MiR-204 inhibits hepatocellular cancer drug resistance and metastasis through targeting NUAK1

NUAK1 activates STAT5/GLI1/SOX2 signaling to enhance cancer cell expansion and drives chemoresistance in gastric cancer

The gene encoding the NUAK family kinase 1 (NUAK1) is frequently amplified and its expression is upregulated, activating oncogenic signaling in various cancers. However, little is known about its role in gastric cancer (GC). We investigate the mechanistic links among NUAK1, Hedgehog signaling, and tumorigenesis in GC. NUAK1 overexpression is validated in local and public GC cohorts. Patient-derived xenograft and transgenic mouse models demonstrate that NUAK1 depletion or inhibition dramatically ameliorates gastric tumorigenesis. NUAK1 upregulates GLI1 expression by activating STAT5-mediated transcription and stabilizing GLI1 protein. NUAK1 depletion or inhibition impairs cancer cell expansion, tumor formation, and chemotherapy resistance in in vitro and in vivo models. Clinicopathological analysis confirms that upregulated NUAK1 expression correlates with poor prognosis and chemotherapy resistance in human GC. Our findings demonstrate that the signaling axis NUAK1/STAT5/GLI1 promotes cancer cell expansion and tumorigenesis and indicate that NUAK1 is an attractive therapeutic target and prognostic factor in GC.

NUAK: never underestimate a kinase

NUAK1 and NUAK2 belong to a family of kinases related to the catalytic α-subunits of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) complexes. Despite canonical activation by the tumour suppressor kinase LKB1, both NUAKs exhibit a spectrum of activities that favour tumour development and progression. Here, we review similarities in structure and function of the NUAKs, their regulation at gene, transcript and protein level, and discuss their phosphorylation of specific downstream targets in the context of the signal transduction pathways and biological activities regulated by each or both NUAKs.

Epigenetic regulation of hepatocellular carcinoma progression: MicroRNAs as therapeutic, diagnostic and prognostic factors

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a significant challenge for public healthcare systems in developed Western countries including the USA, Canada, and the UK, is influenced by different risk factors including hepatitis virus infections, alcoholism, and smoking. The disruption in the balance of microRNAs (miRNAs) plays a vital function in tumorigenesis, given their function as regulators in numerous signaling networks. These miRNAs, which are mature and active in the cytoplasm, work by reducing the expression of target genes through their impact on mRNAs. MiRNAs are particularly significant in HCC as they regulate key aspects of the tumor, like proliferation and invasion. Additionally, during treatment phases such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the levels of miRNAs are key determinants. Pre-clinical experiments have demonstrated that altered miRNA expression contributes to HCC development, metastasis, drug resistance, and radio-resistance, highlighting related molecular pathways and processes like MMPs, EMT, apoptosis, and autophagy. Furthermore, the regulatory role of miRNAs in HCC extends beyond their immediate function, as they are also influenced by other epigenetic factors like lncRNAs and circular RNAs (circRNAs), as discussed in recent reviews. Applying these discoveries in predicting the prognosis of HCC could mark a significant advancement in the therapy of this disease.

Molecular detection of exosomal miRNAs of blood serum for prognosis of colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer affecting people. The discovery of new, non-invasive, specific, and sensitive molecular biomarkers for CRC may assist in the diagnosis and support therapeutic decision making. Exosomal miRNAs have been demonstrated in carcinogenesis and CRC development, which makes these miRNAs strong biomarkers for CRC. Deep sequencing allows a robust high-throughput informatics investigation of the types and abundance of exosomal miRNAs. Thus, exosomal miRNAs can be efficiently examined as diagnostic biomarkers for disease screening. In the present study, a number of 660 mature miRNAs were detected in patients diagnosed with CRC at different stages. Of which, 29 miRNAs were differentially expressed in CRC patients compared with healthy controls. Twenty-nine miRNAs with high abundance levels were further selected for subsequent analysis. These miRNAs were either highly up-regulated (e.g., let-7a-5p, let-7c-5p, let-7f-5p, let-7d-3p, miR-423-5p, miR-3184-5p, and miR-584) or down-regulated (e.g., miR-30a-5p, miR-99-5p, miR-150-5p, miR-26-5p and miR-204-5p). These miRNAs influence critical genes in CRC, leading to either tumor growth or suppression. Most of the reported diagnostic exosomal miRNAs were shown to be circulating in blood serum. The latter is a novel miRNA that was found in exosomal profile of blood serum. Some of the predicted target genes of highly expressed miRNAs participate in several cancer pathways, including CRC pathway. These target genes include tumor suppressor genes, oncogenes and DNA repair genes. Main focus was given to multiple critical signaling cross-talking pathways including transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) signaling pathways that are directly linked to CRC. In conclusion, we recommend further analysis in order to experimentally confirm exact relationships between selected differentially expressed miRNAs and their predicted target genes and downstream functional consequences.

