MicroRNAs and metastasis: little RNAs go a long way

Molecular Biology of Pediatric and Adult Ovarian Germ Cell Tumors: A Review

Ovarian germ cell tumors (OGCTs) are rare in adults; indeed, they occur predominantly in children, adolescents, and young adults, and they account for approximately 11% of cancer diagnoses in these groups. Because OGCTs are rare tumors, our current understanding of them is sparse; this is because few studies have investigated the molecular basis of pediatric and adult cancers. Here, we review the etiopathogenesis of OGCTs in children and adults, and we address the molecular landscape of these tumors, including integrated genomic analysis, microRNAs, DNA methylation, the molecular implications of treatment resistance, and the development of in vitro and in vivo models. An elucidation of potential molecular alterations may provide a novel field for understanding the pathogenesis, tumorigenesis, diagnostic markers, and genetic peculiarity of the rarity and complexity of OGCTs.

Chondroitin sulfate-based composites: a tour d'horizon of their biomedical applications

Chondroitin sulfate (CS), a natural anionic mucopolysaccharide, belonging to the glycosaminoglycan family, acts as the primary element of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of diverse organisms. It comprises repeating units of disaccharides possessing β-1,3-linked N-acetyl galactosamine (GalNAc), and β-1,4-linked D-glucuronic acid (GlcA), and exhibits antitumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-coagulant, anti-oxidant, and anti-thrombogenic activities. It is a naturally acquired bio-macromolecule with beneficial properties, such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and immensely low toxicity, making it the center of attention in developing biomaterials for various biomedical applications. The authors have discussed the structure, unique properties, and extraction source of CS in the initial section of this review. Further, the current investigations on applications of CS-based composites in various biomedical fields, focusing on delivering active pharmaceutical compounds, tissue engineering, and wound healing, are discussed critically. In addition, the manuscript throws light on preclinical and clinical studies associated with CS composites. A short section on Chondroitinase ABC has also been canvassed. Finally, this review emphasizes the current challenges and prospects of CS in various biomedical fields.

Integrative Bioinformatics Analysis Reveals That miR-524-5p/MEF2C Regulates Bone Metastasis in Prostate Cancer and Breast Cancer

Bone metastases are highly prevalent in patients with advanced prostate cancer and breast cancer and have a serious impact on the survival time and quality of life of these patients. It has been reported that microRNAs (miRNAs) are expressed abnormally in different types of cancer and metastases. However, it remains unknown whether the underlying miRNAs are associated with prostate and breast cancer bone metastasis. Differentially expressed miRNAs (DE-miRNAs) and their potential targets in the metastatic process were identified by bioinformatics analysis. Additionally, qPCR confirmed that the miR-524-5p expression was downregulated in prostate and breast cancer cells. The overexpression of miR-524-5p restrained cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis in prostate and breast cancer cells. Meanwhile, miR-524-5p could target and inhibit the expression of MEF2C, which was verified by a luciferase assay. In conclusion, our data strongly suggest that downregulation of miR-524-5p appears to be a precocious event in prostate and breast cancer, and the miR-524-5p/MEF2C axis plays a novel role in bone metastases from prostate and breast cancers.

MicroRNAs as therapeutic targets in breast cancer metastasis

Breast cancer is a complex disease with multiple risk factors involved in its pathogenesis. Among these factors, microRNAs are considered for playing a fundamental role in the development and progression of malignant breast tumors. In recent years, various studies have demonstrated that several microRNAs exhibit increased or decreased expression in metastatic breast cancer, acting as indicators of metastatic potential in body fluids and tissue samples. The identification of these microRNA expression patterns could prove instrumental for the development of novel therapeutic molecules that either mimic or inhibit microRNA action. Additionally, an efficient delivery system mediated by viral vectors, nonviral carriers, or scaffold biomaterials is a prerequisite for implementing microRNA-based therapies; therefore, this review attempts to highlight essential microRNA molecules involved in the metastatic process of breast cancer and discuss recent advances in microRNA-based therapeutic approaches with potential future applications to the treatment sequence of breast cancer.

Sulforaphane suppresses autophagy during the malignant progression of gastric carcinoma via activating miR-4521/PIK3R3 pathway

OBJECTIVE

Sulforaphane, which exerts an effective anti-cancer ability, is a phytochemical converted from cruciferous plants. Here, we aimed to identify whether sulforaphane could suppress autophagy during the malignant progression of gastric carcinoma and to explore the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

SGC7901 cells were transfected with miR-4521 mimics, inhibitor, and pcDNA3.1-PIK3R3, and treated with sulforaphane or autophagy inhibitor. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, and miR-4521 or PIK3R3 expression were detected.

RESULTS

MiR-4521 over-expression suppressed LC3-II/I ratio and Beclin-1 expression but induced p62 expression in SGC7901 cells. MiR-4521 also reduced gastric carcinoma cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis in vitro. In the mechanical observation, we identified that miR-4521 directly targeted PIK3R3 to repress its expression, and PIK3R3 up-regulation partly antagonized miR-4521-mediated autophagy, proliferation, and apoptosis in gastric carcinoma cells. In addition, sulforaphane exerted effective anti-cancer functions by repressing autophagy and growth in tumor cells at a concentration-dependent way. MiR-4521 inhibition or PIK3R3 over-expression weakened the anti-cancer functions of sulforaphane in gastric carcinoma cells.

CONCLUSION

Consequently, miR-4521 suppressed autophagy during the malignant progression of gastric carcinoma by targeting PIK3R3. Thus, miR-4521 may be applied as a therapeutic target for sulforaphane in gastric carcinoma.

MicroRNA-106a-5p alleviated the resistance of cisplatin in lung cancer cells by targeting Jumonji domain containing 6

BACKGROUND

Cisplatin (DDP) is used for lung cancer therapy. MicroRNAs, small non-coding RNAs, may contribute to tumorigenesis as well as to drug resistance. We examined regulatory functions of miR-106a-5p in DDP-resistant lung cancer cells.

METHODS

Differentially expressed miRNAs were provided by Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets and RT-qPCR examined RNA levels of miR-106a-5p and Jumonji domain-containing protein 6 (JMJD6), an enzyme causing lysine hydroxylation and arginine demethylation. Bindings were determined by luciferase reporter assay. Additionally, the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of DDP was determined through Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) after treated by DDP (0, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50 and 75 μM) and apoptosis rates were analyzed using flow cytometry. Besides that, migratory ability and invasiveness were examined by transwell. Western blot was for measuring protein levels of Bcl-2, Bax in apoptosis and E-cadherin, N-cadherin in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).

RESULTS

The IC₅₀ value of DDP-resistant A549 (A549/DDP) cells was higher, so were migration, invasion and N-cadherin in EMT while the apoptosis and E-cadherin in EMT were lower versus the parental A549 cells (no DDP resistance). MiR-106a-5p was low expressed in A549/DDP cells while its overexpression caused decreased migration, invasiveness and EMT but promoted apoptosis. JMJD6 was directly targeted and negatively regulated by miR-106a-5p. Inhibited JMJD6 decreased migratory ability, invasion and EMT but improved apoptosis. Moreover, knockdown of miR-106a-5p induced high level of JMJD6, migration, invasiveness and EMT but low apoptosis rates, which were restrained by JMJD6 suppression.

CONCLUSION

MiR-106a-5p/JMJD6 axis accelerated cell apoptosis and suppressed invasiveness, migration and EMT in A549/DDP cells.

LentiRILES, a miRNA-ON sensor system for monitoring the functionality of miRNA in cancer biology and therapy

A major unresolved challenge in miRNA biology is the capacity to monitor the spatiotemporal activity of miRNAs expressed in animal disease models. We recently reported that the miRNA-ON monitoring system called RILES (RNAi-inducible expression Luciferase system) implanted in lentivirus expression system (LentiRILES) offers unique opportunity to decipher the kinetics of miRNA activity in vitro, in relation with their intracellular trafficking in glioblastoma cells. In this study, we describe in detail the method for the production of LentiRILES stable cell lines and employed it in several applications in the field of miRNA biology and therapy. We show that LentiRILES is a robust, highly specific and sensitive miRNA sensor system that can be used in vitro as a single-cell miRNA monitoring method, cell-based screening platform for miRNA therapeutics and as a tool to analyse the structure-function relationship of the miRNA duplex. Furthermore, we report the kinetics of miRNA activity upon the intracranial delivery of miRNA mimics in an orthotopic animal model of glioblastoma. This information is exploited to evaluate the tumour suppressive function of miRNA-200c as locoregional therapeutic modality to treat glioblastoma. Our data provide evidence that LentiRILES is a robust system, well suited to resolve the activity of endogenous and exogenously expressed miRNAs from basic research to gene and cell therapy.

