Overexpression of lncRNA HOXA11-AS promotes cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition by repressing miR-200b in non-small cell lung cancer

Construction and validation of a prognostic signature based on anoikis-related lncRNAs in lung adenocarcinoma

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common type of lung cancer and is characterized by a high death rate and a poor prospect for survival. Anoikis, which is a kind of programmed cell apoptosis, is an important factor in the advancement of tumors. Nonetheless, the function of anoikis-related lncRNAs (ARLRs) in LUAD is still not well understood. The TCGA database was queried for genomic and clinical information. A prognostic signature for ARLRs was established via the use of coexpression analysis and Cox regression. Validation of the model's accuracy was conducted utilizing K-M curves and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and the signature was utilized to develop a nomogram. LncRNAs were implicated in the progression of tumors, as determined by functional enrichment analysis. There was an improvement in prognosis, increased immune cell infiltration, and higher immune scores among the low-risk patients. Additionally, we found that the two groups had varied anticancer drug sensitivities, which could help guide treatment. The impact of one ARLR, AC026355.2, on migration and invasion was validated by in vitro experiments in LUAD cells. Herein, a new lncRNA signature associated with anoikis was identified and estimated, potentially serving as a prognostic indicator for LUAD patients.

Down-regulation of long noncoding RNA HOXA11-AS nullifies the impact of microRNA-506-3p on chondrocytes proliferation and apoptosis in osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVES

This study was directed towards exploring the impacts of lncRNA HOXA11-AS-mediated microRNA (miR)-506-3p on chondrocytes proliferation and apoptosis in osteoarthritis (OA).

METHODS

The articular cartilages were provided by OA patients who received total knee arthroplasty, and Human Chondrocyte (HC)-OA (HCOA) was also attained. The miR-506-3p and HOXA11-AS expressions in articular cartilages from OA patients and HCOA cells were analyzed via qPCR. After gain- and loss-of-function assays in HCOA cells, MTT assay and flow cytometry (FC) were used for assessing cell viability and apoptosis, accordingly. The levels of PIK3CA, AKT, and mTOR as well as AKT and mTOR phosphorylation levels assessed using western blotting (WB). The targeting correlation of HOXA11-AS and miR-506-3p as well as miR-506-3p and PIK3CA was assessed through Dual-Luciferase Reporter gene Assay (DLRA).

RESULT

The articular cartilages from OA patients and Human Chondrocyte (HC)-OA (HCOA) cells showed increased HOXA11-AS and decreased miR-506-3p. Mechanistically, HOXA11-AS was capable of binding to miR-506-3p to increase PIK3CA, the target gene of miR-506-3p. miR-506-3p suppression facilitated HCOA cell proliferation and reduced their apoptosis, which was nullified by further silencing HOXA11-AS or silencing PIK3CA. The down-regulation of HOXA11-AS disrupted the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, which was counteracted by further miR-506-3p inhibition.

CONCLUSION

The silencing of HOXA11-AS might block the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway through miR-506-3p up-regulation, thereby restricting HCOA cell proliferation and provoking apoptosis.

From carcinogenesis to therapeutic avenues: lncRNAs and mTOR crosstalk in lung cancer

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been demonstrated to have a crucial function in the modulation of the activity of genes, impacting a variety of homeostatic processes involving growth, survival, movement, and genomic consistency. Certain lncRNAs' aberrant expression has been linked to carcinogenesis, tumor growth, and therapeutic resistance. They are beneficial for the management of malignancies since they can function as cancer-causing or cancer-suppressing genes and behave as screening or prognosis indicators. The modulation of the tumor microenvironment, metabolic modification, and spread have all been linked to lncRNAs in lung cancer. Recent research has indicated that lncRNAs may interact with various mTOR signalling systems to control expression in lung cancer. Furthermore, the route can affect how lncRNAs are expressed. Emphasizing the function of lncRNAs as crucial participants in the mTOR pathway, the current review intends to examine the interactions between the mTOR cascade and the advancement of lung cancer. The article will shed light on the roles and processes of a few lncRNAs associated with the development of lung cancer, as well as their therapeutic prospects.

The involvement of MALAT1-ALKBH5 signaling axis into proliferation and metastasis of human papillomavirus-positive cervical cancer

Infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), for example, with types 16 and 18, is closely associated with cervical cancer development, which continues to threaten women's health globally. Although HPV oncogenes have been recognized as the main cause of transformation of normal cervical epithelial cells, non-coding RNA could also be involved in the initiation and promotion of cervical cancer development. Metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1), a well-documented long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), has been previously reported to exert roles in HPV-positive cervical cancer; however, the detailed underlying mechanism has yet to be investigated. In the present study, high expression levels of MALAT1 in HPV-Positive Cervical Cancer cells were confirmed, and silencing MALAT1 resulted in decreased rates of cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, both in vitro and in a zebrafish xenograft tumor model. Moreover, the results obtained showed that silencing MALAT1 led to down-regulation of the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) demethylase ALKBH5 via regulating miR-141-3p expression, which caused a decrease in the expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) and MMP9 expression, thereby suppressing cell migration and invasion. Taken together, the results obtained have suggested that the MALAT-ALKBH5 signaling axis may be activated in HPV-positive cervical cancer cells, which could contribute to cell proliferation and metastasis through the regulation of key genes, such as MMP2 or MMP9. The findings of the present study should both help to improve our understanding of the underlying tumorigenic mechanisms of HPV-positive cervical cancer and be of further use in the development of potential therapeutic drugs.

A pan-cancer analysis reveals the diagnostic and prognostic role of CDCA2 in low-grade glioma

BACKGROUND

Cell division cycle associated 2 (CDCA2), a member of the cell division cycle associated proteins (CDCA) family, is crucial in the regulation of cell mitosis and DNA repair. CDCA2 was extensively examined in our work to determine its role in a wide range of cancers.

METHODS

CDCA2 differential expression was studied in pan-cancer and in diverse molecular and immunological subgroups in this research. Additionally, the diagnostic and prognostic significance of CDCA2 in pan-cancer was also evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and Kaplan-Meier (KM) curves. Prognostic value of CDCA2 in distinct clinical subgroups of lower grade glioma (LGG) was also investigated and a nomogram was constructed. Lastly, potential mechanisms of action of CDCA2 were interrogated including biological functions, ceRNA networks, m6A modification and immune infiltration.

RESULTS

CDCA2 is shown to be differentially expressed in a wide variety of cancers. Tumors are diagnosed and forecasted with a high degree of accuracy by CDCA2, and the quantity of expression CDCA2 is linked to the prognosis of many cancers. Additionally, the expression level of CDCA2 in various subgroups of LGG is also closely related to prognosis. The results of enrichment analyses reveal that CDCA2 is predominantly enriched in the cell cycle, mitosis, and DNA replication. Subsequently, hsa-miR-105-5p is predicted to target CDCA2. In addition, 4 lncRNAs were identified that may inhibit the hsa-miR-105-5p/CDCA2 axis in LGG. Meanwhile, CDCA2 expression is shown to be associated to m6A-related genes and levels of immune cell infiltration in LGG.

CONCLUSION

CDCA2 can serve as a novel biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis in pan-cancer, especially in LGG. For the development of novel targeted therapies in LGG, it may be a potential molecular target. However, to be sure, we'll need to do additional biological experiments to back up our results from bioinformatic predictions.

Astragalosides inhibit proliferation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes in experimental arthritis by modulating LncRNA S56464.1/miR-152-3p/Wnt1 signaling axis

AIM

Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge., the dried root of the plant A. membranaceus, is widely used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in many Chinese herbal remedies. Astragalosides (AST) is the primary medicinal ingredient of A. membranaceus and has a therapeutic effect on RA, but the specific mechanism of this effect has yet to be elucidated.

METHODS

In this study, MTT and flow cytometry were used to determine the effects of AST on fibroblast-like synoviocyte (FLS) proliferation and cell cycle progression. Additionally, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to determine the effects of AST on the LncRNA S56464.1/miR-152-3p/Wnt1 signaling axis and on critical genes that are essential to the Wnt pathway.

RESULTS

The data showed that after the administration of AST, FLS proliferation and LncRNA S56464.1, β-catenin, C-myc, Cyclin D1, and p-GSK-3β(Ser9)/GSK-3β expression were significantly reduced, and miR-152 and SFRP4 expression was notably increased.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that AST can inhibit FLS proliferation by modulating the LncRNA S56464.1/miR-152-3p/Wnt1 signaling axis and that AST may be a potential therapeutic drug for RA.

