MicroRNA and mRNA features of malignant pleural mesothelioma and benign asbestos-related pleural effusion

miR-4429 inhibits ccRCC proliferation, migration, and invasion by directly targeting CD274

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is one of the most aggressive urological malignancies and a highly immunogenic cancer. Yet, its pathogenesis is still not fully understood. This study analyzed the role of the miR-320 family in ccRCC using bioinformatics algorithms and a series of in vitro experiments. miR-4429 was found to be significantly down-regulated in ccRCC tissues and cell lines, while overexpression of miR-4429 significantly inhibited renal cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro. In addition, the UALCAN database, immunohistochemistry, and protein blotting results showed that CD274 expression was up-regulated in ccRCC tissues and correlated with higher histologic grading. Dual luciferase assay indicated that CD274 was a direct target of miR-4429. Overexpression of miR-4429 in 786-O, Caki-2 cells significantly inhibited CD274 expression. KEGG results indicated that the potential target function of miR-4429 was associated with the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and protein blotting verified the results. In summary, this data shows that miR-4429 targets CD274 and inhibits ccRCC proliferation, migration, and invasion by regulating PI3K/AKT signaling, thus potentially providing a promising therapeutic target and prognostic biomarker for renal cell carcinoma patients.

The lncRNAs Gas5, MALAT1 and SNHG8 as diagnostic biomarkers for epithelial malignant pleural mesothelioma in Egyptian patients

Long noncoding RNAs have been shown to be involved in a myriad of physiological and pathological pathways. To date, malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is considered an extremely aggressive cancer. One reason for this is the late diagnosis of the disease, which can occur within 30-40 years of asbestos exposure. There is an immense need for the development of new, sensitive, inexpensive and easy methods for the early detection of this disease other than invasive methods such as biopsy. The aim of this study was to determine the expression of circulating lncRNAs in mesothelioma patient plasma to identify potential biomarkers. Ten previously identified lncRNAs that were shown to be aberrantly expressed in mesothelioma tissues were selected as candidates for subsequent validation. The expression of the ten selected candidate lncRNAs was verified via quantitative PCR (qPCR) in human plasma samples from mesothelioma patients versus healthy controls. The expression levels of circulating GAS5, SNHG8 and MALAT1 were significantly greater in plasma samples from patients than in those from controls. The ROC analysis of both MALAT1 and SNHG8 revealed 88.89% sensitivity and 66.67% specificity. The sensitivity of these markers was greater than that of GAS5 (sensitivity 72.22% and specificity 66.67%). The regression model for GAS5 was statistically significant, while that for SNHG8 and MALAT1 was not significant due to the small sample size. The area under the curve (AUC) of the three ROC curves was acceptable and significant: 0.7519 for GAS5, 0.7352 for SNHG8 and 0.7185 for MALAT1. This finding confirmed their ability to be used as markers. The three lncRNAs were not affected by age, sex or smoking status. The three lncRNAs showed great potential as independent predictive diagnostic biomarkers. Although the prediction model for MALAT1 did not significantly differ, MALAT1 was significantly expressed in patients more than in controls (p = 0.0266), and the recorded sensitivity and specificity were greater than those of GAS5.

The role of MicroRNAs as early biomarkers of asbestos-related lung cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Asbestos is still the leading cause of occupational cancer mortality worldwide. Asbestos-related lung cancer (LC) and malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) prognosis is still poor especially at advanced stage, so early diagnosis biomarkers are needed. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been proposed as potential early diagnostic biomarkers of asbestos-related LC and MPM.

AIM

To evaluate the role of miRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of asbestos-related LC and MPM by performing a literature systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE via Ovid, PUBMED and Cochrane library databases were systematically searched up to April 2023 to identify relevant articles. A grey literature search was also conducted using the Google Scholar platform. MeSH and free text terms for 'asbestos', 'occupational exposure', 'lung cancer', 'mesothelioma' and 'miRNAs' were used to search the literature. Our systematic review protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database. Study quality was assessed via the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

RESULTS

From the search, 331 articles were retrieved, and, after applying our selection criteria, and exclusion of one study for poor quality, 27 studies were included in the review. Most of the studies were hospital-based case-control, conducted in Europe, and evaluated MPM among men only. MiRNAs expression was measured mainly in plasma or serum. MiR-126, miR-132-3p, and miR-103a-3p were the most promising diagnostic biomarkers for MPM, and we estimated a pooled area under the curve (AUC) of 85 %, 73 %, and 50 %, respectively. In relation to MPM prognosis, miR-197‑3p resulted associated with increased survival time. MiR-126, alone and combined with miR-222, was confirmed associated also to LC diagnosis, together with miR-1254 and miR-574-5p; no miRNA was found associated to LC prognosis.

CONCLUSION

Based on our systematic literature review there is suggestive evidence that the expression of specific miRNAs in the blood serum or plasma are associated with asbestos-related LC and MPM diagnosis and prognosis. Further large longitudinal studies are urgently needed to validate these findings and elucidate the underlying mechanisms given the potential important implications for patients' survival.

Deciphering signaling pathway interplay via miRNAs in malignant pleural mesothelioma

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a highly invasive form of lung cancer that adversely affects the pleural and other linings of the lungs. MPM is a very aggressive tumor that often has an advanced stage at diagnosis and a bad prognosis (between 7 and 12 months). When people who have been exposed to asbestos experience pleural effusion and pain that is not explained, MPM should be suspected. After being diagnosed, most MPM patients have a one- to four-year life expectancy. The life expectancy is approximately six months without treatment. Despite the plethora of current molecular investigations, a definitive universal molecular signature has yet to be discovered as the causative factor for the pathogenesis of MPM. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are known to play a crucial role in the regulation of gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. The association between the expression of these short, non-coding RNAs and several neoplasms, including MPM, has been observed. Although the incidence of MPM is very low, there has been a significant increase in research focused on miRNAs in the past few years. In addition, miRNAs have been found to have a role in various regulatory signaling pathways associated with MPM, such as the Notch signaling network, Wnt/β-catenin, mutation of KRAS, JAK/STAT signaling circuit, protein kinase B (AKT), and Hedgehog signaling pathway. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the existing understanding of the roles of miRNAs in the underlying mechanisms of pathogenic symptoms in MPM, highlighting their potential as viable targets for therapeutic interventions.

