Zinc Finger Protein 521, Negatively Regulated by MicroRNA-204-5p, Promotes Proliferation, Motility and Invasion of Gastric Cancer Cells

MiRNAs as major players in brain health and disease: current knowledge and future perspectives

MicroRNAs are regulators of gene expression and their dysregulation can lead to various diseases. MicroRNA-135 (MiR-135) exhibits brain-specific expression, and performs various functions such as neuronal morphology, neural induction, and synaptic function in the human brain. Dysfunction of miR-135 has been reported in brain tumors, and neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders. Several reports show downregulation of miR-135 in glioblastoma, indicating its tumor suppressor role in the pathogenesis of brain tumors. In this review, by performing in silico analysis of molecular targets of miR-135, we reveal the significant pathways and processes modulated by miR-135. We summarize the biological significance, roles, and signaling pathways of miRNAs in general, with a focus on miR-135 in different neurological diseases including brain tumors, and neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders. We also discuss methods, limitations, and potential of glioblastoma organoids in recapitulating disease initiation and progression. We highlight the promising therapeutic potential of miRNAs as antitumor agents for aggressive human brain tumors including glioblastoma.

Bilayer 3D co-culture platform inducing the differentiation of normal fibroblasts into cancer-associated fibroblast like cells: New in vitro source to obtain cancer-associated fibroblasts

This study presents a novel in vitro bilayer 3D co-culture platform designed to obtain cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs)-like cells. The platform consists of a bilayer hydrogel structure with a collagen/polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogel for fibroblasts as the upper layer and an alginate hydrogel for tumor cells as the lower layer. The platform enabled paracrine interactions between fibroblasts and cancer cells, which allowed for selective retrieval of activated fibroblasts through collagenase treatment for further study. Fibroblasts remained viable throughout the culture periods and showed enhanced proliferation when co-cultured with cancer cells. Morphological changes in the co-cultured fibroblasts resembling CAFs were observed, especially in the 3D microenvironment. The mRNA expression levels of CAF-related markers were significantly upregulated in 3D, but not in 2D co-culture. Proteomic analysis identified upregulated proteins associated with CAFs, further confirming the transformation of normal fibroblasts into CAF within the proposed 3D co-culture platform. Moreover, co-culture with CAF induced radio- and chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer cells (PANC-1). Survival rate of cancer cells post-irradiation and gemcitabine resistance increased significantly in the co-culture setting, highlighting the role of CAFs in promoting cancer cell survival and therapeutic resistance. These findings would contribute to understanding molecular and phenotypic changes associated with CAF activation and provide insights into potential therapeutic strategies targeting the tumor microenvironment.

Clinical significance of expression level of ZNF471 in gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

As a tumor suppressor gene, zinc finger protein 471 (ZNF471) has an essential role in tumor occurrence and development. Due to promoter hypermethylation, it can be underexpressed or silenced in gastric cancer (GC) cell lines. In this study, we investigated relationships between clinical characteristics and ZNF471 expression levels in tissues of patients with GC.

METHODS

We used immunohistochemistry (IHC) to detect ZNF471 expression in paraffin tissue specimens, and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot (WB) analysis to measure expression levels of ZNF471 in fresh tissue specimens. We analyzed relationships between ZNF471 expression levels and characteristics, such as tumor size, gender, age, TNM stage, and lymph node metastasis.

RESULTS

Immunohistochemistry revealed the expression of ZNF471 protein from paraffin blocks of GC tissues was significantly lower than that of adjacent tissues. Expression levels of ZNF471 mRNA and protein in fresh GC tissues were markedly lower than those in adjacent tissues and in normal gastric mucosal tissues from healthy subjects. ZNF471 expression was significantly correlated with tumor size, lymph node metastasis, and TNM stage (all P<0.05). There were no significant associations with gender, age, distant metastasis, or pathologic type. Expression of ZNF471 mRNA and protein was not significantly different between adjacent tissues of patients with GC and normal gastric mucosal tissue from healthy subjects.

CONCLUSION

ZNF471 functions as a tumor suppressor during the pathogenesis of GC. Thus, it is a promising biomarker for diagnosis and therapy of GC.

