miR-301b-3p Regulates Breast Cancer Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion by Targeting NR3C2

The multifaceted role of the mineralocorticoid receptor in cancers

The mineralocorticoid receptor (MR/NR3C2) is a member of the family of steroid receptors (SR) which also includes the estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), androgen receptor (AR) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR). They function primarily as nuclear receptors to regulate gene expression. While the other steroid hormone receptors are known to play important roles in the pathogenesis and progression of many cancers, relatively little is understood about the role of MR in cancer biology. This review focuses on examining new insights into the potential roles and mechanisms of action of MR in cancers.

Identification of NR3C2 as a functional diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target in non-small cell lung cancer

Background

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), including the lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) subtypes, is a malignant tumor type with a poor 5-year survival rate. The identification of new powerful diagnostic biomarkers, prognostic biomarkers, and potential therapeutic targets in NSCLC is urgently required.

Methods

The UCSC Xena, UALCAN, and GEO databases were used to screen and analyze differentially expressed genes, regulatory modes, and genetic/epigenetic alterations in NSCLC. The UCSC Xena database, GEO database, tissue microarray, and immunohistochemistry staining analyses were used to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic values. Gain-of-function assays were performed to examine the roles. The ESTIMATE, TIMER, Linked Omics, STRING, and DAVID algorithms were used to analyze potential molecular mechanisms.

Results

NR3C2 was identified as a potentially important molecule in NSCLC. NR3C2 is expressed at low levels in NSCLC, LUAD, and LUSC tissues, which is significantly related to the clinical indexes of these patients. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis suggests that the altered NR3C2 expression patterns have diagnostic value in NSCLC, LUAD, and especially LUSC patients. Decreased NR3C2 expression levels can help predict poor prognosis in NSCLC and LUAD patients but not in LUSC patients. These results have been confirmed both with database analysis and real-world clinical samples on a tissue microarray. Copy number variation contributes to low NR3C2 expression levels in NSCLC and LUAD, while promoter DNA methylation is involved in its downregulation in LUSC. Two NR3C2 promoter methylation sites have high sensitivity and specificity for LUSC diagnosis with clinical application potential. NR3C2 may be a key participant in NSCLC development and progression and is closely associated with the tumor microenvironment and immune cell infiltration. NR3C2 co-expressed genes are involved in many cancer-related signaling pathways, further supporting a potentially significant role of NR3C2 in NSCLC.

Conclusions

NR3C2 is a novel potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in NSCLC.

Psychosocial Stress and MicroRNA Expression Profiles in Myometrial Tissue of Women Undergoing Surgical Treatment for Uterine Fibroids

Uterine leiomyomas (fibroids) are the most common non-cancerous tumors affecting women. Psychosocial stress is associated with fibroid risk and severity. The relationship between psychosocial stress and fibroid pathogenesis may involve alterations in microRNAs (miRNAs) although this has yet to be examined. We investigated associations between two psychosocial stress measures, a composite measure of recent stressful life events and perceived social status, with expression levels of 401 miRNAs in myometrium (n = 20) and fibroids (n = 44; 20 with paired fibroid and myometrium samples) among pre-menopausal women who underwent surgery for fibroid treatment. We used linear regressions to identify psychosocial stressors associated with miRNAs, adjusting for covariates (age, body mass index, race/ethnicity, and oral contraceptive use). The association between psychosocial stressors and miRNAs was considered statistically significant at an FDR p < 0.10 and showed a monotonic response (nominal p-trend < 0.05). In the myometrium, 21 miRNAs were significantly associated with a composite measure of recent stressful events, and two miRNAs were associated with perceived social status. No fibroid miRNAs were associated with either stress measure. Pathway analyses revealed miRNA-mRNA targets were significantly enriched (FDR p < 0.05) in pathways relevant to cancer/tumor development. Of the 74 differentially expressed miRNAs between myometrium and fibroids, miR-27a-5p and miR-301b were also associated with stress exposure. Our pilot analysis suggests that psychosocial stress is associated with myometrial miRNA expression and, thus, may have a role in the pathogenesis of fibroids from healthy myometrium.

