MicroRNA-29b Inhibits Angiogenesis by Targeting VEGFA through the MAPK/ERK and PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathways in Endometrial Carcinoma

Diagnostic Value and Molecular Function of MicroRNAs in Endometrial Diseases: A Systematic Review

The human endometrium experiences significant cyclic morphological and biochemical changes throughout the menstrual cycle to prepare for embryo implantation. These processes are meticulously regulated by ovarian steroids and various locally expressed genes, encompassing inflammatory reactions, apoptosis, cell proliferation, angiogenesis, differentiation (tissue formation), and tissue remodeling. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been recognized as crucial regulators of gene expression, with their altered expression being linked to the onset and progression of various disorders, including cancer. This review examines the expression of miRNAs in the endometrium and their potential regulatory roles under pathological conditions such as endometriosis, recurrent implantation failure and endometrial cancer. Given miRNAs' critical role in maintaining gene expression stability, understanding the regulatory mechanisms of endometrial miRNAs and identifying their specific target genes could pave the way for developing preventive and therapeutic strategies targeting specific genes associated with these reproductive disorders.

Release of miR-29 Target Laminin C2 Improves Skin Repair

miRNAs are small noncoding RNAs that regulate mRNA targets in a cell-specific manner. miR-29 is expressed in murine and human skin, where it may regulate functions in skin repair. Cutaneous wound healing model in miR-29a/b1 gene knockout mice was used to identify miR-29 targets in the wound matrix, where angiogenesis and maturation of provisional granulation tissue was enhanced in response to genetic deletion of miR-29. Consistently, antisense-mediated inhibition of miR-29 promoted angiogenesis in vitro by autocrine and paracrine mechanisms. These processes are likely mediated by miR-29 target mRNAs released upon removal of miR-29 to improve cell-matrix adhesion. One of these, laminin (Lam)-c2 (also known as laminin γ2), was strongly up-regulated during skin repair in the wound matrix of knockout mice. Unexpectedly, Lamc2 was deposited in the basal membrane of endothelial cells in blood vessels forming in the granulation tissue of knockout mice. New blood vessels showed punctate interactions between Lamc2 and integrin α6 (Itga6) along the length of the proto-vessels, suggesting that greater levels of Lamc2 may contribute to the adhesion of endothelial cells, thus assisting angiogenesis within the wound. These findings may be of translational relevance, as LAMC2 was deposited at the leading edge in human wounds, where it formed a basal membrane for endothelial cells and assisted neovascularization. These results suggest a link between LAMC2, improved angiogenesis, and re-epithelialization.

Uncovering the Anti-Angiogenic Mechanisms of Centella asiatica via Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation

BACKGROUND

Centella asiatica (CA) has been used to address cancer for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Previous studies demonstrated its anti-angiogenesis efficacy, but the underlying mechanism of its action remains to be further clarified. This study aims to investigate the underlying mechanisms of CA and its triterpenes in anti-angiogenesis for cancer therapeutics through network pharmacology and experimental validation.

METHODS

Cytoscape was used to construct a network of compound-disease targets and protein-protein interactions (PPIs) from which core targets were identified. GO and KEGG analyses were performed using Metascape, and the AutoDock-Vina program was used to realize molecular docking for further verification. Then, VEGF165 was employed to establish an induced angiogenesis model. The anti-angiogenic effects of CA were evaluated through assays measuring cell proliferation, migration, and tubular structure formation.

RESULTS

Twenty-five active ingredients in CA had potential targets for anti-angiogenesis including madecassoside, asiaticoside, madecassic acid, asiatic acid, and asiaticoside B. In total, 138 potential targets for CA were identified, with 19 core targets, including STAT3, SRC, MAPK1, and AKT1. A KEGG analysis showed that CA is implicated in cancer-related pathways, specifically PD-1 and AGE-RAGE. Molecular docking verified that the active components of CA have good binding energy with the first four important targets of angiogenesis. In experimental validation, the extracts and triterpenes of CA improved VEGF165-induced angiogenesis by reducing the proliferation, migration, and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results initially demonstrate the effective components and great anti-angiogenic activity of CA. Evidence of the satisfactory anti-angiogenic action of the extracts and triterpenes from CA was verified, suggesting CA's significant potential as a prospective agent for the therapy of cancer.

Andrographolide inhibits the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells via PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and amino acid metabolism to prevent intimal hyperplasia

Andrographolide (AGP) exerts pharmacological effects when used for the treatment of cardiovascular disease, but the molecular mechanisms underlying its inhibitory effects on the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and intimal hyperplasia (IH) are unknown. The proliferation and migration of VSMCs treated with AGP were examined using the CCK-8, flow cytometry, and wound healing assays. Expression levels of proteins related to cell proliferation and apoptosis were quantified. Multi-omics analysis with RNA-seq and metabolome was used to explore the potential molecular mechanism of AGP treatment. Additionally, an in vivo model was established through ligation of the left common carotid artery to identify the therapeutic potential of AGP in IH. Molecular docking and western blotting were performed to verify the mechanism discovered with multi-omics analysis. The results showed that AGP inhibited the proliferation and migration of cultured VSMCs in a dose-dependent manner and alleviated IH-related vascular stenosis. AGP significantly downregulated the protein levels of CDK1, CCND1, and BCL2 and upregulated the protein level of BAX. Gene expression profiles showed a total of 3,298 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) after AGP treatment, of which 1,709 DEGs had upregulated expression and 1,589 DEGs had downregulated expression. KEGG enrichment analysis highlighted the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, verified with the detection of the activation of PI3K and AKT phosphorylation. Further GO enrichment combined with metabolomics analysis showed that AGP inhibition in cultured VSMCs involved the amino acid metabolic process, and the expression levels of the two key factors PRDM16 and EZH2, identified with PPI and docking analysis, were significantly inhibited by AGP treatment. In conclusion, our study showed that AGP inhibited VSMCs proliferation and migration by suppressing the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and amino acid metabolism, which, in turn, improved IH.

Phosphoinositide 3-kinase as a therapeutic target in angiogenic disease

Phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) generate lipids that control multitudinous intracellular cell signaling events which participate in cell survival and proliferation. In addition, PI3K signaling also contributes to metabolism, immunity, angiogenesis and cardiovascular homeostasis, and many diseases. The diverse actions of PI3K stem from the existence of their various isoforms and a variety of protein effectors. Hence, PI3K isoform-specific inhibitors have already achieved a wonderful effect on treating cancer. Herein, we summarize the molecular mechanism of PI3K inhibitors in preventing the permeability of vessels and neovascularization. Additionally, we briefly illustrate how PI3K signaling modulates blood vessel growth and discuss the different roles that PI3K isoforms play in angiogenesis.

Exploring the Potential of Thymoquinone-Stabilized Selenium Nanoparticles: In HEC1B Endometrial Cancer Cells Revealing Enhanced Anticancer Efficacy

The aim of this research is to examine the potential anticancer properties of thymoquinone (TQ)-encapsulated selenium nanoparticles (TQ-SeNPs) in HEC1B endometrial carcinoma cells. TQ-SeNPs were synthesized, and their size, morphology, and elemental analysis were characterized. Morphological changes were examined by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The cytotoxicity and viability of nanothymoquinone were assessed by the XTT (2,3-bis (2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5 carboxanilide) assay. Gene expressions and protein levels of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway were analyzed by real-time PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. The decrease in the viability of HEC1B endometrial carcinoma cells was observed in a time- and dose-dependent manner. HEC-1B cells were treated with TQ-SeNP at 40-640 μg/mL concentrations and time intervals, and their viability was assessed by XTT assay. IC50 doses of TQ-SeNP in HEC1B cells were detected as 526.45 μg/mL at 48th hour. ELISA indicated that TQ-SeNP treatment reduced the level of p38 MAPK. ERK2, MEK2, and NFKB (p65) mRNA expressions were decreased in the dose group administered TQ-SeNP at the 48th hour compared to that in the control group. However, it was not significant. The novel nanoparticle showed an antiproliferative effect in endometrial cancer cells. However, further studies are needed to increase the anticancer activity of the cell in the TQ-SeNP interaction.