Zinc Finger Proteins in the War on Gastric Cancer: Molecular Mechanism and Clinical Potential

According to the 2020 global cancer data released by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) International, gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide, with yearly increasing incidence and the second-highest fatality rate in malignancies. Despite the contemporary ambiguous molecular mechanisms in GC pathogenesis, numerous in-depth studies have demonstrated that zinc finger proteins (ZFPs) are essential for the development and progression of GC. ZFPs are a class of transcription factors with finger-like domains that bind to Zn²⁺ extensively and participate in gene replication, cell differentiation and tumor development. In this review, we briefly outline the roles, molecular mechanisms and the latest advances in ZFPs in GC, including eight principal aspects, such as cell proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), invasion and metastasis, inflammation and immune infiltration, apoptosis, cell cycle, DNA methylation, cancer stem cells (CSCs) and drug resistance. Intriguingly, the myeloid zinc finger 1 (MZF1) possesses reversely dual roles in GC by promoting tumor proliferation or impeding cancer progression via apoptosis. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the molecular mechanism of ZFPs on GC progression will pave the solid way for screening the potentially effective diagnostic indicators, prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets of GC.

ZNF521/EBF1 axis regulates AKR1B1 to promote the proliferation, migration, and invasion of gastric cancer cells

Although the incidence and death rates of gastric cancer (GC) are decreasing, approximately one million new cases and 800,000 GC-related deaths were reported worldwide in 2018. Currently, the oncogenesis of GC remains unclear, and the demand for novel treatment options are unmet. Here, we explored the role of aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B (AKR1B1) in the progression of GC. The proliferation, migration, and invasion of GC cells were evaluated by CCK-8 assay, wound healing assay, and transwell assay, respectively. The interaction between EBF transcription factor 1 (EBF1) and the promoter region of AKR1B1 was determined by luciferase reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). Gene expression levels were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting assay. The expression of AKR1B1 was elevated in GC cells, resulting in increased cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Meanwhile, EBF1 was a negative regulator of AKR1B1; its overexpression suppressed AKR1B1 expression and GC progression. Furthermore, knockdown of ZNF521 induced EBF1 expression, thus suppressing AKR1B1 expression and resulting in attenuated GC growth and invasiveness. Notably, knockdown of ZNF521 attenuated GC progression and was rescued by overexpression of AKR1B1. Our current study revealed a novel ZNF521/EBF1/AKR1B1 axis in GC and elaborated its important role in promoting GC progression, providing potential therapeutic targets for anti-GC treatments.

Integrative genomic profiling reveals characteristics of lymph node metastasis in small cell lung cancer

Background

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is the most aggressive lung cancer subtype, with more than 70% of patients having metastatic disease and a poor prognosis. However, no integrated multi-omics analysis has been performed to explore novel differentially expressed genes (DEGs) or significantly mutated genes (SMGs) associated with lymph node metastasis (LNM) in SCLC.

Methods

In this study, whole-exome sequencing (WES) and RNA-sequencing were performed on tumor specimens to investigate the association between genomic and transcriptome alterations and LNM in SCLC patients with (N+, n=15) or without (N0, n=11) LNM.

Results

The results of WES revealed that the most common mutations occurred in TTN (85%) and TP53 (81%). The SMGs, including ZNF521, CDH10, ZNF429, POLE, and FAM135B, were associated with LNM. Cosmic signature analysis showed that mutation signatures 2, 4, and 7 were associated with LNM. Meanwhile, DEGs, including MAGEA4, FOXI3, RXFP2, and TRHDE, were found to be associated with LNM. Furthermore, we found that the messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of RB1 (P=0.0087), AFF3 (P=0.058), TDG (P=0.05), and ANKRD28 (P=0.042) were significantly correlated with copy number variants (CNVs), and ANKRD28 expression was consistently lower in N+ tumors than in N0 tumors. Further validation in cBioPortal revealed a significant correlation between LNM and poor prognosis in SCLC (P=0.014), although there was no significant correlation between LNM and overall survival (OS) in our cohort (P=0.75).

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first integrative genomics profiling of LNM in SCLC. Our findings are particularly important for early detection and the provision of reliable therapeutic targets.

