LncRNA ANRIL regulates AML development through modulating the glucose metabolism pathway of AdipoR1/AMPK/SIRT1

Effect of lncRNA XIST on acute myeloid leukemia cells via miR-142-5p-PFKP axis

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the common blood cancer in hematopoietic system-related diseases and has a poor prognosis. Studies have shown that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are closely related to the pathogenesis of a variety of diseases, including AML. However, the specific molecular mechanism remains unclear. Hence, the objective of this study was to investigate the effect and mechanism of lncRNA X inactive specific transcript (lncRNA XIST) on AML. To achieve our objective, some tests were performed. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was utilized to detect the expression of lncRNA XIST, miR-142-5p and the platelet isoform of phosphofructokinase (PFKP). The targeting relationship between miR-142-5p and lncRNA XIST and PFKP was verified by Pearson correlation analysis, dual-luciferase reporter assay, and pull-down assay. Functional experiments were used to analyze the effect and mechanism of action of knocking down lncRNA XIST on THP-1 and U937 cells. Compared with bone marrow cells, lncRNA XIST and PFKP expression levels were up-regulated and miR-142-5p expression levels were down-regulated in AML. Further analysis revealed that lncRNA XIST targeted and bound to miR-142-5p, and PFKP was a target gene of miR-142-5p. Knockdown of lncRNA XIST significantly promoted miR-142-5p expression to down-regulate PFKP in THP-1 and U937 cells, while the cell proliferation, cell viability, and cell cycle arrest were inhibited and apoptosis was increased. Knockdown of miR-142-5p reversed the functional impact of lncRNA XIST knockdown on AML cells. In conclusion, down-regulation of lncRNA XIST can affect the progression of AML by regulating miR-142-5p.

Unraveling the role of long non-coding RNAs in therapeutic resistance in acute myeloid leukemia: New prospects & challenges

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is a fatal hematological disease characterized by the unchecked proliferation of immature myeloid blasts in different tissues developed by various mutations in hematopoiesis. Despite intense chemotherapeutic regimens, patients often experience poor outcomes, leading to substandard remission rates. In recent years, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have increasingly become important prognostic and therapeutic hotspots, due to their contributions to dysregulating many functional epigenetic, transcriptional, and post-translational mechanisms leading to alterations in cell expressions, resulting in increased chemoresistance and reduced apoptosis in leukemic cells. Through this review, I highlight and discuss the latest advances in understanding the major mechanisms through which lncRNAs confer therapy resistance in AML. In addition, I also provide perspective on the current strategies to target lncRNA expressions. A better knowledge of the critical role that lncRNAs play in controlling treatment outcomes in AML will help improve existing medications and devise new ones.

LncRNAs are involved in regulating ageing and age-related disease through the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase signalling pathway

A long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) is longer than 200 bp. It regulates various biological processes mainly by interacting with DNA, RNA, or protein in multiple kinds of biological processes. Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is activated during nutrient starvation, especially glucose starvation and oxygen deficiency (hypoxia), and exposure to toxins that inhibit mitochondrial respiratory chain complex function. AMPK is an energy switch in organisms that controls cell growth and multiple cellular processes, including lipid and glucose metabolism, thereby maintaining intracellular energy homeostasis by activating catabolism and inhibiting anabolism. The AMPK signalling pathway consists of AMPK and its upstream and downstream targets. AMPK upstream targets include proteins such as the transforming growth factor β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1), liver kinase B1 (LKB1), and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase β (CaMKKβ), and its downstream targets include proteins such as the mechanistic/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex 1 (mTORC1), hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α), and silencing information regulatory 1 (SIRT1). In general, proteins function relatively independently and cooperate. In this article, a review of the currently known lncRNAs involved in the AMPK signalling pathway is presented and insights into the regulatory mechanisms involved in human ageing and age-related diseases are provided.

Association of long non-coding RNAs and ABO blood groups with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Egyptian children