Current advances in nanoformulations of therapeutic agents targeting tumor microenvironment to overcome drug resistance

The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a pivotal role in cancer development and progression. In this line, revealing the precise mechanisms of the TME and associated signaling pathways of tumor resistance could pave the road for cancer prevention and efficient treatment. The use of nanomedicine could be a step forward in overcoming the barriers in tumor-targeted therapy. Novel delivery systems benefit from enhanced permeability and retention effect, decreasing tumor resistance, reducing tumor hypoxia, and targeting tumor-associated factors, including immune cells, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts. Emerging evidence also indicates the engagement of multiple dysregulated mediators in the TME, such as matrix metalloproteinase, vascular endothelial growth factor, cytokines/chemokines, Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, Hedgehog, and related inflammatory and apoptotic pathways. Hence, investigating novel multitargeted agents using a novel delivery system could be a promising strategy for regulating TME and drug resistance. In recent years, small molecules from natural sources have shown favorable anticancer responses by targeting TME components. Nanoformulations of natural compounds are promising therapeutic agents in simultaneously targeting multiple dysregulated factors and mediators of TME, reducing tumor resistance mechanisms, overcoming interstitial fluid pressure and pericyte coverage, and involvement of basement membrane. The novel nanoformulations employ a vascular normalization strategy, stromal/matrix normalization, and stress alleviation mechanisms to exert higher efficacy and lower side effects. Accordingly, the nanoformulations of anticancer monoclonal antibodies and conventional chemotherapeutic agents also improved their efficacy and lessened the pharmacokinetic limitations. Additionally, the coadministration of nanoformulations of natural compounds along with conventional chemotherapeutic agents, monoclonal antibodies, and nanomedicine-based radiotherapy exhibits encouraging results. This critical review evaluates the current body of knowledge in targeting TME components by nanoformulation-based delivery systems of natural small molecules, monoclonal antibodies, conventional chemotherapeutic agents, and combination therapies in both preclinical and clinical settings. Current challenges, pitfalls, limitations, and future perspectives are also discussed.

Engineered nanomaterials enhance drug delivery strategies for the treatment of osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common malignant bone tumor in adolescents, and the clinical treatment of OS mainly includes surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. However, the side effects of chemotherapy drugs are an issue that clinicians cannot ignore. Nanomedicine and drug delivery technologies play an important role in modern medicine. The development of nanomedicine has ushered in a new turning point in tumor treatment. With the emergence and development of nanoparticles, nanoparticle energy surfaces can be designed with different targeting effects. Not only that, nanoparticles have unique advantages in drug delivery. Nanoparticle delivery drugs can not only reduce the toxic side effects of chemotherapy drugs, but due to the enhanced permeability retention (EPR) properties of tumor cells, nanoparticles can survive longer in the tumor microenvironment and continuously release carriers to tumor cells. Preclinical studies have confirmed that nanoparticles can effectively delay tumor growth and improve the survival rate of OS patients. In this manuscript, we present the role of nanoparticles with different functions in the treatment of OS and look forward to the future treatment of improved nanoparticles in OS.

Emerging role of exosome-derived non-coding RNAs in tumor-associated angiogenesis of tumor microenvironment

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is an intricate ecosystem that is actively involved in various stages of cancer occurrence and development. Some characteristics of tumor biological behavior, such as proliferation, migration, invasion, inhibition of apoptosis, immune escape, angiogenesis, and metabolic reprogramming, are affected by TME. Studies have shown that non-coding RNAs, especially long-chain non-coding RNAs and microRNAs in cancer-derived exosomes, facilitate intercellular communication as a mechanism for regulating angiogenesis. They stimulate tumor growth, as well as angiogenesis, metastasis, and reprogramming of the TME. Exploring the relationship between exogenous non-coding RNAs and tumor-associated endothelial cells, as well as their role in angiogenesis, clinicians will gain new insights into treatment as a result.

Combined Metabolite Analysis and Network Pharmacology to Elucidate the Mechanisms of Therapeutic Effect of Melastoma dodecandrum Ellagitannins on Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

The abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is complex and usually leads to severe anemia. Melastomadodecandrum (MD) is clinically used for the treatment of metrorrhagia bleeding. The MD ellagitannins (MD-ETs) had been evidenced being effective at hemorrhage, and exerts biological activities upon their metabolites including ellagic acid and urolithins. In this study, the blood-permeated metabolites from theMD-ETs were analyzed using LC-MS approach, and 19 metabolites including ellagic acid and urolithin A derivatives were identified. Furthermore, a network pharmacology analysis including the target prediction analysis, AUB target analysis, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis were conducted to reveal the relationships between "metabolites-targets-pathways", which was further verified by molecular docking analysis. The results showed that methyl ellagic acid, urolithin A and isourolithin A produced from MD-ETs can be absorbed into the blood, and might act on the core targets of VEGFA, SRC, MTOR, EGFR and CCND1. And the hemostatic effects were exerted through PI3K-Akt, endocrine resistance and Rap 1 signaling pathways. These results implied the potential effective constituents and action mechanism of MD-ETs in the therapy of AUB, which will promote the application of MD-ETs as natural agent for the treatment of gynecological bleeding diseases.

The Role of miRNAs in the Development, Proliferation, and Progression of Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer is one of the most common cancers in developing and developed countries. Although the detection of this cancer is high at the early stages, there is still a lack of markers to monitor the disease, its recurrence, and metastasis. MiRNAs are in charge of the post-transcriptional regulation of genes responsible for the most important biological processes, which is why they are increasingly used as biomarkers in many types of cancer. Many studies have demonstrated the influence of miRNAs on the processes related to carcinogenesis. The characteristics of miRNA expression profiles in endometrial cancer will allow their use as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. This paper focuses on the discussion of selected miRNAs based on the literature and their role in the development of endometrial cancer.

Localized Nanoparticle-Mediated Delivery of miR-29b Normalizes the Dysregulation of Bone Homeostasis Caused by Osteosarcoma whilst Simultaneously Inhibiting Tumor Growth

Patients diagnosed with osteosarcoma undergo extensive surgical intervention and chemotherapy resulting in dismal prognosis and compromised quality of life owing to poor bone regeneration, which is further compromised with chemotherapy delivery. This study aims to investigate if localized delivery of miR-29b-which is shown to promote bone formation by inducing osteoblast differentiation and also to suppress prostate and cervical tumor growth-can suppress osteosarcoma tumors whilst simultaneously normalizing the dysregulation of bone homeostasis caused by osteosarcoma. Thus, the therapeutic potential of microRNA (miR)-29b is studied to promote bone remodeling in an orthotopic model of osteosarcoma (rather than in bone defect models using healthy mice), and in the context of chemotherapy, that is clinically relevant. A formulation of miR-29b:nanoparticles are developed that are delivered via a hyaluronic-based hydrogel to enable local and sustained release of the therapy and to study the potential of attenuating tumor growth whilst normalizing bone homeostasis. It is found that when miR-29b is delivered along with systemic chemotherapy, compared to chemotherapy alone, the therapy provided a significant decrease in tumor burden, an increase in mouse survival, and a significant decrease in osteolysis thereby normalizing the dysregulation of bone lysis activity caused by the tumor.

Inhibiting Angiogenesis by Anti-Cancer Saponins: From Phytochemistry to Cellular Signaling Pathways

Saponins are one of the broadest classes of high-molecular-weight natural compounds, consisting mainly of a non-polar moiety with 27 to 30 carbons and a polar moiety containing sugars attached to the sapogenin structure. Saponins are found in more than 100 plant families as well as found in marine organisms. Saponins have several therapeutic effects, including their administration in the treatment of various cancers. These compounds also reveal noteworthy anti-angiogenesis effects as one of the critical strategies for inhibiting cancer growth and metastasis. In this study, a comprehensive review is performed on electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and ProQuest. Accordingly, the structural characteristics of triterpenoid/steroid saponins and their anti-cancer effects were highlighted, focusing on their anti-angiogenic effects and related mechanisms. Consequently, the anti-angiogenic effects of saponins, inhibiting the expression of genes related to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hypoxia-inducible factor 1-α (HIF-1α) are two main anti-angiogenic mechanisms of triterpenoid and steroidal saponins. The inhibition of inflammatory signaling pathways that stimulate angiogenesis, such as pro-inflammatory cytokines, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs), and phosphoinositide 3-kinases/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), are other anti-angiogenic mechanisms of saponins. Furthermore, the anti-angiogenic and anti-cancer activity of saponins was closely related to the binding site of the sugar moiety, the type and number of their monosaccharide units, as well as the presence of some functional groups in their aglycone structure. Therefore, saponins are suitable candidates for cancer treatment by inhibiting angiogenesis, for which extensive pre-clinical and comprehensive clinical trial studies are recommended.