Melodic maestros: Unraveling the role of miRNAs in the diagnosis, progression, and drug resistance of malignant pleural mesothelioma

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a highly lethal form of pleural cancer characterized by a scarcity of effective therapeutic interventions, resulting in unfavorable prognoses for afflicted individuals. Besides, many patients experience substantial consequences from being diagnosed in advanced stages. The available diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic options for MPM are restricted in scope. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a subset of small, noncoding RNA molecules that exert significant regulatory influence over several cellular processes within cell biology. A wide range of miRNAs have atypical expression patterns in cancer, serving specific functions as either tumor suppressors or oncomiRs. This review aims to collate, epitomize, and analyze the latest scholarly investigations on miRNAs that are believed to be implicated in the dysregulation leading to MPM. miRNAs are also discussed concerning their potential clinical usefulness as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for MPM. The future holds promising prospects for enhancing diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic modalities for MPM, with miRNAs emerging as a potential trigger for such advancements.

Pleural fluid microbiota as a biomarker for malignancy and prognosis

Malignant pleural effusions (MPE) complicate malignancies and portend worse outcomes. MPE is comprised of various components, including immune cells, cancer cells, and cell-free DNA/RNA. There have been investigations into using these components to diagnose and prognosticate MPE. We hypothesize that the microbiome of MPE is unique and may be associated with diagnosis and prognosis. We compared the microbiota of MPE against microbiota of pleural effusions from non-malignant and paramalignant states. We collected a total of 165 pleural fluid samples from 165 subjects; Benign (n = 16), Paramalignant (n = 21), MPE-Lung (n = 57), MPE-Other (n = 22), and Mesothelioma (n = 49). We performed high throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing on pleural fluid samples and controls. We showed that there are compositional differences among pleural effusions related to non-malignant, paramalignant, and malignant disease. Furthermore, we showed differential enrichment of bacterial taxa within MPE depending on the site of primary malignancy. Pleural fluid of MPE-Lung and Mesothelioma were associated with enrichment with oral and gut bacteria that are commonly thought to be commensals, including Rickettsiella, Ruminococcus, Enterococcus, and Lactobacillales. Mortality in MPE-Lung is associated with enrichment in Methylobacterium, Blattabacterium, and Deinococcus. These observations lay the groundwork for future studies that explore host-microbiome interactions and their influence on carcinogenesis.

Appropriate Supervised Machine Learning Techniques for Mesothelioma Detection and Cure

Mesothelioma is a dangerous, violent cancer, which forms a protecting layer around inner tissues such as the lungs, stomach, and heart. We investigate numerous AI methodologies and consider the exact DM conclusion outcomes in this study, which focuses on DM determination. K-nearest neighborhood, linear-discriminant analysis, Naive Bayes, decision-tree, random forest, support vector machine, and logistic regression analyses have been used in clinical decision support systems in the detection of mesothelioma. To test the accuracy of the evaluated categorizers, the researchers used a dataset of 350 instances with 35 highlights and six execution measures. LDA, NB, KNN, SVM, DT, LogR, and RF have precisions of 65%, 70%, 92%, 100%, 100%, 100%, and 100%, correspondingly. In count, the calculated complication of individual approaches has been evaluated. Every process is chosen on the basis of its characterization, exactness, and calculated complications. SVM, DT, LogR, and RF outclass the others and, unexpectedly, earlier research.

Serum Expression Levels of Certain miRNAs in Predicting Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Response to Chemotherapy in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Background:

miRNAs are involved in tumor pathogenesis and can therefore be determined in the primary tumor, plasma and serum, and body fluids. As in various cancers, their role in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) may be important.

Aims:

To analyze the predictive value of miR-16-5p, miR-29c-3p, miR-31-5p, miR-125a-5p, miR-320a, miR-484 and miR-532-5p expressions for diagnosis, prognosis and response to treatment in patients with MPM.

Study Design:

Prospective case-control study.

Methods:

In the first phase of the study, blood samples were collected from 101 MPM patients before chemotherapy and from 24 healthy donors (HDs). In the second phase, the blood samples were collected from 74 MPM patients who had received chemotherapy when the best overall response and disease recurrence were determined. A quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was undertaken to detect the miRNA expression levels. The miRNA expression profiles of MPM patients were compared with those of HDs. The associations between the expression levels of miRNAs and prognosis and response to treatment were then evaluated.

Results:

All miRNAs, except miR-31-5p, were expressed differently in MPM relative to that in HDs. The expression level of miR-16-5p decreased when compared with that of HDs, and the expression levels of miR-29c-3p, miR-125a-5p, miR-320a, miR-484, and miR-532-5p increased when compared with that of HDs. The sensitivity and specificity values of miR-29c-3p, miR-125a-5p, miR-320a, miR-484, and miR-532-5p for discriminating MPM from HDs were 85.9% and 59.1%, 95.1% and 62.5%, 87.1% and 79.2%, 82.2% and 58.3%, and 69.3% and 82.6%, respectively. After adjusting for the histological subtype, stage, and treatment, the miR-29c-3p, miR-125a-5p, and miR-484 were associated with longer survival. The miRNA expression levels did not change longitudinally for the determination of chemotherapy response and recurrence.

