miR-145 and miR-497 suppress TGF-β-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition of non-small cell lung cancer by targeting MTDH

Comprehensive pan‑cancer analysis of MTDH for human tumor prognosis and as an immunological biomarker including breast and kidney cancer

Metadherin (MTDH), initially discovered in primary astrocytes of the human fetus through rapid subtraction hybridization and labeled as astrocyte elevated gene-1, represents a widely recognized oncogene present in multiple types of cancers. However, the role of MTDH in different types of cancer remains unclear. To address this, a comprehensive analysis of MTDH across various types of cancers was conducted by utilizing multiple databases such as The Cancer Genome Atlas. The present analysis discovered that MTDH exhibits differential expression in different types of cancer and is associated with important factors including tumor mutational burden and microsatellite instability. These findings highlighted the significance of MTDH in the tumor microenvironment and its involvement in the development of immune cells in specific cancers. Furthermore, the results of the present study indicated that the expression of MTDH is strongly correlated with clinical prognosis, mutations and immune cell infiltration. MTDH could serve as a potential indicator of patient prognosis and potentially play a role in modulating the immune system. Given its potential as a novel immunological checkpoint, MTDH may be a viable target for tumor immunotherapy.

Cross-Talk between the TGF-β and Cell Adhesion Signaling Pathways in Cancer

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is strongly associated with the cell adhesion signaling pathway in cell differentiation, migration, etc. Mechanistically, TGF-β is secreted in an inactive form and localizes to the extracellular matrix (ECM) via the latent TGF-β binding protein (LTBP). However, it is the release of mature TGF-β that is essential for the activation of the TGF-β signaling pathway. This progress requires specific integrins (one of the main groups of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs)) to recognize and activate the dormant TGF-β. In addition, TGF-β regulates cell adhesion ability through modulating CAMs expression. The aberrant activation of the TGF-β signaling pathway, caused by abnormal expression of key regulatory molecules (such as Smad proteins, certain transcription factors, and non-coding RNAs), promotes tumor invasive and metastasis ability via epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) during the late stages of tumorigenesis. In this paper, we summarize the crosstalk between TGF-β and cell adhesion signaling pathway in cancer and its underlying molecular mechanisms.

Molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of tumour suppressor genes in lung cancer

Tumour suppressor genes play a cardinal role in the development of a large array of human cancers, including lung cancer, which is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers worldwide. Therefore, extensive studies have been committed to deciphering the underlying mechanisms of alterations of tumour suppressor genes in governing tumourigenesis, as well as resistance to cancer therapies. In spite of the encouraging clinical outcomes demonstrated by lung cancer patients on initial treatment, the subsequent unresponsiveness to first-line treatments manifested by virtually all the patients is inherently a contentious issue. In light of the aforementioned concerns, this review compiles the current knowledge on the molecular mechanisms of some of the tumour suppressor genes implicated in lung cancer that are either frequently mutated and/or are located on the chromosomal arms having high LOH rates (1p, 3p, 9p, 10q, 13q, and 17p). Our study identifies specific genomic loci prone to LOH, revealing a recurrent pattern in lung cancer cases. These loci, including 3p14.2 (FHIT), 9p21.3 (p16INK4a), 10q23 (PTEN), 17p13 (TP53), exhibit a higher susceptibility to LOH due to environmental factors such as exposure to DNA-damaging agents (carcinogens in cigarette smoke) and genetic factors such as chromosomal instability, genetic mutations, DNA replication errors, and genetic predisposition. Furthermore, this review summarizes the current treatment landscape and advancements for lung cancers, including the challenges and endeavours to overcome it. This review envisages inspired researchers to embark on a journey of discovery to add to the list of what was known in hopes of prompting the development of effective therapeutic strategies for lung cancer.

miRNAs Role in Wilms tumor pathogenesis: Signaling pathways interplay

Wilms' tumors (WTs) are the most common type of kidney tumor in children, and a negative outlook is generally associated with widespread anaplastic. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial in the development of WT by regulating the expression of specific genes. There is an increasing amount of research that connects the dysregulation of miRNAs to the development of various renal illnesses. The conditions encompassed are renal fibrosis, renal cancers, and chronic and polycystic kidney disease. Dysregulation of several important miRNAs, either oncogenic or tumor-suppressing, has been found in WT. The present state of knowledge on the involvement of dysregulated miRNAs in the progression of WT is summarized in this review.

Current landscape of miRNAs and TGF-β signaling in lung cancer progression and therapeutic targets

Lung cancer (LC) is the primary reason for cancer-associated fatalities globally. Due to both tumor-suppressing and tumor-promoting activities, the TGF-β family of growth factors is extremely essential to tumorigenesis. A non-coding single-stranded short RNA called microRNA (miRNA), which is made up of about 22 nt and is encoded by endogenous genes, can control normal and pathological pathways in various kinds of cancer, including LC. Recent research demonstrated that the TGF-β signaling directly can affect the synthesis of miRNAs through suppressor of mothers against decapentaplegic (SMAD)-dependent activity or other unidentified pathways, which could generate allostatic feedback as a result of TGF-β signaling stimulation and ultimately affect the destiny of cancer tissues. In this review, we emphasize the critical functions of miRNAs in lung cancer progression and, more critically, how they affect the TGF-β signaling pathway, and explore the role of both the TGF-β signaling pathway and miRNAs as potential therapeutic targets for improving the treatments of LC patients.

Hsa_circ_0003288 facilitates tumor progression by targeting miR-145 in non-small cell lung cancer cells

Circular RNA (circRNA) has been shown to participate in various tumors, including lung cancer. In the present study, we explored the expression and functional relevance of hsa_circ_0003288 in human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We verified that hsa_circ_0003288 expression was upregulated in lung cancer tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of hsa_circ_0003288 dramatically promoted lung cancer cell proliferation, colony formation, inhibited apoptosis, and increased cell migration and invasion in vitro. Xenograft experiments showed that hsa_circ_0003288 overexpression accelerated tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, hsa_circ_0003288 negatively regulated miR-145 to exert the oncogenic role in lung cancer. Overexpression of miR-145 decreased cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, and suppressed migration and invasion in lung cancer. Additionally, miR-145 co-transfection abolished the oncogenic role of hsa_circ_0003288. Collectively, these findings identified a novel regulatory role of hsa_circ_0003288/miR-145 axis in the progression of NSCLC.