The interactions between DNA methylation machinery and long non-coding RNAs in tumor progression and drug resistance

DNA methylation is one of the main epigenetic mechanisms in cancer development and progression. Aberrant DNA methylation of CpG islands within promoter regions contributes to the dysregulation of various tumor suppressors and oncogenes; this leads to the appearance of malignant features, including rapid proliferation, metastasis, stemness, and drug resistance. The discovery of two important protein families, DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and Ten-eleven translocation (TET) dioxygenases, respectively, which are responsible for deregulated transcription of genes that play pivotal roles in tumorigenesis, led to further understanding of DNA methylation-related pathways. But how these enzymes can target specific genes in different malignancies; recent studies have highlighted the considerable role of Long Non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs). LncRNAs recruit these enzymes to promoter regions of genes and mediate their functions, showing great potential as therapeutic agents targeting the epigenetic regulation of various genes. Considering the importance of combining the current treatment methods, especially chemotherapies, with DNA methylation inhibitors in improving patients' outcomes, this review aimed to summarize the recent findings about the interaction between DNA methylation machinery and LncRNAs in regulating genes involved in tumorigenesis and drug resistance. So, these studies could provide insights toward developing novel strategies for cancer-targeted therapy.

Genome-Wide Analysis of lncRNA and mRNA Expression in the Uterus of Laying Hens during Aging

Eggshell plays an essential role in preventing physical damage and microbial invasions. Therefore, the analysis of genetic regulatory mechanisms of eggshell quality deterioration during aging in laying hens is important for the biosecurity and economic performance of poultry egg production worldwide. This study aimed to compare the differences in the expression profiles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and mRNAs between old and young laying hens by the method of high-throughput RNA sequencing to identify candidate genes associated with aging in the uterus of laying hens. Overall, we detected 176 and 383 differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs and mRNAs, respectively. Moreover, functional annotation analysis based on the Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) databases revealed that DE-lncRNAs and DE-mRNAs were significantly enriched in “phosphate-containing compound metabolic process”, “mitochondrial proton-transporting ATP synthase complex”, “inorganic anion transport”, and other terms related to eggshell calcification and cuticularization. Through integrated analysis, we found that some important genes such as FGF14, COL25A1, GPX8, and GRXCR1 and their corresponding lncRNAs were expressed differentially between two groups, and the results of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) among these genes were also in excellent agreement with the sequencing data. In addition, our study found that TCONS_00181492, TCONS_03234147, and TCONS_03123639 in the uterus of laying hens caused deterioration of eggshell quality in the late laying period by up-regulating their corresponding target genes FGF14, COL25A1, and GRXCR1 as well as down-regulating the target gene GPX8 by TCONS_01464392. Our findings will provide a valuable reference for the development of breeding programs aimed at breeding excellent poultry with high eggshell quality or regulating dietary nutrient levels to improve eggshell quality.

The long noncoding RNA HOXA11-AS promotes lung adenocarcinoma proliferation and glycolysis via the microRNA-148b-3p/PKM2 axis

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer is the most common malignancy in the world and a growing number of researches have focused on its metabolic characteristics. Studies have shown that the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) HOXA11-AS is aberrantly expressed in many tumors. However, the role of HOXA11-AS in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) glycolysis and other energy metabolism pathways has not been characterized.

METHOD

The mRNA levels of HOXA11-AS, microRNA-148b-3p (miR-148b-3p), and pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) were detected using qRT-PCR. The expression levels of proteins were measured using immunohistochemistry and western blot. The CCK-8, EdU, and colony formation assays were used to assess proliferation. Glycolytic changes were assessed by measuring lactate production, ATP production, and ¹⁸ F-FDG uptake. Bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assays were used to characterize the relationship between HOXA11-AS, miR-148b-3p, and PKM2. Proliferation and glycolytic changes were analyzed in xenograft tumor experiments using Micro-PET imaging after downregulation of HOXA11-AS in vivo.

RESULTS

The expression of HOXA11-AS was markedly increased in LUAD, and was strongly associated with a poor prognosis. In addition, HOXA11-AS promoted proliferation and glycolysis in LUAD, and miR-148b-3p inhibited proliferation and glycolysis in LUAD. Mechanistically, HOXA11-AS positively regulated PKM2 expression by binding to miR-148b-3p, thereby promoting LUAD proliferation and glycolysis. In addition, HOXA11-AS inhibited LUAD xenograft growth and glycolysis via upregulation of miR-148b-3p expression and downregulation of PKM2 expression in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

These results showed that HOXA11-AS enhanced LUAD proliferation and glycolysis via the miR-148b-3p/PKM2 axis. The findings in this paper expanded our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of LUAD tumorigenesis and glycolysis and showed that HOXA11-AS could be useful as a diagnostic and prognostic marker for LUAD. ¹⁸ F-FDG PET/CT can be used to visually evaluate the therapeutic effect of targeting HOXA11-AS.

HOX cluster-embedded lncRNAs and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in cancer: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities

Although there has been substantial improvement in the treatment modalities, cancer remains the major cause of fatality worldwide. Metastasis, recurrence, and resistance to oncological therapies are the leading causes of cancer mortality. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a complex biological process that allows cancer cells to undergo morphological transformation into a mesenchymal phenotype to acquire invasive potential. It encompasses reversible and dynamic ontogenesis by neoplastic cells during metastatic dissemination. Hence, understanding the molecular landscape of EMT is imperative to identify a reliable clinical biomarker to combat metastatic spread. Accumulating evidence reveals the role of HOX (homeobox) cluster-embedded long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in EMT and cancer metastasis. They play a crucial role in the induction of EMT, modulating diverse biological targets. The present review emphasizes the involvement of HOX cluster-embedded lncRNAs in EMT as a molecular sponge, chromatin remodeler, signaling regulator, and immune system modulator. Furthermore, the molecular mechanisms behind therapy resistance and the potential use of novel drugs targeting HOX cluster-embedded lncRNAs in the clinical management of distant metastasis will be discussed.

Long non-coding RNA HOXA11-AS protects the barrier function of corneal endothelial cells by sponging microRNA-155 to alleviate corneal endothelial injury

OBJECTIVES

Corneal endothelial cells (CECs) are extremely vulnerable to injury. In this study, the role and mechanism of action of the long non-coding RNA HOXA11-AS during corneal endothelial injury (CEI) were evaluated in vivo and in vitro.

METHODS

Scratch wounds were made to induce CEI in the corneal endothelium of rats and mice. Homeobox A11 (HOXA11)-AS expression was determined at different time points using quantitative real-time PCR. Human CECs with HOXA11-AS overexpression or downregulation were examined for survival, ferroptosis, and migration. Bioinformatics and dual-luciferase reporter assays were used to investigate the correlation between HOXA11-AS and microRNA (miR)-155.

RESULTS

HOXA11-AS expression was reduced in the corneal endothelium in a time-dependent manner. Scratch wounds triggered high rates of ferroptosis and migration in CECs and impaired cell proliferation. HOXA11-AS overexpression partially attenuated the scratch wound-induced changes in proliferation, ferroptosis, and migration, whereas silencing HOXA11-AS had the opposite effects. Moreover, HOXA11-AS served as a competing endogenous RNA of miR-155. Levels of miR-155 were upregulated in the corneal endothelium following the scratch injury, and this upregulation abolished the effect of HOXA11-AS overexpression on the behavior of CECs after injury; miR-155 inhibition counteracted the effect of HOXA11-AS silencing.

CONCLUSIONS

HOXA11-AS exerts protective effects against CEI by sponging miR-155, suggesting that these loci are treatment targets for corneal endothelial disorders.

Long non-coding RNA and RNA-binding protein interactions in cancer: Experimental and machine learning approaches

Understanding the complex and specific roles played by non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), which comprise the bulk of the genome, is important for understanding virtually every hallmark of cancer. This large group of molecules plays pivotal roles in key regulatory mechanisms in various cellular processes. Regulatory mechanisms, mediated by long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and RNA-binding protein (RBP) interactions, are well documented in several types of cancer. Their effects are enabled through networks affecting lncRNA and RBP stability, RNA metabolism including N⁶-methyladenosine (m⁶A) and alternative splicing, subcellular localization, and numerous other mechanisms involved in cancer. In this review, we discuss the reciprocal interplay between lncRNAs and RBPs and their involvement in epigenetic regulation via histone modifications, as well as their key role in resistance to cancer therapy. Other aspects of RBPs including their structural domains, provide a deeper knowledge on how lncRNAs and RBPs interact and exert their biological functions. In addition, current state-of-the-art knowledge, facilitated by machine and deep learning approaches, unravels such interactions in better details to further enhance our understanding of the field, and the potential to harness RNA-based therapeutics as an alternative treatment modality for cancer are discussed.