Conclusion:

miRNAs may be useful in diagnosing patients with MPM and provides helpful information in determining the prognosis of patients.

miR-484: A Potential Biomarker in Health and Disease

Disorders of miR-484 expression are observed in cancer, different diseases or pathological states. There is accumulating evidence that miR-484 plays an essential role in the development as well as the regression of different diseases, and miR-484 has been reported as a key regulator of common cancer and non-cancer diseases. The miR-484 targets that have effects on inflammation, apoptosis and mitochondrial function include SMAD7, Fis1, YAP1 and BCL2L13. For cancer, identified targets include VEGFB, VEGFR2, MAP2, MMP14, HNF1A, TUSC5 and KLF12. The effects of miR-484 on these targets have been documented separately. Moreover, miR-484 is typically described as an oncosuppressor, but this claim is simplistic and one-sided. This review will combine relevant basic and clinical studies to find that miR-484 promotes tumorigenesis and metastasis in liver, prostate and lung tissues. It will provide a basis for the possible mechanisms of miR-484 in early tumor diagnosis, prognosis determination, disease assessment, and as a potential therapeutic target for tumors.

miR-320c Regulates SERPINA1 Expression and Is Induced in Patients With Pulmonary Disease

INTRODUCTION

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is a genetic condition resulting in lung and liver disease with a great clinical variability. MicroRNAs have been identified as disease modifiers; therefore miRNA deregulation could play an important role in disease heterogeneity. Members of miR-320 family are involved in regulating of multiple processes including inflammation, and have potential specific binding sites in the 3'UTR region of SERPINA1 gene. In this study we explore the involvement of miR-320c, a member of this family, in this disease.

METHODS

Firstly in vitro studies were carried out to demonstrate regulation of SERPINA1 gene by miR-320. Furthermore, the expression of miR-320c was analyzed in the blood of 98 individuals with different AAT serum levels by using quantitative PCR and expression was correlated to clinical parameters of the patients. Finally, HL60 cells were used to analyze induction of miR-320c in inflammatory conditions.

RESULTS

Overexpression of miR-320 members in human HepG2 cells led to inhibition of SERPINA1 expression. Analysis of miR-320c expression in patient's samples revealed significantly increased expression of miR-320c in individuals with pulmonary disease. Additionally, HL60 cells treated with the pro-inflammatory factor lipopolysaccharide (LPS) showed increase in miR-320c expression, suggesting that miR-320c responds to inflammation.

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrate that miR-320c inhibits SERPINA1 expression in a hepatic cell line and its levels in blood are associated with lung disease in a cohort of patients with different AAT serum levels. These results suggest that miR-320c can play a role in AAT regulation and could be a biomarker of inflammatory processes in pulmonary diseases.

The Evolving Landscape of the Molecular Epidemiology of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare and aggressive malignancy that most commonly affects the pleural lining of the lungs. It has a strong association with exposure to biopersistent fibers, mainly asbestos (80% of cases) and—in specific geographic regions—erionite, zeolites, ophiolites, and fluoro-edenite. Individuals with a chronic exposure to asbestos generally have a long latency with no or few symptoms. Then, when patients do become symptomatic, they present with advanced disease and a worse overall survival (about 13/15 months). The fibers from industrial production not only pose a substantial risk to workers, but also to their relatives and to the surrounding community. Modern targeted therapies that have shown benefit in other human tumors have thus far failed in MPM. Overall, MPM has been listed as orphan disease by the European Union. However, molecular high-throughput profiling is currently unveiling novel biomarkers and actionable targets. We here discuss the natural evolution, mainly focusing on the novel concept of molecular epidemiology. The application of innovative endpoints, quantification of genetic damages, and definition of genetic susceptibility are reviewed, with the ultimate goal to point out new tools for screening of exposed subject and for designing more efficient diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Diagnostic value of microRNAs for malignant pleural mesothelioma: A mini-review

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a type of cancer originating from the pleura with high aggressiveness and poor prognosis. A timely diagnosis is crucial to improve its prognosis. Laboratory biomarkers have significant advantages of reduced invasiveness, low cost, and are observer‐independent, and therefore represent a promising diagnostic tool for MPM. MicroRNA is a family of non‐coding RNA that regulates gene expression at the post‐transcriptional level. Accumulated studies showed that microRNA, either in tissue, circulating, and body fluid, has potential diagnostic value for various disorders. Here, we reviewed the diagnostic value of microRNA for MPM.

Liquid biopsy approaches for pleural effusion in lung cancer patients

Genomic profiling of tumors has become the mainstay for diagnosis, treatment monitoring and a guide to precision medicine. However, in clinical practice, the detection of driver mutations in tumors has several procedural limitations owing to progressive disease and tumor heterogeneity. The current era of liquid biopsy promises a better solution. This diagnostic utility of liquid biopsy has been demonstrated by numerous studies for the detection of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in plasma for disease diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction. However, cfDNAs are limited in blood circulation and still hurdles to achieve promising precision medicine. Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is usually detected in advanced lung malignancy, which is rich in tumor cells. Extracellular vesicles and cfDNAs are the two major targets currently explored using MPE. Therefore, MPE can be used as a source of biomarkers in liquid biopsy for investigating tumor mutations. This review focuses on the liquid biopsy approaches for pleural effusion which may be explored as an alternative source for liquid biopsy in lung cancer patients to diagnose early disease progression.

P53-regulated miR-320a targets PDL1 and is downregulated in malignant mesothelioma

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive cancer, related to asbestos exposure, which has a dismal prognosis. MPM diagnosis is late and often challenging, suggesting the need to identify more reliable molecular biomarkers. Here, we set out to identify differentially expressed miRNAs in epithelioid, biphasic, and sarcomatoid MPMs versus normal mesothelium and explored specific miRNA contribution to mesothelial tumorigenesis. We screened an LNA™-based miRNA-microrray with 14 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) MPMs and 6 normal controls. Through real-time qRT-PCR we extended the analysis of a miRNA subset and further investigated miR-320a role through state-of-the-art techniques. We identified 16 upregulated and 32 downregulated miRNAs in MPMs versus normal tissue, including the previously identified potential biomarkers miR-21, miR-126, miR-143, miR-145. We showed in an extended series that miR-145, miR-10b, and miR-320a levels can discriminate tumor versus controls with high specificity and sensitivity. We focused on miR-320a because other family members were found downregulated in MPMs. However, stable miR-320a ectopic expression induced higher proliferation and migration ability, whereas miR-320a silencing reduced these processes, not supporting a classic tumor-suppressor role in MPM cell lines. Among putative targets, we found that miR-320a binds the 3'-UTR of the immune inhibitory receptor ligand PDL1 and, consistently, miR-320a modulation affects PDL1 levels in MPM cells. Finally, we showed that p53 over-expression induces the upregulation of miR-320a, along with miR-200a and miR-34a, both known to target PDL1, and reduces PDL1 levels in MPM cells. Our data suggest that PDL1 expression might be due to a defective p53-regulated miRNA response, which could contribute to MPM immune evasion or tumorigenesis through tumor-intrinsic roles.

miR-320c Regulates SERPINA1 Expression and Is Induced in Patients With Pulmonary Disease

INTRODUCTION

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is a genetic condition resulting in lung and liver disease with a great clinical variability. MicroRNAs have been identified as disease modifiers; therefore miRNA deregulation could play an important role in disease heterogeneity. Members of miR-320 family are involved in regulating of multiple processes including inflammation, and have potential specific binding sites in the 3'UTR region of SERPINA1 gene. In this study we explore the involvement of miR-320c, a member of this family, in this disease.

