LncRNA MCM3AP-AS1 sponges miR-148a to enhance cell invasion and migration in small cell lung cancer

Long noncoding RNA MCM3AP-AS1 attenuates sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy by improving inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial function through mediating the miR-501-3p/CADM1/STAT3 axis

Oxidative stress and inflammation are highly important for sepsis-mediated myocardial damage. The long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) MCM3AP-AS1 is involved in inflammatory diseases, but its function in acute myocardial injury during sepsis has not been fully elucidated. LPS and cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) were used to construct in vitro and in vivo sepsis-induced myocardial damage models, respectively. qRT-PCR was used to evaluate alterations in MCM3AP-AS1 and miR-501-3p alterations. After the MCM3AP-AS1 and miR-501-3p knockdown or overexpression models were established, the viability, apoptosis, inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial function of the myocardial cells were examined. Dual luciferase activity assay, RNA immunoprecipitation, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) confirmed the correlation among MCM3AP-AS1, miR-501-3p, and CADM1. Previous studies revealed that MCM3AP-AS1 was downregulated in sepsis patients, myocardial cells treated with LPS, and in the CLP mouse sepsis model, whereas miR-501-3p expression was increased. MCM3AP-AS1 overexpression hampered myocardial damage mediated by LPS and abated inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction in myocardial cells and THP-1 cells. In contrast, MCM3AP-AS1 knockdown or miR-501-3p overexpression promoted all the effects of LPS. In vivo, MCM3AP-AS1 overexpression increased the survival rate of CLP mice; ameliorated myocardial injury; decreased the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, iNOS, COX2, ICAM1, VCAM1, PGE2, and MDA; and increased the levels of SOD, GSH-PX, Nrf2, and HO-1. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that MCM3AP-AS1 acted as a competitive endogenous RNA to repress miR-501-3p, enhance CADM1 expression, and dampen STAT3/nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) activation. MCM3AP-AS1 suppresses myocardial injury elicited by sepsis by mediating the miR-501-3p/CADM1/STAT3/NF-κB axis.

Serum lncRNA THRIL predicts benign and malignant pulmonary nodules and promotes the progression of pulmonary malignancies

BACKGROUND

This project aimed to research the significance of THRIL in the diagnosis of benign and malignant solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs) and to investigate the role of THRIL/miR-99a in malignant SPNs.

METHODS

The study groups consisted of 169 patients with SPN and 74 healthy subjects. The differences in THRIL levels were compared between the two groups and the healthy group. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was utilized to analyze the THRIL's significance in detecting benign and malignant SPN. Pearson correlation and binary regression coefficients represented the association between THRIL and SPN. CCK-8 assay, Transwell assay, and flow cytometry were utilized to detect the regulatory effect of THRIL silencing. The interaction between THRIL, miR-99a, and IGF1R was confirmed by the double luciferase reporter gene.

RESULTS

There were differences in THRIL expression in the healthy group, benign SPN group, and malignant SPN group. High accuracy of THRIL in the diagnosis of benign SPN and malignant SPN was observed. THRIL was associated with the development of SPN. The expression of THRIL was upregulated and miR-99a was downregulated in lung cancer cells. The double luciferase report experiment confirmed the connections between THRIL/miR-99a/IGF1R. Silencing THRIL could suppress cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and promote cell apoptosis by binding miR-99a.

CONCLUSION

The detection of THRIL in serum is useful for the assessment of malignant SPN. THRIL can regulate the expression of IGF1R through miR-99a, thereby promoting the growth of lung cancer cells and inhibiting apoptosis.

CDKN2B-AS1 is overexpressed in polycystic ovary syndrome and sponges miR-181a to promote granulosa cell proliferation