The Role of Long Noncoding RNAs in Progression of Leukemia: Based on Chromosomal Location

Long non-coding RNA [LncRNA] dysregulation has been seen in many human cancers, including several kinds of leukemia, which is still a fatal disease with a poor prognosis. LncRNAs have been demonstrated to function as tumor suppressors or oncogenes in leukemia. This study covers current research findings on the role of lncRNAs in the prognosis and diagnosis of leukemia. Based on recent results, several lncRNAs are emerging as biomarkers for the prognosis, diagnosis, and even treatment outcome prediction of leukemia and have been shown to play critical roles in controlling leukemia cell activities, such as proliferation, cell death, metastasis, and drug resistance. As a result, lncRNA profiles may have superior predictive and diagnostic potential in leukemia. Accordingly, this review concentrates on the significance of lncRNAs in leukemia progression based on their chromosomal position.

Circular RNA circMTO1 suppressed the progression of renal cell carcinoma progression by sponging miR-211 and miR-204

Despite considerable improvements in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) diagnostic and therapeutic strategy, the clinical prognosis of patients is far from satisfactory due to its recurrence and metastasis. Here, we attempted to explore the role of circMTO1 in RCC progression, and the underlying mechanism was further elucidated. We first detected the expression of circMTO1 in 90 pairs of RCC tissues and adjacent normal tissues using qRT-PCR. Besides, circMTO1, miR-211, miR-204 and KLF6 expression levels in RCC cells were also measured using qRT-PCR. MTT assay, cell migration, flow cytometry analysis, qRT-PCR and western blotting analysis were applied to evaluating the effect of circMTO1 in RCC cells. The bioinformatics analysis and the rescue experiment were devoted to the underlying mechanism. The results demonstrated CircMTO1 expression was significantly down-regulated in RCC tissues and cell lines. Besides, CircMTO1 inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion, induced apoptosis in RCC cells. In addition, CircMTO1 serves as a sponge for miR-211 and miR-204, KLF6 is a direct target of miR-211 and miR-204. Furthermore, circMTO1 and KLF6 overexpression rescued the suppression of miR-211/204 in RCC cell proliferation. In short, circMTO1 repressed RCC progression by regulating KLF6 via sponging miR-211 and miR-204, which may provide new idea of diagnosis and treatment in renal cell carcinoma.

Discovery of a novel NUAK1 inhibitor against pancreatic cancer

The novel (nua) kinase family 1 (NUAK1) is an AMPK-related kinase and its expression is associated with tumor malignancy and poor prognosis in several types of cancer, suggesting its potential as a target for cancer therapy. Therefore, the development of NUAK1-targeting inhibitors could improve therapeutic outcomes in cancer. We synthesized KI-301670, a novel NUAK1 inhibitor, and assessed its anticancer effects and mechanism of action in pancreatic cancer. It effectively inhibited pancreatic cancer growth and proliferation, and induced cell cycle arrest, markedly G0/G1 arrest, by increasing the expression of p27 and decreasing expression of p-Rb and E2F1. Additionally, the apoptotic effect of KI-301670 was observed by an increase in cleaved PARP, TUNEL-positive cells, and annexin V cell population, as well as the release of cytochrome c via the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. KI-301670 inhibited the migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells. Mechanistically, KI-301670 effectively inhibited the PI3K/AKT pathway in pancreatic cancer cells. Furthermore, it significantly attenuated tumor growth in a mouse xenograft tumor model. Our results demonstrate that a novel NUAK1 inhibitor, KI-301670, exerts anti-tumor effects by directly suppressing cancer cell growth by affecting the PI3K/AKT pathway, suggesting that it could be a novel therapeutic candidate for pancreatic cancer treatment.

MicroRNA-204-5p: A pivotal tumor suppressor

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-coding single-stranded RNA molecules with a length of approximately 18-25 nt nucleotides that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally. MiR-204-5p originates from the sixth intron of the transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 3 (TRPM3) gene. MiR-204-5p is frequently downregulated in various cancer types and is related to the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of cancer patients. So far, many studies have determined that miR-204-5p functions as a tumor suppressor for its extensive and powerful capacity to inhibit tumor proliferation, metastasis, autophagy, and chemoresistance in multiple cancer types. MiR-204-5p appears to be a promising prognostic biomarker and a therapeutic target for human cancers. This review summarized the latest advances on the role of miR-204-5p in human cancers.

miR-622 Counteracts the NUAK1-Induced Gastric Cancer Cell Proliferation and the Antioxidative Stress

Background

Gastric cancer (GC), a highly prevalent gastric cancer, has high-risk mortality. Thus, investigating strategies to counteract its growth is important to provide theoretical guidance for its prevention and treatment. It has been pointed out that abnormal expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) serves as noninvasive biomarkers for GC. This present study probed into the role of miR-622 and the NUAK family SNF1-like kinase 1 (NUAK1).

Methods

Five mRNA datasets (GSE64916, GSE118916, GSE122401, GSE158662, and GSE159721) and one miRNA dataset (GSE128720) from the Gene Expression of Omnibus (GEO) database were used to analyze the differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNA in GC and noncancer samples. Further, western blot, real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR), reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay kit experiments, and wound healing assay, together with in vivo experiments, were performed.

Results

miR-622 was downregulated, and NUAK1 was upregulated in GC, and NUAK1 was a potential target of miR-622. Knocking down NUAK1 decreased GC cell proliferation and migration but increased oxidative stress in vitro and inhibited the development of tumor in vivo, while miR-622 acted to suppress the action of NUAK1 through the miR-622/NUAK1/p-protein kinase B (Akt) axis, thereby inhibiting the occurrence of GC.

