LINC00963 affects the development of colorectal cancer via MiR-532-3p/HMGA2 axis

MicroRNA-532 as a probable diagnostic and therapeutic marker in cancer patients

The high mortality rate in cancer patients is always one of the main challenges of the health systems globally. Several factors are involved in the high rate of cancer related mortality, including late diagnosis and drug resistance. Cancer is mainly diagnosed in the advanced stages of tumor progression that causes the failure of therapeutic strategies and increases the death rate in these patients. Therefore, assessment of the molecular mechanisms associated with the occurrence of cancer can be effective to introduce early tumor diagnostic markers. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) as the stable non-coding RNAs in the biological body fluids are involved in regulation of cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. MiR-532 deregulation has been reported in different tumor types. Therefore, in the present review we discussed the role of miR-532 during tumor growth. It has been shown that miR-532 has mainly a tumor suppressor role through the regulation of transcription factors, chemokines, and signaling pathways such as NF-kB, MAPK, PI3K/AKT, and WNT. In addition to the independent role of miR-532 in regulation of cellular processes, it also functions as a mediator of lncRNAs and circRNAs. Therefore, miR-532 can be considered as a non-invasive diagnostic/prognostic marker as well as a therapeutic target in cancer patients.

HMGA2 promotes cancer metastasis by regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a complex physiological process that transforms polarized epithelial cells into moving mesenchymal cells. Dysfunction of EMT promotes the invasion and metastasis of cancer. The architectural transcription factor high mobility group AT-hook 2 (HMGA2) is highly overexpressed in various types of cancer (e.g., colorectal cancer, liver cancer, breast cancer, uterine leiomyomas) and significantly correlated with poor survival rates. Evidence indicated that HMGA2 overexpression markedly decreased the expression of epithelial marker E-cadherin (CDH1) and increased that of vimentin (VIM), Snail, N-cadherin (CDH2), and zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) by targeting the transforming growth factor beta/SMAD (TGFβ/SMAD), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and WNT/beta-catenin (WNT/β-catenin) signaling pathways. Furthermore, a new class of non-coding RNAs (miRNAs, circular RNAs, and long non-coding RNAs) plays an essential role in the process of HMGA2-induced metastasis and invasion of cancer by accelerating the EMT process. In this review, we discuss alterations in the expression of HMGA2 in various types of cancer. Furthermore, we highlight the role of HMGA2-induced EMT in promoting tumor growth, migration, and invasion. More importantly, we discuss extensively the mechanism through which HMGA2 regulates the EMT process and invasion in most cancers, including signaling pathways and the interacting RNA signaling axis. Thus, the elucidation of molecular mechanisms that underlie the effects of HMGA2 on cancer invasion and patient survival by mediating EMT may offer new therapeutic methods for preventing cancer progression.

Melatonin enhances the sensitivity of colorectal cancer cells to 5-fluorouracil through the regulation of the miR-532-3p/β-catenin pathway

This research aimed to investigate whether melatonin affected sensitivity to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in colorectal cancer (CRC) as well as to show the underlying molecular mechanism. Melatonin and 5-FU were added to CRC cells at varying doses. The effect of melatonin on sensitivity to 5-FU was investigated by measuring cell activity and apoptosis, and the potential underlying mechanism was further explored by detecting miR-532-3p expression and the associated pathway proteins. Melatonin could suppress cell malignancy in SW480 and HCT116 cells. Melatonin also significantly promoted sensitivity to 5-FU in CRC cells. miR-532-3p expression was downregulated in CRC and was also markedly enhanced when treated with 1 mmol/L melatonin. The inhibitory ability of the co-cultured melatonin, 5-FU, and miR-532-3p inhibitor on SW480 and HCT116 cells was markedly diminished, and the IC50 value was significantly enhanced. Relative to the melatonin group, melatonin+miR-532-3p inhibitor markedly declined apoptosis rate. Bioinformatics analysis predicted the target of miR-532-3p. β-catenin level presented obvious downregulation in the melatonin group, while it was notably upregulated in the co-culture group in relative to with that in the melatonin group. Overall, melatonin promotes sensitivity to 5-FU in CRC cells by regulating the miR-532-3p/β-catenin pathway.

Tumor cell-derived exosomes mediating hsa_circ_0001739/lncRNA AC159540.1 facilitate liver metastasis in colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

The current study probed into how tumor cell-derived exosomes (Exos) mediated hsa_circ_0001739/lncRNA AC159540.1 to manipulate microRNA (miR)-218-5p/FTO-N6-methyladenosine (m6A)/MYC signal axis in liver metastasis in colorectal cancer (CRC).