Upregulation of miR145 and miR126 in EVs from Renal Cells Undergoing EMT and Urine of Diabetic Nephropathy Patients

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a severe kidney-related complication of type 1 and type 2 diabetes and the most frequent cause of end-stage kidney disease. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) present in the urine mainly derive from the cells of the nephron, thus representing an interesting tool mirroring the kidney's physiological state. In search of the biomarkers of disease progression, we here assessed a panel of urinary EV miRNAs previously related to DN in type 2 diabetic patients stratified based on proteinuria levels. We found that during DN progression, miR145 and miR126 specifically increased in urinary EVs from diabetic patients together with albuminuria. In vitro, miRNA modulation was assessed in a model of TGF-β1-induced glomerular damage within a three-dimensional perfusion system, as well as in a model of tubular damage induced by albumin and glucose overload. Both renal tubular cells and podocytes undergoing epithelial to mesenchymal transition released EVs containing increased miR145 and miR126 levels. At the same time, miR126 levels were reduced in EVs released by glomerular endothelial cells. This work highlights a modulation of miR126 and miR145 during the progression of kidney damage in diabetes as biomarkers of epithelial to mesenchymal transition.

The Role of MicroRNA in the Regulation of Tumor Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition

Consistently, the high metastasis of cancer cells is the bottleneck in the process of tumor treatment. In this process of metastasis, a pivotal role is executed by epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transformation was first proposed to occur during embryonic development. Later, its important role in explaining embryonic developmental processes was widely reported. Recently, EMT and its intermediate state were also identified as crucial drivers in tumor progression with the gradual deepening of research. To gain insights into the potential mechanism, increasing attention has been focused on the EMT-related transcription factors. Correspondingly, miRNAs target transcription factors to control the EMT process of tumor cells in different types of cancers, while there are still many exciting and challenging questions about the phenomenon of microRNA regulation of cancer EMT. We describe the relevant mechanisms of miRNAs regulating EMT, and trace the regulatory roles and functions of major EMT-related transcription factors, including Snail, Twist, zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox (ZEB), and other families. In addition, on the basis of the complex regulatory network, we hope that the exploration of the regulatory relationship of non-transcription factors will provide a better understanding of EMT and cancer metastasis. The identification of the mechanism leading to the activation of EMT programs during diverse disease processes also provides a new protocol for the plasticity of distinct cellular phenotypes and possible therapeutic interventions. Here, we summarize the recent progress in this direction, with a promising path for further insight into this fast-moving field.

Circ_0001998 Regulates the Proliferation, Invasion, and Apoptosis of Lung Adenocarcinoma via Sponging miR-145

Circular RNA (circRNA) is considered an important regulator of cancer. Circ_0001998 is a newly discovered circRNA and its role in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains obscure and requires further study. The expression levels of circ_0001998 and miR-145 in LUAD were predicted by bioinformatics analysis and then verified by qRT-PCR in the LUAD cell lines. CCK-8, clone formation, EdU assay, and flow cytometry were applied to determine the effects of silencing circ_0001998 on the viability, proliferation, and apoptosis of LUAD cells. The target relationship between circ_0001998 and miR-145 was predicted by bioinformatics analysis and verified by a luciferase activity experiment. The effect of circ_0001998/miR-145 axis on the viability, proliferation, and apoptosis of LUAD cells was verified by the rescue experiment. Circ_0001998 was upregulated in LUAD, and silencing circ_0001998 suppressed viability, proliferation, and invasion of LUAD cells. The target gene of circ_0001998, miR-145, was downregulated in LUAD, and the low expression of miR-145 indicated a poor prognosis. The effect of silencing circ_0001998 on the biological function of LUAD cells was reversed by the miR-145 inhibitor. Circ_0001998 regulates the proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis of LUAD via sponging miR-145.

The Value of Serum Exosomal miR-184 in the Diagnosis of NSCLC

Lung cancer has the highest morbidity rate (11.6%) and mortality rate (18.4%) among all current tumors. The morbidity rate in China accounts for approximately one-third, and it is still rising. Nonsmall cell lung cancer is the most common type of lung cancer, accounting for 80%-85% of all lung cancers, and approximately 57% of patients with advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer have distant metastases at the time of diagnosis. To explore the expression changes in microRNA-184 (miR-184) and its clinical value in serum exosomes of patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study adopted a case-control study method, selecting 88 patients (NSCLC group) from June 2015 to June 2017 in our hospital who are confirmed to have NSCLC by fiber-optic bronchoscopy, and 90 patients who are confirmed to have benign lung diseases by pathological examination during the same period (control group). Fluorescence quantitative PCR technology is used to detect the levels of miR-184 in serum exosomes of the two groups, and the differences in the levels of miR-184 in serum exosomes of NSCLC patients with different pathological characteristics are analyzed. According to the results of the 3-year follow-up, the miR-184 levels in serum exosomes of NSCLC patients are grouped and compared. The expression level of miR-184 in serum exosomes in the NSCLC group is significantly higher than that in the control group, and the difference between the two groups is statistically significant (p < 0.05). The ROC curve is drawn with the expression level of miR-184 in serum exosomes of the two groups of patients. The results showed that the area under the ROC curve for the differential diagnosis of NSCLC and benign lung tumors with the expression level of miR-184 in serum exosomes is 0.927, and the sensitivity is 87.61%, while the specificity is 84.02%. The expression levels of miR-184 in serum exosomes of NSCLC patients with different pathological characteristics, in different TNM stages [(I+II) vs. (III+IV)], lymph node metastasis (yes vs. no), and different degrees of differentiation [(High + Medium) vs. Poorly differentiated] are compared and showed statistical significance (p < 0.05). In 88 NSCLC patients, after 3 years of follow-up, 33 survived, and 55 died, with a survival rate of 37.50%. The expression of miR-184 in serum exosomes of the 33 surviving patients is significantly lower than that of the nonsurviving group (p < 0.05). The expression level of miR-184 in serum exosomes of NSCLC patients is significantly increased, which has a certain value for the differential diagnosis of the nature of benign and malignant lung diseases and is closely related to the prognosis of patients.

