miR-195-5p Suppresses Lung Cancer Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion Via FOXK1

Deciphering the roles of non-coding RNAs in liposarcoma development: Challenges and opportunities for translational therapeutic advances

Liposarcoma is one of the most prevalent forms of soft tissue sarcoma, and its prognosis is highly dependent on its molecular subtypes. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) like microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can bind various cellular targets to regulate carcinogenesis. By affecting the expressions and activities of their downstream targets post-transcriptionally, dysregulations of miRNAs can alter different oncogenic signalling pathways, mediating liposarcoma progression. On the contrary, lncRNAs can sponge miRNAs to spare their downstream targets from translational repression, indirectly affecting miRNA-regulated oncogenic activities. In the past 15 years, multiple fundamental and clinical research has shown that different ncRNAs play essential roles in modulating liposarcoma development. Yet, there is a lack of an effective review report that could summarize the findings from various studies. To narrow this literature gap, this review article aimed to compare the findings from different studies on the tumour-regulatory roles of ncRNAs in liposarcoma and to understand how ncRNAs control liposarcoma progression mechanistically. Additionally, the reported findings were critically reviewed to evaluate the translational potentials of various ncRNAs in clinical applications, including employing these ncRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers or as therapeutic targets in the management of liposarcoma. Overall, over 15 ncRNAs were reported to play essential roles in modulating different cellular pathways, including apoptosis, WNT/β-catenin, TGF-β/SMAD4, EMT, interleukin, and YAP-associated pathways to influence liposarcoma development. 28 ncRNAs were reported to be upregulated in liposarcoma tissues or circulation, whereas 11 were downregulated, making them potential candidates as liposarcoma diagnostic biomarkers. Among these ncRNAs, measuring the tissues or circulating levels of miR-155 and miR-195 was reported to help detect liposarcoma, differentiate liposarcoma subtypes, and predict the survival and treatment response of liposarcoma patients. Overall, except for a few ncRNAs like miR-155 and miR-195, current evidence to support the use of discussed ncRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in managing liposarcoma is mainly based on a single-center study with relatively small sample sizes or cell-based studies. Hence, more large-scale multi-center studies should be conducted to further confirm the sensitivity, specificity, and safety of ncRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Instead of furthering investigation to confirm the translational values of all the discussed ncRNAs, which can be time- and cost-consuming, it would be more practical to focus on a few ncRNAs, including miR-155 and miR-195, to evaluate if they are sensitive and safe to be used as liposarcoma biomarkers and therapeutic agents or targets.

Identifying new molecular signatures and potential therapeutics for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a network medicine approach

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and fatal lung disease characterized by excessive collagen deposition and fibrosis of the lung parenchyma, leading to respiratory failure. The molecular mechanisms underlying IPF pathogenesis remain incompletely understood, hindering the development of effective therapeutic strategies. We have used a network medicine approach to comprehensively analyze molecular interactions and identify novel molecular signatures and potential therapeutics associated with IPF progression. Our integrative analysis revealed dysregulated molecular networks that are central to IPF pathophysiology. We have highlighted key molecular players and signaling pathways that are implicated in aberrant fibrotic processes. This systems-level understanding enables the identification of new biomarkers and therapeutic targets for IPF, providing potential avenues for precision medicine. Drug repurposing analysis revealed several drug candidates with anti-fibrotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activities that could potentially slow fibrotic progression and improve patient outcomes. This study offers new insights into the molecular underpinnings of IPF and highlights network medicine approaches in uncovering complex disease mechanisms. The molecular signatures and therapeutic targets identified hold promise for developing precision therapies tailored to individual patients, ultimately advancing the management of this debilitating lung disease.

circ-ATAD1 as Competing Endogenous RNA for miR-191-5p Forces Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Progression

The association of circular RNAs (circRNAs) with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been recognized extensively. In view of this, our study particularly surveyed the underlying mechanism of circ-ATAD1 in the disease. First, an analysis of the clinical expression of circ-ATPase family AAA domain containing 1 (ATAD1) was performed, followed by further evaluation of the relationship between circ-ATAD1 expression and prognosis. Then, A549 cells were treated with single transfection or combined transfection with the plasmid vectors that interfere with circ-ATAD1 or miR-191-5p. circ-ATAD1 and miR-191-5p levels were detected by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction to verify the transfection success. Then, cell proliferation was checked by cell count kit-8 and clonal formation test. Cell apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry. Cell migration and invasion were examined by wound healing assay and Transwell. Finally, the targeting of miR-191-5p to circ-ATAD1 or Forkhead Box K1 (FOXK1) was verified by bioinformation website starBase analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assay. circ-ATAD1 was expressed abundantly in tumor tissues of NSCLC patients and had a predictive value in poor prognosis. circ-ATAD1 underexpression or miR-191-5p overexpression could obstruct A549 cells to behave aggressively, while circ-ATAD1 upregulation or miR-191-5p depletion resulted in the promotion of aggressiveness of A549 cells. Interestingly, circ-ATAD1 could decoy miR-191-5p. miR-191-5p negatively regulated FOXK1 expression, and downregulating miR-191-5p or upregulating FOXK1 rescued circ-ATAD1 downregulation-mediated influences on NSCLC cells. circ-ATAD1 accelerates NSCLC progression by absorbing miR-191-5p to upregulate FOXK1 expression.