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most prevailing cancer among children. Despite extensive studies, ALL etiology is still an unsolved puzzle. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) emerged as key mediators in cancer etiology. Several lncRNAs are dysregulated in ALL, leading to oncogenic or tumor-suppressive activities. Additionally, a relation between ABO blood groups and hematological malignancies was proposed. The current study intended to explore the association of lncRNAs, ANRIL and LINC-PINT, and their downstream targets, CDKN2A and heme oxygenase-1 (HMOX1), with the incidence of ALL and treatment response, and to determine the distribution of blood groups across different childhood ALL phenotypes. Blood samples were taken from 66 ALL patients (at diagnosis and at the end of remission induction phase) and 39 healthy children. Whole blood was used for blood group typing. Expression of ANRIL, LINC-PINT and CDKN2A was analyzed in plasma by qRT-PCR. Serum HMOX1 was measured using ELISA. ANRIL and CDKN2A were upregulated, while LINC-PINT and HMOX1 were downregulated in newly diagnosed patients. All of which showed remarkable diagnostic performance, where HMOX1 was superior. HMOX1 was independent predictor of ALL as well. LINC-PINT and HMOX1 were significantly upregulated after treatment. Notably, ANRIL and LINC-PINT were associated with poor outcome. No significant difference in the distribution of ABO blood groups was observed between patients and controls. In conclusion, our results suggested an association of ANRIL and LINC-PINT with childhood ALL predisposition, at least in part, through altering CDKN2A and HMOX1 production. Furthermore, the impact of remission induction treatment was newly revealed.

ANRIL: A Long Noncoding RNA in Age-related Diseases

The intensification of the aging population is often accompanied by an increase in agerelated diseases, which impair the quality of life of the elderly. The characteristic feature of aging is progressive physiological decline, which is the largest cause of human pathology and death worldwide. However, natural aging interacts in exceptionally complex ways within and between organs, but its underlying mechanisms are still poorly understood. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is a type of noncoding RNA that exceeds 200 nucleotides in length and does not possess protein-coding ability. It plays a crucial role in the occurrence and development of diseases. ANRIL, also known as CDKN2B-AS1, is an antisense ncRNA located at the INK4 site. It can play a crucial role in agerelated disease progression by regulating single nucleotide polymorphism, histone modifications, or post-transcriptional modifications (such as RNA stability and microRNA), such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, tumor, arthritis, and osteoporosis. Therefore, a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms of lncRNA ANRIL in age-related diseases will help provide new diagnostic and therapeutic targets for clinical practice.

TIM-3/Gal-9 interaction affects glucose and lipid metabolism in acute myeloid leukemia cell lines

Introduction

T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-3 (TIM-3) is a transmembrane molecule first identified as an immunoregulator. This molecule is also expressed on leukemic cells in acute myeloid leukemia and master cell survival and proliferation. In this study, we aimed to explore the effect of TIM-3 interaction with its ligand galectin-9 (Gal-9) on glucose and lipid metabolism in AML cell lines.

Methods

HL-60 and THP-1 cell lines, representing M3 and M5 AML subtypes, respectively, were cultured under appropriate conditions. The expression of TIM-3 on the cell surface was ascertained by flow cytometric assay. We used real-time PCR to examine the mRNA expression of GLUT-1, HK-2, PFKFB-3, G6PD, ACC-1, ATGL, and CPT-1A; colorimetric assays to measure the concentration of glucose, lactate, GSH, and the enzymatic activity of G6PD; MTT assay to determine cellular proliferation; and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to designate FFAs.

Results

We observed the significant upregulated expression of GLUT-1, HK-2, PFKFB-3, ACC-1, CPT-1A, and G6PD and the enzymatic activity of G6PD in a time-dependent manner in the presence of Gal-9 compared to the PMA and control groups in both HL-60 and THP-1 cell lines (p > 0.05). Moreover, the elevation of extracellular free fatty acids, glucose consumption, lactate release, the concentration of cellular glutathione (GSH) and cell proliferation were significantly higher in the presence of Gal-9 compared to the PMA and control groups in both cell lines (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

TIM-3/Gal-9 ligation on AML cell lines results in aerobic glycolysis and altered lipid metabolism and also protects cells from oxidative stress, all in favor of leukemic cell survival and proliferation.

Interactive effects of CDKN2B-AS1 gene polymorphism and habitual risk factors on oral cancer

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common malignant disease associated with a high mortality rate and heterogeneous disease aetiology. Cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 2B antisense RNA 1 (CDKN2B-AS1), is a long noncoding RNA that has been shown to act as a scaffold, sponge, or signal hub to promote carcinogenesis. Here, we attempted to assess the effect of CDKN2B-AS1 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on the susceptibility to OSCC. Five CDKN2B-AS1 SNPs, including rs564398, rs1333048, rs1537373, rs2151280 and rs8181047, were analysed in 1060 OSCC cases and 1183 cancer-free controls. No significant association of these five SNPs with the risk of developing OSCC was detected between the case and control group. However, while examining the clinical characteristics, patients bearing at least one minor allele of rs1333048 (CA and CC) were more inclined to develop late-stage (stage III/IV, adjusted OR, 1.480; 95% CI, 1.129-1.940; p = 0.005) and large-size (greater than 2 cm in the greatest dimension, adjusted OR, 1.347; 95% CI, 1.028-1.765; p = 0.031) tumours, as compared with those homologous for the major allele (AA). Further stratification analyses demonstrated that this genetic correlation with the advanced stage of disease was observed only in habitual betel quid chewers (adjusted OR, 1.480; 95% CI, 1.076-2.035; p = 0.016) or cigarette smokers (adjusted OR, 1.531; 95% CI, 1.136-2.063; p = 0.005) but not in patients who were not exposed to these major habitual risks. These data reveal an interactive effect of CDKN2B-AS1 rs1333048 with habitual exposure to behavioural risks on the progression of oral cancer.