The usefulness of microRNA in urine and saliva as a biomarker of gastroenterological cancer

MicroRNA (miR) is a type of short non-coding RNA comprising 21-25 nucleotides. While it has been researched widely, its relationship with cancer was clarified recently and it was found to play a significant role in the development and progression of cancer. Furthermore, miR can remain stable for relatively long periods in the blood by being present in exosomes (extracellular microvesicles) or by forming a complex with the Ago2 protein, which gives rise to cancer-specific miR. It is known that miR can indicate the presence and extent of cancer progression. Several reports have proved that miR in urine and saliva is detected in urinary and oral cancer, respectively, and recent studies have also shown it to be present in cases of gastroenterological cancer, showing evidence of it being a biomarker for cancer. To gather further knowledge on this topic, this review aims to summarize the usefulness of urinary and salivary miR as a biomarker for gastroenterological cancer and discuss its existence, stability mechanism, and direction of future research. The findings will be relevant for physicians and oncologists who routinely treat patients with gastric cancers.

Non-coding RNAs related to angiogenesis in gynecological cancer

Gynecological cancer affects the female reproductive system, including ovarian, uterine, endometrial, cervical, vulvar, and vaginal tumors. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), and in particular microRNAs, function as regulatory molecules, which can control gene expression in a post-transcriptional manner. Normal physiological processes like cellular proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, and pathological processes such as oncogenesis and metastasis are regulated by microRNAs. Numerous reports have shown a direct role of microRNAs in the modulation of angiogenesis in gynecological cancer, via targeting pro-angiogenic factors and signaling pathways. Understanding the molecular mechanism involved in the regulation of angiogenesis by microRNAs may lead to new treatment options. Recently the regulatory role of some long non-coding RNAs in gynecological cancer has also been explored, but the information on this function is more limited. The aim of this article is to explore the pathways responsible for angiogenesis, and to what extent ncRNAs may be employed as biomarkers or therapeutic targets in gynecological cancer.

LncRNA ELFN1-AS1 Promotes Retinoblastoma Growth and Invasion via Regulating miR-4270/SBK1 Axis

Background

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) has been reported to play important roles in tumor initiation. However, how lncRNA ELFN1-AS1 affects retinoblastoma development remains unclear. Thus, we sought to elucidate its functions in retinoblastoma progression.

Methods

ELFN1-AS1 expression was measured in retinoblastoma tissues and normal tissues by qRT-PCR. CCK8, colony formation and Transwell assay were carried out to investigate the effects of ELFN1-AS1 knockdown on cell malignant behaviors. Bioinformatics analyses were performed to predict the relationship among ELFN1-AS1, miR-4270 and SBK1.

Results

ELFN1-AS1 was highly expressed in retinoblastoma tissues and cell lines. ELFN1-AS1 was positively correlated with retinoblastoma progression and prognosis. ELFN1-AS1 knockdown curtailed retinoblastoma proliferation, migration and invasion. ELFN1-AS1 was the competing endogenous RNA for miR-4270 and promoted SBK1expression.

Conclusion

Altogether, our findings demonstrated that ELFN1-AS1 promotes retinoblastoma progression through mediating miR-4270/SBK1 axis and might be a promising therapeutic target.

Hypoxia downregulated miR-4521 suppresses gastric carcinoma progression through regulation of IGF2 and FOXM1

BACKGROUND

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) show considerable promise as therapeutic agents to improve tumor treatment, as they have been revealed as crucial modulators in tumor progression. However, our understanding of their roles in gastric carcinoma (GC) metastasis is limited. Here, we aimed to identify novel miRNAs involved in GC metastasis and explored their regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic significance in GC.

METHODS

The microRNA expression profiles of GC tumors at different stages and at different metastasis statuses were compared respectively using the stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) miRNASeq dataset in TCGA. Using the above method, miR-4521 was picked out for further study. miR-4521 expression in GC tissues was examined by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and in situ hybridization (ISH). Highly and lowly invasive cell sublines were established using a repetitive transwell assay. Gain-of-function and loss-of-function analyses were performed to investigate the functions of miR-4521 and its upstream and downstream regulatory mechanisms in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, we investigated the therapeutic role of miR-4521 in a mouse xenograft model.

RESULTS

In this study, we found that miR-4521 expression was downregulated in GC tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues and that its downregulation was positively correlated with advanced clinical stage, metastasis status and poor patient prognosis. Functional experiments revealed that miR-4521 inhibited GC cell invasion and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Further studies showed that hypoxia repressed miR-4521 expression via inducing ETS1 and miR-4521 mitigated hypoxia-mediated metastasis, while miR-4521 inactivated the AKT/GSK3β/Snai1 pathway by targeting IGF2 and FOXM1, thereby inhibiting the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process and metastasis. In addition, we demonstrated that therapeutic delivery of synthetic miR-4521 suppressed gastric carcinoma progression in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest an important role for miR-4521 in regulating GC metastasis and hypoxic response of tumor cells as well as the therapeutic significance of this miRNA in GC.

MicroRNA-16-1-3p Represses Breast Tumor Growth and Metastasis by Inhibiting PGK1-Mediated Warburg Effect

The Warburg effect (aerobic glycolysis) is a hallmark of cancer and is becoming a promising target for diagnosis and therapy. Phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1) is the first adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-generating glycolytic enzyme in the aerobic glycolysis pathway and plays an important role in cancer development and progression. However, how microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate PGK1-mediated aerobic glycolysis remains unknown. Here, we show that miR-16-1-3p inhibits PGK1 expression by directly targeting its 3′-untranslated region. Through inhibition of PGK1, miR-16-1-3p suppressed aerobic glycolysis by decreasing glucose uptake, lactate and ATP production, and extracellular acidification rate, and increasing oxygen consumption rate in breast cancer cells. Aerobic glycolysis regulated by the miR-16-1-3p/PGK1 axis is critical for modulating breast cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. In breast cancer patients, miR-16-1-3p expression is negatively correlated with PGK1 expression and breast cancer lung metastasis. Our findings provide clues regarding the role of miR-16-1-3p as a tumor suppressor in breast cancer through PGK1 suppression. Targeting PGK1 through miR-16-1-3p could be a promising strategy for breast cancer therapy.

The Role of microRNAs in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Metastasis

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the deadliest gynecological cancer, and the major cause of death is mainly attributed to metastasis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of small non-coding RNAs that exert important regulatory functions in many biological processes through their effects on regulating gene expression. In most cases, miRNAs interact with the 3′ UTRs of target mRNAs to induce their degradation and suppress their translation. Aberrant expression of miRNAs has been detected in EOC tumors and/or the biological fluids of EOC patients. Such dysregulation occurs as the result of alterations in DNA copy numbers, epigenetic regulation, and miRNA biogenesis. Many studies have demonstrated that miRNAs can promote or suppress events related to EOC metastasis, such as cell migration, invasion, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and interaction with the tumor microenvironment. In this review, we provide a brief overview of miRNA biogenesis and highlight some key events and regulations related to EOC metastasis. We summarize current knowledge on how miRNAs are dysregulated, focusing on those that have been reported to regulate metastasis. Furthermore, we discuss the role of miRNAs in promoting and inhibiting EOC metastasis. Finally, we point out some limitations of current findings and suggest future research directions in the field.