Mechanism of salidroside in tumor suppression through the miRNA-mRNA signaling axis

With the rapid development of traditional Chinese medicine and the continuous discovery of various anticancer effects of salidroside (sal), it is known that sal inhibits tumor proliferation, invasion and migration by inducing apoptosis and autophagy, regulating the cell cycle, modulating the tumor microenvironment, and controlling cancer-related signaling pathways and molecules. The microRNA (miRNA)-mRNA signaling axis can regulate the expression of target mRNAs by altering miRNA expression, thereby affecting the growth cycle, proliferation, and metabolism of cancer cells. Studies have shown that sal can influence the occurrence and progression of various malignant tumors through the miRNA-mRNA signaling axis, inhibiting the progression of lung cancer, gastric cancer, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma, with a notable time and dose dependence in its antitumor effects. Summarizing the specific mechanism of sal regulating miRNA-mRNA signaling axis to inhibit tumors in recent years can provide a new theoretical basis, diagnosis, and therapeutic methods for the research on prevention and treatment of tumors.

miR-195b is required for proper cellular homeostasis in the elderly

Over the last decade we have witnessed an increasing number of studies revealing the functional role of non-coding RNAs in a multitude of biological processes, including cellular homeostasis, proliferation and differentiation. Impaired expression of non-coding RNAs can cause distinct pathological conditions, including herein those affecting the gastrointestinal and cardiorespiratory systems, respectively. miR-15/miR-16/miR-195 family members have been broadly implicated in multiple biological processes, including regulation of cell proliferation, apoptosis and metabolism within distinct tissues, such as heart, liver and lungs. While the functional contribution of miR-195a has been reported in multiple biological contexts, the role of miR-195b remains unexplored. In this study we dissected the functional role of miR-195b by generating CRISPR-Cas9 gene edited miR-195b deficient mice. Our results demonstrate that miR-195b is dispensable for embryonic development. miR-195b-/- mice are fertile and displayed no gross anatomical and/or morphological defects. Mechanistically, cell cycle regulation, metabolism and oxidative stress markers are distinctly impaired in the heart, liver and lungs of aged mice, a condition that is not overtly observed at midlife. The lack of overt functional disarray during embryonic development and early adulthood might be due to temporal and tissue-specific compensatory mechanisms driven by selective upregulation miR-15/miR-16/miR-195 family members. Overall, our data demonstrated that miR-195b is dispensable for embryonic development and adulthood but is required for cellular homeostasis in the elderly.

Targeting FGFRs by pemigatinib induces G1 phase cell cycle arrest, cellular stress and upregulation of tumor suppressor microRNAs

BACKGROUND

Fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) gene family alterations are found in several cancers, indicating their importance as potential therapeutic targets. The FGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) pemigatinib has been introduced in the treatment of advanced cholangiocarcinoma and more recently for relapsed or refractory myeloid/lymphoid neoplasms with FGFR2 and FGFR1 rearrangements, respectively. Several clinical trials are currently investigating the possible combination of pemigatinib with immunotherapy. In this study, we analyzed the biological and molecular effects of pemigatinib on different cancer cell models (lung, bladder, and gastric), which are currently objective of clinical trial investigations.

METHODS

NCI-H1581 lung, KATO III gastric and RT-112 bladder cancer cell lines were evaluated for FGFR expression by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Cell lines were treated with Pem and then characterized for cell proliferation, apoptosis, production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and induction of senescence. The expression of microRNAs with tumor suppressor functions was analyzed by qRT-PCR, while modulation of the proteins coded by their target genes was evaluated by Western blot and mRNA. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the various data and student's t test to compare the analysis of two groups.

RESULTS

Pemigatinib exposure triggered distinct signaling pathways and reduced the proliferative ability of all cancer cells, inducing G1 phase cell cycle arrest and strong intracellular stress resulting in ROS production, senescence and apoptosis. Pemigatinib treatment also caused the upregulation of microRNAs (miR-133b, miR-139, miR-186, miR-195) with tumor suppressor functions, along with the downregulation of validated protein targets with oncogenic roles (c-Myc, c-MET, CDK6, EGFR).

CONCLUSIONS

These results contribute to clarifying the biological effects and molecular mechanisms mediated by the anti-FGFR TKI pemigatinib in distinct tumor settings and support its exploitation for combined therapies.

An epigenetic modulator with promising therapeutic impacts against gastrointestinal cancers: A mechanistic review on microRNA-195

Due to their high prevalence, gastrointestinal cancers are one of the key causes of cancer-related death globally. The development of drug-resistant cancer cell populations is a major factor in the high mortality rate, and it affects about half of all cancer patients. Because of advances in our understanding of cancer molecular biology, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have emerged as critical factors in the initiation and development of gastrointestinal cancers. Gene expression can be controlled in several ways by ncRNAs, including through epigenetic changes, interactions between microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and proteins, and the function of lncRNAs as miRNA precursors or pseudogenes. As lncRNAs may be detected in the blood, circulating ncRNAs have emerged as a promising new class of non-invasive cancer biomarkers for use in the detection, staging, and prognosis of gastrointestinal cancers, as well as in the prediction of therapy efficacy. In this review, we assessed the role lncRNAs play in the progression, and maintenance of colorectal cancer, and how they might be used as therapeutic targets in the future.

miRNA-195-5p/PSAT1 feedback loop in human triple-negative breast cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Substantial evidence suggests that non-coding RNAs, such as microRNAs (miRNAs), play a vital role in human cancer. Phosphoserine aminotransferase 1 (PSAT1) is a serine biosynthesis-related member of the aminotransferase family and is closely associated with worse prognosis in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).