The various role of microRNAs in breast cancer angiogenesis, with a special focus on novel miRNA-based delivery strategies

After skin malignancy, breast cancer is the most widely recognized cancer detected in women in the United States. Breast cancer (BCa) can happen in all kinds of people, but it's much more common in women. One in four cases of cancer and one in six deaths due to cancer are related to breast cancer. Angiogenesis is an essential factor in the growth of tumors and metastases in various malignancies. An expanded level of angiogenesis is related to diminished endurance in BCa patients. This function assumes a fundamental part inside the human body, from the beginning phases of life to dangerous malignancy. Various factors, referred to as angiogenic factors, work to make a new capillary. Expanding proof demonstrates that angiogenesis is managed by microRNAs (miRNAs), which are small non-coding RNA with 19-25 nucleotides. MiRNA is a post-transcriptional regulator of gene expression that controls many critical biological processes. Endothelial miRNAs, referred to as angiomiRs, are probably concerned with tumor improvement and angiogenesis via regulation of pro-and anti-angiogenic factors. In this article, we reviewed therapeutic functions of miRNAs in BCa angiogenesis, several novel delivery carriers for miRNA-based therapeutics, as well as CRISPR/Cas9 as a targeted therapy in breast cancer.

EVADR ceRNA transcript variants upregulate WNT and PI3K signaling pathways in SW480 and HCT116 cells by sponging miR-7 and miR-29b

Long noncoding RNAs are cancer regulators and EVADR-lncRNA is highly upregulated in colorectal cancer (CRC). Accordingly, we aimed to functionally characterize the EVADR in CRC-originated cells. Firstly, during the amplification of EVADR full-length cDNA (named EVADR-v1), a novel/shorter variant (EVADR-v2) was discovered. Then, RT-qPCR analysis confirmed that EVADR is upregulated in tumors, consistent with RNA-seq analysis. Interestingly, bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase assay verified that EVADR sponges miR-7 and miR-29b. When both EVADR-v1/-v2 variants were overexpressed in SW480/HCT116 cells, miR-7 and miR-29b target genes (involved in the WNT/PI3K signaling) were upregulated. Furthermore, EVADR-v1/-v2 overexpression resulted in elevated PI3K activity (verified by western blotting and RT-qPCR) and upregulation of WNT signaling (confirmed by western blotting, TopFlash assay, and RT-qPCR). Consistently, overexpression of EVADR-v1/-v2 variants was followed by increased cell cycle progression, viability and migration as well as reduced early/late apoptotic rate, and Bax/Bcl2 ratio of the CRC cells, detected by the cell cycle analysis, MTT, wound-healing, Annexin-V/PI, and RT-qPCR methods, respectively. Overall, we introduced two oncogenic transcript variants for EVADR that by sponging miR-7/miR-29b, upregulate WNT and PI3K signaling. Given the crucial role of these pathways in CRC, EVADR may present potential therapy use.

Mechanism Research of Platelet Core Marker Prediction and Molecular Recognition in Cardiovascular Events

BACKGROUND

Thrombosis triggered by platelet activation plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to find platelet combined biomarkers for cardiovascular diseases and investigate the possibility of Concanavalin A (ConA) acting on platelets as a new pharmacological target.

METHODS

High-throughput Technology and bioinformatics analysis were combined and groups of microarray chip gene expression profiles for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and sickle cell disease (SCD) were obtained using GEO database screening. R language limma package was used to obtain differentially expressed genes (DEGs). GO, KEGG, and other databases were utilized to perform the enrichment analysis of DEGs' functions, pathways, etc. PPI network was constructed using STRING database and Cytoscape software, and MCC algorithm was used to obtain the 200 core genes of the two groups of DEGs. Core targets were confirmed by constructing an intersection area screening. A type of molecular probe, ConA, was molecularly docked with the above core targets on the Zdock, HEX, and 3D-DOCK servers.

RESULTS

We found six core markers, CD34, SOCS2, ABL1, MTOR, VEGFA, and SMURF1, which were simultaneously related to both diseases, and the docking effect showed that VEGFA is the best-performing.

CONCLUSION

VEGFA is most likely to reduce its expression by binding to ConA, which could affect the downstream regulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway during platelet activation. Some other core targets also have the opportunity to interact with ConA to affect platelet-activated thrombosis and trigger changes in cardiovascular events.

Exploring the mechanism of Epimedii folium and notoginseng radix against vascular dementia based on network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis: pharmacological mechanisms of EH-PN for VD

To explore the mechanism of Epimedii Folium (HF) and Notoginseng Radix (NR) intervention in vascular dementia (VD). This study used the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database to collect the active ingredients and potential drug targets of HF and NR, the Uniprot database to convert drug target names into gene names, GeneCards, Drugbank, Therapeutic Target Database, and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man database to collect the potential disease targets of VD, and then combined them with the drug targets to construct the HF-NR-VD protein-protein interaction (PPI) network by Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting (STRING). Cytoscape (version 3.7.1) was used to perform cluster analysis of the PPI network. Metascape database was used for Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. The potential interaction of the main components of the HF-NR couplet medicine with core disease targets was revealed by molecular docking simulations. There were 23 predicted active ingredients in HF and NR, and 109 common drug targets that may be involved in the treatment of VD. Through PPI network analysis, 30 proteins were identified as core proteins owing to their topological importance. GO functional analysis revealed that the primary biological processes were mainly related to inflammation, apoptosis, and the response to oxidative stress. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that TNF and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways may occupy the core status in the anti-VD system. Molecular docking results confirmed that the core targets of VD had a high affinity for the main compounds of the HF-NR couplet medicine. We demonstrated the multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway characteristics of HF-NR couplet medicine for the treatment of VD and provided a foundation for further clinical application and experimental research.

Puerarin protects against H2O2-induced apoptosis of HTR-8/SVneo cells by regulating the miR-20a-5p/VEGFA/Akt axis

INTRODUCTION

Preeclampsia seriously affects the health of pregnant women and fetuses. It has been reported that puerarin has a positive therapeutic effect on the treatment of preeclampsia. In this study, oxidative stress-induced trophoblast cell injury was established to explore the potential interaction between puerarin and preeclampsia.

METHODS

A CCK-8 assay was performed to investigate the effect of puerarin on the viability of HTR-8/SVneo cells. To mimic oxidative stress-induced trophoblast cell injury, human villous trophoblasts (HTR-8/SVneo) were treated with H₂O₂. Then, the relationships among MMP2, VEGFA and miR-20a-5p in HTR-8/SVneo cells were confirmed using a dual-luciferase reporter assay. Finally, Western blot assays were performed to measure the expression levels of MMP2, VEGFA, p-Akt, Akt, Bcl-2 and cleaved caspase 3.

RESULTS

In this study, puerarin eliminated H₂O₂-induced cytotoxicity of HTR-8/SVneo cells. In addition, puerarin was able to reverse H₂O₂-induced apoptosis and metastasis inhibition in cells. Meanwhile, puerarin significantly abrogated H₂O₂-induced mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) decline in HTR-8/SVneo cells. And, MMP2 and VEGFA were identified as direct targets of miR-20a-5p. Furthermore, puerarin reversed H₂O₂-induced growth inhibition in HTR-8/SVneo cells by regulating the miR-20a-5p/VEGFA/Akt axis.

DISCUSSION

All these data indicated that puerarin could abolish H₂O₂-induced growth inhibition in HTR-8/SVneo cells by regulating the miR-20a-5p/VEGFA/AKT axis.

MiR-210-3p accelerates tumor-relevant cell functions of endometrial carcinoma by repressing RUNX1T1

BACKGROUND

Biological mechanism of miR-210-3p in endometrial carcinoma (EC) remains unclear. Here, our purpose is to study effects of miR-210-3p on malignant progression of EC.