Serum exosomal miRNA as biomarkers for Retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma (RB) is a childhood eye tumor, caused by RB1 mutation. Though diagnosing RB is easier, prognosticating RB is limited to examining the patient under anesthesia and imaging technique. The aim of the study is to find exosomal miRNA biomarkers to prognosticate RB. Exosomes were isolated from one control - MIO-M1 and two RB cell lines - WERI-Rb-1 and NCC-RbC-51. Small RNA sequencing was performed on exosomal miRNA isolated from the three cell lines. miRNAs specific to each cell line were shortlisted. A total of 243, 606 and 400 miRNAs were identified in MIO-M1, WERI-Rb-1 and NCC-RbC-51 cell lines respectively. Nine miRNAs were shortlisted based on adjusted p value and literature, MIO-M1 specific (n = 1), WERI-RB-1 specific (n = 2), NCC-RbC-51 specific (n = 2) and miRNAs common to both RB cell lines (n = 4) were chosen. Validation was done using specific Taqman miRNA assays.miRNA validation was carried out on cell lines, cell line derived exosomes, primary RB tissues and exosomes isolated from serum of the RB patients. Validation of the miRNAs in cell lines and exosomes derived from the cell lines, confirmed the sequencing data. However, only 2 miRNAs - hsa-miR-301b-3p and hsa-miR-216b-5p were upregulated in the primary RB tissues. None of the miRNAs had significant expression in the serum exosomes of RB patients. Therefore, serum exosomal miRNA may not be ideal for prognosticating RB.Further research on other body fluids like CSF and vitreous could serve as potential source for biomarkers for prognosticating RB.

Functional Significance and Therapeutic Potential of miRNA-20b-5p in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Novel therapies tailored to the molecular composition mechanism of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) are needed to improve patient survival. miR-20b-5p expression was significantly upregulated in cancerous tissues and associated with lymph node metastasis, clinical stage, and overall survival (OS). An analysis of the methylation status of the miR-20b-5p gene indicated that the hypomethylation of the CpG sites located upstream of the miR-20b-5p gene in the ESCC tissues was more frequent than in the adjacent normal tissues, and the methylation status of miR-20b-5p correlated inversely with its expression levels. Notably, a series of gain- and loss-of-function assays elucidated that miR-20b-5p promoted ESCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion both in vitro and in vivo. Luciferase reporter assays, western blot, and qRT-PCR revealed that RB1 and TP53INP1 were the direct targets of miR-20b-5p. Moreover, the effects of ectopic miR-20b-5p expression were abrogated by RB1 and TP53INP1 overexpression. In contrast, the effects of miR-20b-5p depletion were impaired by RB1 and TP53INP1 knockdown. Treatment with a miR-20b-5p antagomir dramatically increased tumor growth and inhibited RB1 and TP53INP1 protein expression in nude mice. This work provided novel insights on the molecular mechanism of ESCC and further provided suggestions for therapy development.

The long non-coding RNA ILF3-AS1 increases the proliferation and invasion of retinoblastoma through the miR-132-3p/SMAD2 axis

A great deal of evidence suggests that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) function in the tumorigenesis of retinoblastoma (RB). However, the roles of lncRNA ILF3-AS1 in RB are still unclear. In the present study, our work revealed that the lncRNA ILF3-AS1 was increased in both RB tissues and cell lines. Repression of ILF3-AS1 suppressed both RB cell proliferation and invasion in vitro. ILF3-AS1 also promoted tumor growth in vivo. While exploring the mechanisms behind ILF3-AS1 in RB, we identified that ILF3-AS1 sponges with miR-132-3p that is expressed at low levels in RB tissues as well as attenuates RB progression. Furthermore, SMAD2 was confirmed to be a miR-132-3p target. Finally, we found that SMAD2 overexpression or miR-132-3p inhibitors recover the inhibitory effects of ILF3-AS1 suppression on RB progression. Collectively, these data indicate that ILF3-AS1 is involved in RB progression through the miR-132-3p/SMAD2 axis, providing a novel and promising biomarker that can be used for the treatment of RB.

Downregulation of circulating miR 802-5p and miR 194-5p and upregulation of brain MEF2C along breast cancer brain metastasization

Breast cancer brain metastases (BCBMs) have been underinvestigated despite their high incidence and poor outcome. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), and particularly circulating miRNAs, regulate multiple cellular functions, and their deregulation has been reported in different types of cancer and metastasis. However, their signature in plasma along brain metastasis development and their relevant targets remain undetermined. Here, we used a mouse model of BCBM and next‐generation sequencing (NGS) to establish the alterations in circulating miRNAs during brain metastasis formation and development. We further performed bioinformatics analysis to identify their targets with relevance in the metastatic process. We additionally analyzed human resected brain metastasis samples of breast cancer patients for target expression validation. Breast cancer cells were injected in the carotid artery of mice to preferentially induce metastasis in the brain, and samples were collected at different timepoints (5 h, 3, 7, and 10 days) to follow metastasis development in the brain and in peripheral organs. Metastases were detected from 7 days onwards, mainly in the brain. NGS revealed a deregulation of circulating miRNA profile during BCBM progression, rising from 18% at 3 days to 30% at 10 days following malignant cells’ injection. Work was focused on those altered prior to metastasis detection, among which were miR‐802‐5p and miR‐194‐5p, whose downregulation was validated by qPCR. Using targetscan and diana tools, the transcription factor myocyte enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C) was identified as a target for both miRNAs, and its expression was increasingly observed in malignant cells along brain metastasis development. Its upregulation was also observed in peritumoral astrocytes pointing to a role of MEF2C in the crosstalk between tumor cells and astrocytes. MEF2C expression was also observed in human BCBM, validating the observation in mouse. Collectively, downregulation of circulating miR‐802‐5p and miR‐194‐5p appears as a precocious event in BCBM and MEF2C emerges as a new player in brain metastasis development.

Nanomaterials as Inhibitors of Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition in Cancer Treatment

Abstract: Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has emerged as a key regulator of cell invasion and metastasis in cancers. Besides the acquisition of migratory/invasive abilities, the EMT process is tightly connected with the generation of cancer stem cells (CSCs), thus contributing to chemoresistance. However, although EMT represents a relevant therapeutic target for cancer treatment, its application in the clinic is still limited due to various reasons, including tumor-stage heterogeneity, molecular-cellular target specificity, and appropriate drug delivery. Concerning this last point, different nanomaterials may be used to counteract EMT induction, providing novel therapeutic tools against many different cancers. In this review, (1) we discuss the application of various nanomaterials for EMT-based therapies in cancer, (2) we summarize the therapeutic relevance of some of the proposed EMT targets, and (3) we review the potential benefits and weaknesses of each approach.

Inhibition of microRNA-183 expression resists human umbilical vascular endothelial cells injury by upregulating expression of IRS1

Our study aims to investigate the effect of microRNA-183 (miR-183) on human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) injury by targeting IRS1. HUVECs injury was induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL). HUVECs were grouped so as to explore the role of ox-LDL and miR-183 in HUVECs injury, with the expression of miR-183 and IRS1 detected. Additionally, the related factors of oxidative stress and inflammation, as well as angiogenesis ability, proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, invasion, and migration abilities were also measured. Ox-LDL treatment could decrease the activity of HUVECs, increase the level of oxidative stress and inflammation, and induce the HUVECs injury. miR-183 could inhibit the expression of IRS1. The inhibition of miR-183 expression in ox-LDL-induced HUVECs injury could enhance cell activity, inhibit inflammatory level, and thus resist cell injury. Low expression of IRS1 could reverse the inhibition of miR-183 on HUVECs injury. This study highlights that inhibition of miR-183 expression may resist HUVECs injury by upregulating expression of IRS1.

