MiR-219-5p Inhibits the Growth and Metastasis of Malignant Melanoma by Targeting BCL-2

Research progress of E3 ubiquitin ligase regulating biological behavior of human placental trophoblast cells

E3 ubiquitin ligases are important components of the ubiquitin protease system. This family includes many proteins, which can catalyze the ubiquitination of a variety of protein substrates and promote the degradation of them by the proteasome system. Recent studies have shown that E3 ubiquitin ligase plays a key role in the process of fetal development and placental formation. It affects the biological behavior of placental trophoblast cells, leading to a series of pregnancy complications that threaten mothers and babies greatly. This review focuses on the regulation, target and mechanism of E3 ubiquitin ligase on the biological behavior of human placental trophoblast cells.

Prognostic value of miR-219-5p in relation to mortality in patients with small cell lung cancer: a retrospective, observational cohort study in China

OBJECTIVES

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a lethal human malignancy, and previous studies support the contribution of microRNA to cancer progression. The prognostic value of miR-219-5p in patients with SCLC remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of miR-219-5p with respect to mortality in patients with SCLC and to incorporate miR-219-5p level into a prediction model and nomogram for mortality.

DESIGN

Retrospective observational cohort study.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Our main cohort included data from 133 patients with SCLC between 1 March 2010 and 1 June 2015 from the Suzhou Xiangcheng People's Hospital. Data from 86 patients with non-SCLC at Sichuan Cancer Hospital and the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University were used for external validation.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Tissue samples were taken during admission and stored, and miR-219-5p levels were measured at a later date. A Cox proportional hazard model was used for survival analyses and for analysing risk factors to create a nomogram for mortality prediction. The accuracy of the model was evaluated by C-index and calibration curve.

RESULTS

Mortality in patients with a high level of miR-219-5p (≥1.50) (n=67) was 74.6%, while mortality in the low-level group (n=66) was 100.0%. Based on univariate analysis, we included significant factors (p<0.05) in a multivariate regression model: patients with high level of miR-219-5p (HR 0.39, 95% CI 0.26-0.59, p<0.001), immunotherapy (HR 0.44, 95% CI 0.23-0.84, p<0.001) and prognostic nutritional index score >47.9 (HR=0.45, 95% CI 0.24-0.83, p=0.01) remained statistically significant factors for improved overall survival. The nomogram had good accuracy in estimating the risk, with a bootstrap-corrected C-index of 0.691. External validation indicated an area under the curve of 0.749 (0.709-0.788).

CONCLUSIONS

The miR-219-5p level was associated with a reduced risk of mortality in patients with SCLC. A nomogram incorporating MiR-219-5p level and clinical factors demonstrated good accuracy in estimating the risk of overall mortality. Prospective validation of the prognostic nomogram is needed.

Genetic Polymorphisms in microRNA Genes Targeting PI3K/Akt Signal Pathway Modulate Cervical Cancer Susceptibility in a Chinese Population

Polymorphisms in microRNA (miRNA) genes could influence the expression of miRNAs that regulate the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway and play crucial roles in cancer susceptibility. To investigate the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in miRNA genes of PI3K/Akt with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and cervical cancer (CC), nine SNPs located in miRNA genes were selected for genotyping, and the association of these SNPs with CIN and CC risk was evaluated. A total of 1,402 participants were enrolled in the current study, including 698 healthy individuals in the control group, 431 patients with CC, and 273 patients with CIN. Nine SNPs in miRNA genes (rs107822 in miR-219a, rs10877887 in let-7i, rs2292832 in miR-149, rs353293 in miR-143, rs3746444 in miR-499, rs3803808 in miR-132, rs4078756 in miR-10b, rs629367 in let-7a, and rs7372209 in miR-26a) were genotyped using MassArray, and the association of these SNPs with CIN and CC were analysed. The results showed that the frequencies of rs107822 in miR-219a and rs2292832 in miR-149 were significantly different between the control and CC groups (p &lt; 0.005). The C allele of rs107822 in miR-219a was associated with an increased risk of CC (OR = 1.29, 95%CI:1.09–1.54) whereas the C allele of rs2292832 in miR-149 was associated with a decreased risk of CC (OR = 0.77, 95%CI:0.64–0.92). The results of inheritance model analysis showed that the best-fit inheritance models for rs107822 and rs2292832 were log-additive. The 2CC + CT genotype of rs107822 could be a risk factor for CC when compared with the TT genotype (OR = 1.28, 95%CI:1.08–1.51). The 2CC + CT genotype of rs2292832 could be a protective factor against CC when compared with the TT genotype (OR = 0.76, 95%CI:0.64–0.92). However, no association of these SNPs with CIN was found in the current study. Our results suggest that rs107822 in the promoter region of miR-219a and rs2292832 in pre-miR-149 region are associated with the risk of CC.

