Micro-RNA-186-5p inhibition attenuates proliferation, anchorage independent growth and invasion in metastatic prostate cancer cells

Comparative analysis of genetic risk scores for predicting biochemical recurrence in prostate cancer patients after radical prostatectomy

BACKGROUND

In recent years, Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) has identified risk variants related to complex diseases, but most genetic variants have less impact on phenotypes. To solve the above problems, methods that can use variants with low genetic effects, such as genetic risk score (GRS), have been developed to predict disease risk.

METHODS

As the GRS model with the most incredible prediction power for complex diseases has not been determined, our study used simulation data and prostate cancer data to explore the disease prediction power of three GRS models, including the simple count genetic risk score (SC-GRS), the direct logistic regression genetic risk score (DL-GRS), and the explained variance weighted GRS based on directed logistic regression (EVDL-GRS).

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

We used 26 SNPs to establish GRS models to predict the risk of biochemical recurrence (BCR) after radical prostatectomy. Combining clinical variables such as age at diagnosis, body mass index, prostate-specific antigen, Gleason score, pathologic T stage, and surgical margin and GRS models has better predictive power for BCR. The results of simulation data (statistical power = 0.707) and prostate cancer data (area under curve = 0.8462) show that DL-GRS has the best prediction performance. The rs455192 was the most relevant locus for BCR (p = 2.496 × 10-6) in our study.

Propofol-induced LINC01133 inhibits the progression of colorectal cancer via miR-186-5p/NR3C2 axis

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a formidable threat to human well-being, characterized by a largely enigmatic occurrence and progression mechanism. A growing body of literature has underscored the potential influence of propofol, a frequently administered anesthetic, on clinical outcomes in malignant tumor patients. However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying the impact of propofol on the progression of CRC have yet to be fully elucidated. This study reveals a notable upregulation of LINC01133 expression in CRC cells subsequent to propofol treatment, which is mediated by FOXO1. Subsequently, a series of experiments were conducted to elucidate the role and mechanisms underlying propofol-induced LINC01133 in CRC development. Our study uncovers that the upregulation of LINC01133 exerts a substantial inhibitory effect on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of CRC cells. Further investigation revealed that LINC01133 can attenuate the proliferation, invasion, and migration of CRC cell lines through the miR-186-5p/NR3C2 axis. Results from in vivo experiments unequivocally demonstrated a significant reduction in the growth rate of subcutaneous implant tumors upon LINC01133 overexpression in CRC cells. These findings posit that propofol induces LINC01133 expression, leading to the inhibition of CRC progression. This revelation offers a novel perspective on propofol's antitumor properties and underscores the potential of LINC01133 as a promising therapeutic target for CRC.

AKAP12 inhibits esophageal squamous carcinoma cell proliferation, migration, and cell cycle via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) consistently ranks as one of the most challenging variants of squamous cell carcinomas, primarily due to the lack of effective early detection strategies. We herein aimed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and biological role associated with A-kinase anchoring protein 12 (AKAP12) in the context of ESCC. Bioinformatic analysis had revealed significantly lower expression level of AKAP12 in ESCC tissue samples than in their non-cancerous counterparts. To gain deeper insights into the potential role of AKAP12 in the progression of ESCC, we conducted a single-gene set enrichment analysis of AKAP12 on ESCC datasets. Our findings suggested that AKAP12 exhibits functions inhibiting cell cycle progression, tumor proliferation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. To further validate our findings, we subjected ESCC cell lines to AKAP12 overexpression using CRISPR/Cas9-SAM. In vitro analyses demonstrated that increased expression of AKAP12 significantly reduced cell proliferation, migration, and cell cycle progression. Simultaneously, genes associated with this biological role undergo corresponding regulatory shifts. These observations provided valuable insights into the biological role played by AKAP12 in ESCC progression. In summary, AKAP12 shows promise as a new potential biomarker for early ESCC diagnosis, offering potential advantages for subsequent therapeutic intervention and disease management.

Biomarkers for Prostate Cancer Bone Metastasis Detection and Prediction

Prostate cancer (PCa) causes deaths worldwide, ranking second after lung cancer. Bone metastasis (BM) frequently results from advanced PCa, affecting approximately 90% of patients, and it also often results in severe skeletal-related events. Traditional diagnostic methods for bone metastases, such as tissue biopsies and imaging, have substantial drawbacks. This article summarizes the significance of biomarkers in PCa accompanied with BM, including (1) bone formation markers like osteopontin (OPN), pro-collagen type I C-terminal pro-peptide (PICP), osteoprotegerin (OPG), pro-collagen type I N-terminal pro-peptide (PINP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and osteocalcin (OC); (2) bone resorption markers, including C-telopeptide of type I collagen (CTx), N-telopeptide of type I collagen (NTx), bone sialoprotein (BSP), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRACP), deoxypyridinoline (D-PYD), pyridoxine (PYD), and C-terminal pyridinoline cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP); (3) prostate-specific antigen (PSA); (4) neuroendocrine markers, such as chromogranin A (CgA), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), and pro-gastrin releasing peptide (ProGRP); (5) liquid biopsy markers, such as circulating tumor cells (CTCs), microRNA (miRNA), circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), and cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and exosomes. In summary, some of these markers are already in widespread clinical use, while others still require further laboratory or clinical studies to validate their value for clinical application.

Parkinson's Disease as a Risk Factor for Prostate Adenocarcinoma: A Molecular Point of View

INTRODUCTION

Cancer and neurodegeneration are two major leading causes of morbidity and death worldwide. Neurodegeneration results in excessive neuronal cell death, and cancer emerges from increased proliferation and resistance to cell death. Although most epidemiological studies support an inverse association between the risk for the development of neurodegenerative diseases and cancer, increasing evidence points to a positive correlation between specific types of cancer, like prostate adenocarcinoma (PRAD), and neurodegenerative diseases, like Parkinson's disease (PD).

METHODS

PD and PRAD differential genes were screened through the GEO database, and the differential genes were analyzed using David, String, GEPIA, Kaplan-Meier plotter, TIMER2.0, proteinatlas, cBioPortal, and CTD databases to elucidate the biological function and molecular mechanism of PD and PRAD-related genes.

RESULTS

Studies have shown that the hub gene and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in PD were differentially expressed in PRAD, including CDC20, HSPA4L, ROBO1, DMKN, IFI27L2, LUZP2, PTN, PTGDS. In PRAD, the high expression of HSPA4L, ROBO1, DMKN, IFI27L2, PTN, and PTGDS genes was associated with longer survival, while the patients with low expression of CDC20 and LUZP2 genes had longer survival. The mRNA of CDC20 and LUZP2 were highly expressed, while the mRNAs of HSPA4L, ROBO1, DMKN, IFI27L2, and PTGDS were low expressed. Gene methylation did not affect the survival of patients. The high expression of miR-142, miR-186, miR-30a, miR-497, miR-590, miR-28, and miR-576 in microRNA (miRNA) might potentially be used as biomarkers for the progression of PD and PRAD and for the early diagnosis of PD and PRAD in the populations. The genes in this study were highly associated with B cells, CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells. Somatic mutation mainly focused on missense mutation. Therapeutic drugs included acetaminophen and valproic acid (VPA).

CONCLUSION

Bioinformatics was used to identify potential targets and novel molecular mechanisms that may serve as clinical markers for the diagnosis and treatment of PD and PRAD.