MicroRNA 211-5p inhibits cancer cell proliferation and migration in pancreatic cancer by targeting BMP2

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are essential to the tumour growth and metastasis of several cancers. However, the implied functions of miR-211-5p in pancreatic cancer (PC) remains poorly known. In the present study, we discovered that miR-211-5p was a significantly downregulated miRNA in PC tissues compared to adjacent non-tumour tissues. Moreover, we revealed that miR-211-5p overexpression suppressed the proliferation and metastasis of PC cells. Mechanistically, miR-211-5p directly bond to 3'UTR of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP2) and negatively regulated its expression. Rescue experiments showed that the biological function of miR-211-5p was reversed by BMP-2 overexpression in PC cells. Clinical data indicated that BMP2 expression was negatively correlated with miR-211-5p levels in PC patients. Our study provided evidence that miR-211-5p served as a significant suppressor in PC, provided potential targets for prognosis and treatment of patients with PC.

Role of miR-301b-3p/5p in breast cancer: A study based on the cancer GenomeAtlas program (TCGA) and bioinformatics analysis

Background

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancer type of women in the world. miR-301b-3p/5p were paired miRNAs derived from the same pre-miRNA, which may have different clinical roles in tumor and requires more exploration and research.

Methods

In order to investigate the differential expression, clinical significance, diagnostic and prognostic value of miR-301b-3p/5p and explore their function in breast cancer, we extracted information of miRNAs from TCGA data sets for clinical correlation analysis, and the potential function was explored by GO、KEGG enrichment and immunoinfiltration analysis.

Results

miR-301b-3p/5p were both highly expressed in breast cancer, there is a positive correlation between them. miR-301b-3p and miR-301b-5p have different clinical features. In breast cancer, miR-301b-3p can be used as a potential diagnostic marker while miR-301b-5p can be used as a prognostic molecule. GO, KEGG enrichment and immunoinfiltration analysis reveals that miR-301b-3p focuses on molecular functions, miR-301b-5p focuses on regulation of angiogenesis, and it is correlated with immune cells.

Conclusions

miR-301b-3p and miR-301b-5p are both tumor promoter in breast cancer, miR-301b-3p can be used as a potential diagnostic marker, while miR-301b-5p can be used as a prognostic molecule and an underlying therapy target. Although miR-301b-3p/5p is a pair of miRNAs from two arms of the same pre-miRNA, they may promote the progression of breast cancer together through different pathway.

NR3C2 mediates oxidised low-density lipoprotein-induced human coronary endothelial cells dysfunction via modulation of NLRP3 inflammasome activation

Nuclear receptor subfamily 3 group C member 2 (NR3C2) has been revealed to affect the progression of multiple inflammatory diseases, while NR3C2's efficacy in coronary artery disease (CAD) remains largely unsolved. The study intended to elucidate the possible mechanisms of NR3C2 in oxidised low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced inflammation in human coronary endothelial cells (HCAECs) via regulating NACHT, LRR, and PYD domains-containing protein 3 (NLRP3). Patients who underwent CT angiography or coronary angiography for suspected CAD in our hospital were collected. The patients were divided into the CAD and the non-CAD (NCAD) groups. The expression of NR3C2 and NLRP3 in the peripheral blood of patients in both groups was examined by RT-qPCR. HCAECs were treated with ox-LDL to establish the model. The expression of NR3C2 and NLRP3 in ox-LDL-induced HCAECs was tested by RT-qPCR. The proliferation of HCAECs was measured using CCK-8 assay, the apoptosis of HCAECs was assessed by flow cytometry, and the levels of inflammation-related factors IL-1β and IL-18 in the cell supernatant were evaluated by ELISA. The molecular mechanisms of these factors in the proliferation and apoptosis of HCAECs and in the inflammatory response were further determined by knockdown and overexpression systems. The relationship between NR3C2 and NLRP3 was determined by ChIP and luciferase activity assays and bioinformatics analysis. NR3C2 and NLRP3 levels were elevated in the serum of CAD patients. The ox-LDL treatment elevated NR3C2 levels, evoked apoptosis and inflammation, and impeded cell viability in HCAECs, whereas downregulation of NR3C2 increased cell viability and reduced apoptosis and inflammatory response in ox-LDL-induced inflammation in HCAECs. NR3C2 levels were positively correlated with NLRP3, and NR3C2 elevated NLRP3 expression through transcription. Overexpression of NLRP3 counteracted the impacts of silencing NR3C2 on cell viability, cell apoptosis, and inflammatory response in ox-LDL-induced HCAECs. Our research stresses that NR3C2 transcription promotes NLRP3 to induce inflammatory responses in ox-LDL-induced HCAECs.

