TRPS1 targeting by miR-221/222 promotes the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in breast cancer

Preferential release of microRNAs via extracellular vesicles is associated with ductal carcinoma in situ to invasive breast cancer progression

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a precancerous condition that increases the risk of invasive breast cancer (IBC), but not all DCIS cases progress to IBC. The molecular factors driving this transition remain unclear. Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), or exosomes, play a role in advanced cancer progression, though their function in DCIS is poorly understood. This study explores the role of sEVs and their RNA content in DCIS progression. We found that Rab27A, a key regulator of exosome release, is upregulated in DCIS and IBC tissues compared to normal breast tissue. Inhibiting sEV release by knocking down Rab27A disrupted pro-invasive signaling and reduced invasion in a DCIS mouse model. Using the MCF10 breast cancer progression series, we observed increased microRNA (miRNA) content in sEVs as cells transitioned from normal to malignant, with the most significant differential miRNA expression seen in IBC-derived sEVs. In vivo, DCIS progression raised circulating sEV miRNA levels, which were reduced by Rab27A knockdown. Reintroducing miR-205, enriched in IBC-derived sEVs, suppressed DCIS cell proliferation, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers. Co-expression of miR-205 with Rab27A knockdown also suppressed TGF-β signaling, activated MAPK p38, and induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. These findings show that the RNA cargo of sEVs changes during malignancy, with specific miRNAs driving DCIS progression. Re-expression of miR-205 offers a promising therapeutic approach to prevent DCIS from becoming invasive.

Upregulation of TRPS1 promotes proliferation, migration, and invasion in ovarian clear cell carcinoma and correlates with poor patient prognosis

OBJECTIVE

Tricho-rhino-phalangeal syndrome-1 (TRPS1), an atypical GATA transcription factor, plays a critical role in diverse physiological and pathological processes and holds potential as a biomarker for diseases and targeted tumor therapies. This study explores TRPS1 expression in ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC), its correlation with patient prognosis, and its involvement in OCCC pathogenesis.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES AND METHODS

To investigate TRPS1 expression, we analyzed ovarian tissues from 50 OCCC patients and 25 normal tissues (from patients with uterine leiomyoma) via immunohistochemistry. Statistical methods, including Chi-square tests, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, and Cox regression, were employed to evaluate the correlation between TRPS1 expression and clinicopathological parameters. In OCCC cell lines (TOV21G and ES-2), TRPS1 expression was quantified using qRT-PCR and Western blot. Functional studies were conducted by silencing TRPS1 in TOV21G cells with small interfering RNA and inducing overexpression in ES-2 cells using a plasmid. Cellular proliferation and migration were assessed through CCK-8, colony formation, and Transwell assays. Finally, Western blot analysis was performed to investigate the link between TRPS1 and EMT-related molecular pathways.

RESULTS

TRPS1 protein expression was significantly higher in OCCC tissues compared to normal tissues and was positively associated with lymph node metastasis and advanced clinical stage. High TRPS1 expression was linked to shorter overall and recurrence-free survival in OCCC patients. In vitro, TRPS1 knockdown suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, accompanied by reduced levels of invasion-promoting proteins (N-cadherin, MMP2, MMP9) and increased expression of the invasion-inhibiting protein E-cadherin. Conversely, TRPS1 overexpression promoted the expression of invasion-promoting proteins.

CONCLUSIONS

TRPS1 is overexpressed in OCCC and is associated with poor prognosis, serving as an independent predictor of patient outcomes. Its elevated expression enhances OCCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by regulating proteins involved in the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway. These findings highlight TRPS1 as a critical player in OCCC pathogenesis and a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for disease management.

Non-coding RNAs as key regulators of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in breast cancer

This study examines the critical role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in breast cancer, a prevalent malignancy with significant metastatic potential. EMT, wherein cancer cells acquire mesenchymal traits, is fundamental to metastasis. ncRNAs-such as microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs)-modulate EMT by influencing gene expression and signaling pathways, affecting cancer cell migration and invasion. This review consolidates recent findings on ncRNA-mediated EMT regulation and explores their diagnostic and therapeutic potential. Specifically, miRNAs inhibit EMT-related transcription factors, while lncRNAs and circRNAs regulate gene expression through interactions with miRNAs, impacting EMT progression. Given the influence of ncRNAs on metastasis and therapeutic resistance, advancing ncRNA-based biomarkers and treatments holds promise for improving breast cancer outcomes.

Relationship between androgen receptor and androgen receptor-related protein expression in breast cancers focusing on morphologically identified carcinoma with apocrine differentiation

Breast cancer (BC) is classified based on the expression of histopathological markers, namely, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PgR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Carcinomas with apocrine differentiation (CAD) are classified based on morphology. Androgen receptor (AR) is highly expressed in CAD; however, no study has comprehensively examined AR-related proteins in CAD. Therefore, we examined the expression of AR-related proteins and AR, compared protein expression patterns between morphologically identified CAD and other BC subtypes, and investigated CAD characteristics. We performed immunohistochemistry for AR and various AR-related proteins in 66 invasive ductal carcinoma (32 ER+/PgR+/HER2-, 8 ER+/PgR+/HER2+, 12 ER-/PgR-/HER2+, and 14 ER-/PgR-/HER2- [triple-negative breast cancer)), 21 invasive lobular carcinoma, and 27 CAD cases. In the CAD group, all cases were AR-positive; some AR-related proteins were highly expressed. Nuclear phosphorylated-mammalian target of rapamycin was highly expressed in CAD cases compared with that in other BC groups, with a 33.3% sensitivity and 97.7% specificity. AR-expressing CAD cases exhibited high expression of other AR-related proteins. Specifically, the combination of AR+, GCDFP15+, and ER - or AR+, FOXA1+, and ER - may be useful for the diagnosis and treatment of AR-positive BC and CAD. These results may assist in androgen-related molecular targeted therapy research.

Analysis of the function, mechanism and clinical application prospect of TRPS1, a new marker for breast cancer

It has been discovered that Trichorhinophalangeal Syndrome-1 (TRPS1), a novel member of the GATA transcription factor family, participates in both normal physiological processes and the development of numerous diseases. Recently, TRPS1 has been identified as a new biomarker to aid in cancer diagnosis and is very common in breast cancer (BC), especially in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). In this review, we discussed the structure and function of TRPS1 in various normal cells, focused on its role in tumorigenesis and tumor development, and summarize the research status of TRPS1 in the occurrence and development of BC. We also analyzed the potential use of TRPS1 in guiding clinically personalized precision treatment and the development of targeted drugs.

Screening the human miRNA interactome reveals coordinated up-regulation in melanoma, adding bidirectional regulation to miRNA networks

Cellular protein expression is coordinated posttranscriptionally by an intricate regulatory network. The current presumption is that microRNAs (miRNAs) work by repression of functionally related targets within a system. In recent work, up-regulation of protein expression via direct interactions of messenger RNA with miRNA has been found in dividing cells, providing an additional mechanism of regulation. Herein, we demonstrate coordinated up-regulation of functionally coupled proteins by miRNA. We focused on CD98hc, the heavy chain of the amino acid transporter LAT-1, and α-2,3-sialyltransferases ST3GAL1 and ST3GAL2, which are critical for CD98hc stability in melanoma. Profiling miRNA regulation using our high-throughput miRFluR assay, we identified miRNA that up-regulated the expression of both CD98hc and either ST3GAL1 or ST3GAL2. These co-up-regulating miRNAs were enriched in melanoma datasets associated with transformation and progression. Our findings add co-up-regulation by miRNA into miRNA regulatory networks and add a bidirectional twist to the impact miRNAs have on protein regulation and glycosylation.