Anoikis in phenotypic reprogramming of the prostate tumor microenvironment

Prostate cancer is one of the most common malignancies in males wherein 1 in 8 men are diagnosed with this disease in their lifetime. The urgency to find novel therapeutic interventions is associated with high treatment resistance and mortality rates associated with castration-resistant prostate cancer. Anoikis is an apoptotic phenomenon for normal epithelial or endothelial cells that have lost their attachment to the extracellular matrix (ECM). Tumor cells that lose their connection to the ECM can die via apoptosis or survive via anoikis resistance and thus escaping to distant organs for metastatic progression. This review discusses the recent advances made in our understanding of the signaling effectors of anoikis in prostate cancer and the approaches to translate these mechanistic insights into therapeutic benefits for reducing lethal disease outcomes (by overcoming anoikis resistance). The prostate tumor microenvironment is a highly dynamic landscape wherein the balance between androgen signaling, cell lineage changes, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), extracellular matrix interactions, actin cytoskeleton remodeling as well as metabolic changes, confer anoikis resistance and metastatic spread. Thus, these mechanisms also offer unique molecular treatment signatures, exploitation of which can prime prostate tumors to anoikis induction with a high translational significance.

LncRNA NUTM2A-AS1 aggravates the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma by activating the miR-186-5p/KLF7-mediated Wnt/beta-catenin pathway

Emerging evidence has uncovered that noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) contribute to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nevertheless, the functions of the majority of long ncRNAs (lncRNAs) in HCC are unknown. Here, we intend to probe the function of lncRNA NUTM2A-AS1 in the evolvement of HCC and the related mechanism. Expression levels of lncRNA NUTM2A-AS1, miR-186-5p and KLF7 mRNA in HCC tissues and adjacent non-tumor tissues were monitored. Gain- or loss-of-function assays were utilized to investigate the biological functions of lncRNA NUTM2A-AS1, miR-186-5p and KLF7 in HCC cell lines (including HCCLM3 and Huh7). Western blot was implemented for the detection of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins (including E-cadherin, Vimentin and Snail), KLF7, Wnt, β-catenin, and stemness-related proteins (Nanog, OCT4, YKL40, and CD133). Furthermore, the targeted associations between lncRNA NUTM2A-AS1, miR-186-5p, and KLF7 were verified by bioinformatics analysis, dual-luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays. As a result, lncRNA NUTM2A-AS1 and KLF7 profiles were heightened in the HCC tissues versus adjacent normal tissues, while miR-186-5p had the opposite expression tendency. Up-regulation of lncRNA NUTM2A-AS1 was related to tumor size, advanced tumor stage, and lymph node metastasis of HCC patients. Functionally, overexpression of lncRNA NUTM2A-AS1 heightened HCC cells' growth, invasion, EMT, and stemness and repressed their apoptosis by activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. In contrast, up-regulation of miR-186-5p or inhibition of KLF7 had reverse effects. In vivo, lncRNA NUTM2A-AS1 overexpression facilitated tumor growth and EMT, accompanied by declined miR-186-5p levels and enhanced KLF7 expression. The mechanistic studies revealed that miR-186-5p served as a common target of lncRNA NUTM2A-AS1 and KLF7. As hinted by the rescue experiments, NUTM2A-AS1 partly abated miR-186-5p-mediated anti-tumor effects in HCC cells, whereas KLF7 knockdown reversed the promotive effects of NUTM2A-AS1. LncRNA NUTM2A-AS1 accelerated the evolution of HCC by up-regulating the KLF7/Wnt/beta-catenin pathway through sponging miR-186-5p.

The potential of cell-free and exosomal microRNAs as biomarkers in liquid biopsy in patients with prostate cancer

PURPOSE

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the 4th most diagnosed cancer and the 8th leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Currently, clinical risk stratification models including factors like PSA levels, Gleason score, and digital rectal examination are used for this purpose. There is a need for novel biomarkers that can distinguish between indolent and aggressive pathology and reduce the risk of overdiagnosis/overtreatment. Liquid biopsy has a non-invasive character, can lead to less morbidity and provide new biomarkers, such as miRNAs, that regulate diverse important cellular processes. Here, we report an extended revision about the role of cell-free and exosomal miRNAs (exomiRNAs) as biomarkers for screening, diagnosis, prognosis, or treatment of PCa.

METHODS

A comprehensive review of the published literature was conducted focusing on the usefulness, advantages, and clinical applications of cell-free and exomiRNAs in serum and plasma. Using PubMed database 53 articles published between 2012 and 2021 were selected and discussed from the perspective of their use as diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic biomarkers for PCa.

RESULTS

We identify 119 miRNAs associated with PCa development and the cell-free and exosomal miR-21, miR-141, miR-200c, and miR-375 were consistently associated with progression in multiple cohorts/studies. However, standardized experimental procedures, and well-defined and clinically relevant cohort studies are urgently needed to confirm the biomarker potential of cell-free and exomiRNAs in serum or plasma.

CONCLUSION

Cell-free and exomiRNAs in serum or plasma are promising tools for be used as non-invasive biomarkers for diagnostic, prognosis, therapy improvement and clinical outcome prediction in PCa patients.

lncRNA WT1-AS attenuates hypoxia/ischemia-induced neuronal injury during cerebral ischemic stroke via miR-186-5p/XIAP axis

This study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) WT1 antisense RNA (WT1-AS) in cerebral ischemic stroke. The Starbase database and dual-luciferase reporter gene assay were used to analyze the interaction between lncRNA WT1 antisense RNA (lncRNA WT1-AS) and microRNA-186-5p (miR-186-5p). Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR analysis was performed to determine lncRNA WT1-AS and miR-186-5p levels. An oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD)-induced SH-SY5Y cell injury model was established. Cell viability and apoptosis were determined using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide and flow cytometric assays, respectively. Caspase 3 activity was evaluated using a caspase 3 activity detection kit. The results showed that miR-186-5p is a direct target of the lncRNA WT1-AS. In addition, lncRNA WT1-AS levels were downregulated and miR-186-5p levels were upregulated in the blood samples of patients with ischemic stroke and OGD-induced SH-SY5Y cells. WT1-AS overexpression promoted OGD-induced cell viability and reduced the cell apoptosis and caspase 3 activity. However, these effects were reversed by miR-186-5p overexpression. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that the X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) was directly targeted by miR-186-5p. Similarly, transfection with the miR-186-5p inhibitor reduced OGD-induced neuronal damage by upregulating XIAP expression. In conclusion, lncRNA WT1-AS attenuates hypoxia/ischemia-induced neuronal injury in cerebral ischemic stroke through the miR-186-5p/XIAP axis.

FTX Attenuates Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Inhibiting Apoptosis and Oxidative Stress via miR-186-5p/MDM4 Pathway

LncRNA five prime to Xist (FTX) has been identified to exert a protective effect in multiple diseases. However, whether and how FTX attenuates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CI/RI) is still unclear. To simulate CI/RI, an in vitro oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) HT22 cell model and an in vivo middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) Sprague-Dawley rat model were respectively constructed. In CI/RI plasma samples, OGD/R-challenged HT22 cells, and brain tissues from MCAO/R rats, FTX and mouse double minute 4 (MDM4) expressions were substantially decreased while miR-186-5p abundance was evidently increased. It was also revealed that FTX obviously improved neuronal damage induced by OGD/R through increasing proliferation, reducing apoptosis, and alleviating oxidative stress in OGD/R-challenged HT22 cells. Additionally, FTX positively regulated MDM4 level in OGD/R-treated HT22 cells as a sponge of miR-186-5p. Moreover, miR-186-5p upregulation or MDM4 suppression restored the inhibitory effects of FTX upregulation on OGD/R-triggered neuronal damage in HT22 cells. Therefore, these results suggest that FTX might ameliorate CI/RI by regulating the miR-186-5p/MDM4 pathway, providing a new target for stroke impairment treatment.