In silico analysis of differentially expressed-aberrantly methylated genes in breast cancer for prognostic and therapeutic targets

Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of death among women across the globe. Abnormal gene expression plays a crucial role in tumour progression, carcinogenesis and metastasis of BC. The alteration of gene expression may be through aberrant gene methylation. In the present study, differentially expressed genes which may be regulated by DNA methylation and their pathways associated with BC have been identified. Expression microarray datasets GSE10780, GSE10797, GSE21422, GSE42568, GSE61304, GSE61724 and one DNA methylation profile dataset GSE20713 were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus database (GEO). Differentially expressed-aberrantly methylated genes were identified using online Venn diagram tool. Based on fold change expression of differentially expressed-aberrantly methylated genes were chosen through heat map. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of the hub genes was constructed by Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING). Gene expression and DNA methylation level of the hub genes were validated through UALCAN. Overall survival analysis of the hub genes was analysed through Kaplan-Meier plotter database for BC. A total of 72 upregulated-hypomethylated genes and 92 downregulated-hypermethylated genes were obtained from GSE10780, GSE10797, GSE21422, GSE42568, GSE61304, GSE61724, and GSE20713 datasets by GEO2R and Venn diagram tool. PPI network of the upregulated-hypomethylated hub genes (MRGBP, MANF, ARF3, HIST1H3D, GSK3B, HJURP, GPSM2, MATN3, KDELR2, CEP55, GSPT1, COL11A1, and COL1A1) and downregulated-hypermethylated hub genes were constructed (APOD, DMD, RBPMS, NR3C2, HOXA9, AMKY2, KCTD9, and EDN1). All the differentially expressed hub genes expression was validated in UALCAN database. 4 in 13 upregulated-hypomethylated and 5 in 8 downregulated-hypermethylated hub genes to be significantly hypomethylated or hypermethylated in BC were confirmed using UALCAN database (p < 0.05). MANF, HIST1H3D, HJURP, GSK3B, GPSM2, MATN3, KDELR2, CEP55, COL1A1, APOD, RBPMS, NR3C2, HOXA9, ANKMY2, and EDN1 were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with poor overall survival (OS). The identified aberrantly methylated-differentially expressed genes and their related pathways and function in BC can serve as novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.Please confirm if the author names are presented accurately and in the correct sequence (given name, middle name/initial, family name). Author 4 Given name: [Jeewan Ram] Last name [Vishnoi]. Also, kindly confirm the details in the metadata are correct.It is correct.

Validation of prognostic signature and exploring the immune-related mechanisms for NR3C2 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Background

Previous studies have verified that NR3C2 inhibits tumor cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. However, there is a lack of independent validation cohorts for verifying the prognostic value of NR3C2 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), and its underlying antitumor mechanisms remain unclear.

Methods

We first obtained dates from the online public databases. Then R language or online public database was used for bioinformatics analyses to evaluate the effect of NR3C2 on the diagnosis, prognosis, and immune microenvironment in ccRCC patients. Finally, the results were verified by our own cohort and immunofluorescence (IF) staining.

Results

The present study yielded significant findings regarding the expression of NR3C2 in ccRCC compared to control tissues. Specifically, NR3C2 expression was found to be significantly reduced in ccRCC and was observed to be correlated with tumor stage. Additionally, patients with lower NR3C2 expression exhibited shorter overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival, and progress-free survival. Univariable and multivariate Cox analyses further identified NR3C2 expression as an independent prognostic factor for ccRCC. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis demonstrated that NR3C2 was a highly accurate marker for distinguishing tumors from normal kidney tissue, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.959. Further analyses using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis suggested that NR3C2 may play a role in various biological processes and pathways related to tumor immune microenvironment (TIM). The expression of NR3C2 exhibited significant positive correlations with the levels of infiltration of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, as well as an association with immune checkpoints.

Conclusions

Our exploratory study suggested that NR3C2 could serve as a novel biomarker for predicting survival in patients with ccRCC and the molecular mechanisms owe partly to immune cell infiltration.

Prognostic model construction and target identification of Si-Wu-Tang against breast cancer

The targets and mechanisms of Si-Wu-Tang (SWT) against (Breast cancer) BRCA were identified and a survival model and nomogram was construted by network pharmacology, bioinformatic analysis and in vitro experiments. A total of 72 anti-breast cancer SWT targets were selected, among which eleven genes (MAOA、SQLE、CACNA2D1、GLI1、RORB、ITGB3、TACR1、NR3C2、CA3、RBP4 and PTK6) were used to construct a novel prognostic model of breast cancer. The anti-breast cancer activity of SWT was related to the modulation of the receptor tyrosine kinases signaling pathways. Moreover, two compounds, mairin and senkyunone were found to bind directly to ITGB3 and RORB proteins. Finally, mRNA and protein expression of ITGB3 and RORB was observed to be significantly down-regulated after incubation of MCF-7 cells with SWT. Overall, our results indicated that mairin and senkyunone were the key ingredients present in SWT, and ITGB3 as well as RORB proteins were the major targets affected by SWT. The prognostic model can be used to predict the outcome of BRCA patients.