Exosomal noncoding RNA (ncRNA) in breast cancer pathogenesis and therapy; two sides of the same coin

Over the past few years, breast cancer has become the most prevalent type of cancer globally, with the primary cause of death from the disease being metastatic cancer. This has led to the development of early detection techniques, mainly using non-invasive biomarkers in a range of body fluids. Exosomes are unique extracellular vesicles (EVs) transmitting cellular signals over great distances via various cargo. They are readily apparent in physiological fluids due to release by breast cancer cells or breast cancer-tumor microenvironment (TME) cells. In light of this, numerous biological and functional facets of human tumours, such as breast cancer, are intimately associated with exosomal noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), containing miRNAs (microRNAs), lncRNAs (long noncoding RNAs), and circRNAs (circular RNAs). Exosomal ncRNAs serve a critical role in various steps of breast cancer development, enabling the exchange of genetic information between cancer cells and other cells (e.g., immune cells), thus regulating tumour angiogenesis, growth, metastasis, immune responses and drug resistance. They interact with multiple regulatory complexes with dissimilar enzymatic actions, which, in turn, modify the chromatin sceneries, including nucleosome modifications, DNA methylation, and histone modifications. Herein, we look into the exosomes' underlying regulatory mechanisms in breast cancer. Furthermore, we inspect the existing understanding of the functions of exosomal miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs in breast cancer to authenticate their possible significance in identifying biomarkers, deciphering their role in immune escape and drug resistance, and finally, analyzing treatment practices.

LINC00365 promotes miR-221-5p to inhibit pyroptosis via Dicer in colorectal cancer

Pyroptosis, a newly discovered form of programmed cell death, is involved in the occurrence, development and drug resistance of a variety of tumors and has attracted increasing attention in recent years. LINC00365 is a novel lncRNA that has rarely been reported before. We previously reported that LINC00365 expression in colorectal cancer is closely associated with poor patient outcomes. Additionally, LINC00365 was confirmed to be positively correlated with miR-221-5p, and miR-221-5p is negatively correlated with gasdermin-D (GSDMD) in colorectal cancer tissues. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter gene experiments revealed that GSDMD is the target gene of miR-221-5p. Cell function experiments and nude mouse tumor transplantation assays confirmed that LINC00365 could regulate the expressions of pyroptosis-related proteins such as Caspase-1, Caspase-11, NLRP3 and GSDMD. RNA pulldown and RNA immunoprecipitation experiments further elucidated the mechanism by which LINC00365 regulates miR-221-5p. In the present study, we observe that LINC00365 promotes the expression of miR-221-5p by binding to the Dicer enzyme to inhibit GSDMD and plays an antipyroptotic role. Our findings suggest that LINC00365 may serve as a molecular biomarker for estimating the prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer and as a potential therapeutic target for colorectal cancer.

Single-cell exome sequencing reveals polyclonal seeding and TRPS1 mutations in colon cancer metastasis

Liver metastasis remains the primary cause of mortality in patients with colon cancer. Identifying specific driver gene mutations that contribute to metastasis may offer viable therapeutic targets. To explore clonal evolution and genetic heterogeneity within the metastasis, we conducted single-cell exome sequencing on 150 single cells isolated from the primary tumor, liver metastasis, and lymphatic metastasis from a stage IV colon cancer patient. The genetic landscape of the tumor samples revealed that both lymphatic and liver metastases originated from the same region of the primary tumor. Notably, the liver metastasis was derived directly from the primary tumor, bypassing the lymph nodes. Comparative analysis of the sequencing data for individual cell pairs within different tumors demonstrated that the genetic heterogeneity of both liver and lymphatic metastases was also greater than that of the primary tumor. This finding indicates that liver and lymphatic metastases arose from clusters of circulating tumor cell (CTC) of a polyclonal origin, rather than from a single cell from the primary tumor. Single-cell transcriptome analysis suggested that higher EMT score and CNV scores were associated with more polyclonal metastasis. Additionally, a mutation in the TRPS1 (Transcriptional repressor GATA binding 1) gene, TRPS1 R544Q, was enriched in the single cells from the liver metastasis. The mutation significantly increased CRC invasion and migration both in vitro and in vivo through the TRPS1R544Q/ZEB1 axis. Further TRPS1 mutations were detected in additional colon cancer cases, correlating with advanced-stage disease and inferior prognosis. These results reveal polyclonal seeding and TRPS1 mutation as potential mechanisms driving the development of liver metastases in colon cancer.

Restricting Colorectal Cancer Cell Metabolism with Metformin: An Integrated Transcriptomics Study

BACKGROUND

Metformin is a first-line therapy for type 2 diabetes as it disrupts cellular metabolism. Despite the association between metformin and lower cancer incidence, the anti-tumour activity of the drug in colorectal cancer (CRC) is incompletely understood. This study identifies underlying molecular mechanisms by which metformin slows colorectal cancer cell proliferation by investigating metformin-associated microRNA (miRNA) and target gene pairs implicated in signalling pathways.

METHODS

The present study analysed changes in miRNAs and the coding transcriptome in CRC cells treated with a sublethal dose of metformin, followed by the contextual validation of potential miRNA-target gene pairs.

RESULTS

Analyses of small RNA and transcriptome sequencing data revealed 104 miRNAs and 1221 mRNAs to be differentially expressed in CRC cells treated with metformin for 72 h. Interaction networks between differentially expressed miRNAs and putative target mRNAs were identified. Differentially expressed genes were mainly implicated in metabolism and signalling processes, such as the PI3K-Akt and MAPK/ERK pathways. Further validation of potential miRNA-target mRNA pairs revealed that metformin induced miR-2110 and miR-132-3p to target PIK3R3 and, consequently, regulate CRC cell proliferation, cell cycle progression and the PI3K-Akt signalling pathway. Metformin also induced miR-222-3p and miR-589-3p, which directly target STMN1 to inhibit CRC cell proliferation and cell cycle progression.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified novel changes in the coding transcriptome and small non-coding RNAs associated with metformin treatment of CRC cells. Integration of these datasets highlighted underlying mechanisms by which metformin impedes cell proliferation in CRC. Importantly, it identified the post-transcriptional regulation of specific genes that impact both metabolism and cell proliferation.

MicroRNAs as the critical regulators of epithelial mesenchymal transition in pancreatic tumor cells

Pancreatic cancer (PC), as one of the main endocrine and digestive systems malignancies has the highest cancer related mortality in the world. Lack of the evident clinical symptoms and appropriate diagnostic markers in the early stages of tumor progression are the main reasons of the high mortality rate among PC patients. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the molecular pathways involved in the PC progression, in order to introduce novel early diagnostic methods. Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical cellular process associated with pancreatic tumor cells invasion and distant metastasis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are also important regulators of EMT process. In the present review, we discussed the role of miRNAs in regulation of EMT process during PC progression. It has been reported that the miRNAs mainly regulate the EMT process in pancreatic tumor cells through the regulation of EMT-specific transcription factors and several signaling pathways such as WNT, NOTCH, TGF-β, JAK/STAT, and PI3K/AKT. Considering the high stability of miRNAs in body fluids and their role in regulation of EMT process, they can be introduced as the non-invasive diagnostic markers in the early stages of malignant pancreatic tumors. This review paves the way to introduce a non-invasive EMT based panel marker for the early tumor detection among PC patients.

Exploring the intricate relationship between miRNA dysregulation and breast cancer development: insights into the impact of environmental chemicals

Breast cancer stands as the most prevalent form of cancer among women globally, influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Recent studies have investigated changes in microRNAs (miRNAs) during breast cancer progression and the potential impact of environmental chemicals on miRNA expression. This review aims to provide an updated overview of miRNA alterations in breast cancer and to explore their potential association with environmental chemicals. We will discuss the current knowledge on dysregulated miRNAs in breast cancer, including both upregulated and downregulated miRNAs. Additionally, we will review the influence of environmental chemicals, such as endocrine-disrupting compounds, heavy metals, and air pollutants, on miRNA expression and their potential contribution to breast cancer development. This review aims to advance our understanding of the complex molecular mechanisms underlying miRNA dysregulation in breast cancer by comprehensively examining miRNA alterations and their association with environmental chemicals. This knowledge is crucial for the development of targeted therapies and preventive measures. Furthermore, identifying specific miRNAs affected by environmental chemicals may allow the prediction of individual susceptibility to breast cancer and the design of personalized intervention strategies.

TRPS1 is a promising marker for all subtypes of breast cancer

AIMS

Trichorhinophalangeal syndrome-1 (TRPS1) has been proposed as a novel breast marker with equally high expression in breast cancer (BC) subtypes, making it a useful diagnostic tool. Here, its expression was evaluated alongside other commonly used markers [GATA3, GCDFP15, mammaglobin (MGB) and SOX10] in a large cohort of BCs (n = 1852) and their corresponding nodal metastases. Its usefulness as a diagnostic tool and its correlation with clinicopathological features were assessed.