MiR-181a suppresses the proliferation of mouse granulosa cells, which participate in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), suggesting the potential role of miR-181a in PCOS. Our bioinformatics analysis revealed that miR-181a could bind CDKN2B-AS1, a lncRNA regulates ovarian endometriosis. This research was, therefore, conducted to explore the potential crosstalk between CDKN2B-AS1 and miR-181a in PCOS. Expression analysis of CDKN2B-AS1 and miR-181a in follicular fluid from 60 PCOS patients and 60 controls was done with reverse transcriptions-quantitative PCRs. The direct interaction between CDKN2B-AS1 and miR-181a was predicted by IntaRNA and confirmed by RNA pull-down assay. CDKN2B-AS1 in nuclear and cytoplasm of granulosa cells was detected by cellular fractionation assay. The role of CDKN2B-AS1 and miR-181a in granulosa cell proliferation was analyzed by 5-bromodeoxyuridinc assay. In this study, CDKN2B-AS1 was expressed in high amounts in PCOS, whereas miR-181a was downregulated in PCOS, CDKN2B-AS1 was detected in both nucleus and cytoplasm. Although CDKN2B-AS1 and miR-181a were not closely correlated, CDKN2B-AS1 directly interacted with miR-181a. CDKN2B-AS1 and miR-181a overexpression failed to affect the expression of each other. In addition, the inhibitory effect of miR-181a on granulosa cell proliferation was attenuated by CDKN2B-AS1. CDKN2B-AS1 is overexpressed in PCOS and may sponge miR-181a to promote granulosa cell proliferation. Our study characterized a novel CDKN2B-AS1/miR-181a pathway in PCOS. This novel pathway may serve as a potential target to treat PCOS.

LncRNA LINC01833 is a Prognostic Biomarker and Correlates with Immune Infiltrates in Patients with Lung Adenocarcinoma by Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis

Due to the absence of accurate tools for early detection and successful treatment, lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is one of the most aggressive tumors with high morbidity and mortality globally. It is absolutely necessary to investigate the process behind its development and search for new biomarkers that could aid in the early detection of LUAD. There is a correlation between the immune microenvironment of the tumor and the prognosis of lung cancer as well as the efficacy of immunotherapy. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified as potential prognostic biomarkers linked to immunological activities. In this study, we identified 1 downregulated lncRNA and 76 upregulated lncRNAs in LUAD samples from TCGA datasets. Among the 77 dysregulated lncRNAs, our attention focused on lncRNA LINC01833 (LINC01833). When compared with nontumor specimens, the level of expression of LINC01833 was shown to be significantly elevated in LUAD samples. In addition, the data of the ROC study revealed that LUAD patients with high LINC01833 expression had an AUC value of 0.840 (95% confidence interval: 0.804 to 0.876). There was a correlation between high LINC01833 expression and an advanced clinical stage. Patients who had a high expression of LINC01833 were shown to have a lower overall survival rate (p < 0.001) and a lower disease-specific survival rate (p = 0.004) in comparison to patients who were in the low LINC01833 group, according to the data on survival. In addition, the results of the multivariate analysis revealed that high LINC01833 expression was an independent predictor of poor survival in LUAD. Moreover, the immune analysis revealed that we found that the expression of LINC01833 was positively associated with Th2 cells, aDC, and Tgd, while negatively associated with Mast cells, Tcm, Eosinophils, iDC, DC, Tem, Th17 cells, and pDC. Overall, our data point to the possibility that the unique lncRNA LINC01833 might be employed as a diagnostic and prognostic marker, and as a result, it has a significant impact on clinical practice.

Non-coding genome in small cell lung cancer between theoretical view and clinical applications

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a highly aggressive cancer of the neuroendocrine system, characterized by poor differentiation, rapid growth, and poor overall survival (OS) of patients. Despite the recent advances in the treatment of SCLC recently, the 2-year survival rate of patients with the cancer is only 14-15%, occasioned by the acquired resistance to drugs and serious off-target effects. In humans, the coding region is only 2% of the total genome, and 20% of that is associated with human diseases. Beyond the coding genome are RNAs, promoters, enhancers, and other intricate elements. The non-coding regulatory regions, mainly the non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), regulate numerous biological activities including cell proliferation, metastasis, and drug resistance. As such, they are potential diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers, and also potential therapeutic targets for SCLC. Therefore, understanding how non-coding elements regulate SCLC development and progression holds significant clinical implications. Herein, we summarized the recent discoveries on the relationship between the non-coding elements including long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA), microRNAs (miRNAs), circular RNA (circRNA), enhancers as well as promotors, and the pathogenesis of SCLC and their potential clinical applications.