LncRNA in tumorigenesis of non-small-cell lung cancer: From bench to bedside

Lung cancer has been one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide, and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for the majority of lung cancer morbidity, yet the pathogenesis of NSCLC has not been fully elucidated. Recently, long-chain non-coding RNA (lncRNA) has attracted widespread attention. LncRNA is a type of non-coding RNA whose transcript length exceeds 200 nucleotides. After constant research, academics updated their understanding of lncRNA, especially its role in the biological processes of cancer cells, including epigenetic regulation, cell proliferation, and cell differentiation. Notably, examination of lncRNAs could serve as potential hallmarks for clinicopathological features, long-term prognosis, and drug sensitivity. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the functions of lncRNA in NSCLC and innovate potential strategies against NSCLC based on lncRNA-related research. Herein, we reviewed the functions of lncRNA in the occurrence, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of NSCLC, which not only help promote a comprehensive view of lncRNA in NSCLC, but also shed light on the potential of lncRNA-based diagnosis and treatment of NSCLC.

MicroRNAs as Predictors of Lung-Cancer Resistance and Sensitivity to Cisplatin

Background: Platinum-based chemotherapy, cisplatin (DDP) specifically, is the main strategy for treating lung cancer (LC). However, currently, there is a lack of predictive drug-resistance markers, and there is increased interest in the development of a reliable and sensitive panels of markers for DDP chemotherapy-effectiveness prediction. MicroRNAs represent a perspective pool of markers for chemotherapy effectiveness. Objectives: Data on miRNAs associated with LC DDP chemotherapy response are summarized and analyzed. Materials and methods: A comprehensive review of the data in the literature and an analysis of bioinformatics resources were performed. The gene targets of miRNAs, as well as their reciprocal relationships with miRNAs, were studied using several databases. Results and Discussion: The complex analysis of bioinformatics resources and the literature indicated that the expressions of 12 miRNAs have a high predictive potential for LC DDP chemotherapy responses. The obtained information was discussed from the point of view of the main mechanisms of LC chemoresistance. Conclusions: An overview of the published data and bioinformatics resources, with respect to the predictive microRNA markers of chemotherapy response, is presented in this review. The selected microRNAs and gene panel have a high potential for predicting LC DDP sensitiveness or DDP resistance as well as for the development of a DDP co-therapy.

The minor allele of rs17427875 in long non-coding RNA-HOXA11-AS influences the prognosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) via modulating miR-15a and STAT3 expression

Background: HOAX11-AS was reported to promote the progression of liver cancer via the signaling pathway of miR-15a-3p/STAT3. In this study, we investigated the effect of rs17427875 on the prognosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and its underlying molecular mechanisms.

Methods: 158 SAH patients were recruited and grouped according to their genotypes rs17427875. Peripheral blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were collected for subsequent analysis. Quantitative real-time PCR, luciferase assays, Western blot and ELISA were performed to analyze the correlations between the expression of lncRNA-HOXA11-AS, miR-15a, TNF-α and NF-κB.

Results: The survival rate was remarkably higher in SAH patients carrying the AA genotype of rs17427875 when compared with those carrying the AT genotype. The expression of miR-15a was significantly repressed in the peripheral blood and CSF of SAH patients carrying the AT allele when compared with that in patients carrying the AA allele. MiR-15a showed a remarkable efficacy in inhibiting the luciferase activity of wild type lncRNA-HOXA11-AS and STAT3 in THP-1 cells. P-HOXA11-AS-T showed a stronger ability to suppress the expression of miR-15a and activate the expression of STAT3, TNF-α and NF-κB in THP-1 cells when compared with P-HOXA11-AS-A.

Conclusions: The findings demonstrated that the presence of the minor allele of rs17427875 in lncRNA-HOXA11-AS could increase the expression level of lncRNA-HOXA11-AS, thus elevating the expression level of STAT3 via down-regulating miR-15a, and increased STAT3 expression could aggravate inflammation to cause poor prognosis of SAH. Therefore, the rs17427875 polymorphism can be used as a potential biomarker for the prognosis of SAH.

Inconsistency in the expression pattern of a five-lncRNA signature as a potential diagnostic biomarker for gastric cancer patients in bioinformatics and in vitro

Objectives

Due to diagnosis of gastric cancer in advanced stages as well as its poor prognosis, finding biomarkers is essential. In this study, using the TCGA RNAseq data of gastric cancer patients, we evaluated the diagnostic value of lncRNAs that had differential expression.

Materials and Methods

We evaluated P-value, FDR, and log fold change for whole transcripts. Next, by comparison of the RNAseq gene names with the total known lncRNA names, we identified differential expressed lncRNAs. Following this, specificity and sensitivity for lncRNAs coming from the previous step were calculated. For more confirmation, we predicted target genes and performed GO and KEGG signaling pathway analysis. In the end, we examined reliability and consistency of expression of this signature in three gastric cancer cell lines and one of them in twenty tumors and tumor-adjacent normal tissue samples using qRT-PCR.

Results

Five lncRNAs had proper sensitivity and specificity and had target genes involved in cancer-related signaling pathways; however, they showed different expression patterns in TCGA data and in vitro.

Conclusion

The results of our study demonstrated that the five-lncRNAs PART1, UCA1, DIRC3, HOTAIR, and HOXA11AS require more investigation to be confirmed as diagnostic biomarkers in gastric cancer.

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.

miR-17-5p/HOXA7 Is a Potential Driver for Brain Metastasis of Lung Adenocarcinoma Related to Ferroptosis Revealed by Bioinformatic Analysis

Objectives

Present study aims to identify the essential mRNAs responsible for the development of brain neurovascular-related metastases (BNM) among lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients. Further, we attempted to predict brain metastases more accurately and prevent their development in LUAD patients.

Methods

Transcriptome data analysis was used to identify differentially expressed mRNAs (DEMs) associated with brain metastasis, and thereby the ferroptosis index (FPI) is calculated using a computational model. Meanwhile, the DEmRNAs linked with FPI, and brain metastasis were derived by the intersection of these two groups of DEMs. We also constructed a ceRNA network containing these DEmRNAs, identifying the HCP5 /hsa-miR-17-5p/HOXA7 axis for analysis. Further, a clinical cohort was employed to validate the regulatory roles of molecules involved in the ceRNA regulatory axis.

Results

Here we report the development of a ceRNA network based on BNM-associated DEMs and FPI-associated DEmRNAs which includes three core miRNAs (hsa-miR-338-3p, hsa-miR-429, and hsa-miR-17-5p), three mRNAs (HOXA7, TBX5, and TCF21), and five lncRNAs (HCP5, LINC00460, TP53TG1). Using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and survival analysis, the potential axis of HCP5 /hsa-miR-17-5p/HOXA7 was further investigated. It is found that HOXA7 and ferroptosis index are positively correlated while inhibiting tumor brain metastasis. It may be that HCP5 binds competitively with miR-17-5p and upregulates HOXA7 to increase iron death limiting brain cancer metastases.

Conclusions

The expression of both HOXA7 and HCP5 is positively correlated with FPI, indicating a possible link between ferroptosis and BNM. According to the results of our study, the ferroptosis-related ceRNA HCP5 /hsa-miR-17-5p/HOXA7 axis may contribute to the development of BNM in LUAD patients.

Down-Regulation of Long Non-Coding RNA AK139328 Reduces Cell Inflammation and Apoptosis in Cerebral Ischemia Reperfusion Injury

Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) refers to the phenomenon that the ischemic injury of brain leads to the injury of brain cells, and ischemic injury is further aggravated after the recovery of blood reperfusion. In this study, we first constructed Oxygen and glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) injury model of PC12 cells, we found that the expression of LncRNA AK139328 in model cells was significantly increased through RT-qPCR. Subsequently, we interfered LncRNA AK139328 in model cells by plasmid transfection and found that interfering LncRNA AK139328 could significantly reduce the expression of inflammatory factors, including TNF a, IL-1β, IL-6, McP-1, and oxidative stress-related factors, including ROS, MDA, LDH, while the expressions of SOD and GSHPx were significantly increased. Flow cytometry was used to detect cell apoptosis, and apoptosisrelated proteins bcl-2, Bax, cleaved-caspase3 and cleaved PARP-1 were detected by western blot. Results show that interfering LncRNA AK139328 could reduce the apoptosis rate of OGD/R cells and the expression of Bax, cleaved caspase3 and cleaved PARP-1, while increasing the expression of bcl-2. Meanwhile, we found that after interfering LncRNA AK139328, the expressions of Nrf2, HO-1, NQO-1 and phosphorylated-P65 increased, while P65 showed no significant changes. This may be related to Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-κB signaling pathways. In a word, our study showed that interfering with LncRNA AK139328 can reduce cell inflammation and apoptosis in CIRI.