METHODS AND RESULTS

TRPS1 was expressed at 75.8% overall in the BC cohort, with at least 58% expression among BC subtypes. It was less sensitive than GATA3 for luminal and HER2-overexpressing (HER2-OE) cancers (luminal A: 82 versus 97%; luminal B: 80 versus 95%; HER2-OE: 62 versus 76%), but it was the most sensitive for TNBC (60 versus ≤ 41%). It showed a stable expression in nodal metastases (primary tumour 76 versus nodal metastasis 78%), unlike a reduced nodal expression for GATA3 (86 versus 77%). TRPS1 outperformed GATA3 in detecting non-luminal cancers when paired with other breast markers. TRPS1 and GCDFP15 was the most sensitive combination in TNBC detection, with a 76% detection rate. For TRPS1-negative and GCDFP15-negative TNBCs, SOX10 was more sensitive than GATA3 (29 versus 24%).

CONCLUSIONS

TRPS1 is a highly sensitive marker for all breast cancer subtypes, outperforming GATA3 in non-luminal cancers and displaying the highest sensitivity for TNBC detection when combined with GCDFP15. It is a valuable addition to the breast marker panel for accurate identification of BC.

Clinical impact of epithelial–mesenchymal transition for cancer therapy

The epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) represents a pivotal frontier in oncology, playing a central role in the metastatic cascade of cancer—a leading global health challenge. This comprehensive review delves into the complexities of EMT, a process where cancer cells gain exceptional mobility, facilitating their invasion into distant organs and the establishment of secondary malignancies. We thoroughly examine the myriad of factors influencing EMT, encompassing transcription factors, signalling pathways, metabolic alterations, microRNAs, long non‐coding RNAs, epigenetic changes, exosomal interactions and the intricate dynamics of the tumour microenvironment. Particularly, the review emphasises the advanced stages of EMT, crucial for the development of highly aggressive cancer phenotypes. During this phase, cancer cells penetrate the vascular barrier and exploit the bloodstream to propagate life‐threatening metastases through the mesenchymal–epithelial transition. We also explore EMT's significant role in fostering tumour dormancy, senescence, the emergence of cancer stem cells and the formidable challenge of therapeutic resistance. Our review transcends a mere inventory of EMT‐inducing elements; it critically assesses the current state of EMT‐focused clinical trials, revealing both the hurdles and significant breakthroughs. Highlighting the potential of EMT research, we project its transformative impact on the future of cancer therapy. This exploration is aimed at paving the way towards an era of effectively managing this relentless disease, positioning EMT at the forefront of innovative cancer research strategies.

TRPS1 modulates chromatin accessibility to regulate estrogen receptor alpha (ER) binding and ER target gene expression in luminal breast cancer cells

Common genetic variants in the repressive GATA-family transcription factor (TF) TRPS1 locus are associated with breast cancer risk, and luminal breast cancer cell lines are particularly sensitive to TRPS1 knockout. We introduced an inducible degron tag into the native TRPS1 locus within a luminal breast cancer cell line to identify the direct targets of TRPS1 and determine how TRPS1 mechanistically regulates gene expression. We acutely deplete over 80 percent of TRPS1 from chromatin within 30 minutes of inducing degradation. We find that TRPS1 regulates transcription of hundreds of genes, including those related to estrogen signaling. TRPS1 directly regulates chromatin structure, which causes estrogen receptor alpha (ER) to redistribute in the genome. ER redistribution leads to both repression and activation of dozens of ER target genes. Downstream from these primary effects, TRPS1 depletion represses cell cycle-related gene sets and reduces cell doubling rate. Finally, we show that high TRPS1 activity, calculated using a gene expression signature defined by primary TRPS1-regulated genes, is associated with worse breast cancer patient prognosis. Taken together, these data suggest a model in which TRPS1 modulates the genomic distribution of ER, both activating and repressing transcription of genes related to cancer cell fitness.

MicroRNAs as Molecular Biomarkers for the Characterization of Basal-like Breast Tumor Subtype

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease highlighted by the presence of multiple tumor variants and the basal-like breast cancer (BLBC) is considered to be the most aggressive variant with limited therapeutics and a poor prognosis. Though the absence of detectable protein and hormonal receptors as biomarkers hinders early detection, the integration of genomic and transcriptomic profiling led to the identification of additional variants in BLBC. The high-throughput analysis of tissue-specific micro-ribonucleic acids (microRNAs/miRNAs) that are deemed to have a significant role in the development of breast cancer also displayed distinct expression profiles in each subtype of breast cancer and thus emerged to be a robust approach for the precise characterization of the BLBC subtypes. The classification schematic of breast cancer is still a fluid entity that continues to evolve alongside technological advancement, and the transcriptomic profiling of tissue-specific microRNAs is projected to aid in the substratification and diagnosis of the BLBC tumor subtype. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on breast tumor classification, aim to collect comprehensive evidence based on the microRNA expression profiles, and explore their potential as prospective biomarkers of BLBC.

MicroRNA-Mediated Regulation of Histone-Modifying Enzymes in Cancer: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications

In the past decade, significant advances in molecular research have provided a deeper understanding of the intricate regulatory mechanisms involved in carcinogenesis. MicroRNAs, short non-coding RNA sequences, exert substantial influence on gene expression by repressing translation or inducing mRNA degradation. In the context of cancer, miRNA dysregulation is prevalent and closely associated with various stages of carcinogenesis, including initiation, progression, and metastasis. One crucial aspect of the cancer phenotype is the activity of histone-modifying enzymes that govern chromatin accessibility for transcription factors, thus impacting gene expression. Recent studies have revealed that miRNAs play a significant role in modulating these histone-modifying enzymes, leading to significant implications for genes related to proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis in cancer cells. This article provides an overview of current research on the mechanisms by which miRNAs regulate the activity of histone-modifying enzymes in the context of cancer. Both direct and indirect mechanisms through which miRNAs influence enzyme expression are discussed. Additionally, potential therapeutic implications arising from miRNA manipulation to selectively impact histone-modifying enzyme activity are presented. The insights from this analysis hold significant therapeutic promise, suggesting the utility of miRNAs as tools for the precise regulation of chromatin-related processes and gene expression. A contemporary focus on molecular regulatory mechanisms opens therapeutic pathways that can effectively influence the control of tumor cell growth and dissemination.

Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals distinct tumor microenvironment of ground glass nodules and solid nodules in lung adenocarcinoma

Introduction: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most prevalent lung cancer. LUAD presents as ground glass nodules (GGN) and solid nodules (SN) in imaging studies. GGN is an early type of LUAD with good prognosis. However, SN exhibits a more malignant behavior than GGN, including worse pathological staging and tumor prognosis. The mechanism leading to the different malignancy levels of GGN and SN remains elusive. Methods: Three patients with GGN and three patients with SN diagnosed with early LUAD were enrolled. The tumor samples were digested to a single-cell suspension and analyzed using 10× Genomic Single-cell ribonucleic acid sequences (scRNA-seq) techniques. Results: A total of 15,902 cells were obtained and classified into nine major types. The tumor microenvironment (TME) was subsequently described in detail. ScRNA-seq revealed that ribosome-related pathways and cell adhesion played similar but distinct roles in the two groups. SN also had more active cell proliferation, enriched cell cycle regulatory pathways, and severe inflammatory responses. Conclusion: We observed changes in the cellular composition and transcriptomic profile of GGN and SN. The study improved the understanding of the underlying mechanisms of lung carcinogenesis and contributed to lung cancer prevention and treatment.

Preliminary study on miRNA in prostate cancer

OBJECTIVE

To screen for miRNAs differentially expressed in prostate cancer and prostate hyperplasia tissues and to validate their association with prostate cancer.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed by pathology in the Department of Urology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from October 2021 to June 2022 were selected, and their general clinical information, blood samples, and prostate tissue samples were collected. miRNA microarray technology was performed to obtain differentially expressed miRNAs in prostate cancer and hyperplasia tissues, and miRNAs to be studied were screened by microarray results and review of relevant literature. The detection of miRNA expression in the patients' blood and prostate tissue samples was measured. The miRNA-222-mimics were transfected into PC3 cells, and cell biology experiments such as CCK8, scratch, Transwell, and flow cytometry were performed to detect the effects of overexpressed miRNA-222 on the growth and proliferation, invasive ability, apoptotic ability, and metastatic ability of prostate cancer cells.

