MiR-129-5p suppresses gastric cancer cell invasion and proliferation by inhibiting COL1A1

In Pursuit of Novel Markers: Unraveling the Potential of miR-106, CEA and CA 19-9 in Gastric Adenocarcinoma Diagnosis and Staging

Gastric cancer stands as the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, primarily comprising adenocarcinomas, categorized by anatomic location and histologic type. Often diagnosed at advanced stages, gastric cancer prognosis remains poor. To address the critical need for accurate tumoral markers for gastric cancer diagnosis, we conducted a study to assess classical markers like CEA and CA-19-9 alongside the novel marker miR-106. Our investigation revealed distinct dynamics of these markers compared to non-cancerous groups, although no disparities were observed across different disease stages. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses demonstrated that elevated levels of miR-106, CEA and CA 19-9 were predictive of a positive histopathological exam, with the respective odds ratios of 12.032 (95% CI: 1.948-74.305), 30 (95% CI: 3.141-286.576), and 55.866 (95% CI: 4.512-691.687). Subsequently, we utilized predicted probabilities from regression models to construct receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, identifying CA 19-9 as the optimal predictor for gastric adenocarcinoma diagnosis when considering age and gender, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.936 (p < 0.001). Hence, classical markers exhibit superior performance compared to the novel marker miR-106 in predicting gastric adenocarcinoma.

COL1A1, mediated by m6A methylation of METTL3, facilitates oral squamous cell carcinoma cell growth and metastasis

Collagen type I alpha1 (COL1A1) has been found to be abnormal expressed in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) tissues, but its role and mechanism in OSCC need to be further elucidated. The expression levels of COL1A1 and methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) were measured by quantitative real-time PCR and western blot. Cell growth and metastasis were determined by CCK8, colony formation, EdU, flow cytometry and transwell assays. MeRIP, Co-IP and dual-luciferase reporter assays were performed to explore the interplay of COL1A1 and METTL3. COL1A1 mRNA stability was confirmed by Actinomycin D assay. Mice xenograft models were constructed to perform in vivo experiments. COL1A1 and METTL3 were upregulated in OSCC. COL1A1 knockdown suppressed OSCC cell growth and metastasis, while its overexpression had an opposite effect. The stability of COL1A1 mRNA was regulated by the m6A methylation of METTL3. METTL3 overexpression promoted OSCC cell growth and metastasis, and its knockdown-mediated OSCC cell function inhibition could be abolished by COL1A1 overexpression. Besides, silencing of METTL3 reduced OSCC tumor growth by reducing COL1A1 expression. METTL3-stabilized COL1A1 promoted OSCC progression, providing an exact molecular target for the treatment of OSCC.

LncRNA LINC01278 Regulates the Prognosis and Related Mechanisms of Gastric Cancer by Targeting miR-129-5p

Gastric cancer, a prevalent malady within the digestive tract, has a complex pathological mechanism and numerous patients. The regulation of gastric cancer process by long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) presented new prospects for the study of its molecular mechanism and the treatment of patients. The abnormal expressed genes in gastric cancer were screened by GSE193109 dataset. The correlation between LINC01278 and the likelihood of survival in patients suffering from gastric cancer was investigated by Kaplan-Meier survival curve and multivariate Cox analysis. LINC01278 in gastric cancer tissue samples and cells was verified via RT-qPCR. The cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and transwell assay were selected to detect the growth activity of gastric cancer cells. The association between LINC01278 and miR-129-5p was validated through luciferase reporter assay and RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. Correlation analysis of clinical features revealed an association between LINC01278 and the prognosis in gastric cancer patients. LINC01278 was actively expressed in gastric cancer, which exerts a tumor-promoting effect. Silencing LINC01278 suppressed the biological function of tumor cells through spongiform miR-129-5p. LINC01278 has the potential to serve as a novel biomarker, offering new avenues of research for the prognosis and treatment of gastric cancer.

Identification of differentially expressed genes associated with the pathogenesis of gastric cancer by bioinformatics analysis

AIM

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most diagnosed cancers worldwide. GC is a heterogeneous disease whose pathogenesis has not been entirely understood. Besides, the GC prognosis for patients remains poor. Hence, finding reliable biomarkers and therapeutic targets for GC patients is urgently needed.

METHODS

GSE54129 and GSE26942 datasets were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to detect differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Then, gene set enrichment analyses and protein-protein interactions were investigated. Afterward, ten hub genes were identified from the constructed network of DEGs. Then, the expression of hub genes in GC was validated. Performing survival analysis, the prognostic value of each hub gene in GC samples was investigated. Finally, the databases were used to predict microRNAs that could regulate the hub genes. Eventually, top miRNAs with more interactions with the list of hub genes were introduced.

RESULTS

In total, 203 overlapping DEGs were identified between both datasets. The main enriched KEGG pathway was "Protein digestion and absorption." The most significant identified GO terms included "primary alcohol metabolic process," "basal part of cell," and "extracellular matrix structural constituent conferring tensile strength." Identified hub modules were COL1A1, COL1A2, TIMP1, SPP1, COL5A2, THBS2, COL4A1, MUC6, CXCL8, and BGN. The overexpression of seven hub genes was associated with overall survival. Moreover, among the list of selected miRNAs, hsa-miR-27a-3, hsa-miR-941, hsa-miR-129-2-3p, and hsa-miR-1-3p, were introduced as top miRNAs targeting more than five hub genes.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study identified ten genes associated with GC, which may help discover novel prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers as well as therapeutic targets for GC. Our results may advance the understanding of GC occurrence and progression.

Transcriptome sequencing identifies prognostic genes involved in gastric adenocarcinoma

Gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) is one of the world's most lethal malignant tumors. It has been established that the occurrence and progression of GAC are linked to molecular changes. However, the pathogenesis mechanism of GAC remains unclear. In this study, we sequenced 6 pairs of GAC tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues and collected GAC gene expression profile data from the TCGA database. Analysis of this data revealed 465 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), of which 246 were upregulated and 219 were downregulated. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis demonstrated that DEGs were observably enriched in ECM-receptor interaction, protein digestion and absorption, and gastric acid secretion pathways. Six key genes (MATN3, COL1A1, COL5A2, P4HA3, SERPINE1 and VCAN) associated with poor GAC prognosis were screened from the protein‒protein interaction (PPI) network by survival analysis, and P4HA3 and MATN3 have rarely been reported to be associated with GAC. We further analyzed the function of P4HA3 in the GAC cell line SGC-7901 by RT‒qPCR, MTT, flow cytometry, colony formation, wound healing, Transwell and western blot assays. We found that P4HA3 was upregulated in the SGC-7901 cell line versus normal control cells. The outcomes of the loss-of-function assay illustrated that P4HA3 significantly enhanced the ability of GAC cells to proliferate and migrate. This study provides a new basis for the selection of prognostic markers and therapeutic targets for GAC.

Has-miR-129-5p's Involvement in Different Disorders, from Digestive Cancer to Neurodegenerative Diseases

At present, it is necessary to identify specific biochemical, molecular, and genetic markers that can reliably aid in screening digestive cancer and correlate with the degree of disease development. Has-miR-129-5p is a small, non-coding molecule of RNA, circulating in plasma, gastric juice, and other biological fluids; it plays a protective role in tumoral growth, metastasis, etc. Furthermore, it is involved in various diseases, from the development of digestive cancer in cases of downregulation to neurodegenerative diseases and depression. Methods: We examined meta-analyses, research, and studies related to miR-129-5-p involved in digestive cancer and its implications in cancer processes, as well as metastasis, and described its implications in neurological diseases. Conclusions: Our review outlines that miR-129-5p is a significant controller of different pathways, genes, and proteins and influences different diseases. Some important pathways include the WNT and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways; their dysregulation results in digestive neoplasia and neurodegenerative diseases.

Changes in the expression of cancer- and metastasis-related genes and proteins after metformin treatment under different metabolic conditions in endometrial cancer cells

Research question

Hyperinsulinemia and elevated estrogen levels are known risk factors for endometrial cancer (EC) development and are associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), insulin resistance, among others. Metformin, an insulin-sensitizing drug, displays anti-tumor effects in cancer patients, including EC, but the mechanism of action is still not completely understood. In the present study, the effects of metformin on gene and protein expression were investigated in pre- and postmenopausal EC in vitro models in order to identify candidates that are potentially involved in the drug's anti-cancer mechanism.

