Long Noncoding RNA H19 Promotes Tumorigenesis of Multiple Myeloma by Activating BRD4 Signaling by Targeting MicroRNA 152-3p

lncRNA H19 plays a role in multiple myeloma via interacting with hnRNPA2B1 to stabilize BET proteins by targeting osteoclasts and osteoblasts

BACKGROUND

Multiple myeloma (MM), characterized with bone marrow microenvironment disorder, accounts for about 20% of hematological cancer deaths globally. Tissue extracellular communication, especially extracellular vesicles, has been defined as important mediator among cell-to-cell cross-talk. Our previous study revealed an elevated level of H19 in MM, whereas, its role in MM exosomes in the development of osteolysis remains largely unknown.

METHOD

MM exosomes referring to 5TGM1 cells were isolated and characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nanoparticle tracking and western blot analysis. The biological effects of blocking H19 were examined on osteolysis in vivo of C57Bl6/KalwRij mice, as well as on the osteoclast differentiation in vitro of RAW264.7 cells, by the application of TRAP, either with osteogenic differentiation in vitro of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), by the detection of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alizarin red dye staining (ARS). The targeted relationships among H19/hnRNPA2B1/BET proteins were validated through RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and RNA pull-down assays.

RESULTS

5TGM1 cells derived-exosomes lacking H19 dramatically blocked osteolysis and boosted osteogeneis in C57Bl6/KalwRij mice, either with osteoclastic differentiation of RAW264.7 cells and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, thereby enhancing their resorptive activity. Physically, H19 interacted with hnRNPA2B1 by preferentially adhering to it and enhancing its nuclear-cytoplasmic translocation. Further mechanistic research validated that H19 promoted the stabilization of BET proteins through hnRNA2B1 to be involved in osteoclast differentiation for contributing to MM progression.

CONCLUSION

Altogether, our findings suggest that H19, serving as an essential role for exosomes in the bone marrow environment, might be a viable diagnostic and therapeutic target for MM therapy.

BRD4 expression and its regulatory interaction with miR-26a-3p, DLG5-AS1, and JMJD1C-AS1 lncRNAs in gastric cancer progression

Gastric cancer remains a significant health challenge despite advancements in diagnosis and treatment. Early detection is critical to reducing mortality, necessitating the investigation of molecular mechanisms underlying gastric cancer progression. This study focuses on BRD4 expression and its correlation with miR-26a-3p, DLG5-AS1, and JMJD1C-AS1 lncRNAs in gastric cancer. Analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets revealed significant upregulation of BRD4 in gastric cancer tissues compared to normal tissues, correlating negatively with miR-26a-3p and positively with DLG5-AS1 and JMJD1C-AS1 lncRNAs. Quantitative RT-PCR confirmed these findings in 25 gastric cancer tissue samples and 25 normal samples. BRD4's overexpression was associated with reduced survival rates and older patient age. MiR-26a-3p, a known tumor suppressor, showed decreased expression in gastric cancer tissues, with ROC analysis suggesting it, alongside BRD4, as a potential diagnostic biomarker. Additionally, bioinformatics predicted miR-26a-3p's interaction with BRD4 mRNA. Upregulated lncRNAs DLG5-AS1 and JMJD1C-AS1 likely act as competing endogenous RNAs, sponging miR-26a-3p, thus promoting BRD4 dysregulation. These lncRNAs have not been previously studied in gastric cancer. The findings propose a novel BRD4/lncRNA/miRNA regulatory axis in gastric cancer, highlighting the potential of BRD4, DLG5-AS1, and JMJD1C-AS1 as biomarkers for early diagnosis. Further studies with larger sample sizes and in vivo and in vitro experiments are needed to elucidate this regulatory mechanism's role in gastric cancer progression.

The complex nature of lncRNA-mediated chromatin dynamics in multiple myeloma

Extensive genome-wide sequencing efforts have unveiled the intricate regulatory potential of long non-protein coding RNAs (lncRNAs) within the domain of haematological malignancies. Notably, lncRNAs have been found to directly modulate chromatin architecture, thereby impacting gene expression and disease progression by interacting with DNA, RNA, and proteins in a tissue- or condition-specific manner. Furthermore, recent studies have highlighted the intricate epigenetic control of lncRNAs in cancer. Consequently, this provides a rationale to explore the possibility of therapeutically targeting lncRNAs themselves or the epigenetic mechanisms that govern their activity. Within the scope of this review, we will assess the current state of knowledge regarding the epigenetic regulation of lncRNAs and how, in turn, lncRNAs contribute to chromatin remodelling in the context of multiple myeloma.

Transcriptional co-activators: emerging roles in signaling pathways and potential therapeutic targets for diseases

Specific cell states in metazoans are established by the symphony of gene expression programs that necessitate intricate synergic interactions between transcription factors and the co-activators. Deregulation of these regulatory molecules is associated with cell state transitions, which in turn is accountable for diverse maladies, including developmental disorders, metabolic disorders, and most significantly, cancer. A decade back most transcription factors, the key enablers of disease development, were historically viewed as 'undruggable'; however, in the intervening years, a wealth of literature validated that they can be targeted indirectly through transcriptional co-activators, their confederates in various physiological and molecular processes. These co-activators, along with transcription factors, have the ability to initiate and modulate transcription of diverse genes necessary for normal physiological functions, whereby, deregulation of such interactions may foster tissue-specific disease phenotype. Hence, it is essential to analyze how these co-activators modulate specific multilateral processes in coordination with other factors. The proposed review attempts to elaborate an in-depth account of the transcription co-activators, their involvement in transcription regulation, and context-specific contributions to pathophysiological conditions. This review also addresses an issue that has not been dealt with in a comprehensive manner and hopes to direct attention towards future research that will encompass patient-friendly therapeutic strategies, where drugs targeting co-activators will have enhanced benefits and reduced side effects. Additional insights into currently available therapeutic interventions and the associated constraints will eventually reveal multitudes of advanced therapeutic targets aiming for disease amelioration and good patient prognosis.