OBJECTIVE

The present study elucidated the molecular mechanisms underlying PSAT1 regulation by miRNAs in TNBC.

METHODS

After collecting breast cancer and para-cancerous tissues, expression and functional testing of microRNA-195-5p (miR-195-5p) and PSAT1 were implemented both in vivo and in vitro.

RESULTS

Abnormally low miR-195-5p expression was confirmed in TNBC tissues and cells. The specific targeting effect of miR-195-5p on PSAT1 was screened. Our observations revealed that biological tumor behavior was inhibited after miR-195-5p upregulation and this inhibition could be reversed by PSAT1 overexpression both in vivo and in vitro.

CONCLUSION

Our study revealed the regulatory axis of miR-195-5p/PSAT1 in TNBC, suggesting a promising targeted therapy for clinical application.

Scutellaria barbata D. Don inhibits cervical cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion via miR-195-5p/LOXL2 axis

Background

Scutellaria barbata D. Don (SB) is a widely used herbal medicine in China, with various pharmacological effects such as anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, and anti-cancer. This work is aimed to investigate the tumor-suppressive effect of SB in cervical cancer (CC) and to identify its underlying mechanisms.

Methods and materials

CC cell lines (HeLa and HT-3) were treated with different concentrations of SB chloroform extract (ECSB) (0, 0.2, 0.5 mg/ml). MiR-195-5p and LOXL2 mRNA expression in CC cell lines and tissue samples was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Cell counting kit-8 experiment was utilized to examine cell viability; TUNEL assay and Transwell experiment was executed to examine cell apoptosis, migration, and invasion. Western blotting experiments were implemented to detect LOXL2 protein expression. Bioinformatics and dual-luciferase reporter gene experiment were executed to examine the binding relationship between miR-195-5p and LOXL2.

Results

ECSB repressed the viability, migration, and invasion of HeLa and HT-3 cells, and promoted cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. MiR-195-5p was remarkably under-expressed in CC tissues and cells, and ECSB up-regulated miR-195-5p expression. MiR-195-5p inhibitors partially counteracted the suppressive effects of ECSB on the malignant phenotypes of HeLa and HT-3 cells. LOXL2 was a downstream target of miR-195-5p, and ECSB up-modulated LOXL2 expression by specifically repressing miR-195-5p.

Conclusion

SB restrains CC cell proliferation and metastasis and promotes cell apoptosis via miR-195-5p/LOXL2, which may be a potential therapeutic agent for CC treatment.

MiRNA expression profiling in adenocarcinoma and squamous cell lung carcinoma reveals both common and specific deregulated microRNAs

The current study investigated the expression signatures of miRNAs in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and squamous cell lung carcinoma (LUSC). miRNA profiling was performed using microarray in 12 LUAD and 12 LUSC samples and adjacent normal tissues. In LUAD, 107 miRNAs were significantly deregulated, whereas 235 miRNAs were deregulated in LUSC. Twenty-six miRNAs were common between the 2 cancer subtypes and 8 were prioritized for validation, in addition to 6 subtype-specific miRNAs. The RT-qPCR validation samples included 50 LUAD, 50 LUSC, and adjacent normal tissues. Eight miRNAs were validated in LUAD: 3 upregulated - miR-7-5p, miR-375-5p, miR-6785-3p, and 5 downregulated - miR-101-3p, miR-139-5p, miR-140-3p, miR-144-3p, miR-195-5p. Ten miRNAs were validated in the LUSC group: 3 upregulated - miR-7-5p, miR-21-3p, miR-650, and 7 downregulated - miR-95-5p, miR-140-3p, miR-144-3p, miR-195-5p, miR-375, miR-744-3p, and miR-4689-3p. Reactome pathway analysis revealed that the target genes of the deregulated miRNAs in LUAD were significantly enriched in cell cycle, membrane trafficking, gene expression processes, and EGFR signaling, while in LUSC, they were enriched in the immune system, transcriptional regulation by TP53, and FGFR signaling. This study identified distinct miRNA profiles in LUSC and LUAD, which are common and specific miRNAs that could be further investigated as biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis.

MiR-195-5p facilitates the proliferation, migration, and invasion of human trophoblast cells by targeting FGF2

BACKGROUND

Preeclampsia (PE), the most significant adverse exposure to cardiovascular risk during pregnancy, is one of the three major factors contributing to maternal and fetal mortality and the leading cause of preterm birth. Recently, various miRNAs have been reported to participate in PE occurrence and development. Nevertheless, the regulatory impact of miR-195-5p in PE is still indistinct.

METHODS

Quantitative realtime-PCR (qRT-PCR), western blot, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay were performed to examine miR-195-5p and FGF2 expressions in PE serum samples or HTR-8/SVneo and TEV-1 cells. CCK8, flow cytometry, wound scratch, and transwell assays were conducted to determine cell viability, cycle, apoptosis, migration, and invasion. Dual-luciferase reporter assay unveiled the relationship between miR-195-5p and FGF2. Migration-related and invasion-related protein expressions were measured by western blot assay.