Ketamine Induced Bladder Fibrosis Through MTDH/P38 MAPK/EMT Pathway

Purpose: Ketamine is an anesthetic in clinical, but it has also been used as an abusing drug due to its low price and hallucinogenic effects. It is proved that ketamine abusing would cause multiple system damage including the urinary system, which is called ketamine-induced cystitis (KIC). Bladder fibrosis is late stage in KIC and threaten abusers’ life. This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism of ketamine-induced bladder fibrosis.

Methods: Female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into 3 groups. 2 groups were treated with tail vein injection of ketamine (25 mg/kg/day, 50 mg/kg/day ketamine hydrochloride solution, respectively) for 12 weeks, whereas the control group was treated with normal saline solution. In each group, rat bladders were extracted and samples were examined for pathological and morphological alterations via hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, Masson’s trichrome staining and immunohistochemistry (IHC). SV-HUC-1 cells were treated with different concentrations of ketamine solution (0, 0.1, 0.5, 1 mmol/L). Rat bladder and SV-HUC-1 cells were extracted protein and RNA for Western blot and RT-PCR detection. Metadherin (MTDH) siRNAs and overexpression plasmids were used to knock down and overexpress the relative genes. P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor was utilized to inhibit the MAPK pathway.

Results: Rats in the ketamine group exhibited fibrosis compared to rats of the control group and fibrosis were also markedly upregulated in SV-HUC-1 cells after treated with ketamine, which were ketamine concentration-dependent. After treating with ketamine in SV-HUC-1 cells, there was an increase expression of MTDH, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, P38 MAPK. MTDH knockdown would suppresses P38 MAPK/EMT pathway to inhibit fibrosis, however, MTDH overexpression could promote the pathway in SV-HUC-1 cells.

Conclusion: In rats and SV-HUC-1 cells ketamine-treated models, MTDH can regulate EMT through the P38 MAPK pathway to regulate the process of bladder fibrosis.

Metadherin-mediated mechanisms in human malignancies

Metadherin (MTDH) has been recognized as a novel protein that is critical for the progression of multiple types of human malignancies. Studies have reported that MTDH enhances the metastatic potential of cancer cells by regulating multiple signaling pathways. miRNAs and various tumor-related proteins have been shown to interact with MTDH, making it a potential therapeutic target as well as a biomarker in human malignancies. MTDH plays a critical role in inflammation, angiogenesis, hypoxia, epithelial-mesenchymal transition and autophagy. In this review, we present the function and mechanisms of MTDH for cancer initiation and progression.

Narrative review: molecular and genetic profiling of oligometastatic non-small cell lung cancer

Objective

The objectives of this review are to discuss: the definition, clinical and biologic features of oligometastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), as well as the concept of treating oligoprogression in oligometastatic NSCLC.

Background

A substantial proportion of patients diagnosed with lung cancer present with metastatic disease, and a large portion of patients who present with localized disease later develop metastases. Oligometastatic NSCLC is defined as an intermediate state between localized and widespread metastatic disease, where there may be a role for curative localized therapy approach by treating the primary tumor and all metastases with radiotherapy or surgery. Despite the increasing application of this approach in patients with lung cancer, the identification of patients who might benefit from this approach is yet to be well characterized.

Methods

After a systematic review of the literature, a PubMed search was performed using the English language and the key terms: oligometastatic, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), localized consolidative treatment (LCT), biomarkers, biologic features, clinical features. Over 500 articles were retrieved between 1889–2021. A total of 178 papers discussing the definition, clinical and biologic factors leading to oligometastatic NSCLC were reviewed and included in the discussion of this paper.

Conclusions

Oligometastatic NSCLC is a unique entity. Identifying patients who have oligometastatic NSCLC accurately using a combination of clinical and biologic features and treating them with localized consolidative approach appropriately results in improvement of outcome. Further understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving the formation of oligometastatic NSCLC is an important area of focus for future studies.

The Expression of Circulating miR-497 and Metadherin in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Relation to the Tumor Characteristics and Patients' Survival

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance and relationship of miR-497 and metadherin to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumor characteristics and patients’ survival. Methods: This study enrolled 120 (60 HCC patients and 60 healthy) subjects. Serum miR-497 and metadherin mRNA relative expression were analyzed by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The overall survival (OS) of HCC patients was assessed using the Kaplan–Meier curve and log-rank test. Results: Serum miR-497 showed statistically significant downregulation in HCC patients compared to controls (p < 0.001). Serum metadherin mRNA relative expression was significantly upregulated in HCC patients compared to controls (p < 0.001). Both serum miR-497 and metadherin mRNA expression were significantly associated with the number of tumor foci (p = 0.028 and 0.001, respectively), tumor size (p = 0.022 and <0.001, respectively), nodal metastasis (p = 0.003 and 0.003, respectively), distant metastasis (p = 0.003 and 0.003, respectively), vascular invasion (p = 0.040 and <0.001, respectively), and BCLC staging (p = 0.043 and 0.004, respectively). The overall survival was lower in patients with low miR-497 expression (p = 0.046) and in patients with high metadherin expression (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The expression levels of miR-497 showed downregulation in HCC patients, but metadherin expression showed upregulation. Both markers were inversely related and closely correlated with tumor characteristics and patients’ survival.

Plasma Extracellular Vesicle miRNAs Can Identify Lung Cancer, Current Smoking Status, and Stable COPD

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer related mortality worldwide. We aimed to test whether a simple blood biomarker (extracellular vesicle miRNAs) can discriminate between cases with and without lung cancer.

METHODS

plasma extracellular vesicles (EVs) were isolated from four cohorts (n = 20 in each): healthy non-smokers, healthy smokers, lung cancer, and stable COPD participants. EV miRNA expression was evaluated using the miRCURY LNA miRNA Serum/Plasma assay for 179 specific targets. Significantly dysregulated miRNAs were assessed for discriminatory power using ROC curve analysis.

