TMEM161B-AS1 suppresses proliferation, invasion and glycolysis by targeting miR-23a-3p/HIF1AN signal axis in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Reprogramming of glucose metabolism: The hallmark of malignant transformation and target for advanced diagnostics and treatments

Reprogramming of cancer metabolism has become increasingly concerned over the last decade, particularly the reprogramming of glucose metabolism, also known as the "Warburg effect". The reprogramming of glucose metabolism is considered a novel hallmark of human cancers. A growing number of studies have shown that reprogramming of glucose metabolism can regulate many biological processes of cancers, including carcinogenesis, progression, metastasis, and drug resistance. In this review, we summarize the major biological functions, clinical significance, potential targets and signaling pathways of glucose metabolic reprogramming in human cancers. Moreover, the applications of natural products and small molecule inhibitors targeting glucose metabolic reprogramming are analyzed, some clinical agents targeting glucose metabolic reprogramming and trial statuses are summarized, as well as the pros and cons of targeting glucose metabolic reprogramming for cancer therapy are analyzed. Overall, the reprogramming of glucose metabolism plays an important role in the prediction, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of human cancers. Glucose metabolic reprogramming-related targets have great potential to serve as biomarkers for improving individual outcomes and prognosis in cancer patients. The clinical innovations related to targeting the reprogramming of glucose metabolism will be a hotspot for cancer therapy research in the future. We suggest that more high-quality clinical trials with more abundant drug formulations and toxicology experiments would be beneficial for the development and clinical application of drugs targeting reprogramming of glucose metabolism.This review will provide the researchers with the broader perspective and comprehensive understanding about the important significance of glucose metabolic reprogramming in human cancers.

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

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

Circular RNA Circ_0122396 Regulates Human Lens Epithelial Cell Progression by Regulating miR-23a-3p and MMP16 in Age-Related Cataract

BACKGROUND

CircRNA plays a regulatory role in multiple life processes. Circ_0122396 could participate in the regulation of age-related cataract (ARC) progression. However, the precise molecular mechanisms of circ_0122396 In ARC remain enigmatic.

METHODS

Circ_0122396, microRNA (miR)-23a-3p, and matrix metalloprotease (MMP)-16 (MMP16) expression levels were detected via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Western blot was used to detect the levels of MMP16 and apoptosis-related proteins. Cell counting kit-8 analysis and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine assay were used to assess human lens epithelial cells (HLECs) proliferation. Flow cytometry was performed to determine cell apoptosis. Levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) were measured using commercial kits. Luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay, and RNA pull-down assay were used to examine the interaction among circ_0122396, miR-23a-3p, and MMP16.

RESULTS

Circ_0122396 and MMP16 were down-regulated while miR-23a-3p was up-regulated in ARC. H2O2 constrained proliferation and GSH-PX level, promotes apoptosis and MDA level in HLECs, and overexpression of circ_0122396 attenuated these effects. miR-23a-3p was a direct target of circ_0122396, and MMP16 was a direct target of miR-23a-3p. The effect of circ_0122396 overexpression on H2O2-induced HLECs was reversed by miR-23a-3p, and MMP16 elevation overturned the impacts of miR-23a-3p in H2O2-induced HLECs.

CONCLUSIONS

Circ_0122396 may regulate the progression of ARC via the miR-23a-3p/MMP16 pathway in H2O2-stimulated HLECs, which may serve as a potentially valuable biomarker and novel therapeutic target for ARC.

lncRNA TMEM161B-AS1 screened the onset of oral squamous cell carcinoma in HPV-infected patients, predicted poor prognosis, and regulated cell progression via modulating the miR-651-5p/BDNF axis

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has become the most common HPV-related cancer with high invasion and metastasis. Exploring biomarkers for the screening and monitoring of OSCC, especially for the HPV-OSCC, would benefit patients' diagnosis and prognosis. This study evaluated the significance and mechanism of TMEM161B-AS1 and miR-651-5p in HPV-OSCC aiming to provide novel insight into the mechanism of HPV-OSCC development. Expression of TMEM161B-AS1 and miR-561-5p was analyzed in healthy individuals, HPV-infected non-OSCC patients, and HPV-OSCC patients using PCR. Their significance in HPV-OSCC occurrence and prognosis was evaluated by logistic regression, ROC, Kaplan-Meier, and Cox regression analysis. In OSCC cells, CCK8 and Transwell assays were employed for assessing cell growth and metastasis. The luciferase reporter assay and cell transfection were performed to evaluate the regulatory association between TMEM161B-AS1, miR-561-5p, and BDNF. Significant upregulation of TMEM161B-AS1 and downregulation of miR-561-5p were observed in oral HPV-infected patients. Both TMEM161B-AS1 and miR-651-5p served as risk factors for the occurrence of OSCC in oral HPV-infected patients and could distinguish HPV-OSCC patients from HPV-infected non-OSCC patients. Increased TMEM161B-AS1 and reduced miR-561-5p indicated severe development and adverse prognosis of HPV-OSCC patients. In OSCC cells, silencing TMEM161-AS1 suppressed cell proliferation and motility via negatively modulating miR-561-5p. miR-561-5p negatively regulated BDNF, which was considered the underlying mechanism of TMEM161B-AS1. Increasing TMEM161B-AS expression and decreasing miR-561-5p showed the occurrence of OSCC in HPV-infected patients and predicted malignant development and adverse prognosis. TMEME161B-AS1 served as a tumor promoter via regulating the miR-561-5p/BDNF axis.