RESULTS

miR-195-5p was prominently downregulated while FGF2 was increased in serum samples from PE patients and hypoxia-treated human trophoblast cells. FGF2 was predicted as a downstream target of miR-195-5p and targeted association was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Functional experiments elaborated that miR-195-5p could facilitate trophoblast cell proliferation and metastasis but hinder cell cycle and apoptosis. Inversely, overexpressing of FGF2 could reverse the effects of miR-195-5p on trophoblast cell growth.

DISCUSSION

miR-195-5p was decreased in PE serum samples and cell lines, serving as a potential biomarker in protecting PE exacerbation by targeting FGF2.

Roles and mechanisms of miR-195-5p in human solid cancers

Cancer persists as a worldwide disease that contributes to high morbidity and mortality rates. As a class of non-coding RNA, microRNAs (miRNAs) are one kind of important regulators in cancer and frequently implicated in tumor development and progression. Emerging experiments have suggested that miRNA-195-5p (miR-195-5p) can regulate neoplastic processes in many pathways. For instance, miR-195-5p can not only regulate proliferation, migration and invasion of tumor cells but also promote tumor cell apoptosis. Furthermore, low expression of miR-195-5p could induce drug resistance. Our review focuses on the expression of miR-195-5p in various tumors and elucidates the related mechanisms of which miR-195-5p participates in tumor biology, as well as summarizes the roles of miR-195-5p in tumor progression. We believe that miR-195-5p might have potential utility as a novel diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for cancer.

Immune-Related miRNA-195-5p Inhibits the Progression of Lung Adenocarcinoma by Targeting Polypyrimidine Tract-Binding Protein 1

Purpose

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common type of cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, resulting in a huge economic and social burden. MiRNA-195-5p plays crucial roles in the initiation and progression of cancer. However, the significance of the miRNA-195-5p/polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1 (miRNA-195-5p/PTBP1) axis in the progression of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains unclear.

Methods

Data were collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. The starBase database was employed to examine the expression of miRNA-195-5p, while the Kaplan–Meier plotter, UALCAN, and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) databases were utilized to analyze the tumor stage and prognostic value of miRNA and PTBP1. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay was conducted to detect the expression levels of miRNA-195-5p in LUAD cell lines and tissues. The effects of miRNA-195-5p on cell proliferation and migration were examined using the cell growth curve, clone information, transwell assays, and wound healing assays.

Results

We found that miRNA-195-5p was down-regulated in LUAD cancer and cell lines. Importantly, its low levels were related to the tumor stage, lymph node metastasis, and poor prognosis in LUAD. Overexpression of miR-195-5p significantly inhibited cell growth and migration promotes cell apoptosis. Further study revealed that PTBP1 is a target gene of miRNA-195-5p, and overexpression of miRNA-195-5p inhibited the progression of LUAD by inhibiting PTBP1 expression. MiRNA-195-5p expression was related to immune infiltration in lung adenocarcinoma. Moreover, PTBP1 was negatively correlated with diverse immune cell infiltration and drug sensitivity.

Conclusion

Our findings uncover a pivotal mechanism that miRNA-195-5p by modulate PTBP1 expression to inhibit the progression of LUAD. MiRNA-195-5p could be a novel diagnostic and prognostic molecular marker for LUAD.

Hsa_circ_0006427 Suppresses Multiplication, Migration and Invasion of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells through miR-346/VGLL4 Pathway

Objective

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are identified as key modulators in cancer biology. Nonetheless, the role of circ_0006427 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and its modulatory mechanism are undefined. This study aimed to investigate the potential function and mechanism of circ_0006427 in NSCLC.

Materials and Methods

In this experimental study, circ_0006427, miR-346 and vestigial like family member 4 (VGLL4) mRNA expressions were analyzed in NSCLC tissues and cells, using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Multiplication, migration and invasion of NSCLC cells were examined using the CCK-8 method and Transwell experiment, respectively. Dual-luciferase reporter gene experiments were conducted to identify the paring relationship between circ_0006427 and miR-346. Western blot was employed to determine expressions of VGLL4 and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers on protein levels. Immuno-histochemistry (IHC) method was adopted to assess VGLL4 protein expression in NSCLC tissues.

Results

Circ_0006427 expression was down-regulated in NSCLC tissues and cells, and circ_0006427 suppressed multiplication, migration, invasion and EMT of NSCLC cells. miR-346 expression was upregulated in NSCLC tissues and cells, and miR-346 worked as a target of circ_0006427. VGLL4 was down-regulated in NSCLC tissues and cells, and knockdown of VGLL4 accelerated multiplication, migration, invasion and EMT of NSCLC cells. Circ_0006427 enhanced VGLL4 expression by competitively binding with miR-346.

Conclusion

Circ_0006427/miR-346/VGLL4 axis regulated NSCLC progression.

LINC00511 enhances LUAD malignancy by upregulating GCNT3 via miR-195-5p

BACKGROUND

Accumulating evidence suggests that LINC00511 acts as an oncogenic long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) in various cancers, including lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Hence, we attempted to elucidate the potential role of LINC00511 in LUAD.

METHODS

LINC00511, miR-195-5p, and GCNT3 expression in LUAD was detected by qRT-PCR. Changes in the proliferation, migration, and invasion of LUAD cells after abnormal regulation of LINC00511, miR-195-5p, or GCNT3 were detected by CCK-8, BrdU, wound healing, and transwell assays. Bax and Bcl-2 protein expression was measured by western blotting. Additionally, we identified the targeting effects of LINC00511, miR-195-5p, and GCNT3 using luciferase and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays.