The tip of the iceberg-The roles of long noncoding RNAs in acute myeloid leukemia

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are traditionally defined as RNA transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides that have no protein coding potential. LncRNAs have been identified to be dysregulated in various types of cancer, including the deadly hematopoietic cancer-acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Currently, survival rates for AML have reached a plateau necessitating new therapeutic targets and biomarkers to improve treatment options and survival from the disease. Therefore, the identification of lncRNAs as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for AML has major benefits. In this review, we assess the key studies which have recently identified lncRNAs as important molecules in AML and summarize the current knowledge of lncRNAs in AML. We delve into examples of the specific roles of lncRNA action in AML such as driving proliferation, differentiation block and therapy resistance as well as their function as tumor suppressors and utility as biomarkers. This article is categorized under: RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease.

The role of bone marrow microenvironment (BMM) cells in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) progression: immune checkpoints, metabolic checkpoints, and signaling pathways

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) comprises a multifarious and heterogeneous array of illnesses characterized by the anomalous proliferation of myeloid cells in the bone marrow microenvironment (BMM). The BMM plays a pivotal role in promoting AML progression, angiogenesis, and metastasis. The immune checkpoints (ICs) and metabolic processes are the key players in this process. In this review, we delineate the metabolic and immune checkpoint characteristics of the AML BMM, with a focus on the roles of BMM cells e.g. tumor-associated macrophages, natural killer cells, dendritic cells, metabolic profiles and related signaling pathways. We also discuss the signaling pathways stimulated in AML cells by BMM factors that lead to AML progression. We then delve into the roles of immune checkpoints in AML angiogenesis, metastasis, and cell proliferation, including co-stimulatory and inhibitory ICs. Lastly, we discuss the potential therapeutic approaches and future directions for AML treatment, emphasizing the potential of targeting metabolic and immune checkpoints in AML BMM as prognostic and therapeutic targets. In conclusion, the modulation of these processes through the use of directed drugs opens up new promising avenues in combating AML. Thereby, a comprehensive elucidation of the significance of these AML BMM cells' metabolic and immune checkpoints and signaling pathways on leukemic cells can be undertaken in the future investigations. Additionally, these checkpoints and cells should be considered plausible multi-targeted therapies for AML in combination with other conventional treatments in AML. Video Abstract.

The Long Non-Coding RNA ANRIL in Cancers

ANRIL (Antisense Noncoding RNA in the INK4 Locus), a long non-coding RNA encoded in the human chromosome 9p21 region, is a critical factor for regulating gene expression by interacting with multiple proteins and miRNAs. It has been found to play important roles in various cellular processes, including cell cycle control and proliferation. Dysregulation of ANRIL has been associated with several diseases like cancers and cardiovascular diseases, for instance. Understanding the oncogenic role of ANRIL and its potential as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in cancer is crucial. This review provides insights into the regulatory mechanisms and oncogenic significance of the 9p21 locus and ANRIL in cancer.

Integrative Multi-Omics Analysis of Oncogenic EZH2 Mutants: From Epigenetic Reprogramming to Molecular Signatures

Somatic heterozygous mutations in the active site of the enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) are prevalent in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The methyltransferase activity of EZH2 towards lysine 27 on histone H3 (H3K27) and non-histone proteins is dysregulated by the presence of gain-of-function (GOF) and loss-of-function (LOF) mutations altering chromatin compaction, protein complex recruitment, and transcriptional regulation. In this study, a comprehensive multi-omics approach was carried out to characterize the effects of differential H3K27me3 deposition driven by EZH2 mutations. Three stable isogenic mutants (EZH2Y641F, EZH2A677G, and EZH2H689A/F667I) were examined using EpiProfile, H3K27me3 CUT&Tag, ATAC-Seq, transcriptomics, label-free proteomics, and untargeted metabolomics. A discrete set of genes and downstream targets were identified for the EZH2 GOF and LOF mutants that impacted pathways involved in cellular proliferation, differentiation, and migration. Disruption of protein networks and metabolic signatures able to sustain aberrant cell behavior was observed in response to EZH2 mutations. This systems biology-based analysis sheds light on EZH2-mediated cell transformative processes, from the epigenetic to the phenotypic level. These studies provide novel insights into aberrant EZH2 function along with targets that can be explored for improved diagnostics/treatment in hematologic malignancies with mutated EZH2.