RESULTS

15 miRNAs were differentially expressed between lung cancer and healthy non-smoking participants, with the greatest single miRNA being miR-205-5p (AUC 0.850), improving to AUC 0.993 in combination with miR-199a-5p. Moreover, 26 miRNAs were significantly dysregulated between lung cancer and healthy smoking participants, with the greatest single miRNA being miR-497-5p (AUC 0.873), improving to AUC 0.953 in combination with miR-22-5p; 14 miRNAs were significantly dysregulated between lung cancer and stable COPD participants, with the greatest single miRNA being miR-27a-3p (AUC 0.803), with two other miRNAs (miR-106b-3p and miR-361-5p) further improving discriminatory power (AUC 0.870).

CONCLUSION

this case control study suggests miRNAs in EVs from plasma holds key biological information specific for lung cancer and warrants further prospective assessment.

Small molecules against the origin and activation of myofibroblast for renal interstitial fibrosis therapy

Renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) is a common pathological response in a broad range of prevalent chronic kidney diseases and ultimately leads to renal failure and death. Although RIF causes a high morbi-mortality worldwide, effective therapeutic drugs are urgently needed. Myofibroblasts are identified as the main effector during the process of RIF. Multiple types of cells, including fibroblasts, epithelial cells, endothelial cells, macrophages and pericytes, contribute to renal myofibroblasts origin, and lots of mediators, including signaling pathways (Transforming growth factor-β1, mammalian target of rapamycin and reactive oxygen species) and epigenetic modifications (Histone acetylation, microRNA and long non-coding RNA) are participated in renal myofibroblasts activation during renal fibrogenesis, suggesting that these mediators may be the promising targets for treating RIF. In addition, many small molecules show profound therapeutic effects on RIF by suppressing the origin and activation of renal myofibroblasts. Taken together, the review focuses on the mechanisms of the origin and activation of renal myofibroblasts in RIF and the small molecules against them improving RIF, which will provide a new insight for RIF therapy.

lncRNA PVT1 Promotes Metastasis of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Through EZH2-Mediated Activation of Hippo/NOTCH1 Signaling Pathways

Objective:

Although growing evidences have showed that long non-coding RNA (lncRNAs) plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (PVT1) plays a critical role in the progression of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), there are still many unsolved mysteries remains to be deeply elucidated. This study aimed to find a new underlying mechanism of PVT1 in regulating the tumorigenesis and development of NSCLC.

Materials and Methods:

In this experimental study, Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRTPCR) was used to profile the expression of PVT1 in NSCLC tissues and cells. The effects of PVT1 on cell growth, migration and invasion were detected by colony formation assay, Matrigel-free transwell and Matrigel transwell assays, respectively. Changes of the key protein expression in Hippo and NOTCH signaling pathways, as well as epithelialmesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, were analyzed using western blot. Interaction of PVT1 with enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) was verified by RNA pull-down, and their binding to the downstream targets was detected by Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays.

Results:

These results showed that PVT1 was up-regulated in NSCLC tissue and cell lines, promoting NSCLC cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Knockdown of PVT1 inhibited the expression of Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) and NOTCH1 signaling activation. Further, we have confirmed that PVT1 regulated expression of YAP1 through EZH2-mediated miR-497 promoter methylation resulting in the inhibition of miR-497 transcription and its target YAP1 upregulation, and finally NOTCH signaling pathway was activated, which promoted EMT and invasion and metastasis.

Conclusion:

These results suggested that lncRNA PVT1 promotes NSCLC metastasis through EZH2-mediated activation of Hippo/NOTCH1 signaling pathways. This study provides a new opportunity to advance our understanding in the potential mechanism of NSCLC development.

MicroRNAs: Emerging oncogenic and tumor-suppressive regulators, biomarkers and therapeutic targets in lung cancer

Lung cancer is one of the most common solid tumors worldwide and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, causing a devastating impact on human health. The clinical prognosis of lung cancer is usually restricted by delayed diagnosis and resistance to anticancer therapies. MicroRNAs, a range of small endogenous noncoding RNAs 22 nucleotides in length, have emerged as one of the most important players in cancer initiation and progression in recent decades. Current evidence reveals pivotal roles of microRNAs in regulating cell proliferation, migration, invasion and metastasis in lung cancer. An increasing number of preclinical and clinical studies have also explored the potential of microRNAs as promising biomarkers and new therapeutic targets for lung cancer. The current review summarizes the most recent progress on the functional mechanisms of microRNAs involved in lung cancer development and progression and further discusses the clinical application of miRNAs as putative therapeutic targets for molecular diagnosis and prognostic prediction in lung cancer.

Key microRNAs and hub genes associated with poor prognosis in lung adenocarcinoma

In the study, we obtained 36 pairs of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) tissues and adjacent non-tumorous tissues. Then, we chose a specific hub-target gene of miRNA and used qRT-PCR to evaluate the expression of PECAM1. We found that the expression level of PECAM1 mRNA in LUAD was significantly lower than that in adjacent nontumor tissues (P<0.0001). Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted on 481 LUAD patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) according to the Cox proportional hazard regression model to evaluate the impact of PECAM1 expression and other clinicopathological factors on survival. The results showed that the low expression of PECAM1 was an important independent predictor of poor overall survival (HR, 0.704; 95% CI, 0.518-0.957; P = 0.025). Based on the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) database, the relationship between PECAM1 expression and B cell, CD8+ T cell, CD4+ T cell, macrophage, neutrophil, and dendritic cell infiltration was weak in LUAD (P<0.01). In particular, a more significant positive correlation between PECAM1 expression and HLA-complex members, CD1C, NRP1, and ITGAX expression in dendritic cell was detected in LUAD. The mechanism which PECAM1 involved in the development of LUAD may be closely related to changes in the immune microenvironment.

MicroRNA-145 targets in cancer and the cardiovascular system: evidence for common signaling pathways

miRNAs are small regulatory RNAs which govern gene expression post-transcriptionally by primarily binding to the 3'-UTR of mRNA target genes. miR-145 is a well-studied miRNA that has been implicated in controlling a range of biological processes. miR-145 is expressed in a variety of tissues and cell types and acts as a tumor-suppressor by regulating target gene signaling pathways involved in different aspects of tumor growth and progression. There is also strong evidence that highlights the important functions of miR-145 in the cardiovascular system. Here, we review the mechanisms of miR-145 in tumorigenesis and cancer progression and compare and contrast with the roles of miR-145 in cardiovascular development and disease. We discuss the important targets of miR-145 in cancer and their possible link to the cardiovascular system.

