MiR-203a-3p Inhibits Pancreatic Cancer Cell Proliferation, EMT, and Apoptosis by Regulating SLUG

Linc00239 Facilitates the Progress of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma via the miR-204-5p/RAB22A Axis

Long intergenic non-coding RNA 239 (Linc00239) acts as an oncogene in colorectal cancer (CRC), esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, and acute myeloid leukemia cells. However, its role and regulatory mechanisms in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) remain unknown. We used StarBase and The Cancer Genome Atlas databases to evaluate Linc00239 expression and its effect on ccRCC. Furthermore, the function of Linc00239 in ccRCC proliferation and metastasis was analyzed using Cell Counting Kit-8 and Transwell assays following Linc00239 knockdown. Subsequently, the Linc00239-miRNA-mRNA regulatory associations were selected based on miRanda, miTarbase, and previous references, and their expression levels and binding relationship were further validated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blotting and dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. Additionally, we transfected a miRNA inhibitor to evaluate whether the miR-204-5p/RAB22A (Ras-related proteins in brain 22a) axis was involved in Linc00239 function. Linc00239 was elevated in ccRCC and correlated with poor prognosis. Linc00239 knockdown inhibited ccRCC progression. Additionally, Linc00239 inhibition elevated miR-204-5p expression and repressed RAB22A levels. Moreover, miR-204-5p inhibitors attenuated this inhibitory effect on proliferation, migration, invasion, and RAB22A level when Linc00239 was knocked down. Linc00239 promotes ccRCC proliferation and metastasis by elevating RAB22A expression through the adsorption of miR-204-5p, which provides a clue for the diagnosis and treatment of ccRCC.

MicroRNAs as the critical regulators of epithelial mesenchymal transition in pancreatic tumor cells

Pancreatic cancer (PC), as one of the main endocrine and digestive systems malignancies has the highest cancer related mortality in the world. Lack of the evident clinical symptoms and appropriate diagnostic markers in the early stages of tumor progression are the main reasons of the high mortality rate among PC patients. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the molecular pathways involved in the PC progression, in order to introduce novel early diagnostic methods. Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical cellular process associated with pancreatic tumor cells invasion and distant metastasis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are also important regulators of EMT process. In the present review, we discussed the role of miRNAs in regulation of EMT process during PC progression. It has been reported that the miRNAs mainly regulate the EMT process in pancreatic tumor cells through the regulation of EMT-specific transcription factors and several signaling pathways such as WNT, NOTCH, TGF-β, JAK/STAT, and PI3K/AKT. Considering the high stability of miRNAs in body fluids and their role in regulation of EMT process, they can be introduced as the non-invasive diagnostic markers in the early stages of malignant pancreatic tumors. This review paves the way to introduce a non-invasive EMT based panel marker for the early tumor detection among PC patients.

Molecular profile of metastasis, cell plasticity and EMT in pancreatic cancer: a pre-clinical connection to aggressiveness and drug resistance

The metastasis is a multistep process in which a small proportion of cancer cells are detached from the colony to enter into blood cells for obtaining a new place for metastasis and proliferation. The metastasis and cell plasticity are considered major causes of cancer-related deaths since they improve the malignancy of cancer cells and provide poor prognosis for patients. Furthermore, enhancement in the aggressiveness of cancer cells has been related to the development of drug resistance. Metastasis of pancreatic cancer (PC) cells has been considered one of the major causes of death in patients and their undesirable prognosis. PC is among the most malignant tumors of the gastrointestinal tract and in addition to lifestyle, smoking, and other factors, genomic changes play a key role in its progression. The stimulation of EMT in PC cells occurs as a result of changes in molecular interaction, and in addition to increasing metastasis, EMT participates in the development of chemoresistance. The epithelial, mesenchymal, and acinar cell plasticity can occur and determines the progression of PC. The major molecular pathways including STAT3, PTEN, PI3K/Akt, and Wnt participate in regulating the metastasis of PC cells. The communication in tumor microenvironment can provide by exosomes in determining PC metastasis. The components of tumor microenvironment including macrophages, neutrophils, and cancer-associated fibroblasts can modulate PC progression and the response of cancer cells to chemotherapy.

MicroRNA‑203a‑3p improves bleomycin and pingyangmycin sensitivity by inactivating the PI3K/AKT pathway in hemangioma

MicroRNAs (miRs) have been found to play a fundamental role in the pathology and progression of hemangioma. Of note, miR-203a-3p prevents hemangioma progression via inactivation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. Bleomycin and pingyangmycin are drugs used in sclerotherapy, but certain hemangioma patients experience drug resistance, leading to poor clinical outcomes. The present study aimed to explore the impact of miR-203a-3p on bleomycin and pingyangmycin sensitivity in hemangioma, as well as the involvement of the PI3K/AKT pathway. miR-203a-3p or negative control mimics were transfected into human hemangioma endothelial cells, which were treated with 0-20 µM bleomycin or pingyangmycin. Subsequently, 740 Y-P, a PI3K/AKT pathway agonist, was added. Cell viability, rate of apoptosis and the expression levels of proteins involved in the PI3K/AKT pathway, including phosphorylated (p)-PI3K, PI3K, p-AKT and AKT, were detected. miR-203a-3p overexpression significantly decreased the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of bleomycin (5.84±0.87 vs. 14.23±2.17 µM; P<0.01) and pingyangmycin (5.13±0.55 vs. 12.04±1.86 µM; P<0.01), compared with untreated cells. In addition, under bleomycin or pingyangmycin treatment, miR-203a-3p overexpression significantly reduced the proportion of EdU positive cells (both P<0.05) and B-cell leukemia/lymphoma-2 (BCL2) protein expression levels (both P<0.05), whilst increasing cell apoptosis rate (both P<0.05) and cleaved caspase 3 protein expression levels (both P<0.05) compared with untreated controls. Furthermore, miR-203a-3p overexpression significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of PI3K and AKT (both P<0.05), an effect that was significantly diminished by 740 Y-P treatment (both P<0.01). In addition, 740 Y-P significantly increased IC50 values of bleomycin (P<0.01) and pingyangmycin (P<0.001) and also significantly increased the proportion of EdU-positive cells and BCL2 protein expression levels, while decreasing the apoptosis rate and cleaved caspase 3 protein expression levels in cells treated with bleomycin or pingyangmycin (all P<0.05). Of note, 740 Y-P weakened the effect of miR-203a-3p overexpression on the aforementioned cellular characteristics. The present study demonstrated that miR-203a-3p improved the sensitivity of cells to bleomycin and pingyangmycin treatment by inhibiting PI3K/AKT signaling in hemangioma.