Design

After treating the cells with metformin (0.1 and 1.0 mmol/L), changes in the expression of >160 cancer- and metastasis-related gene transcripts were evaluated with RNA arrays. A total of 19 genes and 7 proteins were selected for a follow-up expression analysis, including further treatment conditions, in order to evaluate the influence of hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycemia on metformin-induced effects.

Results

Changes in the expression of BCL2L11, CDH1, CDKN1A, COL1A1, PTEN, MMP9 and TIMP2 were analyzed on gene and protein level. The consequences resulting from the detected expression changes as well as the influence of varying environmental influences are discussed in detail. With the presented data, we contribute to a better understanding of the direct anti-cancer activity of metformin as well as its underlying mechanism of action in EC cells.

Conclusions

Although further research will be necessary to confirm the data, the influence of different environmental settings on metformin-induced effects could be highlighted with the presented data. Additionally, gene and protein regulation were not similar in the pre- and postmenopausal in vitro models.

Role of Some microRNA/ADAM Proteins Axes in Gastrointestinal Cancers as a Novel Biomarkers and Potential Therapeutic Targets—A Review

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are some of the most common cancers in the world and their number is increasing. Their etiology and pathogenesis are still unclear. ADAM proteins are a family of transmembrane and secreted metalloproteinases that play a role in cancerogenesis, metastasis and neoangiogenesis. MicroRNAs are small single-stranded non-coding RNAs that take part in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Some ADAM proteins can be targets for microRNAs. In this review, we analyze the impact of microRNA/ADAM protein axes in GI cancers.

LncRNA BBOX1-AS1 targets miR-361-3p/COL1A1 axis to drive the progression of oesophageal carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Oesophageal carcinoma (EC) is one of the types of prevalent malignant cancer in the globe. Many researchers reported the vital role played by long-coding RNAs in EC. In the current research, we investigated the mechanisms of the action of lncRNA BBOX1-AS1 in EC progression.

METHODS

In EC tissues and EC cells, the expression levels of miR-361-3p along with COL1A1 and BBOX1-AS1 were detected through RT-qPCR or western blotting. MiR-361-3p interactions with BBOX1-AS1 or COL1A1 were verified through Luciferase reporter and RIP tests. Loss of function combined with caspase-3 activity, CCK-8 and Transwell assays was performed to investigate cell apoptosis, proliferation and migration, respectively. Knockdown of BBOX1-AS1 was used for evaluating BBOX1-AS1 effects on tumour development in vivo.

RESULTS

BBOX1-AS1 was remarkably elevated in EC tissues and cells. In addition, the silencing of BBOX1-AS1 attenuated the cell viability, cell migration and enhanced cell apoptosis of EC, as well as suppressed EC tumour formation in vivo. Moreover, BBOX1-AS1 was found to be a sponge of miR-361-3p, which downregulated miR-361-3p expression. MiR-361-3p inhibitor rescued the anti-tumour effect of BBOX1-AS1 knockdown on the progression of EC. Furthermore, we discovered that miR-361-3p specially bound to COL1A1 3'UTR and downregulated COL1A1 and COL1A1 reduction declined the promoting effect of silencing miR-361-3p on EC cell malignant phenotypes.

CONCLUSION

BBOX1-AS1 facilitated the EC development and malignancy via miR-361-3p/COL1A1 axis, indicating BBOX1-AS1 could be a novel therapy target for the diagnostic of EC.

Exosomal circ_0001190 Regulates the Progression of Gastric Cancer via miR-586/SOSTDC1 Axis

Gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth most common cancer, which has a significant impact on human health. Recent researches have shown that circular RNAs (circRNAs) could affect the progress of GC, but the mechanism still indistinct. In this work, we explored the roles of circ_0001190 in GC. The levels of circ_0001190, microRNA-586 (miR-586) and sclerostin domain containing 1 (SOSTDC1) were detected by quantitative RT-PCR and western blot in GC. The cell functions were scrutinized by cell counting kit-8 assay, 5-Ethynyl-29-deoxyuridine assay, flow cytometry assay, tube formation assay, transwell assay, and western blot. Furthermore, the relationship between miR-586 and circ_0001190 or SOSTDC1 was identified by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Finally, the xenograft model test was implemented to demonstrate the effect of exosomal circ_0001190 in vivo. The levels of circ_0001190 and SOSTDC1 were downregulated, and the miR-586 level was increased in GC. For functional assay, circ _0001190 overexpression inhibited cell vitality, cell proliferation, angiogenesis, cell migration and invasion, whereas stimulated cell apoptosis in GC cells. Circ _0001190 served as a miR-586 sponge to adjust the expression of SOSTDC1. Additionally, miR-586 could promote the advancement of GC by interfering SOSTDC1. Exosomal circ_0001190 overexpression inhibited the development of GC by miR-586/SOSTDC1 axis, which proposed a potential targeted therapy for GC cure.

lncRNA PCGEM1 Regulates the Progress of Colorectal Cancer through Targeting miR-129-5p/SOX4

Prostate cancer gene expression marker 1 (PCGEM1) has abnormal expression level in a variety of malignant tumor. However, the relationship between PCGEM1 and colorectal cancer is still unclear yet. This study is aimed at identifying the role of PCGEM1 in colorectal cancer. qRT-PCR was used to examine the expressions of the expression of lncRNA PCGEM1 and SOX4 in CRC tissues and cell lines. The biological functions of lncRNA PCGEM1 and SOX4 were examined by CCK-8 assay, Transwell assay, immunohistochemistry, western blotting, RNA interference, and gene overexpression techniques. Bioinformatics analysis was used to find the potential downstream molecule of PCGEM1 and miR-129-5p. The relationship between PCGEM1, miR-129-5p, and SOX4 was assessed by dual luciferase activity assay. We found that PCGEM1 is overexpressed in colorectal cancer cells and tissues, while miR-129-5p is underexpressed. SOX4 is overexpressed in colorectal cancer cells and tissues. Functionally, PCGEM1 silencing can significantly inhibit the proliferation, invasion, and migration of colorectal cancer cells. Mechanically, PCGEM1 acted as a sponge for miR-129-5p and absorbed its expression, and miR-129-5p was found to target SOX4, constructing the axis of PCGEM1/miR-129-5p/SOX4 in colorectal cancer. In conclusion, PCGEM1 mediates the proliferation, invasion, and migration of colorectal cancer cells by targeting miR-129-5p/SOX4 axis.

COL1A1: A novel oncogenic gene and therapeutic target in malignancies

Collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1), a member of the collagen family, is involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition, which is closely linked to malignant tumorigenesis. COL1A1 is highly expressed in various cancers and regulates various cellular processes, including cell proliferation, metastasis, apoptosis, and cisplatin resistance. COL1A1 is also associated with cancer progression and prognosis; elevated COL1A1 expression is associated with poor prognosis in cancer patients. However, the main role of COL1A as a cancer-promoting factor in specific tumors has not been reported. Additionally, the protein levels and mechanisms of action of this protein differ among tumor types. This review discusses current research progress concerning COL1A1 in different tumor types, and then summarizes its contributions to cancer progression, thus providing a basis for follow-up research and potential targets for cancer treatment.

Identification of COL1A1 associated with immune infiltration in brain lower grade glioma

Brain low grade gliomas (LGG) often give serious clinical symptoms due to the invasion towards nervous system, affecting the life quality of patients. Collagen type I alpha 1(COL1A1) is the main component of type I collagen. Although there are many reports about abnormal expression of COL1A1 in various tumors, specific role and clinical significance of COL1A1 in LGG have not yet been elucidated. In this work, Tumor Immune Estimation Resource database was used for detecting the expression level of COL1A1 in cancer and normal tissues, and aimed to explore the relationship between COL1A1 and tumor immune infiltration. We applied Kaplan-Meier to analyze the role of COL1A1 in clinical prognosis. Univariate survival rate and multivariate Cox analysis were used to compare clinical characteristics and survival rate. The relativity between the expression of COL1A1 and the tumor microenvironment was evaluated using ESTIMATE algorithm. Finally, the relationship between expression level of COL1A1 and gene marker sets of immune cell infiltration was investigated via TIMER. According to TCGA, COL1A1 overexpression was correlated with overall survival (OS), progression free interval (PFI) and disease specific survival (DSS) of multiple tumors, especially in LGG. Multivariate analysis showed that COL1A1 expression was an independent prognostic factor for LGG. The expression of COL1A1 was positively correlated with the infiltration of CD4 + T and CD8 + T cells, neutrophils, macrophages and dendritic cells in LGG. In addition, there was a strong correlation between expression of COL1A1 and different immune marker sets in LGG. The results suggest that COL1A1 is related with tumor immune infiltration of LGG.