Long noncoding RNAs, glucose metabolism and cancer (Review)

Cancer is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease, which, despite numerous advances over several decades, remains a challenge to treat that challenging to detect at an early stage or treat during the later stages. Long noncoding RNAs are >200 nucleotides long and do not possess protein-coding capacity, instead regulating cellular processes, such as proliferation, differentiation, maturation, apoptosis, metastasis, and sugar metabolism. Several studies have shown the role of lncRNAs and glucose metabolism in regulating several key glycolytic enzymes and the activity of multiple functional signaling pathways during tumor progression. Thus, it is possible to further learn about the effects of lncRNA and glycolytic metabolism on tumor diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis through a thorough investigation of the lncRNA expression profiles and glycolytic metabolism in tumors. This may provide a novel strategy for improving the management of several types of cancer.

Fins, fur, and wings: the study of Tmem161b across species, and what it tells us about its function in the heart

Transmembrane protein 161b (Tmem161b) was recently identified in multiple high-through-put phenotypic screens, including in fly, zebrafish, and mouse. In zebrafish, Tmem161b was identified as an essential regulator of cardiac rhythm. In mouse, Tmem161b shows conserved function in regulating cardiac rhythm but has also been shown to impact cardiac morphology. Homozygous or heterozygous missense mutations have also recently been reported for TMEM161B in patients with structural brain malformations, although its significance in the human heart remains to be determined. Across the three model organisms studied to date (fly, fish, and mouse), Tmem161b loss of function is implicated in intracellular calcium ion handling, which may explain the diverse phenotypes observed. This review summarises the current knowledge of this conserved and functionally essential protein in the context of cardiac biology.

Retraction Note: Long non-coding RNA SLC2A1-AS1 induced by GLI3 promotes aerobic glycolysis and progression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by sponging miR-378a-3p to enhance Glut1 expression

This article has been retracted. Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail: https://10.1186/s13046-021-02081-8.

The roles and mechanisms of the lncRNA-miRNA axis in the progression of esophageal cancer: a narrative review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Esophageal cancer is one of the most common malignant digestive tract tumors. Despite various treatment methods, the prognosis of patients remains unsatisfactory, largely due to an insufficient understanding of the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis and progression of esophageal cancer. More than 98% of the nucleotide sequences in the human genome do not encode proteins, and their transcription products are noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), mainly long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs). Experiments have shown that lncRNAs and miRNAs play crucial roles in the occurrence and progression of various human malignancies. These ncRNAs influence the progression of esophageal cancer through an intricate regulatory network. We herein summarized the roles and mechanisms of the lncRNA-miRNA axis in esophageal cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), invasion and metastasis, drug resistance, radiotherapy resistance, and angiogenesis. This review provides a rationale for anticancer therapy that targets the lncRNA-miRNA axis in esophageal cancer.

METHODS

Related articles published in the PubMed database between 05/30/2008 to 09/10/2022 were identified using the following terms: "lncRNA AND miRNA AND esophageal cancer", "lncRNA AND miRNA AND cell proliferation", "lncRNA AND miRNA AND apoptosis", "lncRNA AND miRNA AND EMT", "lncRNA AND miRNA AND invasion and metastasis", "lncRNA AND miRNA AND drug resistance", and "lncRNA AND miRNA AND radiotherapy resistance". Published articles written in English available to readers were considered.

KEY CONTENT AND FINDINGS

We summarized the roles of the lncRNA-miRNA axis in the progression of esophageal cancer, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, EMT, invasion and metastasis, drug resistance, radio resistance, and other progressions, and determined that the lncRNA-miRNA axis may serve as a potential clinical treatment target for esophageal cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

The lncRNA-miRNA axis is closely related to the progression of esophageal cancer and may act as a potential biological target for the clinical treatment of patients with esophageal cancer.

Construction of a focal adhesion signaling pathway-related ceRNA network in pelvic organ prolapse by transcriptome analysis

Objective: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) affects a large proportion of adult women, but the pathogenesis of POP remains unclear. The increase in global population aging will impose a substantial medical burden. Herein, we aimed to explore the related RNAs regulating the occurrence of POP and provide potential therapeutic targets.