RESULTS

The results of the miRNA microarray showed that there were many differentially expressed miRNAs in prostate cancer and hyperplasia tissues, and four miRNAs, miRNA-144, miRNA-222, miRNA-1248, and miRNA-3651 were finally selected as the subjects by reviewing relevant literature. The results showed that the expression of miRNA-222 in prostate cancer tissues was lower than that in prostate hyperplasia tissues (P < 0.05). The expression of miRNA-222, miRNA-1248, and miRNA-3651 in blood samples of prostate cancer patients was lower than that in prostate hyperplasia patients (P < 0.05). The analysis results indicated that the f/t ratio and the relative expression of miRNA-222 and miRNA-1248 were independent influences of prostate cancer (P < 0.05), in which overexpression of miRNA-222 decreased the proliferative, invasive, and metastatic abilities of PC3 cells and enhanced the level of apoptosis of cancer cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Although there was no significant change in the overall incidence of prostate cancer in this study, significant changes occurred in the incidence of prostate cancer with different characteristics. In addition, the nomogram prediction model of prostate cancer-specific survival rate constructed based on four factors has a high reference value, which helps physicians to correctly assess the patient-specific survival rate and provides a reference basis for patient diagnosis and prognosis evaluation.

Advancing Breast Cancer Heterogeneity Analysis: Insights from Genomics, Transcriptomics and Proteomics at Bulk and Single-Cell Levels

Breast cancer continues to pose a significant healthcare challenge worldwide for its inherent molecular heterogeneity. This review offers an in-depth assessment of the molecular profiling undertaken to understand this heterogeneity, focusing on multi-omics strategies applied both in traditional bulk and single-cell levels. Genomic investigations have profoundly informed our comprehension of breast cancer, enabling its categorization into six intrinsic molecular subtypes. Beyond genomics, transcriptomics has rendered deeper insights into the gene expression landscape of breast cancer cells. It has also facilitated the formulation of more precise predictive and prognostic models, thereby enriching the field of personalized medicine in breast cancer. The comparison between traditional and single-cell transcriptomics has identified unique gene expression patterns and facilitated the understanding of cell-to-cell variability. Proteomics provides further insights into breast cancer subtypes by illuminating intricate protein expression patterns and their post-translational modifications. The adoption of single-cell proteomics has been instrumental in this regard, revealing the complex dynamics of protein regulation and interaction. Despite these advancements, this review underscores the need for a holistic integration of multiple 'omics' strategies to fully decipher breast cancer heterogeneity. Such integration not only ensures a comprehensive understanding of breast cancer's molecular complexities, but also promotes the development of personalized treatment strategies.

Multiple Fra-1-bound enhancers showing different molecular and functional features can cooperate to repress gene transcription

BACKGROUND

How transcription factors (TFs) down-regulate gene expression remains ill-understood, especially when they bind to multiple enhancers contacting the same gene promoter. In particular, it is not known whether they exert similar or significantly different molecular effects at these enhancers.

RESULTS

To address this issue, we used a particularly well-suited study model consisting of the down-regulation of the TGFB2 gene by the TF Fra-1 in Fra-1-overexpressing cancer cells, as Fra-1 binds to multiple enhancers interacting with the TGFB2 promoter. We show that Fra-1 does not repress TGFB2 transcription via reducing RNA Pol II recruitment at the gene promoter but by decreasing the formation of its transcription-initiating form. This is associated with complex long-range chromatin interactions implicating multiple molecularly and functionally heterogeneous Fra-1-bound transcriptional enhancers distal to the TGFB2 transcriptional start site. In particular, the latter display differential requirements upon the presence and the activity of the lysine acetyltransferase p300/CBP. Furthermore, the final transcriptional output of the TGFB2 gene seems to depend on a balance between the positive and negative effects of Fra-1 at these enhancers.

CONCLUSION

Our work unveils complex molecular mechanisms underlying the repressive actions of Fra-1 on TGFB2 gene expression. This has consequences for our general understanding of the functioning of the ubiquitous transcriptional complex AP-1, of which Fra-1 is the most documented component for prooncogenic activities. In addition, it raises the general question of the heterogeneity of the molecular functions of TFs binding to different enhancers regulating the same gene.

TRPS1 modulates chromatin accessibility to regulate estrogen receptor (ER) binding and ER target gene expression in luminal breast cancer cells

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women. The most common subtype is luminal breast cancer, which is typically driven by the estrogen receptor α (ER), a transcription factor (TF) that activates many genes required for proliferation. Multiple effective therapies target this pathway, but individuals often develop resistance. Thus, there is a need to identify additional targets that regulate ER activity and contribute to breast tumor progression. TRPS1 is a repressive GATA-family TF that is overexpressed in breast tumors. Common genetic variants in the TRPS1 locus are associated with breast cancer risk, and luminal breast cancer cell lines are particularly sensitive to TRPS1 knockout. However, we do not know how TRPS1 regulates target genes to mediate these breast cancer patient and cellular outcomes. We introduced an inducible degron tag into the native TRPS1 locus within a luminal breast cancer cell line to identify the direct targets of TRPS1 and determine how TRPS1 mechanistically regulates gene expression. We acutely deplete over eighty percent of TRPS1 from chromatin within 30 minutes of inducing degradation. We find that TRPS1 regulates transcription of hundreds of genes, including those related to estrogen signaling. TRPS1 directly regulates chromatin structure, which causes ER to redistribute in the genome. ER redistribution leads to both repression and activation of dozens of ER target genes. Downstream from these primary effects, TRPS1 depletion represses cell cycle-related gene sets and reduces cell doubling rate. Finally, we show that high TRPS1 activity, calculated using a gene expression signature defined by primary TRPS1-regulated genes, is associated with worse breast cancer patient prognosis. Taken together, these data suggest a model in which TRPS1 modulates the activity of other TFs, both activating and repressing transcription of genes related to cancer cell fitness.

Exploring the Potential Role of Circulating microRNAs as Biomarkers for Predicting Clinical Response to Neoadjuvant Therapy in Breast Cancer

Breast cancer (BC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. Neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) is increasingly being used to reduce tumor burden prior to surgical resection. However, current techniques for assessing tumor response have significant limitations. Additionally, drug resistance is commonly observed, raising a need to identify biomarkers that can predict treatment sensitivity and survival outcomes. Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression and have been shown to play a significant role in cancer progression as tumor inducers or suppressors. The expression of circulating miRNAs has been found to be significantly altered in breast cancer patients. Moreover, recent studies have suggested that circulating miRNAs can serve as non-invasive biomarkers for predicting response to NAT. Therefore, this review provides a brief overview of recent studies that have demonstrated the potential of circulating miRNAs as biomarkers for predicting the clinical response to NAT in BC patients. The findings of this review will strengthen future research on developing miRNA-based biomarkers and their translation into medical practice, which could significantly improve the clinical management of BC patients undergoing NAT.

Breast Cancer Therapeutics and Hippo Signaling Pathway: Novel MicroRNA-Gene-Protein Interaction Networks

The Hippo signaling pathway is a master regulator of development, cell proliferation, and apoptosis in particular, and it plays an important role in tissue regeneration, controlling organ size, and cancer suppression. Dysregulation of the Hippo signaling pathway has been implicated in breast cancer, a highly prevalent cancer affecting 1 out of every 15 women worldwide. While the Hippo signaling pathway inhibitors are available, they are suboptimal, for example, due to chemoresistance, mutation, and signal leakage. Inadequate knowledge about the Hippo pathway connections and their regulators limits our ability to uncover novel molecular targets for drug development. We report here novel microRNA (miRNA)-gene and protein-protein interaction networks in the Hippo signaling pathway. We employed the GSE miRNA dataset for the present study. The GSE57897 dataset was normalized and searched for differentially expressed miRNAs, and their targets were searched using the miRWalk2.0 tool. From the upregulated miRNAs, we observed that the hsa-miR-205-5p forms the biggest cluster and targets four genes involved in the Hippo signaling pathway. Interestingly, we found a novel connection between two Hippo signaling pathway proteins, angiomotin (AMOT) and mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 4 (SMAD4). From the downregulated miRNAs, hsa-miR-16-5p, hsa-miR-7g-5p, hsa-miR-141-3p, hsa-miR-103a-3p, hsa-miR-21-5p, and hsa-miR-200c-3p, target genes were present in the pathway. We found that PTEN, EP300, and BTRC were important cancer-inhibiting proteins, form hubs, and their genes interact with downregulating miRNAs. We suggest that targeting proteins from these newly unraveled networks in the Hippo signaling pathway and further research on the interaction of hub-forming cancer-inhibiting proteins can open up new avenues for next-generation breast cancer therapeutics.