METHODS

Firstly in vitro studies were carried out to demonstrate regulation of SERPINA1 gene by miR-320. Furthermore, the expression of miR-320c was analyzed in the blood of 98 individuals with different AAT serum levels by using quantitative PCR and expression was correlated to clinical parameters of the patients. Finally, HL60 cells were used to analyze induction of miR-320c in inflammatory conditions.

RESULTS

Overexpression of miR-320 members in human HepG2 cells led to inhibition of SERPINA1 expression. Analysis of miR-320c expression in patient's samples revealed significantly increased expression of miR-320c in individuals with pulmonary disease. Additionally, HL60 cells treated with the pro-inflammatory factor lipopolysaccharide (LPS) showed increase in miR-320c expression, suggesting that miR-320c responds to inflammation.

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrate that miR-320c inhibits SERPINA1 expression in a hepatic cell line and its levels in blood are associated with lung disease in a cohort of patients with different AAT serum levels. These results suggest that miR-320c can play a role in AAT regulation and could be a biomarker of inflammatory processes in pulmonary diseases.

Functional effects of differentially expressed microRNAs in A549 cells exposed to MWCNT-7 or crocidolite

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) are engineered nanomaterials widely used in industrial and biomedical applications. Yet, MWCNT inhalation may induce pulmonary adverse effects, and the MWCNT-7 (Mitsui-7) has been classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans. However, its molecular mechanisms of action are poorly understood and there are no biomarkers of exposure for occupational monitoring. Several pulmonary diseases, including lung cancer, have been associated with alterations in microRNA expression that are used as biomarkers of disease progression, and differentially-expressed microRNAs (DE miRNAs) can also allow understanding the molecular effects induced by a toxicant. In this study, we identify DE miRNAs in A549 alveolar epithelial cells following 24 h exposure to MWCNT-7 or crocidolite, as well as their enriched cellular functional pathways. These indicate that both materials change cell survival, differentiation and proliferative properties under the influence of AMPK, FoxO, TGF-β and Hippo pathways, and their metabolic activity and cell-to-cell communication. In addition, MWCNT-7 affects the actin cytoskeleton, ubiquitin mediated proteolysis, and ECM-receptor interactions; crocidolite the PI3K-Akt and mTOR pathways, endocytosis, and central carbon metabolism. Since deregulation of these pathways may be related to carcinogenesis, an interaction network of DE miRNAs and corresponding target cancer-related genes was constructed, highlighting the carcinogenic potential of Mitsui-7.

Identification of differentially expressed miRNAs in differentiating benign from malignant pleural effusion

Background

Tuberculosis pleural effusion (TPE) and malignant pleural effusion (MPE) are very common clinical complications. Considering the totally different prognosis and clinical treatment of TPE and MPE, the accurate and non-invasive diagnosis are very critical for patients with pleural effusion to initiate efficient management and treatment. However, effective clinical biomarkers were rarely explored to distinguish benign from MPE. The purpose of this study is to identify potential miRNAs which can probably be used to differentiate malignant pleural effusion from TPE.

Results

A total of 23 significantly differentially expressed miRNAs were identified in MPE, with 18 up-expressed and 5 down-expressed. And the target genes of the miRNAs mainly involved in the biology process of nervous system, cancer, immune system and metabolic process etc. Three high confident target genes, AGO4, FGF9 and LEF1 can be regulated by miR-195-5p, miR-182-5p and miR-34a-5p respectively. And these genes participate in the canonical pathway of regulation of the Epithelial-Mesenchymal and the biological functions of apoptosis, growth of tumor and cell proliferation of tumor cell lines. Further, RT-PCR validation results based on 64 collected individuals showed that the expression levels of the three miRNAs were 2–5 times higher in MPE samples, which were consistent with the microarray results. In addition, ROC curve analysis demonstrated that the combination of the three miRNAs can achieve higher AUC of 0.93 (p-value< 0.0001) to differentiate MPE from TPE.

Conclusions

The identified miR-195-5p, miR-182-5p and miR-34a-5p can become potential diagnostic biomarkers for MPE with further evidences.

Circulating MicroRNAs as Potential Biomarkers for Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. To improve disease outcome, it is crucial to implement biomarkers into the clinics which assist physicians in their decisions regarding diagnosis, prognosis, as well as prediction of treatment response. Liquid biopsy offers an opportunity to obtain such biomarkers in a minimal invasive manner by retrieving tumor-derived material from body fluids of the patient. The abundance of circulating microRNAs is known to be altered in disease and has therefore been studied extensively as a cancer biomarker. Circulating microRNAs present a variety of favorable characteristics for application as liquid biopsy-based biomarkers, including their high stability, relatively high abundance, and presence is nearly all body fluids. Although the application of circulating microRNAs for the management of lung cancer has not entered the clinics yet, several studies showed their utility for diagnosis, prognosis, and efficacy prediction of various treatment strategies, including surgery, radio-/chemotherapy, as well as targeted therapy. To compensate for their limited tumor specificity, several microRNAs are frequently combined into microRNA panels. Moreover, the possibility to combine single microRNAs or microRNA panels with tumor imaging or other cancer-specific biomarkers has the potential to increase specificity and sensitivity and could lead to the clinical application of novel multi-marker combinations.