Decoding the role of miRNAs in multiple myeloma pathogenesis: A focus on signaling pathways

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a cancer of plasma cells that has been extensively studied in recent years, with researchers increasingly focusing on the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating gene expression in MM. Several non-coding RNAs have been demonstrated to regulate MM pathogenesis signaling pathways. These pathways might regulate MM development, apoptosis, progression, and therapeutic outcomes. They are Wnt/β-catenin, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, P53 and KRAS. This review highlights the impending role of miRNAs in MM signaling and their relationship with MM therapeutic interventions.

CircKCNQ5 controls proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, and glycolysis of multiple myeloma cells by modulating miR-335-5p/BRD4 axis

BACKGROUND

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are key players in tumorigenesis progression. However, the role and molecular mechanisms of circKCNQ5 in multiple myeloma (MM) progression remain unclear.

METHODS

The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used for examining circKCNQ5, miR-335-5p, and Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) levels. The proliferation ability of MM cells was determined by Cell Counting Kit-8 and colony-forming assays. The migration and invasion were analyzed by transwell assay. Flow cytometry was used to assess cell apoptosis. The lactate production, glucose consumption, and ATP/ADP ratios were determined by commercialized kits. The protein levels were quantified by western blot analysis. The interactions between circKCNQ5 and miR-335-5p, along with miR-335-5p and BRD4 were analyzed by dual-luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation assays.

RESULTS

The overexpression of circKCNQ5 was confirmed in MM tissues and cells. Importantly, knockdown of circKCNQ5 suppressed proliferation, migration, invasion, and glycolysis while it increased apoptosis of MM cells in vitro. Interestingly, the downregulation of miR-335-5p was able to rescue the circKCNQ5 inhibition-induced effects on MM cells. MiR-335-5p interacted with circKCNQ5, and was able to target BRD4 in MM cells. MiR-335-5p upregulation inhibited malignant phenotypes of MM cells depending on BRD4.

CONCLUSION

CircKCNQ5 was found to stimulate MM progression through competitively sponging to miR-335-5p.

Abnormal expression pattern of lncRNA H19 participates in multiple myeloma bone disease by unbalancing osteogenesis and osteolysis

BACKGROUND

Accumulating genetic and epigenetic alterations in multiple myeloma (MM) have been demonstrated to be closely associated with osteolytic bone disease, generally characterized as increased osteoclast formation and decreased osteoblast activity. Previously, serum long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) H19 has been proved to be a biomarker for the diagnosis of MM. Whereas, its role in MM-associated bone homeostasis remains largely elusive.

METHODS

A cohort of 42 MM patients and 40 healthy volunteers were enrolled for evaluating differential expressions of H19 and its downstream effectors. The proliferative capacity of MM cells was monitored by CCK-8 assay. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and activity detection, either with Alizarin red staining (ARS) were employed to assess osteoblast formation. Osteoblast- or osteoclast-associated gene were detected using qRT-PCR and western blot analysis. Bioinformatics analysis, RNA pull-down, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) were subjected to verify H19/miR-532-3p/E2F7/EZH2 axis, which was accounted for epigenetic suppression of PTEN. The functional role of H19 on MM development through unbalancing osteolysis and osteogenesis was also confirmed in the murine MM model.

RESULTS

Upregulation of serum H19 was observed in MM patients, suggesting its positive correlation with the poor prognosis of MM patients. Loss of H19 dramatically weakened cell proliferation of MM cells, promoted osteoblastic differentiation, and impaired osteoclast activity. While reinforced H19 exhibited the opposite effects. Akt/mTOR signaling plays an indispensable role in H19-mediated osteoblast formation and osteoclastgenesis. Mechanistically, H19 served as a sponge for miR-532-3p to upregulate E2F7, a transcriptional activator of EZH2, thereby accounting for modulating epigenetic suppression of PTEN. The in vivo experiments further validated that H19 exerted important impacts on tumor growth through breaking the balance between osteogenesis and osteolysis via Akt/mTOR signaling.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, increased enrichment of H19 in MM cells exhibits an essential role in MM development by disturbing bone homeostasis.

Aberrantly expressed long noncoding RNAs as potential prognostic biomarkers in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: A systemic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Numerous studies have manifested long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) as biomarkers to determine the prognosis of multiple myeloma (MM) patients. Nevertheless, the prognostic role of lncRNAs in MM is still ambiguous. Herein, we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the predictive value of aberrantly expressed lncRNAs in MM.

METHODS

A systemic literature search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases until October 9, 2021, and the protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42021284364). Our study extracted the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), or event-free survival (EFS). Begg's and Egger's tests were employed to correct publication bias.

RESULT

Twenty-six individual studies containing 3501 MM patients were enrolled in this study. The results showed that aberrant expression of lncRNAs was associated with poor OS and PFS of MM patients. The pooled HRs for univariate OS and PFS were 1.48 (95% CI = 1.17-1.88, p < 0.001) and 1.30 (95% CI = 1.18-1.43, p < 0.001), respectively, whereas the pooled HRs for multivariate OS and PFS were 1.50 (95% CI = 1.16-1.95, p < 0.001) and 1.59 (95% CI = 1.22-2.07, p < 0.001), respectively. Subgroup analysis suggested that MALAT1, TCF7, NEAT1, and PVT1 upregulation were associated with poor OS (p < 0.05), PVT1, and TCF7 upregulation were implicated with worse PFS (p < 0.05), while only TCF7 overexpression was correlated with reduced EFS (p < 0.05). Moreover, the contour-enhanced funnel plot demonstrated the reliability of our current conclusion, which was not affected by publication bias.

CONCLUSION

Aberrantly expressed particular lncRNAs are critical prognostic indicators in long-term survival as well as promising biomarkers in progression-free status. However, different cutoff values and dissimilar methods to assess lncRNA expression among studies may lead to heterogeneity.