METHODS

hsa_circ_0001739 and lncRNA AC159540.1 were identified as the upstream regulator of miR-218-5p using ENCORI and LncBase databases. Expression patterns of miR-218-5p, hsa_circ_0001739, lncRNA AC159540.1, FTO, and MYC were detected, accompanied by loss-and-gain-of function assays to examine their effects on CRC cell biological functions. SW480 cells-derived Exos were purified, followed by in vitro studies to uncover the effect of hsa_circ_0001739/lncRNA AC159540.

RESULTS

miR-218-5p was downregulated while hsa_circ_0001739/lncRNA AC159540.1 was upregulated in CRC tissues and cells. Silencing of hsa_circ_0001739/lncRNA AC159540.1 restrained the malignant phenotypes of CRC cells. Exos-mediated hsa_circ_0001739/lncRNA AC159540.1 competitively inhibited miR-218-5p to elevate FTO and MYC. The inducing role of Exos-mediated hsa_circ_0001739/lncRNA AC159540.1 in CRC was also validated in vivo.

CONCLUSION

Conclusively, Exos-mediated circ_0001739/lncRNA AC159540.1 regulatory network is critical for CRC, offering a theoretical basis for CRC treatment.

MetaLnc9 facilitates osteogenesis of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells by activating the AKT pathway

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the role of MetaLnc9 in the osteogenesis of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used lentiviruses to knockdown or overexpress MetaLnc9 in hBMSCs. qRT-PCR was employed to determine the mRNA levels of osteogenic-related genes in transfected cells. ALP staining and activity assay, ARS staining and quantification were used to identify the degree of osteogenic differentiation. Ectopic bone formation was conducted to examine the osteogenesis of transfected cells in vivo. AKT pathway activator SC-79 and inhibitor LY294002 were used to validate the relationship between MetaLnc9 and AKT signaling pathway.

RESULTS

The expression of MetaLnc9 was significantly upregulated in the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs. MetaLnc9 knockdown inhibited the osteogenesis of hBMSCs, whereas overexpression of it promoted the osteogenic differentiation both in vitro and in vivo. Taking a deeper insight, we found that MetaLnc9 enhanced the osteogenic differentiation by activating AKT signaling. The inhibitor of AKT signaling LY294002 could reverse the positive effect on osteogenesis brought by MetaLnc9 overexpression, whereas the activator of AKT signaling SC-79 could reverse the negative effect caused by MetaLnc9 knockdown.

CONCLUSION

Our works uncovered a vital role of MetaLnc9 in osteogenesis via regulating the AKT signaling pathway. [Figure: see text].

HMGA2 regulation by miRNAs in cancer: affecting cancer hallmarks and therapy response

High mobility group A 2 (HMGA2) is a protein that modulates the structure of chromatin in the nucleus. Importantly, aberrant expression of HMGA2 occurs during carcinogenesis, and this protein is an upstream mediator of cancer hallmarks including evasion of apoptosis, proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and therapy resistance. HMGA2 targets critical signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin and mTOR in cancer cells. Therefore, suppression of HMGA2 function notably decreases cancer progression and improves outcome in patients. As HMGA2 is mainly oncogenic, targeting expression by non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) is crucial to take into consideration since it affects HMGA2 function. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) belong to ncRNAs and are master regulators of vital cell processes, which affect all aspects of cancer hallmarks. Long ncRNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), other members of ncRNAs, are upstream mediators of miRNAs. The current review intends to discuss the importance of the miRNA/HMGA2 axis in modulation of various types of cancer, and mentions lncRNAs and circRNAs, which regulate this axis as upstream mediators. Finally, we discuss the effect of miRNAs and HMGA2 interactions on the response of cancer cells to therapy. Regarding the critical role of HMGA2 in regulation of critical signaling pathways in cancer cells, and considering the confirmed interaction between HMGA2 and one of the master regulators of cancer, miRNAs, targeting miRNA/HMGA2 axis in cancer therapy is promising and this could be the subject of future clinical trial experiments.