RESULTS

LINC00511 and GCNT3 were found to be upregulated in LUAD, while miR-195-5p was downregulated. Silencing LINC00511 or GCNT3 decreased the proliferation, migration, invasion, and Bcl-2 protein content in LUAD cells and increased the expression of Bax. Interference with miR-195-5p promoted malignant proliferation of cancer cells. miR-195-5p expression was affected by LINC00511and targeted GCNT3.

CONCLUSION

Silencing LINC00511 promotes GCNT3 expression by inhibiting miR-195-5p and ultimately stimulates the malignant progression of LUAD.

Circulating microRNAs as molecular biomarkers for lung adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND: The potential of microRNAs (miRNAs) as molecular tumor biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis in lung cancer is still unclear. OBJECTIVE: To analyze expression of miRNAs in A549 lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) cells and in primary, non-malignant bronchial epithelial (BE) cells from healthy donors. To analyze the most prominently deregulated miRNAs in plasma samples of LUAD patients and healthy donors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The expression of 752 miRNAs in LUAD and BE cells was assessed by RT-qPCR with mean-centering restricted normalization. The relative plasma levels of 18 miRNAs in LUAD patients and healthy donors were analyzed using RT-qPCR and normalized to miR-191-5p and miR-16-3p. Putative interactions between miRNAs and their target genes were investigated in silico. RESULTS: Out of 752 miRNAs, 37 miRNAs were significantly deregulated in A549 cells compared to BE cells. MiR-15b-3p, miR-148a-3p, miR-193b-3p, and miR-195-5p were significantly deregulated in plasma samples of LUAD patients compared to donors. The target genes of those four miRNAs are involved in essential mechanisms in cancer development and progression. CONCLUSIONS: There are substantial differences between cancer and control miRNA expression in vitro and in plasma samples of LUAD patients compared to healthy donors. Four deregulated miRNAs are promising as a diagnostic biomarker for adenocarcinoma of the lung.

MicroRNA-195-5p inhibits the progression of hemangioma via targeting SKI

Hemangioma (HA), which is characterized by aberrant endothelial cell proliferation in blood vessels, is a common tumor during infancy. MicroRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) collectively participate in the development of HA; however, the potential roles of miR-195-5p in HA are not completely understood. The aim of the present study was to investigate the roles of miR-195-5p in HA. In the present study, miR-195-5p was found to be downregulated in HA cells, such as the XPTS-1 human infantile hemangioma-derived endothelial cell line and the EOMA hemangioendothelioma cell line. Overexpression of miR-195-5p was shown to suppress HA cell viability, colony formation and proliferation, and induced HA cell apoptosis. Furthermore, miR-195-5p downregulated Bcl-2 expression and upregulated Bax and Bcl-2 expression levels. V-ski sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (SKI) was identified as a target of miR-195-5p. Co-transfection of miR-195-5p mimics and SKI 3'-untranslated region wild-type decreased HA cell luciferase activity. SKI overexpression alleviated the miR-195-5p-induced decrease in HA cell proliferation and increased HA cell apoptosis. In addition, the regulatory role of miR-195-5p on the expression of Bcl-2, Bax and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase was reversed by SKI. Collectively, the results of the present study demonstrated that miR-195-5p suppressed HA progression and its effects were mediated via SKI. Therefore, the miR-195-5p/SKI axis may represent a novel therapeutic target for HA.

CircRASSF2 facilitates the proliferation and metastasis of colorectal cancer by mediating the activity of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by regulating the miR-195-5p/FZD4 axis

Circular RNAs (circRNA) are a key regulator of cancer progression, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Nevertheless, the role of circRASSF2 in CRC remains unclear. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to measure the expression of circRASSF2 and miR-195-5p. Cell counting kit 8 assay, colony formation assay, flow cytometry and transwell assay were used to determine the proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion of cells, respectively. The levels of proliferation, metastasis and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway-related proteins, as well as Frizzled 4 (FZD4) protein, were determined using western blot analysis. Furthermore, a dual-luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation assay and RNA pull-down assay were used to illumine the mechanism of circRASSF2. Animal experiments were used to determine the role of circRASSF2 in the tumor growth of CRC in vivo. Our study reported that circRASSF2 was upregulated in CRC tissues and cells, and its high expression was related to the poor prognosis of CRC patients. CircRASSF2 knockdown could inhibit proliferation, migration, invasion, and enhance apoptosis in CRC cells, and its overexpression had the opposite effect. Besides, our data revealed that circRASSF2 could sponge miR-195-5p, and miR-195-5p could target FZD4. The rescue experiments indicated that both miR-195-5p inhibitor and FZD4 overexpression could reverse the negative regulation of circRASSF2 silencing on CRC progression. Moreover, circRASSF2 could positively regulate the activity of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by the miR-195-5p/FZD4 axis. In addition, circRASSF2 knockdown restrained the tumor growth of CRC in vivo. Our findings suggested that circRASSF2 might function as a tumor promoter to accelerate the progression of CRC via regulating the miR-195-5p/FZD4/Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Knockdown of circ‑PVT1 inhibits the progression of lung adenocarcinoma and enhances the sensitivity to cisplatin via the miR‑429/FOXK1 signaling axis