Conclusion

miR-622 and NUAK1 demonstrated potential for being targets and biomarkers for GC treatment.

Effect and Role of miR-196b in Ectopic Pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy (EP) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, but the molecular mechanism of this condition is still unclear. miR-196b, a hot research direction for the past few years, participates in the occurrence of various diseases but whether it plays a regulatory role in EP is still unclear. This research was set to investigate the expression and potential value of miR-196b in EP. qRT-PCR was utilized to determine the relative expression of miR-196b in peripheral blood of EP patients and to observe the expression changes of miR-196b before and after treatment. Correlation analysis of miR-196b with HCG and progesterone was performed. Logistic regression analysis was applied to independent risk factors affecting EP patients. TargetScan was utilized to predict the downstream target genes of miR-196b, and GO and KEGG analysis was carried out using the R language pack. qRT-PCR showed that miR-196b expression in peripheral blood of EP patients was lower than that of normal people. miR-196b expression in patients after treatment was notably higher than that before treatment. In addition, correlation analysis showed that miR-196b was positively correlated with the expression of HCG, progesterone, and estradiol. Risk factor analysis revealed that abortion history, pelvic inflammatory disease history, lower abdominal surgery history, and miR-196b were independent risk factors for EP, and the AUC of the combined ROC curve was 0.899. GO function enrichment and KEGG signal pathway enrichment found 10 potential functions and 2 potential signal pathways of miR-196b. miR-196b is expressed in EP patients, is differentially expressed according to the change in EP condition, and is expected to become a promising index for clinical diagnosis of EP.

A pre‑clinical model combining cryopreservation technique with precision‑cut slice culture method to assess the in vitro drug response of hepatocellular carcinoma

Models considering hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) complexity cannot be accurately replicated in routine cell lines or animal models. We aimed to evaluate the practicality of tissue slice culture by combining it with a cryopreservation technique. We prepared 0.3-mm-thick tissue slices by a microtome and maintained their cell viability using a cryopreservation technique. Slices were cultured individually in the presence or absence of regorafenib (REG) for 72 h. Alterations in morphology and gene expression were assessed by histological and genetic analysis. Overall viability was also analyzed in tissue slices by CCK-8 quantification assay and fluorescent staining. Tissue morphology and cell viability were evaluated to quantify drug effects. Histological and genetic analyses showed that no significant alterations in morphology and gene expression were induced by the vitrification-based cryopreservation method. The viability of warmed HCC tissues was up to 90% of the fresh tissues. The viability and proliferation could be retained for at least four days in the filter culture system. The positive drug responses in precision-cut slice culture in vitro were evaluated by tissue morphology and cell viability. In summary, the successful application of precision-cut HCC slice culture combined with a cryopreservation technique in a systematic drug screening demonstrates the feasibility and utility of slice culture method for assessing drug response.

Relationship between miR-204 and ANGPTL2 expression and diagnosis, pathological stage, and prognosis in patients with colon cancer

Background

Angiopoietin-like protein 2 (ANGPTL2) is linked to various tumors. MicroRNA-204 (miR-204) is associated with colorectal cancer (CRC). Bioinformatic analysis has demonstrated a targeting relationship between miR-204 and ANGPTL2. The present study aimed to investigate the role of miR-204 in the proliferation and apoptosis of colorectal tumor cells.

Methods

Colorectal tumor tissues were collected. Normal colon mucosa was used as a control. The relationship between miR-204 and ANGPTL2 expression and tumor stage and prognosis was analyzed. The dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed targeted regulation between miR-204 and ANGPTL2. SW480 cells were allocated to the miR-NC group and the miR-204 mimic group, followed by apoptotic analysis using flow cytometry and cellular proliferation analysis using EdU staining.

Results

Compared with normal colonic mucosa, miR-204 expression was decreased in colorectal tumor tissues and ANGPTL2 expression was increased, which correlated with TNM staging. The prognosis of patients with low miR-204 expression and high ANGPTL2 expression was worse than for patients with high miR-204 expression and low ANGPTL2 expression. The dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed a targeting regulation relationship between miR-204 and ANGPTL2. Transfection of miR-204 mimic significantly inhibited the expression of ANGPTL2 and cell proliferation in SW480 cells and promoted apoptosis.

Conclusions

Downregulating miR-204 expression plays a vital role in upregulating ANGPTL2 expression and promoting the pathogenesis of CRC. MiR-204 is able to hinder the proliferation of colorectal tumor cells and encourage apoptosis by targeting the inhibition of ANGPTL2 expression.