miR-219-5p targets TBXT and inhibits breast cancer cell EMT and cell migration and invasion

miR-219-5p has been reported to act as either a tumor suppressor or a tumor promoter in different cancers by targeting different genes. In the present study, we demonstrated that miR-219-5p negatively regulated the expression of TBXT, a known epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) inducer, by directly binding to TBXT 3′-untranslated region. As a result of its inhibition on TBXT expression, miR-219-5p suppressed EMT and cell migration and invasion in breast cancer cells. The re-introduction of TBXT in miR-219-5p overexpressing cells decreased the inhibitory effects of miR-219 on EMT and cell migration and invasion. Moreover, miR-219-5p decreased breast cancer stem cell (CSC) marker genes expression and reduced the mammosphere forming capability of cells. Overall, our study highlighted that TBXT is a novel target of miR-219-5p. By suppressing TBXT, miR-219-5p plays an important role in EMT and cell migration and invasion of breast cancer cells.

Micro RNAs Promoting Growth and Metastasis in Preclinical In Vivo Models of Subcutaneous Melanoma

During the last years a considerable therapeutic progress in melanoma patients with the RAF V600E mutation via RAF/MEK pathway inhibition and immuno-therapeutic modalities has been witnessed. However, the majority of patients relapse after therapy. Therefore, a deeper understanding of the pathways driving oncogenicity and metastasis of melanoma is of paramount importance. In this review, we summarize microRNAs modulating tumor growth, metastasis, or both, in preclinical melanoma-related in vivo models and possible clinical impact in melanoma patients as modalities and targets for treatment of melanoma. We have identified miR-199a (ApoE, DNAJ4), miR-7-5p (RelA), miR-98a (IL6), miR-219-5p (BCL2) and miR-365 (NRP1) as possible targets to be scrutinized in further target validation studies.

circMTO1 sponges microRNA-219a-5p to enhance gallbladder cancer progression via the TGF-β/Smad and EGFR pathways

Circular mitochondrial translation optimization 1 homologue (circMTO1) has been reported to regulate the tumorigenesis of different types of cancer; however, the role of circMTO1 in gallbladder cancer (GBC) remains unknown. The present study aimed to identify the potential miRNAs and target genes of circMTO1 during GBC progression, and clarify the regulatory mechanism between circMTO1 and miRNAs or target genes. The present study performed MTT and Transwell assays, and Annexin V staining to assess cell viability, migration and apoptosis, respectively. In addition, a lymphatic vessel formation assay was performed to assess tube formation of human dermal lymphatic endothelial cells (HDLECs), and GBC-SD and NOZ cells. The results demonstrated that circMTO1 knockdown significantly attenuated the viability and migration of GBC cells and tube formation of HDLECs, and promoted apoptosis, indicating a tumor-promoting role of circMTO1. In addition, transfection with microRNA (miRNA/miR)-219a-5p inhibitor rescued short hairpin RNA-circMTO1-inhibited tumorigenesis of GBC cells, suggesting that miR-219a-5p acts as a downstream effector for circMTO1. Mechanistically, transfection with miR-219a-5p mimic suppressed the expression levels of Smad2/4 and epidermal growth factor receptor. Analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas datasets revealed that circMTO1 expression was associated with overall survival and the stage of patients with GBC. Taken together, the results of the present study provide novel insight for the role of circMTO1-induced GBC tumorigenesis via regulation of miR-219a-5p expression.