MALAT-1 Is a Key Regulator of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Cancer: A Potential Therapeutic Target for Metastasis

Metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript-1 (MALAT-1) is a long intergenic non-coding RNA (lncRNA) located on chr11q13. It is overexpressed in several cancers and controls gene expression through chromatin modification, transcriptional regulation, and post-transcriptional regulation. Importantly, MALAT-1 stimulates cell proliferation, migration, and metastasis and serves a vital role in driving the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), subsequently acquiring cancer stem cell-like properties and developing drug resistance. MALAT-1 modulates EMT by interacting with various intracellular signaling pathways, notably the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and Wnt/β-catenin pathways. It also behaves like a sponge for microRNAs, preventing their interaction with target genes and promoting EMT. In addition, we have used bioinformatics online tools to highlight the disparities in the expression of MALAT-1 between normal and cancer samples using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Furthermore, the intricate interplay of MALAT-1 with several essential targets of cancer progression and metastasis renders it a good candidate for therapeutic interventions. Several innovative approaches have been exploited to target MALAT-1, such as short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs), antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), and natural products. This review emphasizes the interplay between MALAT-1 and EMT in modulating cancer metastasis, stemness, and chemoresistance in different cancers.

MiR-203a-3p attenuates apoptosis and pyroptosis of chondrocytes by regulating the MYD88/NF-κB pathway to alleviate osteoarthritis progression

BACKGROUND

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that imposes a significant socioeconomic burden worldwide. Our previous studies revealed a down-regulation of miR-203a-3p in the knee tissues of OA patients. However, the underlying mechanism through which miR-203a-3p mediates the pathological process of OA remains unknown. Thus, we aimed to determine the effects of miR-203a-3p in the progression of OA.

METHODS

Rat primary chondrocytes were stimulated with 10 μg/mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 24 hours, followed by transfection with 50 nM miR-203a-3p mimic, inhibitor, and siRNA for MYD88 or consistent negative controls for 48 hours. To evaluate the effects of miR-203a-3p on cartilage matrix degradation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and pyroptosis in chondrocytes, various techniques such as immunofluorescence staining, biochemical analysis, Western blotting, and the TUNEL staining were utilized. In the rat OA model, all rats were randomly divided into four groups: Sham, OA, OA+Agomir negative control (NC), and OA+Agomir. They received intra-articular injections of 25 nmol miR-203a-3p agomir, agomir NC, or normal saline twice a week for the duration of 8 weeks after OA induction. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to evaluate the effects of miR-203a-3p on cartilage matrix degradation in rats.

RESULTS

MiR-203a-3p was down-regulated in LPS-treated rat chondrocytes and OA cartilage, and directly targeted MYD88. Moreover, miR-203a-3p significantly inhibited LPS-induced cartilage matrix degradation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and pyroptosis of chondrocytes via targeting MYD88. Mechanistically, miR-203a-3p exerted protective effects via the inhibition of the MYD88/NF-κB pathway. In the rat OA model, intra-articular injections of miR-203a-3p agomir also significantly inhibited cartilage matrix degradation, thereby alleviating OA progression. Furthermore, the miR-203a-3p agomir-treated arthritic rat dramatically exhibited better articular tissue morphology and lower OARSI scores.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-203a-3p plays a role in alleviating the progression of OA by regulating the MYD88/NF-κB pathway, thereby inhibiting cartilage matrix degradation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and pyroptosis of chondrocytes. It highlights the potential significance of miR-203a-3p as an important regulator of OA.

Hsa_circRNA_102051 regulates colorectal cancer proliferation and metastasis by mediating Notch pathway

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of hsa_circRNA_102051 in colorectal cancer (CRC) and its effect on the stemness of tumor cells.

METHODS

CircRNA microarray was under analysis to screen differentially expressed novel circRNAs in the pathology of CRC. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to detect the relative RNA expression in CRC cells and samples. The effects of hsa_circRNA_102051 on biological functions in CRC cells were accessed both in vitro and in vivo. FISH, RIP and luciferase reporter assay were conducted to confirm the regulatory correlations between hsa_circRNA_102051 and miR-203a, as well as miR-203a and BPTF. Xenograft models were applied to further verify the impacts and fluctuations of hsa_circRNA_102051/miR-203a/BPTF. Moreover, the mechanism how hsa_circRNA_102051 affected the Notch signals was also elucidated.