Regulation of microRNA-497 expression in human cancer

MicroRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) are a type of non-coding single-stranded RNA, with a length of ~22 nt, which are encoded by endogenous genes and are involved in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression in animals and plants. Studies have demonstrated that miRNAs play an important role in the occurrence, development, metastasis, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. In recent years, miR-497 has been identified as one of the key miRNAs in a variety of cancer types and has been shown to be downregulated in a variety of solid tumors. However, the regulation of miR-497 expression involves a complex network, which is affected by several factors. The aim of the present review was to summarize the mechanism of regulation of miR-497 expression at the pre-transcriptional and transcriptional levels in cancer, as well as the role of miR-497 expression imbalance in cancer diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. The regulatory mechanisms of miR-497 expression may aid in our understanding of the causes of miR-497 expression imbalance and provide a reference value for further research on the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

miR-497 induces apoptosis by the IRAK2/NF-κB axis in the canine mammary tumour

Since companion dogs have the same living environment as humans, they are a good animal model for the study of human diseases; this is especially true of canine spontaneous mammary tumours models. A better understanding of the natural history and molecular mechanisms of canine mammary tumour is of great significance in comparative medicine. Here, we collected canine mammary tumour cases and then assayed the clinical cases by pathological examination and classification by HE staining and IHC. miRNA-497 family members (miR-497, miR-16, miR-195 and miR-15) were positively correlated with the breast cancer marker genes p63 and PTEN. Modulation of the expression of miR-497 in the canine mammary tumour cell lines CMT1211 and CMT 7364 induced apoptosis and inhibited cell proliferation. Mechanistically, IRAK2 was shown to be a functional target of miR-497 that affects the characteristics of cancer cells by inhibiting the activity of the NF-κB pathway. Overall, our work reveals the miR-497/IRAK2/NF-κB axis as a vital mechanism of canine mammary tumour progression and suggests this axis as a target in breast cancer.

MiRNA-145-5p prevents differentiation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells by regulating expression of myelin gene regulatory factor

The roles of specific microRNAs (miRNA) in oligodendrocyte (OL) differentiation have been studied in depth. However, miRNAs in OL precursors and oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) have been less extensively investigated. MiR-145-5p is highly expressed in OPCs relative to differentiating OLs, suggesting this miRNA may serve a function specifically in OPCs. Knockdown of miR-145-5p in primary OPCs led to spontaneous differentiation, as evidenced by an increased proportion of MAG⁺ cells, increased cell ramification, and upregulation of multiple myelin genes including MYRF, TPPP, and MAG, and OL cell cycle exit marker Cdkn1c. Supporting this transition to a differentiating state, proliferation was reduced in miR-145-5p knockdown OPCs. Further, knockdown of miR-145-5p in differentiating OLs showed enhanced differentiation, with increased branching, myelin membrane production, and myelin gene expression. We identified several OL-specific genes targeted by miR-145-5p that exhibited upregulation with miR-145-5p knockdown, including myelin gene regulatory factor (MYRF), that could be regulating the prodifferentiation phenotype in both miR-145 knockdown OPCs and OLs. Indeed, spontaneous differentiation with knockdown of miR-145-5p was fully rescued by concurrent knockdown of MYRF. However, proliferation rate was only partially rescued with MYRF knockdown, and overexpression of miR-145-5p in OPCs increased proliferation rate without affecting expression of already lowly expressed differentiation genes. Taken together, these data suggest that in OPCs miR-145-5p both prevents differentiation at least in part by preventing expression of MYRF and promotes proliferation via as-yet-unidentified mechanisms. These findings clarify the need for differential regulation of miR-145-5p between OPCs and OLs and may have further implications in demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis where miR-145-5p is dysregulated.

LncRNA MIR4435-2HG-mediated upregulation of TGF-β1 promotes migration and proliferation of nonsmall cell lung cancer cells

The roles of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to play critical roles in tumor progression. Here, it was identified that lncRNA MIR4435-2HG was highly expressed in lung cancer tissues, especially in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A consistent result was obtained in lung cancer cells. Functional experiments showed that knockdown of MIR4435-2HG reduced the proliferation and migration ability of NSCLC cells. Transcriptome-sequencing analysis indicated that TGF-β signaling was mostly enriched in NSCLC cells with MIR4435-2HG knockdown. Furthermore, MIR4435-2HG was identified as an miRNA sponge for TGF-β1 and thus activated TGF-β signaling. Additionally, re-activation of TGF-β1 rescued MIR4435-2HG knockdown-mediated inhibition on the progression of NSCLC cells. Therefore, this work indicates a novel MIR4435-2HG/TGF-β1 axis responsible for NSCLC cell progression.

The Key microRNAs Regulated the Development of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer by Targeting TGF-β-induced epithelial-mesenchymal Transition

PURPOSE

Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) was reported to play a key role in the development of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). The process of EMT is regulated by the changes of miRNAs expression. However, it is still unknown which miRNA changed the most in the process of canceration and whether these changes played a role in tumor development.

METHODS

A total of 36 SCLC patients treated in our hospital between 11th, 2015 and 10th, 2017 were enrolled. The samples of cancer tissues and paracancer tissues of patients were collected and analyzed. Then, the miRNAs in normal lung cells and NSCLC cells were also analyzed. In the presence of TGF-β, we transfected the miRNA mimics or inhibitor into NSCLC cells to investigate the role of the significantly altered miRNAs in cell migration and invasion and in the process of EMT.

RESULTS

MiR-330-3p was significantly up-regulated in NSCLC cell lines and tissues and miRNA- 205 was significantly down-regulated in NSCLC cell lines and NSCLC tissues. Transfected miRNA-205 mimics or miRMA-330-3p inhibitor inhibited the migration and invasion of NCIH1975 cell and restrained TGF-β-induced EMT in NSCLC cells.

