1
|
Li X, Wu Y, Wang P, Li Y, Gu J, Zhang Y, Yan S, Hu P. LncRNA XXYLT1-AS2 promotes tumor progression via autophagy inhibition through ubiquitinated degradation of TFEB in hepatocellular carcinoma. Clin Transl Oncol 2024; 26:698-708. [PMID: 37540409 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-023-03294-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE There is compelling evidence that long-stranded non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study was to investigate the role of lncRNA XXYLT1 antisense-2 (XXYLT1-AS2) in HCC progression. METHODS Real-time PCR was used to assess the levels of XXYLT1-AS2 in plasma from HCC and normal patients. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were monitored, and tumor xenografts were established to investigate the biological functions of XXYLT1-AS2 by gain-of-function and loss-of-function studies in vitro and in vivo, the expression of autophagy biomarkers and transcriptional factor EB (TFEB) was examined by immunoprecipitation, ubiquitination assays, and western blotting. Autophagy inhibitor, 3-methyladenine (3MA), and proteasome inhibitor, MG132, were used to verify the role of autophagy in HCC progression and the effect of XXYLT1-AS2 on TFEB ubiquitination, respectively. RESULTS In this study, we identified that lncRNA XXYLT1-AS2 is highly expressed in HCC plasma and promotes tumor growth in vivo. In functional studies, it was found that silent expression of XXYLT1-AS2 inhibited HCC proliferation, migration, invasion, and activated autophagy of HCC cells, which were attenuated by autophagy inhibitor, 3MA. Mechanistically, XXYLT1-AS2 decreased the protein level of TFEB through promoting its degradation by ubiquitin proteasome pathway. CONCLUSION XXYLT1-AS2 plays an oncogenic role in HCC progression through inhibition of autophagy via promoting the degradation of TFEB, and thus could be a novel target for HCC treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuejie Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jinzhou Medical University Graduate Training Base, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei, People's Republic of China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei, People's Republic of China
- Biomedical Engineering College, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuqin Wu
- Central Operating Room, Taihe Hospital, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Pingfeng Wang
- Biomedical Engineering College, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Biomedical Research, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, No. 32, South Renmin Road, Shiyan City, 442000, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Li
- Blood Transfusion Department, Taihe Hospital, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiangxue Gu
- Biomedical Engineering College, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Biomedical Engineering College, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Shirong Yan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jinzhou Medical University Graduate Training Base, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, No. 30, South Renmin Road, Shiyan City, 442000, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
| | - Pei Hu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jinzhou Medical University Graduate Training Base, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
- Institute of Biomedical Research, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, No. 32, South Renmin Road, Shiyan City, 442000, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yue Y, Tao J, An D, Shi L. A prognostic exosome-related long non-coding RNAs risk model related to the immune microenvironment and therapeutic responses for patients with liver hepatocellular carcinoma. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24462. [PMID: 38293480 PMCID: PMC10826312 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) is the third largest cause of cancer mortality. Exosomes are vital regulators in the development of cancer. However, the mechanisms regarding the association of exosome-related long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in LIHC are not clear. Methods LIHC RNA sequences and exosome-associated genes were collected according to The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell DataBase (HCCDB) and ExoBCD databases, and exosome-related lncRNAs with prognostic differential expression were screened as candidate lncRNAs using Spearman's method and univariate Cox regression analysis. Candidate lncRNAs were then used to construct a prognostic model and mRNA-lncRNA co-expression network. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in low- and high-risk groups were identified and enrichment analysis was performed for up- and down-regulated DEGs, respectively. The expression of immune checkpoint-related genes, immune escape potential and microsatellite instability among different risk groups were further analyzed. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and transwell assay were applied for detecting gene expression levels and invasion and migration ability. Results Based on 17 prognostical exosome-associated lncRNAs, four hub lncRNAs (BACE1_AS, DSTNP2, PLGLA, and SNHG3) were selected for constructing a prognostic model, which was demonstrated to be an independent prognostic variable for LIHC. High risk score was indicative of poorer overall survival, lower anti-tumor immune cells, higher genomic instability, higher immune escape potential, and less benefit for immunotherapy. The qRT-PCR test verified the expression level of the lncRNAs in LIHC cells, and the inhibitory effect of BACE1_AS on immune checkpoint genes levels. BACE1_AS silence also depressed the ability of migration and invasion of LIHC cells. Conclusion The Risk model constructed by exosome-associated lncRNAs could well predict immunotherapy response and prognostic outcomes for LIHC patients. We comprehensively reveal the clinical features of prognostical exosome-related lncRNAs and their potential ability to predict immunotherapeutic response of patients with LIHC and their prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Yue
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Shaanxi, 710003, China
| | - Jie Tao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Shaanxi, 710003, China
| | - Dan An
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Shaanxi, 710003, China
| | - Lei Shi
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Shaanxi, 710003, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Shen X, Wu S, Yang Z, Zhu C. Establishment of an endoplasmic reticulum stress-associated lncRNAs model to predict prognosis and immunological characteristics in hepatocellular carcinoma. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287724. [PMID: 37647290 PMCID: PMC10468045 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and unfolded protein response (UPR) pathways play an essential role in the pathophysiology of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and activation of the UPR pathway is strongly associated with tumor growth. However, the function of ERS-associated long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in HCC is less recognized. METHODS We have used TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) to obtain clinical and transcriptome data for HCC patients and the GSEA (Gene Set Enrichment Analysis) molecular signature database to get the ERS gene. ERS-associated prognostic lncRNA was determined using univariate Cox regression study. Then, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator and multivariate Cox regression study were used to construct ERS-associated lncRNAs risk model. Next, we use Kaplan-Meier (KM) survival study, time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, univariate and multivariate Cox regression study to validate and evaluate the risk model. GSEA reveals the underlying molecular mechanism of the risk model. In addition, differences in Immune cell Infiltration Study, half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) and immune checkpoints blockade (ICB) treatment between high and low risk groups were analyzed. RESULTS We constructed a risk model consisting of 6 ERS-associated lncRNAS (containingMKLN1-AS, LINC01224, AL590705.3, AC008622.2, AC145207.5, and AC026412.3). The KM survival study showed that the prognosis of HCC patients in low-risk group was better than that in high-risk group. ROC study, univariate and multivariate Cox regression study showed that the risk model had good predictive power for HCC patients. Our verification sample verified the aforesaid findings. GSEA suggests that several tumor- and metabolism-related signaling pathways are associated with risk groups. Simultaneously, we discovered that the risk models may help in the treatment of ICB and the selection of chemotherapeutic drugs. CONCLUSIONS In this article, we created an ERS-associated lncRNAs risk model to help prognostic diagnosis and personalized therapy in HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xingyuan Shen