RESULTS

Hsa_circRNA_102051 was up-regulated in CRC tissues and cell lines, capable to promote the growth and invasion of CRC. In addition, hsa_circRNA_102051 could enhance stemness of CRC cells. BPTF was identified as downstream factors of hsa_circRNA_102051, and miR-203a was determined directly targeting both hsa_circRNA_102051 and BPTF as an intermediate regulator. Hsa_circRNA_102051 in CRC could block miR-203a expression, and subsequently activated BPTF. Hsa_circRNA_102051/miR-203a/BPTF axis modulated stemness of CRC cells by affecting Notch pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings provided new clues that hsa_circRNA_102051 might be a potential predictive or prognostic factor in CRC, which induced the fluctuation of downstream miR-203a/BPTF, and subsequently influenced tumor growth, activities and stemness. Thereinto, the Notch signals were also involved. Hence, the hsa_circRNA_102051/miR-203a/BPTF axis could be further explored as a therapeutic target for anti-metastatic therapy in CRC patients.

Noncoding RNAs: an emerging modulator of drug resistance in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is the eighth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Chemotherapy including gemcitabine, 5-fluorouracil, adriamycin and cisplatin, immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors and targeted therapy have been demonstrated to significantly improve prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients with advanced diseases. However, most patients developed drug resistance to these therapeutic agents, which leading to shortened patient survival. The detailed molecular mechanisms contributing to pancreatic cancer drug resistance remain largely unclear. The growing evidences have shown that noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), are involved in pancreatic cancer pathogenesis and development of drug resistance. In the present review, we systematically summarized the new insight on of various miRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs on drug resistance of pancreatic cancer. These results demonstrated that targeting the tumor-specific ncRNA may provide novel options for pancreatic cancer treatments.

Epigenetic regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition during cancer development

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays essential roles in promoting malignant transformation of epithelial cells, leading to cancer progression and metastasis. During EMT-induced cancer development, a wide variety of genes are dramatically modified, especially down-regulation of epithelial-related genes and up-regulation of mesenchymal-related genes. Expression of other EMT-related genes is also modified during the carcinogenic process. Especially, epigenetic modifications are observed in the EMT-related genes, indicating their involvement in cancer development. Mechanically, epigenetic modifications of histone, DNA, mRNA and non-coding RNA stably change the EMT-related gene expression at transcription and translation levels. Herein, we summarize current knowledge on epigenetic regulatory mechanisms observed in EMT process relate to cancer development in humans. The better understanding of epigenetic regulation of EMT during cancer development may lead to improvement of drug design and preventive strategies in cancer therapy.

Increased expression of miR-194-5p through the circPVRL3/miR-194-5p/SOCS2 axis promotes proliferation and metastasis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), as an indispensable type of non-coding RNA (ncRNA), participate in diverse biological processes. However, the specific regulatory mechanism of certain miRNAs in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains unclear.

METHODS

The expression of miR-194-5p in PDAC tissue microarray and cell lines were detected by RNA-scope and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). The function of proliferation and migration carried by miR-194-5p in vitro and vivo was observed by several functional experiments. Informatics methods and RNA sequencing data were applied to explore the target of miR-194-5p and the upstream circular RNA (circRNA) of miR-194-5p. RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay and dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed the relationships between miR-194-5p and SOCS2 or miR-194-5p and circPVRL3. The proliferation and migration abilities of SOCS2 and circPVRL3 were accessed by rescue experiments.

RESULTS

In this study, we aimed to clarify the molecular mechanisms of miR-194-5p, which has critical roles during PDAC progression. We found that the expression of miR-194-5p was significantly upregulated in PDAC tissue compared to tumor-adjacent tissue and was highly related to age and nerve invasion according to RNAscope and RT‒qPCR. Overexpression of miR-194-5p accelerated the cell cycle and enhanced the proliferation and migration processes according to several functional experiments in vitro and in vivo. Specifically, circPVRL3, miR-194-5p, and SOCS2 were confirmed to work as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) according to informatics methods, RIP, and dual-luciferase reporter assays. Additionally, the rescue experiments confirmed the relationship among miR-194-5p, circPVRL3, and SOCS2 mRNA. Finally, the circPVRL3/miR-194-5p/SOCS2 axis activates the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to regulate the proliferation and metastasis of PDAC.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicated that an increase of miR-194-5p caused by circPVRL3 downregulation stimulates the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to promote PDAC progression via the circPVRL3/miR-194-5p/SOCS2 axis, which suggests that the circPVRL3/miR-194-5p/SOCS2 axis may be a potential therapeutic target for PDAC patients.

miR-203 suppresses pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and migration by modulating DUSP5 expression

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is an insidious cancer that is commonly diagnosed in advanced stages. Therefore, it is necessary to understand PC-related mechanisms in order to discover new and reliable diagnostic biomarkers. It is known that miRNAs play a crucial role in carcinogenesis by targeting mRNAs. In this study we aimed to explore interaction between downregulated miR-203 and its upregulated target DUSP5 in PC.

METHODS

Using bioinformatics approaches we identified the DUSP5 as a direct target gene of miR-203 and detected potential binding sites between miR-203 and DUSP5. Additionally, we evaluated subcellular location, expression level and prognostic value of DUSP5 in PC through using various bioinformatics tools. To investigate the relationship between miR-203 and DUSP5, we increased the expression levels of miR-203 by transfecting miR-203 mimics into the pancreatic cancer cell line, PANC-1. Finally, MTT, wound healing, and colony formation assays were performed to determine effect of overexpressed miR-203 on proliferation and migration of PANC-1 cells.