The role of miR-130a-3p and SPOCK1 in tobacco exposed bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B transformed cells: Comparison to A549 and H1299 lung cancer cell lines

In the pathogenesis of human lung cancer induced by tobacco smoke decreased expression levels of microRNAs (miRNAs) are known to occur. At present, the specific miRNAs expression levels reduced by tobacco smoke and subsequent lung cellular transformation remain to be determined. The aim of this study was thus to identify the miRNAs affected following cigarette-smoke exposure in bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells that were malignantly transformed into S30 cells. In addition, the miRNAs in S30 transformed cells were compared to human lung cancer cell lines A549 and H1299. Our results identified miR-130a-3p which was down-regulated in S30 cells as well as A549 and H1299 lung cancer cell lines. Using miRNA mimic, a correlation between elevated miR-130a-3p expression levels and reduced migration in A549 and H1299 cell lines and S30 cells was noted as evidenced by transwell and wound healing assays accompanied by enhanced apoptosis. Further, two online target genes prediction programs TargetScan and miRDB were employed to identify the miRNA target gene SPOCK1 in all three cell types. SPOCK1 expression was higher in unexposed bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells. It is of interest that however silencing SPOCK1 in transformed S30 cells exposed to cigarette-smoke a marked depression in cell migration was noted. Our findings demonstrate that upregulated miR-130a-3p was associated with reduced SPOCK1 expression in transformed S30 as well as lung cancer A549 and H1299 cell lines indicating that cigarette transformed cells behave similar to lung cancer cells and this process involves diminished lung cancer cells migration.

MicroRNA-21 Mediates the Protective Effect of Cardiomyocyte-Derived Conditioned Medium on Ameliorating Myocardial Infarction in Rats

Conditioned medium derived from ischemic myocardium improves rodent cardiac function after myocardial infarction. Exosomal miRNA-mediated intercellular communication is considered to mediate the protective effect of conditioned medium against ischemic injury. Oxygen–glucose-deprivation (OGD)-treated cardiac cells and a rat model with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) were applied. The expression profiles of myocardial-disease-associated miRNAs in cardiomyocytes, cardiac fibroblasts, ventricular myocardium, and conditioned medium derived from cardiomyocytes under ischemic stresses were analyzed. Primary cultured cell model and a rat model with myocardial infarction were applied to examine the role of miRNA in regulating cardiomyocyte apoptosis, fibroblast activation, immune cell infiltration, and myocardial infarction. Results showed that expression levels of miR-21 in cardiomyocytes, cardiac fibroblasts, and conditioned medium (CM) derived from cardiomyocytes were up-regulated with OGD treatment. With the depletion of miR-21, the protective effect of CM on cardiomyocytes against oxidative stress, enhanced fibroblast activation, and promotion of angiogenesis in endothelial cells were reduced. Administration of CM reduced the infarcted size and immune cell infiltration in myocardium of rats with AMI, while depletion of miR-21 reduced the effect of CM. In conclusion, miR-21 plays a role in intercellular communication among ischemic cardiac cells. The expression of miR-21 is important for the protective effect of conditioned medium against myocardial infarction.

Lung-Seeking Metastases

Metastases from different cancer types most often affect the lung parenchyma. Moreover, the lungs are among the most frequent sites of growth of metastatic masses of uncertain/unknown lineage of origin. Thus, with regards to pulmonary neoplastic parenchymal nodules, the critical issue is to determine if they are IN the lung or OF the lung. In this review, we highlight the clinical, instrumental and molecular features which characterize lung metastases, mainly focusing on recently advancing and emerging concepts regarding the metastatic niche, inflammation, angiogenesis, immune modulation and gene expression. A novel issue is related to the analysis of biomechanical forces which cooperate in the expansion of tumor masses in the lungs. We here aim to analyze the biological, genetic and pathological features of metastatic lesions to the lungs, here referred to as site of metastatic growth. This point should be a crucial part of the algorithm for a proper diagnostic and therapeutic approach in the era of personalized medicine.

miR-520d-5p can reduce the mutations in hepatoma cancer cells and iPSCs-derivatives

Background

Human microRNAs (miRNAs) have diverse functions in biology, and play a role in nearly every biological process. Here we report that miR-520d-5p (520d-5p) causes undifferentiated cancer cells to adopt benign or normal status in vivo in immunodeficient mice via demethylation and P53 upregulation. Further we found that 520-5p causes normal cells to elongate cellular lifetime and mesenchymal stem cell-like status with CD105 positivity. We hypothesized that ectopic 520d-5p expression reduced mutations in undifferentiated type of hepatoma (HLF) cells through synergistic modulation of methylation-related enzymatic expression.

Methods

To examine whether there were any changes in mutation status in cells treated with 520d-5p, we performed next generation sequencing (NGS) in HLF cells and human iPSC-derivative cells in pre-mesenchymal stem cell status. We analyzed the data using both genome-wide and individual gene function approaches.

Results

520d-5p induced a shift towards a wild type or non-malignant phenotype, which was regulated by nucleotide mutations in both HLF cells and iPSCs. Further, 520d-5p reduced mutation levels in both the whole genome and genomic fragment assemblies.

Conclusions

Cancer cell genomic mutations cannot be repaired in most contexts. However, these findings suggest that applied development of 520d-5p would allow new approaches to cancer research and improve the quality of iPSCs used in regenerative medicine.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-019-5786-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

MicroRNA-1224 Inhibits Tumor Metastasis in Intestinal-Type Gastric Cancer by Directly Targeting FAK

Intestinal-type gastric cancer (GC) of the Lauren classification system has specific epidemiological characteristics and carcinogenesis patterns. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have prognostic significance, and some can be used as prognostic biomarkers in GC. In this study, we identified miR-1224 as a potential survival-related miRNA in intestinal-type GC patients by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) analysis. Using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), we showed that the relative expression of miR-1224 was significantly decreased in intestinal-type GC tissues compared to matched adjacent normal mucosa tissues (p < 0.01). We found that high miR-1224 expression was associated with no lymph-node metastasis (p < 0.05) and good prognosis (p = 0.028) in 90 intestinal-type GC tissues. Transfection of intestinal-type GC cells with miR-1224 mimics showed that miR-1224 suppressed cell migration in vitro (wound healing assay and Transwell migration assay), whereas the transfection of cells with miR-1224 inhibitor promoted cell migration in vitro. miR-1224 also suppressed intestinal-type GC cell metastasis in a xenograft mouse model. Furthermore, bioinformatics, luciferase reporter, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) studies demonstrated that miR-1224 directly bound to the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) gene, and downregulated its expression, which decreased STAT3 and NF-κB signaling and subsequent the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Repression of FAK is required for the miR-1224-mediated inhibition of cell migration in intestinal-type GC. The present study demonstrated that miR-1224 is downregulated in intestinal-type GC. miR-1224 inhibits the metastasis of intestinal-type GC by suppressing FAK-mediated activation of the STAT3 and NF-κB pathways, and subsequent EMT. miR-1224 could represent an important prognostic factor in intestinal-type GC.

miR-200c/141 Regulates Breast Cancer Stem Cell Heterogeneity via Targeting HIPK1/β-Catenin Axis

Increasing evidence demonstrates the existence of two inter-convertible states of breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) with distinct behaviors in proliferation and mobility, and the BCSC heterogeneity is accurately regulated by sophisticated mechanisms including microRNAs. The microRNA-200 family including miR-200c/141 cluster was reported to affect cancer cell invasion and metastasis by regulating epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, the effect of miR-200 family on BCSC heterogeneity is uncertain. Thus, we investigated whether the miR-200c/141 cluster had different effects on breast tumor growth and metastasis by switching the two states of BCSC.

Methods: The spontaneous mammary tumor mouse model with miR-200c/141 conditional knockout was utilized for analyzing the role of miR-200c/141 cluster in vivo. The effect of miR-200c/141 cluster on BCSCs was performed by CD24/CD29 staining and ALDEFLUOR assay. miR-200c/141 target expression and EMT-related marker expression were verified in tumor sections, primary cells and breast cancer cell lines by qRT-PCR or western blotting. Statistical analysis was determined using two-way ANOVA and Student's t-test. All values were presented as the mean ± s.e.m.

Results: The deletion of miR-200c/141 cluster regulated BCSC heterogeneity and promoted the EMT-like BCSC generation, which resulted in increased tumor metastasis and inhibited tumor growth by directly upregulating the target gene homeodomain-interacting protein kinase 1 (HIPK1) and sequential β-catenin activation.

Conclusions: Our results indicated that miR-200c/141 played biphasic roles in breast tumor progression via affecting the BCSC heterogeneity, suggesting targeting BCSC heterogeneity to simultaneously restrict breast cancer initiation and metastasis could be a promising therapeutic strategy for breast cancer.