- School of Graduate, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Siyuan Wu
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
| | - Zhen Yang
- School of Graduate, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Chunfu Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tao S, Liang S, Zeng T, Yin D. Epigenetic modification-related mechanisms of hepatocellular carcinoma resistance to immune checkpoint inhibition. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1043667. [PMID: 36685594 PMCID: PMC9845774 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1043667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) constitutes most primary liver cancers and is one of the most lethal and life-threatening malignancies globally. Unfortunately, a substantial proportion of HCC patients are identified at an advanced stage that is unavailable for curative surgery. Thus, palliative therapies represented by multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) sorafenib remained the front-line treatment over the past decades. Recently, the application of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), especially targeting the PD-1/PD-L1/CTLA-4 axis, has achieved an inspiring clinical breakthrough for treating unresectable solid tumors. However, many HCC patients with poor responses lead to limited benefits in clinical applications, which has quickly drawn researchers' attention to the regulatory mechanisms of immune checkpoints in HCC immune evasion. Evasion of immune surveillance by cancer is attributed to intricate reprogramming modulation in the tumor microenvironment. Currently, more and more studies have found that epigenetic modifications, such as chromatin structure remodeling, DNA methylation, histone post-translational modifications, and non-coding RNA levels, may contribute significantly to remodeling the tumor microenvironment to avoid immune clearance, affecting the efficacy of immunotherapy for HCC. This review summarizes the rapidly emerging progress of epigenetic-related changes during HCC resistance to ICIs and discusses the mechanisms of underlying epigenetic therapies available for surmounting immune resistance. Finally, we summarize the clinical advances in combining epigenetic therapies with immunotherapy, aiming to promote the formation of immune combination therapy strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shengwei Tao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Shuhang Liang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Taofei Zeng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Dalong Yin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhao L, You Z, Bai Z, Xie J. Machine learning-based construction of a ferroptosis and necroptosis associated lncRNA signature for predicting prognosis and immunotherapy response in hepatocellular cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1171878. [PMID: 37152064 PMCID: PMC10157233 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1171878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC), one of the most common malignancies worldwide, occurs with high incidence and mortality. Ferroptosis and necroptosis are critically associated with LIHC prognosis. Some long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been found to induce ferroptosis and necroptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Methods Cox regression analysis was used to construct a risk model for LIHC based on differentially expressed ferroptosis and necroptosis related lncRNAs (F-NLRs), and their expression in SMMC7721, HepG2 and WRL68 cells was detected by qPCR. Results Five F-NLRs were associated with LIHC prognosis, including KDM4A-AS1, ZFPM2-AS1, AC099850.3, MKLN1-AS, and BACE1-AS. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated that patients with LIHC in the high-risk group were associated with poor prognosis. The combined F-NLR signature model demonstrated a prognostic AUC value of 0.789 and was more accurate than standard clinical variables for predicting LIHC prognosis. T cell functions and immunotherapy responses differed significantly between patients in the low- and high-risk groups. Additionally, immune checkpoints and m6A-related genes were differentially expressed between patients in the two risk groups. Furthermore, proteins encoded by the five F-NLRs were overexpressed in four liver cancer cell lines compared to that in human liver cell line WRL68. Pan-cancer examination revealed that expression levels of the five F-NLRs differed between most common tumor types and normal tissues. Conclusion F-NLRs identified in this study provide a predictive signature representing ferroptosis and necroptosis in LIHC, which correlated well with patient prognosis, clinicopathological characteristics, and immunotherapy responses. The study findings help to elucidate the mechanisms of F-NLRs in LIHC and provide further guidance for the selection and development of immunotherapeutic agents for LIHC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhao
- The Third Clinical lnstitute, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhixuan You
- The Third Clinical lnstitute, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhixun Bai
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- *Correspondence: Zhixun Bai, ; Jian Xie,
| | - Jian Xie
- Department of Medical Genetics, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- *Correspondence: Zhixun Bai, ; Jian Xie,
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abdelsattar S, Sweed D, Kamel HFM, Kasemy ZA, Gameel AM, Elzohry H, Ameen O, Elgizawy EI, Sallam A, Mosbeh A, Abdallah MS, Khalil FO, Al-Amodi HS, El-Hefnway SM. The Potential Utility of Circulating Oncofetal H19 Derived miR-675 Expression versus Tissue lncRNA-H19 Expression in Diagnosis and Prognosis of HCC in Egyptian Patients. Biomolecules 2022; 13:biom13010003. [PMID: 36671388 PMCID: PMC9856163 DOI: 10.3390/biom13010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Interestingly, lncRNA-H19 acts independently in HCC and influences miR-675 expressions. We aimed to assess the potential utility of tissue lncRNA-H19 versus miR-675 expressions as a non-invasive biomarker for HCC diagnosis and prognosis in Egyptian patients. Ninety-one HCC patients and 91 controls included in this study were investigated for expression of lncRNA-H19 and miR675 using RT-qPCR. Our results showed that the expression of lncRNA-H19 and microRNA-675 were higher in patients than in controls (p < 0.001 for both). Additionally, lncRNA-H19 expression was higher in tumorous than in non-tumorous tissue (p < 0.001). Linear regression revealed that miR-675 expression was a significantly higher positive predictor than lncRNA-H19 for tumor size, pathologic grade, and AFP level; similarly, for cyclin D1 and VEGF protein expression. By using the ROC curve, the sensitivity of miR-675 was higher than lncRNA-H19 for discriminating HCC from controls (95-89%, respectively) and the sensitivity of lncRNA-H19 was higher in tumorous than in non-tumorous tissues (76%). The high expressions of both were associated with low OS (p < 0.001, 0.001, respectively). Oncofetal H19-derived miR-675 expression could be considered a potential noninvasive diagnostic and prognostic biomarker, outstanding the performance of the expression of tissue lncRNA-H19 for HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shimaa Abdelsattar
- Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Diagnostics Department, National Liver Institute, Menofia University, Shebin El-Kom 32511, Egypt
- Correspondence:
| | - Dina Sweed
- Pathology Department, National Liver Institute, Menofia University, Shebin El-Kom 32511, Egypt
| | - Hala F. M. Kamel
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al Qura University, Makka 21955, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Zeinab A. Kasemy
- Public Health and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menofia University, Shebin El-Kom 32511, Egypt
| | - Abdallah M. Gameel
- Clinical Pathology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo 11796, Egypt
| | - Hassan Elzohry
- Hepatology and Gastroenterology Department, National Liver Institute, Menofia University, Shebin El-Kom 32511, Egypt
| | - Omnia Ameen
- Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menofia University, Shebin El-Kom 32511, Egypt
| | - Eman Ibrahim Elgizawy
- Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menofia University, Shebin El-Kom 32511, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Sallam
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, National Liver Institute, Menofia University, Shebin El-Kom 32511, Egypt
| | - Asmaa Mosbeh
- Pathology Department, National Liver Institute, Menofia University, Shebin El-Kom 32511, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud S. Abdallah
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sadat City (USC), Sadat City 32897, Egypt
| | - Fatma O. Khalil
- Clinical and Molecular Microbiology and Immunology Department, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom 32511, Egypt
| | - Hiba S. Al-Amodi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al Qura University, Makka 21955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sally M. El-Hefnway