ANXA1: An Important Independent Prognostic Factor and Molecular Target in Glioma

Objective: The expression, prognosis, and related mechanisms of ANXA1 are investigated in glioma, with the objective to find potential therapeutic molecular targets for glioma. Methods: We analyzed the gene expression of ANXA1 using glioma-related databases, including the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) database, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Moreover, we collected the sample tissues and corresponding paracancerous tissues of 23 glioma patients and then conducted a Western blot experiment to verify the expression and correlate survival of ANXA1. Moreover, we generated survival ROC curves, performing univariate and multivariate Cox analyses and the construction of the nomogram. Differential expression analysis was conducted by high and low grouping based on the median of the ANXA1 gene expression values. We conducted Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) to explore possible mechanisms, and gene co-expression analysis was also performed. Results: The results showed that the ANXA1 expression level was higher in gliomas than in normal tissues, and a high expression level of ANXA1 in gliomas was associated with poorer prognosis. The independent prognosis analysis showed that the ANXA1 gene was an independent prognostic factor of glioma. In the analysis of KEGG and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), it is shown that ANXA1 may play an important role in glioma patients by affecting extracellular matrix (ECM)-receptor interaction and the focal adhesion signal pathway. The core genes, including COL1A1, COL1A2, FN1, ITGA1, and ITGB1, were screened for gene correlation and prognosis analysis. The expression level of the five genes was verified by qPCR in glioma. We concluded that these five core genes and ANXA1 could play a synergistic role in gliomas. Conclusion: The results indicated that a high expression level of ANXA1 leads to worse prognosis and ANXA1 is an independent prognostic factor and a potentially important target for the treatment of gliomas.

Role of collagen regulators in cancer treatment: A comprehensive review

Abstract:

Collagen is the most important structural protein and also a main component of extra-cellular matrix (ECM). It plays a role in tumor progression. Collagen can be regulated by altering it’s biosynthesis pathway through various signaling pathways, receptors and genes. Activity of cancer cells can also be regulated by other ECM components like metalloproteinases, hyaluronic acid, fibronectin and so on. Hypoxia is also one of the condition which leads to cancer progression by stimulating the expression of procollagen lysine as a collagen crosslinker, which increases the size of collagen fibres promoting cancer spread. The collagen content in cancerous cells leads to resistance in chemotherapy. So, to reduce this resistance, some of the collagen regulating therapies are introduced, which include inhibiting its biosynthesis, disturbing cancer cell signaling pathway, mediating ECM components and directly utilizing collagenase. This study is an effort to compile the strategies reported to control the collagen level and different collagen inhibitors reported so far. More research is needed in this area, growing understandings of collagen’s structural features and its role in cancer progression will aid in the advancement of newer chemotherapies.

Functional Screen for microRNAs Suppressing Anchorage-Independent Growth in Human Cervical Cancer Cells

The progression of anchorage-dependent epithelial cells to anchorage-independent growth represents a critical hallmark of malignant transformation. Using an in vitro model of human papillomavirus (HPV)-induced transformation, we previously showed that acquisition of anchorage-independent growth is associated with marked (epi)genetic changes, including altered expression of microRNAs. However, the laborious nature of the conventional growth method in soft agar to measure this phenotype hampers a high-throughput analysis. We developed alternative functional screening methods using 96- and 384-well ultra-low attachment plates to systematically investigate microRNAs regulating anchorage-independent growth. SiHa cervical cancer cells were transfected with a microRNA mimic library (n = 2019) and evaluated for cell viability. We identified 84 microRNAs that consistently suppressed growth in three independent experiments. Further validation in three cell lines and comparison of growth in adherent and ultra-low attachment plates yielded 40 microRNAs that specifically reduced anchorage-independent growth. In conclusion, ultra-low attachment plates are a promising alternative for soft-agar assays to study anchorage-independent growth and are suitable for high-throughput functional screening. Anchorage independence suppressing microRNAs identified through our screen were successfully validated in three cell lines. These microRNAs may provide specific biomarkers for detecting and treating HPV-induced precancerous lesions progressing to invasive cancer, the most critical stage during cervical cancer development.

Astragaloside IV exhibits anti-tumor function in gastric cancer via targeting circRNA dihydrolipoamide S-succinyltransferase (circDLST)/miR-489-3p/ eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A1(EIF4A1) pathway

Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is an inartificial saponin separated from astragalus membranaceus, which has exhibited key anti-tumor regulation in some cancers. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are important regulators in malignant development of gastric cancer (GC). Herein, we focused on the molecular mechanism of AS-IV with circRNA dihydrolipoamide S-succinyltransferase (circDLST) in GC. CircDLST, microRNA-489-3p (miR-489-3p), and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A1 (EIF4A1) levels were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase-chain reaction and western blot. Cell functions were assessed by cell counting kit-8 assay, ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine assay, colony formation assay, and transwell assay. The interaction between miR-489-3p and circDLST or EIF4A1 was analyzed by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Xenograft tumor assay was adopted to check the role of circDLST and AS-IV in vivo. CircDLST and EIF4A1 were upregulated but miR-489-3p was downregulated in GC cells. AS-IV restrained cell proliferation and metastasis in GC cells by downregulating circDLST. CircDLST served as a miR-489-3p sponge, and miR-489-3p inhibition reversed anti-tumor function of AS-IV. EIF4A1 was a target for miR-489-3p and circDLST sponged miR-489-3p to regulate EIF4A1. AS-IV suppressed GC cell progression via circDLST-mediated downregulation of EIF4A1. Also, AS-IV recued tumor growth in vivo via targeting circDLST to regulate miR-489-3p/EIF4A1 axis. AS-IV inhibited the development of GC through circDLST/miR-489-3p/EIF4A1 axis.

Targeting Type I Collagen for Cancer Treatment

Collagen is the most abundant protein in animals. Interactions between tumor cells and collagen influence every step of tumor development. Type I collagen is the main fibrillar collagen in the extracellular matrix and is frequently up-regulated during tumorigenesis. The binding of type I collagen to its receptors on tumor cells promotes tumor cell proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and metastasis. Type I collagen also regulates the efficacy of tumor therapies, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. Furthermore, type I collagen fragments are diagnostic markers of metastatic tumors and have prognostic value. Inhibition of type I collagen synthesis has been reported to have anti-tumor effects in animal models. However, collagen has also been shown to possess anti-tumor activity. Therefore, the roles that type I collagen plays in tumor biology are complex and tumor type-dependent. In this review, we discuss the expression and regulation of synthesis of type I collagen, as well as the role up-regulated type I collagen plays in various stages of cancer progression. We also discuss the role of collagen in tumor therapy. Finally, we highlight several recent approaches targeting type I collagen for cancer treatment. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Transcriptional activation of Proteasome 26S non-ATPase subunit 7 by forkhead box P3 participates in gastric cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis

Proteasome 26S non-ATPase subunit 7 (PSMD7) and forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) have been found to be both upregulated in gastric cancer tissues. FOXP3 was also predicted to have binding sites on PSMD7 promoter. Thus, this study investigated the relationship between PSMD7 and FOXP3 and their roles in gastric cancer. Bioinformatic databases predicted PSMD7 expression in non-cancerous gastric tissue and gastric cancer tissue, as well as the correlation between PSMD7 and the overall/disease free survival. PSMD7 expression in non-cancerous gastric tissue or cells and gastric cancer tissue or cells was detected by qPCR and Western blot. After PSMD7 downregulation by siRNA interference, cell viability, colony-forming capacity and cell apoptosis were analyzed with cell counting kit-8 assay, colony formation assay and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferasemediated dUTP nick end-labeling. Proliferation and apoptosis markers were assayed by qPCR and Western blot. Dual-luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were performed to look at the binding relationship between FOXP3 and PSMD7 promoter. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were examined again after co-transfection of PSMD7 siRNA plasmid and FOXP3 overexpression plasmid. PSMD7 expression was much higher in gastric cancer tissue and cell lines. Interference with PSMD7 decreased gastric cancer cell viability, inhibited their proliferation and colony formation and promoted cell apoptosis. FOXP3 was found to bind to PSMD7 promoter and activate PSMD7 expression. Overexpression of FOXP3 could rescue the effects of PSMD7 knockdown on gastric cancer cells. PSMD7 is involved in the proliferation and apoptosis of gastric cancer cells and can be transcriptionally regulated by FOXP3.

