine PLD4 deficiency was local disease in organs with contact to microbial DNA (skin, intestine, lungs).

The Crosstalk Between Regulatory Non-Coding RNAs and Nuclear Factor Kappa B in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly lethal type of malignancies that possesses great loss of life safety to human beings worldwide. However, few effective means of curing HCC exist and its specific molecular basis is still far from being fully elucidated. Activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), which is often observed in HCC, is considered to play a significant part in hepatocarcinogenesis and development. The emergence of regulatory non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), particularly microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), is a defining advance in cancer biology, and related research in this branch has yielded many diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities. Recent studies have suggested that regulatory ncRNAs act as inhibitors or activators in the initiation and progression of HCC by targeting components of NF-κB signaling or regulating NF-κB activity. In this review, we attach importance to the role and function of regulatory ncRNAs in NF-κB signaling of HCC and NF-κB-associated chemoresistance in HCC, then propose future research directions and challenges of regulatory ncRNAs mediated-regulation of NF-κB pathway in HCC.

DNMT1-induced miR-378a-3p silencing promotes angiogenesis via the NF-κB signaling pathway by targeting TRAF1 in hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Angiogenesis plays an important role in the occurrence, development and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). According to previous studies, miR-378a participates in tumorigenesis and tumor metastasis, but its exact role in HCC angiogenesis remains poorly understood.

METHODS

qRT-PCR was used to investigate the expression of miR-378a-3p in HCC tissues and cell lines. The effects of miR-378a-3p on HCC in vitro and in vivo were examined by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), Transwell, tube formation and Matrigel plug assays, RNA sequencing, bioinformatics, luciferase reporter, immunofluorescence and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays were used to detect the molecular mechanism by which miR-378a-3p inhibits angiogenesis.

RESULTS

We confirmed that miR-378a-3p expression was significantly downregulated and associated with higher microvascular density (MVD) in HCC; miR-378a-3p downregulation indicated a short survival time in HCC patients. miR-378a-3p knockdown led to a significant increase in angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. We found that miR-378a-3p directly targeted TNF receptor associated factor 1 (TRAF1) to attenuate NF-κB signaling, and then downregulated secreted vascular endothelial growth factor. DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1)-mediated hypermethylation of miR-378a-3p was responsible for downregulating miR-378a-3p. Moreover, a series of investigations indicated that p65 initiated a positive feedback loop that could upregulate DNMT1 to promote hypermethylation of the miR-378a-3p promoter.

CONCLUSION

Our study indicates a novel DNMT1/miR-378a-3p/TRAF1/NF-κB positive feedback loop in HCC cells, which may become a potential therapeutic target for HCC.

A Review on the Role of Small Nucleolar RNA Host Gene 6 Long Non-coding RNAs in the Carcinogenic Processes

Being located on 17q25.1, small nucleolar RNA host gene 6 (SNHG16) is a member of SNHG family of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) with 4 exons and 13 splice variants. This lncRNA serves as a sponge for a variety of miRNAs, namely miR-520a-3p, miR-4500, miR-146a miR-16–5p, miR-98, let-7a-5p, hsa-miR-93, miR-17-5p, miR-186, miR-302a-3p, miR-605-3p, miR-140-5p, miR-195, let-7b-5p, miR-16, miR-340, miR-1301, miR-205, miR-488, miR-1285-3p, miR-146a-5p, and miR-124-3p. This lncRNA can affect activity of TGF-β1/SMAD5, mTOR, NF-κB, Wnt, RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT pathways. Almost all studies have reported oncogenic effect of SNHG16 in diverse cell types. Here, we explain the results of studies about the oncogenic role of SNHG16 according to three distinct sets of evidence, i.e., in vitro, animal, and clinical evidence.

The Role of Long Non-Coding RNA and microRNA Networks in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Its Tumor Microenvironment

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common liver malignancy with high morbidity and poor prognosis. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in crucial biological processes of tumorigenesis and progression, and play four major regulatory roles, namely signal, decoy, guide, and scaffold, to regulate gene expression. Through these processes, lncRNAs can target microRNAs (miRNAs) to form lncRNA and miRNA networks, which regulate cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, drug resistance, and the tumor microenvironment. Here, we summarize the multifaceted functions of lncRNA and miRNA networks in the pathogenesis of HCC, the potential use of diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers, and novel therapeutic targets in HCC. This review also highlights the regulatory effects of lncRNA and miRNA networks in the tumor microenvironment of HCC.