Method: Tissue biopsies were collected from the anterior vaginal wall of six women with POP and six matched subjects without POP. The profiles of mRNAs, circRNAs, lncRNAs, and miRNAs were obtained by whole transcriptome RNA sequencing.

Result: The findings revealed that 71 circRNAs, 76 known lncRNAs, 84 miRNAs, and 931 mRNAs were significantly altered (p < 0.05 and |log2FC| > 1). GO and KEGG enrichment analyses indicated that the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were mainly enriched in the focal adhesion signaling pathway. FLT, ITGA9, VEGFD, PPP1R12B, and ROCK2 were identified as focal adhesion signaling pathway-related hub genes by protein–protein interaction network analysis. Based on the relationships between the DEGs and miRNA, lncRNA and circRNA targets, we constructed a focal adhesion signaling pathway-related ceRNA network. The ceRNA network includes hsa_circ_0002190/hsa_circ_0046843/lnc-CARMN -miR-23a-3p - ROCK2 and hsa_circ_0001326/hsa_circ_0007733/lnc-AC107959/lnc-TPM1-AS - miR-205-5p - ROCK2/PPP1R12B/VEGFD. Moreover, abnormalities in the cytoskeleton in fibroblasts from individuals with POP were observed.

Conclusion: In this study, a focal adhesion signaling pathway-related ceRNA network was constructed, and this network may serve as a target for finding suitable drugs for the treatment of POP.

Promising Biomarkers in Head and Neck Cancer: The Most Clinically Important miRNAs

Head and neck cancers (HNCs) comprise a heterogeneous group of tumors that extend from the oral cavity to the upper gastrointestinal tract. The principal etiologic factors for oral tumors include tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption, while human papillomavirus (HPV) infections have been accused of a high incidence of pharyngeal tumors. Accordingly, HPV detection has been extensively used to categorize carcinomas of the head and neck. The diverse nature of HNC highlights the necessity for novel, sensitive, and precise biomarkers for the prompt diagnosis of the disease, its successful monitoring, and the timely prognosis of patient clinical outcomes. In this context, the identification of certain microRNAs (miRNAs) and/or the detection of alterations in their expression patterns, in a variety of somatic fluids and tissues, could serve as valuable biomarkers for precision oncology. In the present review, we summarize some of the most frequently studied miRNAs (including miR-21, -375, -99, -34a, -200, -31, -125a/b, -196a/b, -9, -181a, -155, -146a, -23a, -16, -29, and let-7), their role as biomarkers, and their implication in HNC pathogenesis. Moreover, we designate the potential of given miRNAs and miRNA signatures as novel diagnostic and prognostic tools for successful patient stratification. Finally, we discuss the currently ongoing clinical trials that aim to identify the diagnostic, prognostic, or therapeutic utility of miRNAs in HNC.

Identification of A Risk Signature Based on Lactic Acid Metabolism-Related LncRNAs in Patients With Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Lactic acid, formerly thought of as a byproduct of glycolysis or a metabolic waste produced, has now been identified as a key regulator of cancer growth, maintenance, and progression. However, the results of investigations on lactic acid metabolism-related long non-coding RNAs (LRLs) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remain inconclusive. In this study, univariate Cox regression analysis was carried out in the TCGA cohort, and 9 lncRNAs were shown to be significantly associated with prognosis. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis and multivariate Cox regression analysis were then used in the GEO cohort. 6 LRLs were identified as independent prognostic factors for ESCC patients used to construct a prognostic risk-related signature subsequently. Two groups were formed based on the middle value of risk scores: a low-risk group and a high-risk group. Following that, we conducted Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, which revealed that the high-risk group had a lower survival probability than the low-risk group in both GEO and TCGA cohorts. On multivariate Cox regression analysis, the prognostic signature was shown to be independent prognostic factor, and it was found to be a better predictor of the prognosis of ESCC patients than the currently widely used grading and staging approaches. The established nomogram can be conveniently applied in the clinic to predict the 1-, 3-, and 5- year survival rates of patients. There was a significant link found between the 6 LRLs-based prognostic signature and immune-cell infiltration, tumor microenvironment (TME), tumor somatic mutational status, and chemotherapeutic treatment sensitivity in the study population. Finally, we used GTEx RNA-seq data and qRT-PCR experiments to verify the expression levels of 6 LRLs. In conclusion, we constructed a prognostic signature which could predict the prognosis and immunotherapy response of ESCC patients.

CircSLC8A1 targets miR-181a-5p/HIF1AN pathway to inhibit the growth, migration and extracellular matrix deposition of human keloid fibroblasts

BACKGROUND

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are identified as important regulators in human diseases, including keloid. The purpose of this study is to reveal the role and molecular mechanism of circSLC8A1 in keloid formation.