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Menofia University, Shebin El-Kom 32511, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Yang P, Liu H, Li Y, Gao Q, Chen X, Chang J, Li Y, Chen S, Dong R, Wu H, Liu C, Liu G. Overexpression of TCERG1 as a prognostic marker in hepatocellular carcinoma: A TCGA data-based analysis. Front Genet 2022; 13:959832. [PMID: 36299588 PMCID: PMC9589486 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.959832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Transcription elongation factor 1 (TCERG1) is a nuclear protein consisted of multiple protein structural domains that plays an important role in regulating the transcription, extension, and splicing regulation of RNA polymerase II. However, the prognostic and immunological role of TCERG1 in human cancer remains unknown. In this study, we analyzed the expression of TCERG1 gene in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, its clinical significance, and its possible prognostic value by bioinformatics. Methods: RNA sequencing data and clinicopathological characteristics of patients with HCC were collected from TCGA and CCLE databases. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to analyze the expression of TCERG1 in HCC tissues and normal tissues. The protein levels of TCERG1 between normal and liver cancer tissues were analyzed by the Human Protein Atlas Database (HPA) (www.proteinatlas.org). Validation was performed using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset of 167 samples. The expression of TCERG1 in HCC cells were verified by qRT-PCR, and CCK-8, scratch assay and Transwell assay were performed to detect cell proliferation, migration and invasion ability. According to the median value of TCERG1 expression, patients were divided into high and low subgroups. Logistic regression, GSEA enrichment, TME, and single-sample set gene enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) were performed to explore the effects of TCERG1 on liver cancer biological function and immune infiltrates. TCERG1 co-expression networks were studied through the CCLE database and the LinkedOmics database to analyze genes that interact with TCERG1. Results: The expression levels of TCERG1 in HCC patient tissues were significantly higher than in normal tissues. Survival analysis showed that high levels of TCERG1 expression were significantly associated with low survival rates in HCC patients. Multifactorial analysis showed that high TCERG1 expression was an independent risk factor affecting tumor prognosis. This result was also verified in the GEO database. Cellular experiments demonstrated that cell proliferation, migration and invasion were inhibited after silencing of TCERG1 gene expression. Co-expression analysis revealed that CPSF6 and MAML1 expression were positively correlated with TCERG1. GSEA showed that in samples with high TCERG1 expression, relevant signaling pathways associated with cell cycle, apoptosis, pathways in cancer and enriched in known tumors included Wnt signaling pathway, Vegf signaling pathway, Notch signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway and MTOR pathways. The expression of TCERG1 was positively correlated with tumor immune infiltrating cells (T helper two cells, T helper cells). Conclusion:TCERG1 gene is highly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues, which is associated with the poor prognosis of liver cancer, and may be one of the markers for the diagnosis and screening of liver cancer and the prediction of prognosis effect. At the same time, TCERG1 may also become a new target for tumor immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pan Yang
- School of Life Science, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Huaifeng Liu
- School of Life Science, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Qunwei Gao
- School of Life Science, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Xin Chen
- School of Life Science, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Junyan Chang
- School of Life Science, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Yangyang Li
- School of Life Science, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Shuran Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Rui Dong
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Huazhang Wu
- School of Life Science, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Changqing Liu
- School of Life Science, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Gaofeng Liu
- School of Life Science, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Khan A, Zhang X. Function of the Long Noncoding RNAs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Classification, Molecular Mechanisms, and Significant Therapeutic Potentials. Bioengineering (Basel) 2022; 9:406. [PMID: 36004931 PMCID: PMC9405066 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9080406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common and serious type of primary liver cancer. HCC patients have a high death rate and poor prognosis due to the lack of clear signs and inadequate treatment interventions. However, the molecular pathways that underpin HCC pathogenesis remain unclear. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), a new type of RNAs, have been found to play important roles in HCC. LncRNAs have the ability to influence gene expression and protein activity. Dysregulation of lncRNAs has been linked to a growing number of liver disorders, including HCC. As a result, improved understanding of lncRNAs could lead to new insights into HCC etiology, as well as new approaches for the early detection and treatment of HCC. The latest results with respect to the role of lncRNAs in controlling multiple pathways of HCC were summarized in this study. The processes by which lncRNAs influence HCC advancement by interacting with chromatin, RNAs, and proteins at the epigenetic, transcriptional, and post-transcriptional levels were examined. This critical review also highlights recent breakthroughs in lncRNA signaling pathways in HCC progression, shedding light on the potential applications of lncRNAs for HCC diagnosis and therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Xiaobo Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Choi HI, An GY, Yoo E, Baek M, Binas B, Chai JC, Lee YS, Jung KH, Chai YG. The bromodomain inhibitor JQ1 up-regulates the long non-coding RNA MALAT1 in cultured human hepatic carcinoma cells. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7779. [PMID: 35546353 PMCID: PMC9095596 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11868-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The epigenetic reader, bromodomain-containing 4 (BRD4), is overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and BRD4 inhibition is considered as a new therapeutic approach. The BRD inhibitor JQ1 is known to inhibit the enrichment of BRD4 at enhancer sites. Gene network analyses have implicated long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the effects of JQ1, but the precise molecular events remain unexplored. Here, we report that in HepG2 cells, JQ1 significantly reduced various proliferation-related lncRNAs, but up-regulated the known liver tumor marker, MALAT1. Using ChIP-sequencing data, ChIP-qPCR, luciferase reporter assays, and chromatin conformation capture (3C), we characterized the MALAT1 gene locus. We found that JQ1 elicited a rearrangement of its chromatin looping conformation, which involved the putative enhancers E1, E2, E3, the gene body, and the promoter. We further found that the forkhead box protein A2 (FOXA2) binds to E2 and the promoter; suppression of FOXA2 expression resulted in MALAT1 up-regulation and increased cell proliferation. These results suggest that the inhibition of MALAT1 may improve the effect of BET inhibitors as an anti-cancer therapy and that FOXA2 would be a suitable target for that approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hae In Choi
- Department of Bionanotechnology, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04673, Republic of Korea
| | - Ga Yeong An
- Department of Bionanotechnology, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04673, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunyoung Yoo
- Department of Bionanotechnology, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04673, Republic of Korea
| | - Mina Baek
- Department of Molecular and Life Science, Hanyang University, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do, 15588, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Natural Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, 15588, Republic of Korea
| | - Bert Binas
- Department of Molecular and Life Science, Hanyang University, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do, 15588, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Choul Chai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Seek Lee
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung Hwa Jung
- Convergence Technology Campus of Korea Polytechnic II, Incheon, 21417, Republic of Korea.