Cytosolic EpCAM cooperates with H-Ras to regulate epithelial to mesenchymal transition through ZEB1

Next generation sequencing of human cancer mutations has identified novel therapeutic targets. Activating Ras oncogene mutations play a central role in oncogenesis, and Ras-driven tumorigenesis upregulates an array of genes and signaling cascades that can transform normal cells into tumor cells. In this study, we investigated the role of altered localization of epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) in Ras-expressing cells. Analysis of microarray data demonstrated that Ras expression induced EpCAM expression in normal breast epithelial cells. Fluorescent and confocal microscopy showed that H-Ras mediated transformation also promoted epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) together with EpCAM. To consistently localize EpCAM in the cytosol, we generated a cancer-associated EpCAM mutant (EpCAM-L240A) that is retained in the cytosol compartment. Normal MCF-10A cells were transduced with H-Ras together with EpCAM wild-type (WT) or EpCAM-L240A. WT-EpCAM marginally effected invasion, proliferation, and soft agar growth. EpCAM-L240A, however, markedly altered cells and transformed to mesenchymal phenotype. Ras-EpCAM-L240A expression also promoted expression of EMT factors FRA1, ZEB1 with inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-8, and IL1. This altered morphology was reversed using MEK-specific inhibitors and to some extent JNK inhibition. Furthermore, these transformed cells were sensitized to apoptosis using paclitaxel and quercetin, but not other therapies. For the first time, we have demonstrated that EpCAM mutations can cooperate with H-Ras and promote EMT. Collectively, our results highlight future therapeutic opportunities in EpCAM and Ras mutated cancers.

FRA-1 as a Regulator of EMT and Metastasis in Breast Cancer

Among FOS-related components of the dimeric AP-1 transcription factor, the oncoprotein FRA-1 (encoded by FOSL1) is a key regulator of invasion and metastasis. The well-established FRA-1 pro-invasive activity in breast cancer, in which FOSL1 is overexpressed in the TNBC (Triple Negative Breast Cancer)/basal subtypes, correlates with the FRA-1-dependent transcriptional regulation of EMT (Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition). After summarizing the major findings on FRA-1 in breast cancer invasiveness, we discuss the FRA-1 mechanistic links with EMT and cancer cell stemness, mediated by transcriptional and posttranscriptional interactions between FOSL1/FRA-1 and EMT-regulating transcription factors, miRNAs, RNA binding proteins and cytokines, along with other target genes involved in EMT. In addition to the FRA-1/AP-1 effects on the architecture of target promoters, we discuss the diagnostic and prognostic significance of the EMT-related FRA-1 transcriptome, along with therapeutic implications. Finally, we consider several novel perspectives regarding the less explored roles of FRA-1 in the tumor microenvironment and in control of the recently characterized hybrid EMT correlated with cancer cell plasticity, stemness, and metastatic potential. We will also examine the application of emerging technologies, such as single-cell analyses, along with animal models of TNBC and tumor-derived CTCs and PDXs (Circulating Tumor Cells and Patient-Derived Xenografts) for studying the FRA-1-mediated mechanisms in in vivo systems of EMT and metastasis.

Mechanism of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in cancer and its regulation by natural compounds

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a complex process with a primordial role in cellular transformation whereby an epithelial cell transforms and acquires a mesenchymal phenotype. This transformation plays a pivotal role in tumor progression and self-renewal, and exacerbates resistance to apoptosis and chemotherapy. EMT can be initiated and promoted by deregulated oncogenic signaling pathways, hypoxia, and cells in the tumor microenvironment, resulting in a loss-of-epithelial cell polarity, cell-cell adhesion, and enhanced invasive/migratory properties. Numerous transcriptional regulators, such as Snail, Slug, Twist, and ZEB1/ZEB2 induce EMT through the downregulation of epithelial markers and gain-of-expression of the mesenchymal markers. Additionally, signaling cascades such as Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, Sonic hedgehog, nuclear factor kappa B, receptor tyrosine kinases, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, Hippo, and transforming growth factor-β pathways regulate EMT whereas they are often deregulated in cancers leading to aberrant EMT. Furthermore, noncoding RNAs, tumor-derived exosomes, and epigenetic alterations are also involved in the modulation of EMT. Therefore, the regulation of EMT is a vital strategy to control the aggressive metastatic characteristics of tumor cells. Despite the vast amount of preclinical data on EMT in cancer progression, there is a lack of clinical translation at the therapeutic level. In this review, we have discussed thoroughly the role of the aforementioned transcription factors, noncoding RNAs (microRNAs, long noncoding RNA, circular RNA), signaling pathways, epigenetic modifications, and tumor-derived exosomes in the regulation of EMT in cancers. We have also emphasized the contribution of EMT to drug resistance and possible therapeutic interventions using plant-derived natural products, their semi-synthetic derivatives, and nano-formulations that are described as promising EMT blockers.

Regulation of Inflammasome by microRNAs in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: New Opportunities for Therapy

During the past decade, researchers have investigated the molecular mechanisms of breast cancer initiation and progression, especially triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), in order to identify specific biomarkers that could serve as feasible targets for innovative therapeutic strategies development. TNBC is characterized by a dynamic and aggressive nature, due to the absence of estrogen, progesterone and human epidermal growth factor 2 receptors. TNBC progression is associated with the dysregulation of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, followed by the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and caspase-1 dependent cell death, termed pyroptosis. The heterogeneity of the breast tumor microenvironment triggers the interest of non-coding RNAs' involvement in NLRP3 inflammasome assembly, TNBC progression and metastasis. Non-coding RNAs are paramount regulators of carcinogenesis and inflammasome pathways, which could help in the development of efficient treatments. This review aims to highlight the contribution of non-coding RNAs that support inflammasome activation and TNBC progression, pointing up their potential for clinical applications as biomarkers for diagnosis and therapy.

A Genome-Wide Association Study Identified Novel Genetic Susceptibility Loci for Oral Cancer in Taiwan

Taiwan has the highest incidence rate of oral cancer in the world. Although oral cancer is mostly an environmentally induced cancer, genetic factors also play an important role in its etiology. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified nine susceptibility regions for oral cancers in populations of European descent. In this study, we performed the first GWAS of oral cancer in Taiwan with 1529 cases and 44,572 controls. We confirmed two previously reported loci on the 6p21.33 (HLA-B) and 6p21.32 (HLA-DQ gene cluster) loci, highlighting the importance of the human leukocyte antigen and, hence, the immunologic mechanisms in oral carcinogenesis. The TERT-CLMPT1L locus on 5p15.33, the 4q23 ADH1B locus, and the LAMC3 locus on 9q34.12 were also consistent in the Taiwanese. We found two new independent loci on 6p21.32, rs401775 in SKIV2L gene and rs9267798 in TNXB gene. We also found two suggestive novel Taiwanese-specific loci near the TPRS1 gene on 8q23.3 and in the TMED3 gene on 15q25.1. This study identified both common and unique oral cancer susceptibility loci in the Taiwanese as compared to populations of European descent and shed significant light on the etiology of oral cancer in Taiwan.

Advancements in Polymeric Nanocarriers to Mediate Targeted Therapy against Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a destructive disease with a poor prognosis, low survival rate and high rate of metastasis. It comprises 15% of total breast cancers and is marked by deficiency of three important receptor expressions, i.e., progesterone, estrogen, and human epidermal growth factor receptors. This absence of receptors is the foremost cause of current TNBC therapy failure, resulting in poor therapeutic response in patients. Polymeric nanoparticles are gaining much popularity for transporting chemotherapeutics, genes, and small-interfering RNAs. Due to their exclusive properties such as great stability, easy surface modification, stimuli-responsive and controlled drug release, ability to condense more than one therapeutic moiety inside, tumor-specific delivery of payload, enhanced permeation and retention effect, present them as ideal nanocarriers for increasing efficacy, bioavailability and reducing the toxicity of therapeutic agents. They can even be used as theragnostic agents for the diagnosis of TNBC along with its treatment. In this review, we discuss the limitations of already existing TNBC therapies and highlight the novel approach to designing and the functionalization of polymeric nanocarriers for the effective treatment of TNBC.