Solastalgia's mourning and the slowly evolving effect of asbestos pollution: A qualitative study in Italy

In Italy, the problem of asbestos pollution is increasing in severity. In fact, in recent years, the number of people affected by asbestos-related illnesses has been growing because of the fibre's slowly evolving effects and its progressive pollution in the environment adjacent to the places where it is processed. Even though the physical consequences of asbestos are now quite clear, few studies have examined the psychological consequences of this kind of disaster. Since it is difficult to perceive its pathogenicity in daily life, this study was conducted in the affected areas of north-eastern Italy, using the qualitative research in psychology with 51 persons who experienced asbestos-related illnesses (19 sick persons and 37 relatives of sick persons). Their narratives described being rooted in a space contaminated by an invisible enemy. In particular, attention was paid to the consequent solastalgia, a kind of mourning arising from loss of place attachment. Results of the qualitative analysis revealed how the different phases of the Elisabeth Kubler-Ross DABDA (Denial Anger Bargaining Depression Acceptance) model of coping with death constitute such feelings, whereas the dual-process model of Stroebe and Schut emphasised how these people seem to be loss oriented because of their perceived lack of community restoration. A discussion of the relationships between attribution of responsibility, entirely external and mostly inscribed in the DABDA categories of ‛anger’ and ‛acceptance’, is presented, with further considerations about mourning and the need to improve specific psychological support in this field of environmental disaster.

MicroRNAs - novel biomarkers for malignant pleural effusions

Lung cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer death. Its poor prognosis can be attributed to the patients’ advanced or metastatic presentation at the time of diagnosis. To improve and accelerate the diagnosis, better therapeutic and diagnostic methods are constantly being sought. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short nucleotide sequences of single-stranded, non-coding RNA that function as critical post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression. They are identified not only intracellularly, but also in physiological and pathological body fluids. These molecules are responsible for the regulation of approximately 33% of human genes, either regulating the expression of both oncogenes and suppressor genes or acting directly as an oncogene or suppressor gene itself. MiRNAs can contribute to the formation of cancer. The high specificity and sensitivity of miRNAs have been demonstrated with various malignant diseases, and for this reason, they raise particular interest as new and perspective biomarkers of tumours. Our work summarises the available information from recent years regarding the possibility of using miRNAs as biomarkers in the diagnosis of neoplasms. In this review, we focused on malignant pleural effusions with an emphasis on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Genome-wide profiling reveals novel microRNAs in hand-spinning-specific chrysotile exposure

Aim: We aimed to explore miRNA expression profiles in hand-spinning chrysotile exposed workers and their potential influencing factors. Methods: miRNA array technique was applied to screen differentially expressed miRNAs between plasma samples from three exposed workers and three controls. Then, seven selected miRNAs were validated in 143 workers and 100 controls, and the potential influencing factors were revealed by multiple linear regression. Finally, the expression levels of those seven miRNAs were evaluated in human mesothelial cells (Met-5A) that were exposed to chrysotile at 5 μg·cm-2 for 8, 24 and 48 h, respectively. Results & conclusion: Hand-spinning chrysotile exposure can result in differential expression of miRNAs. Several of those miRNAs have positive correlations with asbestos exposure.

MicroRNAs for the Diagnosis and Management of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: A Literature Review

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare and aggressive tumor with a variable incidence among different countries. Occupational asbestos exposure is the most important etiological factor and a very long latency period is widely reported. In the early phase of the disease, clinical signs are absent or not specific. For this reason, the diagnosis is frequently achieved only in the advanced stages. The histopathological diagnosis per se is also very complex, and no known factor can predict the prognosis with certainty. Nonetheless, current survival rates remain very low, despite the use of standard treatments, which include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The identification of new prognostic and/or diagnostic biomarkers, and the discovery of therapeutic targets is a priority and could lead to a real significant impact on the management of malignant pleural mesothelioma. In this scenario, the role of microRNAs is becoming increasingly relevant, with the promise of a quick translation in the current clinical practice. Despite the relative novelty of this field, the number of works and candidate microRNAs that are present in literature is striking. Unfortunately, to date the microRNAs with the most clinical relevance for MPM are still matter of debate, probably due to the variety of approaches, techniques, and collected samples. Although specific microRNAs (e.g., let-7, miR-15 and miR-16, miR-21, miR-34a, and the miR-200 family) have been reported several times from different groups, the heterogeneity of published data reinforces the need of more comprehensive and unified studies on this topic. In this review we collect and discuss the studies focused on the involvement of microRNAs in different aspects of MPM, from their biological role in tumorigenesis and progression, to their possible application as diagnostic, prognostic and predictive biomarkers. Lastly, we examine their potential value as for the design of therapeutic approaches that could benefit MPM patients.

Interplay of non-coding RNAs and approved antimetabolites such as gemcitabine and pemetrexed in mesothelioma

Gemcitabine and pemetrexed are clinically approved antimetabolites for the therapy of mesothelioma diseases. These drugs are often applied in combination with platinum complexes and other drugs. The activity of antimetabolites depended on the expression levels of certain non-coding RNAs, in particular, of small microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). The development of tumor resistance towards antimetabolites was regulated by non-coding RNAs. An overview of the interplay between gemcitabine/pemetrexed antimetabolites and non-coding RNAs in mesothelioma is provided. Further to this, various non-coding RNA-modulating agents are discussed which displayed positive effects on gemcitabine or pemetrexed treatment of mesothelioma diseases. A detailed knowledge of the connections of non-coding RNAs with antimetabolites will be constructive for the design of improved therapies in future.

Diagnostic value of microRNAs in asbestos exposure and malignant mesothelioma: systematic review and qualitative meta-analysis

Background

Asbestos is a harmful and exceptionally persistent natural material. Malignant mesothelioma (MM), an asbestos-related disease, is an insidious, lethal cancer that is poorly responsive to current treatments. Minimally invasive, specific, and sensitive biomarkers providing early and effective diagnosis in high-risk patients are urgently needed. MicroRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) are endogenous, non-coding, small RNAs with established diagnostic value in cancer and pollution exposure. A systematic review and a qualitative meta-analysis were conducted to identify high-confidence miRNAs that can serve as biomarkers of asbestos exposure and MM.