CircSTK39 suppresses the proliferation and invasion of bladder cancer by regulating the miR-135a-5p/NR3C2-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition signaling pathway

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) serve as novel noncoding RNAs that have crucial functions in the development of tumors, including those from bladder cancer (BCa). However, the role and underlying molecular mechanism of circRNAs in mediating the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) processes in BCa have yet to be studied. In this research, we first found a novel circRNA, circSTK39 (termed as has_circ_0001079), which was a downregulated gene based on the results of high-throughput RNA sequencing. Subsequently, we determined that the expression of circSTK39 in BCa tissues and their cell lines was significantly reduced. In addition, lower circSTK39 expression was strongly related to a worse prognosis for BCa patients. Next, we detected the biological functions of circSTK39 by using loss and gain experiments in vitro and in vivo. Ectopic expression of circSTK39 decreased cell proliferation, colony formation, and invasion capacities, while circSTK39 knockdown prevented the above phenotypes. Mechanically, circSTK39 could sponge with miR-135a-5p, thus inhibiting NR3C2-mediated EMT processes in the BCa progression. In conclusion, our results revealed that circSTK39 inhibited EMT of BCa cells through the miR-135a-5p/NR3C2 axis and may provide promising biomarkers for the diagnosis or prospective therapeutic targets for BCa.

Preparation, characterisation, and in vitro cancer-suppression function of RNA nanoparticles carrying miR-301b-3p Inhibitor

BACKGROUND

Multidrug resistance is the biggest barrier on the way to chemotherapy for lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). For some LUAD patients with cisplatin (DDP) resistance and poor prognoses, the authors put forward RNA nanoparticles (NPs) carrying miR-301b-3p Inhibitor.

METHODS

The NPs were composed of miR-301b-3p, A549 aptamer (A549apt), and Cyanine 5 in a bottom-up manner with a 3-way-junction (3WJ) structure. Diameter, assembly process, and morphology of NPs were observed by Dynamic Light Scattering, Native-Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis, and Atomic Force Microscopy. Cell internalisation, toxicity, proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis were assayed by confocal laser scanning microscope, CCK8, colony formation assay, Transwell, western blot, and flow cytometry.

RESULTS

3WJ-apt-miR was evenly distributed, with diameter of 19.61 ± 0.49 nm and triangular branching structures. The accurate delivery of this NP in vivo was ensured by A549 aptamer featuring specific targeting, with smaller side effects than traditional chemotherapy. Such nanomaterials were effectively internalized by cancer cells, with normal cell activity intact. Cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and migration were suppressed, and DDP sensitivity was enhanced, causing DNA damage and facilitating apoptosis of DDP-resistant cells.

CONCLUSION

Based on RNA self-assembling, the authors researched the effect of miRNA on DDP sensitivity in LUAD regarding gene regulation. 3WJ-apt-miR paves the way for clinical tumour therapy.

LncRNA MBNL1-AS1 Suppresses Cell Proliferation and Metastasis of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma through Targeting Carcinogenic miR-301b-3p

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) has been a huge challenge to public health due to its increasing incidence, frequent early metastasis, and poor outcome. The molecular basis of tumorigenesis and metastasis in PAAD is largely unclear. Here, we identified a novel tumor-suppressor long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) MBNL1-AS1, in PAAD and revealed its downstream mechanism. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) data showed that MBNL1-AS1 expression was significantly downregulated in PAAD tissues and cells, which was closely associated with metastasis and poor prognosis. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, transwell assay, and western blot verified that overexpression of MBNL1-AS1 suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT) behavior in PAAD cells. By using a dual luciferase reporter gene system, we confirmed that miR-301b-3p was a direct target of MBNL1-AS1. Further mechanismic study revealed that upregulation of miR-301b-3p abolished the inhibitory effect of MBNL1-AS1 overexpression on cell proliferation, tumorigenesis, migration and EMT. Our results demonstrate that MBNL1-AS1 plays a tumor-suppressive role in PAAD mainly by downregulating miR-301b-3p, providing a novel therapeutic target for PAAD.