Detection and analysis of long noncoding RNA expression profiles related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition in keloids

BACKGROUND

The role of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in the pathogenesis of keloids is currently raising increasing attention. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) govern a variety of biological processes, such as EMT, and their dysregulation is involved in many diseases including keloid disease. The aim of this study was to identify differentially expressed EMT-related lncRNAs in keloid tissues versus normal tissues and to interpret their functions.

RESULTS

Eleven lncRNAs and 16 mRNAs associated with EMT were identified to have differential expression between keloid and normal skin tissues (fold change > 1.5, P < 0.05). Gene Ontology (GO) analysis showed that these differentially expressed mRNAs functioned in the extracellular matrix, protein binding, the positive regulation of cellular processes, the Set1C/COMPASS complex and histone acetyltransferase activity. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis demonstrated that these mRNAs are involved in pathways in cancer. The lncRNA, XLOC_000587 may promote cell proliferation and migration by enhancing the expression of ENAH, while AF268386 may facilitate the invasive growth of keloids by upregulating DDR2.

CONCLUSIONS

We characterized the differential expression profiles of EMT-related lncRNAs and mRNAs in keloids, which may contribute to preventing the occurrence and development of keloids by targeting the corresponding signaling pathways. These lncRNAs and mRNAs may provide biomarkers for keloid diagnosis and serve as potential targets for the treatment of this disease.

New Insights into the Importance of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Lung Cancer: Future Clinical Approaches

In mammals, a large part of the gene expression products come from the non-coding ribonucleotide sequences of the protein. These short and long sequences are within the range of tens to hundreds of nucleotides, encompassing more than 200 RNA molecules, and their function is known as the molecular structure of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA). LncRNA molecules are unique nucleotides that have a substantial role in epigenetic regulation, transcription, and post-transcriptional modifications in different ways. According to the results of recent studies, lncRNAs have been shown to assume various roles, including tumor suppression or oncogenic functions in common types of cancer such as lung and breast cancer. These non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play a pivotal role in activating transcription factors, managing the ribonucleoproteins, the framework for collecting co-proteins, intermittent processing regulations, chromatin status alterations, and maintaining the control within the cell. Cutting-edge technologies have been introduced to disclose several types of lncRNAs within the nucleus and the cytoplasm, which have accomplished important achievements that are applicable in medicine. Due to these efforts, various data centers have been created to facilitate and modify scientific information related to these molecules, including detection, classification, biological evolution, gene status, spatial structure, status, and location of these small molecules. In the present study, we attempt to present the impacts of these ncRNAs on lung cancer with an emphasis on their mechanisms and functions.

Suppression of lncRNA HOXA11-AS/miR-124 Axis Inhibits Glioma Progression

Our aim was to clarify the regulations of lncRNA HOXA11-AS (HOXA11-AS) played on the progression of glioma as well as to investigate the mechanisms by which HOXA11-AS modulated development of glioma. This study confirmed the regulations of miR-124 and HOXA11-AS on the progression of glioma. Here, HOXA11-AS was overexpressed and miR-124 was underexpressed in glioma. Expression of miR-124 was negatively related to that of HOXA11-AS. Silencing of HOXA11-AS suppressed cell proliferation, invasion, and promoted apoptosis in glioma cells in vitro. Moreover, inhibition of HOXA11-AS expression repressed glioma xenograft tumor growth. Expression of miR-124 was repressed by HOXA11-AS functioning as sponge. In addition, miR-124 knockdown partially abolished the inhibitory roles of HOXA11-AS downregulation in glioma cells. Conclusively, this study suggested that silencing of HOXA11-AS restrained proliferation, invasion, induced apoptosis of glioma cells, and repressed xenograft growth via modulating miR-124 expression and thus inhibited glioma progression.

Long non-coding RNA LINC00997 silencing inhibits the progression and metastasis of colorectal cancer by sponging miR-512-3p

We aimed to study the role of LINC00997 in the metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC). LINC00997 and miR-512-3p expression in the primary colorectal cancer (NCRC) tissues and metastatic colorectal cancer (MCRC) tissues were detected using RT-qPCR. The Cancer Genome Atlas database was used to evaluate LINC00997 levels in the NCRC and MCRC tissues, and the correlations of LINC00997 expression with distant metastasis (M), regional lymph node metastasis (N), age and tumor stage were analyzed. Subsequently, RT-qPCR was performed to determine the expression of metastasis-related genes in MCRC tissues and analyze the correlation of LINC00997 or miR-512-3p level with the protein expression of metastasis-related genes. In vitro, LINC00997 expression in several CRC cell lines was examined. After LINC00997 silencing, cell invasion and migration were evaluated with Transwell and wound healing assays, respectively. The expression of metastasis- and EMT-related proteins was measured. Additionally, the potential interaction between LINC00997 and miR-512-3p was verified using a luciferase reporter assay. Rescue assays were conducted to clarify the regulatory effects of LINC00997 and miR-512-3p on CRC development. Results revealed that LINC00997 was frequently overexpressed in MCRC tissues, which was positively related to the tumor metastasis and stage. Additionally, LINC00997 was significantly elevated in CRC cells and LINC00997 silencing inhibited the invasion, migration and EMT of CRC cells, which was restored by miR-512-3p inhibitor. Luciferase reporter assay confirmed that LINC00997 could target miR-512-3p. In conclusion, LINC00997 regulated the metastasis of CRC by targeting miR-512-3p, providing some insights into the regulatory mechanism of CRC.

Interfering with Long Non-Coding RNA FBXL19-AS1 Inhibits the Proliferation, Invasion and Migration of Hepatoma Carcinoma Cells via Targeting miR-541-5p

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in the world, and the morbidity and mortality of HCC rate in the first few malignant tumors, seriously threatening the safety of human life. LncRNA is a hot topic in tumor research in recent years. The abnormal expression of LncRNA FBXL19-AS1 and its potential target as a tumor diagnostic marker have been confirmed in colon cancer, breast cancer and lung cancer, etc. However, the study on LncRNA FBXL19-AS1 in HCC has not been reported. Rt-qPCR was used to detect the expression of FBXL19-AS1 and miR-541-5p in HCC cell lines, and luciferase reporter gene was used to detect whether there were binding sites between LncRNA FBXL19-AS1 and miR-541-5p. Interfered with FBXL19-AS1 and overexpressed miR-541-5p were detected by cell transfection. Then CCK-8 and colony formation assay were used to detect cell viability and cell proliferation. Wound healing detected the rate of cell migration and Transwell detected the rate of cell invasion. Western blot was used to detect the expression of proteins related to cell migration and invasion. The expression of FBXL19-AS1 in HCC cell lines was significantly higher than that in normal liver cells (LO2). Moreover, FBXL19-AS1 can promote HCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Luciferase reporter gene confirmed the binding site between LncRNA FBXL19-AS1 and miR-541-5p. After interfering with the expression of FBXL19-AS1, miR-541-5p was significantly increased. Subsequently, overexpression of miR-541-5p can inhibit the expression of lncRNA FBXL19-AS11 and promote proliferation, migration and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma. So we can conclude that lncRNA FBXL19-AS1 promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of HCC cells through targeting miR-541-5p.

Lineage Plasticity in Cancer: The Tale of a Skin-Walker

Lineage plasticity, the switching of cells from one lineage to another, has been recognized as a cardinal property essential for embryonic development, tissue repair and homeostasis. However, such a highly regulated process goes awry when cancer cells exploit this inherent ability to their advantage, resulting in tumorigenesis, relapse, metastasis and therapy resistance. In this review, we summarize our current understanding on the role of lineage plasticity in tumor progression and therapeutic resistance in multiple cancers. Lineage plasticity can be triggered by treatment itself and is reported across various solid as well as liquid tumors. Here, we focus on the importance of lineage switching in tumor progression and therapeutic resistance of solid tumors such as the prostate, lung, hepatocellular and colorectal carcinoma and the myeloid and lymphoid lineage switch observed in leukemias. Besides this, we also discuss the role of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in facilitating the lineage switch in biphasic cancers such as aggressive carcinosarcomas. We also discuss the mechanisms involved, current therapeutic approaches and challenges that lie ahead in taming the scourge of lineage plasticity in cancer.