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) H19 in human cancer: From proliferation and metastasis to therapy

Initiation and development of cancer depend on multiple factors that mutations in genes and epigenetic level can be considered as important drivers. Epigenetic factors include a large family of members and understanding their function in cancer has been a hot topic. LncRNAs are RNA molecules with no capacity in synthesis of proteins, and they have regulatory functions in cells. LncRNAs are localized in nucleus and cytoplasm, and their abnormal expression is related to development of tumor. This manuscript emphasizes on the role of lncRNA H19 in various cancers and its association with tumor hallmarks. The function of lncRNA H19 in most tumors is oncogenic and therefore, tumor cells increase its expression for promoting their progression. LncRNA H19 contributes to enhancing growth and cell cycle of cancers and by EMT induction, it is able to elevate metastasis rate. Silencing H19 induces apoptotic cell death and disrupts progression of tumors. LncRNA H19 triggers chemo- and radio-resistance in cancer cells. miRNAs are dually upregulated/down-regulated by lncRNA H19 in increasing tumor progression. Anti-cancer agents reduce lncRNA H19 in impairing tumor progression and increasing therapy sensitivity. A number of downstream targets and molecular pathways for lncRNA H19 have been detected in cancers including miRNAs, RUNX1, STAT3, β-catenin, Akt2 and FOXM1. Clinical studies have revealed potential of lncRNA H19 as biomarker and its association with poor prognosis. LncRNA H19 can be transferred to cancer cells via exosomes in enhancing their progression.

Role of microRNAs in B-Cell Compartment: Development, Proliferation and Hematological Diseases

B-cell development is a very orchestrated pathway that involves several molecules, such as transcription factors, cytokines, microRNAs, and also different cells. All these components maintain the ideal microenvironment and control B-cell differentiation. MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that bind to target mRNA to control gene expression. These molecules could circulate in the body in a free form, protein-bounded, or encapsulated into extracellular vesicles, such as exosomes. The comprehension of the role of microRNAs in the B-cell development was possible based on microRNA profile of each B-cell stage and functional studies. Herein, we report the knowledge about microRNAs in the B-cell the differentiation, proliferation, and also in hematological malignancies.

SV40 miR-S1 and Cellular miR-1266 Sequester Each Other from Their Targets, Enhancing Telomerase Activity and Viral Replication

Virus-encoded microRNAs (miRNAs) target viral and host mRNAs to repress protein production from viral and host genes, and regulate viral persistence, cell transformation, and evasion of the immune system. The present study demonstrated that simian virus 40 (SV40)-encoded miRNA miR-S1 targets a cellular miRNA miR-1266 to derepress their respective target proteins, namely, T antigens (Tags) and telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT). An in silico search for cellular miRNAs to interact with viral miR-S1 yielded nine potential miRNAs, five of which, including miR-1266, were found to interact with miR-S1 in dual-luciferase tests employing reporter plasmids containing the miRNA sequences with miR-S1. Intracellular bindings of miR-1266 to miR-S1 were also verified by the pull-down assay. These miRNAs were recruited into the Ago2-associated RNA-induced silencing complex. Intracellular coexpression of miR-S1 with miR-1266 abrogated the downregulation of TERT and decrease in telomerase activity induced by miR-1266. These effects of miR-S1 were also observed in miR-1266-expressing A549 cells infected with SV40. Moreover, the infected cells contained more Tag, replicated more viral DNA, and released more viral particles than control A549 cells infected with SV40, indicating that miR-S1-induced Tag downregulation was antagonized by miR-1266. Collectively, the present results revealed an interplay of viral and cellular miRNAs to sequester each other from their respective targets. This is a novel mechanism for viruses to manipulate the expression of viral and cellular proteins, contributing to not only viral lytic and latent replication but also cell transformation observed in viral infectious diseases including oncogenesis.

Proposal for Practical Approach in Prenatal Diagnosis of Beckwith–Wiedemann Syndrome and Review of the Literature

Background: Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is a phenotypically and genetically heterogeneous disorder associated with epigenetic/genetic aberrations on chromosome 11p15.4p15.5. There is no consensus criterion for prenatal diagnosis of BWS. Methods: Three BWS patients with their clinical histories, prenatal ultrasonographic features, and results of molecular diagnosis were presented. Likewise, by incorporating the findings of our cases and literature review, the phenotypic spectrum and genotype–phenotype correlations of fetal BWS were summarized, and a practical approach in prenatal diagnosis of BWS was proposed. Results: A total of 166 BWS cases with prenatal features were included for analysis. Common fetal features include abdominal wall defects (42.8%), polyhydramnios (33.1%), and macrosomia (32.5%). Molecular pathologies include methylation changes in imprinting control region 1 and 2 (ICR1 and ICR2), paternal uniparental disomy of chromosome 11p15.5, copy number change involving 11p15, etc. Some genotype–phenotype correlations were observed. However, the broad phenotypic spectrum but limited features manifested by affected fetuses rendering ultrasonographic diagnosis not easy. Conclusions: Molecular tests are used for prenatal diagnosis of BWS suspected by ultrasonography. Methylation-specific multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MS-MLPA) is recommended as the first-line molecular tool because it simultaneously detects ICR1/ICR2 methylation statuses and copy numbers that solve the majority of clinical cases in the prenatal scenario.

Circular RNA as a Novel Biomarker for Diagnosis and Prognosis and Potential Therapeutic Targets in Multiple Myeloma

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a novel type of covalently closed RNAs involved in several physiological and pathological processes. They display tissue-specific expression and are constant, abundant, and highly conserved, making them perfect markers for diagnosis and prognosis. Several studies have proposed that circRNAs are also differentially produced in malignancies where they have oncogenic effects. Furthermore, circRNAs affecting microRNAs modify the expression profile of several transcription factors which play essential roles in tumors. CircRNAs within the hematopoietic compartment were identified as modulators of mechanisms able to enhance or suppress tumor progression in blood malignancies. Moreover, several circRNAs were suggested to confer resistance to the conventional drugs employed in hematopoietic cancers. In this review, we highlight the growing role and the controlling mechanisms by which circRNAs modify multiple myeloma genesis. We propose that circRNAs can be considered as potential diagnostic and prognostic markers, can induce chemoresistance, and might represent novel therapeutic targets for multiple myeloma.