METHODS

Bioinformatics analysis showed miRNA and mRNA are abnormally expressed in EC tissues. Quantitative real-time fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was utilized to compare miR-210-3p mRNA level in EC cells and tissues. qRT-PCR and western blot were used to measure RUNX1T1 and NCAM1 at mRNA and protein levels, and western blot for p-AKT and AKT proteins related to PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Furthermore, EC cell behaviors were assayed via Cell Counting Kit-8, cell colony formation assay, wound healing, transwell and flow cytometry experiments. Interaction between RUNX1T1 and miR-210-3p was verified through dual-luciferase assay. Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze RUNX1T1 expression in clinical samples RESULTS: MiR-210-3p was considerably upregulated and RUNX1T1 was significantly under-expressed in EC. Overexpression of miR-210-3p stimulated cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and restrained cell apoptosis in EC. Dual-luciferase assay proved that RUNX1T1 was a target gene of miR-210-3p. The level of RUNX1T1 in EC was downregulated after overexpressing miR-210-3p. Rescue assay showed that overexpression of RUNX1T1 had an inhibitory impact on tumor-relevant cell behaviors, whereas overexpression of miR-210-3p rescued such inhibition. Overexpression of RUNX1T1 reduced p-AKT expression, which was restored with concomitantly overexpressed miR-210-3p.

CONCLUSION

In general, miR-210-3p behaves as an oncogene in EC by down-regulating the expression of RUNX1T1. This study elucidates a new functional mechanism in EC, and indicates miR-210-3p an underlying target.

Long non-coding RNAs and microRNAs as crucial regulators in cardio-oncology

Cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Significant improvements in the modern era of anticancer therapeutic strategies have increased the survival rate of cancer patients. Unfortunately, cancer survivors have an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, which is believed to result from anticancer therapies. The emergence of cardiovascular diseases among cancer survivors has served as the basis for establishing a novel field termed cardio-oncology. Cardio-oncology primarily focuses on investigating the underlying molecular mechanisms by which anticancer treatments lead to cardiovascular dysfunction and the development of novel cardioprotective strategies to counteract cardiotoxic effects of cancer therapies. Advances in genome biology have revealed that most of the genome is transcribed into non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), which are recognized as being instrumental in cancer, cardiovascular health, and disease. Emerging studies have demonstrated that alterations of these ncRNAs have pathophysiological roles in multiple diseases in humans. As it relates to cardio-oncology, though, there is limited knowledge of the role of ncRNAs. In the present review, we summarize the up-to-date knowledge regarding the roles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) in cancer therapy-induced cardiotoxicities. Moreover, we also discuss prospective therapeutic strategies and the translational relevance of these ncRNAs.

Construction of an Immune-Autophagy Prognostic Model Based on ssGSEA Immune Scoring Algorithm Analysis and Prognostic Value Exploration of the Immune-Autophagy Gene in Endometrial Carcinoma (EC) Based on Bioinformatics

BACKGROUND

Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is a malignant cancer spreading worldwide and in the fourth position among all other types of cancer in women. The purpose of this paper is to explore the prognostic value of the immune-autophagy gene in endometrial carcinoma (EC) based on bioinformatics, construct an immune-autophagy prognostic model of endometrial carcinoma, search for independent prognostic markers, and finally predict the potential therapeutic drugs of TCGA subgroup.

METHODS

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was used to extract transcriptome sequencing data of patients suffering from EC; 28 kinds of immune cells were scored by ssGSEA, and the immune subtypes were grouped by consistency cluster analysis. The accuracy and effectiveness of the grouping were verified by the analysis of differential gene expression and survival rate of immune checkpoints in the two groups to provide the premise and basis for the establishment of independent prognostic factors. The expression of different genes in high and low immune groups was analyzed. The analysis of various genes' expression in immune groups (high and low) has been performed. Go function annotation and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were used to evaluate the difference of immune infiltration between high and low immune groups. The immune and autophagy genes were crossed, the key (hub) genes were selected, the risk was scored, the prognosis model was constructed, and the independent prognostic markers were established. CAMP and CTRP 2.0 were used to test the drug sensitivity.

RESULTS

According to the level of immune cell enrichment, the results have been subcategorized into two immune subtypes: high immunity group_ H and low immunity group_ L. Two immune subtypes, CD274, PDCD1, and CTLA4, were detected in the immune system_ H and immunity_L. A significant difference was detected between these two groups in the expression and survival rate. Few more differences were also detected between the two groups through the evaluation of immune infiltration, which proved the grouping's accuracy and effectiveness. Differential gene expression analysis showed that there were 721 DEGs and 3 hub genes. DEGs are mainly involved in lymphocyte activation, proliferation, differentiation, leukocyte proliferation, and other biological processes, mediate chemokines' activities, chemokine receptor binding, and other molecular functions, and are enriched in the outer plasma membrane, endoplasmic reticulum, and T cell receptor complex. The enriched pathways are allograft, complex, inflammatory, interferon-alpha, interferon-gamma, E2F, G2M, mitotic, etc.

CONCLUSION

Through bioinformatics analysis, we successfully constructed the immuno-autophagy prognosis model of endometrial cancer and identified three high-risk immunoautophagy genes, including VEGFA, CCL2, and Ifng. Four potential therapeutic drugs were predicted as sildenafil, sunitinib, TPCA-1, and etoposide.

LINC01354/microRNA-216b/KRAS Axis Promotes the Occurrence and Metastasis of Endometrial Cancer

OBJECTIVE

LINC01354 has been defined as a tumor driver in several cancers. Nevertheless, whether LINC01354 involves in endometrial cancer (EC) has been little navigated. Thus, the mechanism of LINC01354 was explored in the disease.

METHODS

Measurements of LINC01354, microRNA (miR)-216b and kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene (KRAS) levels in EC tissues and cells were performed. LINC01354 low expression and miR-216b overexpression vectors were introduced into EC cells (lshikawa), thereby their effects on cell viability, apoptosis, migration and invasion were manifested. Rescue experiments were also carried out by down-regulating LINC01354 and miR-216b spontaneously. Tumorigenesis in vivo was also assessed. The relationships of LINC01354/miR-216b/KRAS were analyzed.

RESULTS

Increased LINC01354 and KRAS and reduced miR-216b levels were measured in EC. Silencing LINC01354 or overexpressing miR-216b retarded EC cellular development. LINC01354 counteracted with miR-216b to target KRAS. Suppression of miR-216b antagonized silenced LINC01354-induced impacts on EC cell development. LINC01354/miR-216b/KRAS axis enhanced tumorigenesis in mice with EC.

CONCLUSION

It is testified that silencing LINC01354 inhibits KRAS by up-regulating miR-216b, thereby discouraging cell malignant phenotype in EC.

LncRNA FGD5-AS1 accelerates intracerebral hemorrhage injury in mice by adsorbing miR-6838-5p to target VEGFA

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) can usually cause severe neuroinflammation and blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage. Previous studies supported the important role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in ICH treatment. This study aimed to explore the effect of lncRNA FGD5 antisense RNA 1 (FGD5-AS1) on ICH and its potential molecular mechanisms. C57BL/6 mice were injected with collagenase VII to establish an ICH mice model. In addition, brain cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (BMVECs) were treated by oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD)/hemin to simulate ICH. RT-qPCR revealed that FGD5-AS1 was upregulated in serum of ICH patients and mice and in OGD/hemin-treated BMVECs. Luciferase reporter gene and pull-down assays predicted and verified that FGD5-AS1 bound to miR-6838-5p, and VEGFA was a target of miR-6838-5p. FGD5-AS1 knockdown decreased the inflammatory factor contents in brain tissues and BMVECs. FGD5-AS1 overexpression inhibited cell proliferation, invasion and tight junction protein levels, and promoted apoptosis, increased the permeability of BBB and secretion of pro-inflammatory factors. In addition, miR-6838-5p knockdown reversed the inhibitory effect of FGD5-AS1 knockdown on the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. In conclusion, FGD5-AS1 may act as an important regulator to promote apoptosis, cell permeability and inflammatory response of BMVECs via the miR-6838-5p/VEGFA axis in ICH mice.