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

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

Revealing the role of miRNA-489 as a new onco-suppressor factor in different cancers based on pre-clinical and clinical evidence

Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have shown to be potential therapeutic, diagnostic and prognostic targets in disease therapy. These endogenous non-coding RNAs contribute to regulation of different cellular events that are necessary for maintaining physiological condition. Dysregulation of miRNAs is correlated with development of various pathological events such as neurological disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. miRNA-489 is a new emerging miRNA and studies are extensively investigating its role in pathological conditions. Herein, potential function of miRNA-489 as tumor-suppressor in various cancers is described. miRNA-489 is able to sensitize cancer cells into chemotherapy by disrupting molecular pathways involved in cancer growth such as PI3K/Akt, and induction of apoptosis. The PROX1 and SUZ12 as oncogenic pathways, are affected by miRNA-489 in suppressing metastasis of cancer cells. Wnt/β-catenin as an oncogenic factor ensuring growth and malignancy of tumors is inhibited via miRNA-489 function. For enhancing drug sensitivity of tumors, restoring miRNA-489 expression is a promising strategy. The lncRNAs can modulate miRNA-489 expression in tumors and studies about circRNA role in miRNA-489 modulation should be performed. The expression level of miRNA-489 is a diagnostic tool for tumor detection. Besides, down-regulation of miRNA-489 in tumors provides unfavorable prognosis.

Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of MicroRNAs in Metastasis and Recurrence of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

MicroRNAs have been proven to make remarkable differences in the clinical behaviors of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This study aims to systematically analyze whether differential expression levels of microRNAs are related to recurrence or metastasis in patients with HNSCC. A comprehensive search of the PubMed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL was conducted up to July 24^th, 2021. Data were collected and combined from studies reporting recurrence-free survival (RFS) of HNSCC patients with high microRNA expression compared to those with low expression. Besides, studies providing necessary data for evaluating the diagnostic value of microRNAs for detecting recurrence and metastasis based on their expression levels were also included and combined. The pooled hazard ratio (HR) value for the outcomes of RFS in 1,093 HNSCC samples from 10 studies was 2.51 (95%CI: 2.13–2.96). A sensitivity of 0.79 (95% CI: 0.72–0.85) and specificity of 0.77 (95%CI: 0.68–0.83) were observed in three studies, of which 93 patients with recurrence and 82 nonrecurrence controls were included, and the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.85 (95% CI: 0.81–0.88). Additionally, high diagnostic accuracy of microRNAs in detecting lymph node metastasis (LNM) was also reported. In conclusion, two panels of microRNAs showed the potential to predict recurrence or diagnose recurrence in HNSCC patients, respectively, which could facilitate prognosis prediction and diagnosis of clinical behaviors in HNSCC patients.

MiR-199b-5p Promotes Gastric Cancer Progression by Regulating HHIP Expression

Objectives

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignant tumors. More and more evidences support the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in tumor progression. However, the role of miRNAs in human GC remains largely unknown.

Methods

Based on the published gastric cancer expression profile data, combined with bioinformatics analysis, potential miRNAs in the process of GC were screened. The expression of miR-199b-5p in GC cells and patients’ plasma was detected by RT-PCR. The effects of miR-199b-5p on GC in vitro were detected by EdU proliferation assay, colony formation assay, Transwell assay and wound healing assay. Western blot was used to detect epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) related proteins. The subcutaneous tumorigenesis model and metastatic tumor model of mice were used to study its effect in vivo. Bioinformatics and Dual luciferase reporter assay were used to verify the effect of miR-199b-5p and its target gene.

Results

Through bioinformatics analysis, we screened a novel miRNA miR-199b-5p that was significantly up-regulated in GC tissue and associated with poor prognosis of GC patients. RT-PCR results showed that its expression was also up-regulated in GC cell lines and patients’ plasma. MiR-199b-5p can significantly promote GC cell proliferation and migration in vitro and in vivo. Western blot showed that miR-199b-5p could promote the EMT process of GC. HHIP has been proved to be a target of miR-199b-5p, and the recovery of HHIP can weaken the effect of miR-199b-5p.

Conclusion

MiR-199b-5p may play an oncogene role in GC by targeting HHIP, suggesting that miR-199b-5p may be a potential therapeutic target for GC.

Identification of prognostic biomarkers related to the tumor microenvironment in thyroid carcinoma

Thyroid Carcinoma (THCA) is the most common endocrine tumor that is mainly treated using surgery and radiotherapy. In addition, immunotherapy is a recently developed treatment option that has played an essential role in the management of several types of tumors. However, few reports exist on the use of immunotherapy to treat THCA. The study downloaded the miRNA, mRNA and lncRNA data for THCA patients from the TCGA database ( https://portal.gdc.cancer.gov/ ). Thereafter, the tumor samples were divided into cold and hot tumors, based on the immune score of the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, the differentially expressed lncRNAs and miRNAs were obtained. Finally, the study jointly constructed a ceRNA network through differential analysis of the mRNA data for cold and hot tumors. The study first assessed the level of immune infiltration in the THCA tumor microenvironment then divided the samples into cold and hot tumors, based on the immune score. Additionally, a total of 568 up-regulated and 412 down-regulated DEGs were screened by analyzing the differences between hot and cold tumors. Thereafter, the study examined the differentially expressed genes for lncRNA and miRNA. The results revealed 629 differentially expressed genes related to lncRNA and 114 associated with miRNA. Finally, a ceRNA network of the differentially expressed genes was constructed. The results showed a five-miRNA hubnet, i.e., hsa-mir-204, hsa-mir-128, hsa-mir-214, hsa-mir-150 and hsa-mir-338. The present study identified the immune-related mRNA, lncRNA and miRNA in THCA then constructed a ceRNA network. These results are therefore important as they provide more insights on the immune mechanisms in THCA. The findings also provides additional information for possible THCA immunotherapy.