| | - Young Gyu Chai
- Department of Bionanotechnology, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04673, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Molecular and Life Science, Hanyang University, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do, 15588, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
The Role of SNHG15 in the Pathogenesis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12050753. [PMID: 35629174 PMCID: PMC9145272 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12050753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcripts of more than 200 nucleotides which cannot be translated into proteins. Small nucleolar RNA host gene 15 (SNHG15) is a lncRNA whose dysregulation has been found to have an important impact on carcinogenesis and affect the prognosis of cancer patients in various cancer types. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers with a poor long-term prognosis, while the best prognostic factor of the disease is its early diagnosis and surgery. Consequently, the investigation of the mechanisms of hepatocarcinogenesis, as well as the discovery of efficient molecular markers and therapeutic targets are of great significance. An extensive literature search was performed in MEDLINE in order to identify clinical studies that tried to reveal the role of SNHG15 in HCC. We used keywords such as ‘HCC’, ‘hepatocellular carcinoma’, ‘SNHG15’ and ‘clinical study’. Finally, we included four studies written in English, published during the period 2016–2021. It was revealed that SNHG15 is related to the appearance of HCC via different routes and its over-expression affects the overall survival of the patients. More assays are required in order to clarify the potential role of SNHG15 as a prognostic tool and therapeutic target in HCC.
Collapse
|
11
|
Qin Y, Li G, Jin Y, Yao Q, Li R, Li X, Wang H. Long Non-Coding RNA maternally expressed 3 (MEG3) regulates isoflurane-induced cognitive dysfunction by targeting miR-7-5p. Toxicol Mech Methods 2022; 32:453-462. [PMID: 35164634 DOI: 10.1080/15376516.2022.2042881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of long non-coding RNA maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3) in cognitive dysfunction induced by isoflurane (ISO). Morrier water maze analysis was performed to evaluate the cognitive function of rats. Modified modified neurological severity score (mNSS) scores were assessed for neurological damage. The levels of MEG3 in hippocampal tissues of rats and hippocampal neuron cell lines HT22 were examined by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Moreover, the cell viability and apoptosis were assessed by the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and flow cytometry assay. Indicators of inflammation and oxidative stress were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and commercial assay kits. Relationship between MEG3 and microRNA (miR)-7-5p was verified by the dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. MEG3 was increased in hippocampal tissues and HT22 after ISO treatment (P < 0.05). MEG3 downregulation alleviated the increase in neurological severity score and cognitive dysfunction caused by ISO treatment (P < 0.05). In vitro, MEG3 downregulation alleviates the decrease in cell activity and increased apoptosis induced by ISO. What's more, MEG3 reduction eliminated activation of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress promoted by ISO treatment in rats and HT22 (P < 0.05). MEG3 was confirmed to specifically bind to miR-7-5p. Inhibition of miR-7-5p eliminated the alleviating effects of MEG3 downregulation on cognitive dysfunction caused by ISO treatment. Decreased MEG3 alleviates cognitive dysfunction caused by ISO by targeting miR-7-5p and play a neuroprotective effect. We present a strategy for MEG3 as a potential target for brain protection during anesthesia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Qin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Maternity and Child Health Care of Zaozhuang, No.25 Wenhua Road, Zaozhuang, Shandong 277100, P.R. China
| | - Guohua Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, No. 706 Taishan Street, Taishan District, Taian, Shandong 271000, P.R. China
| | - Yanwu Jin
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong University, No. 247 Beiyuan Road, Tianqiao District, Jinan, Shandong 250033, P.R. China
| | - Qun Yao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zaozhuang Municipal Hospital, No. 41 Longtou Road, Zaozhuang, Shandong 277100, P.R. China
| | - Ruijun Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Maternity and Child Health Care of Zaozhuang, No.25 Wenhua Road, Zaozhuang, Shandong 277100, P.R. China
| | - Xingwei Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zaozhuang Municipal Hospital, No. 41 Longtou Road, Zaozhuang, Shandong 277100, P.R. China
| | - Haipeng Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zaozhuang Municipal Hospital, No. 41 Longtou Road, Zaozhuang, Shandong 277100, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Tian Q, Yan X, Yang L, Liu Z, Yuan Z, Zhang Y. lncRNA CYTOR promotes cell proliferation and tumor growth via miR-125b/SEMA4C axis in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2021; 22:796. [PMID: 34584571 PMCID: PMC8461761 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.13057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumor worldwide with high morbidity and high mortality rates. Previous studies have demonstrated that cytoskeleton regulator RNA (CYTOR) plays critical roles in the tumorigenesis of various types of cancer. The present study aimed to investigate the clinical significance, biological function and molecular mechanism of CYTOR in the progression of HCC. The expression level of CYTOR was determined by reverse transcription quantitative PCR in HCC tissues and cell lines. The biological function of CYTOR was investigated using CCK-8 assay, EdU immunofluorescence, western blotting and TUNEL assay in vitro. A xenograft tumor model and immunohistochemistry were used to validate the role of CYTOR in vivo. The downstream targets of CYTOR and micro-RNA (miR)-125b were confirmed by RNA immunoprecipitation assay and luciferase reporter assays. The results demonstrated that CYTOR was significantly increased in HCC tissues compared with non-tumor tissues and that CYTOR expression was associated with the poor prognosis of patients with HCC. Furthermore, CYTOR silencing could inhibit the proliferation and promote the apoptosis of HCC cells. CYTOR overexpression had the opposite effects. The results from in vivo xenograft demonstrated that CYTOR knockdown suppressed tumor growth. In addition, CYTOR could directly interact with and negatively regulate miR-125b. Furthermore, semaphorin 4C (SEMA4C) was the target of miR-125b and CYTOR regulated SEMA4C expression by modulating miR-125b. Taken together, the findings from the present study demonstrated that CYTOR could promote cell proliferation and tumor growth by sponging miR-125b and upregulating SEMA4C, which suggested that CYTOR may act as a potential therapeutic target in HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qing Tian
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Tianjin First Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300192, P.R China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Transplantation, First Central Clinic of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300192, P.R China
| | - Xiaodong Yan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Central Clinic of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300192, P.R China
| | - Long Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Tianjin First Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300192, P.R China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Transplantation, First Central Clinic of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300192, P.R China
| | - Zirong Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Tianjin First Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300192, P.R China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Transplantation, First Central Clinic of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300192, P.R China
| | - Zheyue Yuan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Tianjin First Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300192, P.R China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Transplantation, First Central Clinic of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300192, P.R China