MiRNAs as Anti-Angiogenic Adjuvant Therapy in Cancer: Synopsis and Potential

Angiogenesis is a key mechanism for tumor growth and metastasis and has been a therapeutic target for anti-cancer treatments. Intensive vascular growth is concomitant with the rapidly proliferating tumor cell population and tumor outgrowth. Current angiogenesis inhibitors targeting either one or a few pro-angiogenic factors or a range of downstream signaling molecules provide clinical benefit, but not without significant side effects. miRNAs are important post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression, and their dysregulation has been associated with tumor progression, metastasis, resistance, and the promotion of tumor-induced angiogenesis. In this mini-review, we provide a brief overview of the current anti-angiogenic approaches, their molecular targets, and side effects, as well as discuss existing literature on the role of miRNAs in angiogenesis. As we highlight specific miRNAs, based on their activity on endothelial or cancer cells, we discuss their potential for anti-angiogenic targeting in cancer as adjuvant therapy and the importance of angiogenesis being evaluated in such combinatorial approaches.

Crosstalk between miRNA and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in cancer

Phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway is one of the most important proliferative signaling pathways with critical undeniable function in various aspects of cancer initiation/progression, including proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, angiogenesis, and drug resistance. On the other hand, numerous genetic alterations in the key genes involved in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway have been identified in multiple solid and hematological tumors. In addition, accumulating recent evidences have demonstrated a reciprocal interaction between this signaling pathway and microRNAs, a large group of small non-coding RNAs. Therefore, in this review, it was attempted to discuss about the interaction between key components of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway with various miRNAs and their importance in cancer biology.

Regulatory role of miRNA-23a in diabetic retinopathy

The present study aimed to investigate the expression of microRNA (miRNA)-23a in blood and tear samples from diabetic retinopathy (DR) patients. Blood and tear samples were obtained from 33 patients with proliferative DR. Additionally, a rat model of DR was established. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR was used to determine vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA and miRNA-23a expression levels, while ELISA and western blot analysis were performed to determine protein expression levels. Bioinformatics analysis and dual luciferase reporter assay were used to predict and validate the interaction between miRNA-23a and VEGF and cell proliferative ability was assessed with the MTT assay. In comparison to control patients VEGF mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly elevated in the blood and tear samples from patients with DR, while the expression level of miRNA-23a was significantly reduced. In blood and retinal tissues from a rat model of DR, the mRNA and protein expression levels of VEGF were significantly increased, while the miRNA-23a expression level was significantly decreased relative to controls. Dual luciferase reporter assay showed that miRNA-23a bound to the 3'-untranslated region (UTR) of VEGF. Moreover, over-expression of miRNA-23a significantly reduced the expression level of VEGF and the proliferative activity of human retinal microvascular endothelial cells. The elevated VEGF expression in the blood and tears of patients with DR may be related to the reduced miRNA-23a expression. miRNA-23a may regulate microvascular growth at the retina via VEGF and contribute to DR progression.

A peptide CORO1C-47aa encoded by the circular noncoding RNA circ-0000437 functions as a negative regulator in endometrium tumor angiogenesis

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a novel class of widespread noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression in mammals. Recent studies demonstrate that functional peptides can be encoded by short open reading frames in noncoding RNAs, including circRNAs. However, the role of circRNAs in various physiological and pathological states, such as cancer, is not well understood. In this study, through deep RNA sequencing on human endometrial cancer (EC) samples and their paired adjacent normal tissues, we uncovered that the circRNA hsa-circ-0000437 is significantly reduced in EC compared with matched paracancerous tissue. The hsa-circ-0000437 contains a short open reading frame encoding a functional peptide termed CORO1C-47aa. Overexpression of CORO1C-47aa is capable of inhibiting angiogenesis at the initiation stage by suppressing endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation through competition with transcription factor TACC3 to bind to ARNT and suppress VEGF. CORO1C-47aa directly bound to ARNT through the PAS-B domain, and blocking the association between ARNT and TACC3, which led to reduced expression of VEGF, ultimately lead to reduced angiogenesis. The antitumor effects of CORO1C-47aa on EC progression suggest that CORO1C-47aa has potential value in anticarcinoma therapies and warrants further investigation.

MicroRNAs: Important Players in Breast Cancer Angiogenesis and Therapeutic Targets

The high incidence of breast cancer (BC) is linked to metastasis, facilitated by tumor angiogenesis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that have an essential role in gene expression and are significantly linked to the tumor development and angiogenesis process in different types of cancer, including BC. There's increasing evidence showed that various miRNAs play a significant role in disease processes; specifically, they are observed and over-expressed in a wide range of diseases linked to the angiogenesis process. However, more studies are required to reach the best findings and identify the link among miRNA expression, angiogenic pathways, and immune response-related genes to find new therapeutic targets. Here, we summarized the recent updates on miRNA signatures and their cellular targets in the development of breast tumor angiogenetic and discussed the strategies associated with miRNA-based therapeutic targets as anti-angiogenic response.

miR-29a-3p inhibits endometrial cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion by targeting VEGFA/CD C42/PAK1

Background

This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of miR-29a-3p in regulating endometrial cancer (EC) progression.

Methods

A total of 72 EC patients were enrolled. EC cells were transfected. Cells proliferation, cloning ability, migration and invasion were researched by MTT assay, colony formation experiment, cell scratch test and Transwell experiment respectively. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed. Xenograft experiment was conducted using nude mice. miR-29a-3p, VEGFA, CDC42, PAK1 and p-PAK1 expression in cells/tissues was investigated by qRT-PCR and Western blot.

Results

miR-29a-3p expression was aberrantly reduced in EC patients, which was associated with poor outcome. miR-29a-3p inhibited EC cells proliferation, cloning formation, migration and invasion (P <  0.05 or P <  0.01 or P <  0.001). miR-29a-3p inhibited CDC42/PAK1 signaling pathway activity in EC cells (P <  0.01). VEGFA expression was directly inhibited by miR-29a-3p. miR-29a-3p suppressed EC cells malignant phenotype in vitro and growth in vivo by targeting VEGFA/CDC42/PAK1 signaling pathway (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01).

Conclusion

miR-29a-3p inhibits EC cells proliferation, migration and invasion by targeting VEGFA/CDC42/PAK1 signaling pathway.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-08506-z.

The Role of miRNAs in the Regulation of Endometrial Cancer Invasiveness and Metastasis-A Systematic Review

Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common genital cancer in women with increasing death rates. MiRNAs are short non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression on the post-transcriptional levels. Multiple studies demonstrated a fundamental role of miRNAs in the regulation of carcinogenesis. This systematic review is a comprehensive overview of the role of miRNAs in the regulation of cancer cell invasiveness and metastasis in EC. The literature was searched for studies investigating the role of miRNAs in the regulation of invasiveness and metastasis in EC. We explored PubMed, Embase, and Scopus using the following keywords: miRNA, metastasis, invasiveness, endometrial cancer. Data were collected from 163 articles that described the expression and role of 106 miRNAs in the regulation of EC invasiveness and metastasis out of which 63 were tumor suppressor miRNAs, and 38 were oncomiRNAs. Five miRNAs had a discordant role in different studies. Moreover, we identified 66 miRNAs whose expression in tumor tissue or concentration in serum correlated with at least one clinical parameter. These findings suggest a crucial role of miRNAs in the regulation of EC invasiveness and metastasis and present them as potential prognostic factors for patients with EC.

miR-15b-3p promotes the malignant progression of endometrial cancer cells through targeting KLF2

Human endometrial cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in women with an increased incidence by years. The biological function of miR-15b-3p in endometrial cancer is still unclear. Therefore, this study explores the expression and potential mechanism of miR-15b-3p in endometrial cancer, providing a novel theory basis for targeted therapy. Herein, differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs in endometrial cancer were determined by bioinformatics analysis. qRT-PCR measured expression of miRNAs and mRNAs. The protein expression of mRNA in cells was determined by western blot. MTT, wound healing, and Transwell assays evaluated the biological behavior of cells. Dual luciferase assay validated the targeted relationship between target miRNA and mRNA. miR-15b-3p was highly expressed in endometrial cancer, and overexpression of miR-15b-3p promoted the malignant progression of endometrial cancer cells. KLF2 was a downstream target of miR-15b-3p, and overexpression of KLF2 reversed the facilitation of miR-15b-3p on endometrial cancer cells. miR-15b-3p promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of endometrial cancer cells by targeting KLF2, which made miR-15b-3p a potential diagnostic factor and new molecular therapeutic target for endometrial cancer.