Identification of Candidate MicroRNA-mRNA Subnetwork for Predicting the Osteosarcoma Progression by Bioinformatics Analysis

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the pretty common primary cancer of the bone among the malignancies in adolescents. A single molecular component or a limited number of molecules is insufficient as a predictive biomarker of OS progression. Hence, it is necessary to find novel network biomarkers to improve the prediction and therapeutic effect for OS. Here, we identified 230 DE-miRNAs and 821 DE-mRNAs through two miRNA expression-profiling datasets and three mRNA expression-profiling datasets. We found that hsa-miR-494 is closely linked with the survival of OS patients. In addition, we analyzed GO and KEGG enrichment for targets of hsa-miR-494-5p and hsa-miR-494-3p through R programming. And five mRNAs were predicted as common targets of hsa-miR-494-5p and hsa-miR-494-3p. We further revealed that upregulated TRPS1 was strongly correlated with poor outcomes in OS patients through the survival analysis based on the TARGET database. The qRT-PCR study verified that the expression of hsa-miR-494-5p and hsa-miR-494-3p was declined considerably, while TRPS1 was notably raised in OS cells when compared to the osteoblasts. Thus, we generated a new regulatory subnetwork of key miRNAs and target mRNAs using Cytoscape software. These results indicate that the novel miRNA-mRNA subnetwork composed of hsa-miR-494-5p, hsa-miR-494-3p, and TRPS1 might be a characteristic molecule for assessing the prognostic value of OS patients.

Adipose tissue-to-breast cancer crosstalk: Comprehensive insights

The review focuses on mechanistic evidence for the link between obesity and breast cancer. According to the IARC study, there is sufficient evidence that obesity is closely related to a variety of cancers. Among them, breast cancer is particularly disturbed by adipose tissue due to the unique histological structure of the breast. The review introduces the relationship between obesity and breast cancer from two aspects, including factors that promote tumorigenesis or metastasis. We summarize alterations in adipokines and metabolic pathways that contribute to breast cancer development. Breast cancer metastasis is closely related to obesity-induced pro-inflammatory microenvironment, adipose stem cells, and miRNAs. Based on the mechanism by which obesity causes breast cancer, we list possible therapeutic directions, including reducing the risk of breast cancer and inhibiting the progression of breast cancer. We also discussed the risk of autologous breast remodeling and fat transplantation. Finally, the causes of the obesity paradox and the function of enhancing immunity are discussed. Evaluating the balance between obesity-induced inflammation and enhanced immunity warrants further study.

BC-miR: Monitoring Breast Cancer-Related miRNA Profile in Blood Sera—A Prosperous Approach for Tumor Detection

Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer with a high fatality rate amongst women worldwide. Diagnosing at an early stage is challenging, and due to the limitations of the currently used techniques, including mammography and imaging diagnostics, it still remains unascertained. Serum biomarkers can be a solution for this as they can be isolated in a less painful, more cost-effective, and minimally invasive manner. In this study, we shed light on the relevant role of multiple microRNAs (miRNAs) as potential biomarkers in breast cancer diagnosis. We monitored the expressional changes of 15 pre-selected miRNAs in a large cohort, including 65 patients with breast cancer and 42 healthy individuals. We performed thorough statistical analyses on the cohort sample set and determined the diagnostic accuracy of individual and multiple miRNAs. Our study reveals a potential improvement in diagnostics by implicating the monitoring of miR-15a+miR-16+miR-221 expression in breast cancer management.

Functional mechanisms of TRPS1 in disease progression and its potential role in personalized medicine

The gene of transcriptional repressor GATA binding 1 (TRPS1), as an atypical GATA transcription factor, has received considerable attention in a plethora of physiological and pathological processes, and may become a promising biomarker for targeted therapies in diseases and tumors. However, there still lacks a comprehensive exploration of its functions and promising clinical applications. Herein, relevant researches published in English from 2000 to 2022 were retrieved from PubMed, Google Scholar and MEDLINE, concerning the roles of TRPS1 in organ differentiation and tumorigenesis. This systematic review predominantly focused on summarizing the structural characteristics and biological mechanisms of TRPS1, its involvement in tricho-rhino-phalangeal syndrome (TRPS), its participation in the development of multiple tissues, the recent advances of its vital features in metabolic disorders as well as malignant tumors, in order to prospect its potential applications in disease detection and cancer targeted therapy. From the clinical perspective, the deeply and thoroughly understanding of the complicated context-dependent and cell-lineage-specific mechanisms of TRPS1 would not only gain novel insights into the complex etiology of diseases, but also provide the fundamental basis for the development of therapeutic drugs targeting both TRPS1 and its critical cofactors, which would facilitate individualized treatment.

Identification of the Key miRNAs and Genes Associated with the Regulation of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Network-Based Approach

Lung cancer is the major cause of cancer-associated deaths across the world in both men and women. Lung cancer consists of two major clinicopathological categories, i.e., small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Lack of diagnosis of NSCLC at an early stage in addition to poor prognosis results in ineffective treatment, thus, biomarkers for appropriate diagnosis and exact prognosis of NSCLC need urgent attention. The proposed study aimed to reveal essential microRNAs (miRNAs) involved in the carcinogenesis of NSCLC that probably could act as potential biomarkers. The NSCLC-associated expression datasets revealed 12 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs). MiRNA-mRNA network identified key miRNAs and their associated genes, for which functional enrichment analysis was applied. Further, survival and validation analysis for key genes was performed and consequently transcription factors (TFs) were predicted. We obtained twelve miRNAs as common DEMs after assessment of all datasets. Further, four key miRNAs and nine key genes were extracted from significant modules based on the centrality approach. The key genes and miRNAs reported in our study might provide some information for potential biomarkers profitable to increased prognosis and diagnosis of lung cancer.

The Role of MicroRNA in the Regulation of Tumor Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition

Consistently, the high metastasis of cancer cells is the bottleneck in the process of tumor treatment. In this process of metastasis, a pivotal role is executed by epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transformation was first proposed to occur during embryonic development. Later, its important role in explaining embryonic developmental processes was widely reported. Recently, EMT and its intermediate state were also identified as crucial drivers in tumor progression with the gradual deepening of research. To gain insights into the potential mechanism, increasing attention has been focused on the EMT-related transcription factors. Correspondingly, miRNAs target transcription factors to control the EMT process of tumor cells in different types of cancers, while there are still many exciting and challenging questions about the phenomenon of microRNA regulation of cancer EMT. We describe the relevant mechanisms of miRNAs regulating EMT, and trace the regulatory roles and functions of major EMT-related transcription factors, including Snail, Twist, zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox (ZEB), and other families. In addition, on the basis of the complex regulatory network, we hope that the exploration of the regulatory relationship of non-transcription factors will provide a better understanding of EMT and cancer metastasis. The identification of the mechanism leading to the activation of EMT programs during diverse disease processes also provides a new protocol for the plasticity of distinct cellular phenotypes and possible therapeutic interventions. Here, we summarize the recent progress in this direction, with a promising path for further insight into this fast-moving field.

Endothelial extracellular vesicles promote tumour growth by tumour-associated macrophage reprogramming

Tumour-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) participate in tumour progression by deregulating various physiological processes including angiogenesis and inflammation. Here we report that EVs released by endothelial cells in a mammary tumour environment participate in the recruitment of macrophages within the tumour, leading to an immunomodulatory phenotype permissive for tumour growth. Using RNA-Seq approaches, we identified several microRNAs (miRNAs) found in endothelial EVs sharing common targets involved in the regulation of the immune system. To further study the impact of these miRNAs in a mouse tumour model, we focused on three miRNAs that are conserved between humans and mouse, that is, miR-142-5p, miR-183-5p and miR-222-3p. These miRNAs are released from endothelial cells in a tumour microenvironment and are transferred via EVs to macrophages. In mouse mammary tumour models, treatment with EVs enriched in these miRNAs leads to a polarization of macrophages toward an M2-like phenotype, which in turn promotes tumour growth.