| | - Yamin Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Tianjin First Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300192, P.R China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Transplantation, First Central Clinic of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300192, P.R China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Peng XF, Huang SF, Chen LJ, Xu L, Ye WC. Targeting epigenetics and lncRNAs in liver disease: From mechanisms to therapeutics. Pharmacol Res 2021; 172:105846. [PMID: 34438063 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Early onset and progression of liver diseases can be driven by aberrant transcriptional regulation. Different transcriptional regulation processes, such as RNA/DNA methylation, histone modification, and ncRNA-mediated targeting, can regulate biological processes in healthy cells, as well also under various pathological conditions, especially liver disease. Numerous studies over the past decades have demonstrated that liver disease has a strong epigenetic component. Therefore, the epigenetic basis of liver disease has challenged our knowledge of epigenetics, and epigenetics field has undergone an important transformation: from a biological phenomenon to an emerging focus of disease research. Furthermore, inhibitors of different epigenetic regulators, such as m6A-related factors, are being explored as potential candidates for preventing and treating liver diseases. In the present review, we summarize and discuss the current knowledge of five distinct but interconnected and interdependent epigenetic processes in the context of hepatic diseases: RNA methylation, DNA methylation, histone methylation, miRNAs, and lncRNAs. Finally, we discuss the potential therapeutic implications and future challenges and ongoing research in the field. Our review also provides a perspective for identifying therapeutic targets and new hepatic biomarkers of liver disease, bringing precision research and disease therapy to the modern era of epigenetics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Fei Peng
- Department of General Surgery, Qingyuan People's Hospital, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan 511518, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Shi-Feng Huang
- Qingyuan People's Hospital, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan 511518, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ling-Juan Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Qingyuan People's Hospital, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan 511518, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Lingqing Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Qingyuan People's Hospital, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan 511518, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Wen-Chu Ye
- Qingyuan People's Hospital, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan 511518, Guangdong Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Hepigenetics: A Review of Epigenetic Modulators and Potential Therapies in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:9593254. [PMID: 33299889 PMCID: PMC7707949 DOI: 10.1155/2020/9593254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is the fifth most common cancer worldwide and the second most lethal, following lung cancer. Currently applied therapeutic practices rely on surgical resection, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, or a combination thereof. These treatment options are associated with extreme adversities, and risk/benefit ratios do not always work in patients' favor. Anomalies of the epigenome lie at the epicenter of aberrant molecular mechanisms by which the disease develops and progresses. Modulation of these anomalous events poses a promising prospect for alternative treatment options, with an abundance of felicitous results reported in recent years. Herein, the most recent epigenetic modulators in hepatocellular carcinoma are recapitulated on.
Collapse
|
15
|
Azizi AA, Hadjinicolaou AV, Goncalves C, Duckworth A, Basu B. Update on the Genetics of and Systemic Therapy Options for Combined Hepatocellular Cholangiocarcinoma. Front Oncol 2020; 10:570958. [PMID: 33102226 PMCID: PMC7545907 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.570958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-ICC) is an uncommon and aggressive form of primary liver cancer. Currently, there are no international guidelines for optimal management. For localized tumors, radical resection represents the preferred treatment option, whereas for advanced tumors, systemic therapies recommended for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are often selected. Emerging information from comparative cohort studies, genomic and transcriptomic data sets are starting to build a case for rationalized approaches to systemic treatment in the advanced setting specific to cHCC-ICC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander A Azizi
- Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Andreas V Hadjinicolaou
- Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Carla Goncalves
- Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Adam Duckworth
- Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Bristi Basu
- Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Di Palo A, Siniscalchi C, Mosca N, Russo A, Potenza N. A Novel ceRNA Regulatory Network Involving the Long Non-Coding Antisense RNA SPACA6P-AS, miR-125a and its mRNA Targets in Hepatocarcinoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21145068. [PMID: 32709089 PMCID: PMC7404396 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21145068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNA), and more recently long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA), are emerging as a driving force for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the leading causes of cancer-related death. In this work, we investigated a possible RNA regulatory network involving two oncosuppressive miRNAs, miR-125a and let-7e, and a long non-coding antisense RNA, SPACA6P-AS (SP-AS), all transcribed from the same locus, with SP-AS in the opposite direction and thus carrying complementary sequences to the miRNAs. In vitro experiments validated the binding of the miRNAs to SP-AS. Then, the boosting of either the miRNAs or SP-AS levels demonstrated their reciprocal inhibition. In addition, overexpression of SP-AS resulted in a reduced silencing activity of miR-125a and let-7e toward their key oncogenic targets, i.e., Lin28b, MMP11, SIRT7, Zbtb7a, Cyclin D1, CDC25B, HMGA2, that resulted significantly upregulated. Finally, the analysis of 374 HCC samples in comparison to 50 normal liver tissues showed an upregulation of SP-AS and a reverse expression of miR-125a, not observed for let-7e; consistently, miR-125a oncogenic targets were upregulated. Overall, the data depict a novel competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network, ceRNET, whereby miR-125a can regulate the expression of SP-AS, which in turn regulates the miRNA by competing with the binding to the mRNA targets. We speculate that the unbalancing of any network component may contribute to hepatocarcinogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Armando Di Palo
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (A.D.P.); (C.S.); (A.R.)
| | - Chiara Siniscalchi
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (A.D.P.); (C.S.); (A.R.)
| | - Nicola Mosca
- Inserm, BMGIC, U1035, University of Bordeaux, 33076 Bordeaux, France;
| | - Aniello Russo
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (A.D.P.); (C.S.); (A.R.)
| | - Nicoletta Potenza
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (A.D.P.); (C.S.); (A.R.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
LncRNAs Act as a Link between Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21082883. [PMID: 32326098 PMCID: PMC7216144 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as important contributors to the biological processes underlying the pathophysiology of various human diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the involvement of these molecules in chronic liver diseases, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and viral hepatitis, has only recently been considered in scientific research. While extensive studies on the pathogenesis of the development of HCC from hepatic fibrosis have been conducted, their regulatory molecular mechanisms are still only partially understood. The underlying mechanisms related to lncRNAs leading to HCC from chronic liver diseases and cirrhosis have not yet been entirely elucidated. Therefore, elucidating the functional roles of lncRNAs in chronic liver disease and HCC can contribute to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms, and may help in developing novel diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for HCC, as well as in preventing the progression of chronic liver disease to HCC. Here, we comprehensively review and briefly summarize some lncRNAs that participate in both hepatic fibrosis and HCC.