Pro- and Antiangiogenic Factors in Gliomas: Implications for Novel Therapeutic Possibilities

Angiogenesis, a complex, multistep process of forming new blood vessels, plays crucial role in normal development, embryogenesis, and wound healing. Malignant tumors characterized by increased proliferation also require new vasculature to provide an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients for developing tumor. Gliomas are among the most frequent primary tumors of the central nervous system (CNS), characterized by increased new vessel formation. The processes of neoangiogenesis, necessary for glioma development, are mediated by numerous growth factors, cytokines, chemokines and other proteins. In contrast to other solid tumors, some biological conditions, such as the blood–brain barrier and the unique interplay between immune microenvironment and tumor, represent significant challenges in glioma therapy. Therefore, the objective of the study was to present the role of various proangiogenic factors in glioma angiogenesis as well as the differences between normal and tumoral angiogenesis. Another goal was to present novel therapeutic options in oncology approaches. We performed a thorough search via the PubMed database. In this paper we describe various proangiogenic factors in glioma vasculature development. The presented paper also reviews various antiangiogenic factors necessary in maintaining equilibrium between pro- and antiangiogenic processes. Furthermore, we present some novel possibilities of antiangiogenic therapy in this type of tumors.

Angioregulatory microRNAs in breast cancer: Molecular mechanistic basis and implications for therapeutic strategies

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Cancer-associated angiogenesis is a fundamental process in tumor growth and metastasis.

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Angioregulatory miRNA–target gene interaction is not only involved in sprouting vessels of breast tumors but also, trans-differentiation of breast cancer cells to endothelial cells in a process termed vasculogenic mimicry.

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Successful targeting of tumor angiogenesis is still a missing link in the treatment of Breast cancer (BC) due to the low effectiveness of anti-angiogenic therapies in this cancer.

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Response to anti-angiogenic therapeutics are controlled by a miRNAs, so the identification of interaction networks of miRNAs–targets can be applicable in determining anti-angiogeneic therapy and new biomarkers in BC.

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Angioregulatory miRNAs in breast cancer cells and their microenvironment have therapeutic potential in cancer treatment.

Background

Cancer-associated angiogenesis is a fundamental process in tumor growth and metastasis. A variety of signaling regulators and pathways contribute to establish neovascularization, among them as small endogenous non-coding RNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs) play prominent dual regulatory function in breast cancer (BC) angiogenesis.

Aim of Review

This review aims at describing the current state-of-the-art in BC angiogenesis-mediated by angioregulatory miRNAs, and an overview of miRNAs dysregulation association with the anti-angiogenic response in addition to potential clinical application of miRNAs-based therapeutics.

Key Scientific Concepts of Review

Angioregulatory miRNA–target gene interaction is not only involved in sprouting vessels of breast tumors but also, trans-differentiation of BC cells to endothelial cells (ECs) in a process termed vasculogenic mimicry. Using canonical and non-canonical angiogenesis pathways, the tumor cell employs the oncogenic characteristics such as miRNAs dysregulation to increase survival, proliferation, oxygen and nutrient supply, and treatment resistance. Angioregulatory miRNAs in BC cells and their microenvironment have therapeutic potential in cancer treatment. Although, miRNAs dysregulation can serve as tumor biomarker nevertheless, due to the association of miRNAs dysregulation with anti-angiogenic resistant phenotype, clinical benefits of anti-angiogenic therapy might be challenging in BC. Hence, unveiling the molecular mechanism underlying angioregulatory miRNAs sparked a booming interest in finding new treatment strategies such as miRNA-based therapies in BC.

Interleukin-37b inhibits the growth of murine endometriosis-like lesions by regulating proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis and inflammation

Endometriosis is a gynecological disease with abnormal expression of interleukin (IL)-37 which can suppress inflammation and the immune system. Here we investigated the role of the IL-37b splice variant in endometriosis in vivo and in vitro. In a murine model of endometriosis, in vivo administration of IL-37b significantly inhibited the development of lesions judged by the number (P = 0.0213), size (P = 0.0130) and weight (P = 0.0152) of lesions. IL-37b had no effect on the early stage of lesion formation, however administration in the growth stage of lesions decreased the number (P = 0.0158), size (P = 0.0158) and weight (P = 0.0258) of lesions compared with PBS control, an effect that was not reversed by macrophage depletion. Expressions of inflammatory factors, matrix metalloproteinases and vascular endothelial growth factor-A mRNA/protein were significantly inhibited in ectopic lesions following IL-37b administration, and in uterine segments treated in vitro. In vitro treatment of uterine segments with IL-37b inhibited phosphorylation of Akt and Erk1/2 in uterine segments. Isolated mouse endometrial stromal treated with IL-37b and transfected with pIL-37b plasmid got suppressed cell proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis and the expression of inflammatory factors. In addition, transfection with pIL-37b significantly decreased the phosphorylation of Akt and Erk1/2. IL-37b also inhibited proliferation and the expression of inflammatory and angiogenesis factors in epithelial cell line RL95-2. These findings suggest that IL-37b may inhibit the growth of lesions by regulating proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis and inflammation through Akt and Erk1/2 signaling pathway.

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV is required for endometrial carcinoma cell proliferation and tumorigenesis via the IL-6/STAT3 pathway

AIM

To study the functions and signaling pathways controlled by dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV) in endometrial carcinoma (EC).

METHODS

DPPIV expression in EC cells was detected by flow cytometry, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis and Western blot. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression in the supernatant was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The protein levels of signal transducers and activators of transcription-3 (STAT3), phosphorylate STAT3, cellular Myc, and vascular endothelial growth factor in EC cells were measured by Western blot. Colony formation assays were used to assess the clonogenicity of EC cells. Ki67 immunostaining and cell counting were used to test the proliferative ability of EC cells. Nude mouse tumorigenicity assay was used to confirm DPPIV promotes the tumorigenicity of EC cells. A cell counting kit-8 assay was used to determine the half-maximal inhibitory concentration of sitagliptin.

RESULTS

Overexpression of DPPIV in EC cells with low DPPIV expression promoted cell proliferation in vitro (p < 0.01) and enhanced tumorigenicity in vivo (p < 0.05). Conversely, knocking down DPPIV expression in EC cells with high DPPIV expression inhibited cell proliferation (p < 0.01) and in vivo tumorigenicity (p < 0.01). DPPIV promoted EC cell proliferation via activation of IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway, and that IL-6 could trigger a positive feedback loop that increased DPPIV expression (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the DPPIV inhibitor reduced STAT3 expression (p < 0.01) and inhibited growth of EC cells (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

DPPIV enhances the properties that allow tumorigenesis in EC via IL-6 and STAT3 signaling.

Down-regulating NEAT1 inhibited the viability and vasculogenic mimicry formation of sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma cells via miR-195-5p/VEGFA axis

The role of long non-coding RNA nuclear-enriched abundant transcript 1 (lncRNA NEAT1) in sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNSCC) remained obscure. Target genes and potential binding sites of NEAT1, microRNA (miR)-195-5p and VEGFA were predicted using StarBase and TargetScan, and confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to detect the expressions of NEAT1, vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and miR-195-5p. Pearson's correlation analysis of NEAT1, miR-195-5p and VEGFA was conducted. Cell viability, apoptosis and tube formation capability were assessed by MTT assay, flow cytometry and capillary-like tube formation assay, respectively. Expressions of VEGFA and proteins related to the phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase/Protein Kinase B (PI3K/AKT) pathway were measured by Western blot. In SNSCC tissues and cells, the expressions of NEAT1 and VEGFA were up-regulated while the expression of miR-195-5p was down-regulated, and NEAT1 was negatively correlated with miR-195-5p yet positively correlated with VEGFA. Overexpressed VEGFA promoted the viability and capillary-like tube formation of SNSCC cells yet suppressed their apoptosis, while silencing VEGFA led to the opposite results. MiR-195-5p could bind to NEAT1, and down-regulating miR-195-5p reversed the effects of silencing NEAT1 on the expressions of NEAT1 and miR-195-5p, cell viability, apoptosis and capillary-like tube formation as well as PI3K/AKT pathway activation. VEGFA was the target of miR-195-5p, and overexpressed VEGFA reversed the effects of miR-195-5p. Down-regulating NEAT1 inhibited the viability and vasculogenic mimicry formation of SNSCC cells yet promoted their apoptosis via the miR-195-5p/VEGFA axis, providing a possible therapeutic target for SNSCC treatment.

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.