The Role of MiRNA in Cancer: Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Cancer is also determined by the alterations of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. These gene expressions can be regulated by microRNAs (miRNA). At this point, researchers focus on addressing two main questions: "How are oncogenes and/or tumor suppressor genes regulated by miRNAs?" and "Which other mechanisms in cancer cells are regulated by miRNAs?" In this work we focus on gathering the publications answering these questions. The expression of miRNAs is affected by amplification, deletion or mutation. These processes are controlled by oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, which regulate different mechanisms of cancer initiation and progression including cell proliferation, cell growth, apoptosis, DNA repair, invasion, angiogenesis, metastasis, drug resistance, metabolic regulation, and immune response regulation in cancer cells. In addition, profiling of miRNA is an important step in developing a new therapeutic approach for cancer.

Autophagy and gastrointestinal cancers: the behind the scenes role of long non-coding RNAs in initiation, progression, and treatment resistance

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers comprise a heterogeneous group of complex disorders that affect different organs, including esophagus, stomach, gallbladder, liver, biliary tract, pancreas, small intestine, colon, rectum, and anus. Recently, an explosion in nucleic acid-based technologies has led to the discovery of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that have been found to possess unique regulatory functions. This class of RNAs is >200 nucleotides in length, and is characterized by their lack of protein coding. LncRNAs exert regulatory effects in GI cancer development by affecting different functions such as the proliferation and metastasis of cancer cells, apoptosis, glycolysis and angiogenesis. Over the past few decades, considerable evidence has revealed the important role of autophagy in both GI cancer progression and suppression. In addition, recent studies have confirmed a significant correlation between lncRNAs and the regulation of autophagy. In this review, we summarize how lncRNAs play a behind the scenes role in the pathogenesis of GI cancers through regulation of autophagy.

LINC01291 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma development by targeting miR-186-5p/OXSR1 axis

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Recent studies have demonstrated that lncRNAs play an important role in tumorigenesis. LINC01291 has been proven to be involved in the proliferation and migration of different cancers, but the function of LINC01291 in HCC is still unknown.

METHODS

First, the expression of LINC01291 in 50 paired HCC tissues, adjacent normal tissues and HCC cell lines was measured by qRT-PCR. Then, the function of LINC01291 in HCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion was measured by colony formation, Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assays, wound healing assays and Transwell assays. In addition, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, vimentin and OXSR1 protein expression levels were assessed via western blotting. Luciferase reporter assays were used to prove the relationship between LINC01291 and miR-186-5p as well as miR-186-5p and OXSR1 mRNA. Rescue assays and in vivo experiments further confirmed the LINC01291/miR-186-5p/OXSR1 axis in the progression of HCC.

RESULTS

LINC01291 was upregulated in both HCC tissues and cell lines. Knockdown of LINC01291 inhibited the proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT progression of HCC cells. In addition, LINC01291 could overexpress OXSR1 by sponging miR-186-5p, and OXSR1 overexpression or miR-186-5p inhibition could rescue the effect of LINC01291 knockdown in YY-8103 cell lines. In addition, lentiviral sh-LINC01291 could effectively inhibit the growth of subcutaneous YY-8103 xenograft tumors, while the anticancer effect could be reversed by cotransfection with in-miR-186-5p or ov-OXSR1.

CONCLUSIONS

LINC01291 can promote the proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT of HCC cells via the miR-186-5p/OXSR1 axis, and sh-LINC01291 can inhibit tumor growth in a xenograft mouse model.

The Multifaceted Role of Aldehyde Dehydrogenases in Prostate Cancer Stem Cells

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are the only tumor cells possessing self-renewal and differentiation properties, making them an engine of tumor progression and a source of tumor regrowth after treatment. Conventional therapies eliminate most non-CSCs, while CSCs often remain radiation and drug resistant, leading to tumor relapse and metastases. Thus, targeting CSCs might be a powerful tool to overcome tumor resistance and increase the efficiency of current cancer treatment strategies. The identification and isolation of the CSC population based on its high aldehyde dehydrogenase activity (ALDH) is widely accepted for prostate cancer (PCa) and many other solid tumors. In PCa, several ALDH genes contribute to the ALDH activity, which can be measured in the enzymatic assay by converting 4, 4-difluoro-4-bora-3a, 4a-diaza-s-indacene (BODIPY) aminoacetaldehyde (BAAA) into the fluorescent product BODIPY-aminoacetate (BAA). Although each ALDH isoform plays an individual role in PCa biology, their mutual functional interplay also contributes to PCa progression. Thus, ALDH proteins are markers and functional regulators of CSC properties, representing an attractive target for cancer treatment. In this review, we discuss the current state of research regarding the role of individual ALDH isoforms in PCa development and progression, their possible therapeutic targeting, and provide an outlook for the future advances in this field.

Role of Metastasis-Related microRNAs in Prostate Cancer Progression and Treatment

Simple Summary

In this review article we summarize the current literature on the pro- and anti-metastatic roles of distinct microRNAs in prostate cancer with a particular focus on their impact on invasion, migration and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Moreover, we give a brief overview on how this knowledge developed so far into novel therapeutic approaches to target metastatic prostate cancer.

Abstract

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most prevalent cancer types in males and the consequences of its distant metastatic deposits are the leading cause of PCa mortality. Therefore, identifying the causes and molecular mechanisms of hematogenous metastasis formation is of considerable clinical importance for the future development of improved therapeutic approaches. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level by targeting messenger RNAs. Numerous studies have identified miRNAs as promotors or inhibitors of metastasis and revealed, in part, their targeting pathways in PCa. Because miRNAs are remarkably stable and can be detected in both tissue and body fluid, its potential as specific biomarkers for metastasis and therapeutic response is also currently under preclinical evaluation. In the present review, we focus on miRNAs that are supposed to initiate or suppress metastasis by targeting several key mRNAs in PCa. Metastasis-suppressing miRNAs include miR-33a-5p, miR-34, miR-132 and miR-212, miR-145, the miR-200 family (incl. miR-141-3p), miR-204-5p, miR-532-3p, miR-335, miR-543, miR-505-3p, miR 19a 3p, miR-802, miR-940, and miR-3622a. Metastasis-promoting RNAs, such as miR-9, miR-181a, miR-210-3, miR-454, miR-671-5p, have been shown to increase the metastatic potential of PCa cells. Other metastasis-related miRNAs with conflicting reports in the literature are also discussed (miR-21 and miR-186). Finally, we summarize the recent developments of miRNA-based therapeutic approaches, as well as current limitations in PCa. Taken together, the metastasis-controlling miRNAs provide the potential to be integrated in the strategy of diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of metastatic PCa. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of consistency between certain miRNA signatures and reproducibility, which impedes clinical implementation.