RESULTS

We found that expression level of DUSP5 in pancreas tissue was one of the lowest tissue expression among all normal human tissue types. In addition, DUSP5 expression was upregulated both PC tissues and cell line and associated with poor overall survival in PC. Overexpression of miR-203 significantly downregulated expression level of DUSP5 and remarkably suppressed proliferation, migration and colony formation ability of PANC-1 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that miR-203 restrains proliferation and migration of PC cells by regulating oncogenic activity of DUSP5 in PC, thereby could be novel candidate biomarkers for PC diagnosis and treatment.

rno-miR-203a-3p and Mex3B contribute to cell survival of iliopsoas muscle via the Socs3-Casp3 axis under severe hypothermia in rats

Forensic diagnosis of fatal hypothermia is considered difficult because no specific findings, such as molecular markers, have been identified. Therefore, determining the molecular mechanism in hypothermia and identifying novel molecular markers to assist in diagnosing fatal hypothermia are important. This study aimed to investigate microRNA (miRNA) and mRNA expression in iliopsoas muscle, which plays a role in homeostasis in mammals, to resolve the molecular mechanism in hypothermia. We generated rat models of mild, moderate, and severe hypothermia, then performed body temperature-dependent miRNA and mRNA expression analysis of the iliopsoas muscle using microarray and next-generation sequencing. Analysis showed that rno-miR-203a-3p expression was lower with decreasing body temperature, while Socs3 expression was significantly increased only by severe hypothermia. Luciferase reporter assays suggested that Socs3 expression is regulated by rno-miR-203a-3p. Socs3 and Mex3B small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown showed that suppressing Mex3B could induce the activation of Socs3, followed by a change in caspase 3/7 activity and adenosine triphosphate levels in iliopsoas muscle cells. These findings indicate that rno-miR-203a-3p and Mex3B are deactivated by a decrease in body temperature, whereby it contributes to suppressing apoptosis by accelerating Socs3. Accordingly, the rno-miR-203a-3p-Socs3-Casp3 or Mex3B-Socs3-Casp3 axis may be the part of the biological defense response to maintain homeostasis under extreme hypothermia.

miR-24-3p Regulates Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition and the Malignant Phenotype of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma by Regulating ASF1B Expression

Anti-silencing function protein 1 homolog B (ASF1B) has been implicated in the occurrence and development of cancers. The present work explored the functional role and the expression regulation of ASF1B in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Based on the real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC), ASF1B was significantly upregulated in PDAC tissues. High expression of ASF1B was associated with a poor overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (DFS) in the PDAC patients. ASF1B also showed a relatively higher expression in PDAC cells (AsPC-1, PANC-1) when compared with human pancreatic ductal epithelial cells (HPDFe-6). CCK8 and clone formation assay demonstrated that silencing ASF1B impaired the proliferation in PANC-1 and AsPC-1 cells, and Annexin V-PI staining showed an increased level of apoptosis upon ASF1B silencing. ASF1B silencing also suppressed the migration and invasion in PDAC cells, as revealed by Transwell assays. We further showed that miR-24-3p was downregulated in PDAC tissues and cells, which functionally interacted with ASF1B by dual-luciferase reporter assay. miR-24-3p negatively regulated ASF1B expression to modulate the malignant phenotype of PDAC cells. ASF1B shows high expression in PDAC, which promotes the malignancy and EMT process of PDAC cells. miR-24-3p is a negative regulator of ASF1B and is downregulated in PDAC cells. Our data suggest that targeting ASF1B/miR-24-3p axis may serve as an intervention strategy for the management of PDAC.

MALAT1-miRNAs network regulate thymidylate synthase and affect 5FU-based chemotherapy

Background

The active metabolite of 5-Fluorouracil (5FU), used in the treatment of several types of cancer, acts by inhibiting the thymidylate synthase encoded by the TYMS gene, which catalyzes the rate-limiting step in DNA replication. The major failure of 5FU-based cancer therapy is the development of drug resistance. High levels of TYMS-encoded protein in cancerous tissues are predictive of poor response to 5FU treatment. Expression of TYMS is regulated by various mechanisms, including involving non-coding RNAs, both miRNAs and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs).

Aim

To delineate the miRNAs and lncRNAs network regulating the level of TYMS-encoded protein.

Main body

Several miRNAs targeting TYMS mRNA have been identified in colon cancers, the levels of which can be regulated to varying degrees by lncRNAs. Due to their regulation by the MALAT1 lncRNA, these miRNAs can be divided into three groups: (1) miR-197-3p, miR-203a-3p, miR-375-3p which are downregulated by MALAT1 as confirmed experimentally and the levels of these miRNAs are actually reduced in colon and gastric cancers; (2) miR-140-3p, miR-330-3p that could potentially interact with MALAT1, but not yet supported by experimental results; (3) miR-192-5p, miR-215-5p whose seed sequences do not recognize complementary response elements within MALAT1. Considering the putative MALAT1-miRNAs interaction network, attention is drawn to the potential positive feedback loop causing increased expression of MALAT1 in colon cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma, where YAP1 acts as a transcriptional co-factor which, by binding to the TCF4 transcription factor/ β-catenin complex, may increase the activation of the MALAT1 gene whereas the MALAT1 lncRNA can inhibit miR-375-3p which in turn targets YAP1 mRNA.