Circular RNA hsa_circ_0011385 contributes to cervical cancer progression through sequestering miR-149-5p and increasing PRDX6 expression

Cervical cancer (CC) is a common tumor in the female reproductive tract. Circular RNA hsa_circ_0011385 has been reported to be up-regulated in CC tissues. Nevertheless, the role and regulatory mechanism of hsa_circ_0011385 in CC are still being further verified. The levels of hsa_circ_0011385, microRNA (miR)- 149-5p, and peroxiredoxin 6 (PRDX6) mRNA in CC samples and cell lines were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Loss-of-function experiments were performed to survey the impacts of hsa_circ_0011385 inhibition on CC cell proliferation, colony formation, cycle progression, apoptosis, metastasis, invasion, and angiogenesis. Protein levels were detected by western blotting. The relationship between hsa_circ_0011385 or PRDX6 and miR-149-5p was verified by dual-luciferase reporter, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), and/or RNA pull-down assays. The tumorigenesis role of hsa_circ_0011385 in CC was confirmed by xenograft assay. We observed that hsa_circ_0011385 and PRDX6 were up-regulated while miR-149-5p was down-regulated in CC samples and cell lines. CC patients with high hsa_circ_0011385 expression possessed a shorter overall survival. Hsa_circ_0011385 knockdown reduced tumor growth in vivo and facilitated apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, impeded proliferation, metastasis, invasion, and angiogenesis of CC cells in vitro. Hsa_circ_0011385 could mediate PRDX6 expression through binding to miR-149-5p. MiR-149-5p silencing reversed hsa_circ_0011385 knockdown-mediated effects on CC cell angiogenesis and malignancy. PRDX6 overexpression overturned the inhibitory effects of miR-149-5p overexpression on angiogenesis and malignant behaviors of CC cells. In conclusion, hsa_circ_0011385 accelerated angiogenesis and malignant behaviors of CC cells by regulating the miR-149-5p/PRDX6 axis, manifesting that hsa_circ_0011385 might be a therapeutic target for CC.

Effects and early diagnostic value of lncRNA H19 on sepsis‑induced acute lung injury

Sepsis is an immune disease induced by microbial invasion. The molecular mechanism and value of long non-coding H19 (lncRNA H19) in sepsis remain largely unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the effects and early diagnostic value of lncRNA H19 on sepsis-induced acute lung injury (ALI). Serum samples from 85 septic patients and 76 healthy individuals were collected, and the expression of lncRNA H19 was assessed by the quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were subjected to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in order to construct models of sepsis-induced ALI. A total of 18 successfully modeled rats were randomly allocated into an lncRNA H19-ad group and a model group, and another 9 healthy SD rats from the same batch were selected as a control group. The samples of serum and lung tissue were collected. lncRNA H19 expression was quantified by qPCR, and levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-17, caspase-3, caspase-9, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and BCL2-associated X (Bax) were measured by western blotting. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was employed to assess the diagnostic value of lncRNA H19 for septic patients. lncRNA H19 was downregulated in sepsis. Upregulation of lncRNA H19 inhibited TNF-α, IL-6, IL-17, caspase-3, caspase-9 and Bax and increased Bcl-2. The AUC of lncRNA H19 for early diagnosis of sepsis was 0.8197 (95% CI, 0.77 to 0.91). lncRNA H19 alleviated sepsis-induced ALI by inhibiting pulmonary apoptosis and inflammation, serving as a biochemical marker and therapeutic target for sepsis.

Long Noncoding RNA H19: A Novel Therapeutic Target Emerging in Oncology Via Regulating Oncogenic Signaling Pathways

Long noncoding RNA H19 (H19) is an imprinting gene with only maternal expression that is involved in regulating different processes in various types of cells. Previous studies have shown that abnormal H19 expression is involved in many pathological processes, such as cancer, mainly through sponging miRNAs, interacting with proteins, or regulating epigenetic modifications. Accumulating evidence has shown that several oncogenic signaling pathways lead to carcinogenesis. Recently, the regulatory relationship between H19 and oncogenic signaling pathways in various types of cancer has been of great interest to many researchers. In this review, we discussed the key roles of H19 in cancer development and progression via its regulatory function in several oncogenic signaling pathways, such as PI3K/Akt, canonical Wnt/β-catenin, canonical NF-κB, MAPK, JAK/STAT and apoptosis. These oncogenic signaling pathways regulated by H19 are involved in cell proliferation, proliferation, migration and invasion, angiogenesis, and apoptosis of various cancer cells. This review suggests that H19 may be a novel therapeutic target for cancers treatment by regulating oncogenic signaling pathways.

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers in multiple myeloma: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Recently, emerging studies have demonstrated the utility of particular long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as useful biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of multiple myeloma (MM). We systematically reviewed the literature and conducted a meta-analysis to quantify the predictive effectiveness of lncRNAs in the prognosis and diagnosis of MM.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science until March 24, 2021. A meta-analysis was conducted to explore the correlation between the expression of lncRNAs and prognostic endpoints, including overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and disease-free survival (DFS) or event-free survival (EFS). Moreover, the diagnostic performance of lncRNAs in MM was investigated by calculating accuracy metrics.

RESULTS

Overall, 43 studies were included in this systematic review, amongst which 36 studies assessed prognostic endpoints (including 5499 participants and 69 lncRNAs), and 11 studies evaluated diagnostic outcomes (with 1723 participants and 11 lncRNAs). The overexpression of CRNDE (hazard ratio (HR)= 1.94, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.61, 2.34), NEAT1 (HR=1.97, 95%CI 1.36, 2.85), PVT1 (HR=1.92, 95%CI 1.25, 2.97), and TCF7 (HR=1.98, 95%CI 1.42, 2.76) was significantly associated with reduced OS. Furthermore, upregulation of PVT1 was significantly correlated with poor PFS (HR=1.86, 95%CI 1.29, 2.68). The pooled diagnostic performance of lncRNAs was as follows: sensitivity 0.78 (95%CI 0.73, 0.82), specificity 0.88 (95%CI 0.83, 0.92), and area under the curve 0.89 (95%CI 0.86, 0.92).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results revealed the potential significance of lncRNAs in MM as diagnostic and prognostic markers, which may be the future targets for individualized therapy.