Role of let7-g and miR-221 level as potential predictors for overall survival of hepatocellular carcinoma patients

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancer types worldwide. A hallmark of epithelial-mesenchymal transition is the loss of epithelial E-cadherin, which is considered an epithelial differentiation marker. MicroRNAs serve vital roles in various biological processes in the cell via post-transcriptional gene regulation. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the involvement of certain miRNAs in the progression of HCC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A reverse transcription-quantitative PCR assay was conducted to detect the expression levels of 20 EMT-related miRNAs in 36 fresh tissue biopsies from patients with primary HCC compared with healthy controls. Gene expression levels, as well as immunohistochemistry assays, were performed for E-cadherin, ZEB1 and ZEB2 proteins. The correlation between their expression levels and different clinicopathological factors was also assessed.

RESULTS

A significant decrease of E-Cadherin and an increase in ZEB1 expression levels were identified in HCC groups compared with controls, while no significant changes for ZEB2 were found. The absence of E-cadherin membranous protein was observed in ∼48% of the cases examined. Moreover, ZEB1 protein was absent in 46% of E-cadherin positive cases. Upregulation of miR-182, miR-221 and miR-222 expression levels, and downregulation of let-7g, miR-9, miR-16, miR29c, miR122, miR-145, miR-148a, miR-193b, miR-194 and miR-215 expression levels were identified. A positive correlation between let7-g with E-Cadherin expression was reported. No significant association was identified between each of E-cadherin, ZEB1, ZEB2 or miRNAs examined with different clinicopathological features of the patients. Furthermore, the low expression of let7-g and high expression of miR-221 were associated with poorer survival.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, the present data suggested that let7-g functions as a tumor suppressor in the development of HCC via regulating E-Cadherin. Furthermore, both let7-g and miR-221 may be potential biomarkers for the outcomes of HCC patients.

The Fra-1/AP-1 Oncoprotein: From the "Undruggable" Transcription Factor to Therapeutic Targeting

The genetic and epigenetic changes affecting transcription factors, coactivators, and chromatin modifiers are key determinants of the hallmarks of cancer. The acquired dependence on oncogenic transcriptional regulators, representing a major determinant of cancer cell vulnerability, points to transcription factors as ideal therapeutic targets. However, given the unavailability of catalytic activities or binding pockets for small-molecule inhibitors, transcription factors are generally regarded as undruggable proteins. Among components of the AP-1 complex, the FOS-family transcription factor Fra-1, encoded by FOSL1, has emerged as a prominent therapeutic target. Fra-1 is overexpressed in most solid tumors, in response to the BRAF-MAPK, Wnt-beta-catenin, Hippo-YAP, IL-6-Stat3, and other major oncogenic pathways. In vitro functional analyses, validated in onco-mouse models and corroborated by prognostic correlations, show that Fra-1-containing dimers control tumor growth and disease progression. Fra-1 participates in key mechanisms of cancer cell invasion, Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition, and metastatic spreading, by driving the expression of EMT-inducing transcription factors, cytokines, and microRNAs. Here we survey various strategies aimed at inhibiting tumor growth, metastatic dissemination, and drug resistance by interfering with Fra-1 expression, stability, and transcriptional activity. We summarize several tools aimed at the design and tumor-specific delivery of Fra-1/AP-1-specific drugs. Along with RNA-based therapeutics targeting the FOSL1 gene, its mRNA, or cognate regulatory circRNAs, we will examine the exploitation of blocking peptides, small molecule inhibitors, and innovative Fra-1 protein degraders. We also consider the possible caveats concerning Fra-1 inhibition in specific therapeutic contexts. Finally, we discuss a recent suicide gene therapy-based approach, aimed at selectively killing the Fra-1-overexpressing neoplastic cells.

miR-221/222 as biomarkers and targets for therapeutic intervention on cancer and other diseases: A systematic review

Among deregulated microRNAs (miRs) in human malignancies, miR-221 has been widely investigated for its oncogenic role and as a promising biomarker. Moreover, recent evidence suggests miR-221 as a fine-tuner of chronic liver injury and inflammation-related events. Available information also supports the potential of miR-221 silencing as promising therapeutic intervention. In this systematic review, we selected papers from the principal databases (PubMed, MedLine, Medscape, ASCO, ESMO) between January 2012 and December 2020, using the keywords "miR-221" and the specific keywords related to the most important hematologic and solid malignancies, and some non-malignant diseases, to define and characterize deregulated miR-221 as a valuable therapeutic target in the modern vision of molecular medicine. We found a major role of miR-221 in this view.

HRAS germline mutations impair LKB1/AMPK signaling and mitochondrial homeostasis in Costello syndrome models

Germline mutations that activate genes in the canonical RAS/MAPK signaling pathway are responsible for rare human developmental disorders known as RASopathies. Here, we analyzed the molecular determinants of Costello syndrome (CS) using a mouse model expressing HRAS p.G12S, patient skin fibroblasts, hiPSC-derived human cardiomyocytes, a HRAS p.G12V zebrafish model and human fibroblasts expressing lentiviral constructs carrying HRAS p.G12S or HRAS p.G12A mutations. The findings revealed alteration of mitochondrial proteostasis and defective oxidative phosphorylation in the heart and skeletal muscle of Costello mice that were also found in the cell models of the disease. The underpinning mechanisms involved the inhibition of the AMPK signaling pathway by mutant forms of HRAS, leading to alteration of mitochondrial proteostasis and bioenergetics. Pharmacological activation of mitochondrial bioenergetics and quality control restored organelle function in HRAS p.G12A and p.G12S cell models, reduced left ventricle hypertrophy in the CS mice and diminished the occurrence of developmental defects in the CS zebrafish model. Collectively, these findings highlight the importance of mitochondrial proteostasis in the pathophysiology of RASopathies and suggest that patients with Costello syndrome may benefit from treatment with mitochondrial modulators.

BRAFV600E Mutation-Responsive miRNA-222-3p Promotes Metastasis of Papillary Thyroid Cancer Cells via Snail-Induced EMT

BRAF mutation accounts for 50% of the PTC (papillary thyroid carcinoma) and is closely associated with high-risk clinicopathological characteristics. Increasing evidence implied that dysregulation of miRNA participated in carcinogenesis and progression of cancer. Clinical data showed the significant up-regulation of miR-222-3p in PTC; however, the role of miR-222-3p and possible relationship with BRAF mutation remained unclear. Here, we identified significant up-regulation of miR-222-3p in PTC tissues harboring BRAF^V600E mutation compared with BRAF wild type (BRAF^WT ) from collected PTC clinical samples. External validation performed with The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases was consistent with the above result. Exogenous expression of BRAF^V600E oncoprotein increased the expression of miR-222-3p in B-CPAP and TPC-1 cells. The treatment of BRAF^V600E and MEK inhibitor, PLX4720 and PD0325901, decreased the expression of miR-222-3p in B-CPAP but not in TPC-1. Inhibition of miR-222-3p significantly suppressed the migration of B-CPAP and induced a mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) phenotype via the Snail transcription factor. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis demonstrated the up-regulation of Snail correlated with lymph node metastasis and BRAF^V600E mutation in PTC. Besides, in situ hybridization (ISH) and IHC analysis of PTC clinical samples confirmed the correlation between the expression of miR-222-3p and Snail. These results showed miR-222-3p conduced more aggressive clinical manifestation of PTC by promoting Snail-induced EMT.

miR-205-5p Downregulation and ZEB1 Upregulation Characterize the Disseminated Tumor Cells in Patients with Invasive Ductal Breast Cancer

Background: Dissemination of breast cancer (BC) cells through the hematogenous or lymphogenous vessels leads to metastatic disease in one-third of BC patients. Therefore, we investigated the new prognostic features for invasion and metastasis. Methods: We evaluated the expression of miRNAs and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) genes in relation to CDH1/E-cadherin changes in samples from 31 patients with invasive ductal BC including tumor centrum (TU-C), tumor invasive front (TU-IF), lymph node metastasis (LNM), and CD45-depleted blood (CD45-DB). Expression of miRNA and mRNA was quantified by RT-PCR arrays and associations with clinico-pathological characteristics were statistically evaluated by univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: We did not verify CDH1 regulating associations previously described in cell lines. However, we did detect extremely high ZEB1 expression in LNMs from patients with distant metastasis, but without regulation by miR-205-5p. Considering the ZEB1 functions, this overexpression indicates enhancement of metastatic potential of lymphogenously disseminated BC cells. In CD45-DB samples, downregulated miR-205-5p was found in those expressing epithelial and/or mesenchymal markers (CTC+) that could contribute to insusceptibility and survival of hematogenously disseminated BC cells mediated by increased expression of several targets including ZEB1. Conclusions: miR-205-5p and potentially ZEB1 gene are promising candidates for markers of metastatic potential in ductal BC.