Enhanced ZNF521 expression induces an aggressive phenotype in human ovarian carcinoma cell lines

Epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) is the most lethal gynecological tumor, that almost inevitably relapses and develops chemo-resistance. A better understanding of molecular events underlying the biological behavior of this tumor, as well as identification of new biomarkers and therapeutic targets are the prerequisite to improve its clinical management. ZNF521 gene amplifications are present in >6% of OCs and its overexpression is associated with poor prognosis, suggesting that it may play an important role in OC. Increased ZNF521 expression resulted in an enhancement of OC HeyA8 and ES-2 cell growth and motility. Analysis of RNA isolated from transduced cells by RNA-Seq and qRT-PCR revealed that several genes involved in growth, proliferation, migration and tumor invasiveness are differentially expressed following increased ZNF521 expression. The data illustrate a novel biological role of ZNF521 in OC that, thanks to the early and easy detection by RNA-Seq, can be used as biomarker for identification and treatment of OC patients.

MicroRNA-204-5p: A pivotal tumor suppressor

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-coding single-stranded RNA molecules with a length of approximately 18-25 nt nucleotides that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally. MiR-204-5p originates from the sixth intron of the transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 3 (TRPM3) gene. MiR-204-5p is frequently downregulated in various cancer types and is related to the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of cancer patients. So far, many studies have determined that miR-204-5p functions as a tumor suppressor for its extensive and powerful capacity to inhibit tumor proliferation, metastasis, autophagy, and chemoresistance in multiple cancer types. MiR-204-5p appears to be a promising prognostic biomarker and a therapeutic target for human cancers. This review summarized the latest advances on the role of miR-204-5p in human cancers.

Exosomes Immunity Strategy: A Novel Approach for Ameliorating Intervertebral Disc Degeneration

Low back pain (LBP), which is one of the most severe medical and social problems globally, has affected nearly 80% of the population worldwide, and intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a common musculoskeletal disorder that happens to be the primary trigger of LBP. The pathology of IDD is based on the impaired homeostasis of catabolism and anabolism in the extracellular matrix (ECM), uncontrolled activation of immunologic cascades, dysfunction, and loss of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells in addition to dynamic cellular and biochemical alterations in the microenvironment of intervertebral disc (IVD). Currently, the main therapeutic approach regarding IDD is surgical intervention, but it could not considerably cure IDD. Exosomes, extracellular vesicles with a diameter of 30–150 nm, are secreted by various kinds of cell types like stem cells, tumor cells, immune cells, and endothelial cells; the lipid bilayer of the exosomes protects them from ribonuclease degradation and helps improve their biological efficiency in recipient cells. Increasing lines of evidence have reported the promising applications of exosomes in immunological diseases, and regarded exosomes as a potential therapeutic source for IDD. This review focuses on clarifying novel therapies based on exosomes derived from different cell sources and the essential roles of exosomes in regulating IDD, especially the immunologic strategy.

MicroRNA-Based Risk Score for Predicting Tumor Progression Following Radioactive Iodine Ablation in Well-Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Patients: A Propensity-Score Matched Analysis

Simple Summary

The three-tiered American Thyroid Association (ATA) risk stratification helps clinicians tailor decisions regarding follow-up modalities and the need for postoperative radioactive iodine (RAI) ablation and radiotherapy. However, a significant number of well-differentiated thyroid cancers (DTC) progress after treatment. Current follow-up modalities have also been proposed to detect disease relapse and recurrence but have failed to be sufficiently sensitive or specific to detect, monitor, or determine progression. Therefore, we assessed the predictive accuracy of the microRNA-based risk score in DTC with and without postoperative RAI. We confirm the prognostic role of triad biomarkers (miR-2f04, miR-221, and miR-222) with higher sensitivity and specificity for predicting disease progression than the ATA risk score. Compared to indolent tumors, a higher risk score was found in progressive samples and was associated with shorter survival. Consequently, our prognostic microRNA signature and nomogram provide a clinically practical and reliable ancillary measure to determine the prognosis of DTC patients.