Long noncoding HOXA11-AS knockdown suppresses the progression of non-small cell lung cancer by regulating miR-3619-5p/SALL4 axis

Accumulating evidence suggested that many long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) were widely involved in the development and progression of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the roles of lncRNA homeobox A11 antisense (HOXA11-AS) and its underlying mechanism in NSCLC remains largely unknown. The expression levels of HOXA11-AS, miR-3619-5p and sal-like protein 4 (SALL4) were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Western blot analysis was used to measure the protein levels of hexokinase II (HK2) and SALL4. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion were determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, flow cytometry and transwell assay, respectively. The glucose consumption and lactate production were measured using glucose assay kit and lactate assay kit, respectively. The potential binding sites between miR-3619-5p and HOXA11-AS or SALL4 were predicted by online software and verified by luciferase report assay. A xenograft tumor model was established to confirm the function of HOXA11-AS in NSCLC in vivo. HOXA11-AS and SALL4 were upregulated while miR-3619-5p was downregulated in NSCLC tissues and cells. HOXA11-AS knockdown suppressed cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and glycolysis but promoted apoptosis in NSCLC cells. Moreover, miR-3619-5p could directly bind to HOXA11-AS and its inhibition attenuated the inhibitory effect of HOXA11-AS knockdown on progression of NSCLC cells. Furthermore, SALL4 was a direct target of miR-3619-5p and its overexpression reversed the anti-tumor role of miR-3619-5p in NSCLC cells. Besides, HOXA11-AS modulated SALL4 expression via sponging miR-3619-5p. Additionally, silencing HOXA11-AS inhibited tumor growth though upregulating miR-3619-5p and downregulating SALL4. Collectively, HOXA11-AS knockdown inhibited the progression of NSCLC by regulating miR-3619-5p/SALL4 axis, which might offer a novel avenue for interpreting the mechanism of NSCLC development.

The role of microRNAs in epithelial to mesenchymal transition and cancers; focusing on mir-200 family

Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process associated with cancer malignancy and metastases. Cells undergoing EMT lose their epithelial phenotype and acquire mesenchymal phenotype. This process is accompanied by several molecular changes such as decrease of E-cadherin and increase of N-cadherin which is called the "cadherin swich". MicroRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) are small non-coding RNAs having ability to regulate genes post-transcriptionally. Nowadays they are believed to take part in multiple physiological and pathological processes including cancer development. Comparison between TargetScan7 (www.targetscan.org) results for miR-200b and metanalysis of genes involved in EMT showed that miR-200b has a potential binding site in 60 genes that are involved in EMT (the majority of them were associated with mesenchymal phenotype). Our review summarizes literature findings contributing to experimentally proven interactions between miR-200b and genes involved in EMT process including cell receptors, signaling pathways, cell cycle or cell adhesion. The results of those interactions indicate that miR-200b may have an inhibitory impact on EMT or even in selected cases is able to restore epithelial phenotype.

Identification of hub driving genes and regulators of lung adenocarcinoma based on the gene Co-expression network

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Increasing evidence suggests that circular RNAs (circRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can regulate target gene expression and participate in tumor genesis and progression. However, hub driving genes and regulators playing a potential role in LUAD progression have not been fully elucidated yet. Based on data from The Cancer Genome Atlas database, 2837 differentially expressed genes, 741 DE-regulators were screened by comparing cancer tissues with paracancerous tissues. Then, 651 hub driving genes were selected by the topological relation of the protein-protein interaction network. Also, the target genes of DE-regulators were identified. Moreover, a key gene set containing 65 genes was obtained from the hub driving genes and target genes intersection. Subsequently, 183 hub regulators were selected based on the analysis of node degree in the ceRNA network. Next, a comprehensive analysis of the subgroups and Wnt, mTOR, and MAPK signaling pathways was conducted to understand enrichment of the subgroups. Survival analysis and a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were further used to screen for the key genes and regulators. Furthermore, we verified key molecules based on external database, LRRK2, PECAM1, EPAS1, LDB2, and HOXA11-AS showed good results. LRRK2 was further identified as promising biomarker associated with CNV alteration and various immune cells' infiltration levels in LUAD. Overall, the present study provided a novel perspective and insight into hub driving genes and regulators in LUAD, suggesting that the identified signature could serve as an independent prognostic biomarker.

LINC01089 functions as a ceRNA for miR-152-3p to inhibit non-small lung cancer progression through regulating PTEN

Background

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to exert crucial functions in regulating the progression of human cancers. However, the function and mechanism of long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 01089 (LINC01089) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have not been revealed.

Methods

The expression level of LINC01089, microRNA (miRNA, miR)-152-3p and phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted onc hromosome ten (PTEN) mRNA was detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). After gain-of-function and loss-of-function models were established with NSCLC cell lines, the proliferation, migration and invasion of NSCLC cells were detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, scratch healing assay, Transwell assay, respectively. Dual luciferase reporter assay was employed to validate the binding relationship between miR-152-3p and LINC01089 or the 3’UTR of PTEN. Western blot was used to detect PTEN expression in NSCLC cells after LINC01089 and miR-152-3p were selectively modulated.

Results

LINC01089 was down-regulated in NSCLC tissues and cells. Functional experiments showed that knockdown of LINC01089 could promote the proliferation, migration and invasion of NSCLC cells, while over-expression of LINC01089 had the opposite effects. miR-152-3p was identified as a functional target for LIN01089, and miR-152-3p could reverse the function of LINC01089. Additionally, LINC01089 could up-regulate the expression level of PTEN via repressing miR-152-3p.

Conclusions

Down-regulation of LINC01089 promoted the progression of NSCLC through regulating miR-152-3p/PTEN axis.

Identification of Primary and Metastatic Lung Cancer-Related lncRNAs and Potential Targeted Drugs Based on ceRNA Network

Lung cancer metastasis is the leading cause of poor prognosis and death for patients. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been validated the close correlation with lung cancer metastasis, but few comprehensive analyses have reported the specific association between lncRNA and cancer metastasis, especially via both competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory relationships and functional regulatory networks. Here, we constructed primary and metastatic ceRNA networks, identified 12 and 3 candidate lncRNAs for lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) respectively and excavated some drugs that might have potential therapeutic effects on lung cancer progression. In summary, this study systematically analyzed the competitive relationships and regulatory mechanism of the repeatedly dysregulated lncRNAs in lung cancer carcinogenesis and metastasis, and provided a new idea for screening potential therapeutic drugs for lung cancer.

Crosstalk of long non-coding RNAs and EMT: Searching the missing pieces of an incomplete puzzle for lung cancer therapy

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer is considered to be the first place among the cancer-related deaths worldwide and demands novel strategies in the treatment of this life-threatening disorder. The aim of this review is to explore regulation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in lung cancer.

INTRODUCTION

LncRNAs can be considered as potential factors for targeting in cancer therapy, since they regulate a bunch of biological processes, e.g. cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. The abnormal expression of lncRNAs occurs in different cancer cells. On the other hand, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical mechanism participating in migration and metastasis of cancer cells.

METHOD

Different databases including Googlescholar, Pubmed and Sciencedirect were used for collecting articles using keywords such as "LncRNA", "EMT", and "Lung cancer".

RESULT

There are tumor-suppressing lncRNAs that can suppress EMT and metastasis of lung cancer cells. Expression of such lncRNAs undergoes down-regulation in lung cancer progression and restoring their expression is of importance in suppressing lung cancer migration. There are tumor-promoting lncRNAs triggering EMT in lung cancer and enhancing their migration.

CONCLUSION

LncRNAs are potential regulators of EMT in lung cancer, and targeting them, both pharmacologically and genetically, can be of importance in controlling migration of lung cancer cells.

Long non‑coding RNA PITPNA‑AS1 silencing suppresses proliferation, metastasis and epithelial‑mesenchymal transition in non‑small cell lung cancer cells by targeting microRNA‑32‑5p

Lung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer and has a high mortality rate, worldwide. The major histopathological subtype is non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of long non-coding (lnc) RNA PITPNA antisense RNA 1 (PITPNA-AS1) in NSCLC and elucidate its potential mechanisms. The expression of PITPNA-AS1 was determined in several NSCLC cell lines. Following PITPNA-AS1-silencing, cell proliferation, invasion and migration were evaluated using Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation, Transwell assay and wound healing assays, respectively. The expression levels of proliferation-, migration- and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated proteins were examined using immunofluorescence assay or western blot analysis. A luciferase reporter assay was conducted to verify the potential interaction between PITPNA-AS1 and microRNA(miR)-32-5p. Subsequently, rescue assays were performed to investigate the effects of PITPNA-AS1 and miR-32-5p on NSCLC progression. The results demonstrated that PITPNA-AS1 was highly expressed in NSCLC tissues and cell lines. It was found that PITPNA-AS1 silencing inhibited the proliferation, invasion and migration of NSCLC cells. Furthermore, the protein expression of E-cadherin was upregulated, while the expression levels N-cadherin and vimentin were downregulated. The luciferase reporter assay confirmed that miR-32-5p was a direct target of PITPNA-AS1. The rescue experiments suggested that a miR-32-5p inhibitor significantly reversed the inhibitory effects of PITPNA-AS1 silencing on proliferation, invasion, migration and EMT in NSCLC cells. Collectively, the present results demonstrated that PITPNA-AS1 silencing could suppress the progression of NSCLC by targeting miR-32-5p, suggesting a promising biomarker in NSCLC diagnosis and treatment.