Methods

The major biomedical databases were systematically searched for miRNA expression signatures related to asbestos exposure and MM. The qualitative meta-analysis applied a novel vote-counting method that takes into account multiple parameters. The most significant miRNAs thus identified were then subjected to functional and bioinformatic analysis to assess their biomarker potential.

Results

A pool of deregulated circulating and tissue miRNAs with biomarker potential for MM was identified and designated as “mesomiRs” (MM-associated miRNAs). Comparison of data from asbestos-exposed and MM subjects found that the most promising candidates for a multimarker signature were circulating miR-126-3p, miR-103a-3p, and miR-625-3p in combination with mesothelin. The most consistently described tissue miRNAs, miR-16-5p, miR-126-3p, miR-143-3p, miR-145-5p, miR-192-5p, miR-193a-3p, miR-200b-3p, miR-203a-3p, and miR-652-3p, were also found to provide a diagnostic signature and should be further investigated as possible therapeutic targets.

Conclusion

The qualitative meta-analysis and functional investigation confirmed the early diagnostic value of two miRNA signatures for MM. Large-scale, standardized validation studies are needed to assess their clinical relevance, so as to move from the workbench to the clinic.

Secreted and Tissue miRNAs as Diagnosis Biomarkers of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare but aggressive tumor that originates in the pleura, is diagnosed in advanced stages and has a poor prognosis. Accurate diagnosis of MPM is often difficult and complex, and the gold standard diagnosis test is based on qualitative analysis of markers in pleural tissue by immunohistochemical staining. Therefore, it is necessary to develop quantitative and non-subjective alternative diagnostic tools. MicroRNAs are non-coding RNAs that regulate essential cellular mechanisms at the post-transcriptional level. Recent evidence indicates that miRNA expression in tissue and body fluids is aberrant in various tumors, revealing miRNAs as promising diagnostic biomarkers. This review summarizes evidence regarding secreted and tissue miRNAs as biomarkers of MPM and the biological characteristics associated with their potential diagnostic value. In addition to studies regarding miRNAs with potential diagnostic value for MPM, studies that aimed to identify the miRNAs involved in molecular mechanisms associated with MPM development are described with an emphasis on relevant aspects of the experimental designs that may influence the accuracy, consistency and real diagnostic value of currently reported data.

Molecular markers and new diagnostic methods to differentiate malignant from benign mesothelial pleural proliferations: a literature review

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive tumor associated with asbestos exposure. Histopathological analysis of pleural tissues is the gold standard for diagnosis; however, it can be difficult to differentiate malignant from benign pleural lesions. The purpose of this review is to describe the most important biomarkers and new diagnostic tools suggested for this differential diagnosis. There are many studies concerning the separation between MPM and benign pleural proliferations from both pleural tissues or effusions; most of them are based on the evaluation of one or few biomarkers by immunohistochemistry (IHC) or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), whereas others focused on the identification of MPM signatures given by microRNA (miRNA) or gene expression profiles as well as on the combination of molecular data and classification algorithms. None of the reported biomarkers showed adequate diagnostic accuracy, except for p16 [evaluated by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH)] and BAP1 (evaluated by IHC), both biomarkers are recommended by the International Mesothelioma Interest Group guidelines for histological and cytological diagnosis. BAP1 and p16 showed a specificity of 100% in discerning malignant from benign lesions because they are exclusively unexpressed or deleted in MPM. However, their sensitivity, even when used together, is not completely sufficient, and absence of their alterations cannot confirm the benign nature of the lesion. Recently, the availability of new techniques and increasing knowledge regarding MPM genetics led to the definition of some molecular panels, including genes or miRNAs specifically deregulated in MPM, that are extremely valuable for differential diagnosis. Moreover, the development of classification algorithms is facilitating the application of molecular data for clinical practice. Data regarding new diagnostic tools and MPM signatures are absolutely promising; however, before their application in clinical practice, a prospective validation is necessary, as these approaches could surely improve the differential diagnosis between malignant and benign pleural lesions.

Serum levels of miR-320 family members are associated with clinical parameters and diagnosis in prostate cancer patients

We studied the association of the serum levels of the microRNA family members miR-320a/-b/-c with clinico-pathological data to assess their applicability as diagnostic biomarker in prostate cancer (PCa) patients. The levels of miR-320a/-b/-c in 3 groups were evaluated by qRT-PCR (145 patients with PCa, 31 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and 19 healthy controls). The levels of the three family members of miR-320 were directly correlated within each group (P < 0.001), but they differed significantly among the three groups (P < 0.001). The serum levels of the miR-320 family members were significantly increased in older patients compared to younger patients (≤ 66 years vs. > 66 years, P ≤ 0.001). In addition, the levels of all three miR-320 family members were significantly different in patients with low tumor stage compared with those with high tumor stage (miR-320a: P = 0.034; miR-320b: P = 0.006; miR-320c: P = 0.007) and in patients with low serum PSA compared with those with high serum PSA (≤ 4 ng vs. > 4 ng; miR-320a: P = 0.003; miR-320b: P = 0.003; miR-320c: P = 0.006). The levels of these miRNAs were inversely correlated with serum PSA levels. Detection in the serum samples of PCa patients with or without PSA relapse revealed higher levels of miR-320a/-b/-c in the group without PSA relapse before/after radical prostatectomy than in that with PCa relapse. In summary, the differences among the PCa/BPH/healthy control groups with respect to miR-320a/-b/-c levels in conjunction with higher levels in patients without a PSA relapse than in those with a relapse suggest the diagnostic potential of these miRNA-320 family members in PCa patients.