The Role of Long Non-coding RNAs in Human Imprinting Disorders: Prospective Therapeutic Targets

Genomic imprinting is a term used for an intergenerational epigenetic inheritance and involves a subset of genes expressed in a parent-of-origin-dependent way. Imprinted genes are expressed preferentially from either the paternally or maternally inherited allele. Long non-coding RNAs play essential roles in regulating this allele-specific expression. In several well-studied imprinting clusters, long non-coding RNAs have been found to be essential in regulating temporal- and spatial-specific establishment and maintenance of imprinting patterns. Furthermore, recent insights into the epigenetic pathological mechanisms underlying human genomic imprinting disorders suggest that allele-specific expressed imprinted long non-coding RNAs serve as an upstream regulator of the expression of other protein-coding or non-coding imprinted genes in the same cluster. Aberrantly expressed long non-coding RNAs result in bi-allelic expression or silencing of neighboring imprinted genes. Here, we review the emerging roles of long non-coding RNAs in regulating the expression of imprinted genes, especially in human imprinting disorders, and discuss three strategies targeting the central long non-coding RNA UBE3A-ATS for the purpose of developing therapies for the imprinting disorders Prader-Willi syndrome and Angelman syndrome. In summary, a better understanding of long non-coding RNA-related mechanisms is key to the development of potential therapeutic targets for human imprinting disorders.

Plasmonically Enhanced CRISPR/Cas13a-Based Bioassay for Amplification-Free Detection of Cancer-Associated RNA

Novel methods that enable sensitive, accurate and rapid detection of RNA would not only benefit fundamental biological studies but also serve as diagnostic tools for various pathological conditions, including bacterial and viral infections and cancer. Although highly sensitive, existing methods for RNA detection involve long turn-around time and extensive capital equipment. Here, an ultrasensitive and amplification-free RNA quantification method is demonstrated by integrating CRISPR-Cas13a system with an ultrabright fluorescent nanolabel, plasmonic fluor. This plasmonically enhanced CRISPR-powered assay exhibits nearly 1000-fold lower limit-of-detection compared to conventional assay relying on enzymatic reporters. Using a xenograft tumor mouse model, it is demonstrated that this novel bioassay can be used for ultrasensitive and quantitative monitoring of cancer biomarker (lncRNA H19). The novel biodetection approach described here provides a rapid, ultrasensitive, and amplification-free strategy that can be broadly employed for detection of various RNA biomarkers, even in resource-limited settings.

Role of long non-coding RNA H19 in the development of osteoporosis

Background

Osteoporosis is a widespread and serious metabolic bone disease. At present, revealing the molecular mechanisms of osteoporosis and developing effective prevention and treatment methods are of great significance to health worldwide. LncRNA is a non-coding RNA peptide chain with more than 200 nucleotides. Researchers have identified many lncRNAs implicated in the development of diseases and lncRNA H19 is an example.

Results

A large amount of evidence supports the fact that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) genes, such as H19, have multiple, far-reaching effects on various biological functions. It has been found that lncRNA H19 has a role in the regulation of different types of cells in the body including the osteoblasts, osteocytes, and osteoclasts found in bones. Therefore, it can be postulated that lncRNA H19 affects the incidence and development of osteoporosis.

Conclusion

The prospect of targeting lncRNA H19 in the treatment of osteoporosis is promising because of the effects that lncRNA H19 has on the process of osteogenic differentiation. In this review, we summarize the molecular pathways and mechanisms of lncRNA H19 in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis and summarize the research progress of targeting H19 as a treatment option. Research is emerging that explores more effective treatment possibilities for bone metabolism diseases using molecular targets.

LncRNA H19 Regulates Proliferation, Apoptosis and ECM Degradation of Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells Via miR-1-3p/ADAM10 Axis in Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is a prevalent health problem worldwide. Long non-coding RNA H19was highly expressed in TAA patients, but the function and mechanism of H19 in TAA remain unknown. The expression levels of H19, microRNA-1-3p (miR-1-3p), and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 10 (ADAM10) were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Receiver operating characteristic (ROS) cure was performed to evaluate the diagnostic value of H19 on TAA patients. Proliferation and apoptosis were detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation, and flow cytometry. Protein levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Cleaved-caspase 3 (Cleaved-cas3), Cleaved-caspase 9 (Cleaved-cas9), Collagen I, Collagen III, and ADAM10 were tested by western blot assay. The binding relationship between miR-1-3p and H19 or ADAM10 was predicted by LncBase Predicted v.2 or Starbase, and verified by the dual-luciferase reporter, RNA pull-down assay, and RNA Immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays. H19 was increased in TAA aorta tissues and serum and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC), and hindered proliferation as well as promoted apoptosis and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation of VSMC. Moreover, miR-1-3p was decreased, and ADAM10 was upregulated in TAA aorta tissues and VSMC. The mechanical analysis confirmed that H19 affected ADAM10 expression by targeting miR-1-3p. Our results indicated that H19 inhibited proliferation, and accelerated apoptosis and ECM degradation of VSMC, providing an underlying lncRNA-targeted therapy for TAA treatment.

LncRNA H19: A novel oncogene in multiple cancers

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a series of non-coding RNAs that lack open reading frameworks. Accumulating evidence suggests important roles for lncRNAs in various diseases, including cancers. Recently, lncRNA H19 (H19) became a research focus due to its ectopic expression in human malignant tumors, where it functioned as an oncogene. Subsequently, H19 was confirmed to be involved in tumorigenesis and malignant progression in many tumors and had been implicated in promoting cell growth, invasion, migration, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, metastasis, and apoptosis. H19 also sequesters some microRNAs, facilitating a multilayer molecular regulatory mechanism. In this review, we summarize the abnormal overexpression of H19 in human cancers, which suggests wide prospects for further research into the diagnosis and treatment of cancers.

Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes associated competitive endogenous RNA networks as predictors of outcome in hepatic carcinoma based on WGCNA analysis

BACKGROUND

The important regulatory role of competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been confirmed. Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are of great significance to tumor outcome and prognosis. This study will systematically analyze the key factors affecting the prognosis of HCC from the perspective of ceRNA and TILs.

METHODS

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was used for transcriptome data acquisition of HCC. Through the analysis of the Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WCGNA), the two modules for co-expression of the disease were determined, and a ceRNA network was constructed. We used Cox regression and LASSO regression analysis to screen prognostic factors and constructed a risk score model. The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) was used to validate the model. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) was used for mRNAs functional analysis. The cell composition of TILs was analyzed by the CIBERSORT algorithm, and Pearson correlation analysis was utilized to explore the correlation between TILs and prognostic factors.

RESULTS

We constructed a ceRNA regulatory network composed of 67 nodes through WGCNA, including 44 DElncRNAs, 19 DEGs, and 4 DEmiRNAs. And based on the expression of 4 DEGs in this network (RRM2, LDLR, TXNIP, and KIF23), a prognostic model of HCC with good specificity and sensitivity was developed. CIBERSORT analyzed the composition of TILs in HCC tumor tissues. Correlation analysis showed that RRM2 is significantly correlated with T cells CD4 memory activated, T cells CD4 memory resting, T cells CD8, and T cells follicular helper, and TXNIP is negatively correlated with B cells memory.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, a ceRNA with prognostic value in HCC was created, and a prognostic risk model for HCC was constructed based on it. This risk score model is closely related to TILs and is expected to become a potential therapeutic target and a new predictive indicator.

CircRERE confers the resistance of multiple myeloma to bortezomib depending on the regulation of CD47 by exerting the sponge effect on miR-152-3p

Background

Inevitable resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs has become a major obstacle for the clinical treatment of multiple myeloma (MM). Circular RNAs (circRNAs) can regulate the chemoresistance in different tumors. Our study was to explore the regulation of circRNA arginine-glutamic acid dipeptide repeats (circRERE) in bortezomib (BTZ) resistance of MM.

Methods

CircRERE, microRNA-152-3p (miR-152-3p) and cluster of differentiation 47 (CD47) levels were assayed through the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Cell sensitivity to BTZ was analyzed using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were determined via colony formation assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The detection of all proteins was conducted by western blot. The target binding was analyzed via the dual-luciferase reporter assay and RIP assay.

Results

We found the upregulation of circRERE in BTZ-resistant MM samples and cells. BTZ resistance was inhibited after circRERE expression was downregulated in MM cells. CircRERE was identified to act as a miR-152-3p sponge. The effect of circRERE on the BTZ resistance was associated with the sponge function for miR-152-3p. CD47 was a target for miR-152-3p and circRERE could sponge miR-152-3p to generate the expression regulation of CD47. MiR-152-3p facilitated the susceptibility of MM cells to BTZ by targeting CD47.

Conclusion

These results suggested that circRERE could suppress the BTZ resistance in MM cells by mediating the miR-152-3p/CD47 axis.

The Role of lncRNAs in the Pathobiology and Clinical Behavior of Multiple Myeloma

Simple Summary

Multiple myeloma (MM), the second most common hematological neoplasm, is still considered an incurable disease. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), genes that do not encode proteins, participate in numerous biological processes, but their deregulation, like that of coding genes, can contribute to carcinogenesis. Increasing evidence points to the relevant role of lncRNAs in the development of human tumors, such that they emerge as attractive biomarkers and therapeutic targets for cancer treatment, including MM. Here we review the oncogenic or tumor-suppressor functions of lncRNAs in MM and provide an overview of novel therapeutic approaches based on lncRNAs that will help to improve the management of these patients.

Abstract

MM is a hematological neoplasm that is still considered an incurable disease. Besides established genetic alterations, recent studies have shown that MM pathogenesis is also characterized by epigenetic aberrations, such as the gain of de novo active chromatin marks in promoter and enhancer regions and extensive DNA hypomethylation of intergenic regions, highlighting the relevance of these non-coding genomic regions. A recent study described how long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) correspond to 82% of the MM transcriptome and an increasing number of studies have demonstrated the importance of deregulation of lncRNAs in MM. In this review we focus on the deregulated lncRNAs in MM, including their biological or functional mechanisms, their role as biomarkers to improve the prognosis and monitoring of MM patients, and their participation in drug resistance. Furthermore, we also discuss the evidence supporting the role of lncRNAs as therapeutic targets through different novel RNA-based strategies.

p53-targeted lncRNA ST7-AS1 acts as a tumour suppressor by interacting with PTBP1 to suppress the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway in glioma

Glioma is the most prevalent intracranial tumour, with considerable morbidity. Long non-coding RNAs are important in the biological processes of various cancers. However, little is known about ST7 antisense RNA 1 (ST7-AS1) and its role in glioma progression. ST7-AS1 expression was reduced in glioma tissues and cells in comparison to normal brain tissues. p53 transcriptionally targeted the ST7-AS1 promoter in U251 glioma cells. The targeting significantly inhibited cell migration, invasion, and proliferation, and promoted apoptosis. ST7-AS1 directly bound to and downregulated polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1 (PTBP1) at the post-transcriptional level. ST7-AS1 overexpression inhibited glioma progression by suppressing Wnt/β-catenin signalling by downregulating PTBP1 expression. Additionally, p53 expression negatively correlated with PTBP1 expression. Glioma progression is regulated by a positive feedback loop involving the p53/ST7-AS1/PTBP1 axis, which might be a promising therapeutic target for glioma treatment.