High-mobility group AT-hook 2 promotes growth and metastasis and is regulated by miR-204-5p in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

To investigate the expression of high-mobility group AT-hook 2 (HMGA2) and miR-204-5p in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and their biological roles in ESCC development and progression.

METHODS

HMGA2 and miR-204-5p expression levels in ESCC tissues and cell lines were detected by qRT-PCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemical staining. ESCC cell lines were transfected with a small interfering RNA for HMGA2 and miR-204-5p mimic to downregulate and upregulate the expression levels of HMGA2 and miR-204-5p, respectively. The growth, migration and invasion abilities of ESCC cells were assessed by MTT, colony formation, wound-healing and Transwell assays, respectively. A luciferase reporter gene assay was used to determine whether the 3'-untranslated coding regions of HMGA2 could be directly bound by miR-204-5p.

RESULTS

HMGA2 expression was markedly upregulated (P < .001), while miR-204-5p expression was markedly downregulated (P = .003) in ESCC tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues. HMGA2 expression was correlated with tumour size, invasion depth, lymph node metastasis and tumour-node-metastasis stage (all P < .05) and was identified as an independent prognostic factor for ESCC patients. The expression levels of HMGA2 and miR-204-5p were negatively correlated (r²  = 0.609, P < .001). HMGA2 knockdown or miR-204-5p overexpression markedly inhibited ESCC cell growth, migration and invasion (P < .05). In addition, restoration of HMGA2 expression partly reversed the inhibitory effects of miR-204-5p overexpression on migration and invasion (P < .05). The luciferase reporter gene assay suggested that HMGA2 is a direct downstream target of miR-204-5p.

CONCLUSION

HMGA2 functions as an oncogene in the growth and metastasis of ESCC and is negatively regulated by miR-204-5p.

Dexmedetomidine upregulates the expression of miR-493-5p, inhibiting growth and inducing the apoptosis of lung adenocarcinoma cells by targeting RASL11B

Numerous studies have indicated that microRNAs (miRNAs) play critical roles in the development and progression of cancer. However, how changes to the expression levels of miRNAs in response to dexmedetomidine affects the progression of lung cancer remains poorly understood. In this study, we treated the lung adenocarcinoma cell line-A549 with dexmedetomidine and then examined the changes to the expression levels of miRNAs. We found that one of the most significantly upregulated miRNAs was miR-493-5p, which has an important role in the growth and apoptosis of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) cells. In addition, bioinformatics searches and luciferase reporter assays revealed that miR-493-5p targets RASL11B, which has a high degree of similarity to RAS. Finally, database searches revealed that RASL11B is associated with survival of LUAD cells. In conclusion, dexmedetomidine causes changes to the expression levels of miRNAs in LUAD, including significant upregulation of miR-493-5p. MiR-493-5p targets RASL11B, thereby inhibiting cell growth and inducing apoptosis in LUAD.

Enhanced expression of miR-889 forecasts an unfavorable prognosis and facilitates cell progression in hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

As a new type of molecular marker, microRNAs (miRNAs) can be used for early diagnosis and prognosis prediction of malignant tumors, and has broad clinical application prospects. This paper mainly studies the important role of miR-889 in the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma and the prognostic significance of miR-889 in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methods

Quantitative real-time PCR analysis detected the expression levels of miR-889 in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues and cell lines. Kaplan-Meier curve and Cox regression analysis were used to explore the prognostic significance of miR-889 in hepatocellular carcinoma. The CCK-8 and Transwell assays assay were used to assess cell proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities ability.

Results

The expression of miR-889 in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues was significantly higher than that in adjacent tissues. Overexpression of miR-889 was significantly associated with TNM stage, hepatitis B virus infection, and cirrhosis. Patients with high miR-889 expression had shorter overall survival than those with low miR-889 expression. And functional studies in two hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines have shown that overexpression of miR-889 significantly promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro.

Conclusions

Overall, miR-889 was upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues and cell lines, and overexpression of miR-889 promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Based on our findings, high expression of miR-889 may promote the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma, and high expression of miR-889 is also forecasted for an unfavorable prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Role of ARK5 in cancer and other diseases (Review)

Malignant tumors are often exposed to hypoxic and glucose-starved microenvironments. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an energy sensor that is stimulated during energy-deficient conditions and protects cells from hypoxic injury by regulating metabolism. AMPK-related protein kinase 5 (ARK5) is a member of the catalytic sub-unit of the AMPK family and has an important role in energy regulation and hypoxia. ARK5 is regulated by Akt and liver kinase B1 and is associated with numerous tumor-related molecules to exert the negative effects of tumors. Studies have revealed ARK5 overexpression in cases of tumor invasion and metastasis and a positive association with the degree of cancer cell malignancy, which is regarded as a key element in determining cancer prognosis. Furthermore, ARK5 downregulation improves drug sensitivity through the epithelial-mesenchymal transition pathway, indicating that it may be a potential therapeutic target. In other non-cancer conditions, ARK5 has various roles in neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's and Huntington's disease), renal disorders (diabetic nephropathy and renal fibrosis) and physiological processes (striated muscle generation). In the present review, the upstream and downstream molecular pathways of ARK5 in cancer and other diseases are described and potential therapeutic strategies are discussed.

miRNA-218-5p increases cell sensitivity by inhibiting PRKDC activity in radiation-resistant lung carcinoma cells

BACKGROUND

Non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is a malignancy with the highest mortality rate. Currently, surgery combined with radiotherapy is the first choice in the clinical treatment of lung carcinoma (LC); however, long-term radiotherapy leads to radiation resistance in patients, resulting in treatment failure.