A novel lncRNA SNHG29 regulates EP300- related histone acetylation modification and inhibits FLT3-ITD AML development

Internal tandem duplication (ITD) mutations within the FMS-like tyrosine kinase-3 (FLT3) occur in up to 25% of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients and indicate a very poor prognosis. The role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in FLT3-ITD AML progression remains unexplored. We identified a novel lncRNA, SNHG29, whose expression is specifically regulated by the FLT3-STAT5 signaling pathway and is abnormally down-regulated in FLT3-ITD AML cell lines. SNHG29 functions as a tumor suppressor, significantly inhibiting FLT3-ITD AML cell proliferation and decreasing sensitivity to cytarabine in vitro and in vivo models. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that SNHG29's molecular mechanism is EP300-binding dependent and identified the EP300-interacting region of SNHG29. SNHG29 modulates genome-wide EP300 genomic binding, affecting EP300-mediated histone modification and consequently influencing the expression of varies downstream AML-associated genes. Our study uncovers a novel molecular mechanism for SNHG29 in mediating FLT3-ITD AML biological behaviors through epigenetic modification, suggesting that SNHG29 could be a potential therapeutic target for FLT3-ITD AML.

Metabolism-related lncRNAs signature to predict the prognosis of colon adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Cell metabolism and long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) played crucial roles in cancer development. However, their association in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) remains unclear.

METHODS

The COAD gene expression data and corresponding clinical data were retrieved from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Differential expression of metabolic genes and lncRNA were identified by comparing tumor and normal colon tissues. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to identify metabolism-associated lncRNA. COAD patients were divided into training cohort and validation cohort by randomization. Then, a univariate Cox regression analysis was introduced to evaluate the correlations between metabolism-related lncRNAs and overall survival (OS) of the patients in the training cohort. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method was introduced to determine and establish a prognostic prediction model. Subsequently, survival analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, and Cox regression analysis were generated to estimate the prognostic role of the LncRNA risk score in training, validation, and entire cohorts.

RESULTS

We identified 152 differentially expressed metabolism-associated lncRNAs (MRLncRNAs). A prognostic prediction model involving four metabolism-related lncRNAs were established using LASSO. In each cohort, COAD patients in the high-risk group had worse OS compared to those in the low-risk group. The ROC analyses demonstrated that the lncRNA signature performed well in predicting OS. Uni- and multivariate analysis indicated that the lncRNA signature as an independent prognostic factor. Furthermore, a correlation analysis demonstrated that LINC01138 was the most closely lncRNA related to metabolic genes. In vitro assays demonstrated that LINC01138 affects tumor progression in COAD.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, we established a metabolism-associated lncRNAs model to predict the prognosis in COAD patients.

Construction of a three-component regulatory network of transcribed ultraconserved regions for the identification of prognostic biomarkers in gastric cancer

Altered expression and functional roles of the transcribed ultraconserved regions (T-UCRs), as genomic sequences with 100% conservation between the genomes of human, mouse, and rat, in the pathophysiology of neoplasms has already been investigated. Nevertheless, the relevance of the functions for T-UCRs in gastric cancer (GC) is still the subject of inquiry. In the current study, we first used a genome-wide profiling approach to analyze the expression of T-UCRs in GC patients. Then, we constructed a three-component regulatory network and investigated potential diagnostic and prognostic values of the T-UCRs. The Cancer Genome Atlas Stomach Adenocarcinoma (TCGA-STAD) dataset was used as a resource for the RNA-sequencing data. FeatureCounts was utilized to quantify the number of reads mapped to each T-UCR. Differential expression analysis was then conducted using DESeq2. In the following, interactions between T-UCRs, microRNAs (miRNAs), and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) were combined into a three-component network. Enrichment analyses were performed and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed. The R Survival package was utilized to identify survival-related significantly differentially expressed T-UCRs (DET-UCRs). Using an in-house cohort of GC tissues, expression of two DET-UCRs was furthermore experimentally verified. Our results showed that several T-UCRs were dysregulated in TCGA-STAD tumoral samples compared to nontumoral counterparts. The three-component network was constructed which composed of DET-UCRs, miRNAs, and mRNAs nodes. Functional enrichment and PPI network analyses revealed important enriched signaling pathways and gene ontologies such as "pathway in cancer" and regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis. Five T-UCRs were significantly correlated with the overall survival of GC patients. While no expression of uc.232 was observed in our in-house cohort of GC tissues, uc.343 showed an increased expression, although not statistically significant, in gastric tumoral tissues. The constructed three-component regulatory network of T-UCRs in GC presents a comprehensive understanding of the underlying gene expression regulation processes involved in tumor development and can serve as a basis to investigate potential prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Circulatory long noncoding RNAs (circulatory-LNC-RNAs) as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets in cardiovascular diseases: Implications for cardiovascular diseases complications