EOGT Correlated With Immune Infiltration: A Candidate Prognostic Biomarker for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background

A preliminary study by our group revealed that the deficiency of EGF domain-specific O-linked N-acetylglucosamine transferase (EOGT) impaired regulatory T-cell differentiation in autoimmune hepatitis. Nevertheless, the prognostic value of EOGT in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its relationship with immune infiltration remain obscured.

Methods

Initially, EOGT expression was evaluated by Oncomine, TIMER, GEO, and UALCAN databases. Besides, the prognostic potential of EOGT expression was analyzed using GEPIA, Kaplan-Meier plotter, CPTAC, Cox regression, and nomogram in HCC samples. Furthermore, we investigated the association between EOGT expression and tumor mutation burden, DNA methylation, and immune infiltration in addition to its possible mechanism via cBioPortal, TIMER, GEPIA, ESTIMATE, CIBERSORT, GSEA, STRING, and Cytoscape.

Results

The expression of EOGT in HCC was significantly higher than that in normal tissues. Additionally, elevated EOGT expression was correlated with advanced tumor staging and linked to poor overall survival and relapse-free survival, serving as a significant unfavorable prognostic indicator in HCC patients. Remarkably, our results revealed that high-EOGT expression subgroups with elevated TP53 or low CTNNB1 mutations have worse clinical outcomes than the others. Regarding immune infiltration, immunofluorescent staining showed that immune cells in HCC were positive for EOGT. Besides, elevated EOGT expression was linked to exhausted T cells and immune suppressor cells in HCC samples. More importantly, the proportion of CD8+ T cells was reduced in HCC samples with a high level of EOGT expression, but EOGT did not exhibit prognostic potential in HCC samples with increased CD8+ T cells.

Conclusions

EOGT may hold great potential as a novel biomarker to distinguish prognosis and immune profiles of HCC patients.

The Regulation of Collagen Processing by miRNAs in Disease and Possible Implications for Bone Turnover

This article describes several recent examples of miRNA governing the regulation of the gene expression involved in bone matrix construction. We present the impact of miRNA on the subsequent steps in the formation of collagen type I. Collagen type I is a main factor of mechanical bone stiffness because it constitutes 90-95% of the organic components of the bone. Therefore, the precise epigenetic regulation of collagen formation may have a significant influence on bone structure. We also describe miRNA involvement in the expression of genes, the protein products of which participate in collagen maturation in various tissues and cancer cells. We show how non-collagenous proteins in the extracellular matrix are epigenetically regulated by miRNA in bone and other tissues. We also delineate collagen mineralisation in bones by factors that depend on miRNA molecules. This review reveals the tissue variability of miRNA regulation at different levels of collagen maturation and mineralisation. The functionality of collagen mRNA regulation by miRNA, as proven in other tissues, has not yet been shown in osteoblasts. Several collagen-regulating miRNAs are co-expressed with collagen in bone. We suggest that collagen mRNA regulation by miRNA could also be potentially important in bone metabolism.

USP3 promotes gastric cancer progression and metastasis by deubiquitination-dependent COL9A3/COL6A5 stabilisation

As an important regulator of intracellular protein degradation, the mechanism of the deubiquitinating enzyme family in tumour metastasis has received increasing attention. Our previous study revealed that USP3 promotes tumour progression and is highly expressed in gastric cancer (GC). Herein, we report two critical targets, COL9A3 and COL6A5, downstream of USP3, via the isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification technique. Mechanistically, we observed that USP3 interacted with and stabilised COL9A3 and COL6A5 via deubiquitination in GC. Importantly, we found that COL9A3 and COL6A5 were essential mediators of USP3-modulated oncogenic activity in vitro and in vivo. Examination of clinical samples confirmed that elevated expression of USP3, concomitant with increased COL9A3 and COL6A5 abundance, correlates with human GC progression. These data suggest that USP3 promotes GC progression and metastasis by deubiquitinating COL9A3 and COL6A5. These findings identify a mechanism of GC metastasis regarding USP3-mediated deubiquitinating enzyme activity and suggest potential therapeutic targets for GC management.

Targeting Tumor-Stromal Interactions in Pancreatic Cancer: Impact of Collagens and Mechanical Traits

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has one of the worst outcomes among cancers with a 5-years survival rate of below 10%. This is a result of late diagnosis and the lack of effective treatments. The tumor is characterized by a highly fibrotic stroma containing distinct cellular components, embedded within an extracellular matrix (ECM). This ECM-abundant tumor microenvironment (TME) in PDAC plays a pivotal role in tumor progression and resistance to treatment. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), being a dominant cell type of the stroma, are in fact functionally heterogeneous populations of cells within the TME. Certain subtypes of CAFs are the main producer of the ECM components of the stroma, with the most abundant one being the collagen family of proteins. Collagens are large macromolecules that upon deposition into the ECM form supramolecular fibrillar structures which provide a mechanical framework to the TME. They not only bring structure to the tissue by being the main structural proteins but also contain binding domains that interact with surface receptors on the cancer cells. These interactions can induce various responses in the cancer cells and activate signaling pathways leading to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and ultimately metastasis. In addition, collagens are one of the main contributors to building up mechanical forces in the tumor. These forces influence the signaling pathways that are involved in cell motility and tumor progression and affect tumor microstructure and tissue stiffness by exerting solid stress and interstitial fluid pressure on the cells. Taken together, the TME is subjected to various types of mechanical forces and interactions that affect tumor progression, metastasis, and drug response. In this review article, we aim to summarize and contextualize the recent knowledge of components of the PDAC stroma, especially the role of different collagens and mechanical traits on tumor progression. We furthermore discuss different experimental models available for studying tumor-stromal interactions and finally discuss potential therapeutic targets within the stroma.

Ginsenoside 20(S)-Rg3 suppresses cell viability in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma via modulating miR-324-5p-targeted PSME3

Ginsenoside 20(S)-Rg3 is identified as an active saponin monomer which derived from red ginseng and is demonstrated to play an anti-tumor role in diverse cancers. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators in the progression of cancers, containing esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). It was reported that microRNA 324-5p (miR-324-5p) exerted critical functions in some cancers; however, the detailed molecular mechanism of miR-324-5p mediated by 20(S)-Rg3 to suppress cell viability in ESCC has not been explored. Herein, we explored the function of 20(S)-Rg3 or miR-324-5p on ESCC cell viability by MTT assay, colony formation assay, flow cytometry analysis and western blot analysis. The binding of miR-324-5p to its target gene, proteasome activator subunit 3 (PSME3), was confirmed through RNA pull down and luciferase reporter assays. The results indicated that 20(S)-Rg3 significantly inhibited cell viability and the cell cycle and facilitated cell apoptosis. Furthermore, this effect was strengthened with the increased concentration of 20(S)-Rg3. Moreover, we found that miR-324-5p level was increased under 20(S)-Rg3 treatment. Additionally, overexpressed miR-324-5p inhibited ESCC cell viability, and downregulated miR-324-5p recovered inhibited cell viability caused by 20(S)-Rg3. Further exploration verified that miR-324-5p targeted PSME3, and PSME3 deficiency countervailed the effect of miR-324-5p inhibition on ESCC cell viability under 20(S)-Rg3 treatment. Conclusively, 20(S)-Rg3 suppresses cell viability in ESCC via mediating miR-324-5p-targeted PSME3.

MiRNA-4537 functions as a tumor suppressor in gastric cancer and increases the radiosensitivity of gastric cancer cells

Radiotherapy is a common method to treat gastric cancer (GC). However, the clinical outcomes of GC radiotherapy face challenges, and the mechanisms of GC radioresistance remain unclear. Our study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of miR-4537 in the radiation sensitivity of GC cells. Cell viability was determined by Cell Counting Kit-8. The proliferation of HGC27 and KATO III cells was measured using a colony formation assay. Flow cytometry was performed to examine the changes in cell apoptosis. Western blotting was conducted to detect the expression of zinc finger protein 587 (ZNF587) protein in HGC27 and KATO III cells. To confirm the relationship between miR-4537 and ZNF587, a luciferase reporter assay was performed. MiR-4537 was downregulated in GC tumors and cells and suppressed cell proliferation, while promoting cell apoptosis in GC. Importantly, we found that miR-4537 reduced the radioresistance of GC cells. In addition, we also confirmed that miR-4537 expression is negatively correlated with ZNF587 expression in GC tissues. MiR-4537 bound to ZNF587 and suppressed the expression level of ZNF587. Overexpression of ZNF587 partially counteracted the effects of miR-4537 on cell proliferation and apoptosis. In conclusion, in GC cells, miR-4537 inhibited the ability of cell proliferation, but on the contrary, it promoted the ability of cell apoptosis and improved radiosensitivity of the cells.