METHODS

Expression of circSLC8A1, microRNA (miR)-181a-5p, and hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha inhibitor (HIF1AN) were detected by quantitative real-time PCR. Protein expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition markers and HIF1AN was detected by western blot analysis. Furthermore, the interaction between miR-181a-5p and circSLC8A1 or HIF1AN was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay, RIP assay and RNA pull-down assay.

RESULTS

Expression of circSLC8A1 was downregulated in keloid tissues and HKFs. Overexpression of circSLC8A1 suppressed HKFs proliferation, migration, ECM deposition, and promoted apoptosis. MiR-181a-5p is targeted by circSLC8A1, and its mimic reversed the effect of circSLC8A1 on the biological function of HKFs. HIF1AN was a target of miR-181a-5p, and it was positively regulated by circSLC8A1. Knockdown of HIF1AN also reversed the negatively regulation of circSLC8A1 on the biological functions of HKFs.

CONCLUSION

Our data showed that circSLC8A1 regulates the miR-181a-5p/HIF1AN axis to restrain HKFs biological functions, confirming that circSLC8A1 might serve as a novel therapeutic target for keloids.

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

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

Comprehensive Analysis of YTHDF1 Immune Infiltrates and ceRNA in Human Esophageal Carcinoma

Background: YTHDF1 is highly expressed in multiple tumors and affects tumor progression. However, there are only a few comprehensive studies on the analysis of YTHDF1 in esophageal cancer.

Methods: We analyzed YTHDF1 expression in pan-cancer by comparing both the GEPIA and TCGA cohorts, and further verified the differences in YTHDF1 expression between the ESCA and normal groups by the GEO ESCA cohort and in vitro experiments. The correlation of YTHDF1 expression and the clinical characteristics of ESCA patients was analyzed using the TCGA ESCA clinical data. The GO and KEGG enrichment analyses of the YTHDF1 coexpressed genes were completed by bioinformatics analysis, and the GGI and PPI were constructed for the YTHDF1, respectively. The relationship between YTHDF1 expression and the infiltration of ESCA immune cells was analyzed by using the TIMER database and the TCGA ESCA cohort. The relationships between YTHDF1 expression levels and glycolysis and ferroptosis-related genes were analyzed using the TCGA and GEPIA ESCA cohorts. Finally, the ceRNA network that may be involved in YTHDF1 in ESCA was predicted and constructed through a variety of databases.

Results: YTHDF1 was overexpressed in various cancers, and in vitro experiments confirmed that YTHDF1 expression was higher in ESCA samples than in normal samples. The expression of YTHDF1 has some accuracy in predicting the tumor outcome. Expression of YTHDF1 was significantly associated with multiple clinical features in ESCA patients. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses indicated that YTHDF1 coexpressed genes involved multiple biological functions. There is a potential association between YTHDF1 expression and multiple immune cell infiltration, glycolysis, and ferroptosis-related genes in ESCA. YTHDF1 may be involved in multiple ceRNA regulatory networks in ESCA, including PAXIP1-AS1/hsa-miR-376c-3p/YTHDF1 axis, THUMPD3-AS1/hsa-miR-655-3p/YTHDF1 axis, and SNHG20/hsa-miR-655-3p/YTHDF1 axis, respectively.

Conclusion: YTHDF1 can serve as a biomarker of ESCA, related to the immune cell infiltration of ESCA, regulation of glycolysis and ferroptosis, and the ceRNA regulatory network.

TMEM161B-AS1 suppresses proliferation, invasion and glycolysis by targeting miR-23a-3p/HIF1AN signal axis in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Mounting data have shown that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) widely participate in tumour initiation, development, progression and glycolysis in a variety of tumours. However, the clinical prognosis and molecular mechanisms of TMEM161B-AS1 in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remain still unknown. Here, TMEM161B-AS1 and HIF1AN were significantly lower in ESCC tissues than in normal samples, and their low expressions were both related to TNM stage, lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis of ESCC patients. Functionally, TMEM161B-AS1 overexpression or miR-23a-3p depletion suppressed the proliferation, invasion and glycolysis as well as reduced glucose consumption and lactate production in ESCC cells. Mechanistically, TMEM161B-AS1 manipulated HIF1AN expression by competitively sponging miR-23a-3p in ESCC cells. MiR-23a-3p mimic and HIF1AN siRNA partly reversed cell phenotypes mediated by TMEM161B-AS1 in ESCC cells. Collectively, TMEM161B-AS1, miR-23a-3p and HIF1AN may be tightly involved in ESCC development and progression as well as patients' prognosis, and TMEM161B-AS1/miR-23a-3p/HIF1AN signal axis may be a promising target for the treatment of ESCC patients.