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a group of disorders with major global health consequences. The prevalence of CVDs continues to grow due to population-aging and lifestyle modifications. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) as key regulators of cell signaling pathways have gained attention in the occurrence and development of CVDs. Exosomal-lncRNAs (exos-lncRNAs) are emerging biomarkers due to their high sensitivity and specificity, stability, accuracy and accessibility in the biological fluids. Recently, circulatory and exos-based-lncRNAs are emerging and novel bio-tools in various pathogenic conditions. It is worth mentioning that dysregulation of these molecules has been found in different types of CVDs. In this regard, we aimed to discuss the knowledge gaps and suggest research priorities regarding circulatory and exos-lncRNAs as novel bio-tools and therapeutic targets for CVDs.

Identification of autophagy-associated genes and prognostic implications in adults with acute myeloid leukemia by integrated bioinformatics analysis

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is one of the most common malignant blood neoplasma in adults. The prominent disease heterogeneity makes it challenging to foresee patient survival. Autophagy, a highly conserved degradative process, played indispensable and context-dependent roles in AML. However, it remains elusive whether autophagy-associated stratification could accurately predict prognosis of AML patients. Here, we developed a prognostic model based on autophagy-associated genes, and constructed scoring systems that help to predicte the survival of AML patients in both TCGA data and independent AML cohorts. The Nomogram model also confirmed the autophagy-associated model by showing the high concordance between observed and predicted survivals. Additionally, pathway enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction network unveiled functional signaling pathways that were associated with autophagy. Altogether, we constructed the autophagy-associated prognostic model that might be likely to predict outcome for AML patients, providing insights into the biological risk stratification strategies and potential therapeutic targets.

Atractylodes lancea and Magnolia officinalis combination protects against high fructose-impaired insulin signaling in glomerular podocytes through upregulating Sirt1 to inhibit p53-driven miR-221

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

In traditional Chinese medicine, a long term of improper diet causes the Dampness and disturbs Zang-Fu's functions including Kidney deficiency. Atractylodes lancea (Atr) and Magnolia officinalis (Mag) as a famous herb pair are commonly used to transform Dampness, with kidney protection.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To explore how Atr and Mag protected against insulin signaling impairment in glomerular podocytes induced by high dietary fructose feeding, a major contributor for insulin resistance in glomerular podocyte dysfunction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analyze constituents of Atr and Mag. Rat model was induced by 10% fructose drinking water in vivo, and heat-sensitive human podocyte cells (HPCs) were exposed to 5 mM fructose in vitro. Animal or cultured podocyte models were treated with different doses of Atr, Mag or Atr and Mag combination. Western blot, qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence assays as well as other experiments were performed to detect adiponectin receptor protein 1 (AdipoR1), protein kinase B (AKT), Sirt1, p53 and miR-221 levels in rat glomeruli or HPCs, respectively.

RESULTS

Fifty-five components were identified in Atr and Mag combination. Network pharmacology analysis indicated that Atr and Mag combination might affect insulin signaling pathway. This combination significantly improved systemic insulin resistance and prevented glomerulus morphological damage in high fructose-fed rats. Of note, high fructose decreased IRS1, AKT and AdipoR1 in rat glomeruli and cultured podocytes. Further data from cultured podocytes with Sirt1 inhibitor/agonist, p53 agonist/inhibitor, or miR-221 mimic/inhibitor showed that high fructose downregulated Sirt1 to stimulate p53-driven miR-221, resulting in insulin signaling impairment. Atr and Mag combination effectively increased Sirt1, and decreased p53 and miR-221 in in vivo and in vitro models.