Roles of miR-200 family members in lung cancer: more than tumor suppressors

miRNAs are a class of single-stranded noncoding RNAs, which have no coding potential, but modulate many molecular mechanisms including cancer pathogenesis. miRNAs participate in cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, as well as carcinogenesis or cancer progression, and their involvement in lung cancer has been recently shown. They are suggested to have bidirectional functions on important cancer-related genes so as to enhance or attenuate tumor genesis. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a fundamental process which contributes to integrity of organogenesis and tissue differentiation as well as tissue repair, organ fibrosis and the progression of carcinoma, and several miRNAs were suggested to form the network regulating EMT in lung cancer, among which, miR-200 family members (miR-200a, miR-200b, miR-200c, miR-429 and miR-141) play crucial roles in the suppression of EMT.

Melatonin Inhibits the Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma through MicroRNA Let7i-3p Mediated RAF1 Reduction

Melatonin is the main pineal hormone that relays light/dark-cycle information to the circadian system. Recent studies have examined the intrinsic antitumor activity of melatonin in various cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the primary life-threatening malignancy in both sexes in Taiwan. However, the detailed regulatory mechanisms underlying melatonin’s anti-HCC activity remain incompletely understood. Here, we investigated the mechanisms by which the anti-HCC activity of melatonin is regulated. Human hepatoma cell lines were treated with 1 and 2 mM melatonin, and functional assays were used to dissect melatonin’s antitumor effect in HCC; small-RNA sequencing was performed to identify the microRNAs (miRNAs) involved in the anti-HCC activity of melatonin; and quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting were used to elucidate how miRNAs regulate melatonin-mediated HCC suppression. Melatonin treatment at both doses strongly inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion capacities of Huh7 and HepG2 cell lines, and melatonin treatment markedly induced the expression of the miRNA let7i-3p in cells. Notably, transfection of cells with a let7i-3p mimic drastically reduced RAF1 expression and activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling downstream from RAF1, and rescue-assay results demonstrated that melatonin inhibited HCC progression by modulating let7i-3p-mediated RAF1 suppression. Our findings support the view that melatonin treatment holds considerable promise as a therapy for HCC.

miRNA in a multiomic context for diagnosis, treatment monitoring and personalized management of metastatic breast cancer

Metastatic breast cancer is characterized by aggressive spreading to distant organs. Despite huge multilevel research, there are still several important challenges that have to be clarified in the management of this disease. Therefore, recent investigations have implemented a modern, multiomic approach with the aim of identifying specific biomarkers for not only early detection but also to predict treatment responses and metastatic spread. Specific attention is paid to short miRNAs, which regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Aberrant miRNA expression could initiate cancer development, cell proliferation, invasion, migration, metastatic spread or drug resistance. An miRNA signature is, therefore, believed to be a promising biomarker and prediction tool that could be utilized in all phases of carcinogenesis. This article offers comprehensive information about miRNA profiles useful for diagnostic and treatment purposes that may sufficiently advance breast cancer management and improve individual outcomes in the near future.

Downregulated miR-98-5p promotes PDAC proliferation and metastasis by reversely regulating MAP4K4

BACKGROUND

The aberrant expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) has emerged as important hallmarks of cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the differences of miRNA expression remain unclear. Many studies have reported that miR-98-5p plays vital functions in the development and progression of multiple cancers. However, its role in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains unknown.

METHODS

The expression of miR-98-5p and its specific target gene were determined in human PDAC specimens and cell lines by miRNA qRT-PCR, qRT-PCR and western blot. The effects of miR-98-5p depletion or ectopic expression on PDAC proliferation, migration and invasion were evaluated in vitro using CCK-8 proliferation assays, colony formation assays, wound healing assays and transwell assays. Furthermore, the in vivo effects were investigated using the mouse subcutaneous xenotransplantation and pancreatic tail xenotransplantation models. Luciferase reporter assays were employed to identify interactions between miR-98-5p and its specific target gene.

RESULTS

MiR-98-5p expression was significantly lower in cancerous tissues and associated with tumor size, TNM stage, lymph node metastasis and survival. Notably, a series of gain- and loss-of-function assays elucidated that miR-98-5p suppressed PDAC cell proliferation, migration and invasion both in vitro and in vivo. Luciferase reporter assays, western blot and qRT-PCR revealed MAP4K4 to be a direct target of miR-98-5p. The effects of ectopic miR-98-5p were rescued by MAP4K4 overexpression. In contrast, the effects of miR-98-5p depletion were impaired by MAP4K4 knockdown. Furthermore, miR-98-5p suppressed the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway through downregulation of MAP4K4. In addition, the expression level of miR-98-5p was negatively correlated with MAP4K4 expression in PDAC tissues and cell lines.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that downregulation of miR-98-5p promotes tumor development by downregulation of MAP4K4 and inhibition of the downstream MAPK/ERK signaling, thus, highlighting the potential of miR-98-5p as a therapeutic target for PDAC.

The SNAIL/miR-128 axis regulated growth, invasion, metastasis, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of gastric cancer

miR-128 is expressed in various tumors, but its expression and function in gastric cancer have not been defined. Thus, the goal of this study was to characterize miR-128 in gastric cancer. We found first that miR-128 is down-regulated in gastric cancer cell lines and tissues, and this dysregulation is correlated with DNA methylation and the transcription factor SNAIL. Using prediction tools, western blotting, and luciferase reporter assays, we found that Bmi-1 was the direct target of miR-128. Additionally, overexpression of miR-128 inhibited gastric cancer cell migration, invasion, and proliferation by targeting Bmi-1 in vitro and in vivo. We also documented, with receiver operating characteristic curves and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, that miR-128 and Bmi-1 may be useful markers for diagnosing and estimating the prognosis of gastric cancer patients. As the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition is an important mechanism associated with cancer invasion and metastasis, we inferred that miR-128 could regulate this mechanism in gastric cancer. In fact, we found that miR-128 could reverse epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition induced by Bmi-1 via the PI3K/AKT pathway. Because SNAIL also acts as a mesenchymal marker, our findings identified a novel positive feedback loop in which the transcription factor SNAIL curbs the expression of miR-128, and then down-regulated miR-128 promotes the expression of Bmi-1; finally, overexpression of Bmi-1 drives the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition process via the PI3K/AKT pathway, and the expression of SNAIL is up-regulated.

Comparative expression analysis identifies the respiratory transition-related miRNAs and their target genes in tissues of metamorphosing Chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus)

Background

Chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus) undergoes a metamorphosis from aquatic larvae to terrestrial adults, with concomitant transfer of respiration from gills to lungs prior to metamorphosis. These two tissues, as well as skin, were sampled to identify the differentially expressed miRNAs.

Results

High-coverage reference transcriptome was generated from combined gill, lung and skin tissues of metamorphosing juveniles, and lung tissue of adults: 86,282 unigenes with total length of approximately 77,275,634 bp and N50 of 1732 bp were obtained. Among these, 13,246 unigenes were assigned to 288 pathways. To determine the possible involvement of miRNAs in the respiratory transition, small RNA libraries were sequenced; 282 miRNAs were identified, 65 among which were known and 217 novel. Based on the hierarchical clustering analysis, the twelve studied samples were classified into three major clusters using differentially expressed miRNAs. We have validated ten differentially expressed miRNAs and some of their related target genes using qPCR. These results largely corroborated the results of transcriptomic and miRNA analyses. Finally, an miRNA-gene-network was constructed. Among them, two miRNAs with target genes related to oxygen sensing were differentially expressed between gill and lung tissues. Three miRNAs were differentially expressed between the lungs of larvae and lungs of adults.