Conclusion

The network of non-coding RNAs may reduce the sensitivity of cancer cells to 5FU treatment by upregulating the level of thymidylate synthase.

Transcriptome Profiling and Network Analysis Provide Insights Into the Pathogenesis of Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus

Vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis that affects female anogenital skin. Although VLS is considered a T cell-mediated autoimmune disease, the diagnosis criteria, molecular mechanism, and universally accepted therapies for this disease remain largely unresolved. To explore disease pathogenesis and potential biomarkers, we performed an RNA-Seq-based transcriptome analysis to profile the gene expression of VLS lesions. Differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis revealed profound changes in expressions of coding genes, microRNAs, and long non-coding RNAs. Pathway and network analysis suggested that T cell activation-associated genes, including CD3G, CD3D, CD8B, LAT, LCK, ZAP70, CCR5, CXCR3, CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11, were highly expressed in VLS, while NR4A family genes (NR4A1, NR4A2, NR4A3), whose coding products inhibit T cell activity, were significantly downregulated, suggesting heightened T cell response in VLS. Neutrophil chemoattractant genes CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL3, CXCL8, and their cognate receptor CXCR2 were downregulated, suggesting dampened neutrophil activity. We also found the downregulation of genes involved in cell cycle progression, including cyclins (CCNB1, CCNB2, CCNL1, CCNE1, and CCNK) and centrosome factors (CENPA, CENPE, CENPF, and CENPN), while microRNA-203a and let-7, microRNAs known to inhibit cell growth, were found to be upregulated. These data collectively indicate that cell proliferation in VLS is compromised. In sum, these findings comprehensively deciphered key regulatory genes and networks in VLS, which could further our understanding of disease mechanisms and point toward therapeutic strategies.

miR-203, fine-tunning neuroinflammation by juggling different components of NF-κB signaling

BACKGROUND

miR-203 was first indicated in maintaining skin homeostasis and innate immunity. Aberrant expression of miR-203 was found associated with pathological progressions of immune disorders, cancers, as well as neurodegenerations. Recently, increasing data on miR-203 in regulating neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis has raised extensive concern about the biological function of this microRNA.

METHODS

Mouse model with ectopic miR-203 expression in the hippocampus was constructed by stereotactic injection of lentiviral expression vector of pre-miR-203. Association of miR-203 and mRNA of Akirin2, as well as the competition for miR-203 targeting between Akirin2 3'UTR and another recently characterized miR-203 target, 14-3-3θ, was verified using Dual-Luciferase Reporter Gene Assay and western blot. Microglia activation and pro-inflammatory cytokines expression in the hippocampus of mice overexpressing miR-203 was evaluated using immunohistochemistry analysis and western blot. Neuronal cell death was monitored using anti-caspase 8 in immunohistochemistry as well as TUNEL assay. Cognition of mice was assessed with a behavior test battery consisting of nesting behavior test, Barnes maze and fear conditioning test.

RESULTS

Akirin2, an activator of NF-κB signaling, was identified as a direct target of miR-203. By also targeting 14-3-3θ, a negative regulator of NF-κB signaling, miR-203 displayed an overall pro-inflammatory role both in vitro and in vivo. Promoted nuclear translocation of NF-κB and increased expression of proinflammatory cytokines were observed in cultured BV2 cells transfected with miR-203 mimics. Microglia activation and upregulation of NF-κB, IL-1β and IL-6 were observed in mouse hippocampus with overexpression of miR-203. In addition, promoted neuronal cell death in the hippocampus and impaired neuronal activities resulted in cognitive dysfunction of mice with ectopic miR-203 expression in the hippocampus.

CONCLUSION

A pro-inflammatory and neurodisruptive role of miR-203 was addressed based on our data in this study. Given the identification of Akirin2 as a direct target of miR-203 and the competition with 14-3-3θ for miR-203 targeting, together with the findings of other signaling molecules in NF-κB pathway as targets of miR-203, we proposed that miR-203 was a master modulator, fine-tunning neuroinflammation by juggling different components of NF-κB signaling.

miR-1266-3p Suppresses Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Colon Cancer by Targeting P4HA3

Numerous studies have been conducted to demonstrate that miRNA is strongly related to colon cancer progression. Nevertheless, there are few studies regarding the function for miR-1266-3p in colon cancer, and the molecular mechanism remains poorly know. Our study was designed to examine the level of miR-1266-3p expression among the colon cancer tissue and cell and to study the role and regulatory mechanism for miR-1266-3p among colon cancer's malignant biologic behavior. First, we found that miR-1266-3p expression was distinctly lower in colonic carcinoma tissues and cells than in nontumor ones, and the prognosis of low miR-1266-3p patients was distinctly worse than that of high miR-1266-3p patients. Second, we predicted that the target gene of miR-1266-3p was prolyl 4-hydroxylase subunit alpha 3 (P4HA3) through bioinformatics, and the targeting relationship between the two was verified by a dual luciferase assay report. Furthermore, miR-1266-3p inhibited the growth and metastasis of colon cancer in vitro as well as in vivo, and this effect could be alleviated by overexpressing P4HA3. Even more importantly, our study demonstrated that miR-1266-3p inhibited epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by targeting P4HA3. In conclusion, miR-1266-3p could inhibit growth, metastasis, and EMT in colon cancer by targeting P4HA3. Our discoveries might offer a novel target for colon cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Functional mechanism of hsa-miR-128-3p in epithelial-mesenchymal transition of pancreatic cancer cells via ZEB1 regulation