Lung cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers in China, and its incidence and morbidity remain high due to various independent factors. Lung adenocarcinoma (ADC) is the most common type of non‑small cell lung carcinoma. Circular RNA plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (circ‑PVT1) plays an oncogenic role in various types of cancer, but the specific role of circ‑PVT1 in lung ADC has not yet been reported. In the present study, circ‑PVT1 was knocked down in A549 cells and the cell viability, proliferation, migration and invasion were measured via MTT, colony formation, wound healing and Transwell assays, respectively. Then, the cell viability of A549 cells with circ‑PVT1‑knockdown or ‑overexpression was detected after exposure to cisplatin (DDP). After confirming the associations among circ‑PVT1, microRNA (miR)‑429 and forkhead box k1 (FOXK1) using various tools and assays, the cellular functions of A549 cells treated with combined short hairpin (sh)RNA‑circ‑PVT1 and miR‑429 inhibitor/pcDNA3.1‑FOXK1 were tested again. The expression of circ‑PVT1 was found to be increased in lung ADC cells, and shRNA‑circ‑PVT1 led to decreased cell viability, proliferation, migration and invasion. The expression of circ‑PVT1 was higher in A549/DDP cells than that in A549 cells, and the activity of caspase‑3 was also activated by DDP in A549/DDP cells transfected with shRNA‑circ‑PVT1, whereas it was inactivated by DDP in A549 cells transfected with circ‑PVT1 overexpression plasmid. Furthermore, the decreased cell viability, proliferation, invasion and migration induced by shRNA‑circ‑PVT1 could be abated by transfection with miR‑429 inhibitor and pcDNA3.1‑FOXK1. In conclusion, interference of circ‑PVT1 inhibits the progression of lung ADC and enhances its sensitivity to DDP via miR‑429/FOXK1, which may provide a theoretical basis for the use of novel targets in the treatment of lung ADC.

LncRNA AFAP1-AS1 Promotes the Progression of Colorectal Cancer through miR-195-5p and WISP1

Objective

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common cancer. But, the molecular mechanisms of CRC progression are not fully understood. This study was conducted to explore how the long noncoding RNA actin filament-associated protein 1-antisense RNA1 (lncRNA AFAP1-AS1) participates in CRC progression through the regulation of microRNA-195-5p (miR-195-5p) and wingless-type inducible signaling pathway protein-1 (WISP1).

Methods

The expressions of AFAP1-AS1, miR-195-5p, and WISP1 were detected by RT-qPCR or western blot. A dual-luciferase assay confirmed the target relationship of AFAP1-AS1, miR-195-5p, and WISP1. Colony formation, wound-healing, and Transwell assays were used to detect the growth, migration, and invasion abilities of cells, respectively.

Results

AFAP1-AS1 and WISP1 expressions were notably increased, and miR-195-5p expression was markedly reduced in CRC. The dual-luciferase assay verified that AFAP1-AS1 could bind to miR-195-5p. AFAP1-AS1 knockdown could inhibit the malignant behavior of CRC cells. miR-195-5p could target and regulate WISP1 expression. Overexpression of WISP1 or miR-195-5p inhibition reversed the inhibition effect of AFAP1-AS1 knockdown on the biological activity of CRC cells.

Conclusions

AFAP1-AS1 knockdown may inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of CRC cells through the miR-195-5p/WISP1 axis.

Long non-coding RNA SLC25A25-AS1 exhibits oncogenic roles in non-small cell lung cancer by regulating the microRNA-195-5p/ITGA2 axis

Long non-coding RNA SLC25A25 antisense RNA 1 (SLC25A25-AS1) exerts antitumour activity in colorectal cancer. The present study investigated whether SLC25A25-AS1 is implicated in the aggressiveness of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and the possible underlying mechanism. SLC25A25-AS1 expression in NSCLC was determined by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. The proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion of NSCLC cells were tested in vitro through cell counting kit-8 assay, flow cytometry analysis, Transwell migration and invasion assays, followed by in vivo validation using animal experiments. Additionally, the competitive endogenous RNA theory for SLC25A25-AS1, microRNA-195-5p (miR-195-5p) and integrin α2 (ITGA2) was identified using subcellular fractionation, bioinformatics analysis, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, western blotting, a luciferase assay and RNA immunoprecipitation. As compared with normal lung tissues, increased expression of SLC25A25-AS1 was demonstrated in NSCLC tissues using The Cancer Genome Atlas database.. In addition, SLC25A25-AS1 was overexpressed in both NSCLC tissues and cell lines. High SLC25A25-AS1 expression was markedly associated with shorter overall survival time of patients with NSCLC. SLC25A25-AS1 silencing impeded NSCLC cell proliferation and triggered apoptosis, while restricting cell migration and invasion. Tumour growth in vivo was also impaired by SLC25A25-AS1 silencing. Mechanistically, SLC25A25-AS1 was demonstrated to be an miR-195-5p sponge in NSCLC cells. miR-195-5p mimics decreased ITGA2 expression in NSCLC cells by directly targeting ITGA2, and SLC25A25-AS1 interference decreased ITGA2 expression by sequestering miR-195-5p. Furthermore, the antitumour effects of SLC25A25-AS1 silencing on malignant behaviours were counteracted when ITGA2 was restored or when miR-195-5p was silenced. In summary, by controlling the miR-195-5p/ITGA2 axis, SLC25A25-AS1 served tumour-promoting roles in NSCLC cells. Therefore, the SLC25A25-AS1/miR-195-5p/ITGA2 signalling pathway might be an attractive target for future therapeutic options in NSCLC.

miR-195-5p Regulates the Phenotype Switch of CCSM Cells by Targeting Smad7

INTRODUCTION

Phenotype switch refers to the process in which smooth muscle cells change from contractile type to synthetic type and acquire the ability of proliferation. Phenotypic transformation involves many changes of cell function, such as collagen deposition and fibrosis, which affect the normal erectile function of penis.

