lncRNA TSPEAR-AS2, a Novel Prognostic Biomarker, Promotes Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Progression by Upregulating PPM1A via Sponging miR-487a-3p

Targeting TSPEAR-AS2 suppresses tumor growth and interferon signaling in esophageal cancer

Dysregulation of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and interferon signaling contributes to tumorigenesis and progression; however, their crosstalk in tumor biology remains poorly understood. Here, we showed that TSPEAR-AS2, an lncRNA mediated by METTL1, activates the interferon signaling pathway in esophageal cancer (ESCA). Clinically, we conducted a pan-cancer investigation and identified TSPEAR-AS2 as a novel ESCA-related lncRNA that predicts a worse patient prognosis. The high expression of TSPEAR-AS2 was validated in multiple ESCA cohorts, demonstrating that this lncRNA had good diagnostic performance. METTL1, an RNA N7-methylguanosine (m7G) methyltransferase, was positively correlated with TSPEAR-AS2 expression in ESCA tissues, and METTL1 was found to induce TSPEAR-AS2 expression in ESCA cells. Functionally, the up-regulation of TSPEAR-AS2 promoted proliferation, cell cycle progression, migration, and stemness in ESCA cells, whereas its knockdown attenuated these malignant phenotypes. Furthermore, both TSPEAR-AS2 deficiency and antisense oligonucleotide (ASO)-based intratumoral intervention could significantly suppress tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, quantitative proteomic analysis revealed that TSPEAR-AS2 ablation altered the expression of functional proteins related to interferon signaling pathways, such as HLA-E, IRF3, and IFITs. These findings identify a previously unrecognized role of the METTL1/TSPEAR-AS2/interferon signaling axis in ESCA development and suggest that TSPEAR-AS2 is a potential prognostic indicator and therapeutic vulnerability for this malignancy.

Novel insights on oral squamous cell carcinoma management using long non-coding RNAs

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most prevalent forms of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) with a poor overall survival rate (about 50%), particularly in cases of metastasis. RNA-based cancer biomarkers are a relatively advanced concept, and non-coding RNAs currently have shown promising roles in the detection and treatment of various malignancies. This review underlines the function of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the OSCC and its subsequent clinical implications. LncRNAs, a class of non-coding RNAs, are larger than 200 nucleotides and resemble mRNA in numerous ways. However, unlike mRNA, lncRNA regulates multiple druggable and non-druggable signaling molecules through simultaneous interaction with DNA, RNA, proteins, or microRNAs depending on concentration and localization in cells. Upregulation of oncogenic lncRNAs and down-regulation of tumor suppressor lncRNAs are evident in OSCC tissues and body fluids such as blood and saliva indicating their potential as valuable biomarkers. Targeted inhibition of candidate oncogenic lncRNAs or over-expression of tumor suppressor lncRNAs showed potential therapeutic roles in in-vivo animal models. The types of lncRNAs that are expressed differentially in OSCC tissue and bodily fluids have been systematically documented with specificity and sensitivity. This review thoroughly discusses the biological functions of such lncRNAs in OSCC cell survival, proliferation, invasion, migration, metastasis, angiogenesis, metabolism, epigenetic modification, tumor immune microenvironment, and drug resistance. Subsequently, we addressed the diagnostic and therapeutic importance of lncRNAs in OSCC pre-clinical and clinical systems, providing details on ongoing research and outlining potential future directions for advancements in this field. In essence, this review could be a valuable resource by offering comprehensive and current insights into lncRNAs in OSCC for researchers in fundamental and clinical domains.

Hsa_circ_0005050 regulated the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma via miR-487a-3p/CHSY1 axis

Background/purpose

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been identified as potential functional modulators of the cellular physiology processes. This study aims to learn the potential molecular mechanisms of hsa_circ_0005050 (circ_0005050) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Materials and methods

Quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to examine the expression of circ_0005050, miR-487a-3p, and chondroitin sulfate synthase 1 (CHSY1). Dual-luciferase reporter system, RNA pull-down, and RNA Immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays were used to determine the binding between miR-487a-3p and circ_0005050 or CHSY1. Colony formation experiment and EdU assay were used to investigate proliferation. Wound-healing and transwell assays were used to detect the migration of cells. The apoptosis rate of OSCC cells was tested by flow cytometry. Protein levels of related factors were determined by Western blot. Tumor xenograft was established to determine the regulatory role of circ_0005050 on tumor growth in vivo, and Ki-67 expression was detected in this xenograft using Immunohistochemical (IHC).

Results

We implicated that circ_0005050 was apparently upregulated in OSCC tissues cells. In function experiments, repressing of circ_0005050 remarkably retarded OSCC growth in vitro. Furthermore, we conducted dual-luciferase reporter assays and RNA pull-down assays to verify that circ_0005050 sponged miR-487a-3p. Suppression of miR-487a-3p rescued the inhibition of proliferation in SCC15 and SCC25 cells induced by circ_0005050 knockdown. In addition, we found that overexpression of CHSY1 also reversed the inhibitory effect of circ_0005050 silencing on cell proliferation. Moreover, circ_0005050 knockdown inhibited tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusion

Circ_0005050 acted as an oncogenic factor in OSCC progression through miR-487a-3p/CHSY1 axis.

Relationship between M6A methylation regulator and prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization

Background

Patients with mid-stage HCC (hepatocellular carcinoma) may benefit from transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE). However, patient efficacy varies widely, and the detailed assessment index is unknown. The most general methylation alteration in mRNA (Messenger RNA), N6-methyladenosine (m6A), is controlled by the m6A regulator, which is associated with the emergence of tumors. To include the molecular causes of cancer, competition with ceRNA (endogenous RNA) networks is crucial. However, the exact processes they contribute to TACE HCC remain uncertain. The purpose of this study was tantamount to investigating the possible function of ceRNA networks and m6A regulators in patients with TACE HCC.