Conclusions

This study provides the first large-scale miRNA expression profile overview during the respiration transition from gills to lungs in Chinese giant salamander. Five differentially expressed miRNAs and their target genes were identified among skin, gill and lung tissues. These results suggest that miRNA profiles in respiratory tissues play an important role in the regulation of respiratory transition.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-018-4662-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

MiR-22 down-regulates the proto-oncogene ATP citrate lyase to inhibit the growth and metastasis of breast cancer

Breast cancer, the most common malignancy in women worldwide, places a heavy economic burden and mental stress on families and society. Previous research showed that abnormal expression of miRNAs was closely related to the occurrence, metastasis, and angiogenesis of breast cancer. And in this study, the abnormal expression of miR-22 was detected by RT-PCR in the paired breast cancer tissues and adjacent non-tumor tissues. CCK-8 and wound healing assays were performed to evaluate the effects of the proto-oncogene ATP citrate lyase (ACLY) on the growth and metastasis of breast cancer MCF-7 cells. The results showed that miR-22 inhibited the growth and metastasis of MCF-7 cells by down-regulating the expression of ACLY. In conclusion, this study elucidated the roles of miR-22 in regulation of breast cancer differentiation and migration, which provides a target for early diagnose and therapy of breast cancer.

Tumor-promoting properties of miR-8084 in breast cancer through enhancing proliferation, suppressing apoptosis and inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Background

Breast cancer is one of the most frequent malignancies and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women. MicroRNAs play a key role in breast cancer development and progression. microRNA(miR)-8084 has been observed an aberrant expression in breast cancer. However, the functions and regulatory axes of miR-8084, particularly in breast cancer, were not entirely clear.

Methods

miR-8084 expression in breast cancer were investigated in a GEO dataset by in silico analysis and in 42 paired tumor tissues by qPCR. The effects of deregulation of miR-8084 on breast cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro and tumorigenicity in vivo were examined by colony-formation assay, wound healing assay, transwell assay and nude mouse subcutaneous tumor formation model. The target gene of miR-8084 were predicted by TargetScan and miRDB, and confirmed by luciferase reporter system. The roles of miR-8084 in the breast cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) were investigated by MTS, FACS and associated-marker detection by western blot.

Results

miR-8084 is significantly up-regulated in both serum and malignant tissues from the source of breast cancer patients. miR-8084 promotes the proliferation of breast cancer cells by activating ERK1/2 and AKT. Meanwhile miR-8084 inhibits apoptosis by decreasing p53-BAX related pathway. miR-8084 also enhances migration and invasion by inducing EMT. Moreover, the tumor suppressor ING2 is a potential target of miR-8084, and miR-8084 regulatory axes contribute to pro-tumor effect, at least partially through regulating ING2.

Conclusion

Our results strongly suggest that miR-8084 functions as an oncogene that promotes the development and progression of breast cancer, and miR-8084 is a potential new diagnostic marker and therapeutic target of breast cancer.

MiR-200c is a cMyc-activated miRNA that promotes nasopharyngeal carcinoma by downregulating PTEN

The c-Myc transcription factor regulates a complex transcriptional program that leads to cellular transformation by targeting a large number of protein-encoding genes and non-coding RNAs. In this study, we show that a microRNA, miR-200c, is a novel c-Myc target that promotes cellular transformation and metastasis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. MiR-200c achieves this oncogenic effect, at least in part, by targeting and inhibiting the tumor suppressor gene PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog), which is a key inhibitor of the AKT kinase signaling that promotes tumorigenesis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Our study thus identifies cMyc-miR-200c-PTEN-AKT as a functional module that promotes cellular transformation in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

MiR-384 inhibits human colorectal cancer metastasis by targeting KRAS and CDC42

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide. Metastatic progression is a primary factor contributing to lethality of CRC patients. However, the molecular mechanisms forming early local invasion and distant metastatic colonies are still unclear and the present therapeutic approaches for CRC are unsatisfactory. Therefore, novel therapies targeting metastatic invasion that could prevent tumor spreading and recurrence are urgently needed. Our study showed that the decrease of miR-384 was found in 83.0% (83/100) CRC patients. And low-leveled expression of miR-384 was closely correlated with the invasive depth, lymph node and distant metastasis of CRC. Overexpression of miR-384 could inhibit the invasive and migrating abilities of CRC cells in vitro and the metastatic potential in vivo. Luciferase assays showed that miR-384 repressed the expression of Kirsten Ras (KRAS) and Cell division cycle 42 (CDC42) by directly targeting their 3’-untranslated regions. There is functional and mechanistic relationship between miRNA-384 and KRAS, CDC42 in the invasion and metastasis of CRC. And our findings suggest that miR-384could be a potent therapeutic target for CRC. Restoration of miR-384 expression might provide novel therapeutic approach to the reduction of CRC metastasis.

The Role of micro RNAs in Breast Cancer Metastasis: Preclinical Validation and Potential Therapeutic Targets

Despite the approval of several molecular therapies in the last years, breast cancer-associated death ranks as the second highest in women. This is due to metastatic disease, which represents a challenge for treatment. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of metastasis is, therefore, of paramount importance. In this review we summarize the role of micro RNAs (miRs) involved in metastasis of breast cancer. We present an overview on metastasis-promoting, -suppressing and context-dependent miRs with both activities. We have categorized the corresponding miRs according to their target classes, interaction with stromal cells or exosomes. The pathways affected by individual miRs are outlined in regard to in vitro properties, activity in metastasis-related in vivo models and clinical significance. Current approaches that may be suitable for therapeutic inhibition or restauration of miR activity are outlined. Finally, we discuss the delivery bottlenecks which present as a major challenge in nucleic acid (miR)-based therapies.

The relationship of NM23 (NME) metastasis suppressor histidine phosphorylation to its nucleoside diphosphate kinase, histidine protein kinase and motility suppression activities

The NM23/NME gene was identified as a metastasis suppressor. It's re-expression inhibited cancer cell motility and suppressed metastasis, without effecting primary tumor size in multiple model systems. The mechanisms of NME suppression of motility and metastasis are incompletely known. Of particular interest, has been NME histidine 118 phosphorylation, involved in nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDPK) and histidine protein kinase (HPK) activities. Using recently developed monoclonal antibodies to phosphohistidine, we have addressed the correlation of NME phosphohistidine with motility suppression, and distinguished the NDPK and HPK contributions. While general levels of NME correlated with its 1-phosphohistidine form in two cell line model systems, two exceptions were noted: Tumor cells actively migrating in scratch assays, even if expressing high levels of NME1, were low in its 1-phosphohistidine form. Site-directed mutagenesis of NME1 histidine 118 and proline 96 was examined by transfection experiments and partial purification of recombinant proteins. NME1^P96S overexpressing tumor cells exhibited high motility and migration phenotypes despite high 1-phosphohistidine content and NDPK activity; HPK activity using succinate thiokinase as a substrate was poor. The data suggest the importance of NME 1-phosphohistidine levels in potential mechanistic pathways of metastasis suppression and point toward the HPK activity of NME1 downstream of autophosphorylation.

miR-582-5p inhibits invasion and migration of salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma cells by targeting FOXC1

Objective

Neurotropism of salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma (SACC) and pulmonary metastasis may lead to in treatment failure. miR-582-5p plays important roles in tumorigenesis, invasion and migration. Here, we aim to determine the effect of miR-582-5p and its role in SACC invasion and metastasis.

Methods

Six primary human SACC samples and matching adjacent normal tissues were analyzed by microarray analysis. Next, quantitative real-time PCR was carried out to evaluate miR-582-5p expression in 16 primary human SACC samples and matching adjacent normal tissues. Cell invasion and migration were also analyzed, and a luciferase reporter assay and western analysis were conducted. Cell growth and apoptosis assay were performed to confirm the effect of miR-582-5p and Forkhead box C1 (FOXC1) siRNA in cell proliferation and apoptosis. SACC tumorigenesis and metastasis were investigated in vivo experiment. Clinical samples from 110 patients were analyzed using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry.

Results

Microarray analysis revealed that miR-582-5p was significantly downregulated in the SACC samples compared with the matching adjacent normal tissues. Regulation of miR-582-5p expression significantly influenced the migration, invasion and proliferation ability of SACC cells by targeting FOXC1. E-cadherin was increased, while vimentin and snail were decreased with downregulation of FOXC1, suggesting that FOXC1 may regulate the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of SACC cells by transactivating snail. In vivo, miR-582-5p overexpression suppressed the tumorigenesis and pulmonary metastasis of SACC. Lower expression of miR-582-5p expression predicts unfavorable prognoses and high rates of metastasis.