ALDH2 promotes uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma proliferation and construction of clinical survival prognostic model

UCEC is one of the three common malignant tumors of the female reproductive tract. According to reports, the cure rate of early UCEC can reach 95%. Therefore, the development of prognostic markers will help UCEC patients to find the disease earlier and develop treatment earlier. The ALDH family was first discovered to be the essential gene of the ethanol metabolism pathway in the body. Recent studies have shown that ALDH can participate in the regulation of cancer. In our research, we explored the expression of the ALDH family in 33 cancers. It was found that ALDH2 was abnormally expressed in UCEC. Besides, in vivo and in vitro experiments were conducted to explore the effect of ALDH2 expression on the proliferation of UCEC cell lines. Meanwhile, the change of its expression is not due to gene mutations, but is regulated by miR-135-3p. At the same time, the impact of ALDH2 changes on the survival of UCEC patients is deeply discussed. Finally, a nomogram for predicting survival was constructed, with a C-index of 0.798 and AUC of 0.764. This study suggests that ALDH2 may play a crucial role in UCEC progression and has the potential as a prognostic biomarker of UCEC.

Pancreatic Cancer Progression Is Regulated by IPO7/p53/LncRNA MALAT1/MiR-129-5p Positive Feedback Loop

Background: Pancreatic cancer is a malignancy with poor prognosis. Importin 7 (IPO7) is a soluble nuclear transport factor, which has been linked to the pathogenesis of several human diseases. However, its role and underlying mechanism in pancreatic cancer are still obscure. Methods: Immunohistochemical staining and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were performed to determine IPO7 expression in pancreatic cancer tissues and adjacent tissues. Western blot was used to measure IPO7 expression at the protein level in cell lines. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU), flow cytometry, and Transwell assays were employed to explore the biological functions of IPO7. Subcutaneous xenograft transplanted tumor model and caudal vein injection model in mice were also established to validate the oncogenic role of IPO7. Western blot and qPCR were utilized to detect the regulatory function of IPO7 on p53 and metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1), respectively. Interaction between MALAT1 and miR-129-5p and interaction between miR-129-5p and IPO7 were verified by bioinformatics prediction, qPCR, dual-luciferase reporter gene experiment, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), and pull-down assay. Results: Upregulation of IPO7 in pancreatic cancer tissues was associated with adverse prognosis of the patients with pancreatic cancer. Knocking down IPO7 remarkably suppressed cancer cell proliferation and metastasis, while it promoted apoptosis. Overexpression of IPO7 facilitated the malignant phenotypes of pancreatic cancer cells. Mechanistically, IPO7 could repress the expression of p53 and induce the expression of MALAT1 but reduce miR-129-5p expression. Furthermore, miR-129-5p was identified as a posttranscriptional regulator for IPO7, and its inhibition led to IPO7 overexpression in pancreatic cancer cells. Conclusion: IPO7 is a novel oncogene for pancreatic cancer, and IPO7/p53/MALAT1/miR-129-5p positive feedback loop facilitates the progression of this deadly disease.

The oncogenic role of meiosis-specific Aurora kinase C in mitotic cells

Aberrant expression of meiosis-specific genes in cancer has recently emerged as a driver of some cancer formation. Aurora kinase C (AURKC) is a member of the Aurora kinase family of proteins known to regulate chromosome segregation during cell divisions. AURKC is normally expressed in meiotic cells; however, elevated levels of AURKC mRNA and protein are frequently measured in cancer cells. To understand the function of AURKC in cancer cells, expression was induced in noncancerous, human retina pigmented epithelial cells. While AURKC expression did not alter cell proliferation over 72 h, it did increase cell migration and anchorage independent growth in soft agar suggesting an oncogenic role in mitotically dividing cells. To evaluate AURKC as a potential therapeutic target, a frameshift mutation in the gene was introduced in U2OS osteosarcoma cells using CRISPR-Cas9 technology resulting in a premature stop codon. Cancer cells lacking AURKC displayed no change in cell proliferation over 72 h but did migrate less and formed fewer colonies in soft agar. Whole transcriptome sequencing analysis uncovered over 400 differentially expressed genes in U2OS cells with and without AURKC. GO analysis revealed alterations in proteinaceous extracellular matrix genes including COL1A1. These data indicate that therapeutics targeting AURKC could decrease cancer cell metastasis and disease progression. Because AURKC is transcriptionally silenced in normal mitotic cells, its disruption could specifically target cancer cells limiting the toxic side effects associated with current therapeutics.

The role of miR-129-5p in cancer: a novel therapeutic target

MiRNA-129-5p belongs to the microRNA-129 (miRNA-129) family. MiRNA-129-5p is expressed in many tissues and organs of the human body, and it regulates a wide range of biological functions. The abnormal expression of miRNA-129-5p is related to the occurrence and development of a variety of malignant tumors. MiRNA-129-5p plays an important role in the tumorigenesis process and functions by promoting or inhibiting tumors. However, the role of miRNA-129-5p in cancer remains controversial. This article reviews the different biological functions of miRNA-129-5p in cancer and provides ideas for research in this field to guide the development of targeted therapies and drugs for malignant tumors.

MiR-129-5p/DLX1 signalling axis mediates functions of prostate cancer during malignant progression

We mainly corroborated the potential mechanism of DLX1 and miR-129-5p in prostate cancer cells. DLX1 was upregulated in cancer cells according to qRT-PCR assay. We evaluated the functional changes of the transfected cells via Transwell assay, CCK-8 assay and wound healing assay. DLX1 was confirmed as a cancer promoter. In addition, qRT-PCR showed down-regulated miR-129-5p expression in prostate cancer. We further used dual-luciferase reporter detection to elucidate the targeting between these two genes. The inhibition of miR-129-5p on tumour was verified. Besides, co-transfection of oe-DLX1 and miR-129-5p mimics attenuated this inhibition. These data demonstrated functions of DLX1/miR-129-5p axis in prostate cancer: miR-129-5p hindered the biological functions of cancer cells via inhibiting DLX1 expression. We provide a novel biomarker for prostate cancer.

miR-129 Attenuates Myocardial Ischemia Reperfusion Injury by Regulating the Expression of PTEN in Rats

PTEN/AKT signaling plays pivotal role in myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury (MIRI), and miRNAs are involved in the regulation of AKT signaling. This study was designed to investigate the interaction between miR-129 and PTEN in MIRI. A MIRI rat model and a hypoxia reoxygenation (H/R) H9C2 cell model were constructed to simulate myocardial infarction clinically. TTC staining, creatine kinase (CK) activity, TUNEL/Hoechst double staining, Hoechst staining and flow cytometer were used for evaluating myocardial infarction or cell apoptosis. miR-129 mimic transfection experiment and luciferase reporter gene assay were conducted for investigating the function of miR-129 and the interaction between miR-129 and PTEN, respectively. Real-time PCR and western blotting were performed to analyze the gene expression. Compared to the control, MIRI rats presented obvious myocardial infarction, higher CK activity, increased expression of caspase-3 and PTEN, decreased expression of miR-129, and insufficient AKT phosphorylation. Consistently, H/R significantly increased the apoptosis of H9C2 cells, concomitant with the downregulation of miR-129, upregulation of PTEN and caspase-3, and insufficient phosphorylation of AKT, while miR-129 mimic obviously inhibited the expression of PTEN and caspase-3, increased the AKT phosphorylation, and decreased the cell apoptosis. Additionally, miR-129 mimic obviously decreased the relative luciferase activity in H9C2 cells. To our best knowledge, this study firstly found that the low expression of miR-129 accelerates the myocardial cell apoptosis by directly targeting 3'UTR of PTEN. miR-129 is an important biomarker for MIRI, as well as a potential therapy target.

miR-129-5p Promotes Osteogenic Differentiation of BMSCs and Bone Regeneration via Repressing Dkk3

Objective

Accumulating evidence indicates that microRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in osteogenic differentiation. However, the associated mechanisms remain elusive. This paper is aimed at exploring the role of miR-129-5p in regulating bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) differentiation and bone regeneration in vivo and in vitro.

Methods

BMSCs were transduced by miR-129-5p mimic, miR-129-5p inhibitor, and negative control lentivirus. The ability of BMSC differentiation to osteoblast was tested by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alizarin red staining (ARS). The expression of osteogenic genes (Runx2, Bmp2, and OCN) was examined via quantitative RT-PCR and western blot. A mouse model of calvaria defect was investigated by Micro-CT, immunohistochemistry, and histological examination. The luciferase reporter gene assay was performed to confirm the binding between Dkk3 and miR-129-5p. For the transfection experiments, lipofectamine 3000 was used to transfect pcDNA-Dkk3 into BMSCs to overexpress Dkk3. Coimmunoprecipitation and immunofluorescent localization assay were included for exploring the role of Dkk3 and β-catenin.