Methods

Genes Associated with m6A were discovered using the TACE GEO (Gene Expression Omnibus) dataset. An additional estimate of M6A-associated DEGs (differentially expressed genes) was used to create a predictive response model, which is required. LncRNA-miRNA and miRNA-mRNA interactions were then predicted, the regulatory ceRNA network was set up using Cytoscape software, and target genes were identified using GEPIA online analysis. The connection between immunological checkpoints, immune cell marker genes, and target genes for immune cells was also examined.

Results

The detection of 4 m6A-associated DEGs, the development and evaluation of 2 Machine learning models, and the development of risk models that accurately predicted the response rate of specific patients. Additionally, we obtained two miRNAs (micro RNAs)and six lncRNAs (Long non-coding RNAs), forming an 8-pair ceRNA network, and the target gene LRPPRC deletion of one copy number and gene expression was highly correlated with the amount of Tregs immune cells. LRPPRC was related positively with NRP1, IRF5, and ITGAM and negatively with CCR7 and CD8B among immune cell marker genes. We also discovered that LRPPRC correlates positively with immune checkpoint CD274 cells.

Conclusion

The response of HCC patients to TACE therapy may be predicted using a model based on four gene expression data. We also developed a ceRNA network for TACE HCC related to m6A, which offered suggestions for more research into its molecular processes and possible prognostic indicators.

The role of long noncoding RNAs as regulators of the epithelial–Mesenchymal transition process in oral squamous cell carcinoma cells

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a highly invasive and relatively prevalent cancer, accounting for around 3% of all cancers diagnosed. OSCC is associated with bad outcomes, with only 50% overall survival (OS) after five years. The ability of OSCC to invade local and distant tissues relies on the induction of the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), wherein epithelial cells shed their polarity and cell-to-cell contacts and acquire mesenchymal characteristics. Consequently, a comprehensive understanding of how tumor cell EMT induction is regulated has the potential of direct attempts to prevent tumor progression and metastasis, resulting in better patient outcomes. Several recent studies have established the significance of particular long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the context of EMT induction. Moreover, lncRNAs regulate a vast array of oncogenic pathways. With a focus on the mechanisms by which the underlined lncRNAs shape the metastatic process and a discussion of their potential utility as clinical biomarkers or targets for therapeutic intervention in patients with OSCC, the present review thus provides an overview of the EMT-related lncRNAs that are dysregulated in OSCC.

The association of long non-coding RNA in the prognosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Oral cancer is considered one of the most prevalent cancers in India. This is mainly because India suffers from high usage of tobacco, which is one of the main causative agents of oral cancer, and lacks proper health and sexual hygiene in rural areas.

DISCUSSION

Non-coding RNAs are reported to be involved in the various mechanism and causality of cancer. Numerous reports have identified viable prospects connecting non-coding RNA (ncRNA) with cancer. Specific ncRNAs like long non-coding RNA or lncRNAs are recently being prioritized as potential associations in the cause of cancer.

CONCLUSION

This review aims at presenting a concise perspective on the basics and the recent advancements of the lncRNA research pertaining specifically to oral cancer, its recurrence, and the future possibilities of knowledge it might possess.

Long non-coding RNA TTN-AS1/microRNA-199a-3p/runt-related transcription factor 1 gene axis regulates the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has a high degree of malignancy, which affects the quality of life and prognosis of patients with OSCC. Our study aimed to reveal the function of long non-coding RNA TTN-AS1/microRNA-199a-3p (miR-199a-3p)/runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) axis in OSCC progression, thereby providing a novel OSCC effective strategy. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were performed to detect the expression of TTN-AS1, miR-199a-3p, and RUNX1 in OSCC. Several cell functional experiments, including Cell Counting Kit-8, flow cytometry, and cell adhesion assays, were used to assess cell proliferation, apoptosis, adhesion, and migration. A luciferase assay was performed to confirm the interaction between TTN-AS1, miR-199a-3p, and RUNX1. Our results revealed that TTN-AS1 and RUNX1 were upregulated in OSCC tissues and cells, whereas miR-199a-3p expression was downregulated. Knockdown of TTN-AS1 or RUNX1 suppressed cell proliferation, adhesion, and migration but induced apoptosis. Additionally, miR-199a-3p inhibitor partly relieved the effects of silencing TTN-AS1 and RUNX1 in OSCC cells due to their targeting relationship. In conclusion, TTN-AS1 and RUNX1 could promote OSCC progression and miR-199a-3p partly relieved the effects of TTN-AS1 and RUNX1.

Long non-coding RNA LINC01207 promotes cell proliferation and migration but suppresses apoptosis and autophagy in oral squamous cell carcinoma by the microRNA-1301-3p/lactate dehydrogenase isoform A axis

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to participate in the progression of various cancers, including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). This study aims to find out whether lncRNA LINC01207 regulates the progression of OSCC. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was conducted to evaluate gene expression in OSCC cells and tissues. Cell viability, proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and autophagy were detected using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation, Transwell assays, flow cytometry, and western blot analysis. Luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays were conducted to assess the interactions among genes. We found that LINC01207 was overexpressed in OSCC cells and tissues. LINC01207 silencing inhibited OSCC cell proliferation and migration but promoted apoptosis and autophagy, and LINC01207 overexpression had an opposite result. LINC01207 interacted with microRNA-1301-3p (miR-1301-3p) while lactate dehydrogenase isoform A (LHDA) was targeted by miR1301-3p. Effects caused by LINC01207 downregulation on OSCC cells were reversed by overexpression of LDHA. Overall, LINC01207 promotes OSCC progression via the miR-1301-3p/LDHA axis