Aberrant HMGA2 Expression Sustains Genome Instability That Promotes Metastasis and Therapeutic Resistance in Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most lethal cancers worldwide, accounting for nearly ~10% of all cancer diagnoses and deaths. Current therapeutic approaches have considerably increased survival for patients diagnosed at early stages; however, ~20% of CRC patients are diagnosed with late-stage, metastatic CRC, where 5-year survival rates drop to 6–13% and treatment options are limited. Genome instability is an enabling hallmark of cancer that confers increased acquisition of genetic alterations, mutations, copy number variations and chromosomal rearrangements. In that regard, research has shown a clear association between genome instability and CRC, as the accumulation of aberrations in cancer-related genes provides subpopulations of cells with several advantages, such as increased proliferation rates, metastatic potential and therapeutic resistance. Although numerous genes have been associated with CRC, few have been validated as predictive biomarkers of metastasis or therapeutic resistance. A growing body of evidence suggests a member of the High-Mobility Group A (HMGA) gene family, HMGA2, is a potential biomarker of metastatic spread and therapeutic resistance. HMGA2 is expressed in embryonic tissues and is frequently upregulated in aggressively growing cancers, including CRC. As an architectural, non-histone chromatin binding factor, it initiates chromatin decompaction to facilitate transcriptional regulation. HMGA2 maintains the capacity for stem cell renewal in embryonic and cancer tissues and is a known promoter of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in tumor cells. This review will focus on the known molecular mechanisms by which HMGA2 exerts genome protective functions that contribute to cancer cell survival and chemoresistance in CRC.

RNA-seq analysis of differentially expressed LncRNAs from leishmaniasis patients compared to uninfected humans

Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease that seriously endangers human health. Furthermore, among the parasitic diseases, leishmaniasis is the third most common cause of death after malaria and schistosomiasis. However, the potential function of LncRNAs in leishmaniasis remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the differentially expressed LncRNAs in leishmaniasis. The sera of leishmaniasis patients and uninfected persons for controls were obtained and analyzed by high-throughput sequencing. Moreover, the expression of key LncRNAs was detected by qPCR. The results showed that 970 differentially expressed LncRNAs and 1692 differentially expressed mRNAs were screened compared to control groups. Then, 520 target genes were identified by using bioinformation analysis and the ENCORI database. The bioinformatics analysis revealed that the differentially expressed target genes were enriched in autophagy animal, FoxO signaling pathway, mTOR signaling pathway, and apoptosis, et al. Among those differentially expressed LncRNAs, nine key LncRNAs were selected (MALAT1, NUTM2A-AS1, and LINC00963 had high expression; LINC00622, MAPKAPK5-AS1, LINC02289, XPC-AS1, ZFAS1 and SNHG5 had low expression) by qPCR. This study suggests that different expressions of LncRNAs may involve in the potential function in leishmaniasis and provide a novel insight for diagnosis of this zoonotic disease.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of long noncoding RNA 00963 expression and prognosis and clinicopathological characteristic in human cancers

BACKGROUND

Numerous studies have indicated that the aberrant expression of LINC00963 is extensively present in various human tumors, and that dysregulation of LINC00963 is implicated in the initiation and progression of human cancers. In this meta-analysis, data from diverse malignancies were analyzed to determine whether LINC00963 expression levels were associated with clinical prognosis and immune infiltration in pan-cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The eligible studies were identified from several electronic databases from the inception to July 2022 through systematic research. LINC00963 expression and survival were estimated using pooled odds ratios and hazard ratios with 95% CI. We used the Kaplan-Meier method and COX analysis for survival analysis. In addition, Spearman's correlation analysis was used to uncover any correlation between LINC00963 and microsatellites instability (MSI), tumor mutational burden (TMB), DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), immune checkpoint biomarkers, and the related genes of mismatch repair (MMR).

RESULTS

Our findings indicated that overexpression of LINC00963 was related to poor overall survival (OS) (HR =1.32, 95% CI, 1.09-1.59, P = 0.004). The TCGA database also found that abnormal expression of LINC00963 was linked to overall survival in various cancers. Moreover, there is an association between LINC00963 expression and MSI, TMB, and MMR in malignancies of various types.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study indicate that LINC00963 may serve as a prognostic biomarker and a therapeutic target for cancer. By using it, cancer diagnoses can be improved, treatment targets discovered, and prognostic questions improved.

LINC00963: A potential cancer diagnostic and therapeutic target

Long intergenic noncoding RNA 00963 (LINC00963) is located on human chromosome 9q34.11. Aberrantly expressed LINC00963 often exerts oncogenic effects by regulating various cellular processes including proliferation, migration, invasion, EMT, and apoptosis. Overexpressed LINC00963 is associated with cancer clinicopathological features and poor cancer prognosis, and can be used in the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. LINC00963 can build a complex ceRNA network by competitively binding to 22 miRNAs in 14 cancers. LINC00963 can also directly regulate four downstream protein-coding genes. Specifically, LINC00963 promotes the transition of prostate cancer from an androgen-dependent mode to an androgen-independent mode by participating in the transactivation of EGFR. LINC00963 can bind EZH2 and inhibit p21 expression, thereby promoting glioma cell proliferation and invasion. In non-small cell lung cancer, LINC00963 can recruit NONO and CRTC, forming a positive feedback loop of LINC00963/NONO/CRTC/CREB/LINC00963, thereby promoting cancer cell metastasis. LINC00963 is involved in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, Wnt signaling pathway, AMPK signaling pathway, and MAPK signaling pathway. Furthermore, LINC00963 is associated with drug resistance in oral squamous cell carcinoma (cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil) and gastric cancer (oxaliplatin) and predicts neoadjuvant efficacy of taxane-anthracyclines in breast cancer. This work systematically reviewed the clinical value of abnormal expression of LINC00963 in various tumors, demonstrated the complex molecular mechanism of LINC00963, and provided directions for future related research.