Collapse
|
18
|
Li C, Zhang W, Yang H, Xiang J, Wang X, Wang J. Integrative analysis of dysregulated lncRNA-associated ceRNA network reveals potential lncRNA biomarkers for human hepatocellular carcinoma. PeerJ 2020; 8:e8758. [PMID: 32201648 PMCID: PMC7071826 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.8758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive cancer with a poor prognosis and a high incidence. The molecular changes and novel biomarkers of HCC need to be identified to improve the diagnosis and prognosis of this disease. We investigated the current research concentrations of HCC and identified the transcriptomics-related biomarkers of HCC from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TGCA) database. Methods We investigated the current research concentrations of HCC using literature metrology analysis for studies conducted from 2008 to 2018. We identified long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) that correlated with the clinical features and survival prognoses of HCC from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TGCA) database. Differentially expressed genes (lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs) were also identified by TCGA datasets in HCC tumor tissues. A lncRNA competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was constructed from lncRNAs based on intersected lncRNAs. Survival times and the association between the expression levels of the key lncRNAs of the ceRNA network and the clinicopathological characteristics of HCC patients were analyzed using TCGA. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to validate the reliability of the results in tissue samples from 20 newly-diagnosed HCC patients. Results Analysis of the literature pertaining to HCC research revealed that current research is focused on lncRNA functions in tumorigenesis and tumor development. A total of 128 HCC dysregulated lncRNAs were identified; 66 were included in the co-expressed ceRNA network. We analyzed survival times and the associations between the expression of 66 key lncRNAs and the clinicopathological features of the HCC patients identified from TCGA. Twenty-six lncRNAs were associated with clinical features of HCC (P < 0.05) and six key lncRNAs were associated with survival time (log-rank test P < 0.05). Six key lncRNAs were selected for the validation of their expression levels in 20 patients with newly diagnosed HCC using qRT-PCR. Consistent fold changes in the trends of up and down regulation between qRT-PCR validation and TCGA proved the reliability of our bioinformatics analysis. Conclusions We used integrative bioinformatics analysis of the TCGA datasets to improve our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms involved with the functional features of lncRNAs in HCC. The results revealed that lncRNAs are potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chengyun Li
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu province, China
| | - Wenwen Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu province, China
| | - Hanteng Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu province, China
| | - Jilian Xiang
- Department of gastroenterology, Third People's Hospital of Gansu province, Lanzhou, Gansu province, China
| | - Xinghua Wang
- Department of gastrointestinal surgery, Gansu Wuwei Tumor Hospital, Wuwei, Gansu province, China
| | - Junling Wang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu province, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
A Review of ULK1-Mediated Autophagy in Drug Resistance of Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12020352. [PMID: 32033142 PMCID: PMC7073181 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12020352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The difficulty of early diagnosis and the development of drug resistance are two major barriers to the successful treatment of cancer. Autophagy plays a crucial role in several cellular functions, and its dysregulation is associated with both tumorigenesis and drug resistance. Unc-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1) is a serine/threonine kinase that participates in the initiation of autophagy. Many studies have indicated that compounds that directly or indirectly target ULK1 could be used for tumor therapy. However, reports of the therapeutic effects of these compounds have come to conflicting conclusions. In this work, we reviewed recent studies related to the effects of ULK1 on the regulation of autophagy and the development of drug resistance in cancers, with the aim of clarifying the mechanistic underpinnings of this therapeutic target.
Collapse
|
20
|
Shang W, Adzika GK, Li Y, Huang Q, Ding N, Chinembiri B, Rashid MSI, Machuki JO. Molecular mechanisms of circular RNAs, transforming growth factor-β, and long noncoding RNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Med 2019; 8:6684-6699. [PMID: 31523930 PMCID: PMC6826001 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.2553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
At the heart of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) lies disruption of signaling pathways at the level of molecules, genes, and cells. Non‐coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been implicated in the disease progression of HCC. For instance, dysregulated expression of circular RNAs (circRNAs) has been observed in patients with HCC. As such, these RNAs are potential therapeutic targets and diagnostic markers for HCC. Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs), a type of ncRNA, have also been recognized to participate in the initiation and progression of HCC. Transforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐β) is another element which is now recognized to play crucial roles in HCC. It has been implicated in many biological processes such as survival, immune surveillance, and cell proliferation. In HCC, TGF‐β promotes disease progression by two mechanisms: an intrinsic signaling pathway and the extrinsic pathway. Through these pathways, it modulates various microenvironment factors such as inflammatory mediators and fibroblasts. An interesting yet‐to‐be resolved concept is whether the HCC‐promoting role of TGF‐β pathways is limited to a subset of HCC patients or it is involved in the whole process of HCC development. This review summarizes recent advancements to highlight the roles of circRNAs, lncRNAs, and TGF‐β in HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenkang Shang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Yujie Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First People's Hospital of Kunshan, Kunshan, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qike Huang
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ningding Ding
- Department of Neurophysiology and Location Diagnosis, Guangdong 39 Brain Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Bianca Chinembiri
- Physiology Department, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Zhao Y, Kong CQ, Ye JZ, Bai T, Luo T, Wang D, Chen M, Wang HF, Wang XB, Liu JJ, Chen J, Luo HL, Li LQ. Upregulation of Long Non-Coding RNA ENST00000429227.1 Is Correlated with Poor Prognosis in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Med Sci Monit 2019; 25:6539-6546. [PMID: 31472071 PMCID: PMC6738009 DOI: 10.12659/msm.916551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to play an important regulatory role in many tumors. This study was designed to investigate the expression of lncRNA ENST00000429227.1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to determine whether the expression of lncRNA ENST00000429227.1 affects the prognosis of HCC. MATERIAL AND METHODS lncRNA ENST00000429227.1 showing differences in expression between M1 and M2 was screened by microarray expression measurements. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of lncRNA ENST00000429227.1 in 161 HCC patients. The chi-square test was used to evaluate the relationship between the expression of ENST00000429227.1 and clinicopathological parameters. A survival curve was drawn and analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method. Cox regression was used for univariate and multivariate analysis to determine whether lncRNA ENST00000429227.1 is an independent factor of the occurrence and prognosis of HCC. RESULTS A total of 3703 differentially expressed lncRNAs were obtained, of which 1777 were upregulated and 1926 were downregulated, with multiple change >1.5. The expression of lncRNA ENST00000429227.1 was upregulated in M2 cells. The expression of lncRNA ENST00000429227.1 in HCC tissues was higher than that in adjacent normal tissues (p<0.05), which was correlated with pathological parameters such as surgical margin (p=0.042), AFP (p=0.022) and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage (p=0.008). Survival analysis showed that high expression of lncRNA ENST00000429227.1 was associated with a decrease in overall survival (OS) rate of HCC patients. Cox regression analysis showed that high expression of ENST00000429227.1 may be an independent risk factor affecting the prognosis of HCC patients. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that upregulation of ENST00000429227.1 is associated with poor prognosis of HCC patients, and may be a new biomarker for the diagnosis of HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zhao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China (mainland)