Identification of microRNA hsa-miR-30c-5p as an inhibitory factor in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma and investigation of its regulatory network via comprehensive analysis

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver cancer with high morbidity and mortality. An increasing number of abnormal gene expressions were identified to be associated with the progression of HCC. Previous studies showed that the hsa-miR-30 c-5p (miR-30 c), one of the miR-30 family members, might play a role in suppressing tumor progression in a variety of tumors. The present study aims to examine miR-30 c effects in the development of HCC. The role of miR-30 c in HCC was comprehensively investigated by using bioinformatics and experiments in vitro. The multiple databases were combined to predict and screen the target genes and upstream lncRNAs of miR-30 c, and then constructed a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network with miR-30 c as the central miRNA. The miR-30 c-related ceRNA regulatory network was also initially validated in vitro. The results showed that miR-30 c over-expression could inhibit proliferation, migration, invasion, induce apoptosis, and increase G0/G1 phase ratio of HCC cells. Three miR-30 c upstream lncRNAs and 12 miR-30 c target genes were expressed in HCC cells with increased expression and poor prognosis, and a miR-30 C-related ceRNA regulatory network was constructed. This study verified miR-30 c as an inhibitory factor in the progression of HCC and performed analyses on the miR-30 c regulatory network, which might provide potential target information for HCC prognoses and therapies. However, further experiments in vivo and studies including clinical trials will be conducted to validate our results.

Long noncoding RNA LINC01703 exacerbates the malignant properties of non-small-cell lung cancer by upregulating MACC1 in a microRNA-605-3p-mediated manner

Long intergenic nonprotein coding RNA 1703 (LINC01703) has diagnostic significancein lung adenocarcinoma. However, its specific roles in non-small-cell lung cancer(NSCLC) and downstream mechanisms have not been investigated. In the current study,we characterized the role of LINC01703 in NSCLC malignancy and elucidated itsdetailed mechanism of action. LINC01703 expression was measured by qRT-PCR. Theregulatory effects of LINC01703 on the malignancy of NSCLC cells were assessed bymultiple functional experiments. The targeted interaction was confirmed by RNAimmunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assays. Herein, overexpression ofLINC01703 in NSCLC was indicated in the TCGA database and further proven in ourcohort. Functional studies revealed that knocking down LINC01703 repressed cellproliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion in vitro, which wasaccompanied by the induction of apoptosis. The tumor growth of LINC01703-silencedcells was also inhibited in vivo. Mechanistic analyses revealed that LINC01703functioned as a competing endogenous RNA for microRNA-605-3p (miR-605-3p) inNSCLC cells, which thereby upregulated the miR-605-3p target metastasis associatedwith colon cancer 1 (MACC1). Rescue experiments highlighted that the regulatoryactions of LINC01703 ablation on NSCLC cells were abolished in response to miR-605-3p downregulation or MACC1 overexpression. In conclusion, LINC01703enhanced the aggressiveness of NSCLC cells by altering miR-605-3p/MACC1. Ourwork suggests the therapeutic potential of LINC01703/miR-605-3p/MACC1 in NSCLC.

Small nucleolar RNA host genes promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition lead cancer progression and metastasis

The small nucleolar RNA host genes (SNHGs) belong to the long non-coding RNAs and are reported to be able to influence all three levels of cellular information-bearing molecules, that is, DNA, RNA, and proteins, resulting in the generation of complex phenomena. As the host genes of the small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs), they are commonly localized in the nucleolus, where they exert multiple regulatory functions orchestrating cellular homeostasis and differentiation as well as metastasis and chemoresistance. Indeed, worldwide literature has reported their involvement in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of different histotypes of cancer, being able to exploit peculiar features, for example, the possibility to act both in the nucleus and the cytoplasm. Moreover, SNHGs regulation is a fundamental topic to better understand their role in tumor progression albeit such mechanism is still debated. Here, we reviewed the biological functions of SNHGs in particular in the EMT process and discussed the perspectives for new cancer therapies.

SNHG16/miR-605-3p/TRAF6/NF-κB feedback loop regulates hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis

The mechanism by which miR‐605‐3p regulates hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) metastasis has not been clarified. In this study, we found that miR‐605‐3p was down‐regulated in HCC and that low miR‐605‐3p expression was associated with tumour thrombus and tumour satellites. HCC patients with low miR‐605‐3p expression showed shorter overall survival and disease‐free survival after surgery. Overexpression of miR‐605‐3p inhibited epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and metastasis of HCC through NF‐κB signalling by directly inhibiting expression of TRAF6, while silencing of miR‐605‐3p had the opposite effect. We also found that SNHG16 directly bound to miR‐605‐3p as a competing endogenous RNA. Mechanistically, high expression of SNHG16 promoted binding to miR‐605‐3p and inhibited its activity, which led to up‐regulation of TRAF6 and sustained activation of the NF‐κB pathway, which in turn promoted epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and metastasis of HCC. TRAF6 increased SNHG16 promoter activity by activating NF‐κB, thereby promoting the transcriptional expression of SNHG16 and forming a positive feedback loop that aggravated HCC malignancy. Our findings reveal a mechanism for the sustained activation of the SNHG16/miR‐605‐3p/TRAF6/NF‐κB feedback loop in HCC and provide a potential target for a new HCC treatment strategy.