UPF1 contributes to the maintenance of endometrial cancer stem cell phenotype by stabilizing LINC00963

Endometrial cancer stem cells (ECSCs) play a vital role in endometrial cancer (EC) metastasis, relapse, and chemoresistance. However, the molecular mechanisms that sustain ECSCs remain elusive. Here, we showed that the expression of UPF1 was upregulated in EC tissues and ECSCs and correlated with poor clinicopathological characteristics. UPF1 silencing suppressed ECSC hallmarks, such as sphere formation ability, carboplatin resistance, migration and invasion, and cell cycle progression. UPF1 regulated the behavior and fate of ECSCs by stabilizing LINC00963. LINC00963 further shares the same miRNA response element with the core transcription factor SOX2 and relieved the suppression of SOX2 by miR-508-5p in self-renewing ECSCs. Notably, inhibition of UPF1 and LINC00963 in combination severely impaired the in vivo tumorigenic potential of ECSCs. We demonstrate that the UPF1/LINC00963/miR-508-5p/SOX2 axis has potential value in modulating ECSC maintenance, chemoresistance, and tumorigenesis in EC, which highlights a novel promising target for EC treatment.

Circ_0000658 knockdown inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition in bladder cancer via miR-498-induced HMGA2 downregulation

BACKGROUND

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been associated with the angiogenesis and oncogenic phenotypes of multiple malignant tumors including bladder cancer (BCa). Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are recognized as crucial regulators in the EMT. This study aims to illustrate the possible role of circular RNA_0000658 (circ_0000658) in BCa and the underlying molecular mechanism.

METHODS

The expression of circ_0000658, microRNA (miR)-498, and high mobility group AT-hook 2 (HMGA2) was assessed in cancer and adjacent normal tissue collected from BCa patients and human BCa cell lines (MGH-U3, T24, 5637 and SW780). BCa cells were transduced with a series of overexpression or shRNA plasmids to clarify the function of circ_0000658 and miR-498 on the oncogenic phenotypes and EMT of BCa cells. Further, we established nude mice xenografted with BCa cells to validate the roles of circ_0000658 on tumor growth in vivo.

RESULTS

Circ_0000658 was highly expressed in BCa tissue samples and cell lines, which indicated a poor prognosis of BCa patients. Circ_0000658 competitively bound to miR-498 and thus restricted miR-498 expression. Meanwhile, circ_0000658 weakened the binding of miR-498 to the target gene HMGA2 and upregulated the HMGA2 expression. Circ_0000658 elevation or miR-498 knockdown augmented oncogenic phenotypes and EMT of BCa cells, corresponding to a reduction in the expression of β-catenin and E-cadherin as well as an increase in the expression of N-cadherin, Slug, Snail, ZEB1 and Twist. Inhibition of HMGA2 reversed the effects of circ_0000658 overexpression on tumor growth in vivo.

CONCLUSION

Altogether, our study uncovered the tumor-promoting role of circ_0000658 in BCa via the miR-498/HMGA2 axis.

Multidimension Analysis of the Prognostic Value, Immune Regulatory Function, and ceRNA Network of LY6E in Individuals with Colorectal Cancer

BACKGROUND

Lymphocyte antigen 6 complex, locus E (LY6E) is abnormally expressed in several cancers and is associated with poor outcomes. However, the biological role of LY6E in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains largely unknown. Hence, we aimed to evaluate the expression levels, prognostic value, biological functions, and immune effects of LY6E via pan-cancer and CRC analyses using multiple databases.

METHODS

We analyzed the expression pattern of LY6E in various cancers. The prognostic value of LY6E expression was identified using the Kaplan-Meier analysis and the Cox regression models. We used gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) to identify the potential functions of LY6E. Correlations between the LY6E expression and various factors, including LY6E methylation level, copy number variation (CNV), microsatellite instability (MSI), and immune checkpoint genes, were also analyzed. The levels of LY6E expression and immune infiltration were analyzed using CIBERSORT. We constructed a regulatory network that was in compliance with the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) hypothesis. A ceRNA expression-based nomogram was established. Real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was applied to validate the expression of LY6E-related ceRNA in CRC cell lines.