Results

miR-129-5p was induced in BMSCs and MSC cell line C3H10T1/2 cells under osteogenic medium. Overexpression of miR-129-5p significantly promoted osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs in vitro. Moreover, BMSCs transduced with miR-129-5p mimic exhibited better bone regeneration compared with BMSCs transduced with control counterpart in vivo. Luciferase and western blot data showed that Dickkopf3 (Dkk3) is a target gene of miR-129-5p and the expression of Dkk3 was inhibited in BMSCs transduced with miR-129-5p mimic but enhanced in BMSCs transduced with miR-129-5p inhibitor. In addition, Dkk3 interacted with β-catenin directly.

Conclusions

miR-129-5p promotes osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs and bone regeneration, and miR-129-5p/Dkk3 axis may be new potential targets for the treatment of bone defect and bone loss.

Collagen prolyl 4-hydroxylases modify tumor progression

Collagen is the main component of the extracellular matrix. Hydroxylation of proline residues on collagen, catalyzed by collagen prolyl 4-hydroxylase (C-P4H), is essential for the stability of the collagen triple helix. Vertebrate C-P4H is an α2β2 tetramer with three isoenzymes differing in the catalytic α-subunits, which are encoded by P4HA1, P4HA2, and P4HA3 genes. In contrast, β-subunit is encoded by a single gene P4HB. The expressions of P4HAs and P4HB are regulated by multiple cellular factors, including cytokines, transcription factors, and microRNAs. P4HAs and P4HB are highly expressed in many tumors and participate in cancer progression. Several inhibitors of P4HAs and P4HB have been confirmed to have anti-tumor effects, suggesting that targeting C-P4H is a feasible strategy for cancer treatment. Here, we summarize recent progresses on the function and expression of regulatory mechanisms of C-P4H in cancer progression and point out the potential development of therapeutic strategies in targeting C-P4H in the future.

CircCSNK1G1 Contributes to the Tumorigenesis of Gastric Cancer by Sponging miR-758 and Regulating ZNF217 Expression

Background

Increasing evidence indicates that circular RNAs (circRNAs) act as vital regulators in various cancers. Nevertheless, the effect of circCSNK1G1 on gastric cancer (GC) is still unknown.

Methods

The mRNA levels of circCSNK1G1, miR-758, and ZNF217 were measured by RT-qPCR. The protein levels of ZNF217 were evaluated by Western blotting. Cell migration, invasion, proliferation, and apoptosis were detected by Transwell, CCK-8, and flow cytometry assays. The association between miR-758 and circCSNK1G1/ZNF217 was confirmed by RIP and luciferase reporter assays. Xenograft assay was employed for in vivo experiment.

Results

In the current study, it was demonstrated that the expression levels of circCSNK1G1 and ZNF217 were upregulated in GC tissues and cells, while the level of miR-758 was declined. Furthermore, functional assays indicated that circCSNK1G1 depletion suppressed GC progression in vitro and in vivo. In addition, circCSNK1G1 directly interacted with miR-758, and the supplementation of miR-758 suppressed the development of GC, which was abolished following pcDNA3.1-circCSNK1G1 transfection. Then, we explored the downstream mechanism of miR-758 and found that miR-758 could target the 3'UTR of ZNF217 mRNA. The overexpression of miR-758 neutralized the ZNF217-mediated effects on facilitating the progression of GC. Finally, we revealed that circCSNK1G1 could upregulate ZNF217 expression by sponging miR-758 in GC cells.

Conclusion

Our study revealed that circCSNK1G1 accelerated GC progression via the miR-758/ZNF217 axis, suggesting that circCSNK1G1 might be a potential biomarker for GC diagnosis and treatment.

Identification of immune cell infiltration pattern and related critical genes in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer by bioinformatics analysis

BACKGROUND

Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is the lethal stage of prostate cancer and the main cause of morbidity and mortality, which is also a potential target for immunotherapy.

METHOD

In this study, using the Approximate Relative Subset of RNA Transcripts (CIBERSORT) online method, we analysed the immune cell abundance ratio of each sample in the mCRPC dataset. The EdgeR (an R package) was used to classify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Using the Database for annotation, visualisation and interactive exploration (DAVID) online method, we performed functional enrichment analyses. STRING online database and Cytoscape tools have been used to analyse protein-protein interaction (PPI) and classify hub genes.

RESULTS

The profiles of immune infiltration in mCRPC showed that Macrophages M2, Macrophages M0, T cells CD4 memory resting, T cells CD8 and Plasma cells were the main infiltration cell types in mCRPC samples. Macrophage M0 and T cell CD4 memory resting abundance ratios were correlated with clinical outcomes. We identified 1102 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with the above two immune cells to further explore the underlying mechanisms. Enrichment analysis found that DEGs were substantially enriched in immune response, cell metastasis, and metabolism related categories. We identified 20 hub genes by the protein-protein interaction network analysis. Further analysis showed that three critical hub genes, CCR5, COL1A1 and CXCR3, were significantly associated with prostate cancer prognosis.

CONCLUSION

Our findings revealed the pattern of immune cell infiltration in mCRPC, and identified the types and genes of immune cells correlated with clinical outcomes. A new theoretical basis for immunotherapy may be given by our results.

miR-129-5p inhibits clear cell renal cell carcinoma cell proliferation, migration and invasion by targeting SPN

Objective

Our study aims to investigate the mechanism of the miR-129-5p/SPN axis in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), providing a novel direction for the targeted therapy of ccRCC.

Methods

Bioinformatics methods were implemented to find the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with ccRCC from TCGA database. qRT-PCR was performed to detect miR-129-5p and SPN mRNA expression, while western bot was carried out for the detection of protein expression of SPN. Bioinformatics analysis was used to predict the binding sites of miR-129-5p on SPN 3’UTR, while dual-luciferase assay was conducted to verify their binding relationship. CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, wound healing assay and Transwell assay were employed to measure ccRCC cell proliferative ability, cell formation ability, cell migratory and invasive abilities. Flow cytometry was implemented to assess cell cycle and apoptosis.

Results

miR-129-5p exhibited a significantly down-regulated expression level in ccRCC, while SPN showed a remarkably up-regulated expression level. Overexpressed miR-129-5p inhibited ccRCC cell proliferative, invasive and migratory capacities while induced cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase and promoted cell apoptosis. Dual-luciferase assay confirmed that there was a binding relationship between miR-129-5p and SPN. Moreover, overexpressed miR-129-5p remarkably reduced SPN expression in cancer cells, weakened the promoting effect of SPN on cell proliferation, migration, invasion and cell cycle progress, and led to enhanced cell apoptotic activity.

Conclusions

Our study proves the regulatory effect of the miR-129-5p/SPN axis in ccRCC, and provides a novel potential target for precise treatment of patients with ccRCC.

Identification of core genes and clinical outcomes in tumors originated from endoderm (gastric cancer and lung carcinoma) via bioinformatics analysis

ABSTRACT

During last decade, bioinformatics analysis has provided an effective way to study the relationship between various genes and biological processes. In this study, we aimed to identify potential core candidate genes and underlying mechanisms of progression of lung and gastric carcinomas which both originated from endoderm. The expression profiles, GSE54129 (gastric carcinoma) and GSE27262 (lung carcinoma), were collected from GEO database. One hundred eleven patients with gastric carcinoma and 21 health people were included in this research. Meanwhile, there were 25 lung carcinoma patients. Then, 75 differentially expressed genes were selected via GEO2R online tool and Venn software, including 31 up-regulated genes and 44 down-regulated genes. Next, we used Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery and Metascpe software to analyze Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genome pathway and gene ontology. Furthermore, Cytoscape software and MCODE App were performed to construct complex of these differentially expressed genes . Twenty core genes were identified, which mainly enriched in extracellular matrix-receptor interaction, focal adhesion, and PI3K-Akt pathway (P < .01). Finally, the significant difference of gene expression between cancer tissues and normal tissues in both lung and gastric carcinomas was examined by Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis database. Twelve candidate genes with positive statistical significance (P < .01), COMP CTHRC1 COL1A1 SPP1 COL11A1 COL10A1 CXCL13 CLDN3 CLDN1 matrix metalloproteinases 7 ADAM12 PLAU, were picked out to further analysis. The Kaplan-Meier plotter website was applied to examine relationship among these genes and clinical outcomes. We found 4 genes (ADAM12, SPP1, COL1A1, COL11A1) were significantly associated with poor prognosis in both lung and gastric carcinoma patients (P  < .05). In conclusion, these candidate genes may be potential therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.