A six-long noncoding RNA model predicts prognosis in lung adenocarcinoma

Background

The incidence and mortality of lung cancer rank first among various malignant tumors. The lack of clear molecular classification and effective individualized treatment greatly limits the treatment benefits of patients. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been demonstrated widely involve in tumor progressing, and been proved easy to detect for occupying majority in transcriptome. However, less work focuses on studying the potency of lncRNAs as molecular typing and prognostic indicator in lung cancer.

Methods

Based on the 448 lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) samples and the expression of 14,127 lncRNAs from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, we constructed a co-expression network using weighted gene co-expression network analysis. Then based on the feature module and the overall survival of patients, we constructed a risk score model through Cox proportional hazards regression and verified it with a validation cohort. Finally, according to the median of risk score, the function of this model was enriched.

Results

We identified a module containing 123 lncRNAs that is related with the prognosis of LUAD. Using univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression with lasso regression, six lncRNAs were identified to construct a risk score model. The calculation formula shown as follows: risk score = (−0.3057 × EXP_VIM-AS1) + (0.9678 × EXP_AC092811.1) + (1.0829 × EXP_NFIA-AS1) + (−0.3505 × EXP_AL035701.1) + (3.9378 × EXP_AC079336.4) + (−0.2810 × EXP_AL121790.2). Six-lncRNA model can be used as an independent prognostic indicator in LUAD (P<0.001) and the area under the 5-year receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve is 0.715.

Conclusions

We developed a six-lncRNA model, which could be used for predicting prognosis and guiding medical treatment in LUAD patients.

Long non-coding RNAs in lung cancer: implications for lineage plasticity-mediated TKI resistance

The efficacy of targeted therapy in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been impeded by various mechanisms of resistance. Besides the mutations in targeted oncogenes, reversible lineage plasticity has recently considered to play a role in the development of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) resistance in NSCLC. Lineage plasticity enables cells to transfer from one committed developmental pathway to another, and has been a trigger of tumor adaptation to adverse microenvironment conditions including exposure to various therapies. More importantly, besides somatic mutation, lineage plasticity has also been proposed as another source of intratumoural heterogeneity. Lineage plasticity can drive NSCLC cells to a new cell identity which no longer depends on the drug-targeted pathway. Histological transformation and epithelial–mesenchymal transition are two well-known pathways of lineage plasticity-mediated TKI resistance in NSCLC. In the last decade, increased re-biopsy practice upon disease recurrence has increased the recognition of lineage plasticity induced resistance in NSCLC and has improved our understanding of the underlying biology. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), the dark matter of the genome, are capable of regulating variant malignant processes of NSCLC like the invisible hands. Recent evidence suggests that lncRNAs are involved in TKI resistance in NSCLC, particularly in lineage plasticity-mediated resistance. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms of lncRNAs in regulating lineage plasticity and TKI resistance in NSCLC. We also discuss how understanding these themes can alter therapeutic strategies, including combination therapy approaches to overcome TKI resistance.

LncRNAs in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is associated with a high mortality, with around 1.8 million deaths worldwide in 2018. Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for around 85% of cases and, despite improvement in the management of NSCLC, most patients are diagnosed at advanced stage and the five-year survival remains around 15%. This highlights a need to identify novel ways to treat the disease to reduce the burden of NSCLC. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are non-coding RNA molecules longer than 200 nucleotides in length which play important roles in gene expression and signaling pathways. Recently, lncRNAs were implicated in cancer, where their expression is dysregulated resulting in aberrant functions. LncRNAs were shown to function as both tumor suppressors and oncogenes in a variety of cancer types. Although there are a few well characterized lncRNAs in NSCLC, many lncRNAs remain un-characterized and their mechanisms of action largely unknown. LncRNAs have success as therapies in neurodegenerative diseases, and having a detailed understanding of their function in NSCLC may guide novel therapeutic approaches and strategies. This review discusses the role of lncRNAs in NSCLC tumorigenesis, highlighting their mechanisms of action and their clinical potential.

Recent advances in unraveling the molecular mechanisms and functions of HOXA11‑AS in human cancers and other diseases (Review)

A large number of previously published research articles have demonstrated that the expression levels of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are generally dysregulated, either through overexpression or underexpression, in cancer and other types of disease. As a recently discovered lncRNA, HOXA11 antisense RNA (HOXA11‑AS) is able to serve as an oncogenic or tumor‑suppressor gene and serves a vital role in the processes of proliferation, invasion, and migration of cancer cells. HOXA11‑AS appears to be a major factor contributing to epigenetic modification, and exerts transcriptional, post‑transcriptional, translational and post‑translational regulatory effects on genes through a variety of mechanisms; for example, by competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) and a molecular scaffold mechanism. A number of reports have demonstrated that HOXA11‑AS functions as a protein scaffold for polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), lysine‑specific histone demethylase 1 (LSD1) and DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) to perform epigenetic modifications on chromosomes in the nucleus. Furthermore, HOXA11‑AS is also located in the cytoplasm and can act as a ceRNA, which sponges miRNAs. In addition, HOXA11‑AS may be useful as a biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of cancer. In the present review article, the clinical value, phenotype and mechanism of HOXA11‑AS in a variety of tumors types are briefly summarized, as well as its clinical value in certain additional diseases. The perspective of the authors is that HOXA11‑AS may represent an effective tumor marker and therapeutic target for cancer diagnosis and therapy.

Pin2 telomeric repeat factor 1-interacting telomerase inhibitor 1 (PinX1) inhibits nasopharyngeal cancer cell stemness: implication for cancer progression and therapeutic targeting

Background

Recurrence and distant metastasis are still the main factors leading to treatment failure for malignant tumors including nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Therefore, elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying nasopharyngeal carcinoma metastasis is of great clinical significance for targeted gene therapy and prognostic evaluation. PinX1, a tumor suppressor gene, was previously demonstrated to be a powerful tool for targeting telomerase in order to resist malignant tumor proliferation and migration. The aim of this study was to explore the mechanism through which PinX1 regulates epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and tumor metastasis in NPC and investigate its clinical significance and biological role with respect to disease progression.

Methods

Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8), Transwell assays, Colony formation analysis and Xenograft tumorigenicity assay were used to measure the nasopharyngeal CD133⁺ cancer stem cell proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot assays were conducted to investigate the underlying mechanism that PinX1 inhibits cell proliferation, migration, and invasion via regulating EMT in nasopharyngeal CD133⁺ CSCs.

Results

We found that the overexpression of PinX1 and P53 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, but that the inhibition of miR-200b blocked these effects, in nasopharyngeal CD133⁺ cancer stem cells (CSCs). Mechanistic investigations elucidated that PinX1 inhibits cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by regulating the P53/miR-200b-mediated transcriptional suppression of Snail1, Twist1, and Zeb1, consequently inhibiting EMT in nasopharyngeal CD133⁺ CSCs.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that PinX1 inhibits cell proliferation, migration, and invasion via P53/miR-200b-regulated EMT in the malignant progression of human NPC, which might suggest novel clinical implications for disease treatment.

lncRNA HOXA11-AS Promotes Proliferation and Migration via Sponging miR-155 in Hypopharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HSCC) remains one of the most lethal malignancies in the head and neck. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) HOXA11-AS is proven to function as an oncogene and a therapeutic target in various tumors. Our previous study and others have demonstrated that HOXA11-AS is one of the most upregulated lncRNAs in HSCC. However, the role of HOXA11-AS in HSCC has not yet been identified. The current study demonstrated that the expression of HOXA11-AS was significantly upregulated in HSCC tumors and was positively associated with lymph node metastasis. Moreover, functional experiments revealed that HOXA11-AS knockdown suppressed the proliferation and migration potential in FaDu cells. Furthermore, luciferase reporter gene assay combined with cellular functional experiments demonstrated that HOXA11-AS functioned as a molecular sponge for miR-155, and inhibition of miR-155 attenuated the suppressive effect of HOXA11-AS knockdown on the aggressive phenotype in HSCC. This study identifies a tumor-promoting role of HOXA11-AS in HSCC and suggests HOXA11-AS might be a potential diagnostic and therapeutic target for HSCC.