METHODS

In this study, a new microRNA-218-5p (miRNA-218-5p) was identified, and its function in LC was investigated.

RESULTS

Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) results revealed that miRNA-218-5p was downregulated in LC. Overexpression or inhibition of miRNA-218-5p in LC and targeted binding of protein kinase, DNA-activated, catalytic polypeptide (PRKDC) to miRNA-218-5p were confirmed by comprehensive bioinformatic analysis. Exosomes from A549 and H1299 cells were cocultured with miRNA-218-5p and then cotransfected into radiation-resistant A549R and H1299R cells; the proliferation of radiation-resistant LC cells was found to be effectively inhibited and apoptosis was induced. Overexpression of miRNA-218-5p and X-irradiation could enhance the radiosensitivity of LC cells. Exogenous miRNA-218-5p derived from A549 and H1299 cells could be transfected into radiation-resistant LC cells and could inhibit PRKDC expression, thus accelerating DNA damage, apoptosis, and radiation sensitization of LC cells.

CONCLUSIONS

miRNA-218-5p could induce apoptosis and enhance the radiosensitivity of LC cells through regulatory activities, thus suggesting its application as a potential target for LC treatment.

MicroRNA signature in liver cancer

Liver cancer is the 7^th utmost frequent neoplasm and the 4^th principal source of cancer deaths. This malignancy is linked with several environmental and lifestyle-related factors emphasizing the role of epigenetics in its pathogenesis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been regarded as potent epigenetic mechanisms partaking in the pathogenesis of liver cancer. Dysregulation of miRNAs has been related with poor outcome of patients with liver cancer. In the current manuscript, we provide a concise review of the results of recent studies about the role of miRNAs in the progression of liver cancer and their diagnostic and prognostic utility.

LncRNA NEAT1/miR-204/NUAK1 Axis is a Potential Therapeutic Target for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Background

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is a key part of non-coding RNA, and more and more evidence has revealed that it plays a vital role in tumors. NEAT1 is a lncRNA discovered in the early stage. However, it is still unclear whether NEAT1 and miR-204 play a regulatory role in lung cancer (LC). This research aimed to determine the biological function of NEAT1/miR-204 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Materials and Methods

In order to research the function of NEAT1 in NSCLC, RT-PCR, Western blot, luciferase assay and RNA immunoprecipitation assay were used to determine the relationship between NEAT1, miR-204 and NUAK1. CCK8 test, cell migration and invasion test were used to explore the influence of NEAT1 on proliferation and metastasis of LC cells. Tumor allotransplantation was used to detect the influence of NEAT1 on the growth of LC.

Results

The results revealed that NEAT1 was obviously enhanced in LC cell lines. Further functional analysis showed that low expression of NEAT1 obviously suppressed the growth, migration and invasion of NSCLC and facilitated cell apoptosis. Determination of luciferase reporter gene revealed that miR-204 was the direct target of NEAT1 in LC. In addition, NUAK1 was called the direct target of miR-204, and miR-204/NUAK1 had saved the role of NEAT1 in NSCLC cells. Tumor allotransplantation experiments showed that knocking down NEAT1 could inhibit the growth of LC.

Conclusion

In summary, our results showed that the down-regulation of NEAT1 in NSCLC inhibited its growth, migration and invasion through the miR-204/NUAK1 axis.

MicroRNAs involved in the EGFR pathway in glioblastoma

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary malignant tumor in adults, and its morbidity and mortality are very high. Although progress has been achieved in the treatment of GBM, such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, in recent years, the prognosis of patients with GBM has not improved significantly. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous noncoding single-stranded RNAs consisting of approximately 20-22 nucleotides that regulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level by binding to target protein-encoding mRNAs. Notably, miRNAs regulate various carcinogenic pathways, one of which is the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway, which controls cell proliferation, invasion, migration, angiogenesis and apoptosis. In this review, we summarize the novel discoveries of roles for miRNAs targeting the factors in the EGFR signaling pathway in the occurrence and development of GBM. In addition, we describe their potential roles as biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of GBM and for determining the treatment resistance of GBM and the efficacy of therapeutic drugs.

MicroRNA-mediated autophagy regulation in cancer therapy: The role in chemoresistance/chemosensitivity

Chemoresistance has doubled the effort needed to reach an effective treatment for cancer. Now, scientists should consider molecular pathways and mechanisms involved in chemoresistance to overcome cancer. Autophagy is a "self-digestion" mechanism in which potentially toxic and aged organelles and macromolecules are degraded. Increasing evidence has shown that autophagy possesses dual role in cancer cells (onco-suppressor or oncogene). So, it is vital to identify its role in cancer progression and malignancy. MicroRNAs (miRs) are epigenetic factors capable of modulation of autophagy in cancer cells. In the current review, we emphasize on the relationship between miRs and autophagy in cancer chemotherapy. Besides, we discuss upstream mediators of miR/autophagy axis in cancer chemotherapy including long non-coding RNAs, circular RNAs, Nrf2 c-Myc, and HIF-1α. At the final section, we provide a discussion about how anti-tumor compounds affect miR/autophagy axis in ensuring chemosensitivity. These topics are described in this review to show how autophagy inhibition/induction can lead to chemosensitivity/chemoresistance, and miRs are considered as key players in these discussions.