CONCLUSIONS

Atr and Mag combination improved insulin signaling in high fructose-stimulated glomerular podocytes possibly through upregulating Sirt1 to inhibit p53-driven miR-221. Thus, the regulation of Sirt1/p53/miR-221 by this combination may be a potential therapeutic approach in podocyte insulin signaling impairment.

Long Non-Coding RNAs as Cellular Metabolism and Haematopoiesis Regulators

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a category of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that are more than 200 bases long and play major regulatory roles in a wide range of biologic processes, including hematopoeisis and metabolism. Metabolism in cells is an immensely complex process that involves the interconnection and unification of numerous signaling pathways. A growing body of affirmation marks that lncRNAs do participate in metabolism, both directly and indirectly, via metabolic regulation of enzymes and signaling pathways, respectively. The complexities are disclosed by the latest studies demonstrating how lncRNAs could indeed alter tissue-specific metabolism. We have entered a new realm for discovery that is both intimidating and intriguing. Understanding the different functions of lncRNAs in various cellular pathways aids in the advancement of predictive and therapeutic capabilities for a wide variety of myelodysplastic and metabolic disorders. This review has tried to give an overview of the different ncRNAs and their effects on hematopoiesis and metabolism. We have focused on the pathway of action of several lncRNAs and have also delved into their prognostic value. Their use as biomarkers and possible therapeutic targets has also been discussed. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This review has tried to give an overview of the different ncRNAs and their effects on hematopoiesis and metabolism. The pathway of action of several lncRNAs and their prognostic value was discussed. Their use as biomarkers and possible therapeutic targets has also been elaborated.

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Implications of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Leukemia

Leukemia is a heterogenous group of hematological malignancies categorized in four main types (acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Several cytogenetic and molecular markers have become a part of routine analysis for leukemia patients. These markers have been used in diagnosis, risk-stratification and targeted therapy application. Recent studies have indicated that numerous regulatory RNAs, such as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), have a role in tumor initiation and progression. When it comes to leukemia, data for lncRNA involvement in its etiology, progression, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis is limited. The aim of this review is to summarize research data on lncRNAs in different types of leukemia, on their expression pattern, their role in leukemic transformation and disease progression. The usefulness of this information in the clinical setting, i.e., for diagnostic and prognostic purposes, will be emphasized. Finally, how particular lncRNAs could be used as potential targets for the application of targeted therapy will be considered.

A regulatory circuit of lncRNA NLGN1-AS1 and Wnt signalling controls clear cell renal cell carcinoma phenotypes through FZD4-modulated pathways

BACKGROUND

Recent evidence has indicated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were emerged as key molecules in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). TCGA database showed that the expression level of lncRNA NLGN1-AS1 was up-regulated in ccRCC; However, whether NLGN1-AS1 implicated in the malignant progression of ccRCC remained unclear.

METHODS

Based on TCGA database, candidate lncRNAs were selected and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was utilized to verify the expression levels of candidate lncRNAs in human ccRCC tissues. Loss-of-function experiments were performed to examine the biological functions of NLGN1-AS1 both in vitro and in vivo. According to bioinformatics analysis, fluorescence reporter assays and rescue experiments, the underlying mechanisms of NLGN1-AS1 in ccRCC cell lines were so clearly understood.

RESULTS

As a novel lncRNA, NLGN1-AS1 was up-regulated in ccRCC cell lines and associated with poor prognosis of and ccRCC patients, which was correlated with the progression of ccRCC. Functionally, the down-regulation of NLGN1-AS1 significantly decreased the proliferation of ccRCC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase report assays identified that miR-136-5p was a direct target of NLGN1-AS1. We also determined that FZD4 were inhibitory targets of miR-136-5p, and that Wnt/β-catenin signaling was inhibited by both NLGN1-AS1 knockdown and miR-136-5p over-expression. In addition, we found that the suppression of proliferation and the inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin pathway induced by NLGN1-AS1 knockdown would require the over-expression of FZD4.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggested that lncRNA NLGN1-AS1 could promote the progression of ccRCC by targeting miR-136-5p/FZD4 and Wnt/β-catenin pathway, and might serve as a novel potential therapeutic target to inhibit the progression of ccRCC.

[Correlation between adipokine and clinicopathological features and prognosis in upper tract urothelial carcinoma]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the correlation between expression levels of adipokine and clinicopathological features and prognosis of patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) based on immunohistochemical staining and bioinformatics analysis.