MicroRNA Signature in Melanoma: Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets

Melanoma is the utmost fatal kind of skin neoplasms. Molecular changes occurring during the pathogenic processes of initiation and progression of melanoma are diverse and include activating mutations in BRAF and NRAS genes, hyper-activation of PI3K/AKT pathway, inactivation of p53 and alterations in CDK4/CDKN2A axis. Moreover, several miRNAs have been identified to be implicated in the biology of melanoma through modulation of expression of genes being involved in these pathways. In the current review, we provide a summary of the bulk of information about the role of miRNAs in the pathobiology of melanoma, their possible application as biomarkers and their emerging role as therapeutic targets for this kind of skin cancer.

miR-219a-5p enhances the radiosensitivity of non-small cell lung cancer cells through targeting CD164

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-associated mortality. Non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) accounts for 70–85% of the total cases of lung cancer. Radioresistance frequently develops in NSCLC in the middle and later stages of radiotherapy. We investigated the role of miR-219a-5p in radioresistance of NSCLC. miR-219a-5p expression in serum and lung tissue of lung cancer patients was lower than that in control. Compared with radiosensitive (RS) NSCLC patients, miR-219a-5p expression was decreased in serum and lung tissue in radioresistant patients. miR-219a-5p expression level was negatively associated with radioresistance in NSCLC cell lines. Up-regulation of miR-219a-5p increased radiosensitivity in radioresistant NSCLC cells in vitro and in vivo. Down-regulation of miR-219a-5p decreased radiosensitivity in radiosensitive A549 and H358 cells. miR-219a-5p could directly bind in the 3′UTR of CD164 and negatively regulated CD164 expression. CD164 expression was higher in radioresistant NSCLC tissues than RS tissues. Up-regulation of CD164 significantly inhibited miR-219a-5p-induced regulation of RS in radioresistant A549 and H358 cells. Down-regulation of CD164 significantly inhibited the effect of anti-miR-219a-5p on radiosensitive A549 and H358 cells. miR-219a-5p or down-regulation of CD164 could increase apoptosis and γ-H2A histone family member X (γ-H2AX) expression in radioresistant cells in vitro and in vivo. Up-regulation of CD164 could inhibit the effect of miR-219a-5p on apoptosis and γ-H2AX expression. Our results indicated that miR-219a-5p could inhibit CD164, promote DNA damage and apoptosis and enhance irradiation-induced cytotoxicity. The data highlight miR-219a-5p/CD164 pathway in the regulation of radiosensitivity in NSCLC and provide novel targets for potential intervention.

LINC00461 Promoted Endometrial Carcinoma Growth and Migration by Targeting MicroRNA-219-5p/Cyclooxygenase-2 Signaling Axis

Endometrial carcinoma (EC) ranks as the most common female genital cancer in developed countries. Lately, more and more long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified as vital regulators in numerous physiological and pathological processes, including EC. However, the expression pattern and precise functions of different lncRNAs in EC remain unclear. In this study, we reported LINC00461 was upregulated in EC patient tissues and cell lines. In addition, LINC00461 knockdown could remarkably suppress cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, cell migration, and promote cell apoptosis in EC cells. We discovered LINC00461 could sponge microRNA-219-5p (miR-219-5p) and suppress its expression, thereby upregulating expression level of miR-219-5p’s target, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). In vivo animal models, LINC00461 knockdown inhibited tumor growth by increasing miR-219-5p level and reducing COX-2 expression, thus confirming LINC00461 functions as an oncogene in EC. In this study, a novel regulatory role of LINC00461/miR-219-5p/COX-2 axis was systematically investigated in context of EC, with the aim to provide promising intervention targets for EC therapy from bench to clinic.

New insights into the roles of antiapoptotic members of the Bcl-2 family in melanoma progression and therapy

Prosurvival and antiapoptotic B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) family proteins are often overexpressed in cutaneous melanoma, one of the most aggressive types of human cancer. They are also implicated in resistance to therapy and participate in melanoma progression by regulating various processes, including cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and crosstalk with the tumor microenvironment. In this review, we summarize recent findings related to prosurvival members of the Bcl-2 family beyond their canonical functions in the apoptotic pathway, mainly focusing on their potential roles as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in cutaneous melanoma. We also provide an overview of different approaches used to inhibit Bcl-2 proteins in preclinical and clinical studies, which are mainly based on the inhibition of protein expression or the disruption of their antiapoptotic functions.