CONCLUSION

miRNA-330-3p and miRNA-205 changed the most in the process of canceration in NSCLC. Furthermore, miR-330-3p promoted cell invasion and metastasis in NSCLC probably by promoting EMT and miR-205 could restrain NSCLC likely by suppressing EMT.

miR-497 plays a key role in Tanshinone IIA-attenuated proliferation in OCI-AML3 cells via the MAPK/ERK1/2 pathway

Acute myelod leukemia (AML), as a uncontrolled proliferation of cells, was arrested differentiation of progenitor cells. The present study aimed to explore Tanshinone IIA (TIIA) effects on OCI-AML3 and the involvement of the MAPK signaling pathway and miR-497 in TIIA-mediated effects. Cell growth percentage was detected using a cell counting kit. Expression of miR-497 was detected by qPCR. Phosphorylated ERK1/2, JNK and p38 were assessed using western blot. The growth percentage of OCI-AML3 decreased and the effected time increased with increasing TIIA concentration. The miR-497 was upregulated and the p-ERK1/2 was decreased when the TIIA added. TIIA cannot influence the p-ERK1/2. Hence, the proliferation of OCI-AML3 cells was raising. However, when the p-ERK1/2 was inhibited, there no influence on the miR-497 expression after TIIA added. TIIA upregulates miR-497, and decrease the p-ERK1/2 expression, when TIIA simulated OCI-AML3 cell in vitro. And in miR-497 might be involved in the regulation of proliferation in this process.

AEG-1 promotes angiogenesis and may be a novel treatment target for tongue squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The study explored the potential function of astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1) on angiogenesis in tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) in TSCC cell lines.

METHODS

The different degrees of angiogenesis were detected in TSCC cell lines expressing different levels of AEG-1 by chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) experimental model. Next, we established xenografts of different TSCC cell lines with different expression levels of AEG-1 in nude mice and conducted immunohistochemistry to evaluate the expression of the angiogenesis-associated factor, that is, vascular endothelial growth receptor factor 2 (VEGFR-2) and microvessel density (MVD). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was detected by ELISA.

RESULTS

CAM assay showed that the number of vessels was significantly reduced in AEG-1-down um1 cell line (p < .05), whereas the number was significantly increased in AEG-1-over um2 cell line (p < .05). Moreover, up-regulated AEG-1 expression level was associated with higher tumor angiogenesis, which was reflected by augmented expression levels of VEGF (p < .01), VEGFR-2 (p < .05), and MVD counting (p < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that AEG-1 can promote tumor angiogenesis in TSCC and inhibition of tumor angiogenesis by repressing the expression of AEG-1 may be a novel potential treatment approach for TSCC.

MiRNAs and LncRNAs: Dual Roles in TGF-β Signaling-Regulated Metastasis in Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is one of the most malignant cancers around the world, with high morbidity and mortality. Metastasis is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths and treatment failure. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), two groups of small non-coding RNAs (nc-RNAs), are confirmed to be lung cancer oncogenes or suppressors. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) critically regulates lung cancer metastasis. In this review, we summarize the dual roles of miRNAs and lncRNAs in TGF-β signaling-regulated lung cancer epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), invasion, migration, stemness, and metastasis. In addition, lncRNAs, competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs) can act as miRNA sponges to suppress miRNAs, thereby mediating TGF-β signaling-regulated lung cancer invasion, migration, and metastasis. Through this review, we hope to cast light on the regulatory mechanisms of miRNAs and lncRNAs in TGF-β signaling-regulated lung cancer metastasis and provide new insights for lung cancer treatment.

The long noncoding RNA myocardial infarction-associated transcript modulates the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in renal interstitial fibrosis

AIMS

Renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) is marked by the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and excessive extracellular matrix deposition. The long noncoding RNA myocardial infarction-associated transcript (MIAT) facilitates RIF; however, the molecular mechanism of MIAT in RIF remains unclear. Here, we explored the possible underlying mechanisms through which MIAT modulates RIF.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MIAT expression in human renal fibrotic tissues and unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model mice was detected by qPCR. Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) was introduced to stimulate the EMT in human renal proximal tubular epithelial (HK-2) cells. CCK8, EdU, transwell and wound healing assays were employed to measure cell viability, proliferation, and migration respectively. RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays and dual luciferase reporter assays were applied to determine the relationships among MIAT, miR-145, and EIF5A2.

KEY FINDINGS

MIAT was upregulated in human renal fibrotic tissues and UUO model mice compared with normal tissue adjacent to renal tumors and sham operation mice, respectively. MIAT knockdown reduced cell viability, proliferation, migration, and the EMT in HK-2 cells. Additionally, MIAT served as an endogenous sponge for miR-145 in the TGF-β1-induced-EMT in HK-2 cells, as demonstrated by dual luciferase reporter assays and RIP assays. EIF5A2 was confirmed as a target of miR-145, and MIAT knockdown suppressed EIF5A2 expression by sponging miR-145. Downregulation of EIF5A2 partly reversed induction of the EMT by miR-145 inhibitor transfection.

SIGNIFICANCE

MIAT promoted cell viability, proliferation, migration, and the EMT via regulation of the miR-145/EIF5A2 axis. These data established a potential therapy for RIF.

Elevated expression of MTDH predicts better prognosis of locally advanced HER-2 positive breast cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus trastuzumab

Metadherin (MTDH), also known as astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1), is an oncoprotein closely related to the development of breast cancer. However, few studies have been done on the expression and clinical significance of MTDH in human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2) positive breast cancer patients.This study aimed to investigate the expression of MTDH in locally advanced HER-2 positive breast cancer, and evaluate the clinical significance of MTDH in predicting the prognosis of patients with HER-2 positive advanced breast cancer who received the neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus trastuzumab.In 144 HER-2 positive breast cancer tissues, 79 cases showed high expression of MTDH and 65 cases showed low expression. The expression of MTDH in locally advanced HER-2 positive breast cancer tissues was correlated with TNM stage, lymph node metastasis, Miller-Payne (MP) grade, and pathologic complete response (pCR) status (P < .05), but was not correlated with patient age, estrogen receptor (ER) expression level, progesterone receptor (PR) expression level, and Ki-67 expression level (P > .05). Kaplan-Meier univariate analysis revealed a negative correlation between MTDH expression and the disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in the post-operative patients with locally advanced HER-2 positive breast cancer (log rank test: P < .001). By using the COX proportional hazard regression model, it was found that MTDH expression, TNM stage, lymph node metastasis, and Ki-67 expression were closely related to DFS in patients. The hazard ratio (HR) of high MTDH expression was 1.816 (95% CI: 1.165-2.829). In addition, MTDH expression, TNM stage, and lymph node metastasis were also closely related to the OS of patient. The HR of the high expression of MTDH was 2.512 (95% CI: 1.472-4.286). The expression of MTDH in tumor tissues of patients with HER2-positive locally advanced breast cancer was significantly elevated, which was related to the poor pathological features.High MTDH expression was closely correlated with poor prognosis of patients and was an important factor affecting tumor progression.