Broad-Spectrum Preclinical Antitumor Activity of Chrysin: Current Trends and Future Perspectives

Pharmacological profile of phytochemicals has attracted much attention to their use in disease therapy. Since cancer is a major problem for public health with high mortality and morbidity worldwide, experiments have focused on revealing the anti-tumor activity of natural products. Flavonoids comprise a large family of natural products with different categories. Chrysin is a hydroxylated flavonoid belonging to the flavone category. Chrysin has demonstrated great potential in treating different disorders, due to possessing biological and therapeutic activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, etc. Over recent years, the anti-tumor activity of chrysin has been investigated, and in the present review, we provide a mechanistic discussion of the inhibitory effect of chrysin on proliferation and invasion of different cancer cells. Molecular pathways, such as Notch1, microRNAs, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB), PI3K/Akt, MAPK, etc., as targets of chrysin are discussed. The efficiency of chrysin in promoting anti-tumor activity of chemotherapeutic agents and suppressing drug resistance is described. Moreover, poor bioavailability, as one of the drawbacks of chrysin, is improved using various nanocarriers, such as micelles, polymeric nanoparticles, etc. This updated review will provide a direction for further studies in evaluating the anti-tumor activity of chrysin.

[MiR-204 inhibits invasion and metastasis of breast cancer cells by targeted regulation of HNRNPA2B1]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of miR-204 on the invasion and metastasis of breast cancer by targeted regulation of HNRNPA2B1.

METHODS

The bioinformatics database was used to obtain data of the expressions of miR-204 in breast cancer patients and the survival rate of the patients. RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression of miR-204 in breast cancer cell lines. The expression vector GV369-miR-204 was used to overexpress miR-204 in MDA-MB-231 cells. Transwell assay was performed to detect the effect of miR-204 on the migration and invasion ability of the breast cancer cells. The key genes (hub genes) of miR-204 were determined by bioinformatics method. A dual luciferase assay was used to analyze the targeting relationship between miR-204 and HNRNPA2B1. The expression of HNRNPA2B1 in MDA-MB-231 cells after miR-204 overexpression was detected by Western blotting, and Transwell assay was used to examine the changes in the cell invasion ability.

RESULTS

The expression of miR-204 was decreased in both breast cancer tissues, and was significantly lower in breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells than in MCF-10A cells (P &lt; 0.05). The decreased expression of miR-204 was associated with poorer prognosis of breast cancer patients (P &lt; 0.05). Upregulation of miR-204 in MDA-MB-231 cells significantly inhibited the invasion and migration of the cells (P &lt; 0.05). Analysis of the data from the Starbase revealed that the expression of miR-204-5p was negatively correlated with the expression of HNRNPA2B1, and the expression of HNRNPA2B1 was increased in breast cancer patients (P &lt; 0.05) in association with a poorer prognosis of the patients (P &lt; 0.05). Dual luciferase assay demonstrated that miR-204 could bind to HNRNPA2B1 in a target-specific manner. Western blotting and Transwell assay showed that miR-204 significant inhibited the migration and invasion ability of breast cancer cells by targeting HNRNPA2B1 (P &lt; 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

miR-204 expression is decreased in breast cancer tissues and cells, and its overexpression can inhibit the invasion and metastasis of breast cancer cells by targeted regulation of HNRNPA2B1.

Dual targeting of NUAK1 and ULK1 using the multitargeted inhibitor MRT68921 exerts potent antitumor activities

Utilizing oxidative stress has recently been regarded as a potential strategy for tumor therapy. The NUAK family SNF1-like kinase 1 (NUAK1) is a critical component of the antioxidant defense system and is necessary for the survival of tumors. Therefore, NUAK1 is considered an attractive therapeutic target in cancer. However, antioxidant therapy induced elevated ROS levels to activate the Unc-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1) pathway to promote protective autophagy and ULK1-dependent mitophagy. Thus, the combined inhibition of NUAK1 and ULK1 showed a strong synergistic effect in different tumor types. Herein, the potential antitumor activities of a dual NUAK1/ULK1 inhibitor MRT68921 were evaluated in both tumor cell lines and animal models. MRT68921 significantly kills tumor cells by breaking the balance of oxidative stress signals. These results highlight the potential of MRT68921 as an effective agent for tumor therapy.

Competing Endogenous RNAs, Non-Coding RNAs and Diseases: An Intertwined Story

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small non-coding RNA molecules, are responsible for RNA silencing and post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. They can mediate a fine-tuned crosstalk among coding and non-coding RNA molecules sharing miRNA response elements (MREs). In a suitable environment, both coding and non-coding RNA molecules can be targeted by the same miRNAs and can indirectly regulate each other by competing for them. These RNAs, otherwise known as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs), lead to an additional post-transcriptional regulatory layer, where non-coding RNAs can find new significance. The miRNA-mediated interplay among different types of RNA molecules has been observed in many different contexts. The analyses of ceRNA networks in cancer and other pathologies, as well as in other physiological conditions, provide new opportunities for interpreting omics data for the field of personalized medicine. The development of novel computational tools, providing putative predictions of ceRNA interactions, is a rapidly growing field of interest. In this review, I discuss and present the current knowledge of the ceRNA mechanism and its implications in a broad spectrum of different pathologies, such as cardiovascular or autoimmune diseases, cancers and neurodegenerative disorders.