| | - Cun-Qing Kong
- Imaging Center, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China (mainland)
| | - Jia-Zhou Ye
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China (mainland)
| | - Tao Bai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China (mainland)
| | - Tao Luo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China (mainland)
| | - Duo Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China (mainland)
| | - Miao Chen
- Department of Ultrasound, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China (mainland)
| | - Hui-Feng Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China (mainland)
| | - Xiao-Bo Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China (mainland)
| | - Jun-Jie Liu
- Department of Ultrasound, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China (mainland)
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China (mainland)
| | - Hong-Lin Luo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China (mainland)
| | - Le-Qun Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China (mainland)
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Wang D, Bai T, Chen G, Liu J, Chen M, Zhao Y, Luo T, Chen J, Li L, Zhang C, Li H. Upregulation of long non-coding RNA FOXP4-AS1 and its regulatory network in hepatocellular carcinoma. Onco Targets Ther 2019; 12:7025-7038. [PMID: 31695417 PMCID: PMC6718253 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s220923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective FOXP4-AS1 (FOXP4 antisense RNA 1) is putatively a functional oncogene in colorectal cancer. This study constructed a regulatory network involving FOXP4-AS1 for better understanding of its function in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods FOXP4-AS1 was assessed in HCC and adjacent normal (control) liver samples via quantitative real-time PCR. Differentially expressed micro RNAs (DEmiRNAs) were predicted. Their target genes were verified via the gene expression profiling interaction analysis (GEPIA) database, and subjected to gene ontology (GO) annotation and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome) pathway enrichment analysis. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were established and hub genes identified with Cytoscape software. The GEPIA database was used to assess the prognostic roles of 20 hub genes in liver cancer. The cBioPortal database was used to exhibit alterations of the genes. Results The HCC samples had significantly higher levels of FOXP4-AS1 compared with the control (P=0.001). Six upregulated and 4 downregulated DEmiRNAs were identified. Over- and under-expressed predicted target genes (183 and 147, respectively) were selected for GO annotation and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. The downregulated genes were significantly prominent in the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway; the upregulated genes in the cell cycle. The PPI networks indicated IGFBP3 and PRC1 as hub genes with the highest node degrees. Higher expressions of 9 (6) genes were associated with worse (better) prognosis in HCC. Conclusion An HCC-associated FOXP4-AS1-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network was constructed, and molecular mechanisms involved in HCC development were elucidated. This work provides direction for finding new HCC therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Duo Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Bai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Guanyu Chen
- Departments of Anesthesiology, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Junjie Liu
- Department of Ultrasound, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Miao Chen
- Department of Ultrasound, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Zhao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Luo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Lequn Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunyan Zhang
- Department of Experimental Research, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Hang Li
- Department of Ultrasound, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Ye J, Tan L, Fu Y, Xu H, Wen L, Deng Y, Liu K. LncRNA SNHG15 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression by sponging miR-141-3p. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:19775-19783. [PMID: 31310393 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.29283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Small nucleolar RNA host gene 15 (SNHG15) is a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), which promotes progression of multiple cancers. Its specific function in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), however, is uncertain. The aims of our study were, therefore, to explore the role of SNHG15 in HCC. SNHG15 and miR-141-3p expression were assessed via quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) in 58 paired HCC samples and adjacent matched adjacent normal tissues. CCK-8 assay, flow cytometric examination, and wound healing/invasion assays were used to respectively assess how SNHG15 influences cell proliferation, the cell cycle, and the migratory and invasive potential of HCC cells. MicroRNA (miRNAs) that targeted SNHG15 was screened by Starbase2.0 and identified by RNA immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assays. SNHG15 expression was markedly increased, whereas miR-141-3p expression was substantially reduced in HCC cells and tissue samples relative to normal controls. When SNHG15 was knocked down, this resulted in a significant disruption to the proliferation, as well as the invasive and migratory ability of these HCC cells. miR-141-3p was also found to be an SNHG15 target in HCC cells. Furthermore, miR-141-3p inhibitor partially reversed the observed SNHG15 depletion-mediated reduction in HCC proliferation, migration, and invasion. By repressing miR-141-3p, SNHG15 could modulate zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 2 (ZEB2) and E2F transcription factor 3 (E2F3) expression, both of which are miR-141-3p targets. These finding suggested that SNHG15 promoted HCC progression via negative regulation of miR-141-3p, thus identifying a potential novel HCC treatment pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junfeng Ye
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, P.R. China
| | - Ludong Tan
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, P.R. China
| | - Yu Fu
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, P.R. China
| | - Hongji Xu
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, P.R. China
| | - Lijia Wen
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, P.R. China
| | - Yu Deng
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, P.R. China
| | - Kai Liu