MicroRNA miR-145-5p inhibits Phospholipase D 5 (PLD5) to downregulate cell proliferation and metastasis to mitigate prostate cancer

Prostate cancer (PCa), a frequently detected malignant tumor, is the fifth leading global cancer mortality cause in men. Although research has improved the PCa survival rate, significantly reduced survival occurs among patients at the metastatic stage. MiRNAs, which are short non-coding proteins, are crucial for several biological roles, essential for PCa proliferation, differentiation, multiplication, and migration. The investigation aimed to explore miR-145-5p and PLD5 association and clarify their function in regulating proliferation in PCa cell lines.The study used PC-3, LNCaP, DU-145 PCa, and RWPE-1 non-cancerous cell line, PCa, and BPH tissue specimens, and nude mice to validate results. MiR-145-5p and PLD5 manifestation were assessed through RT-qPCR. PLD5 and miR-145 binding was determined through dual-luciferase reporter gene assays. Validation of cell proliferation, migration, and invasion was assessed through MTT, scratch wound, and transwell assays, respectively.The results indicated a downregulation of miR-145-5p level in PCa cell lines and tissues in comparison to the non-cancerous controls. PLD5 overexpression exerted a cancerous effect while mimicking of miR-145-5p reversed the PLD5-oncogenic effects and significantly inhibited PCa cells proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis.In conclusion, the study revealed that miR-145-5p upregulated apoptosis and repressed migration, invasion, and metastasis of PCa via direct PLD5 modulation.

Hsa_circ_0008360 sponges miR-186-5p to target CCND2 to modulate high glucose-induced vascular endothelial dysfunction

Vascular endothelial dysfunction is associated with the progress of many diseases. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) take part in the dysfunction of vascular endothelium. CircRNA hsa_circ_0008360 (circ_0008360) is dysregulated in high glucose-treated vascular endothelium, while the role and mechanism of circ_0008360 in high glucose-induced dysfunction remain unknown. Human umbilical vascular endothelium cells (HUVEC) were stimulated via high glucose. The abundances of circ_0008360, miR-186-5p and cyclin D2 (CCND2) were examined via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction or western blot. Vascular endothelial dysfunction was assessed via cell viability, apoptosis, migration and tube formation. The target relationship between miR-186-5p and circ_0008360 or CCND2 was analyzed via dual-luciferase reporter, RNA pull-down and RNA immunoprecipitation analyses. Circ_0008360 expression was enhanced in high-glucose-treated HUVEC. Circ_0008360 silence mitigated high glucose-induced suppression of viability, migration, tube formation, and increase in apoptosis in HUVEC. MiR-186-5p was sponged by circ_0008360, and miR-186-5p inhibition reversed the effect of circ_0008360 silence on high glucose-induced vascular endothelial dysfunction. MiR-186-5p alleviated high glucose-induced vascular endothelial dysfunction via targeting CCND2. CCND2 interference abolished the aggravated effect of circ_0008360 on high glucose-induced vascular endothelial dysfunction. Circ_0008360 knockdown attenuated high glucose-induced vascular endothelial dysfunction via regulating miR-186-5p and CCND2, indicating circ_0008360 might act as a target for the treatment of vascular endothelial dysfunction.Abbreviations: circRNAs, circular RNAs; HUVEC, human umbilical vascular endothelium cells; CCND2, cyclin D2; XPNPEP3, X-prolyl aminopeptidase 3; ceRNAs, competing endogenous RNAs; miRNAs, microRNAs; qRT-PCR, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction; RIP, RNA immunoprecipitation; HIF-1α, hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha; TLR3, toll-like receptor 3; AKAP12, A-Kinase Anchoring Protein 12; ox-LDL, oxidized low-density lipoprotein; HG, high glucose; NG, normal glucose.

Hsa-miR-186-5p regulates TGFβ signaling pathway through expression suppression of SMAD6 and SMAD7 genes in colorectal cancer

TGFβ signaling is a known pathway to be involved in colorectal cancer (CRC) progression and miRNAs play crucial roles by regulating different components of this pathway. Hence, finding the link between miRNAs and the pathway could be beneficial for CRC therapy. Array data indicated that miR-186-5p is a differentially expressed miRNA in colorectal Tumor/Normal tissues and bioinformatics tools predicted SMAD6/7 (inhibitory SMADs) as bona fide targets of this miRNA. Here, we intended to investigate the regulatory effect of the miR-186-5p expression on TGFβ signaling in CRC. Firstly, the miR-186-5p overexpression in HCT116 cells resulted in a significant reduction of SMAD6/7 expression, measured through RT-qPCR. Then, the direct interactions of miR-186-5p with SMAD6/7 3'UTRs were supported through dual luciferase assay. Furthermore, miR-186-5p overexpression suppressed proliferation, cell viability, and migration while, it increased apoptosis in CRC cells, assessed by cell cycle, MTT, scratch and Annexin V/PI apoptosis assays. Consistently, miR-186-5p overexpression resulted in reduced CyclinD1 protein using western blot, and also resulted in increased P21 and decreased c-Myc expression. Overall, these results introduced miR-186-5p as a cell cycle suppressor through downregulation of SMAD6/7 expression. Thus, miR-186-5p might be served as a novel tumor suppressive biomarker and therapeutic target in CRC treatment.

A Review of Small-Molecule Inhibitors of One-Carbon Enzymes: SHMT2 and MTHFD2 in the Spotlight

Metabolic reprogramming is a key hallmark of cancer and shifts cellular metabolism to meet the demands of biomass production necessary for abnormal cell reproduction. One-carbon metabolism (1CM) contributes to many biosynthetic pathways that fuel growth and is comprised of a complex network of enzymes. Methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil were pioneering drugs in this field and are still widely used today as anticancer agents as well as for other diseases such as arthritis. Besides dihydrofolate reductase and thymidylate synthase, two other enzymes of the folate cycle arm of 1CM have not been targeted clinically: serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT) and methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase (MTHFD). An increasing body of literature suggests that the mitochondrial isoforms of these enzymes (SHMT2 and MTHFD2) are clinically relevant in the context of cancer. In this review, we focused on the 1CM pathway as a target for cancer therapy and, in particular, SHMT2 and MTHFD2. The function, regulation, and clinical relevance of SHMT2 and MTHFD2 are all discussed. We expand on previous clinical studies and evaluate the prognostic significance of these critical enzymes by performing a pan-cancer analysis of patient data from the The Cancer Genome Atlas and a transcriptional coexpression network enrichment analysis. We also provide an overview of preclinical and clinical inhibitors targeting the folate pathway, the methionine cycle, and folate-dependent purine biosynthesis enzymes.

Regulation of breast cancer metastasis signaling by miRNAs

Despite the decline in death rate from breast cancer and recent advances in targeted therapies and combinations for the treatment of metastatic disease, metastatic breast cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer-associated death in U.S. women. The invasion-metastasis cascade involves a number of steps and multitudes of proteins and signaling molecules. The pathways include invasion, intravasation, circulation, extravasation, infiltration into a distant site to form a metastatic niche, and micrometastasis formation in a new environment. Each of these processes is regulated by changes in gene expression. Noncoding RNAs including microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in breast cancer tumorigenesis, progression, and metastasis by post-transcriptional regulation of target gene expression. miRNAs can stimulate oncogenesis (oncomiRs), inhibit tumor growth (tumor suppressors or miRsupps), and regulate gene targets in metastasis (metastamiRs). The goal of this review is to summarize some of the key miRNAs that regulate genes and pathways involved in metastatic breast cancer with an emphasis on estrogen receptor α (ERα+) breast cancer. We reviewed the identity, regulation, human breast tumor expression, and reported prognostic significance of miRNAs that have been documented to directly target key genes in pathways, including epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) contributing to the metastatic cascade. We critically evaluated the evidence for metastamiRs and their targets and miRNA regulation of metastasis suppressor genes in breast cancer progression and metastasis. It is clear that our understanding of miRNA regulation of targets in metastasis is incomplete.