The role of non-coding RNAs in chemotherapy for gastrointestinal cancers

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, including colorectal, gastric, hepatic, esophageal, and pancreatic tumors, are responsible for large numbers of deaths around the world. Chemotherapy is the most common approach used to treat advanced GI cancer. However, chemoresistance has emerged as a critical challenge that prevents successful tumor elimination, leading to metastasis and recurrence. Chemoresistance mechanisms are complex, and many factors and pathways are involved. Among these factors, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are critical regulators of GI tumor development and subsequently can induce resistance to chemotherapy. This occurs because ncRNAs can target multiple signaling pathways, affect downstream genes, and modulate proliferation, apoptosis, tumor cell migration, and autophagy. ncRNAs can also induce cancer stem cell features and affect the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Thus, ncRNAs could possibly act as new targets in chemotherapy combinations to treat GI cancer and to predict treatment response.

Evaluation on epithelial-mesenchymal state and microRNAs focusing on isolated alveolar epithelial cells from bleomycin injured rat lung

Several studies using bleomycin (BLM)-induced lung injury rat model revealed that epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) contributes to pulmonary fibrosis. Conversely, microRNAs (miRNAs) are considered as useful markers of various diseases. In the present study, we aimed to characterize the EMT state through focusing on alveolar epithelial cells and identify the miRNAs that can be used as markers to predict pulmonary fibrosis using a BLM-induced lung injury rat model. Intratracheal administration of BLM increased hydroxyproline, a component of collagen, in lung tissues at day 14, but not at day 7. However, BLM induced EMT at day 7, which was accompanied with increased mRNA expression of α-smooth muscle actin, a representative EMT marker, in alveolar epithelium, thereby suggesting that EMT occurs prior to pulmonary fibrosis in alveolar epithelial cells. Using this rat model, the expression levels of several EMT-associated miRNAs were examined, and miR-222 was found to be upregulated in alveolar epithelial cells as well as bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from day 3. Our findings indicate that EMT in alveolar epithelial cells may occur before pulmonary fibrosis, and miR-222 may be used as a potential marker for early prediction of pulmonary fibrosis.

Identification of miRNAs and related hub genes associated with the triple negative breast cancer using integrated bioinformatics analysis and in vitro approach

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive breast cancer subtype generally associated with younger women. Due to the lack of suitable drugable targets in TNBC, the microRNAs are considered as a better hope as therapeutic agents for the management of the disease. In this study, we identified differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) and associated hub genes in TNBC microarray data (GSE38167, GSE60714, and GSE10833) using bioinformatics tools. The identified miRNAs and genes were validated in the TNBC cell line model (MDA-MB-231) compared with the normal breast cells (MCF-10A) using the qRT-PCR technique. False-positive DEMs were avoided by comparing the DEMs profile of TNBC and triple positive breast cancer (TPBC) cell line model (BT474) compared with the MCF-10A cells data. In addition, we studied the effect of anticancer phytochemicals on the differential expression of miRNAs and genes in MDA-MB-231 cells. Furthermore, target predictions, functional enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis, mutation and copy number alterations, and overall survival analysis of DEMs in TNBC sample was investigated using standard computational tools. The study identifies first time the association of hsa-miR-1250, has-miR-1273, and has-miR-635 with the TNBC. DEMs showed significant association with the Wnt, ErbB, PI3-Akt and cAMP signaling pathways having clinical implications in TNBC tumorigenesis. The DEMs and hub genes (HOXC6 and ACVR2B) showed survival disadvantages in TNBC patients. In summary, the identified miRNAs and hub genes show important implications in TNBC tumorigenesis and patient survival. We recommend further experimental studies on pathophysiological mechanism of the identified miRNAs and hub genes in TNBC.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

MicroRNA and cyclooxygenase-2 in breast cancer

Cancer remains a major public health problem worldwide and the latest statistics show that breast cancer (BC) is among the most frequent in women. MicroRNAs (miRNAs; miRs) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) are new diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers for monitoring BC. COX-2 is a prominent tumor-associated inflammatory factor highly expressed in human tumor cells, including BC. Expression of COX-2 contributes to tumor growth, metastasis and recurrence. MiRs are a group of short (~22 nucleotides), noncoding regulatory RNAs that downregulate gene expression post-transcriptionally and play vital roles in regulating cancer development and progression. Interestingly, there are a group of miRNAs differentially expressed in breast tumor tissue. Understanding the pathway linking miRNAs to COX-2 can provide novel insight for suppressing COX-2 expression via gene silencing thereby leading to the development of selective miRNA inhibitors. Further research can also reveal key intermediate players and their potential as therapeutic targets. Given the association between different miRNAs and COX-2 expression in BC, this review presents a comprehensive overview of the current literature concerning how miRNAs and COX-2 signaling interact in BC progression.

SNRPD1 confers diagnostic and therapeutic values on breast cancers through cell cycle regulation

Background

SNRPD1 is a spliceosome-associated protein and has previously been implicated with important roles in cancer development.

Methods

Through analyzing the differential expression patterns and clinical association of splicing associated genes among tumor and tumor adjacent samples across different tumors and among different breast cancer subtypes, we identify the tumor promotive role of SNRPD1 using multiple publicly available datasets. Through pathway, gene ontology enrichment analysis and network construction, we linked the onco-therapeutic role of SNRPD1 with cell cycle. Via a series of experimental studies including knockdown assay, qPCR, western blotting, cell cycle, drug response assay, we confirmed the higher expression of SNPRD1 at both gene and protein expression levels in triple negative breast cancer cells, as well as its roles in promoting cell cycle and chemotherapy response.

Results

Our study revealed that SNRPD1 over-expression was significantly associated with genes involved in cell cycle, cell mitosis and chromatin replication, and silencing SNRPD1 in breast cancer cells could lead to halted tumor cell growth and cell cycle arrest at the G₀/G₁ stage. We also found that triple negative breast cancer cells with reduced SNRPD1 expression lost certain sensitivity to doxorubicin whereas luminal cancer cells did not.

Conclusions

Our results suggested the prognostic value of SNRPD1 on breast cancer survival, its potential as the therapeutic target halting cell cycle progression for breast cancer control, and warranted special attention on the combined use of doxorubicin and drugs targeting SNRPD1.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12935-021-01932-w.

Expression of Estrogen Receptor- and Progesterone Receptor-Regulating MicroRNAs in Breast Cancer

In ~70% of breast cancer (BC) cases, estrogen and progesterone receptors (ER and PR) are overexpressed, which can change during tumor progression. Expression changes of these receptors during cancer initiation and progression can be caused by alterations in microRNA (miR, miRNA) expression. To assess the association of BC progression with aberrant expression of miRNAs that target ER and PR mRNAs, we quantified miR-19b, -222, -22, -378a, and -181a in BC samples (n = 174) by real-time PCR. Underexpression of miR-222 and miR-378a in stage T2–T4 BC was characteristic for HER2-overexpressing tumors. In addition, the expression of miR-181a and miR-378a was higher in these tumors than in tumors with a HER2 IHC score of 0 or 1+. In tumors with a Ki-67 index ≥ 14%, all tested miRNAs were underexpressed in BC with a high Allred PR score (6–8). In ER-and-PR–negative tumors, miR-22, miR-222, miR-181a, and miR-378a underexpression was associated with Ki-67 index > 35% (median value). MiR-19b and miR-22 underexpression could be a marker of lymph node metastasis in ER- and/or PR-positive tumors with HER2 IHC score 0. Thus, the association of miR-19b, miR-22, miR-222, miR-378a, and miR-181a levels with BC characteristics is influenced by the status of tumor ER, PR, HER2, and Ki-67.