METHODS

The 8 adipokines in this study included adiponectin (AdipoQ), leptin (LEP), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10 and their receptors (AdipoR1, AdipoR2, LEPR, IL-6R, IL-10RA, IL-10RB). Tissue samples of patients with UTUC who underwent surgical treatment in Peking University People's Hospital from January 2014 to April 2021 were selected for immunohistochemical staining. Their quantitative gene expression data were calculated by H-Score, and relevant clinical and follow-up data were collected retrospectively. Transcription group sequencing data of UTUC patients in Gene Expression Omnibus database (GSE134292 dataset) were downloaded for comparison. Chi-square test or t-test was used to compare the expression level of adipokine between non-muscle invasive group and muscle invasive group. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival curve were utilized to analyze independent predictors of overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), intravesical recurrence-free survival (IVRFS) in the both cohorts. The P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

In the study, 63 tissue samples of the patients with UTUC who underwent surgical treatment in Peking University People's Hospital and 57 UTUC patients in GSE134292 dataset were selected. In immunohistochemical cohort, the expressions of AdipoQ (P=0.003 6), AdipoR1 (P=0.006 5), LEP (P=0.007 7), IL-10 (P=0.006 9), and IL-10RA (P=0.008 9) were statistically higher in muscle invasive group. In GSE134292 cohort, the expressions of AdipoR1 (P=0.000 4), AdipoR2 (P=0.000 4), IL-6 (P=0.005 0), IL-10 (P=0.001 7), and IL-10RA (P=0.008 1) were statistically higher in muscle invasive group. Kaplan-Meier survival curve and multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that high IL-10RA expression was an independent predictive factor of IVRFS (P=0.044, HR=0.996, 95%CI: 0.992-0.998) in immunohistochemical cohort, which was confirmed in GSE134292 cohort (P=0.014, HR=0.515, 95%CI: 0.304-0.873).

CONCLUSION

The expression levels of AdipoQ, AdipoR1, IL-10, and IL-10RA were correlated with tumor stage, suggesting that these adipokines played important roles in tumor progression. IL-10RA was an independent predictor of IVRFS, suggesting that IL-10 and its receptor played a critical role in tumor recurrence.

Non-Coding RNAs: New Dawn for Diabetes Mellitus Induced Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common sexual dysfunction in males, with multifactorial alterations which consist of psychological and organic. Diabetes mellitus (DM) induced erectile dysfunction (DMED) is a disconcerting and critical complication of DM, and remarkably different from non-diabetic ED. The response rate of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (PDE5i), a milestone for ED therapy, is far from satisfactory in DMED. Unfortunately, the contributing mechanisms of DMED remains vague. Hence, It is urgent to seek for novel prospective biomarkers or targets of DMED. Numerous studies have proved that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play essential roles in the pathogenesis process of DM, which comprise of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) like microRNAs (miRNAs), PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs). However, the implications of ncRNAs in DMED are still understudied. This review highlights the pathophysiology of DMED, summarizes identified mechanisms of ncRNAs associated with DMED and covers the topic of perspectives for ncRNAs in DMED.

The Metabolic Signature of AML Cells Treated With Homoharringtonine

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a hematologic malignancy. The overall prognosis is poor and therapeutic strategies still need to be improved. Studies have found that abnormalities in metabolisms promote the survival of AML cells. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have reported the effectiveness of a protein synthesis inhibitor, homoharringtonine (HHT), for the treatment of AML. In this study, we demonstrated that HHT effectively inhibited AML cells, especially MV4-11, a cell line representing human AML carrying the poor prognostic marker FLT3-ITD. We analyzed the transcriptome of MV4-11 cells treated with HHT, and identified the affected metabolic pathways including the choline metabolism process. In addition, we generated a line of MV4-11 cells that were resistant to HHT. The transcriptome analysis showed that the resistant mechanism was closely related to the ether lipid metabolism pathway. The key genes involved in these processes were AL162417.1, PLA2G2D, and LPCAT2 by multiple intergroup comparison and Venn analysis. In conclusion, we found that the treatment of HHT significantly changed metabolic signatures of AML cells, which may contribute to the precise clinical use of HHT and the development of novel strategies to treat HHT-resistant AML.

Long non-coding RNA LINC01270 is an onco-promotor in lung adenocarcinoma by upregulating LARP1 via sponging miR-326

Accumulating evidence have proved the key role of long non-coding RNA in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) progression. Bioinformatics analysis is used to seek the differentially expressed lncRNA LINC01270 from TCGA database. The overexpression of LINC01270 was then verified in LUAD tumor tissues and cell lines by qRT-PCR. LINC01270 knockdown resulted in impaired cell proliferative and invasive ability via CCK-8 assay, EdU assay, colony formation assay, transwell assay, while aberrant upregulation of LINC01270 led to enhanced cell growth and invasion. Moreover, LINC01270 was found inhibiting miR-326 and thereby overexpressing the abundance of LARP1 to promote LUAD development via PI3K/AKT pathway. It was also proved that LINC01270 knockdown could suppress LUAD tumor growth in vivo. All of these findings demonstrate thatLINC01270 is a tumor promotor in LUAD via enhancing LARP1 expressed by sponging miR-326 to facilitate the development of LUAD. LINC01270 play a significant role in LUAD, which could serve as biomarkers for early diagnosis and a novel targeted remedy.