LncRNA NEAT1 promotes cell proliferation, migration, and invasion via the miR-186-5p/PTP4A1 axis in cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a highly aggressive and malignant tumor. In this study, the effect and molecular mechanism of nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) in CCA were elucidated. The expressions of NEAT1, microRNA-186-5p (miR-186-5p), and PTP4A1 were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. The protein levels were measured by Western blotting. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to create survival curves. The interactions between NEAT1, miR-186-5p, and PTP4A1 were assessed through the dual luciferase reporter assay. Additionally, the cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were measured by colony formation, flow cytometry, the Transwell assay, and the wound healing assay, respectively. NEAT1 and PTP4A1 were significantly upregulated in CCA tissues and cells, but miR-186-5p was downregulated. NEAT1 expression was negatively correlated with the survival of CCA patients and has remarkable correlation with serum CA199 levels and lymph node metastasis. Besides, NEAT1 could act as a molecular sponge for miR-186-5p to upregulate PTP4A1 expression. More importantly, the knockdown of NEAT1 or overexpression of miR-186-5p inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of CCA cells, and the inhibition of miR-186-5p reversed the effects of the knockdown of NEAT1. In addition, NEAT1 could also activate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and regulate the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) through the miR-186-5p/PTP4A1 axis. In conclusion, NEAT1 was involved in cell proliferation, migration and invasion in CCA, and the NEAT1/miR-186-5p/PTP4A1/PI3K/AKT axis indicated novel regulatory mechanisms and therapeutics for the treatment of CCA.

Advancement and properties of circular RNAs in prostate cancer: An emerging and compelling frontier for discovering

Prostate cancer (PC) is the most common carcinoma among men worldwide which results in 26% of leading causes of cancer-related death. However, the ideal and effective molecular marker remains elusive. CircRNA, initially observed in plant-infected viruses and Sendai virus in 1979, is generated from pre-mRNA back-splicing and comes in to play by adequate expression. The differential expression in prostate tissues compared with the control reveals the promising capacity in modulating processes including carcinogenesis and metastasis. However, the biological mechanisms of regulatory network in PC needs to systemically concluded. In this review, we enlightened the comprehensive studies on the definite mechanisms of circRNAs affecting tumor progression and metastasis. What's more, we validated the potential clinical application of circRNAs serving as diagnostic and prognostic biomarker. The discussion and analysis in circRNAs will broaden our knowledge of the pathogenesis of PC and further optimize the current therapies against different condition.

The Role of Noncoding RNAs in the Regulation of Anoikis and Anchorage-Independent Growth in Cancer

Cancer is a global health concern, and the prognosis of patients with cancer is associated with metastasis. Multistep processes are involved in cancer metastasis. Accumulating evidence has shown that cancer cells acquire the capacity of anoikis resistance and anchorage-independent cell growth, which are critical prerequisite features of metastatic cancer cells. Multiple cellular factors and events, such as apoptosis, survival factors, cell cycle, EMT, stemness, autophagy, and integrins influence the anoikis resistance and anchorage-independent cell growth in cancer. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), are dysregulated in cancer. They regulate cellular signaling pathways and events, eventually contributing to cancer aggressiveness. This review presents the role of miRNAs and lncRNAs in modulating anoikis resistance and anchorage-independent cell growth. We also discuss the feasibility of ncRNA-based therapy and the natural features of ncRNAs that need to be contemplated for more beneficial therapeutic strategies against cancer.

microRNAs Mediated Regulation of the Ribosomal Proteins and its Consequences on the Global Translation of Proteins

Ribosomal proteins (RPs) are mostly derived from the energy-consuming enzyme families such as ATP-dependent RNA helicases, AAA-ATPases, GTPases and kinases, and are important structural components of the ribosome, which is a supramolecular ribonucleoprotein complex, composed of Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and RPs, coordinates the translation and synthesis of proteins with the help of transfer RNA (tRNA) and other factors. Not all RPs are indispensable; in other words, the ribosome could be functional and could continue the translation of proteins instead of lacking in some of the RPs. However, the lack of many RPs could result in severe defects in the biogenesis of ribosomes, which could directly influence the overall translation processes and global expression of the proteins leading to the emergence of different diseases including cancer. While microRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs and one of the potent regulators of the post-transcriptional gene expression, miRNAs regulate gene expression by targeting the 3' untranslated region and/or coding region of the messenger RNAs (mRNAs), and by interacting with the 5' untranslated region, and eventually finetune the expression of approximately one-third of all mammalian genes. Herein, we highlighted the significance of miRNAs mediated regulation of RPs coding mRNAs in the global protein translation.

Xenograft-derived mRNA/miR and protein interaction networks of systemic dissemination in human prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Distant metastasis formation is the major clinical problem in prostate cancer (PCa) and the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Our aim was to identify novel molecules that functionally contribute to human PCa systemic dissemination based on unbiased approaches.

METHODS

We compared mRNA, microRNA (miR) and protein expression levels in established human PCa xenograft tumours with high (PC-3), moderate (VCaP) or weak (DU-145) spontaneous micrometastatic potential. By focussing on those mRNAs, miRs and proteins that were differentially regulated among the xenograft groups and known to interact with each other we constructed dissemination-related mRNA/miR and protein/miR networks. Next, we clinically and functionally validated our findings.

RESULTS

Besides known determinants of PCa progression and/or metastasis, our interaction networks include several novel candidates. We observed a clear role of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathways for PCa dissemination, which was additionally confirmed by an independent human PCa model (ARCAP-E/-M). Two converging nodes, CD46 (decreasing with metastatic potential) and DDX21 (increasing with metastatic potential), were used to test the clinical relevance of the networks. Intriguingly, both network nodes consistently added prognostic information for patients with PCa whereas CD46 loss predicted poor outcome independent of established parameters. Accordingly, depletion of CD46 in weakly metastatic PCa cells induced EMT-like properties in vitro and spontaneous micrometastasis formation in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical and functional relevance of the dissemination-related interaction networks shown here could be successfully validated by proof-of-principle experiments. Therefore, we suggest a direct pro-metastatic, clinically relevant role for the multiple novel candidates included in this study; these should be further exploited by future studies.

Role of microRNAs in the development, prognosis and therapeutic response of patients with prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in males in several regions. One of the major challenges in diagnosis and treatment of this cancer is how to identify men who harbor an increased risk of having clinically significant prostate cancer and how to assess response to therapy. Biomarkers, like microRNAs (miRNAs) are one of the new diagnostic/therapeutic tools for clinicians. Finding men at high risk of significant cancer is essential as they will mostly benefit from earlier diagnosis and treatment. At the same time, it is important to reduce the number of unnecessary invasive biopsies in men without (clinically significant) cancer and miRNAs have especial application in this regard. MiRNAs can regulate expression of several genes. Up to 30 percent of protein coding genes are regulated by miRNAs. Based on this critical regulatory role, miRNAs impact cell differentiation, growth and apoptosis. Several studies have reported aberrant expression of miRNAs in different cancers including prostate cancer. miRNAs are regarded as biomarkers in this kind of cancer. Moreover, expression profiles of miRNAs can predict therapeutic response to a number of drugs such docetaxel and some natural agents such as isoflavone. Functional studies have shown that miRNAs regulate a number of critical targets such as Wnt/β-catenin, PI3K/AKT, cyclin dependent kinases, VEGF and JAK/ STAT. Therefore, several aspects of prostate cancer development are influenced by miRNAs. Finally, circulating miRNAs are promising tools for assessment of prostate cancer course and prognosis. In the current review, we summarize the results of studies which reported abnormal expression of miRNAs in prostate cancer and their role as biomarkers or therapeutic targets.