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Ji D, Hu G, Zhang X, Yu T, Yang J. Long non-coding RNA DSCAM-AS1 accelerates the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma via sponging miR-338-3p. Am J Transl Res 2019; 11:4290-4302. [PMID: 31396335 PMCID: PMC6684899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Aberrant expression of long non-coding RNA DSCAM-AS1 (Down Syndrome Cell Adhesion Molecule antisense) has been observed in several cancers. However, the expression status, biological function and underling mechanism of DSCAM-AS1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unclear. The expression of DSCAM-AS1 was detected in HCC tissues and serum from both HCC patients and healthy controls. MTS, wound healing and transwell invasion assays were used to examine the effects of DSCAM-AS1 on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in HCC cells, respectively. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) targeted DSCAM-AS1 was predicated by Starbase2.0 and identified using luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation assays. The xenograft mice were established to examine the effect DSCAM-AS1 on tumor growth in vivo. We found that DSCAM-AS1 was up-regulated in HCC tissues relative to adjacent non-tumor tissues. Serum levels of DSCAM-AS1 were higher in HCC patients than that in healthy controls. Increased DSCAM-AS1 was associated with poor prognosis. Knockdown of DSCAM-AS1 significantly inhibited HCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Moreover, miR-338-3p was confirmed as a direct target of DSCAM-AS1 in HCC cells. The miR-338-3p inhibitor could partially reverse the inhibitory effect of DSCAM-AS1 depletion in HCC cells. DSCAM-AS1 positively regulated CyclinD1 and smoothened (SMO) expression (two targets of miR-338-3p) in HCC cells. Moreover, tumor growth was tremendously retarded in nude mice received injection of SMCC-7721 cells transfected with sh-DSCAM-AS1. Taken together, the present work suggested that DSCAM-AS1 functioned as an oncogenic lncRNA that promoted HCC progression by sponging miR-338-3p.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Degang Ji
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchun 130033, Jilin, China
| | - Guangrui Hu
- Center of Physical Examination, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchun 130033, Jilin, China
| | - Xuanhe Zhang
- Shihezi University221 North Fourth Road, Shihezi 832000, Xinjiang, China
| | - Tianhua Yu
- Department of Blood Transfusion, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchun 130033, Jilin, China
| | - Jinghui Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchun 130033, Jilin, China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Lin Q, Zheng H, Xu J, Zhang F, Pan H. LncRNA SNHG16 aggravates tumorigenesis and development of hepatocellular carcinoma by sponging miR-4500 and targeting STAT3. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:11604-11615. [PMID: 30779219 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.28440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver tumor and becomes a lethal malignancy on account of high mortality and increasing incidence. A growing body of studies has proved that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) participate in the development of diverse cancers. Although it has been commonly accepted that SNHG16 is a procancer gene in numerous cancers, the regulatory mechanism of SNHG16 in HCC still needs more explorations. In this study, our results delineated that SNHG16 presented much higher expression levels in HCC tissues and cells, particularly in advanced stages of HCC. Enhanced SNHG16 expression was strongly related to poor prognosis. SNHG16 facilitated HCC progression by promoting cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition process as well as inhibiting cell apoptosis. SNHG16 served as a sponge for miR-4500 in HCC and miR-4500 neutralized the influences of SNHG16 knockdown on HCC. SNHG16 was confirmed to compete with signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) to bind with miR-4500. SNHG16 aggravated the development of HCC via sponging miR-4500 so as to upregulate STAT3. In other words, this study was the first to investigate the potential mechanism of SNHG16 in HCC and verified SNHG16 exerted its carcinogenesis by miR-4500/STAT3 axis, suggesting SNHG16 may be a new underlying therapeutic target for HCC treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qing Lin
- Clinical Lab, Infectious Disease Hospital of Yantai, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Hongying Zheng
- Clinical Lab, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Jianjun Xu
- Clinical Lab, Qingdao Chengyang People's Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Clinical Lab, Rizhao City Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Rizhao, Shandong, China
| | - Huazheng Pan
- Clinical Lab, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Guo D, Li Y, Chen Y, Zhang D, Wang X, Lu G, Ren M, Lu X, He S. DANCR promotes HCC progression and regulates EMT by sponging miR-27a-3p via ROCK1/LIMK1/COFILIN1 pathway. Cell Prolif 2019; 52:e12628. [PMID: 31038266 PMCID: PMC6668976 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives This research aims to verify that the long non‐coding RNA differentiation antagonizing nonprotein coding RNA (LncRNA DANCR) could modulate the proliferation and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and it thus may work as a novel biomarker to render new orientation for early diagnosis and clinical therapy of HCC. Materials and methods Firstly, qRT‐PCR was used to detect the expression of genes including LncRNA DANCR and miR‐27a‐3p. Next, MTT assay, Ethynyldeoxyuridine (EdU) analysis and clone formation assay were used for investigating cell growth and proliferation. Meanwhile, transwell assay and wound healing assay were applied to evaluate the capacity of cell metastasis and motility, respectively. In addition, bioinformatic analysis and dual‐luciferase reporter assay were applied to analyse molecular interaction. Next, we conducted immunofluorescence and Western blot for mechanic investigation. Last but not the least, xenograft tumours in nude mice were built by subcutaneously injecting Hep3B cells stably transfected with sh‐NC and sh‐DANCR to detect proliferation and SMMC‐7721 cells stably transfected with sh‐NC and sh‐DANCR to investigate metastasis. Results The results of qRT‐PCR and bioinformatic analysis revealed the high expression of DANCR in HCC. DANCR accelerated proliferation and metastasis of HCC cells and the knockdown of DANCR had the opposite effect. Meanwhile, xenograft tumours in sh‐DANCR group grow slower and have smaller volumes compared with negative control group. Next, the antineoplastic effect of miR‐27a‐3p on cell growth and motility of HCC was confirmed. In addition, we clarified that DANCR acted as a ceRNA to decoy miR‐27a‐3p via mediating ROCK1/LIMK1/COFILIN1 pathway. In the end, we validated that DANCR/miR‐27a‐3p axis regulates EMT progression by cell immunofluorescence and Western blot. Conclusions In a word, DANCR promotes HCC development and induces EMT by decoying miR‐27a‐3p to regulate ROCK1/LIMK1/COFILIN1 pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dan Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yarui Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yifei Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Guifang Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Mudan Ren
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xinlan Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shuixiang He
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Long noncoding RNA CYTOR sponges miR-195 to modulate proliferation, migration, invasion and radiosensitivity in nonsmall cell lung cancer cells. Biosci Rep 2018; 38:BSR20181599. [PMID: 30487160 PMCID: PMC6435535 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20181599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Revised: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most frequent malignancies worldwide. Long noncoding RNAs (LncRNAs) play critical roles in cancer initiation and progression. Previous studies have demonstrated that overexpression of cytoskeleton regulator RNA (CYTOR) predicates poor prognosis and promotes tumor progression. However, the functional roles and underlying mechanism of CYTOR in NSCLC remain unknown. In the present study, we found that CYTOR promoted cell proliferation, migration and invasion ability, and induced radioresistance in NSCLC cells. Mechanistically, CYTOR could directly interact with miR-195 and increase its targets. Thus, CYTOR played an oncogenic role in NSCLC progression through sponging miR-195. Together, our study elucidates the role of CYTOR as a microRNA sponge in NSCLC, and CYTOR may be used as a promising therapeutic target for NSCLC treatment.
Collapse
|