RESULTS

LY6E is overexpressed in several tumor types, including CRC, and patients with high expression levels of LY6E have a poor prognosis. The Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression analysis showed that LY6E could be considered a favorable prognostic factor in TCGA and GEO cohort. The results of GSEA showed that high LY6E expression levels were associated with immune-related pathways, such as those involved in antigen processing and presentation and the intestinal immune network for IgA production. Six methylation sites of LY6E that were associated with prognostic survival were screened. Moreover, the high levels of LY6E expression were correlated with copy number gain, microsatellite instability high, and immunotherapy response. The results of CIBERSORT analysis demonstrated that the LY6E expression levels were correlated with the infiltration of multiple immune cells, especially T cells. Then, we constructed a ceRNA network (LINC00963/miR-92a-3p/LY6E) and validated it using qRT-PCR. A predictive ceRNA-based nomogram was established and validated.

CONCLUSION

The oncogenic LY6E may serve as a promising marker for the diagnosis and treatment of CRC.

Chronic Stress-Induced Gene Changes In Vitro and In Vivo: Potential Biomarkers Associated With Depression and Cancer Based on circRNA- and lncRNA-Associated ceRNA Networks

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been considered as biomarkers or regulators in many diseases. However, the exact role of circRNA- or lncRNA-mediated competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks in the modulation of depression pathogenesis-relevant processes is not clear. In this study, we profiled whole transcriptome in depression patients’ blood samples via microarray analysis. As a result, a total of 340 circRNAs, 398 lncRNAs, 206 miRNAs, and 92 mRNAs were differentially expressed between the depression and control groups. Then, we constructed ceRNA networks according to the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Using bioinformatics analysis, 89 pairs of circRNA-ceRNA and 49 pairs of lncRNA-ceRNA networks were obtained. Since depression is a broad and heterogeneous condition that is known as promoter for many chronic diseases including cancer, so we further dug out 28 circRNAs, 61 lncRNAs, 26 miRNAs, and 29 mRNAs that are associated with cancer. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses showed that the DEGs were significantly enriched in cancer-related signaling pathways such as MAPK, Wnt, IL-17, Ras, and PI3K-Akt. Genes involved in the above pathways such as S100A9, GATA2, SRFP5, SLC45A3, NTRK1, FRZB, has_circ_0014221, has_circ_0014220, and has_circ_0087100 were dysregulated in various cancer cell lines by stress hormones induced. HDC, GATA2, SLC45A3, and NTRK1 were downregulated in tumor-bearing mice subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). LncRNA-mediated ceRNA network validation showed that overexpression of miR-4530 declined HDC level. Our findings highlight the potential circRNA- and lncRNA-mediated ceRNA regulatory mechanisms in the pathogenesis of depression and as potential biomarkers in depression cancer comorbidity through the pathways of IL-17 or histidine metabolism.

Knockdown of circNRIP1 sensitizes colorectal cancer to 5‑FU via sponging miR‑532‑3p

The present study aimed to investigate the influence of circular RNA nuclear receptor‑interacting protein 1 (circNRIP1) on the chemotherapeutic effect of 5‑fluorouracil (5‑FU) in colorectal cancer (CRC) and reveal its potential molecular mechanisms. The effects of circNRIP1 on cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and apoptosis were evaluated using Cell Counting Kit‑8, Transwell and flow cytometric assays, respectively. A dual‑luciferase reporter assay was performed to verify the potential interaction between circNRIP1 and microRNA (miR)‑532‑3p. The results of the present study indicated that circNRIP1 was upregulated in CRC and its increased expression was associated with CRC progression. Furthermore, overexpression of circNRIP1 promoted CRC cell proliferation, invasion and migration, while it inhibited apoptosis. Knockdown of circNRIP1 significantly enhanced the 5‑FU‑induced inhibition of the viability of HCT116 and SW480 cells. Bioinformatics analysis predicted that miR‑532‑3p was a direct target of circNRIP1, which was further confirmed by a dual‑luciferase reporter assay. miR‑532‑3p silencing reversed the effects of circNRIP1 knockdown on the sensitivity of 5‑FU in the chemotherapy of CRC. The results suggested that circNRIP1 and miR‑532‑3p may be utilized to improve the diagnosis of CRC and serve as diagnostic markers. In conclusion, overexpression of circNRIP1 promoted the progression of CRC, while circNRIP1 silencing sensitized CRC cells to 5‑FU via sponging miR‑532‑3p.