An emerging potential therapeutic target for osteoporosis: LncRNA H19/miR-29a-3p axis

Osteoporosis (OP) is a complex systemic disease characterized by a loss of bone density, leading to bone fragility and an increase risk of fractures of the hip, spine and wrist. The clinical therapeutic effect is still far from satisfactory. Thus, further studies are urgently needed to explore the pathogenesis of OP. In this study, our aim is to explore the underlying molecular mechanism of lncRNA H19/miR-29a-3p axis for regulating of inflammation, proliferation and apoptosis in OP. The expression of lncRNA H19 was significantly upregulated in OP samples compared with the health control. Subsequently, we found that miR-29a-3p is the target of lncRNA H19 in OP. Furthermore, the knockdown of lncRNA H19 was validated to promote the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators, repress cell proliferation and inhibit cell apoptosis in vitro. Moreover, the modulating effects of lncRNA-H19 on the expressions of pro-inflammatory mediators, cell proliferation and apoptosis in vitro were diminished after co-transfecting with miR-29a-3p inhibitor and siRNA-H19. Thus, we concluded that lncRNA H19/miR-29a-3p axis was involved in the development of OP. This study might provide a better understanding of OP development and a potential therapeutic target for OP intervention.

DNMT1 maintains the methylation of miR-152-3p to regulate TMSB10 expression, thereby affecting the biological characteristics of colorectal cancer cells

Objective

DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) take on a relevant role in epigenetic control of cancer proliferation and cell survival. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the establishment and maintenance of DNA methylation in human cancer remain to be fully elucidated. This study was to investigate that how DNMT1 affected the biological characteristics of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells via modulating methylation of microRNA (miR)‐152‐3p and thymosin β 10 (TMSB10) expression.

Methods

DNMT1, miR‐152‐3p, and TMSB10 expression, and the methylation of miR‐152‐3p in CRC tissues and cells were detected. SW‐480 and HCT‐116 CRC cells were transfected with DNMT1 or miR‐152‐3p‐related sequences or plasmids to explore their characters in biological functions of CRC cells. The binding relationship between DNMT1 and miR‐152‐3p and the targeting relationship between miR‐152‐3p and TMSB10 were analyzed. The tumor growth was also detected in vivo.

Results

Upregulated DNMT1, TMSB10, reduced miR‐152‐3p, and methylated miR‐152‐3p were detected in CRC tissues and cells. Silenced DNMT1 or upregulated miR‐152‐3p reduced TMSB10 expression and suppressed CRC progression and tumor growth. Moreover, elevated DNMT1 could reverse the effect of miR‐152‐3p upregulation on CRC development and tumor growth. DNMT1 maintained methylation of miR‐152‐3p. TMSB10 was the direct target gene of miR‐152‐3p.

Conclusion

The study highlights that silenced DNMT1 results in non‐methylated miR‐152‐3p to depress TMSB10 expression, thereby inhibiting CRC development, which provides a new approach for CRC therapy.

LINC00992 contributes to the oncogenic phenotypes in prostate cancer via targeting miR-3935 and augmenting GOLM1 expression

Background

Accumulating evidence has revealed the critical role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in cellular processes during tumor progression. As documented in cancer-related literatures, LINC00992 expression is associated with cancer progression, whereas its function in tumors including prostate cancer has not been characterized yet.

Methods

Data from GEPIA database suggested LINC00992 expression in prostate cancer tissues. The expression levels of RNAs were monitored via qRT-PCR. Western blot evaluated the levels of proteins. The proliferation, apoptosis and migration of prostate cancer cells were assessed by CCK-8, EdU, TUNEL, Transwell and wound healing assays. Luciferase reporter, RNA pull down and RIP assays were applied to detect the interplays among LINC00992, miR-3935 and GOLM1.

Results

Elevated levels of LINC00992 and GOLM1 were detected in prostate cancer tissues and cells. LINC00992 exerted facilitating functions in prostate cancer cell proliferation and migration. Mechanically, LINC00992 interacted with and negatively regulated miR-3935 to elevate GOLM1 expression in prostate cancer cells. In addition, the in vitro suppressive effect of silenced LINC00992 on prostate cancer cell proliferation and migration was reversed by GOLM1 upregulation. Likewise, LINC00992 depletion restrained tumor growth in vivo was offset by enhanced GOLM1 expression.

Conclusions

LINC00992 competitively bound with miR-3935 to elevate GOLM1 expression and therefore facilitate the oncogenic phenotypes of prostate cancer cells, implying a potential LINC00992-targeted therapy for prostate cancer.

LINC00992 contributes to the oncogenic phenotypes in prostate cancer via targeting miR-3935 and augmenting GOLM1 expression

BACKGROUND

Accumulating evidence has revealed the critical role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in cellular processes during tumor progression. As documented in cancer-related literatures, LINC00992 expression is associated with cancer progression, whereas its function in tumors including prostate cancer has not been characterized yet.

METHODS

Data from GEPIA database suggested LINC00992 expression in prostate cancer tissues. The expression levels of RNAs were monitored via qRT-PCR. Western blot evaluated the levels of proteins. The proliferation, apoptosis and migration of prostate cancer cells were assessed by CCK-8, EdU, TUNEL, Transwell and wound healing assays. Luciferase reporter, RNA pull down and RIP assays were applied to detect the interplays among LINC00992, miR-3935 and GOLM1.

RESULTS

Elevated levels of LINC00992 and GOLM1 were detected in prostate cancer tissues and cells. LINC00992 exerted facilitating functions in prostate cancer cell proliferation and migration. Mechanically, LINC00992 interacted with and negatively regulated miR-3935 to elevate GOLM1 expression in prostate cancer cells. In addition, the in vitro suppressive effect of silenced LINC00992 on prostate cancer cell proliferation and migration was reversed by GOLM1 upregulation. Likewise, LINC00992 depletion restrained tumor growth in vivo was offset by enhanced GOLM1 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

LINC00992 competitively bound with miR-3935 to elevate GOLM1 expression and therefore facilitate the oncogenic phenotypes of prostate cancer cells, implying a potential LINC00992-targeted therapy for prostate cancer.