Implication of non-coding RNA-mediated ROCK1 regulation in various diseases

Rho Associated Coiled-Coil Containing Protein Kinase 1 (ROCK1) is a protein serine/threonine kinase which is activated upon binding with the GTP-bound form of Rho. This protein can modulate actin-myosin contraction and stability. Moreover, it has a crucial role in the regulation of cell polarity. Therefore, it participates in modulation of cell morphology, regulation of expression of genes, cell proliferation and differentiation, apoptotic processes as well as oncogenic processes. Recent studies have highlighted interactions between ROCK1 and several non-coding RNAs, namely microRNAs, circular RNAs and long non-coding RNAs. Such interactions can be a target of medications. In fact, it seems that the interactions are implicated in therapeutic response to several medications. In the current review, we aimed to explain the impact of these interactions in the pathoetiology of cancers as well as non-malignant disorders.

Effect of lncRNA00511 on Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer by Regulating miR-29b-3p

This study assessed the effect of LINC00511 on NSCLC cells through regulating miR-29b-3p/DRAM1 axis. LINC00511 expression in NSCLC tissue and para-carcinoma tissue was analyzed and its correlation with TNM stage was assessed. Lung carcinoma cells as A549 cells were cultivated in vitro and transfected with LINC00511 siRNA or plasmid with DRAM1 overexpression followed by analysis of LINC00511 and miR-184 expression by RT-PCR, cell proliferation and invasion, Bcl-2, Bax and DRAM1 expression by Western Blot. LINC00511 was significantly upregulated in NSCLC tissue and positively correlated with the TNM staging. However, miR-29b-3p was significantly downregulated in NSCLC tissue. The miR-29b-3p was a target of LINC00511. The DRAM1 was a target of miR-29b-3p. Downregulation of LINC00511 restrained proliferation and invasion of A549 cells and promoted cell apoptosis. The development of NSCLC could be prompted by increasing the presentation of LINC00511 through increasing presentation of DRAM1 and being targeted with miR-29b-3p. It could be restrained through reducing the presentation of LINC00511.

The Prognostic Value of lncRNA MCM3AP-AS1 on Clinical Outcomes in Various Cancers: A Meta- and Bioinformatics Analysis

Background. MCM3AP antisense RNA 1 (MCM3AP-AS1) is a newly identified potential tumor biomarker. Nevertheless, the prognostic value of MCM3AP-AS1 in cancer has been inconsistent in the available studies. We performed this meta-analysis to identify the prognostic role of MCM3AP-AS1 in various cancers. Methods. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases to screen relevant studies. Hazard ratios (HR) or odds ratios (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to evaluate the relationship between aberrant MCM3AP-AS1 expression and survival and clinicopathological features (CFS) of cancer patients. A meta-analysis was performed using STATA 12.0 software. Additionally, results were validated by an online database based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Subsequently, we analyzed the MCM3AP-AS1-related genes and molecular mechanisms based on the MEM database. Results. Our results showed that overexpression of MCM3AP-AS1 was related to poor overall survival (OS) ( $\text{HR}=2.00$ , 95% CI, 1.52–2.64, $P<0.001$ ) and relapse-free survival (RFS) ( $\text{HR}=3.28$ , 95% CI 1.56–6.88, $P=0.002$ ). In addition, MCM3AP-AS1 overexpression was associated with TNM stage, differentiation grade, and lymph node metastasis, but not significantly with age, gender, and tumor size. In addition, MCM3AP-AS1 overexpression was verified by the GEPIA online database to be associated with poorer survival. The further functional investigation suggested that MCM3AP-AS1 may be involved in several cancer-related pathways. Conclusions. The overexpression of MCM3AP-AS1 was related to poor survival and CFS. MCM3AP-AS1 may be considered a novel prognostic marker and therapeutic target in various cancers.