Pancreatic cancer (PC) often correlates with high mortality due to late diagnosis, rapid metastasis, and resistance to chemotherapy. miR-128-3p has been validated as a tumor suppressor in PC. This study explored the functional mechanism of miR-128-3p in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of PC cells. Four PC cancer cell lines with different degrees of malignancy and normal pancreatic cells were selected to detect expressions of hsa-miR-128-3p and ZEB1 by RT-qPCR and Western blot. miR-128-3p mimic or si-ZEB1 was delivered into PANC-1 cells and miR-128-3p inhibitor or oe-ZEB1 was delivered into AsPC-1 cells. Expressions of epithelial and mesenchymal markers were analyzed by Western blot and cell fluorescence staining. The binding relationship between miR-128-3p and ZEB1 was examined by bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase assay, and verified by RT-qPCR and Western blot. PC cell invasion and migration were assessed by Transwell assays. Generally, hsa-miR-128-3p was poorly-expressed in PC cells. However, it was relatively more expressed in AsPC-1 cells with epithelial phenotypes relative to PANC-1 cells with mesenchymal phenotype, whereas ZEB1 expression showed opposite tendencies. PANC-1 cells transfected with miR-128-3p mimic or si-ZEB1 showed upregulated E-cadherin and downregulated N-cadherin, and transformed from mesenchymal phenotypes to epithelial phenotypes, with decreased invasion and migration, while opposite results occurred in AsPC-1 cells transfected with miR-128-3p inhibitor or oe-ZEB1. miR-128-3p targeted ZEB1. oe-ZEB1 antagonized the inhibition of miR-128-3p mimic on PANC-1 cell EMT, invasion, and migration, while si-ZEB1 reversed the facilitation of miR-128-3p inhibitor in AsPC-1 cells. In conclusion, miR-128-3p inhibited PC cell EMT, invasion, and migration by targeting ZEB1.

Long non-coding RNA LINC01194 promotes the inflammatory response and apoptosis of LPS-treated MLE 12 cells through the miR-203a-3p /MIP-2 axis

Acute lung injury (ALI) induced by bacteria LPS is characterized by the upregulation of the apoptosis rate of tissue cells and aggravation of inflammatory response. Although many studies have focused on the pathogenesis of this disease, its mechanism remains unknown. This study examined the regulatory role of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) LINC01194 in the progression of ALI through various bioinformatics analyses and experimental work, including ELISA assay, dual-luciferase reporter assay, biotinylated RNA pull-down assay, and western blot analysis. The result showed that the LINC01194 was overexpressed in the ALI-induced mice model. We observed a significant upregulation of LINC01194 in LPS-treated Mouse lung epithelial type II cells (MLE-12 cells) after 24 hrs of induction. Bioinformatics analysis, Elisa assay, qRT-PCR analysis, Biotinylated RNA pull-down assay, apoptosis test, and western blot analysis demonstrated that the LINC01194 could act as a miR-203a-3p sponge to activate the inflammatory response in LPS-induced ALI model through post-transcriptional upregulation of MIP-2. We showed that LINC01194 regulates the inflammatory response and apoptosis of LPS-induced mice and MLE-12 cells via the miR-203a-3p/MIP-2 axis. LINC01194 could be a potential biomarker for early diagnosis and the treatment of ALI.

The clinical significance of microRNA-409 in pancreatic carcinoma and associated tumor cellular functions

In recent years, the increasing incidence of pancreatic carcinoma (PC) patients has become one of the hot issues in the world. microRNAs (miRNAs) can act as oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes and have unpredictable effects on tumors, thus affecting the prognosis and survival of cancer patients. In this paper, we mainly studied the role of microRNA (miR)-409 in PC. The expression levels of miR-409 were analyzed by qRT-PCR. Kaplan-Meier curve and Cox regression were used to analyze the relationship between miR-409 and patient prognosis. The effects of miR-409 on the abilities of proliferation, migration and invasion were detected by CCK-8 and Transwell. The expression levels of miR-409 were down-regulated in PC, compared with normal controls. The prognosis of patients with low miR-409 expression is significantly poor in comparison with those with high expression. The down-regulation of miR-409 was conducive to the proliferation, migration and invasion of PC cells. miR-409 is a tumor suppressor of PC, the clinical significance of miR-409 in pancreatic cancer and related tumor cell function was clarified.

MicroRNAs as potential therapeutic targets for pancreatic cancer

ABSTRACT

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive malignancies. The poor prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients is mainly attributed to low diagnostic rate at the early stage, highly aggressive nature coupled with the inadequate efficacy of current chemotherapeutic regimens. Novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed for pancreatic cancer. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important regulatory role in key processes of cancer development. The aberrant expression of miRNAs is often involved in the initiation, progression, and metastasis of pancreatic cancer. The discovery of tumor suppressor miRNAs provides prospects for the development of a novel treatment strategy for pancreatic cancer. We reviewed recent progress on the understanding of the role of miRNAs in pancreatic cancer, highlighted the efficient application of miRNAs-based therapies for pancreatic cancer in animal models and clinical trials, and proposed future prospects. This review focuses on the promise of integrating miRNAs into the treatment of pancreatic cancer and provides guidance for the development of precision medicine for pancreatic cancer.