miR‑497 inhibits the proliferation and migration of A549 non‑small‑cell lung cancer cells by targeting FGFR1

Fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) signaling has been reported to contribute to the carcinogenic progression of various cancer types. Previous studies have demonstrated that FGFR1 expression is increased in non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and promotes cancer cell metastasis. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying increased FGFR1 expression in NSCLC remains largely unknown. In the current study, microRNA (miR)‑497 levels were observed to be inversely correlated with FGFR1 expression in tumor samples from patients with NSCLC. In the NSCLC cell line A549, miR‑497 overexpression inhibited cell proliferation and migration. Increased expression of miR‑497 led to a reduction in FGFR1 expression, at the mRNA and protein levels. In addition, transfection of miR‑497 mimics inactivated the protein kinase B (AKT) and c‑Jun N‑terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathways, as reduced matrix metallopeptidase 26 expression; all of which are regulated by FGFR1. Using TargetScan software, FGFR1 was also identified as a predicted target gene of miR‑497, and a dual luciferase reporter assay confirmed that miR‑497 directly regulated FGFR1. Transfection of a recombinant FGFR1 overexpression vector reversed miR‑497 mimic‑induced arrest of cell growth and migration in A549 cells. In conclusion, the results of the present study identified miR‑497 as a potential tumor suppressor gene in NSCLC that may function via repressing FGFR1 expression, and AKT and JNK signaling.

Small molecule inhibitors of epithelial-mesenchymal transition for the treatment of cancer and fibrosis

Tissue fibrosis and cancer both lead to high morbidity and mortality worldwide; thus, effective therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. Because drug resistance has been widely reported in fibrotic tissue and cancer, developing a strategy to discover novel targets for targeted drug intervention is necessary for the effective treatment of fibrosis and cancer. Although many factors lead to fibrosis and cancer, pathophysiological analysis has demonstrated that tissue fibrosis and cancer share a common process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT is associated with many mediators, including transcription factors (Snail, zinc-finger E-box-binding protein and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3), signaling pathways (transforming growth factor-β1, RAC-α serine/threonine-protein kinase, Wnt, nuclear factor-kappa B, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor, Notch, and RAS), RNA-binding proteins (ESRP1 and ESRP2) and microRNAs. Therefore, drugs targeting EMT may be a promising therapy against both fibrosis and tumors. A large number of compounds that are synthesized or derived from natural products and their derivatives suppress the EMT by targeting these mediators in fibrosis and cancer. By targeting EMT, these compounds exhibited anticancer effects in multiple cancer types, and some of them also showed antifibrotic effects. Therefore, drugs targeting EMT not only have both antifibrotic and anticancer effects but also exert effective therapeutic effects on multiorgan fibrosis and cancer, which provides effective therapy against fibrosis and cancer. Taken together, the results highlighted in this review provide new concepts for discovering new antifibrotic and antitumor drugs.

MiR-449b-5p regulates cell proliferation, migration and radioresistance in cervical cancer by interacting with the transcription suppressor FOXP1

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been acknowledged as crucial regulators for the malignant progression of human cancers. However, the molecular mechanism associated with the malignant progression of cervical cancer (CC) is still largely unmarked. The focus of this study is to explore the potential functional mechanism of miR-449b-5p in CC. Using qRT-PCR analysis, we detected a relative lower expression level of miR-449b-5p in CC tissues and cell lines by comparing with the normal tissues and cells. Low level of miR-449b-5p in CC cell lines was further demonstrated by northern blot. Subsequently, downregulation of miR-449b-5p was closely correlated with the low overall survival rate of patients with cervical cancer. Gain-of-function assays demonstrated that upregulation of miR-449b-5p had an inhibitory effect on cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Moreover, FOXP1 was found to be a transcription suppressor and downstream target of miR-449b-5p. Rescue assays and in vivo experiment were applied to demonstrate the biological function of miR-449b-5p-FOXP1 feedback loop. In summary, miR-449b-5p interacted with FOXP1 to regulate cell proliferation, migration, invasion and radiosensitivity in CC.

MiR-145 inhibits EGF-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition via targeting Smad2 in human glioblastoma

Background/Aims: MiR-145 and Smad2 have been widely reported in the development and progression of human malignancies. In the present study, we investigated the correlation between miR-145 and Smad2 in human glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).

Methods: The epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) biomarkers and Smad2 were assessed by Western blot. The silencing of Smad2 was conducted by transfection of Smad2 siRNAs. The cell migration and invasion were evaluated using Transwell assays, respectively. The dual luciferase reporter assay was performed to identify whether Smad2 is a direct target of miR-145.

Results: The epidermal growth factor (EGF) activated the phosphorylation of Smad2 in U87 and U251 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. However, treatment with silencing of Smad2 or overexpression of miR-145 significantly inhibited the expressions of total Smad2, N-cadherin, Vimentin and matrix metallopeptidase 9, but induced the expression of E-cadherin. In addition, silencing of Smad2 or overexpression of miR-145 also inhibited the migration and invasion of U87 and U251 cells. Mechanistically, Smad2 was confirmed to be a target gene of miR-145 by bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay. Restored Smad2 expression also reversed miR-145-induced inhibition of EMT in U87 and U251 cells.

Conclusion: MiR-145 inhibits EGF-induced EMT via targeting Smad2 in human GBM. Therefore, miR-145 may be a promising biomarker and therapeutic target for GBM patients.