MicroRNAs at the Crossroad of the Dichotomic Pathway Cell Death vs. Stemness in Neural Somatic and Cancer Stem Cells: Implications and Therapeutic Strategies

Stemness and apoptosis may highlight the dichotomy between regeneration and demise in the complex pathway proceeding from ontogenesis to the end of life. In the last few years, the concept has emerged that the same microRNAs (miRNAs) can be concurrently implicated in both apoptosis-related mechanisms and cell differentiation. Whether the differentiation process gives rise to the architecture of brain areas, any long-lasting perturbation of miRNA expression can be related to the occurrence of neurodevelopmental/neuropathological conditions. Moreover, as a consequence of neural stem cell (NSC) transformation to cancer stem cells (CSCs), the fine modulation of distinct miRNAs becomes necessary. This event implies controlling the expression of pro/anti-apoptotic target genes, which is crucial for the management of neural/neural crest-derived CSCs in brain tumors, neuroblastoma, and melanoma. From a translational point of view, the current progress on the emerging miRNA-based neuropathology therapeutic applications and antitumor strategies will be disclosed and their advantages and shortcomings discussed.

miR-219a-1 inhibits colon cancer cells proliferation and invasion by targeting MEMO1

Colon cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide. Many miRNAs have been reported to be involved in colon cancer progression. However, there are only a few studies on the role of miR-219a-1 in colon cancer, and the molecular mechanisms involved remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the miR-219a-1 level in patients with colon cancer and to explore both the effects and regulatory mechanisms of miR-219a-1 in the malignancy of colon cancer cells. Real-time PCR and western blot analysis were used to analyze the expression levels of miR-219a-1 and mediator of ErbB2-driven cell motility 1. Cell Counting Kit-8, transwell and wound-healing assays were performed to investigate the malignant ability of colon cancer cells. A luciferase assay was performed to explore whether miR-219a-1 could directly bind to 3ʹ-UTR region of MEMO1. miR-219a-1 was found to be downregulated in colon cancer cell lines and in patients with colon cancer. Additionally, miR-219a-1 could inhibit colon cancer cell proliferation, invasion and migration. We identified MEMO1 as a novel potential target gene of miR-219a-1. Luciferase assays showed that miR-219a-1 could directly bind to 3′-UTR of MEMO1. Overexpression of miR-219a-1 in colon cancer cells could inhibit the expression of MEMO1. Furthermore, MEMO1 was upregulated in patients with colon cancer, which was inversely correlated with miR-219a-1 levels. In conclusion, our study revealed that miR-219a-1 exerts anti-tumor effects and regulates colon cancer cell proliferation, invasion and migration by targeting MEMO1, suggesting that miR-219a-1 could act as a therapeutic target in colon cancer.

microRNA-219-5p targets NEK6 to inhibit hepatocellular carcinoma progression

MicroRNA-219-5p (miR-219-5p) is a key post-transcriptional regulator of gene expression that is known to regulate cancer progression, but its role in the context of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains to be fully elucidated. Herein, it was found that this miRNA functions as a tumor suppressor. Specifically, significant decreases in miR-219-5p expression were detected in HCC cells and patient serum samples relative to that found in the serum of 15 healthy people, and it was concluded that miR-219-5p overexpression was sufficient to impair HCC cell proliferation in vitro and vivo and migration in vitro. At the mechanistic level, it was found that miR-219-5p was able to suppress the expression of NEK6 (never in mitosis gene a-related kinase 6), thereby resulting in dysregulated β-catenin/c-Myc-regulated gene expression. When NEK6 was overexpressed in HCC cells, this was sufficient to reverse the inhibitory impact of miR-219-5p on HCC cell proliferation both in vitro and vivo and metastasis in vitro. Bioinformatics analyses were also conducted, and both miR-219-5p and Nek6 were linked to disease progression in HCC patients with advanced disease. More importantly, the serum specimen data showed that reduced perioperative plasma miR-219-5p correlated significantly with increased risk of early recurrence after curative hepatectomy, whereas it was opposed to NEK6. Together, these findings highlight miR-219-5p as a potentially valuable diagnostic biomarker that can potentially be leveraged to improve clinical outcomes in HCC patients.

Regulatory noncoding RNAs and the major histocompatibility complex

The Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) is a 4 Mbp genomic region located on the short arm of chromosome 6. The MHC region contains many key immune-related genes such as Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLAs). There has been a growing realization that, apart from MHC encoded proteins, RNAs derived from noncoding regions of the MHC-specifically microRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs)-play a significant role in cellular regulation. Furthermore, regulatory noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) derived from other parts of the genome fine-tune the expression of many immune-related MHC proteins. Although the field of ncRNAs of the MHC is a research area that is still in its infancy, ncRNA regulation of MHC genes has already been shown to be vital for immune function, healthy pregnancy and cellular homeostasis. Dysregulation of this intricate network of ncRNAs can lead to serious perturbations in homeostasis and subsequent disease.