AIM

To investigate the role of miR-195-5p in regulating the Phenotype switch of the corpus cavernosum smooth muscle (CCSM) cells.

METHODS

A small mother against decapentaplegic 7(Smad7) virus vector and a miR-195-5p mimics or an si-Smad7 viral vector and a miR-195-5p inhibitor were transfected into CCSM cells. The cells were obtained by primary culture of rat corpus cavernosum smooth muscle tissue. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) experiments, Western blotting, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, transwell experiments, MTT assays, and flow cytometry were used to detect miR-195-5p, Smad7, phenotype switch markers of CCSM cells and related protein expression, as well as changes in cell morphology, migration, proliferation and apoptosis.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

To study the regulation of miR-195-5p in CCSM cells by overexpression and silencing strategies.

RESULTS

Overexpressed miR-195-5p promoted the transformation of CCSM cells from a contractile type to a synthetic type. Meanwhile, the migration ability and proliferation ability of CCSM cells increased, and the apoptosis rate decreased. The expression-silencing of miR-195-5p gave rise to the opposite effect. The results of the rescue experiment demonstrated that overexpressed Smad7 rescued the inhibitory of the switch of the CCSM cell phenotype from the contractile type to the synthesis type caused by overexpression of miR-195-5p alone. Moreover, the enhancement effect of the migration ability and proliferation ability of CCSM cells was also eliminated, and the apoptosis rate was increased. Silencing miR-195-5p and Smad7 at the same time resulted in the opposite effect.

CONCLUSION

miR-195-5p may regulate the phenotype switch of CCSM cells by targeting Smad7. Zhang J, Zhang X, Zhang J, et al. miR-195-5p Regulates the Phenotype Switch of CCSM Cells by Targeting Smad7. Sex Med 2021;9:100349.

Mechanisms of miR-195-5p and FOXK1 in rat xenograft models of non-small cell lung cancer

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the roles and mechanisms of miR-195-5p and forkhead box K1 (FOXK1) in rat xenograft models of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS

Rat xenograft models of NSCLC were established. Evaluations of morphology of NSCLC cells and levels of Ki67 and P53 were detected by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and immunohistochemistry (IHC), respectively. The miR-195-5p level in NSCLC was measured by quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR), and FOXK1, Bax, Caspase-3 and Bal-2 levels were quantified by Western blot. And the regulatory relation between miR-195-5p and FOXK1 was determined by dual-luciferase reporter (DLR) assay.

RESULTS

HE staining and IHC demonstrated successful establishment of NSCLC models in which miR-195-5p was downregulated and FOXK1 was upregulated. Pearson correlation showed that miR-195-5p and FOXK1 were inversely associated (r=0.551, P=0.012). DLR assay confirmed the targeted regulatory relation between miR-195-5p and FOXK1, and upregulation of miR-195-5p accelerated apoptosis of tumor cells.

CONCLUSION

miR-195-5p is inversely associated with FOXK1 in NSCLC in rats. Upregulation of miR-195-5p suppresses FOXK1 and accelerates apoptosis of tumor cells, which may serve as an therapeutic target for the treatment of NSCLC.

Novel LncRNA OXCT1-AS1 indicates poor prognosis and contributes to tumorigenesis by regulating miR-195/CDC25A axis in glioblastoma

BACKGROUND

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) contribute to multiple biological processes in human glioblastoma (GBM). However, identifying a specific lncRNA target remains a challenge. In this study, bioinformatics methods and competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network regulatory rules were used to identify GBM-related lncRNAs and revealed that OXCT1 antisense RNA 1 (OXCT1-AS1) is a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of glioma.

METHODS

Based on the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset, we identified differential lncRNAs, microRNAs and mRNAs and constructed an lncRNA-associated ceRNA network. The novel lncRNA OXCT1-AS1 was proposed to function as a ceRNA, and its potential target miRNAs were predicted through the database LncBase Predicted v.2. The expression patterns of OXCT1-AS1 in glioma and normal tissue samples were measured. The effect of OXCT1-AS1 on glioma cells was checked using the Cell Counting Kit 8 assay, cell colony formation assay, Transwell assay and flow cytometry in vitro. The dual-luciferase activity assay was performed to investigate the potential mechanism of the ceRNA network. Finally, orthotopic mouse models of glioma were created to evaluate the influence of OXCT1-AS1 on tumour growth in vivo.

RESULTS

In this study, it was found that the expression of lncRNA OXCT1-AS1 was upregulated in both The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) GBM patients and GBM tissue samples, and high expression of OXCT1-AS1 predicted a poor prognosis. Suppressing OXCT1-AS1 expression significantly decreased GBM cell proliferation and inhibited cell migration and invasion. We further investigated the potential mechanism and found that OXCT1-AS1 may act as a ceRNA of miR-195 to enhance CDC25A expression and promote glioma cell progression. Finally, knocking down OXCT1-AS1 notably attenuated the severity of glioma in vivo.