MORC2 promotes cell growth and metastasis in human cholangiocarcinoma and is negatively regulated by miR-186-5p

Microrchidia family CW-type zinc finger 2 (MORC2) is a ubiquitously expressed protein that contributes to chromatin remodeling, DNA repair, and lipogenesis. However, its role in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) remains largely unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression profile of MORC2 and its potential functions in CCA progression. The results showed that MORC2 was upregulated in human CCA specimens and cell lines. MORC2 expression was significantly associated with serum CA19-9 levels (P = 0.009), TNM stage (P = 0.003) and lymph node invasion (P = 0.004). Furthermore, high MORC2 expression was associated with poor 5-year survival (P = 0.016). Functional experiments revealed that MORC2 knockdown could suppress CCA cell proliferation, migration, and invasion both in vivo and in vitro. Mechanically, we found that MORC2 promoted CCA cell metastasis through the EMT process and enhanced proliferation via the Akt signaling pathway. Moreover, MORC2 was negatively regulated by miR-186-5p. MiR-186-5p could influence CCA cell proliferation, migration and metastasis by regulating MORC2. Taken together, the findings of this study demonstrated the oncogenic role of MORC2 in CCA tumorigenesis and metastasis, and clarified an underlying regulatory mechanism mediating MORC2 upregulation, which may provide a novel therapeutic target in CCA treatment.

LINC00689 promotes prostate cancer progression via regulating miR-496/CTNNB1 to activate Wnt pathway

Background

Accumulating evidence has proved the significant influence of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in cancer formation and development, including PCa.

Methods

The role of LINC00689 in PCa was confirmed by RT-qPCR, MTT, colony formation, flow cytometry, western blot and transwell assays. Besides, the binding ability between LINC00689 and miR-496 was validated by using luciferase reporter assay. Then RT-qPCR, RIP and luciferase reporter and western blot assays were employed to verify the interactions among LINC00689, miR-496 and CTNNB1. Furthermore, the rescuing role of CTNNB1 in Wnt pathway was proved by RT-qPCR, TOP/FOP Flash and western blot assays.

Results

LINC00689 was upregulated in PCa tissues and cells as well as at the terminal stage. Further, knock down of LINC00689 repressed PCa cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and initiated PCa cell apoptosis. Additionally, miR-496 inhibitor and pcDNA3.1/CTNNB1 could neutralize the prohibitive effects of LINC00689 silencing on cell proliferation, migration and invasion, meanwhile, could offset the encouraging role of knocking down LINC00689 in cell apoptosis. Moreover, CTNNB1 upregulation exerted redemptive function in Wnt pathway inhibited by LINC00689 depletion.

Conclusions

To sum up, LINC00689 promotes PCa progression via regulating miR-496/CTNNB1 to activate Wnt pathway, which may contribute to research about new targets for PCa treatment.

MicroRNA-186-5p serves as a diagnostic biomarker in atherosclerosis and regulates vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration

Objective

MicroRNA dysregulation occurs in many human diseases, including atherosclerosis. Here, we examined the serum expression and clinical significance of miR-186-5p in patients with atherosclerosis, and explored its influence on vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and migration.

Methods

Blood samples were collected from 104 patients with asymptomatic atherosclerosis and 80 healthy controls. Quantitative real-time PCR was applied to measure the miR-186-5p level. An ROC curve was established to assess the discriminatory ability of the serum miR-186-5p level for identifying atherosclerosis from controls. CCK-8 and Transwell assays were used to evaluate the impact of miR-186-5p on cell behaviors.

Results

Serum expression of miR-186-5p was significantly higher in atherosclerosis patients than in the control group. The serum miR-186-5p level showed a positive correlation with CIMT and could be used to distinguish atherosclerosis patients from healthy controls, with an area under the curve (AUC) score of 0.891. In VSMCs, overexpression of miR-186-5p significantly promoted cell proliferation and migration, while the opposite results were observed when miR-186-5p was downregulated.

Conclusion

Overexpression of miR-186-5p has a certain diagnostic significance for atherosclerosis. Upregulation of miR-186-5p stimulates VSMC proliferation and migration. Therefore, it is a possible target for atherosclerosis interventions.

The Dual Role of miR-186 in Cancers: Oncomir Battling With Tumor Suppressor miRNA

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNAs which regulate gene expression at post-transcriptional level. Alterations of miR-186 expression were demonstrated in numerous cancers, shown to play a vital role in oncogenesis, invasion, metastasis, apoptosis, and drug resistance. MiR-186 was documented as a tumor suppressor miRNA in the majority of studies, while conflicting reports verified miR-186 as an oncomir. The contradictory role in cancers may impede the application of miR-186, as well as other dual-functional miRNAs, as a diagnostic and therapeutic target. This review emphasizes the alterations and functions of miR-186 in cancers and discusses the mechanisms behind the contradictory findings. Among these, target abundance and dose-dependent effects of miR-186 are highlighted. The paper aims to review the challenges involved in developing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment based on dual-functional miRNAs.

Up-regulation of microRNA-30b/30d cluster represses hepatocyte apoptosis in mice with fulminant hepatic failure by inhibiting CEACAM1

Recently, impacts of microRNAs have been unraveled in human diseases, and we aimed to confirm the role of miR-30b/30d in fulminant hepatic failure (FHF). Expression of miR-30b/30d and CEACAM1 in serum of FHF patients and healthy people was measured by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot analysis. Mice FHF models were established by injection of D-Galn and lipopolysaccharide, and were treated with miR-30b/30d mimics. Oxidative stress, liver injury, and inflammatory reaction in mouse liver tissues were measured using oxidative stress-related factor kits, hematoxylin-eosin staining and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Moreover, cell cycle distribution and apoptosis of hepatocytes of mice were determined by flow cytometry, and the target relation between miR-30b/30d and CEACAM1 was confirmed by bioinformatic method and dual luciferase reporter gene assay. MiR-30b/30d expression was positively, and CEACAM1 expression was negatively related to prognosis of FHF patients. Up-regulation of miR-30b/30d attenuated oxidative stress, liver injury, and inflammatory reaction, and improved survival rate of FHF mice. Furthermore, elevated miR-30b/30d ameliorated apoptosis and cell cycle arrest of hepatocytes of FHF mice. CEACAM1 was a target gene of miR-30b/30d. This study highlights that up-regulated miR-30b/30d attenuates the progression of FHF by targeting CEACAM1, which may be helpful to FHF treatment.

BAG2 Promotes Proliferation and Metastasis of Gastric Cancer via ERK1/2 Signaling and Partially Regulated by miR186

Bcl2-associated athanogene (BAG)2 as a co-chaperone has been demonstrated to be involved in tumor growth and metastasis, but its biological function in gastric cancer remains unknown. Here, we reported that BAG2 was highly expressed in gastric cancer cell lines and tissues, indicating poor prognosis. High expression of BAG2 was significantly associated with T stage and differentiation level of gastric cancer (P < 0.001). Functional experiments revealed that BAG2 knockdown in gastric cancer cells inhibited the proliferation, invasion and migration of cells through AKT/mTOR and extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) pathways. Proteomic analysis identified that BAG2 may be involved in the regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. In addition, immunoprecipitation showed that BAG2 could bind to ERK1/2. Luciferase reporter assay and Western blot verified that BAG2 was down-regulated by miR186. Taken together, our findings may reveal the basic function of BAG2 and uncover a potential therapeutic target for gastric cancer.