Integrated microRNA-mRNA analyses of distinct expression profiles in follicular thyroid tumors

MicroRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) are small non-coding RNAs identified in plants, animals and certain viruses; they function in RNA silencing and post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. miRNAs also serve an important role in the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of tumors. However, few studies have investigated the role of miRNAs in thyroid tumors. In the present study, the expression of miRNA and mRNA was compared between follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) and follicular thyroid adenoma (FA) samples, and then miRNA-mRNA regulatory network analysis was performed. Microarray datasets (GSE29315 and GSE62054) were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus, and profiling data were processed with R software. Differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were determined, and Gene Ontology enrichment analysis was subsequently performed for DEGs using the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery. The target genes of the DEMs were identified with miRWalk, miRecords and TarMir databases. Network analysis of the DEMs and DEMs-targeted DEGs was performed using Cytoscape software. In GSE62054, 23 downregulated and 9 upregulated miRNAs were identified. In GSE29315, 42 downregulated and 44 upregulated mRNAs were identified. A total of 36 miRNA-gene pairs were also identified. Network analysis indicated a co-regulatory association between miR-296-5p, miR-10a, miR-139-5p, miR-452, miR-493, miR-7, miR-137, miR-144, miR-145 and corresponding targeted mRNAs, including TNF receptor superfamily member 11b, benzodiazepine receptor (peripheral) -associated protein 1, and transforming growth factor β receptor 2. These results suggest that miRNA-mRNAs networks serve an important role in the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of FTC and FA.

Biomarkers for early diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma: Do we need another moonshot?

Early diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a challenge for clinicians. The disease is usually detected in an advanced stage which precludes curative treatment. We assume that only new and non-invasive biomarkers allowing earlier detection will result in better patient management and outcome. Many efforts have already been made to find suitable biomarkers in blood and pleural effusions, but have not yet resulted in a valid and reproducible diagnostic one. In this review, we will highlight the strengths and shortcomings of blood and fluid based biomarkers and highlight the potential of breath analysis as a non-invasive screening tool for MPM. This method seems very promising in the early detection of diverse malignancies, because exhaled breath contains valuable information on cell and tissue metabolism. Research that focuses on breath biomarkers in MPM is in its early days, but the few studies that have been performed show promising results. We believe a breathomics-based biomarker approach should be further explored to improve the follow-up and management of asbestos exposed individuals.

miRNA regulation is important for DNA damage repair and recognition in malignant pleural mesothelioma

Platin-containing regimes are currently considered as state-of-the-art therapies in malignant pleural mesotheliomas (MPM) but show dissatisfying response rates ranging from 6 to 16% only. Still, the reasons for the rather poor efficacy remain largely unknown. A clear stratification of patients based on new biomarkers seems to be a promising approach to enhance clinical management, which would be a long-needed improvement for MPM patients but does not seem likely soon unless new biomarkers can be validated. Twenty-four formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumour specimens were subjected to a miRNA expression screening of 800 important miRNAs using digital quantification via the nCounter technique (NanoString). We defined a small subset of miRNAs regulating the key enzymes involved in the repair of platin-associated DNA damage. Particularly, the TP53 pathway network for DNA damage recognition as well as genes related to the term "BRCAness" are the main miRNA targets within this context. The TP53 pathway network for DNA damage recognition as well as genes related to the term "BRCAness" are the main players for risk stratification in patients suffering from this severe disease. Taking the specific molecular profile of the tumour into account can help to enhance the clinical management prospectively and to smooth the way to better response prediction.

Circulating miR-132-3p as a Candidate Diagnostic Biomarker for Malignant Mesothelioma

The use of circulating microRNAs as biomarkers has opened new opportunities for diagnosis of cancer because microRNAs exhibit tumor-specific expression profiles. The aim of this study was the identification of circulating microRNAs in human plasma as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma. For discovery, TaqMan Low Density Array Human MicroRNA Cards were used to analyze 377 microRNAs in plasma samples from 21 mesothelioma patients and 21 asbestos-exposed controls. For verification, individual TaqMan microRNA assays were used for quantitative real-time PCR in plasma samples from 22 mesothelioma patients and 44 asbestos-exposed controls. The circulating miR-132-3p showed different expression levels between mesothelioma patients and asbestos-exposed controls. For discrimination, sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 61% were calculated. Circulating miR-132-3p in plasma was not affected by hemolysis and no impact of age or smoking status on miR-132-3p levels could be observed. For the combination of miR-132-3p with the previously described miR-126, sensitivity of 77% and specificity of 86% were calculated. The results of this study indicate that miR-132-3p might be a new promising diagnostic biomarker for malignant mesothelioma. It is indicated that the combination of miR-132-3p with other individual biomarkers improves the biomarker performance.

Switching off malignant mesothelioma: exploiting the hypoxic microenvironment

Malignant mesotheliomas are aggressive, asbestos-related cancers with poor patient prognosis, typically arising in the mesothelial surfaces of tissues in pleural and peritoneal cavity. The relative unspecific symptoms of mesotheliomas, misdiagnoses, and lack of precise targeted therapies call for a more critical assessment of this disease. In the present review, we categorize commonly identified genomic aberrations of mesotheliomas into their canonical pathways and discuss targeting these pathways in the context of tumor hypoxia, a hallmark of cancer known to render solid tumors more resistant to radiation and most chemo-therapy. We then explore the concept that the intrinsic hypoxic microenvironment of mesotheliomas can be Achilles' heel for targeted, multimodal therapeutic intervention.

Secreted primary human malignant mesothelioma exosome signature reflects oncogenic cargo

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a highly-aggressive heterogeneous malignancy, typically diagnosed at advanced stage. An important area of mesothelioma biology and progression is understanding intercellular communication and the contribution of the secretome. Exosomes are secreted extracellular vesicles shown to shuttle cellular cargo and direct intercellular communication in the tumour microenvironment, facilitate immunoregulation and metastasis. In this study, quantitative proteomics was used to investigate MM-derived exosomes from distinct human models and identify select cargo protein networks associated with angiogenesis, metastasis, and immunoregulation. Utilising bioinformatics pathway/network analyses, and correlation with previous studies on tumour exosomes, we defined a select mesothelioma exosomal signature (mEXOS, 570 proteins) enriched in tumour antigens and various cancer-specific signalling (HPGD/ENO1/OSMR) and secreted modulators (FN1/ITLN1/MAMDC2/PDGFD/GBP1). Notably, such circulating cargo offers unique insights into mesothelioma progression and tumour microenvironment reprogramming. Functionally, we demonstrate that oncogenic exosomes facilitate the migratory capacity of fibroblast/endothelial cells, supporting the systematic model of MM progression associated with vascular remodelling and angiogenesis. We provide biophysical and proteomic characterisation of exosomes, define a unique oncogenic signature (mEXOS), and demonstrate the regulatory capacity of exosomes in cell migration/tube formation assays. These findings contribute to understanding tumour-stromal crosstalk in the context of MM, and potential new diagnostic and therapeutic extracellular targets.