The targeting of MTDH by miR‑145‑5p or miR‑145‑3p is associated with prognosis and regulates the growth and metastasis of prostate cancer cells

Studies have rarely been conducted on the role of miRNAs in prostate cancer (PCa) cell progression by directly targeting MTDH, at least to the best of our knowledge. Thus, the present study aimed to identify miRNAs closely related with metadherin (MTDH) and to determine their roles in PCa. For this purpose, the expression levels of MTDH in PCa tissues and cell lines were examined by RT‑qPCR, immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis. By cell transfection, MTDH was either overexpressed in the normal prostate epithelial cell lines or silenced in tumor cell lines to determine cell viability, invasion and migration. Bioinformatics analysis, RT‑qPCR, western blot analysis, dual‑luciferase reporter assay and MTT assay were performed to identify direct the target of MTDH and to examine tumor cell viability. Rescue experiments using the PC‑3 and LNCaP cells were carried out by MTT assay, scratch wound assay, Transwell assay, RT‑qPCR and western blot analysis. Experiments were also conducted using 46 PCa human cancer and adjacent tissues, as wells as on 501 cases of PCa from the TCGA database. It was confirmed that the overexpression of MTDH was associated with a poor prognosis of patients. The overexpression of MTDH was found to promote the viability, invasion and migration of PCa cells. miR‑145‑5p and miR‑145‑3p identified from 16 miRNAs were found to be closely related to PCa and to be the targets of MTDH. Both these miRNAs were found to significantly suppress the growth and metastasis of PCa cells by negatively regulating the expression of MTDH. On the whole, the findings of this study demonstrate that MTDH functions as an oncogene in PCa and the inhibition of MTDH by miR‑145‑5p or miR‑145‑3p suppressed the growth and metastasis of PCa cells. The miR‑145‑5p/MTDH and miR‑145‑3p/MTDH pathways may thus become novel treatment targets for PCa.

MicroRNA in Lung Cancer Metastasis

Tumor metastasis is a hallmark of cancer, with distant metastasis frequently developing in lung cancer, even at initial diagnosis, resulting in poor prognosis and high mortality. However, available biomarkers cannot reliably predict cancer spreading sites. The metastatic cascade involves highly complicated processes including invasion, migration, angiogenesis, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition that are tightly controlled by various genetic expression modalities along with interaction between cancer cells and the extracellular matrix. In particular, microRNAs (miRNAs), a group of small non-coding RNAs, can influence the transcriptional and post-transcriptional processes, with dysregulation of miRNA expression contributing to the regulation of cancer metastasis. Nevertheless, although miRNA-targeted therapy is widely studied in vitro and in vivo, this strategy currently affords limited feasibility and a few miRNA-targeted therapies for lung cancer have entered into clinical trials to date. Advances in understanding the molecular mechanism of metastasis will thus provide additional potential targets for lung cancer treatment. This review discusses the current research related to the role of miRNAs in lung cancer invasion and metastasis, with a particular focus on the different metastatic lesions and potential miRNA-targeted treatments for lung cancer with the expectation that further exploration of miRNA-targeted therapy may establish a new spectrum of lung cancer treatments.

Aspirin ameliorates lung cancer by targeting the miR-98/WNT1 axis

Background

Aspirin, an anti‐inflammatory drug, has been widely investigated in the treatment of many cancer types, including colorectal, ovarian, breast, and prostate cancers. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are the most well studied noncoding RNAs in cancers. In the current study, we were interested in defining the function of aspirin in lung cancer treatment and the related noncoding RNAs involved in this process.

Methods

The function of aspirin in lung cancer growth was evaluated by cell viability and colony formation assays. Screening of miRNAs affected by aspirin was performed through quantitative real‐time PCR. Prediction of miR‐98 targeting WNT1 was performed using online bioinformatics software and was further confirmed by luciferase reporter gene analysis. The levels of miR‐98 and WNT1 were tested through immunoblotting and quantitative real‐time PCR analysis in lung cancer cells under aspirin treatment.

Results

Cell viability was sharply suppressed in lung cancer cells with an increasing dose of aspirin. Aspirin markedly weakened the malignant colony formation ability of lung cancer cells. One out of six tumor suppressor miRNAs could be obviously regulated by aspirin in lung cancer cells. The inhibition of miR‐98 on the luciferase activities of wild‐type 3' untranslated region vectors of WNT1 was clearly revealed in lung cancer cells. Meanwhile, the inhibitor of miR‐98 increased the luciferase activities of wild‐type 3' untranslated region vectors of WNT1. After treatment with aspirin the expression of miR‐98 was induced and then its target gene, WNT1, was depressed in the cells.

Conclusion

Aspirin targets the miR‐98/WNT1 axis to ameliorate lung cancer development.

MiR-145-targeted HBXIP modulates human breast cancer cell proliferation

BACKGROUND

MiR-145 has been identified as a tumor suppressive microRNA in multiple cancers. In this current investigation, we searched for new direct targets of miR-145 and evaluated their effect on breast cancer development.

METHODS

Targetscan was used to predict the target genes of miR-145. The targeting of miR-145 on oncogenic HBXIP was verified by luciferase reporter gene analysis. The effect of miR-145 on the level of messenger RNA and protein of HBXIP was evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR and immunoblotting. Correlations between miR-145 and HBXIP, as well as miR-145 expression, were analyzed in 30 paired breast cancer and noncancerous tissues by quantitative real-time PCR. Methyl thiazol tetrazolium and colony formation assays were applied to determine the cell proliferation ability.

RESULTS

HBXIP was identified as a novel target gene of miR-145 in breast cancer. MiR-145 was found to dose-dependently decrease messenger RNA and protein expression of HBXIP in breast cancer MCF-7 cells. Notably, miR-145 expression was negatively related to HBXIP expression and was obviously reduced in breast cancer samples. Finally, miR-145 suppressed cell proliferation while its inhibitor, anti-miR-145, accelerated cell proliferation. Interestingly, silencing of HBXIP reversed the acceleration of cell proliferation induced by anti-miR-145 in breast cancer.

CONCLUSION

Oncogenic HBXIP is a new direct target of tumor suppressive miR-145. Our findings reveal that miR-145-targeting HBXIP could be a potential therapeutic target in breast cancer.