MIR-520f Regulated Itch Expression and Promoted Cell Proliferation in Human Melanoma Cells

Accumulating evidence suggests that abnormal expression and dysfunction of microRNA is involved in development of cancers. However, the function of miR-520f especially in human melanoma remains elusive. In the current study, the underlying function of miR-520f in human melanoma was investigated. Our study demonstrated that the miR-520f level in human melanoma cell lines and clinical tissues was increased. Overexpression of miR-520f promoted cell proliferation by using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, colony formation, anchorage-independent growth assay, and 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine assays. Furthermore, we revealed that miR-520f could interact with circular RNA Itchy E3 ubiquitin protein ligase (ITCH) 3′-untranslated region and suppress ITCH expression in human melanoma cells. The inhibitory effect of miR-520f-in could be partially restored by knockdown of ITCH in human melanoma cells. In summary, this study provides novel insights into miR-520f act as a crucial role in the regulation of human melanoma cell growth via regulating ITCH, which might be a potential biomarker and therapeutic target of human melanoma.

Circular RNA has_circ_0000527 participates in proliferation, invasion and migration of retinoblastoma cells via miR-646/BCL-2 axis

Retinoblastoma (RB) is one of the most common primary intraocular malignancies in children. Emerging researches have shown that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play critical roles in a variety of cancers. As a novel circRNA, the function of circ_0000527 in RB remains unknown. In this work, expression level of circ_0000527 and miR-646 in RB tissues and cell lines were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). RB cell lines (SO-Rb50 and WERI-Rb-1) were used as cell models in functional experiments. CCK-8 assay, TUNEL assay and transwell assay were employed to detect the biological influence of circ_0000527 and miR-646 on cancer cells in vitro. qRT-PCR, luciferase reporter assay, RIP assay and western blot were used for exploring the interactions among circ_0000527, miR-646 and BCL-2. It was demonstrated that expression level of circ_0000527 in RB samples was significantly up-regulated compared to normal tissues, while miR-646 was markedly down-regulated. Overexpression of circ_0000527 promoted the viability, migration and invasion of RB cells, while miR-646 transfection had the opposite effects. Circ_0000527 sponged miR-646 to regulate the expression of BCL-2. In conclusion, circ_0000527 could promote the development of RB by indirectly modulating BCL-2 via absorbing miR-646. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY: Expression level of circ_0000527 in RB samples was significantly up-regulated compared to normal tissues, while miR-646 was markedly down-regulated. Overexpression of circ_0000527 promoted the viability, migration and invasion of RB cells, while miR-646 transfection had the opposite effects. Circ_0000527 sponged miR-646 to regulate the expression of BCL-2.

Significant function and research progress of biomarkers in gastric cancer

Gastric cancer is one of the most common gastrointestinal tumor types, and the incidence and mortality rates are higher in men compared with women. Various studies have revealed that gastric cancer is a spectrum of tumor types, which have biological and genetic diversity. It has proven to be difficult to improve the overall survival and disease-free survival of patients with gastric cancer through the use of traditional surgery and chemoradiation, as gastric cancer is usually identified at an advanced stage. In consequence, the outcome is frequently poor. Thus, novel biomarkers and anticancer targets are required to improve the outcome. As the identification of biomarkers has increased due to advances in research and the greater availability of bioinformatics and functional genomics, the potential therapeutic regimens available have also increased concurrently. These advances have also improved the ability to predict responses to chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy, whilst other biomarkers predict post-treatment survival and recurrence based on their expression. This review focuses closely on the important functions of biomarkers in the timely diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer, in addition to the advances in the study of certain novel markers in gastric cancer.

Prediction and Analysis of Skin Cancer Progression using Genomics Profiles of Patients

The metastatic Skin Cutaneous Melanoma (SKCM) has been associated with diminished survival rates and high mortality rates worldwide. Thus, segregating metastatic melanoma from the primary tumors is crucial to employ an optimal therapeutic strategy for the prolonged survival of patients. The SKCM mRNA, miRNA and methylation data of TCGA is comprehensively analysed to recognize key genomic features that can segregate metastatic and primary tumors. Further, machine learning models have been developed using selected features to distinguish the same. The Support Vector Classification with Weight (SVC-W) model developed using the expression of 17 mRNAs achieved Area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (AUROC) curve of 0.95 and an accuracy of 89.47% on an independent validation dataset. This study reveals the genes C7, MMP3, KRT14, LOC642587, CASP7, S100A7 and miRNAs hsa-mir-205 and hsa-mir-203b as the key genomic features that may substantially contribute to the oncogenesis of melanoma. Our study also proposes genes ESM1, NFATC3, C7orf4, CDK14, ZNF827, and ZSWIM7 as novel putative markers for cutaneous melanoma metastasis. The major prediction models and analysis modules to predict metastatic and primary tumor samples of SKCM are available from a webserver, CancerSPP ( http://webs.iiitd.edu.in/raghava/cancerspp/ ).