Abstract

To identify molecular markers that can accurately predict aggressive tumor behavior at the time of surgery, a propensity-matching score analysis of archived specimens yielded two similar datasets of DTC patients (with and without RAI). Bioinformatically selected microRNAs were quantified by qRT-PCR. The risk score was generated using Cox regression and assessed using ROC, C-statistic, and Brier-score. A predictive Bayesian nomogram was established. External validation was performed, and causal network analysis was generated. Within the eight-year follow-up period, progression was reported in 51.5% of cases; of these, 48.6% had the T1a/b stage. Analysis showed upregulation of miR-221-3p and miR-222-3p and downregulation of miR-204-5p in 68 paired cancer tissues (p < 0.001). These three miRNAs were not differentially expressed in RAI and non-RAI groups. The ATA risk score showed poor discriminative ability (AUC = 0.518, p = 0.80). In contrast, the microRNA-based risk score showed high accuracy in predicting tumor progression in the whole cohorts (median = 1.87 vs. 0.39, AUC = 0.944) and RAI group (2.23 vs. 0.37, AUC = 0.979) at the cutoff >0.86 (92.6% accuracy, 88.6% sensitivity, 97% specificity) in the whole cohorts (C-statistics = 0.943/Brier = 0.083) and RAI subgroup (C-statistic = 0.978/Brier = 0.049). The high-score group had a three-fold increased progression risk (hazard ratio = 2.71, 95%CI = 1.86–3.96, p < 0.001) and shorter survival times (17.3 vs. 70.79 months, p < 0.001). Our prognostic microRNA signature and nomogram showed excellent predictive accuracy for progression-free survival in DTC.

Long non-coding RNA ZFAS1 alleviates bupivacaine-induced neurotoxicity by regulating the miR-421/zinc finger protein564 (ZNF564) axis

This research aimed to explore the biological role of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) ZFAS1 in bupivacaine-induced neurotoxicity. The levels of lncRNA ZFAS1, miR-421, and zinc finger protein 564 (ZNF564) were detected by RT-qPCR. MTT and TUNEL assays were utilized to evaluate cell viability and apoptosis, respectively. Caspase-3 activity was measured by the caspase-3 activity assay kit. The binding ability between miR-421 and ZFAS1 or ZNF564 was confirmed by Rip and dual-luciferase reporter assays. In this study, it was found that the levels of ZFAS1 and ZNF564 were gradually upregulated and miR-421 expression was downregulated with increasing concentrations of bupivacaine. Functional assays indicated that the silencing of ZFAS1 suppressed cell viability and facilitated cell apoptosis of SH-SY5Y cells, while overexpression of ZFAS1 had the opposite effects. Moreover, it was identified that miR-421 was a target of ZFAS1, and ZFAS1 regulated the bupivacaine-induced neurotoxicity via miR-421. In addition, we confirmed that ZNF564 was a downstream target of miR-421. The upregulation of miR-421 decreased the cell viability, and increased the cell apoptosis rate and caspase-3 activity, while the upregulation of ZND564 partially abolished these effects. Finally, it was demonstrated that ZFAS1 could upregulate the expression of ZNF564 by targeting miR-421. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that ZFAS1 alleviated bupivacaine-induced neurotoxicity through the miR-421/ZNF564 axis, suggesting a new strategy for the amelioration of bupivacaine-induced neurotoxicity.

Regulatory Role of microRNAs Targeting the Transcription Co-Factor ZNF521 in Normal Tissues and Cancers

Powerful bioinformatics tools have provided a wealth of novel miRNA–transcription factor networks crucial in controlling gene regulation. In this review, we focus on the biological functions of miRNAs targeting ZNF521, explaining the molecular mechanisms by which the dysregulation of this axis contributes to malignancy. ZNF521 is a stem cell-associated co-transcription factor implicated in the regulation of hematopoietic, neural, and mesenchymal stem cells. The aberrant expression of ZNF521 transcripts, frequently associated with miRNA deregulation, has been detected in several tumors including pancreatic, hepatocellular, gastric, bladder transitional cell carcinomas as well as in breast and ovarian cancers. miRNA expression profiling tools are currently identifying a multitude of miRNAs, involved together with oncogenes and TFs in the regulation of oncogenesis, including ZNF521, which may be candidates for diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of cancer.

Oncological Effects and Prognostic Value of AMAP1 in Gastric Cancer

PURPOSE

We examined the diagnostic significance, prognostic value, and potential function of AMAP1 in gastric cancer (GC).

METHODS

Comprehensive bioinformatic analysis was conducted to investigate differential expression of AMAP1 mRNA and protein in GC. Meta-analyses were utilized to determine the overall prognostic correlation of AMAP1 mRNA in patients with GC. A panel of vitro assays was applied to assess target microRNA and AMAP1 protein in GC cell lines and tissues, respectively.