CONCLUSION

OXCT1-AS1 inhibits glioma progression by regulating the miR-195-5p/CDC25A axis and is a specific tumour marker and a novel potential therapeutic target for glioma treatment.

Differential roles of miR-15a/16-1 and miR-497/195 clusters in immune cell development and homeostasis

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) post-transcriptionally repress almost all genes in mammals and thereby form an additional layer of gene regulation. As such, miRNAs impact on nearly every physiological process and have also been associated with cancer. Prominent examples of such miRNAs can be found in the miR-15 family, composed of the bicistronic clusters miR-15a/16-1, miR-15b/16-2, and miR-497/195. In particular, the miR-15a/16-1 cluster is deleted in almost two thirds of all chronic B lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cases, a phenotype that is also recapitulated by miR-15a/16-1-deficient as well as miR-15b/16-2-deficient mice. Under physiological conditions, those two clusters have been implicated in T-cell function, and B-cell and natural killer (NK) cell development; however, it is unclear whether miR-497 and miR-195 confer similar roles in health and disease. Here, we have generated a conditional mouse model for tissue-specific deletion of miR-497 and miR-195. While mice lacking miR-15a/16-1 in the hematopoietic compartment developed clear signs of CLL over time, aging mice deficient for miR-497/195 did not show such a phenotype. Likewise, loss of miR-15a/16-1 impaired NK and early B-cell development, whereas miR-497/195 was dispensable for these processes. In fact, a detailed analysis of miR-497/195-deficient mice did not reveal any effect on steady-state hematopoiesis or immune cell function. Unexpectedly, even whole-body deletion of the cluster was well-tolerated and had no obvious impact on embryonic development or healthy life span. Therefore, we postulate that the miR-497/195 cluster is redundant to its paralog clusters or that its functional relevance is restricted to certain physiological and pathological conditions.

miR-195-5p exerts tumor-suppressive functions in human lung cancer cells through targeting TrxR2

miR-195-5p has been widely explored in various cancers and is considered as a tumor-suppressive microRNA. However, its roles in human lung cancer pathogenesis are not fully elucidated. In this study, we aimed to explore how miR-195-5p is involved in malignant behaviors of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) cells. miR-195-5p expression was examined in the tumor tissues of patients with LUAD and human LUAD cell lines including A549 and PC-9. Thioredoxin reductase 2 (TrxR2) was predicted to be an mRNA target of miR-195-5p using online tools and validated by the Dual-Luciferase Reporter Assay. Lentivirus infection was used for gene overexpression, while gene knockdown was achieved by RNA interference. Cell proliferation was determined by Cell Counting Kit-8 and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine methods, and cell migration and invasion were assayed with transwell experiments. Cell apoptosis was determined by annexin V staining-based flow cytometry. The antitumor effects of miR-195-5p were also evaluated in nude mice xenografted with A549 cells. We found that miR-195-5p was lowly expressed in human LUAD cells, and its overexpression markedly suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and increased the apoptosis of LUAD cells in vitro. TrxR2 knockdown phenocopied the tumor-suppressive effects of miR-195-5p overexpression, while simultaneous TrxR2 overexpression remarkably reversed the effects of miR-195-5p overexpression on malignant behaviors of A549 and PC-9 cells. Additionally, miR-195-5p overexpression inhibited the growth of xenografted A549 tumor in nude mice. Our work verified that miR-195-5p exerts tumor-suppressive functions in LUAD cells through targeting TrxR2 and suggested that the miR-195-5p/TrxR2 axis is a potential biomarker for LUAD therapy.

LINC00460 Enhances Bladder Carcinoma Cell Proliferation and Migration by Modulating miR-612/FOXK1 Axis

INTRODUCTION

LincRNA (long intergenic noncoding RNA) has been indicated as a mediator in tumorigenesis of bladder carcinoma. This study was performed to evaluate the role of LINC00460 in bladder carcinoma progression.

METHODS

Expression levels of LINC00460 in bladder carcinoma tissues and cell lines were analyzed via qRT-PCR. MTT, EdU (5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine) staining, and colony formation assays were utilized to evaluate cell viability and proliferation. The wound healing assay was performed to evaluate bladder cancer cell migration, and the transwell assay was used to evaluate cell invasion. The microRNA (miRNA) target of LINC00460 and the corresponding target gene were validated via the dual luciferase activity assay. The tumorigenic function of LINC00460 was determined via establishment of a xenotransplanted tumor model.

RESULTS

LINC00460 was elevated in bladder carcinoma tissues and cell lines. Elevated LINC00460 was associated with shorter overall survival of bladder carcinoma patients. Overexpression of LINC00460 promoted cell viability, proliferation, invasion, and migration, while silencing of LINC00460 indicated the opposite effect on bladder carcinoma progression. LINC00460 could directly bind to miR-612 and inhibit miR-612 expression. Moreover, LINC00460 expression was negatively correlated with miR-612 in patients with bladder carcinoma. FOXK1 (Forkhead Box K1) was identified as the target of miR-612 and upregulated in patients with bladder carcinoma. Overexpression of FOXK1 attenuated interference of LINC00460-inhibited bladder carcinoma progression. Knockdown of LINC00460 suppressed in vivo bladder carcinoma growth.

CONCLUSIONS

LINC00460 promoted bladder carcinoma progression via sponging miR-612 to facilitate FOXK1 expression, suggesting that LINC00460 might have the potential of being explored as a therapeutic target for treatment of bladder carcinoma.