Extracellular MicroRNA in liquid biopsy: applicability in cancer diagnosis and prevention

One of the goals of contemporary cancer research is the development of new markers that facilitate earlier and non-invasive diagnosis. MicroRNAs are non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression; studies have shown that their expression levels are altered in cancer. Recently, extra-cellular microRNAs have been detected in biological fluids and studied as possible cancer markers that can be detected by noninvasive procedures. In this review, we analyze the current understanding of extracellular miRNAs based on clinical studies to establish their possible use for the prevention of the most common tumors. Despite discrepancies among different studies of the same cancers, panels of specific extracellular microRNAs are emerging as a new tool for the secondary (selection of high-risk individuals to undergo screening) and tertiary (relapse) prevention of cancer.

Clinical relevance of circulating cell-free microRNAs in ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death among gynecologic malignancies. Since ovarian cancer develops asymptomatically, it is often diagnosed at an advanced and incurable stage. Despite many years of research, there is still a lack of reliable diagnostic markers and methods for early detection and screening. Recently, it was discovered that cell-free microRNAs (miRNAs) circulate in the body fluids of healthy and diseased patients, suggesting that they may serve as a novel diagnostic marker. This review summarizes the current knowledge regarding the potential clinical relevance of circulating cell-free miRNA for ovarian cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutics. Despite the high levels of ribonucleases in many types of body fluids, most of the circulating miRNAs are packaged in microvesicles, exosomes, or apoptotic bodies, are binding to RNA-binding protein such as argonaute 2 or lipoprotein complexes, and are thus highly stable. Cell-free miRNA signatures are known to be parallel to those from the originating tumor cells, indicating that circulating miRNA profiles accurately reflect the tumor profiles. Since it is well established that the dysregulation of miRNAs is involved in the tumorigenesis of ovarian cancer, cell-free miRNAs circulating in body fluids such as serum, plasma, whole blood, and urine may reflect not only the existence of ovarian cancer but also tumor histology, stage, and prognoses of the patients. Several groups have successfully demonstrated that serum or plasma miRNAs are able to discriminate patients with ovarian cancer patients from healthy controls, suggesting that the addition of these miRNAs to current testing regimens may improve diagnosis accuracies for ovarian cancer. Furthermore, recent studies have revealed that changes in levels of cell-free circulating miRNAs are associated with the condition of cancer patients. Discrepancies between the results across studies due to the lack of an established endogenous miRNA control to normalize for circulating miRNA levels, as well as differing extraction and quantification methods, are the pitfalls to be resolved before clinical application. There is still a long way, however, before this can be achieved, and further evidence would make it possible to apply circulating cell-free miRNAs not only as biomarkers but also as potential therapeutic targets for ovarian cancer in the future.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma: an update on diagnosis and treatment options

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) represents a significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenge and is almost always a fatal disease. Imaging abnormalities are common, but have a limited role in distinguishing mesothelioma from metastatic pleural disease. Similarly, minimally invasive biomarkers have shown promise but also have limitations in the diagnosis of mesothelioma. In experienced centers, cytology and immunohistochemistry are now sufficient to diagnose the epithelioid subtype of mesothelioma, which can reduce the need for more invasive diagnostic investigations. Prognosis of MPM is modestly impacted by oncological treatments. Chemotherapy with cisplatin and pemetrexed is considered the standard of care, though the addition of bevacizumab to the platinum doublet may be the new standard of care. New targeted therapies have demonstrated some promise and are being addressed in clinical trials. This review focuses on the current data on the diagnostic and therapeutic issues of MPM.

NOD2 Is Regulated By Mir-320 in Physiological Conditions but this Control Is Altered in Inflamed Tissues of Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND

Large evidence supports the role of microRNAs as new important inflammatory mediators by regulating both the adaptive and innate immunity. In the present study, we speculated that miR-320 controls NOD2 (nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain) expression, because it contains multiple binding sites in the 3'-untranslated region of the gene. NOD2, the first gene associated to increased susceptibility to Crohn's disease, is a cytosolic receptor that senses wall peptides of bacteria and promotes their clearance through initiation of a proinflammatory transcriptional program. This study aims at demonstrating that NOD2 is a target of miR-320 as well as investigating the role of inflammation in modulating the miR-320 control on NOD2 expression and analyzing miR-320 expression in intestinal biopsies of children with inflammatory bowel disease.

METHODS

The colonic adenocarcinoma cell line HT29 was used to assess the miR-320-mediated regulation of NOD2 expression. MiR-320 and NOD2 expression were analyzed in mucosal samples of 40 children with inflammatory bowel disease.

RESULTS

During inflammation, NOD2 expression is inversely correlated with miR-320 expression in vitro and ex vivo. Exogenous miR-320 transfection in HT29 cells leads to a significant decrease of NOD2 expression, whereas the miR-320 inhibitor transfection leads to increase of NOD2 expression, nuclear translocation of nuclear factor κB, and activation of downstream cytokines.

CONCLUSIONS

We show for the first time that NOD2 expression is under the control of miR-320. We also show in vitro and ex vivo that inflammation induces a decrease of miR-320 and the latter correlates negatively with NOD2 expression.

Non-coding RNA repertoires in malignant pleural mesothelioma

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare malignancy, with extremely poor survival rates. There are limited treatment options, with no second line standard of care for those who fail first line chemotherapy. Recent advances have been made to characterise the underlying molecular mechanisms of mesothelioma, in the hope of providing new targets for therapy. With the discovery that non-coding regions of our DNA are more than mere junk, the field of research into non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) has exploded in recent years. Non-coding RNAs have diverse and important roles in a variety of cellular processes, but are also implicated in malignancy. In the following review, we discuss two types of non-coding RNAs, long non-coding RNAs and microRNAs, in terms of their role in the pathogenesis of MPM and their potential as both biomarkers and as therapeutic targets in this disease.