Silencing circular RNA circZNF609 restrains growth, migration and invasion by up-regulating microRNA-186-5p in prostate cancer

Background: Prostate cancer (PC) fearfully impacts men's health. We explored the efficacy and mechanism of circular RNA circZNF609 (circZNF609) on colony formation, viability, apoptosis, migration and invasion and in PC cells. Methods: Colony formation, CCK-8, flow cytometry, migration and invasion assay were respectively used to detect the functions of circZNF609 and microRNA (miR)-186-5p on cell colony ability, viability, apoptosis, migration and invasion. circZNF609 and miR-186-5p expression were changed by cell transfection and tested by RT-qPCR. Moreover, Cleaved-Caspase-3, Cleaved-Caspase-9, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), Vimentin and relate-proteins of cell pathways were examined through Western blot. Results: circZNF609 was highly expressed at PC tissues. circZNF609 declined cell colony ability, viability, migration and invasion and caused apoptosis. Furthermore, circZNF609 negatively regulated miR-186-5p, miR-186-5p inhibitor could reverse impacts of circZNF609. Finally, circZNF609 restrained the YAP1 and AMPK pathways by up-regulating miR-186-5p. Conclusion: Silencing circZNF609 restrained growth, migration and invasion of PC cells by up-regulating miR-186-5p via YAP1 and AMPK pathways. Highlights circZNF609 is highly expressed in PC tissues; circZNF609 restrains cell growth, migration and invasion; circZNF609 exerts its function by up-regulating miR-186-5p; circZNF609 exerts its function by YAP1 and AMPK signaling pathways.

Wnt/β-catenin signalling in ovarian cancer: Insights into its hyperactivation and function in tumorigenesis

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the deadliest female malignancy. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway plays critical roles in regulating embryonic development and physiological processes. This pathway is tightly regulated to ensure its proper activity. In the absence of Wnt ligands, β-catenin is degraded by a destruction complex. When the pathway is stimulated by a Wnt ligand, β-catenin dissociates from the destruction complex and translocates into the nucleus where it interacts with TCF/LEF transcription factors to regulate target gene expression. Aberrant activation of this pathway, which leads to the hyperactivity of β-catenin, has been reported in ovarian cancer. Specifically, mutations of CTNNB1, AXIN, or APC, have been observed in the endometrioid and mucinous subtypes of EOC. In addition, upregulation of the ligands, abnormal activation of the receptors or intracellular mediators, disruption of the β-catenin destruction complex, inhibition of the association of β-catenin/E-cadherin on the cell membrane, and aberrant promotion of the β-catenin/TCF transcriptional activity, have all been reported in EOC, especially in the high grade serous subtype. Furthermore, several non-coding RNAs have been shown to regulate EOC development, in part, through the modulation of Wnt/β-catenin signalling. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway has been reported to promote cancer stem cell self-renewal, metastasis, and chemoresistance in all subtypes of EOC. Emerging evidence also suggests that the pathway induces ovarian tumor angiogenesis and immune evasion. Taken together, these studies demonstrate that the Wnt/β-catenin pathway plays critical roles in EOC development and is a strong candidate for the development of targeted therapies.

Functions and mechanisms of miR-186 in human cancer

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Mounting evidence suggests the involvement of miRNAs in carcinogenesis and the development of human cancer. Among the miRNAs, miR-186 has been extensively studied in various cancers. The expression of miR-186 in tissues varies depending on the type of cancer and miR-186 in tissues and body fluids may serve as a marker for the diagnosis and prognosis of cancers. Various biological processes in human cancer are affected by miR-186. Additionally, miR-186 itself is regulated by several factors. Thus, this evidence highlights the potential value of miR-186 in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of human cancer.

Long Intergenic Non-Protein Coding RNA 665 Regulates Viability, Apoptosis, and Autophagy via the MiR-186-5p/MAP4K3 Axis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

PURPOSE

Long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 665 (LINC00665) plays a vital role in the development of cancer. Its function in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), however, remains largely unknown.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The expressions of LINC00665, miR-186-5p, and MAP4K3 were determined by qRT-PCR. Cell viability and apoptosis were evaluated by MTT and flow cytometry, respectively. Autophagic puncta formation was observed by fluorescence microscopy. Bioinformatics analysis, luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation, and RNA pulldown were performed to identify associations among LINC00665, miR-186-5p, and MAP4K3. Western blot was utilized to examine the expressions of MAP4K3, Beclin-1, and LC3. Tumor growth was evaluated in a xenograft model.

RESULTS

Elevations in LINC00665 were observed in HCC tissues and cells. The overall survival of HCC patients with high levels of LINC00665 was shorter than those with low levels. In vitro, LINC00665 depletion inhibited viability and induced apoptosis and autophagy. miR-186-5p interacted with LINC00665 and was downregulated in HCC tissues and cells. Upregulation of miR-186-5p inhibited viability and induced apoptosis and autophagy, which were attenuated by upregulation of LINC00665. MAP4K3 was found to possess binding sites with miR-186-5p and was upregulated in HCC tissues and cells. MAP4K3 depletion inhibited viability and induced apoptosis and autophagy, which were attenuated by miR-186-5p inhibitor. In vivo, miR-186-5p expression was negatively correlated with LINC00665 or MAP4K3 in HCC tissues, while LINC00665 was positively correlated with MAP4K3. LINC00665 knockdown suppressed tumor growth.

CONCLUSION

LINC00665 was involved in cell viability, apoptosis, and autophagy in HCC via miR-186-5p/MAP4K3 axis, which may provide a new approach for HCC treatment.

Profiling and functional analysis of differentially expressed circular RNAs in high glucose-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Dysfunction of vascular endothelial cells often results in diabetic vascular complications. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including diabetes and many vascular diseases. This study aimed to explore the roles of circRNAs in high glucose‐induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to elucidate the contributions of circRNAs to diabetic vascular complications. We subjected control and high glucose‐induced HUVECs to RNA sequencing and identified 214 differentially expressed circRNAs (versus control HUVECs, fold change ≥ 2.0, P < 0.05). We then validated seven of these differentially expressed circRNAs by qPCR (hsa_circ_0008360, hsa_circ_0005741, hsa_circ_0003250, hsa_circ_0045462, hsa_circ_0064772, hsa_circ_0007976, and hsa_circ_0005263). A representative circRNA–microRNA (miRNA) network was constructed using the three most up‐regulated circRNAs (hsa_circ_0008360, hsa_circ_0000109, and hsa_circ_0002317) and their putative miRNA. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that these circRNAs regulate the expressions of genes involved in vascular endothelial function and angiogenesis through targeting miRNAs. Our work highlights the potential regulatory mechanisms of three crucial circRNAs in diabetes‐associated endothelial dysfunction.