LncRNA HCP5 promotes triple negative breast cancer progression as a ceRNA to regulate BIRC3 by sponging miR-219a-5p

Emerging evidence has suggested that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) involved in the development and progression of cancer. Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) was an aggressive type of breast cancer with high rates of cancer recurrence and metastasis. The pathogenesis of TNBC is largely unknown. Recent studies suggested that lncRNA HCP5 plays an important role in carcinogenesis. The purpose of this study was to examine the function and mechanism of HCP5 in TNBC. We observed that HCP5 was upregulated in TNBC cell lines and specimens. HCP5 knockdown induced TNBC cell apoptosis, and inhibited cell proliferation and orthotopic xenograft tumor growth. RNA sequencing and antibody array suggested that HCP5 achieves its functions through regulating apoptosis pathway. Bioinformatics, luciferase and RIP experiments proved that both HCP5 and BIRC3 could competitively bind to miR‐219a‐5p. Increased BIRC3 and decreased miR‐219a‐5p were observed in TNBC tissues and cell lines. We then performed gain‐ and loss‐of‐function studies as well as rescue experiments in TNBC cells. The decrease of proliferation and migration due to HCP5 knockdown could be rescued when miR‐219a‐5p inhibitor or BIRC3 was transfected and vice versa. Our study suggested that lncRNA HCP5 promotes TNBC progression as a ceRNA to regulate BIRC3 by sponging miR‐219a‐5p. In a word, we revealed a new signaling pathway to mediate TNBC, and provided HCP5 as a new target for improving treatment of TNBC.

miR-219-3p regulates the occurrence of hepatic fibrosis by targeting Smad2

Abnormal expression of microRNA (miR)-219-3p has been widely identified in different tumors. However, whether miR-219-3p is involved in the progression of hepatic fibrosis (HF) has never been explored. The present study showed that compared with healthy controls, the levels of miR-291-3p in peripheral blood were decreased in patients with HF. Furthermore, much lower levels of miR-291-3p were identified in fibrotic liver tissues compared with that of normal liver tissues. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the levels of miR-291-3p in peripheral blood may screen patients with HF from healthy controls. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that overexpression of miR-291-3p significantly suppressed the mRNA levels of Snai1, vascular endothelial-specific cadherin (VE-cadherin), Vimentin, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). The protein levels of Snai1, VE-cadherin, Vimentin, TGF-β1, and GFAP were also decreased in hepatic stellate cells transfected with miR-291-3p mimics. Further study indicated that mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 2 (Smad2) was a target gene of miR-291-3p. More importantly, silencing of Smad2 could abolish miR-291-3p inhibition-induced TGF-β1 signaling activation. In summary, reduced peripheral blood miR-291-3p may be involved in the progression of HF via targeting Smad2.

MiR-219-5p suppresses cell proliferation and cell cycle progression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by targeting CCNA2

Background

We investigated the potential regulatory role of miR-219-5p in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and looked at the underlying mechanisms in ESCC.

Methods

Real-time PCR was used to determine the levels of miR-219-5p in ESCC tissues and cell lines. The effects of miR-219-5p and cyclin A2 (CCNA2) on cell proliferation and cell cycle progression were evaluated using MTT, colony formation and flow cytometry assays with ESCC cell lines EC9706 and TE-9. Bioinformatics techniques and the luciferase reporter assay were applied to validate CCNA2 as the miR-219-5p target in ESCC cells. The mRNA and protein levels of CCNA2 were measured using real-time PCR and western blotting.

Results

MiR-219-5p expression was significantly lower in ESCC tissues and cells than in healthy tissues. Upregulation of miR-219-5p repressed cell proliferation and induced cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase. CCNA2 was identified and confirmed as a direct downstream target of miR-219-5p and its expression negatively correlated with miR-219-5p profiles in ESCC tissues. Knockdown of CCNA2 potentiated the effects of miR-219-5p on cell proliferation and cell cycle distribution.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that miR-219-5p might function as a tumor suppressor by directly targeting CCNA2 expression. It could serve as a new therapeutic target for ESCC.