MiR-337 suppresses pancreatic cancer development via STAT3/Wnt/β-catenin axis

MiRNA is an important regulator of tumorigenesis and tumor progression. MiR-337 expression was increased in pancreatic cancer tissues and it was associated with patients' survival. This study aimed to explore the influence and the potential working mechanism of miR-337 on the malignant behaviors of pancreatic cancer cells. MiR-337 expression was detected by qRT-PCR. The expression levels of STAT3, epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related genes and Wnt/β-Catenin pathway genes were evaluated by qRT-PCR and western blot. Cell counting kit -8 and colony formation assays were conducted to examine the proliferation of AsPC-1 and SW1990 cells. Wound healing and transwell assays were performed to determine the migration and invasion of AsPC-1 and SW1990 cells. The predicted target gene of miR-337 was verified by luciferase reporter assay. The expression of miR-337 was decreased and STAT3 expression was increased in pancreatic cancer tissues as well as tumor cells. Overexpression of miR-337 suppressed proliferation, invasion and migration of AsPC-1 and SW1990 cells. MiR-337 targeted 3'UTR of STAT3 and inhibited STAT3 expression. In addition, exogenous STAT3 partially restored the inhibitory role of miR-337 on proliferation, invasion and migration of AsPC-1 and SW1990 cells. Moreover, miR-337 impeded the expression of Wnt/β-catenin pathway-related genes. Through the saving experiment, we found that the inhibitory effect of miR-337 on AsPC-1 and SW1990 cells was abolished by the addition of LiCl. These outcomes expounded that miR-337 inactivated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway to suppress the malignant behaviors of pancreatic cancer cells through targeting STAT3. This study may provide a novel biomarker for diagnosis and a new therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer treatment.

MicroRNAs in Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Process of Cancer: Potential Targets for Chemotherapy

In the last decades, a kind of small non-coding RNA molecules, called as microRNAs, has been applied as negative regulators in various types of cancer treatment through down-regulation of their targets. More recent studies exert that microRNAs play a critical role in the EMT process of cancer, promoting or inhibiting EMT progression. Interestingly, accumulating evidence suggests that pure compounds from natural plants could modulate deregulated microRNAs to inhibit EMT, resulting in the inhibition of cancer development. This small essay is on the purpose of demonstrating the significance and function of microRNAs in the EMT process as oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes according to studies mainly conducted in the last four years, providing evidence of efficient target therapy. The review also summarizes the drug candidates with the ability to restrain EMT in cancer through microRNA regulation.

Emerging roles of miRNAs in the development of pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a fatal cancer which is expected to exceed breast cancer as the third foremost source of cancer mortality by 2025. This cancer has been associated with several somatic genetic aberrations including mutations in the KRAS, CDKN2A/p16, TP53, and SMAD4. In addition, epigenetic alterations have been shown to affect development of this cancer. miRNAs are among the mostly appreciated epigenetic factors in this regard. Several oncomiRs such as miR-212, miR 506, miR-196b, miR-221-3p, miR-301a-3p, miR-23a and miR-29a have been found to promote proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells and block apoptotic pathways in these cells. On the other hand, miR-451a, miR-506, miR-142, miR-216b, miR-519d-3p, miR-1181, miR-340, miR-143-3p, miR-203a-3p, miR-455, miR-15a, miR-135a and miR-202 are among tumor suppressor miRNAs that modulate proliferation and cell cycle transition in these cells. In the current paper, we will discuss the role of oncomiRs and tumor suppressor miRNAs in the evolution of pancreatic cancer. Moreover, we will summarize the application of miRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic markers in pancreatic cancer. These studies have shown the ability of miRNAs to be served as non-invasive markers for pancreatic cancer.

LncRNA HOXA-AS3 promotes the malignancy of glioblastoma through regulating miR-455-5p/USP3 axis

Our objective was to determine the molecular mechanisms by which lncRNA HOXA‐AS3 regulates the biological behaviour of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). We used an lncRNA microarray assay to identify GBM‐related lncRNA expression profiles. Qrt‐PCR was used to survey the levels of expression of long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) HOXA‐AS3 and the target gene. Dual‐luciferase reporter assays were used to investigate the interaction of lncRNA HOXA‐AS3, the target gene and miRNA. Western blot analysis was used to examine the expression of USP3 and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) genes. The MTT assay, transwell assay and wound healing assay were used to analyse the effects of lncRNA HOXA‐AS3 on GBM cell viability, mobility and invasiveness, respectively. Our results showed that lncRNA HOXA‐AS3 was significantly up‐regulated in GBM cells and could promote GBM cell proliferation, invasion and migration in vitro and in vivo. HOXA‐AS was found to be associated with poor survival prognosis in glioma patients. The dual‐luciferase reporter assay also revealed that lncRNA HOXA‐AS3 acts as a mir‐455‐5p sponge by up‐regulating USP3 expression to promote GBM progression. Western blot analysis showed that lncRNA HOXA‐AS3 could up‐regulate EMT‐related gene expression in GBM. Experiments showed mir‐455‐5p could rescue the effect of lncRNA HOXA‐AS3 on cell proliferation and invasion. The newly identified HOXA‐AS3/mir‐455‐5p/USP3 pathway offers important clues to understanding the key mechanisms underlying the action of lncRNA HOXA‐AS3 in glioblastoma.

Circulating miRNA Increases the Diagnostic Accuracy of Chromogranin A in Metastatic Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors

Simple Summary

Despite its varying sensitivity and decreased specificity, chromogranin A (CgA) is the most widely used biomarker for neuroendocrine tumors. The most common factor affecting its diagnostic accuracy is the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Our aim was to investigate circulating miRNA expression profiles in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET) and pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas (PPGL) to find miRNAs which could be used as biomarkers along with CgA in these patients. MiRNA expression profiles were determined with next generation sequencing and validated by quantitative real time PCR in 74 samples obtained from patients and healthy volunteers treated with PPI. We observed a global downregulation of miRNAs in NET compared to controls. A set of miRNAs in combination with CgA resulted in the best discrimination of pNET irrespective of PPI treatment and a combination of miRNAs increased the diagnostic utility of CgA even in pNET patients with low CgA.