Non-Coding RNAs as Prognostic Markers for Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer (EC) has been classified over the years, for prognostic and therapeutic purposes. In recent years, classification systems have been emerging not only based on EC clinical and pathological characteristics but also on its genetic and epigenetic features. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are emerging as promising markers in several cancer types, including EC, for which their prognostic value is currently under investigation and will likely integrate the present prognostic tools based on protein coding genes. This review aims to underline the importance of the genetic and epigenetic events in the EC tumorigenesis, by expounding upon the prognostic role of ncRNAs.

MicroRNA-15a-5p inhibits endometrial carcinoma proliferation, invasion and migration via downregulation of VEGFA and inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is one of the most common malignant gynecological tumors. Dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) is frequently identified in human tumors, playing key regulatory roles in tumor growth and metastasis. The present study aimed to explore the functions and potential mechanisms of miR-15a-5p in EC progression. RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression levels of miR-15a-5p and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) mRNA. Western blot analysis was performed to examine the expression of related proteins. Functional assays, including proliferation and Transwell assays were performed to determine the roles of miR-15a-5p in EC progression. TargetScan and luciferase reporter assays were used to explore the potential target genes of miR-15a-5p. The results revealed that miR-15a-5p was underexpressed in EC tissue samples in comparison with that in matched normal tissue samples. The expression level of miR-15a-5p was associated with the clinicopathologic characteristics of EC patients. Notably, both in vitro and in vivo assays revealed that miR-15a-5p upregulation significantly inhibited EC growth and metastasis. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis and dual luciferase reporter assay indicated that VEGFA was a candidate target of miR-15a-5p. Mechanistic investigation revealed that miR-15a-5p inhibited EC development via regulation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway and targeting of VEGFA. In summary, the present results demonstrated that miR-15a-5p could inhibit EC development and may serve as a promising therapeutic biomarker in EC.

Control of Gene Expression by Exosome-Derived Non-Coding RNAs in Cancer Angiogenesis and Lymphangiogenesis

Abstract: Tumour angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis are hallmarks of cancer and have been associated with tumour progression, tumour metastasis and poor patient prognosis. Many factors regulate angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in cancer including non-coding RNAs which are a category of RNAs that do not encode proteins and have important regulatory functions at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Non-coding RNAs can be encapsulated in extracellular vesicles called exosomes which are secreted by tumour cells or other cells in the tumour microenvironment and can then be taken up by the endothelial cells of blood vessels and lymphatic vessels. The "delivery" of these non-coding RNAs to endothelial cells in tumours can facilitate tumour angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. Here we review recent findings about exosomal non-coding RNAs, specifically microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs, which regulate tumour angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in cancer. We then focus on the potential use of these molecules as cancer biomarkers and opportunities for exploiting ncRNAs for the treatment of cancer.

MicroRNA-126 enhances the biological function of endothelial progenitor cells under oxidative stress via PI3K/Akt/GSK3β and ERK1/2 signaling pathways

Endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) transplantation is a safe and effective method to treat acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, oxidative stress leads to the death of a large number of EPCs in the early stage of transplantation, severely weakening the therapeutic effect. Previous studies demonstrated that microRNAs regulate the biological function of EPCs. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of microRNA on the biological function of EPCs under oxidative stress. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR was performed to detect the expression of miR-126, miR-508-5p, miR-150, and miR-16 in EPCs from rats, among which miR-126 showed a relatively higher expression. Treatment with H₂O₂ decreased miR-126 expression in EPCs in a dose-dependent manner. EPCs were further transfected with miR-126 mimics or inhibitors, followed by H₂O₂ treatment. Overexpression of miR-126 enhanced the proliferation, migration, and tube formation of H₂O₂-treated EPCs. MiR-126 overexpression also inhibited reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde levels and enhanced superoxide dismutase levels, as well as increased angiopoietin (Ang)1 expression and decreased Ang2 expression in H₂O₂-treated EPCs. Moreover, miR-126 participated in the regulation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) signaling in EPCs, where both pathways were activated after miR-126 overexpression in H₂O₂-treated EPCs. Overall, we showed that miR-126 promoted the biological function of EPCs under H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress by activating the PI3K/Akt/GSK3β and ERK1/2 signaling pathway, which may serve as a new therapeutic approach to treat AMI.

MicroRNA and ER stress in cancer

The development of biological technologies in genomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics has led to the identification and characterization of the complete set of coding genes and their roles in various cellular pathways in cancer. Nevertheless, the cellular pathways have not been fully figured out like a jigsaw puzzle with missing pieces. The discovery of noncoding RNAs including microRNAs (miRNAs) has provided the missing pieces of the cellular pathways. Likewise, miRNAs have settled many questions of inexplicable patches in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress pathways. The ER stress-caused pathways typified by the unfolded protein response (UPR) are pivotal processes for cellular homeostasis and survival, rectifying uncontrolled proteostasis and determining the cell fate. Although various factors and pathways have been studied and characterized, the understanding of the ER stress requires more wedges to fill the cracks of knowledge about the ER stress pathways. Moreover, the roles of the ER stress and UPR are still controversial in cancer despite their strong potential to promote cancer. The noncoding RNAs, in particular, miRNAs aid in a better understanding of the ER stress and its role in cancer. In this review, miRNAs that are the more-investigated subtype of noncoding RNAs are focused on the interpretation of the ER stress in cancer, following the introduction of miRNA and ER stress.

Overexpression of microRNA-29b inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition and angiogenesis of colorectal cancer through the ETV4/ERK/EGFR axis

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have reported the involvement of microRNA-29 (miR-29) family members in human cancers through their ability to regulate cellular functions. The present study investigated biological function of miR-29b in colorectal cancer (CRC).

METHODS

CRC tissues and adjacent normal tissues were collected and the expression of ETV4 and miR-29b in the tissues were identified. The relationship between ETV4 and miR-29b or ETV4 expression and the EGFR promoter was identified using dual-luciferase reporter gene and CHIP assays. The proliferation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis of CRC HCT116 cells were assayed using MTT assay, Scratch test, Transwell assay, and flow cytometry, respectively. Also, expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, angiogenic factors, and vasculogenic mimicry formation were evaluated using RT-qPCR and Western blot.

RESULTS

ETV4 was upregulated, while miR-29b expression was decreased in CRC tissues. ETV4 was identified as a target gene of miR-29b, which in turn inactivated the ERK signaling pathway by targeting ETV4 and inhibiting EGFR transcription. Transfection with miR-29b mimic, siRNA-ETV4, or ERK signaling pathway inhibitor U0126 increased expression of E-cadherin and TSP-1, and CRC cell apoptosis, yet reduced expression of ERK1/2, MMP-2, MMP-9, Vimentin, and VEGF, as well as inhibiting EMT, angiogenesis, and CRC cell migration and invasion. The EMT, angiogenesis and cancer progression induced by miR-29b inhibitor were reversed by siRNA-mediated ETV4 silencing.

CONCLUSIONS

miR-29b suppresses angiogenesis and EMT in CRC via the ETV4/ERK/EGFR axis.

Study on the Mechanism of Prunella Vulgaris L on Diabetes Mellitus Complicated with Hypertension Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Analyses

The role of traditional Chinese medicine Prunella vulagaris L in the treatment of tumors and inflammation has been widely confirmed. We found that some signaling pathways of Prunella vulgaris L action can also regulate diabetes and hypertension, so we decided to study the active ingredients, potential targets and signaling pathway of Prunrlla vulgaris L, and explore the "multi-target, multi-pathway" molecular mechanism of Prunella vulgaris L on diabetes mellitus complicated with hypertension(DH). Methods. Based on TCMSP(Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform) and CNKI(China National Knowledge Infrastructure), the components and action targets related to Prunella vulgaris L were screened. The OMIM(Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man) and GeneCards (The human gene database) were used to search for targets related to DH. The "gene - drug - disease" relationship map was drawn by Cytoscape_v3.7.2 plug-in. The target was amplified by the STRING platform, and the "protein - protein" interaction relationship (PPI) network of the interacting target was obtained by the STRING online analysis platform and the Cytoscape_v3.7.2 plug-in. Finally, GO enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were conducted on David and Metascape platform to study the co-acting targets. Results. 11 active components, 41 key targets and 16 significant signaling pathways were identified from Prunella vulgaris L. The main active components of Prunella vulgaris L against DH were quercetin and kaumferol, etc, and potential action targets were IL-6 and INS, etc and signaling pathways were AGE-RAGE signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, etc. It involves in biological processes such as cell proliferation, apoptosis and inflammatory response. Conclusions. The main molecular mechanism of Prunella vulgaris L against DH is that sterols and flavonoids play an active role by affecting TNF signaling pathway, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway, MAPK pathway, PI3K-Akt pathway related targets such as IL-6 and INS.