Over-Expression of Long Non-Coding RNA-AC099850.3 Correlates With Tumor Progression and Poor Prognosis in Lung Adenocarcinoma

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common histological lung cancer, and it is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been implicated in the initiation and progression of various cancers. LncRNA-AC099850.3 is a novel lncRNA that is abnormally expressed in diverse cancer types including LUAD. However, the clinical significance, prognostic value, diagnostic value, immune role, and potential biological function of AC099850.3 LUAD remain elusive. In this study, we found that AC099850.3 was highly expressed in LUAD and associated with an advanced tumor stage, poor prognosis, and immune infiltration. Receiver operating curve analysis revealed the significant diagnostic ability of AC099850.3 (AUC=0.888). Functionally, the knockdown of AC099850.3 restrained LUAD cell proliferation and migration in vitro. Finally, we constructed a competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNA) network that included hsa-miR-101-3p and 4 mRNAs (ESPL1, AURKB, BUB3, and FAM83D) specific to AC099850.3 in LUAD. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that a lower expression of miR-101-3p and a higher expression of ESPL1, AURKB, BUB3, and FAM83D, were associated with adverse clinical outcomes in patients with LUAD. This finding provided a comprehensive view of the AC099850.3-mediated ceRNA network in LUAD, thereby highlighting its potential role in the diagnosis and prognosis of LUAD.

Long non-coding RNAs and exosomal lncRNAs: Potential functions in lung cancer progression, drug resistance and tumor microenvironment remodeling

Among the different kinds of tumors threatening human life, lung cancer is one that is commonly observed in both males and females. The aggressive behavior of lung cancer and interactions occurring in tumor microenvironment enhances the malignancy of this tumor. The lung tumor cells have demonstrated capacity in developing chemo- and radio-resistance. LncRNAs are a category of non-coding RNAs that do not encode proteins, but their aberrant expression is responsible for tumor development, especially lung cancer. In the present review, we focus on both lncRNAs and exosomal lncRNAs in lung cancer, and their ability in regulating proliferation and metastasis. Cell cycle progression and molecular mechanisms related to lung cancer metastasis such as EMT and MMPs are regulated by lncRNAs. LncRNAs interact with miRNAs, STAT, Wnt, EZH2, PTEN and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways to affect progression of lung cancer cells. LncRNAs demonstrate both tumor-suppressor and tumor-promoting functions in lung cancer. They can be considered as biomarkers in lung cancer and especially exosomal lncRNAs present in body fluids are potential tools for minimally invasive diagnosis. Furthermore, we discuss regulation of lncRNAs by anti-cancer drugs and genetic tools as well as the role of these factors in therapy response of lung cancer cells.

LncRNA SNHG20 promotes migration and invasion of ovarian cancer via modulating the microRNA-148a/ROCK1 axis

BACKGROUND

Ovarian cancer (OC) is characterized by early metastasis and poor prognosis, which threatens the health of women worldwide. Small nucleolar RNA host gene 20 (SNHG20), a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), has been verified to be significantly up-regulated in several tumors, including OC. MicroRNA-148a (miR-148a)/rho-kinase1 (ROCK1) axis plays an important role in the modulation of tumor development. However, whether SNHG20 can regulate OC progression through miR-148a/ROCK1 axis remains unclear. Normal human ovarian epithelial cell line and four OC cell lines were adopted for in vitro experiments. Real-time PCR was performed to assess the levels of SNHG20 and miR-148a. OC cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and migration were detected using clone formation, flow cytometry, transwell, and wound healing assays, respectively. Tumor xenograft assay was applied to evaluate the effect of SNHG20 on tumor growth in vivo.

RESULTS

Significant higher expression of SNHG20 was observed in OC cell lines. SNHG20 markedly promoted the invasion, migration, proliferation and inhibited the apoptosis of OC cells. SNHG20 enhanced ROCK1 expression by sponging miR-148a, and the direct binding between SNHG20/ROCK1 and miR-148a was identified.

CONCLUSION

SNHG20 promoted invasion and migration of OC via targeting miR-148a/ROCK1 axis. The present research may provide a novel insight for the therapeutic strategies of OC.

MCM3AP-AS1: An Indispensable Cancer-Related LncRNA

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a class of RNA molecules with transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides that have no protein-coding ability. MCM3AP-AS1, a novel lncRNA, is aberrantly expressed in human cancers. It is significantly associated with many clinical characteristics, such as tumor size, tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage, and pathological grade. Additionally, it considerably promotes or suppresses tumor progression by controlling the biological functions of cells. MCM3AP-AS1 is a promising biomarker for cancer diagnosis, prognosis evaluation, and treatment. In this review, we briefly summarized the published studies on the expression, biological function, and regulatory mechanisms of MCM3AP-AS1. We also discussed the clinical applications of MCM3AP-AS1 as a biomarker.