MiR-219-5p inhibits growth and metastasis of ovarian cancer cells by targeting HMGA2

Background

Accumulating studies have demonstrated that high-mobility group A2 (HMGA2), an oncofetal protein, plays a role in tumor development and progression. However, the molecular role of HMGA2 in ovarian carcinoma is yet to be established. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a group of small noncoding RNAs, negatively regulate gene expression and their dysregulation has been implicated in tumorigenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential involvement of a specific miRNA, miR-219-5p, in HMGA2-induced ovarian cancer.

Methods

The ovarian cancer cell line, SKOV3, was employed, and miR-219-5p and HMGA2 overexpression vectors constructed. The CCK-8 kit was used to determine cell proliferation and the Transwell^® assay used to measure cell invasion and migration. RT-PCR and western blot analyses were applied to analyze the expression of miR-219-5p and HMGA2, and the luciferase reporter assay used to examine the interactions between miR-219-5p and HMGA2. Nude mice were employed to characterize in vivo tumor growth regulation.

Results

Expression of miR-219-5p led to suppression of proliferation, invasion and migration of the ovarian cancer cell line, SKOV3, by targeting HMGA2. The inhibitory effects of miR-219-5p were reversed upon overexpression of HMGA2. Data from the luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-219-5p downregulates HMGA2 via direct integration with its 3′-UTR. Consistent with in vitro findings, expression of miR-219-5p led to significant inhibition of tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusion

Our results collectively suggest that miR-219-5p inhibits tumor growth and metastasis by targeting HMGA2.

Gambogic Acid Inhibits Melanoma through Regulation of miR-199a-3p/ZEB1 Signalling

Malignant melanoma is an aggressive form of cancer which is highly resistant to chemotherapy. We have previously found that gambogic acid (GA), a kind of polyprenylated xanthone, exhibits an antitumour role in melanoma. The study was designed to investigate novel mechanisms of the antitumour effect of GA in melanoma cells and implanted nude mice. Gambogic acid significantly decreased cell viability, increased apoptosis and reduced migration and invasion in A375 cells. In addition, cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity in both A375 and A375/CDDP cells was increased by GA. The expression of miR-199a-3p was increased by GA in A375 cells and implanted tumours, and inhibition of miR-199a-3p significantly prevented GA-induced effect on cell viability, apoptosis, migration, invasion and cisplatin sensitivity in A375 cells. miR-199a-3p mimics reduced tumour weight and volume in vivo and decreased cell viability, increased apoptosis and reduced migration and invasion in vitro. miR-199a-3p expression was decreased in melanoma tissues and cells, as compared with their controls. miR-199a-3p possessed a potential binding site in the 3'-UTR of zinc finger E-box binding homeobox (ZEB1). ZEB1 expression was increased in melanoma tissues and cells, as compared with their controls. ZEB1 and miR-199a-3p expression was negatively correlated in melanoma tissues. The expression of ZEB1 was decreased by GA in A375 cells and implanted tumours, and up-regulation of ZEB1 significantly prevented GA-induced effect on cell viability, apoptosis, migration, invasion and cisplatin sensitivity. Down-regulation of ZEB1 reduced tumour weight and volume in vivo and decreased cell viability, increased apoptosis and reduced migration and invasion in vitro. We identified the important roles of miR-199a-3p and ZEB1 in melanoma and elucidated the tumour suppressor function of miR-199a-3p through inhibition of ZEB1. The results highlight the importance of miR-199a-3p-ZEB1 signalling in antitumour effect of GA in malignant melanoma and provide novel targets for the chemotherapy of melanoma.

Astemizole promotes the anti-tumor effect of vitamin D through inhibiting miR-125a-5p-meidated regulation of VDR in HCC