The Polymorphisms of lncRNA HOXA11-AS and the risk of Lung Cancer in Northeastern Chinese population

Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNA) have been wildly explored in several malignant tumors. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of HOXA11-AS polymorphisms (rs17427875 and rs11564004) on lung cancer susceptibility and its interaction with smoking exposure. This hospital-based case-control study, which included 466 cases and 557 controls, was carried out in Shenyang City, Liaoning province. The genotyping method was TaqMan allelic discrimination assay and all statistical analysis were performed by SPSS 20.0 and R (3.5.3). The results demonstrated that HOXA11AS-rs17427875 polymorphisms were correlated with the susceptibility of lung adenocarcinoma. T alleles of rs17427875 played a portal role in increasing lung adenocarcinoma risk. HOXA11AS-rs11564004 polymorphisms had the significant association with lung cancer risks, as well as its subtypes like non-small cell lung cancer, adenocarcinoma. The allele G of rs11564004 acted as a protective factor for lung cancer. The similar results were observed in the homozygous model and recessive model of rs11564004. Nevertheless, interaction analysis of the additive and multiplicative model scales showed no statistical significance between HOXA11-AS polymorphisms and smoking exposure in the development of lung cancer.

Long non-coding RNA HOXA11-AS accelerates the progression of keloid formation via miR-124-3p/TGFβR1 axis

Emerging evidence reveals the importance of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the development and progression of keloid formation, whereas the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. In the present study, we investigated the biological effects and molecular mechanisms of lncRNA HOXA11-AS in keloid formation. First, the expression levels of HOXA11-AS, miR-124-3p, and transforming growth factor β receptor type I (TGFβR1) were measured in both keloid tissues and human keloid fibroblasts (HKFs) using qRT-PCR and western blot analysis, respectively. Next, we adopted both gain- and loss-of-function strategies to explore the significance of HOXA11-AS. TUNEL, flow cytometry, DNA ladder, and tube formation assays were performed to measure cell apoptosis and angiogenesis, respectively. Besides, the potential binding relationship between HOXA11-AS and miR-124-3p, as well as miR-124-3p and TGFβR1 was identified using bioinformatic screening and verified by luciferase reporter assay. Furthermore, we explored the importance of miR-124-3p in HOXA11-AS-induced phenotypes and regulations on TGFβ signaling or PI3K/Akt signaling. We found that HOXA11-AS and TGFβR1 were significantly up-regulated, while miR-124-3p was down-regulated both in keloid tissues or fibroblasts than in normal skin tissues or fibroblasts. Functionally, high expression of HOXA11-AS essentially inhibited cell apoptosis and promoted fibroblast-induced angiogenesis. Mechanistically, miR-124-3p was identified as a downstream effector to be involved in HOXA11-AS-mediated phenotypes through directly targeting TGFβR1, thus modulating PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Taken together, our findings revealed that HOXA11-AS inhibits cell apoptosis and promotes angiogenesis through miR-124-3p/TGFβR1 axis, contributing to the progression of keloid formation, which might provide a novel target for keloid therapy.

Long Non-Coding RNA HOXA11-AS Promotes Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Tumorigenesis Through microRNA-148a-3p/DNMT1 Regulatory Axis

OBJECTIVE

Our present study aimed to further investigate the molecular basis of long non-coding RNA homeobox A11 antisense (HOXA11-AS) in the tumorigenesis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS

HOXA11-AS, microRNA-148a-3p (miR-148a-3p), and DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) mRNA levels were measured by RT-qPCR assay. DNMT1 protein level was determined by Western blot assay. Cell proliferative capacity and apoptotic rate were determined by CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry analysis, respectively. The relationships of HOXA11-AS, miR-148a-3p, and DNMT1 were tested through bioinformatics analysis, luciferase assay, and RNA pull down assay. Mouse xenograft models of NSCLC were established to examine the biological function of HOXA11-AS in vivo.

RESULTS

HOXA11-AS expression was notably upregulated and miR-148a-3p expression was conspicuously downregulated in NSCLC tissues and cells. HOXA11-AS knockdown curbed NSCLC cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis through directly increasing miR-148a-3p expression. Moreover, miR-148a-3p overexpression suppressed NSCLC cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis. HOXA11-AS functioned as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) of miR-148a-3p to increase DNMT1 expression in NSCLC cells. And, DNMT1 upregulation weakened the influence of HOXA11-AS1 loss on NSCLC cell proliferation and apoptosis. Additionally, HOXA11-AS knockdown suppressed NSCLC xenograft growth by upregulating miR-148a-3p and downregulating DNMT1 in vivo.

CONCLUSION

HOXA11-AS facilitated NSCLC tumorigenesis through miR-148a-3p/DNMT1 axis in vitro and in vivo, deepening our understanding of the molecular basis of HOXA11-AS in the development of NSCLC.

Silencing of long noncoding RNA HOXA11-AS inhibits the Wnt signaling pathway via the upregulation of HOXA11 and thereby inhibits the proliferation, invasion, and self-renewal of hepatocellular carcinoma stem cells

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major cause of cancer-related deaths, but its molecular mechanisms are not yet well characterized. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in tumorigenesis, including that of HCC. However, the role of homeobox A11 antisense (HOXA11-AS) in determining HCC stem cell characteristics remains to be explained; hence, this study aimed to investigate the effects of HOXA11-AS on HCC stem cell characteristics. Initially, the expression patterns of HOXA11-AS and HOXA11 in HCC tissues, cells, and stem cells were determined. HCC stem cells, successfully sorted from Hep3B and Huh7 cells, were transfected with short hairpin or overexpression plasmids for HOXA11-AS or HOXA11 overexpression and depletion, with an aim to study the influences of these mediators on the self-renewal, proliferation, migration, and tumorigenicity of HCC stem cells in vivo. Additionally, the potential relationship and the regulatory mechanisms that link HOXA11-AS, HOXA11, and the Wnt signaling pathway were explored through treatment with Dickkopf-1 (a Wnt signaling pathway inhibitor). HCC stem cells showed high expression of HOXA11-AS and low expression of HOXA11. Both HOXA11-AS silencing and HOXA11 overexpression suppressed the self-renewal, proliferation, migration, and tumorigenicity of HCC stem cells in vivo, as evidenced by the decreased expression of cancer stem cell surface markers (CD133 and CD44) and stemness-related transcription factors (Nanog, Sox2, and Oct4). Moreover, silencing HOXA11-AS inactivated the Wnt signaling pathway by decreasing the methylation level of the HOXA11 promoter, thereby inhibiting HCC stem cell characteristics. Collectively, this study suggested that HOXA11-AS silencing exerts an antitumor effect, suppressing HCC development via Wnt signaling pathway inactivation by decreasing the methylation level of the HOXA11 promoter.

A long RNA molecule promotes the growth of liver cancer cells through its inhibitory effects on gene regulation. The HOXA11 gene controls cell proliferation and tissue development, and several studies have suggested that HOXA11-AS, an RNA that regulates this gene, may play a role in certain cancers. Researchers led by Min Guo at Hainan General Hospital in Haikou, China, have now obtained evidence linking HOXA11-AS to the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. After determining that this RNA is consistently highly expressed in such cells, the authors demonstrated that it can stimulate cellular proliferation and invasive behavior through its suppressive effects on HOXA11 and other genes. This inhibition results from HOXA11-AS-induced chemical modification of these DNA sequences. The authors hypothesize that this same mechanism could also contribute to growth of other tumor subtypes.

Long noncoding RNA LINC00337 accelerates the non-small-cell lung cancer progression through inhibiting TIMP2 by recruiting DNMT1

Accumulating evidence reveals the essential roles of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumorigenesis. Here, our research investigated the biological roles of novel lncRNA LINC00337 in the NSCLC tumorigenesis and discover the potential mechanism. In the NSCLC tissue and cell lines, LINC00337 was found to be remarkedly up-regulated, and the ectopic LINC00337 overexpression indicated the poor survival of NSCLC patients. In vitro, gain and loss of functional assays showed that LINC00337 promoted the progression of NSCLC cells, including proliferation and invasion. In vivo, LINC00337 knockdown inhibited the tumor growth of NSCLC cells. Mechanically, LINC00337 could recruit the epigenetic repressor DNMT1 to the promoter region of TIMP2 to silence its expression. In conclusion, our study found the critical regulation of lncRNA LINC00337 for the NSCLC through epigenetic regulation, which may serve as a predictive biomarker and potential therapeutic target.