Conclusions

miR-582-5p could suppress effect on the process of invasion and migration in SACC cell lines, and this could occur through its target gene FOXC1.

Simultaneous overexpression of miR-126 and miR-34a induces a superior antitumor efficacy in pancreatic adenocarcinoma

Background

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAC) is one of the most fatal cancers due to its high degree of malignancy, increasing incidence, high mortality, and unsatisfactory treatment efficacy. Evidence has suggested that numerous microRNAs (miRNAs), including miR-126 and miR-34a, have potent tumor-suppressing effects on PAC, implicating a possible application of miRNA in tumor therapy. However, the therapeutic effect of a single miRNA on pancreatic cancer is limited.

Methods

We simultaneously delivered miR-126 and miR-34a into PAC cells by a carcinoembryonic antigen promoter-driven oncolytic adenovirus (AdCEAp-miR126/34a), and examined the antitumor efficacy of the therapeutic system in in vitro and in vivo experiments.

Results

In vitro cytological experiments found that the expression levels of miR-126 and miR-34a were specifically increased in the AdCEAp-miR126/34a-infected PAC cells, and the antitumor efficacy was enhanced in aspects of cancer cell viability, migration, invasion, and apoptosis, by synergistically combining the antitumor effects of overexpressed miR-126 and miR-34a and the oncolytic effect of viral replication specifically in PAC cells. The expression levels of miR-126 target genes (vascular endothelial growth factor-A and SOX2) and miR-34a target genes (cyclin D1, E2F1, and Bcl-2) were markedly decreased in the PAC cells after being infected with AdCEAp-miR126/34a. Notable suppression of the therapeutic system on tumor growth was also proven in established PAC xenograft tumor models in nude mice, which demonstrated that the combination of miR-126 and miR-34a exerts more effective antitumor outcomes than a single miRNA.

Conclusion

The therapeutic system co-expressing miR-126 and miR-34a mediated by oncolytic adenovirus is a promising system for PAC target therapy.

The evolution of chemotherapy for the treatment of prostate cancer

Chemotherapy has been explored as a treatment option for metastatic prostate cancer since the early 1980s. Docetaxel, a taxane chemotherapeutic, was approved for the treatment of men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer in 2004, and is now standard of care for late stage disease. Recent clinical studies demonstrated that patients with metastatic castration-sensitive disease, and possibly those with high-risk localized prostate cancer also benefit from docetaxel administration, expanding the role of chemotherapy in the prostate cancer treatment landscape. Another taxane, cabazitaxel, is approved for post-docetaxel metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Taxanes and other chemotherapeutics, such as carboplatin, are now being tested in combination regimens. This review presents an outline of recent and ongoing clinical studies assessing docetaxel and its derivative cabazitaxel at different stages of the disease, and in various combinations with other agents. We summarize current knowledge on biomarkers predictive of response to chemotherapy, which may in future be used to guide individualized treatment decisions.

MiR-195 suppresses the metastasis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of hepatocellular carcinoma by inhibiting YAP

MiR-195, a novel cancer-related microRNA, was previously reported to play an important role in many malignancies. This study aimed to investigate the role of miR-195 mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) as well as the underlying mechanisms. Our result demonstrated that miR-195 were significantly down regulated in HCC and its decreased expression is associated with poor clinical features of HCC patients. Oppositely, expression level of YAP was significantly higher in HCC tissues, and the level of YAP in metastatic tissues was significantly higher. We also found that a strong inversely association between low level expression of miR-195 and high level of YAP in HCC tissues. Notably, this study confirmed that miR-195, YAP and their combination were valuable predictors for the prognosis of HCC patients. We also explored that miR-195 inhibits HCC growth and metastatic capacity. Mechanistically, we confirm that miR-195 inhibits the migration, invasion and EMT of HCC cells by suppressing YAP. Lastly, we revealed YAP was not only the downstream of miR-195 in HCC, but also mediated the promoting effects of miR-195 on the metastasis and EMT of HCC cells. Taken together, miR-195 inhibits the metastasis and EMT in HCC by targeting YAP. MiR-195/YAP pathway may potentially act as novel biomarker and attractive therapeutic target in HCC.

RhoGDIβ promotes Sp1/MMP-2 expression and bladder cancer invasion through perturbing miR-200c-targeted JNK2 protein translation

Our most recent studies demonstrate that RhoGDIβ is able to promote human bladder cancer (BC) invasion and metastasis in an X‐link inhibitor of apoptosis protein‐dependent fashion accompanied by increased levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐2 protein expression. We also found that RhoGDIβ and MMP‐2 protein expressions are consistently upregulated in both invasive BC tissues and cell lines. In the present study, we show that knockdown of RhoGDIβ inhibited MMP‐2 protein expression accompanied by a reduction of invasion in human BC cells, whereas ectopic expression of RhoGDIβ upregulated MMP‐2 protein expression and promoted invasion as well. The mechanistic studies indicated that MMP‐2 was upregulated by RhoGDIβ at the transcriptional level by increased specific binding of the transcription factor Sp1 to the mmp‐2 promoter region. Further investigation revealed that RhoGDIβ overexpression led to downregulation of miR‐200c, whereas miR‐200c was able directly to target 3′‐UTR of jnk2mRNA and attenuated JNK2 protein translation, which resulted in attenuation of Sp1mRNA and protein expression in turn, inhibiting Sp1‐dependent mmp‐2 transcription. Collectively, our studies demonstrate that RhoGDIβ overexpression inhibits miR‐200c abundance, which consequently results in increases of JNK2 protein translation, Sp1 expression, mmp‐2 transcription, and BC invasion. These findings, together with our previous results showing X‐link inhibitor of apoptosis protein mediating mRNA stabilization of both RhoGDIβ and mmp‐2, reveal the nature of the MMP‐2 regulatory network, which leads to MMP‐2 overexpression and BC invasion.

Tumor suppressor microRNA‑613 inhibits glioma cell proliferation, invasion and angiogenesis by targeting vascular endothelial growth factor A

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non‑coding RNAs which can serve as oncogenes or tumor suppressors in glioma. The present study aimed to investigate the expression of miR‑613 in glioma. Reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‑qPCR) was used to detect miR‑613 in glioma cells and tissues and the relationship between miR‑613 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) A was assessed using a luciferase reporter assay. In addition, glioma cells were transfected with miR‑613 mimics and the mRNA and protein expression of VEGFA was detected using RT‑qPCR and western blot analysis, respectively. The proliferative, invasive and tube formation capabilities of transfected cells were also assessed in vitro. Furthermore, a nude mouse tumor xenograft model was used to investigate the effects of miR‑613 on tumor growth in vivo. The results of the present study demonstrated that the expression of miR‑613 was decreased in glioma cell lines, and was associated with the grade of glioma. Ectopic expression of miR‑613 markedly suppressed glioma cell proliferation and angiogenesis. Furthermore, the upregulation of miR‑613 inhibited tumor angiogenesis and tumor growth in xenografted nude mice in vivo. VEGFA was demonstrated as a direct target of miR‑613, as detected by western blot and luciferase reporter assays, and mediated miR‑613 induced glioma cell proliferation and angiogenesis inhibition.

The combination of miR-122 overexpression and Let-7f silencing induces hepatic differentiation of adipose tissue-derived stem cells

Human adipose tissue-derived stem cells (hADSCs) have been considered as a promising source for cell therapy of liver diseases due to their accessibility, abundance, and expression of hepatocyte markers. Currently, the important role of certain microRNAs (miRNAs) has been reported during hepatic differentiation of stem cells. However, the combination effect of miRNAs on hepatic differentiation of these cells needs to be more investigated. The present study seeks to determine whether the combination of miRNAs can enhance hepatic differentiation of hADSCs in the absence of any other stimulation. First, lentiviral transduction was used to overexpress miR-122 and silence d let-7f in hADSCs for up to 21 days. Then, hepatic functionality was evaluated by analyzing specific hepatocyte genes and biochemical markers at different time points of differentiation induction. Stable miR-122 overexpression and let-7f silencing together in hADSCs resulted in increased expression of hepatocyte markers including ALB, AFP, CK18, CK19, and HNF4a. In addition, urea and albumin production, immunocytochemistry, and glycogen staining confirmed that the treated cells differentiated toward hepatocyte-like cells. Therefore, our findings demonstrate the possibility of using microRNAs to induce hADSCs into functional hepatocyte-like cells.