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for the fifth most common cancer worldwide. Vitamin D and antihistamines have been shown to play an anti-tumor role in various tumors. In the present study, we ought to investigate the synergistic effect of astemizole and Vitamin D in HCC cells. We showed that astemizole enhanced the anti-tumor effect of Vitamin D in HCC both in vitro and in vivo. Astemizole enhanced Vitamin D-induced decrease of cell viability and proliferation, increase of apoptosis, decrease of cell migration and invasion in HCC cells in vitro and decrease of tumor number, mass and incidence in HCC in vivo. Astemizole increased VDR expression both in HCC cells in vitro and in tumor tissues in vivo. Downregulation of VDR significantly inhibited the synergistic effect of Vitamin D and astemizole on HCC cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion. Bioinformatics analysis identified that miR-125a-5p had a putative binding site in the 3'-UTR of VDR. miR-125a-5p mimics inhibited astemizole-induced increase of VDR and enhancement of the anti-tumor effect of Vitamin D in HCC. Reporter gene assay has confirmed that VDR was regulated by miR-125a-5p. miR-125a-5p inhibitors increased VDR expression and decreased cell viability and proliferation in HCC cells. Moreover, VDR and miR-125a-5p expression in tumor tissues in HCC patients were negatively correlated. We identified that inhibition of miR-125a-5p and subsequent upregulation of VDR was involved in astemizole-induced enhancement of the anti-tumor effect of Vitamin D in HCC. These results highlight the importance of combined treatment of astemizole and Vitamin D and provide novel insights into the role of miR-125a-5p-VDR signaling in HCC.

Identification of lncRNA expression profiles and ceRNA analysis in the spinal cord of morphine-tolerant rats

Morphine tolerance is a challenging clinical problem that limits the use of morphine in pain treatment, but the mechanisms of morphine tolerance remain unclear. Recent research indicates that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) might be a novel and promising target in the pathogeneses of diseases. Therefore, we hypothesized that lncRNAs might play a role in the development of morphine tolerance. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were intrathecally injected with 10 μg morphine twice daily for 7 consecutive days. The animals were then sacrificed for lncRNA microarray tests, and the results were validated by RT-qPCR. Next, functional predictions for the differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs) were made with the Gene Ontology/Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (GO/KEGG), and predictions for the differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) were made based on competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) analyses. The rats successfully developed morphine tolerance. LncRNA microarray analysis revealed that, according to the criteria of a log2 (fold change) > 1.5 and a P-value < 0.05, 136 lncRNAs and 278 mRNAs were differentially expressed in the morphine tolerance group (MT) compared with the normal saline group (NS). The functions of the DEmRNAs likely involve in the processes of the ion channel transport, pain transmission and immune response. The ceRNA analysis indicated that several possible interacting networks existed, including (MRAK150340, MRAK161211)/miR-219b/Tollip.Further annotations of the potential target mRNAs of the miRNAs according to the gene database suggested that the possible functions of these mRNAs primarily involved the regulation of ubiquitylation, G protein-linked receptors, and Toll-like receptors, which play roles in the development of morphine tolerance. Our findings revealed the profiles of differentially expressed lncRNAs in morphine tolerance conditions, and among these lncRNAs, some DElncRNAs might be new therapeutic targets for morphine tolerance.

miR‑367 enhances the proliferation and invasion of cutaneous malignant melanoma by regulating phosphatase and tensin homolog expression

Melanoma presents a serious threat to human health but the underlying mechanisms have not been fully identified. Increasing evidence indicates that microRNAs exert a significant influence on the tumorigenesis and metastasis of different types of cancer. The present study aimed to identify the role of microRNA (miR)‑367 in the initiation and progression of melanoma and investigate its potential target. A total of 50 melanoma samples and 25 benign nevi tissues were used in the present study. Reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis were performed to determine the expression of mRNA and protein, respectively. Cell proliferation and invasion were assessed by CCK‑8, wound healing and Transwell assays. A proposed target mRNA of miR‑367 was determined using a luciferase reporter assay and an in vivo xenograft model was used to evaluate the function of miR‑367 in the progression of melanoma. It was revealed that miR‑367 was overexpressed in melanoma tissues and cell lines. The miR‑367 level in tumor tissues was positively correlated with tumor thickness, tumor stage, lymph node involvement, distant metastasis and the patient survival rate. A high miR‑367 level was observed to enhance the growth, migration and invasion of melanoma cells. Conversely, low miR‑367 levels suppressed the proliferation and invasion of melanoma cells. Furthermore, miR‑367 was revealed to bind directly to phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) mRNA and regulate the expression of the PTEN protein. miR‑367 markedly increased the growth and invasion of melanoma cells, whereas the cotransfection of PTEN vectors limited the promoting function of miR‑367 in the proliferation and invasion of A375 cells. The upregulation of miR‑367 promoted tumor growth in vivo. In conclusion, the results revealed that miR‑367 serves a positive role in the development of melanoma and may be an important target for the treatment of cutaneous melanoma.