Abstract

Chromogranin A (CgA) is the most widely accepted biomarker for neuroendocrine tumors (NET) but its diagnostic accuracy is dependent on tumor type and the use of proton-pump inhibitors (PPI). We investigated the diagnostic value of circulating miRNAs along with CgA in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET). 74 serum samples from patients with pNET (n = 25, nonfunctioning), pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma (PPGL, n = 20), healthy individuals with normal CgA (n = 29) including 10 samples from 5 healthy individuals with and without current PPI treatment were collected. MiRNA expression profiles were determined using next-generation sequencing, followed by validation with individual TaqMan assays. A global downregulation of miRNAs was observed in patients with NET compared to controls. MiRNA expression of 33 miRNAs was able to discriminate tumor samples from controls. No miRNA alone could be considered as an applicable biomarker for pNET or PPGL. However, using a logistic model, the combination of a set of miRNAs increased the discriminatory role of CgA irrespective of PPI treatment. In pNET patients with normal CgA level our regression model yielded high (89.4%) diagnostic accuracy (AUC: 0.904, sensitivity: 66.6%, specificity: 96.5%). A set of miRNAs increased the diagnostic utility of CgA in pNET even in patients with low CgA.

MicroRNA-23b-3p promotes pancreatic cancer cell tumorigenesis and metastasis via the JAK/PI3K and Akt/NF-κB signaling pathways

MicroRNA (miR)-23b-3p plays an important role in tumor growth, proliferation, invasion and migration in pancreatic cancer (PC). However, the function and mechanistic role of miR-23b-3p in the development of PC remains largely unknown. In the present study, the miR-23b-3p levels in the serum of patients with PC were found to be elevated, and the phosphorylation levels of Janus kinase (JAK)2, PI3K, Akt and NF-κВ were found to be upregulated. In addition, miR-23b-3p was induced in response to interleukin-6 (IL-6), which is known to be involved in the progression of PC. Overexpression of miR-23b-3p, on the other hand, activated the JAK/PI3K and Akt/NF-κB signaling pathways in PC cells, as evidenced by miR-23b-3p-induced upregulation of phosphorylated (p-)JAK2, p-PI3K, p-Akt and p-NF-κВ, as well as the downregulation of PTEN; and these effects were found to be reversible by miR-23b-3p inhibition. Furthermore, miR-23b-3p was found to downregulate PTEN by directly targeting the 3′-untranslated region of PTEN mRNA. Notably, in an in vivo xenograft mouse model, overexpression of miR-23b-3p accelerated PC cell-derived tumor growth, activated the JAK/Akt/NF-κВ signaling pathway and promoted liver metastasis. In contrast, knockdown of miR-23b-3p suppressed tumor growth and metastasis as well as JAK/Akt/NF-κВ signaling activity. In vivo imaging of the mice further confirmed the metastasis promoting role of miR-23b-3p in PC. These results suggested that miR-23b-3p enhances PC cell tumorigenesis and metastasis, at least, partially via the JAK/PI3K and Akt/NF-κB signaling pathways. Therefore, targeting miR-23b-3p or the JAK/PI3K and Akt/NF-κB signalings may be potential therapeutic strategy against PC.

Modulation of MnSOD and FoxM1 Is Involved in Invasion and EMT Suppression by Isovitexin in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells

Background

Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) induces FoxM1 expression, subsequently contributing to migration in several cancer cells. Isovitexin (ISOV) was recently found to downregulate MnSOD and FoxM1, decreasing stemness in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) stem-like cells (HCSLCs). The current study aimed to determine whether inhibition of migration, invasion and EMT in HCSLCs by ISOV results from MnSOD/FoxM1 signaling blockade and subsequent Twist1, Slug, ZEB1 and MMP-2 downregulation.

Materials and Methods

We examined the migratory and invasive capabilities and EMT phenotype in HCC cells and their HCSLCs, respectively, by wound-healing assay, transwell invasion assay and Western blot after treatment with non-cytotoxic concentrations of ISOV, and explored the mechanism by which ISOV affects migration, invasion and EMT by MnSOD or FoxM1 knockdown and/or overexpression in HCSLCs or HCC cells.

Results

The results showed that ISOV not only downregulated MnSOD and FoxM1 but also suppressed the migratory and invasive capabilities and reversed the EMT phenotype in HCSLCs, which was reflected by elevated E-cadherin protein amounts, and reduced N-cadherin, Twist1, Slug, ZEB1 and MMP-2 protein levels. The suppressive effects of ISOV on the migratory and invasive capabilities and EMT phenotype could be potentiated by MnSOD or FoxM1 knockdown in HCSLCs, and attenuated by MnSOD or FoxM1 overexpression in HCC cells. Importantly, FoxM1 overexpression reversed MnSOD knockdown combined with ISOV suppression on the migratory and invasive capabilities and EMT phenotype in HCSLCs, while having little effects on MnSOD expression.

Conclusion

Collectively, the above findings demonstrated that ISOV suppresses migration, invasion and EMT in HCSLCs by blocking MnSOD/FoxM1 signaling subsequently inhibiting the expression of EMT-related transcription factors and MMP-2.