Circ_0007841 promotes the progression of multiple myeloma through targeting miR-338-3p/BRD4 signaling cascade

Background

The pathogenesis of multiple myeloma (MM) is not completely known. Uncovering the potential mechanism of MM initiation and progression is essential for identifying novel diagnostic and therapeutic targets. Herein, we explored the function and the working mechanism of circular RNA circ_0007841 in MM progression.

Methods

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was employed to detect the expression of circ_0007841, microRNA-338-3p (miR-338-3p) and bromodomain containing 4 (BRD4). Cell proliferation ability was analyzed through cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) assay, colony formation assay and flow cytometry. Transwell assays were conducted to measure the migration and invasion abilities of MM cells. Cell apoptosis was also assessed by flow cytometry. The interaction between miR-338-3p and circ_0007841 or BRD4 was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA-pull down assay.

Results

Circ_0007841 was highly expressed in bone marrow (BM)-derived plasma cells of MM patients and MM cell lines than that in healthy volunteers and normal plasma cell line nPCs. Circ_0007841 promoted the proliferation, cell cycle and metastasis and impeded the apoptosis of MM cells. miR-338-3p was a direct target of circ_0007841 in MM cells and circ_0007841 accelerated the progression of MM through targeting miR-338-3p. BRD4 could directly bind to miR-338-3p in MM cells and miR-338-3p exerted an anti-tumor role through targeting BRD4. Circ_0007841 promoted the activation of PI3K/AKT signaling via miR-338-3p/BRD4 axis. Exosomes generated from mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) elevated the malignant behaviors of MM cells via circ_0007841.

Conclusion

Circ_0007841 acted as an oncogene to promote the proliferation, cell cycle and motility and restrain the apoptosis of MM cells through sequestering miR-338-3p to up-regulate the expression of BRD4.

Long non-coding RNA BLACAT1 expedites osteosarcoma cell proliferation, migration and invasion via up-regulating SOX12 through miR-608

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BLACAT1 promotes cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and dampens cell apoptosis in OS.

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BLACAT1 sponges miR-608 in OS.

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SOX12 is the target of miR-608.

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BLACA1 promotes OS cell growth and migration via targeting miR-608/SOX12 axis.

Background

Osteosarcoma is the most common type of bone malignancy. Increasing evidence indicated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) possess multiple functions in the development of cancer and can be used as indicators of prognosis and diagnosis. LncRNA BLACAT1 has been found to promote the proliferation of breast cancer cells. However, the role of BLACAT1 in osteosarcoma remains largely unknown.

Methods

QRT-PCR analysis was employed to evaluate mRNA expressions. Western blot was performed to measure relevant protein level. Colony formation and EdU assays were conducted to certify proliferative ability. TUNEL assay was finalized to assess apoptotic cells. Wound-healing and transwell assays were utilized for the exploration of migrating and invasive abilities. The subcellular distribution of BLACAT1 was studied by nucleus-cytoplasm separation assay. Relevant mechanical experiments were combined to elucidate molecular relationship between molecules.

Results

BLACAT1 was highly expressed in osteosarcoma. BLACAT1 promoted the proliferation and migration of osteosarcoma cells. BLACAT1 acted as a sponge for miR-608 to augment the expression of Sex determining region Y-box protein 12 (SOX12), the direct target of miR-608. Further, inhibiting miR-608 recovered the repressive effect of silenced BLACAT1 on the malignant behaviors of osteosarcoma cells.

Conclusion

This study highlighted the contribution of BLACAT1/miR-608/SOX12 axis to the progression of osteosarcoma, suggesting novel targets for osteosarcoma therapy.

FOXA1-induced LINC01207 facilitates head and neck squamous cell carcinoma via up-regulation of TNRC6B

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a common cancer in China, which was mainly caused by smoking and HPV infection. With the advancement of molecular research, it is meaningful to explore the biomarkers of HNSCC. LINC01207 (small integral membrane protein 31, also known as SMIM31) is a verified oncogene in colorectal adenocarcinoma. Present study aimed to explore the function of LINC01207 in HNSCC cells. Function assays including EdU, colony formation, TUNEL and JC-1 assay revealed that LINC01207 was an oncogene in HNSCC cells. Next, by some mechanism assays including RIP assay and luciferase reporter assay, miR-5047 was identified as the downstream gene of LINC01207. Subsequently, trinucleotide repeat containing adaptor 6B (TNRC6B) was verified as the target of miR-5047. LINC01207 boosted HNSCC cell proliferation and stemness characteristics via acting as a ceRNA of TNRC6B to bind miR-5047. Then, we identified that transcription of both LINC01207 and TNRC6B was induced by FOXA1, which played a tumor facilitator role in HNSCC cells. In a word, present study uncovered a novel ceRNA mechanism of LINC01207/miR-5047/TNRC6B in HNSCC cells, which might contribute to HNSCC treatment.

Long Noncoding RNA H19 Facilitates Small Cell Lung Cancer Tumorigenesis Through miR-140-5p/FGF9 Axis

Purpose

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as gene regulators to drive many important cancer phenotypes through interaction with microRNAs. There have been numerous data about upregulation of H19 and its strong oncogenic function in progression of cancers. However, the function and detailed mechanisms of H19 on small cell lung cancer (SCLC) are still unclear.

Methods

In this study, we investigated H19 expression in SCLC and para-carcinoma tissues. We also explored the function and detailed mechanisms of H19 on SCLC cells via RT-PCR, transwell assay, Western blot, dual-luciferase report assay and RNA pull-down experiments.

Results

In this study, we observed that H19 was upregulated in SCLC compared with para-carcinoma tissues or NSCLC tissues. We also uncovered that H19 could promote proliferation and migration of SCLC cells. Functional investigation illustrated that H19 acted as a sponge for miR-140-5p to regulate its expression in SCLC. Interestingly, we further found that H19 upregulated FGF9 expression to promote SCLC progression via sponging miR-140-5p. H19 and FGF9 were also revealed to have similar expression patterns in clinical SCLC samples.

Conclusion

These data demonstrated that H19 might be a promising prognostic and therapeutic target for SCLC.