Back-Splicing Transcript Isoforms (Circular RNAs) Affect Biologically Relevant Pathways and Offer an Additional Layer of Information to Stratify NMIBC Patients

Circularized transcript isoforms due to back-splicing are increasingly being reported in different tissues types and pathological states including cancer. Since these circular RNAs (circRNAs) are more stable than linear messenger RNA their identification and profiling in tumor tissue could aid in stratifying patients and may serve as biomarkers. In this study, we have investigated the relationship between circRNA expression and tumor grade in a cohort of 58, mostly non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer patients. From 4571 circRNAs detected, we identified 157 that were significantly differentially expressed between tumor grades relative to the linear transcript. We demonstrated that such grade-related differences can be identified in an independent cohort, and that a large fraction of circRNAs can be, in principle, detected in urine. The differentially expressed circRNAs cluster into subgroups according to their co-expression, subgroups which are enriched for DNA repair, cell cycle and intracellular signaling genes. Since one proposed function of circRNAs is to interfere with gene-regulation by acting as microRNA “sponges,” candidates which were differentially expressed between tumor grades were investigated for potential miRNA target sites. By investigating the circRNAs from bladder cancer related pathways we demonstrated that the expression of these pathways, the circRNAs, and their parental genes are often decoupled and do not correlate, yet that some circRNAs do not follow this tendency. The present study provides the next step for the comprehensive evaluation of this novel class of RNAs in the context of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Intriguingly, despite their possible function as microRNA sponges, they potentially affect host mRNA levels at the transcriptional stage, as compared to post-transcriptional control by miRNAs. Our analysis indicates differences of their activity between bladder cancer tumor stages, and their relative expression levels may provide an additional layer of information for patient stratification.

miR-622 is a novel potential biomarker of breast carcinoma and impairs motility of breast cancer cells through targeting NUAK1 kinase

BACKGROUND

Aberrant expression of microRNAs (miR) has been proposed as non-invasive biomarkers for breast cancers. The aim of this study was to analyse the miR-622 level in the plasma and in tissues of breast cancer patients and to explore the role of miR-622 and its target, the NUAK1 kinase, in this context.

METHODS

miR-622 expression was analysed in plasma and in tissues samples of breast cancer patients by q-RT-PCR. Bioinformatics programs, luciferase assay, public dataset analysis and functional experiments were used to uncover the role of miR-622 and its target in breast cancer cells.

RESULTS

miR-622 is downregulated in plasma and in tissues of breast cancer patients respect to healthy controls and its downregulation is significantly associated with advanced grade and high Ki67 level. Modulation of miR-622 affects the motility phenotype of breast cancer cells. NUAK1 kinase is a functional target of miR-622, it is associated with poor clinical outcomes of breast cancer patients and is inversely correlated with miR-622 level.

CONCLUSIONS

miR-622/NUAK1 axis is deregulated in breast cancer patients and affects the motility phenotype of breast cancer cells. Importantly, miR-622 and NUAK1 hold promises as biomarkers and as targets for breast cancers.

LncRNA SNHG1 Regulates the Progression of Esophageal Squamous Cell Cancer by the miR-204/HOXC8 Axis

Objective

Long noncoding RNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 1 (SNHG1) has been reported to be aberrantly expressed and plays an important role in human cancers, including esophageal squamous cell cancer. However, the regulatory mechanism underlying SNHG1 in the progression of esophageal squamous cell cancer is poorly defined.

Materials and Methods

Fifty-three esophageal squamous cell cancer patients were recruited and overall survival was analyzed. EC9706 and KYSE150 cells were cultured for study in vitro. The expression levels of SNHG1, microRNA (miR)-204 and homeobox c8 (HOXC8) were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. Cell cycle distribution, apoptosis, migration and invasion were determined by flow cytometry and transwell assays, respectively. The target interaction among SNHG1, miR-204 and HOXC8 was validated by luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation. Xenograft model was established to investigate the role of SNHG1 in vivo.

Results

High expression of SNHG1 was exhibited in esophageal squamous cell cancer and indicated poor outcomes of patients. SNHG1 silence led to cell cycle arrest at G0-G1 phase, inhibition of migration and invasion and increase of apoptosis. miR-204 was validated to sponge by SNHG1 and target HOXC8 in esophageal squamous cell cancer cells. miR-204 knockdown or HOXC8 restoration reversed the inhibitive role of SNHG1 silence in the progression of esophageal squamous cell cancer cells. Furthermore, inhibiting SNHG1 decreased xenograft tumor growth by regulating miR-204 and HOXC8.

Conclusion

SNHG1 knockdown suppresses migration and invasion but induces apoptosis of esophageal squamous cell cancer cells by increasing miR-204 and decreasing HOXC8.