Long non-coding RNA PITPNA-AS1 regulates UNC5B expression in papillary thyroid cancer via sponging miR-129-5p

BACKGROUND

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) PITPNA antisense RNA 1 (PITPNA-AS1) expression characteristics, function, and mechanism in papillary thyroid cancer are unclear.

METHODS

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was applied for detecting PITPNA-AS1, UNC-5 netrin receptor B (UNC5B) mRNA, and miR-129-5p expressions in papillary thyroid cancer tissues and cell lines. EdU assay, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, wound healing assay, and flow cytometry analysis were performed to investigate the biological functions of PITPNA-AS1 in papillary thyroid cancer. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was utilized for determining whether PITPNA-AS1 and miR-129-5p, as well as UNC5B and miR-129-5p could directly bind to each other. Western blot assay was employed for measuring UNC5B protein expression level in papillary thyroid cancer cell lines.

RESULTS

PITPNA-AS1 and UNC5B expressions were markedly increased in papillary thyroid cancer tissues and cell lines while miR-129-5p expression was down-regulated. Knockdown of PITPNA-AS1 could significantly inhibit papillary thyroid cancer cell growth and migration and promote cell apoptosis while UNC5B overexpression plasmids or miR-129-5p inhibitors counteracted the knockdown effect of PITPNA-AS1 on papillary thyroid cancer cells. PITPNA-AS1 targeted miR-129-5p to repress its expression and miR-129-5p targeted UNC5B to repress its expression. Silencing PITPNA-AS1 reduced the expression of UNC5B via regulating miR-129-5p expression.

CONCLUSIONS

PITPNA-AS1 facilitated papillary thyroid cancer cell proliferation and migration, and suppressed apoptosis through miR-129-5p/UNC5B axis.

TP53/miR-129/MDM2/4/TP53 feedback loop modulates cell proliferation and apoptosis in retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma (RB) is commonly-seen cancer in children. The p53 pathway dysfunction, which can lead to elevated MDM2 or MDM4 (p53 antagonists) protein expression, is frequently observed in almost all human cancers, including RB. The present study attempted to investigate the underlying mechanism from the perspective of non-coding RNA regulation. Here, we demonstrated that p53 and miR-129 were positively correlated with each other in RB. miR-129 directly targeted MDM2/4 to inhibit expression, therefore counteracting MDM2/4-mediated p53 signaling suppression and modulating RB cell proliferation and apoptosis. Moreover, p53 could activate the transcription of miR-129 via binding to the miR-129 promoter region, therefore forming a regulatory loop with MDM2/4 to affect RB progression. Altogether, the p53/miR-129/MDM2/4/p53 regulatory loop can modulate RB cell growth. We provide a solid experimental basis for developing novel therapies for RB.

Collagen Type I α-1 Promotes Malignant Glioma Cell Proliferation and Is Associated with Glioma Prognosis

Collagen type I α-1 chain (COL1A1) is closely involved in the advancement of various tumors, yet the role of COL1A1 in the progression of glioma is not clear. Herein, we evaluated the effect of COL1A1 on glioma cell proliferation. The effect of COL1A1 on glioma cell proliferation was assessed through overexpression or knockdown of COL1A1. The CCK-8 and colony formation assays, as well as immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to detect COL1A1 expression in different glioma grades. U-87MG as well as U-251MG cells were stably-inserted with lentivirus containing COL1A1 through transfection, we additionally used qRT-PCR as well as Western blot assay to validate their overexpression efficiencies. COL1A1 mRNA and protein levels were upregulated in the high-grade glioma (HGG) compared to the low-grade glioma (LGG). COL1A1 IHC score was remarkably higher in HGG than LGG. The staining index (SI) further showed that COL1A1 protein levels were higher in HGG than LGG. The Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that elevated COL1A1 mRNA levels were obviously correlated with lower overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) for brain glioma patients. COL1A1 mRNA and protein levels were markedly upregulated in human glioma cell lines when compared with brain astrocyte cell lines. The high expression level of COL1A1 facilitated glioma cell proliferation. COL1A1 knockdown remarkably inhibited glioma cell proliferation. Thus, this research shows that COL1A1 promotes glioma cell proliferation and is closely related to glioma prognosis.

CircKIF2A contributes to cell proliferation, migration, invasion and glycolysis in human neuroblastoma by regulating miR-129-5p/PLK4 axis

Multiple circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been identified to act as essential mediators in diverse human cancers. However, the roles of circRNAs in neuroblastoma (NB) are largely unknown. In this study, we aimed to explore the function of circKIF2A in NB. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was executed to detect the levels of circKIF2A, KIF2A mRNA, miR-129-5p and polo-like kinase 4 (PLK4) mRNA. Actinomycin D assay and RNase R digestion assay were conducted to analyze the feature of circKIF2A. 3-(4, 5-Dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, transwell assay and specific kits were utilized to evaluate cell proliferation, metastasis and glycolysis, respectively. Western blot assay was performed to examine the protein levels of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), MMP9 and PLK4. Bioinformatics analysis, RNA pull-down assay and dual-luciferase reporter assay were conducted to analyze the relationship between miR-129-5p and circKIF2A or PLK4. Murine xenograft model assay was done to investigate the role of circKIF2A in NB in vivo. CircKIF2A level was increased in NB tissue samples and cell lines. Silencing of circKIF2A impeded NB cell proliferation, migration, invasion and glycolysis. For mechanism analysis, circKIF2A could positively modulate PLK4 expression via sponging miR-129-5p. Moreover, miR-129-5p inhibition reversed the inhibitory effects of circKIF2A silencing on the behaviors of NB cells. MiR-129-5p overexpression weakened the malignant biological behaviors of NB cells by targeting PLK4. Additionally, circKIF2A knockdown hampered tumorigenesis in vivo. CircKIF2A knockdown suppressed cell proliferation, migration, invasion and glycolysis via downregulating PLK4 expression through miR-129-5p.

Inhibition of miR-129 Improves Neuronal Pyroptosis and Cognitive Impairment Through IGF-1/GSK3β Signaling Pathway: An In Vitro and In Vivo Study

Pyroptosis is a programmed cell death process which is accompanied by inflammation. The aims of this in vitro and in vivo study were to reveal whether miR-129 contributed to neuronal pyroptosis and cognitive impairment and to further explore its mechanism involved. PC-12 cells were treated with LPS, miR-129 antagomir, AXL1717 (IGF-1 receptor blocker), or SB216763 (GSK3β blocker). After that, expression of miR-129 was measured using qRT-PCR. Relationship between miR-129 and IGF-1 was revealed using luciferase reporter assay. Protein expression of IGF-1, p-Ser9-GSK3β, NLRP3, and Caspase-1 was determined using western blotting. Pyroptosis rate was measured using flow cytometry. Wistar rats were fed with high-fat diet to induce neural inflammation and were further treated with miR-129 antagomir through intracerebroventricular injection. Then, cognitive impairment was assessed by water maze test. Expression of the proteins mentioned above was measured again in midbrain and hippocampus of the rats. In the PC-12 cells, LPS-induced neuronal pyroptosis can be alleviated by miR-129 antagomir. IGF-1 was a specific target for miR-129. Up-regulation and down-regulation of IGF-1/GSK3β signaling pathway separately alleviated and deteriorated neuronal pyroptosis in the cells. In the rats, high-fat diet caused cognitive impairment following with neuronal pyroptosis and down-regulation of IGF-1/GSK3β signaling pathway in midbrain and hippocampus tissues. Also, miR-129 antagomir improved these abnormalities in the rats. Inhibition of miR-129 improved neuronal pyroptosis and cognitive impairment through IGF-1/GSK3β signaling pathway.

A Novel mRNA-miRNA Regulatory Sub-Network Associated With Prognosis of Metastatic Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

Background

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a urinary disease with high incidence. The high incidence of metastasis is the leading cause of death in patients with ccRCC. This study was aimed to identify the gene signatures during the metastasis of ccRCC.

Methods

Two datasets, including one gene expression profile dataset and one microRNA (miRNA) expression profile dataset, were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The integrated bioinformatics analysis was performed using the (limma) R package, miRWalk, DAVID, STRING, Kaplan-Meier plotter databases. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was conducted to validate the expression of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and DE-miRNAs.