The lncRNA-DLEU2/miR-186-5p/PDK3 axis promotes the progress of glioma cells

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have great value in research on tumour targeted therapy, including for glioma. In the present study, we investigated the role of the lncRNA deleted in lymphocytic leukaemia 2 (lncRNA-DLEU2) in glioma. First, we found that lncRNA-DLEU2 is highly expressed in glioma tissues and cell lines. Next, experiments in cells showed that lncRNA-DLEU2 knockdown inhibited, whereas lncRNA-DLEU2 overexpression promoted, the clone formation, migration and invasion of glioma cells. A luciferase reporter assay and an RNA immunoprecipitation assay demonstrated that lncRNA-DLEU2 acts as a sponge for miR-186-5p in glioma cells. Further, studies suggested that miR-186-5p inhibits the expression of PDK3, which is an oncogene in glioma. Moreover, with rescue experiments, we demonstrated that lncRNA-DLEU2 regulates the expression of PDK3 and the progression of glioma in a miR-186-5p-dependent manner. Finally, we also showed that lncRNA-DLEU2 promotes glioma growth in a manner that is related to miR-186-5p and PDK3 in vivo. In conclusion, our study reported for the first time that lncRNA-DLEU2 promotes glioma progression by targeting the miR-186-5p/PDK3 axis. These findings provide novel strategies for the gene therapy treatment of glioma.

miR-186 modulates hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation and mobility via targeting MCRS1-mediated Wnt/β-catenin signaling

Previous studies have revealed that miR-186 is involved in the pathogenesis of many malignancies. However, the role of miR-186 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) carcinogenesis and its detailed mechanism are poorly understood. This study was to investigate the function of miR-186 in modulating HCC cell proliferation, cell cycle, migration, and invasion. We found that miR-186 was decreased in HCC tissues and cell lines. Loss-of-function experiments showed that reduction of miR-186 dramatically enhanced tumor cell proliferation and metastasis. Besides, miR-186 also participated in the modulation of the cell cycle. In addition, luciferase reporter assays and Western blot analysis showed that MCRS1 was a novel target of miR-186 in HCC cells. Notably, upregulation of miR-186 suppressed the nuclear β-catenin accumulation and blocked the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in HCC cells. Forced MCRS1 expression abrogated the inhibitory effect of miR-186 on cell growth, metastasis and Wnt/β-catenin signaling in HCC cells. Our findings may provide new insight into the pathogenesis of HCC and miR-186/ MCRS1 might function as new therapeutic targets for HCC.

miR-186-5p promotes cell growth, migration and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma by targeting PTEN

OBJECTIVE

To explore the expression of miR-186-5p in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and its possible function associated with cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion.

METHODS

MiR-186-5p expression levels in LUAD samples, human LUAD cell lines H1299 and NCI-H1975, and normal human lung epithelial cell line BEAS-IB were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). H1299 and NCI-H1975 cells were transfected with miR-186-5p mimic or miRNA negative control. CCK-8 assay was performed to evaluate the cell proliferation. Transwell assay and transwell-matrigel™ invasion assay were applied to assess the migration and invasion abilities of H1299 and NCI-H1975 cells.

RESULTS

miR-186-5p expression was significantly up-regulated in LUAD tumor tissues and LUAD cell lines as compared with tumor-adjacent tissues and normal human lung epithelial cells, respectively. MiR-186-5p overexpression remarkably promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of LUAD cells. Furthermore, phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) was a direct target of miR-186-5p verified by luciferase reporter assay. Overexpression of PTEN significantly suppressed LUAD cells to proliferate, migrate and invade. MiR-186-5p overexpression-induced LUAD cell phenotype could be partially rescued by co-overexpression of miR-186-5p and PTEN.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that miR-186-5p is up-regulated in LUAD, and functionally associated with cell proliferation, migration and invasion. MiR-186-5p promotes the proliferation, migration and invasion of LUAD cells by targeting PTEN. MiR-186-5p may be utilized as a novel molecular marker and therapeutic target of LUAD.

A novel semi-supervised model for miRNA-disease association prediction based on [Formula: see text]-norm graph

BACKGROUND

Identification of miRNA-disease associations has attracted much attention recently due to the functional roles of miRNAs implicated in various biological and pathological processes. Great efforts have been made to discover the potential associations between miRNAs and diseases both experimentally and computationally. Although reliable, the experimental methods are in general time-consuming and labor-intensive. In comparison, computational methods are more efficient and applicable to large-scale datasets.

METHODS

In this paper, we propose a novel semi-supervised model to predict miRNA-disease associations via [Formula: see text]-norm graph. Specifically, we first recalculate the miRNA functional similarities as well as the disease semantic similarities based on the latest version of MeSH descriptors and HMDD. We then update the similarity matrices and association matrix iteratively in both miRNA space and disease space. The optimized association matrices from each space are combined together as the final output.

RESULTS

Compared with four state-of-the-art prediction methods, our method achieved favorable performance with AUCs of 0.943 and 0.946 in both global LOOCV and local LOOCV, respectively. In addition, we carried out three types of case studies on five common human diseases, and most of the top 50 predicted miRNAs were confirmed to be associated with the investigated diseases by four databases dbDEMC, PheomiR, miR2Disease and miRwayDB. Specifically, our results provided potential evidence that miRNAs within the same family or cluster were likely to play functional roles together in given diseases.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, the experimental results clearly demonstrated the utility of the proposed method. We anticipated that our method could serve as a reliable and efficient tool for miRNA-disease association prediction.

Low expression of miR-186-5p regulates cell apoptosis by targeting toll-like receptor 3 in high glucose-induced cardiomyocytes

To investigate the effect and mechanism of microRNA-186-5p (miR-186-5p) on the apoptosis in high glucose (HG)-treated cardiomyocytes. Diabetic cardiomyopathy model was established in cardiomyocytes by stimulating with HG. The expressions of miR-186-5p and toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) were detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction or Western blot analysis, respectively. Apoptosis was detected in HG-treated cardiomyocytes by flow cytometry and Western blot analysis. The interaction between miR-186-5p and TLR3 was explored by bioinformatics analysis and luciferase activity assay. Results showed that miR-186-5p expression was downregulated in HG-treated cardiomyocytes and its overexpression reversed HG-induced apoptosis and cleaved caspase-3 protein expression. Moreover, TLR3 was indicated as a target of miR-186-5p and regulated by miR-186-5p. Knockdown of TLR3 suppressed HG-induced apoptosis and cleaved caspase-3 protein expression. Besides, restoration of TLR3 ablated the effect of miR-186-5p on cell apoptosis. Collectively, miR-186-5p attenuated HG-induced apoptosis by regulating TLR3 in cardiomyocytes, providing novel biomarker for treatment of diabetic cardiomyopathy.

TBL1XR1 promotes migration and invasion in osteosarcoma cells and is negatively regulated by miR-186-5p

TBL1XR1 has been reported to play promoting roles in various malignances, yet little is known about its role in osteosarcoma, and the up-stream molecules regulating TBL1XR1 are also unclear. In the present study, we investigated the clinical significance of TBL1XR1 and its biological role in osteosarcoma, and further explored up-stream miRNAs regulating its expression. The results showed that TBL1XR1 was significantly up-regulated in osteosarcoma cells and tissues by using western blot and immunohistochemical staining. Overexpression of TBL1XR1 was positively related to adverse clinicopathological features and poor prognosis, and which may be an independent prognostic marker for osteosarcoma patients. Functional experiments revealed that down-regulation of TBL1XR1 inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells. Further studies indicated that TBL1XR1 was a direct target of miR-186-5p, and miR-186-5p negatively regulated TBL1XR1 expression. Moreover, TBL1XR1 was involved in miR-186-5p-repressed migration and invasion in osteosarcoma cells. Taken together, miR-186-5p/TBL1XR1 may be a novel therapeutic candidate target in osteosarcoma treatment.