Angiogenesis in endometrial carcinoma: Therapies and biomarkers, current options, and future perspectives

Endometrial carcinoma is the most common gynecologic malignancy and the fourth most prevalent cancer in women in the modern world. Despite a relatively high chance of surgical cure, for patients with advanced or recurrent disease there are few therapeutic options. Angiogenesis has been extensively studied ever since vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was discovered in the 1980s. Several clinical trials of anti-angiogenic therapy in endometrial carcinoma have been conducted, with mixed results, and many researchers have tried to determine prognostic and therapeutic biomarkers. Recent trials, which shed new light on possible treatment biomarkers and efficacious combination therapies, are reviewed in this text. While we are still far from effectively tailoring anti-angiogenic treatment to each patient, these data have provided valuable insight and have put us on track for the discovery of novel opportunities for angiogenesis therapy in endometrial carcinoma.

Gynecologic cancers and non-coding RNAs: Epigenetic regulators with emerging roles

Gynecologic cancers involve the female genital organs, such as the vulva, vagina, cervix, endometrium, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. The occurrence and frequency of gynecologic cancer depends on personal lifestyle, history of exposure to viruses or carcinogens, genetics, body shape, and geographical habitat. For a long time, research into the molecular biology of cancer was broadly restricted to protein-coding genes. Recently it has been realized that non-coding RNAs (ncRNA), including long noncoding RNAs (LncRNAs), microRNAs, circular RNAs and piRNAs (PIWI-interacting RNAs), can all play a role in the regulation of cellular function within gynecological cancer. It is now known that ncRNAs are able to play dual roles, i.e. can exert both oncogenic or tumor suppressive functions in gynecological cancer. Moreover, several clinical trials are underway looking at the biomarker and therapeutic roles of ncRNAs. These efforts may provide a new horizon for the diagnosis and treatment of gynecological cancer. Herein, we summarize some of the ncRNAs that have been shown to be important in gynecological cancers.

Identification of an immune gene signature for predicting the prognosis of patients with uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma

Background

Uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC) is a frequent gynecological malignancy with a poor prognosis particularly at an advanced stage. Herein, this study aims to construct prognostic markers of UCEC based on immune-related genes to predict the prognosis of UCEC.

Methods

We analyzed expression data of 575 UCEC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas database and immune genes from the ImmPort database, which were used for generation and validation of the signature. We constructed a transcription factor regulatory network based on Cistrome databases, and also performed functional enrichment and pathway analyses for the differentially expressed immune genes. Moreover, the prognostic value of 410 immune genes was determined using the Cox regression analysis. We then constructed and verified a prognostic signature. Finally, we performed immune infiltration analysis using TIMER-generating immune cell content.

Results

The immune cell microenvironment as well as the PI3K-Akt, and MARK signaling pathways were involved in UCEC development. The established prognostic signature revealed a ten-gene prognostic signature, comprising of PDIA3, LTA, PSMC4, TNF, SBDS, HDGF, HTR3E, NR3C1, PGR, and CBLC. This signature showed a strong prognostic ability in both the training and testing sets and thus can be used as an independent tool to predict the prognosis of UCEC. In addition, levels of B cells and neutrophils were significantly correlated with the patient’s risk score, while the expression of ten genes was associated with immune cell infiltrates.

Conclusions

In summary, the ten-gene prognostic signature may guide the selection of the immunotherapy for UCEC.

LncRNA CCAL Promotes Angiogenesis Through Regulating the MiR-29b/ANGPTL4 Axis in Osteosarcoma

Purpose

The objective of this study was to detect the expression of the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) colorectal cancer-associated lncRNA (CCAL) in osteosarcoma tissues and to investigate its role in angiogenesis and the potential molecular mechanisms associated with this effect in osteosarcoma.

Materials and Methods

CCAL expression in 40 osteosarcoma tissues and 40 noncancerous tissues was measured by qRT-PCR (quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction). Tube formation assays were performed to explore the role of CCAL in angiogenesis in osteosarcoma. In addition, the regulatory interaction between CCAL, miR-29b, and ANGPTL4 was investigated via luciferase reporter assay and bioinformatics predictive analysis.

Results

Compared with noncancerous tissues, the expression of CCAL was markedly upregulated in osteosarcoma tissues. Higher CCAL expression levels were closely related to shorter overall survival in patients with osteosarcoma. Additionally, functional analysis indicated that CCAL could facilitate tumour angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo in osteosarcoma. Mechanistically, CCAL upregulated ANGPTL4 expression in osteosarcoma cells, and ANGPTL4 mediated angiogenic induction by CCAL in osteosarcoma. Moreover, CCAL directly targeted miR-29b in osteosarcoma. More importantly, we demonstrated that CCAL upregulated the expression of ANGPTL4 by sponging miR-29b, which promoted angiogenesis in osteosarcoma.

Conclusion

Our results show that CCAL promotes angiogenesis by regulating the miR-29b/ANGPTL4 axis in osteosarcoma.

MicroRNAs as regulators of ERK/MAPK pathway: A comprehensive review

The ERK/MAPK cascade is one the four distinctive MAPK cascades which transmit extracellular signals to intracellular targets. This cascade has an important role in the regulation of several fundamental processes such as proliferation, differentiation and cell response to diverse extrinsic stresses. Moreover, several studies have shown participation of this cascade in the pathogenesis of cancer. Recent investigations have unraveled interaction between microRNAs (miRNAs) and ERK/MAPK cascade. These transcripts reside in both upstream and downstream of this cascade, regulating or being regulated by ERK/MAPK proteins. In the current review, we summarize the role of miRNAs in the regulation of ERK/MAPK and their contribution in the pathogenesis of human disorders with particular focus on cancers.

Specific miRNA and Gene Deregulation Characterize the Increased Angiogenic Remodeling of Thoracic Aneurysmatic Aortopathy in Marfan Syndrome

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a connective tissue disease caused by mutations in the FBN1 gene, leading to alterations in the extracellular matrix microfibril assembly and the early formation of thoracic aorta aneurysms (TAAs). Non-genetic TAAs share many clinico-pathological aspects with MFS and deregulation of some microRNAs (miRNAs) has been demonstrated to be involved in the progression of TAA. In this study, 40 patients undergoing elective ascending aorta surgery were enrolled to compare TAA histomorphological features, miRNA profile and related target genes in order to find specific alterations that may explain the earlier and more severe clinical outcomes in MFS patients. Histomorphological, ultrastructural and in vitro studies were performed in order to compare aortic wall features of MFS and non-MFS TAA. MFS displayed greater glycosaminoglycan accumulation and loss/fragmentation of elastic fibers compared to non-MFS TAA. Immunohistochemistry revealed increased CD133⁺ angiogenic remodeling, greater MMP-2 expression, inflammation and smooth muscle cell (SMC) turnover in MFS TAA. Cultured SMCs from MFS confirmed higher turnover and α-smooth muscle actin expression compared with non-MFS TAA. Moreover, twenty-five miRNAs, including miR-26a, miR-29, miR-143 and miR-145, were found to be downregulated and only miR-632 was upregulated in MFS TAA in vivo. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that some deregulated miRNAs in MFS TAA are implicated in cell proliferation, extracellular matrix structure/function and TGFβ signaling. Finally, gene analysis showed 28 upregulated and seven downregulated genes in MFS TAA, some of them belonging to the CDH1/APC and CCNA2/TP53 signaling pathways. Specific miRNA and gene deregulation characterized the aortopathy of MFS and this was associated with increased angiogenic remodeling, likely favoring the early and more severe clinical outcomes, compared to non-MFS TAA. Our findings provide new insights concerning the pathogenetic mechanisms of MFS TAA; further investigation is needed to confirm if these newly identified specific deregulated miRNAs may represent potential therapeutic targets to counteract the rapid progression of MFS aortopathy.