Results

In total, 84 DEGs (68 up-regulated and 16 down-regulated) and 41 DE-miRNAs (24 up-regulated and 17 down-regulated) were screened from GSE22541 and GSE37989 datasets, respectively. Furthermore, 11 hub genes and 3 key miRNAs were identified from the PPI network, including FBLN1, THBS2, SCGB1A1, NKX2-1, COL11A1, DCN, LUM, COL1A1, COL6A3, SFTPC, SFTPB, miR-328, miR-502, and miR-504. The qPCR data showed that most of the selected genes and miRNAs were consistent with that in our integrated analysis. A novel mRNA-miRNA network, SFTPB-miR-328-miR-502-miR-504-NKX2-1 was found in metastatic ccRCC after the combination of data from expression, survival analysis, and experiment validation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, key candidate genes and miRNAs were identified and a novel mRNA-miRNA network was constructed in ccRCC metastasis using integrated bioinformatics analysis and qPCR validation, which might be utilized as diagnostic biomarkers and molecular targets of metastatic ccRCC.

Propofol Inhibits the Progression of Cervical Cancer by Regulating HOTAIR/miR-129-5p/RPL14 Axis

Background

Propofol has been proposed to function as a tumor suppressor in various human cancers. In this study, we aimed to investigate the anti-tumor effect of propofol on cervical cancer (CC).

Methods

Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, colony formation assay, flow cytometry analysis, transwell assay and wound healing assay were conducted for cell viability, colony formation, apoptosis, invasion and migration, respectively. Western blot assay was used for protein levels. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used for HOX antisense intergenic RNA (HOTAIR), miR-129-5p and RPL14 levels. Dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay were executed to verify the interaction between miR-129-5p and HOTAIR or RPL14. Murine xenograft model assay was used for the role of propofol in tumor progression in vivo.

Results

Propofol treatment suppressed CC cell viability, colony formation, invasion and migration and facilitated apoptosis. Propofol treatment led to a marked reduction in HOTAIR level in CC cells. HOTAIR overexpression promoted cell colony formation, invasion and migration and repressed apoptosis in CC cells and propofol-treated CC cells. For mechanism analysis, HOTAIR positively regulated RPL14 expression via acting as the sponge of miR-129-5p. MiR-129-5p overexpression reversed the impacts of HOTAIR on the malignant behaviors of propofol-treated CC cells. Furthermore, miR-129-5p inhibition accelerated the progression of CC cells, while RPL14 interference rescued the effect. In addition, propofol treatment restrained tumor growth of CC in vivo.

Conclusion

Propofol inhibited CC development by modulation of HOTAIR/miR-129-5p/RPL14 axis.

YY1-induced up-regulation of FOXE1 is negatively regulated by miR-129-5p and contributes to the progression of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTM) belongs to papillary carcinomas whose length is about 1.0 cm. According to previous studies, FOXE1 is a transcription factor involved in the progression of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). However, its detailed upstream mechanism remains unknown in PTM.

OBJECTIVE

Our study aimed at detecting and verifying the up-regulation of FOXE1 in PTM cell lines.

METHODS

FXOE1 expression was detected in PTM and normal cells through RT-qPCR. Loss-of-function experiments were conducted to identify the effect of silenced FOXE1 on cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion. Mechanism experiments were carried out to explore the upstream molecular mechanism of FOXE1.

RESULTS

Knockdown of FOXE1 could lead to the inhibition on cell proliferation, migration and invasion while positively regulating cell apoptosis. Importantly, Yin-Yang-1 (YY1) could boost the transcription of FOXE1, thereby upregulating FOXE1. Also, the binding potential of miR-129-5p to FOXE1 was identified in PTM cells and MiR-129-5p could target FOXE1. In addition, the cellular processes in PTM were hindered with the increase of miR-129-5p expression level.

CONCLUSION

Our research suggested that the up-regulation of FOXE1 is regulated by YY1 and miR-129-5p, which may contribute to PTM progression.

Over-expression of MEG3 promotes differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into chondrocytes by regulating miR-129-5p/RUNX1 axis

This study explored the role of MEG3 in the cartilage differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). We investigated the effects of over-expression and knockdown of MEG3 on cell viability, cell differentiation, and the expressions of MEG3, miR-129-5p, COL2, chondrocyte differentiation-related genes (sry-type high-mobility-group box 9 (SOX9), SOX5, Aggrecan, silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1), and Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP)). The targeting relationship between MEG3 and miR-129-5p and the target gene of miR-129-5p was confirmed through Starbase, TargetScan and luciferase experiments. Finally, a series of rescue experiments were conducted to study the regulatory effects of MEG3 and miR-129-5p. BMSCs were identified as CD29⁺ and CD44⁺ positive, and their differentiation was time-dependent. As BMSCs differentiated, MEG3 expression was up-regulated, but miR-129-5p was down-regulated. Over-expressed MEG3 promoted the viability and differentiation of BMSCs, up-regulated the expressions of COL2 and chondrocyte differentiation-related genes, and inhibited miR-129-5p. Runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) was negatively regulated as a target gene of miR-129-5p. Results of rescue experiments showed that the inhibitory effect of miR-129-5p mimic on BMSCs could be partially reversed by MEG3. Over-expression of MEG3 regulated the miR-129-5p/RUNX1 axis to promote the differentiation of BMSCs into chondrocytes. This study provides a reliable basis for the application of lncRNA in articular cartilage injury.

CircRNA circ_0004370 promotes cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and inhibits cell apoptosis of esophageal cancer via miR-1301-3p/COL1A1 axis

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the circ_0004370 expression in EC, its effects on cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, and the underlying regulatory mechanisms in EC.

Methods

The protein levels of COL1A1 and EMT-related proteins were detected by western blot. The role of circ_0004370 on cell viability, proliferation, and apoptosis was analyzed by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, colony formation assay, and flow cytometry, respectively. The transwell assay was used to examine cell migration and invasion. The binding sites between miR-1301-3p and circ_0004370 or COL1A1 were predicted by starbase software and confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull-down assay.

Results

We discovered that circ_0004370 was remarkably upregulated in EC tissues and cells. Knockdown of circ_0004370 inhibited cell proliferation, migration as well as invasion, and promoted apoptosis in vitro, while its effect was rescued by miR-1301-3p inhibition. And circ_0004370 mediated the EMT process in EC cells. Moreover, we explored its regulatory mechanism and found that circ_0004370 directly bound to miR-1301-3p and COL1A1 was verified as a target of miR-1301-3p. COL1A1 was highly expressed in EC cells and upregulation of COL1A1 reversed the effects of miR-1301-3p on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis. In addition, silencing of circ_0004370 reduced tumor volumes and weights in vivo. We showed that circ_0004370/miR-1301-3p/COL1A1 axis played the critical role in EC to regulate the cell activities.

Conclusion

Circ_0004370 promotes EC proliferation, migration and invasion, and EMT process and suppresses apoptosis by regulating the miR-1301-3p/COL1A1 axis, indicating that circ_0004370 may be used as a potential therapeutic target for EC.

A developmental stage-specific network approach for studying dynamic co-regulation of transcription factors and microRNAs during craniofacial development

Craniofacial development is regulated through dynamic and complex mechanisms that involve various signaling cascades and gene regulations. Disruption of such regulations can result in craniofacial birth defects. Here, we propose the first developmental stage-specific network approach by integrating two crucial regulators, transcription factors (TFs) and microRNAs (miRNAs), to study their co-regulation during craniofacial development. Specifically, we used TFs, miRNAs and non-TF genes to form feed-forward loops (FFLs) using genomic data covering mouse embryonic days E10.5 to E14.5. We identified key novel regulators (TFs Foxm1, Hif1a, Zbtb16, Myog, Myod1 and Tcf7, and miRNAs miR-340-5p and miR-129-5p) and target genes (Col1a1, Sgms2 and Slc8a3) expression of which changed in a developmental stage-dependent manner. We found that the Wnt-FoxO-Hippo pathway (from E10.5 to E11.5), tissue remodeling (from E12.5 to E13.5) and miR-129-5p-mediated Col1a1 regulation (from E10.5 to E14.5) might play crucial roles in craniofacial development. Enrichment analyses further suggested their functions. Our experiments validated the regulatory roles of miR-340-5p and Foxm1 in the Wnt-FoxO-Hippo subnetwork, as well as the role of miR-129-5p in the miR-129-5p-Col1a1 subnetwork. Thus, our study helps understand the comprehensive regulatory mechanisms for craniofacial development.