RESULTS

AMAP1 mRNA and protein levels were upregulated in GC specimens, compared to matched normal tissues. AMAP1 mRNA exhibited promising results regarding differential diagnosis of GC and normal tissue. Meta-analysis based on the TCGA and GEO databases revealed that high AMAP1 mRNA abundance was associated with poor overall survival (HR = 1.42; 95% CI: 1.06-1.89) and was correlated with reduced progression-free survival (HR = 1.89; 95% CI: 1.51-2.36) in GC patients. Moreover, AMAP1 was negatively correlated with miR-192-3p (r = -0.3843; P < 0.0001). A dual-luciferase assay revealed that miR-192-3p targeted AMAP1. Levels of miR-192-3p were significantly higher in GC tissues and GC cells than in normal tissues and cells. Moreover, AMAP1 silencing resulted in reduced GC proliferation, migration, and invasion.

CONCLUSION

AMAP1 is a novel oncogene in GC and is negatively correlated with by miR-192-3p. AMAP1 may act as a diagnostic and prognostic marker of GC.

Silencing circSLAMF6 represses cell glycolysis, migration, and invasion by regulating the miR-204-5p/MYH9 axis in gastric cancer under hypoxia

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is a malignant tumor of the digestive tract. Hypoxia plays an important role in the development of cancer, including GC. The present study aimed to investigate the role of circular RNA SLAMF6 (circSLAMF6) in the progression of GC under hypoxia.

Methods: The expression of circSLAMF6, microRNA-204-5p (miR-204-5p) and myosin heavy chain 9 (MYH9) was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). GC cells were maintained under hypoxia (1% O₂) for experiments in vitro. Glucose consumption and lactate production were determined by a Glucose Assay Kit and a Lactate Assay Kit, respectively. Levels of all protein were detected by Western blot. Cell migration and invasion were examined by Transwell assay. The interaction between miR-204-5p and circSLAMF6 or MYH9 was analyzed by dual-luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays. Murine xenograft model was established to explore the role of circSLAMF6 in vivo.

Results: CircSLAMF6 expression was increased in GC cells under hypoxia. Hypoxia promoted glycolysis, migration, and invasion in GC cells, which were reversed by circSLAMF6 knockdown. CircSLAMF6 was validated as a miR-204-5p sponge, and MYH9 was a target of miR-204-5p. Functionally, miR-204-5p inhibitor weakened the inhibition of circSLAMF6 knockdown on GC cell progression under hypoxia. Besides, MYH9 depletion suppressed glycolysis, migration, and invasion in GC cells under hypoxia. Importantly, circSLAMF6 deficiency inhibited tumor growth in vivo by regulating the miR-204-5p/MYH9 axis.

Conclusion: CircSLAMF6 was involved in glycolysis, migration, and invasion by regulating the miR-204-5p/MYH9 axis in GC cells under hypoxia.

ZNF521 which is downregulated by miR-802 suppresses malignant progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma through regulating Runx2 expression

Zinc finger protein 521 (ZNF521) plays an important role in the tumor development and process. However, its regulatory role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrated for the first time that ZNF521 mRNA and protein was down-regulated in HCC tissues and cell lines. Down-regulated ZNF521 expression was significantly associated with malignant prognostic features, including advanced TNM stage and large tumor size. For 5-year survival, ZNF521 served as a potential prognostic marker of HCC patients. Moreover, ZNF521 inhibited cell proliferation, colony formation and cell viability through Runx2 transcriptional inhibition and AKT phosphorylation pathway. Moreover, we demonstrated that ZNF521 expression was regulated by miR-802. In HCC tissues. MiR-802 has an inverse correlation with ZNF521 expression. In conclusion, we demonstrate for the first time that ZNF521 is down-regulated in HCC tissues and inhibits HCC growth through Runx2 transcriptional inhibition and AKT inactivation, which was regulated by miR-802, suggesting the potential therapeutic value for HCC.

High expression of ZNF93 promotes proliferation and migration of ovarian cancer cells and relates to poor prognosis

Ovarian cancer (OC) is most common type of gynecologic cancer and is frequently lethal. It is important to determine the pathologic mechanisms underlying OC. ZNF93 is a member of the zinc finger protein family. Abnormal expression of ZNF93 has been observed in various tumor cells. However, its clinical significance and biologic function in ovarian cancer remain unclear. In the present study, we established that ZNF93 expression was highly up-regulated in OC samples and was closely correlated with clinical stage, indicating poor prognosis. We then established that ZNF93 promoted OC cell proliferation and migration. The results of our study may provide insight into the use of ZNF93 as a marker of clinical outcome and as a potential therapeutic target in OC.