miR766-3p and miR124-3p Dictate Drug Resistance and Clinical Outcome in HNSCC

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a highly aggressive disease with poor prognosis, which is mainly due to drug resistance. The biology determining the response to chemo-radiotherapy in HNSCC is poorly understood. Using clinical samples, we found that miR124-3p and miR766-3p are overexpressed in chemo-radiotherapy-resistant (non-responder) HNSCC, as compared to responder tumors. Our study shows that inhibition of miR124-3p and miR766-3p enhances the sensitivity of HNSCC cell lines, CAL27 and FaDu, to 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin (FP) chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In contrast, overexpression of miR766-3p and miR124-3p confers a resistance phenotype in HNSCC cells. The upregulation of miR124-3p and miR766-3p is associated with increased HNSCC cell invasion and migration. In a xenograft mouse model, inhibition of miR124-3p and miR766-3p enhanced the efficacy of chemo-radiotherapy with reduced growth of resistant HNSCC. For the first time, we identified that miR124-3p and miR766-3p attenuate expression of CREBRF and NR3C2, respectively, in HNSCC, which promotes aggressive tumor behavior by inducing the signaling axes CREB3/ATG5 and β-catenin/c-Myc. Since miR124-3p and miR766-3p affect complementary pathways, combined inhibition of these two miRNAs shows an additive effect on sensitizing cancer cells to chemo-radiotherapy. In conclusion, our study demonstrated a novel miR124-3p- and miR766-3p-based biological mechanism governing treatment-resistant HNSCC, which can be targeted to improve clinical outcomes in HNSCC.

Comprehensive Analysis of Ferroptosis- and Immune-Related Signatures to Improve the Prognosis and Diagnosis of Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma

Background

Almost 40% of patients with kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) with advanced cancers eventually develop to metastases, and their 5-year survival rates are approximately 10%. Aberrant DNA methylations are significantly associated with the development of KIRC. The aim of our present study was to identify suitable ferroptosis- and immune-related (FI) biomarkers correlated with aberrant methylations to improve the prognosis and diagnosis of KIRC.

Methods

ChAMP and DESeq2 in R (3.6.2) were used to screen the differentially expressed methylation probes and differentially expressed genes, respectively. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression were used to identify the overall survival (OS)-related biomarkers.

Results

We finally identified five FI biomarkers (CCR4, CMTM3, IFITM1, MX2, and NR3C2) that were independently correlated with the OS of KIRC. The area under the curve value of the receiver operating characteristic value of prognosis model was 0.74, 0.68, and 0.72 in the training, validation, and entire cohorts, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the diagnosis model were 0.8698 and 0.9722, respectively. In addition, the prognosis model was also significantly correlated with several immune cells and factors.

Conclusion

Our present study suggested that these five FI-DEGs (CCR4, CMTM3, IFITM1, MX2, and NR3C2) could be used as prognosis and diagnosis biomarkers for patients with KIRC, but further cross-validation clinical studies are still needed to confirm them.

MicroRNA-301b-3p facilitates cell proliferation and migration in colorectal cancer by targeting HOXB1

Previous studies revealed that miR-301b-3p was essential to the onset and development of several cancers, but the implied functions of miR-301b-3p in colorectal cancer (CRC) remained largely unclear. The current study is aimed to exploring the potential roles and possible mechanism of miR-301b-3p in CRC. The abundance of miR-301b-3p and HOXB1 in CRC clinical specimens and cell lines was verified using RT-qPCR. The CCK-8, colony formation, wound healing and transwell assays were adopted to evaluate cell proliferation and migration. The interactivity of miR-301b-3p and homeobox B1 (HOXB1) was identified using bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase reporter. The results of RT-qPCR indicated that miR-301b-3p was significantly upregulated in CRC clinical specimens and cell lines. Furthermore, overexpression of miR-301b-3p speeds up CRC cell proliferation and migration. Bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase reporter verified that HOXB1 acted as the downstream targeted mRNA. Furthermore, silencing of HOXB1 also obviously accelerated the proliferation and migration ability of CRC cells. miR-301b-3p facilitated cell proliferation and migration in CRC, which was partly reversed by overexpressing HOXB1. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that miR-301b-3p facilitated CRC cell growth and migration via targeting HOXB1. Our results identified that miR-301b-3p served as a significant oncogene in CRC, which may provide a novel biomarker for diagnosis and therapeutic objective for CRC.