Long non-coding RNA HOXA11-AS induces type I collagen synthesis to stimulate keloid formation via sponging miR-124-3p and activation of Smad5 signaling

Keloid, characterized by exuberant collagen deposition and invasive growth beyond original wound margins, results from abnormal wound healing. A recent microarray analysis identified homeobox (HOX) A11 antisense (HOXA11-AS) as a keloid-specific long non-coding RNA, although its potential role in keloid formation remains elusive. In this study, hematoxylin-eosin, Masson, and immunohistochemical staining of type I collagen (ColI) revealed abnormal arrangement and hyperplasia of fibers in keloid tissues along with increased ColI level. qRT-PCR and Western blot showed that HOXA11-AS and ColI were significantly upregulated, while miR-124-3p was decreased in both keloid tissues and human keloid fibroblasts (HKFs). Knockdown of HOXA11-AS inhibited cell proliferation (by CCK-8 and immunofluorescence staining of Ki67) and cell migration (by wound healing and transwell assays). Mechanistic experiments verified that HOXA11-AS acted as a sponge of micro-RNA (miR)-124-3p and Smad5 was a target of miR-124-3p. miR-124-3p sufficiently reversed the regulatory effects of HOXA11-AS, and Smad5 was involved in miR-124-3p-mediated biological functions. Furthermore, HOXA11-AS induced ColI synthesis via sponging miR-124-3p-mediated Smad5 signaling, thus promoting keloid formation. Overall, our study implied that HOXA11-AS induces ColI synthesis to promoted keloid formation via sponging miR-124-3p-mediated Smad5 signaling, which might offer a novel target for developing the therapy of keloid formation.

lncRNA SLC16A1-AS1 as a novel prognostic biomarker in non-small cell lung cancer

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have proved to act as crucial biomarkers in tumors. Novel biomarkers in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) need to be investigated badly. To identify the differentially expressed lncRNAs between NSCLC tissue and adjacent tissue, microarray analysis was performed. lncRNA SLC16A1-AS1 was significantly less expressed in NSCLC tissue than that in adjacent tissue. Gain-of-function experiments was performed to determine the biological functions of SLC16A1-AS. In situhybridization and survival analysis were applied in lung cancer tissue samples to determine the prognostic role of SLC16A1-AS1. It was showed that SLC16A1-AS1 was remarkably downregulated in NSCLC tissues and cell lines. Functionally, SLC16A1-AS1 overexpression could inhibit the viability and proliferation of lung cancer cell, block the cell cycle and promote cell apoptosis in vitro which may result from reduced phosphorylation of rat sarcoma (RAS)/ proto-oncogene serine/threonine-protein kinase (RAF)/ mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)/ extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) pathway caused by elevated expression of SLC16A1-AS1. Clinical sample analysis showed that SLC16A1-AS1 had a favorable impact on the overall survival and progression-free survival of patients with NSCLC. Our results suggested that SLC16A1-AS1 may act as a potential biomarker for patients with NSCLC.

Long noncoding RNA HOXA11-AS promotes gastric cancer cell proliferation and invasion via SRSF1 and functions as a biomarker in gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer (GC) is the fourth most frequent malignancy all over the world. The diagnosis of GC is challenging and the prognosis of GC is very unfavorable. Accumulating evidence reveals that serum long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) can function as biomarkers in various types of cancers, including GC.

AIM

To explore the level and molecular mechanism of the lncRNA HOXA11-AS in GC and the diagnostic and prognostic significance of serum HOXA11-AS in GC.

METHODS

HOXA11-AS levels in GC tissue, cell lines, and serum samples were measured. The correlation between HOXA11-AS expression and clinicopathological characteristics was analyzed. The role of HOXA11-AS in the diagnosis and prognosis of GC was evaluated. Cell function assays were performed for exploration of the roles of HOXA11-AS in GC cells. Moreover, Western blot was performed to explore the target regulated by HOXA11-AS in GC cells.

RESULTS

Up-regulation of HOXA11-AS was found in GC tissues, cell lines, and serum samples. In GC patients, decreased serum HOXA11-AS levels were negatively related with tumor size, TNM stage, and lymph node metastasis. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of serum HOXA11-AS in the diagnosis of GC was 0.924 (95%CI: 0.881-0.967; sensitivity, 0.787; specificity 0.978). Results of the Kaplan-Meier survival curves suggested the GC patients with a lower HOXA11-AS level having a better overall survival rate. HOXA11-AS promoted GC cell proliferation and invasion. SRSF1 may be the target regulated by HOXA11-AS in GC cells.

CONCLUSION

HOXA11-AS promotes GC cell proliferation and invasion via SRSF1 and may function as a promising marker in GC.

An inverse interaction between HOXA11 and HOXA11-AS is associated with cisplatin resistance in lung adenocarcinoma

HOXA11, which is a member of the homeobox (HOX) gene family, and its natural antisense transcript (NAT) HOXA11-AS have been reported to be closely related to the development of lung cancer. We aimed to investigate their specific roles in cisplatin (DDP) resistance in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). First, we found that HOXA11 is hypermethylated and significantly downregulated in a DDP-resistant A549 cell line (A549/DDP) and LUAD tissues, while the HOXA11-AS expression level is elevated. Although HOXA11 and HOXA11-AS mRNA overlap in the 5'-untranslated region (5' UTR) and share two CpG islands, DNA methylation only regulates the expression of HOXA11. Then, we found that HOXA11 and HOXA11-AS have an inverse interaction by transfecting their siRNAs and overexpression vectors into A549 and A549/DDP cells. A dual-luciferase reporter assay further confirmed that the overlapping 5'UTR is essential for the bidirectional regulation between HOXA11 and HOXA11-AS. Functional analysis showed that knockdown of HOXA11 expression in A549 cells induced DDP resistance and activated Akt/β-catenin signaling, while overexpression of HOXA11 in A549/DDP cells increased DDP sensitivity and inhibited Akt/β-catenin signaling. Moreover, HOXA11-AS knockdown in A549 cells increased DDP sensitivity and inhibited Akt/β-catenin signaling, while the overexpression of HOXA11-AS in A549/DDP cells induced DDP resistance and activated Akt/β-catenin signaling. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that the inverse interaction between HOXA11 and HOXA11-AS promotes DDP resistance in LUAD.

HOX cluster-embedded antisense long non-coding RNAs in lung cancer

Homeobox (HOX) genes play vital roles in embryonic development and oncogenesis. In humans, there are 39 HOX genes found in four clusters that are located on different chromosomes. The HOX clusters also contain numerous non-protein-coding RNAs, including some lncRNAs. The HOX cluster-embedded lncRNAs (HOX-lncRNAs), most notably, HOTTIP and HOTAIR play a major role in the regulation of their adjacent coding genes. Recently, most HOX-lncRNAs have been shown to impact tumorigenesis and cancer progression. Several HOX-lncRNAs, including HOTTIP, HOXA11-AS, HOTAIRM1, HOXA-AS3, HOXA10-AS, HOTAIR, and HAGLR, are dysregulated in lung cancer. Moreover, their expression levels are correlated with the clinical features of this disease. These HOX-lncRNAs regulate the proliferation, invasion, migration, and chemo-resistance of lung cancer cells through various molecular mechanisms. Although lncRNAs have received much attention lately, the functions of some HOX-lncRNAs in the development of cancer are unclear. Thus, HOX-embedded lncRNAs should be widely investigated in cancer. Here, we review the functions of HOX-lncRNAs in lung cancer.

HOXA11-AS promotes the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma by targeting the miR-518a-3p/PDK1 axis

Background

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are promising therapeutic molecules of cancer. Here we aim to study the therapeutic effect and mechanism of a lncRNA, HOXA11-AS, in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Methods

OSCC tissues and adjacent matched paraneoplastic normal tissues used in this study were collected from 42 OSCC patients. The significant downregulation or upregulation of HOXA11-AS expression in OSCC cells was confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Bioinformatics analysis of StarBase were performed to investigate the potential microRNAs mediated by HOXA11-AS. HOXA11-AS-transfected cells or control cells were subcutaneously injected into nude mice to further determine the effects of HOXA11-AS on OSCC progression in vivo.

Results

qRT-PCR analysis indicated that HOXA11-AS expression was significantly upregulated in OSCC tissues. Functional studies revealed that HOXA11-AS significantly promotes cell proliferation, reduces the percentage of G0/G1 phase cells and enhances the cell invasion in OSCC. Bioinformatics analysis suggested that a microRNA (miRNA), miR-518a-3p, is as a target of HOXA11-AS. Alteration of miR-518a-3p levels by HOXA11-AS transduced to changes in PDK1 expression. In a mouse model of OSCC, HOXA11-AS overexpression promoted tumor growth, concomitant with reduced miR-518a-3p expression and increased PDK1 expression.

Conclusion

Taken together, our study demonstrates that HOXA11-AS/miR-518a-3p/PDK1 axis is an important regulator of OSCC progression and may serve as a potential therapeutic target in OSCC. HARMU20150128, registered at Jan, 28 2018.