Chondroitin sulfate-functionalized polyamidoamine as a tumor-targeted carrier for miR-34a delivery

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) was modified on a polyamidoamine dendrimer (PAMAM) through Michael addition to construct a tumor-targeted carrier CS-PAMAM for miR-34a delivery. The derivative CS-PAMAM was demonstrated to achieve an efficient cellular uptake of miR-34a in a CD44-dependent endocytosis way and further facilitate the endosomal escape of miR-34a after 4h. Through the miR-34a delivery, obvious inhibition of cell proliferation could be detected which was attributed to the enhancement of cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, and meanwhile the cell migration and invasion has been observed to be inhibited. Finally, the intravenous injection of CS-PAMAM/miR-34a formulation into mice bearing human lung adenocarcinoma cell A549 xenografts could efficiently inhibit the tumor growth and induce the tumor apoptosis owing to the enhanced accumulation of miR-34a in tumor tissue. Overall, CS-PAMAM is potential to be used as a tumor-targeted oligonucleotide carrier for achieving tumor gene therapy.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

The cationic dendrimer PAMAM was modified by chondroitin sulfate (CS) through Michael addition to construct a tumor-targeted carrier CS-PAMAM for miR-34a delivery. The introduction of CS could achieve an efficient cellular uptake and intracellular transfection of miR-34a in a CD44-dependent endocytosis manner. The miR-34a delivery could execute the anti-proliferation activity by simultaneously inducing cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, and also the anti-migration activity. The CS-PAMAM-mediated systemic delivery of miR-34a showed significant inhibition of tumor growth and induction of tumor apoptosis using a mice model of subcutaneously implanted tumors.

MicroRNA-1296 inhibits metastasis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting SRPK1-mediated PI3K/AKT pathway

Background

Increasing evidences demonstrate that miRNAs contribute to development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Underexpression of miR-1296 is recently reported to promote growth and metastasis of human cancers. However, the expression and role of miR-1296 in HCC remain unknown.

Methods

The levels of miR-1296 in HCC tissues and cells were detected by qRT-PCR. Immunoblotting and immunofluorescence were used for detection of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) progression in HCC cells. Transwell assays were performed to determine migration and invasion of HCC cells. A lung metastasis mouse model was used to evaluated metastasis of HCC in vivo. The putative targets of miR-1296 were disclosed by public databases and a dual-luciferase reporter assay.

Results

We found that the expression of miR-1296 was reduced in HCC tissues and cell lines, and it was associated with metastasis and recurrence of HCC. Notably, miR-1296 overexpression inhibited migration, invasion and EMT progress of HCCLM3 cells, while miR-1296 loss facilitated these biological behaviors of Hep3B cells in vitro and in vivo. In addition, miR-1296 inversely regulated SRPK1 abundance by directly binding to its 3′-UTR, which subsequently resulted in suppression of p-AKT. Either SRPK1 re-expression or PI3K/AKT pathway activation, at least partially, abolished the effects of miR-1296 on migration, invasion and EMT progress of HCC cells. Furthermore, miR-1296 and SRPK1 expression were markedly correlated with adverse clinical features and poor prognosis of HCC patients. We showed that hypoxia was responsible for the underexpression of miR-1296 in HCC. And the promoting effects of hypoxia on metastasis and EMT of HCC cells were reversed by miR-1296.

Conclusions

Underexpression of miR-1296 potentially serves as a prognostic biomarker in HCC. Hypoxia-induced miR-1296 loss promotes metastasis and EMT of HCC cells probably by targeting SRPK1/AKT pathway.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12943-017-0675-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The potential value of microRNA-4463 in the prognosis evaluation in hepatocellular carcinoma

The purpose of this study is to measure the expression of microRNA-4463 and microRNA-6087 between normal persons and patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and to clarify the meaning of them in the prognosis evaluation in HCC. Forty-five samples from healthy people and patients, who had been diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma before any treatment, were collected to study respectively. Real-time PCR was used to detect the expression of miRNA-4463 and miRNA-6087 in the serum of control group and hepatocellular carcinoma patients. The expression of miR-4463 in the serum of HCC patients was significantly higher than that in control group (P < 0.05), and the expression level was independent of gender, tumor size, cell types, stages, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin (TBIL) and HBsAg status (P > 0.05). But there was a significant difference of different level of AFP in HCC (P < 0.05), and the difference between the group of AFP lower than 400 ug/l and the control group is statistically significant (P < 0.05). Besides, the survival time had showed a significant difference at the high and low expression levels (P < 0.05). But the expression level of miRNA-6087 was no difference in HCC and control group. The disorder of miRNA-4463 occurred in HCC, even the AFP level doesn't rises. What's more, patients who get the high level of miRNA-4463 seem to have a shorter survival time. And it contributes great to the prognostic evaluation. This is the first study to illustrate the potential significance of miRNA-4463 in the prognosis in HCC.

MiR-874 inhibits metastasis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting SOX12

MicroRNA-874 (miR-874), a novel cancer-associated microRNA (miRNA), has been reported to play a suppressive role in multiple malignancies. However, its function in cell migration and invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the mechanisms responsible remain unclear. Here, we found miR-874 to be significantly downregulated in HCC tissues and cell lines. Moreover, this decreased expression strongly correlated with clinical stage and lymph node metastasis. Accordingly, ectopic expression of miR-874 in HCC cells markedly inhibited their migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Concerning the underlying mechanism, SRY (sex-determining region Y) -box 12 (SOX12) was identified as a direct target of miR-874, and its expression was found to be inversely correlated with that of this miRNA in HCC cells. Importantly, SOX12 knockdown had an inhibitory effect on HCC cells similar to that caused by miR-874 overexpression, whereas SOX12 overexpression in these cells negated the suppressive effects of miR-874 on migration, invasion, and EMT. Overall, these findings demonstrate that miR-874 inhibits metastasis and EMT in HCC by targeting SOX12, suggesting that this miRNA may constitute a promising therapeutic target for this disease.

Endometrial Stromal and Epithelial Cells Exhibit Unique Aberrant Molecular Defects in Patients With Endometriosis

CONTEXT

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes pain and infertility in women of reproductive age.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the pathologic pathways in endometrial stromal and epithelial cells that contribute to the manifestation of endometriosis.

DESIGN

In vitro cellular and molecular analyses of isolated eutopic endometrial stromal and epithelial cells.

METHODS

Eutopic stromal and epithelial cells from endometriotic and normal patients were isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting for paired sibling RNA sequencing and microRNA microarray. Aberrant pathways were identified using ingenuity pathway analysis networks and confirmed with in vitro modulation of the affected pathways in stromal and epithelial cell cultures.

RESULTS

Both stromal versus epithelial cell types and paired endometriotic versus normal samples exhibited distinct hierarchical clustering. Compared to normal samples, there were 151 and 215 differentially expressed genes in the endometriotic stromal and epithelial populations, respectively, and concomitantly 9 and 16 differentially expressed microRNAs. Overall, endometriotic stromal and epithelial cells revealed distinct defects. In endometriotic stromal cells, key decidualization genes Zinc finger E-box Binding protein 1 (ZEB1), Heart And Neural crest Derivatives expressed 2 (HAND2), WNT4, and Interleukin 15 (IL-15) were found to be downregulated and Periostin (POSTN) and Matrix Metallopeptidase 7 (MMP7) were upregulated. Specifically, ZEB1 was downregulated in stromal cells by aberrant elevation in miR-200b. In contrast, ZEB1 was found to be upregulated in endometriotic epithelial cells through associated upregulation of transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1), inducer of the TGFβ1-Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 (BMP2)-MMP2-Prostaglandin-endoperoxide Synthase 2 (COX2)-ZEB1 pathway, which activates epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

CONCLUSION

Manifestation of endometriosis involves dysregulation of unique molecular pathways within the diseased endometrial stromal and epithelial cells in the endometrium. Targeting the cell type-specific defects may offer a novel approach to treating endometriosis.