Comprehensive Analysis of N6-Methyladenosine-Related Long Noncoding RNA Prognosis of Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Immune Cell Infiltration

N6-Methyladenosine-related long noncoding RNAs play an essential role in many cancers’ development. However, the relationship between m6A-related lncRNAs and acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) prognosis remains unclear. We systematically analyzed the association of m6A-related lncRNAs with the prognosis and tumor immune microenvironment (TME) features using the therapeutically applicable research to generate effective treatment (TARGET) database. We screened 315 lncRNAs associated with AML prognosis and identified nine key lncRNAs associated with m6A by the LASSO Cox analysis. A model was established based on these nine lncRNAs and the predictive power was explored in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The areas under the ROC curve of TARGET and TCGA databases for ROC at 1, 3, and 5 years are 0.701, 0.704, and 0.696, and 0.587, 0.639, and 0.685, respectively. The nomogram and decision curve analysis (DCA) showed that the risk score was more accurate than other clinical indicators in evaluating patients’ prognoses. The clusters with a better prognosis enrich the AML pathways and immune-related pathways. We also found a close correlation between prognostic m6A-related lncRNAs and tumor immune cell infiltration. LAG3 expression at the immune checkpoint was lower in the worse prognostic cluster. In conclusion, m6A-related lncRNAs partly affected AML prognosis by remodeling the TME and affecting the anticarcinogenic ability of immune checkpoints, especially LAG3 inhibitors. The prognostic model constructed with nine key m6A-related lncRNAs can provide a method to assess the prognosis of AML patients in both adults and children.

lncRNA TUG1 protects intestinal epithelial cells from damage induced by high glucose and high fat via AMPK/SIRT1

he incidence of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasing year by year and shows a trend towards younger age groups worldwide. It has become a disease that endangers the health of individuals all over the world. Among numerous weight loss surgeries, sleeve gastrectomy (SG) has become one of the most common surgical strategies for the treatment of T2DM. However, SG‑mediated alterations to the molecular mechanism of metabolism require further investigation. Thus, reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression levels of long non‑coding (lnc)RNA taurine‑upregulated gene 1 (TUG1), Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), AMP‑activated protein kinase (AMPK) and uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) in the serum of T2DM patients, as well as in HIEC‑6 and SW480 cells following treatment with high glucose and high fat (HGHF). Protein expression was detected by western blotting. Cell Counting Kit‑8 assays were performed to analyze cell viability, and flow cytometry and a TUNEL assay was performed to evaluate cell apoptosis. The secretion of ILs in the culture medium was detected by conducting ELISAs. The results showed that lncRNA TUG1 and UCP2 expression was upregulated, SIRT1 and AMPK expression levels were decreased by SG. Under HGHF conditions, HIEC‑6 and SW480 cell viability was inhibited, apoptosis was promoted, TUG1 expression was downregulated, and SIRT1 and AMPK expression levels were upregulated. The secretory levels of IL‑1β, IL‑6 and IL‑8 were increased, whereas the secretion of IL‑10 was decreased under HGHF conditions. lncRNA TUG1 overexpression significantly reversed the effects of HGHF on cell viability, apoptosis and SIRT1, AMPK, UCP2 and Bcl‑2 expression levels. Together, the findings of the present study demonstrated that lncRNA TUG1 alleviated the damage induced by HGHF in intestinal epithelial cells by downregulating SIRT1 and AMPK expression, and upregulating UCP2 expression. Thus, the lncRNA TUG1/AMPK/SIRT1/UCP2 axis may serve an important role in the treatment of T2DM.

LncRNA UCA1 Promotes the Progression of AML by Upregulating the Expression of CXCR4 and CYP1B1 by Affecting the Stability of METTL14

Objective. Increasing numbers of studies have proved that m6A methylation plays crucial roles in different cancers. However, how lncRNA regulates m6A methylation and participates in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to explore the function and mechanism of UCA1 in AML by regulating m6A methylation. Methods. qRT-PCR, western blot, and immunohistochemical staining were used to detect the expression of METTL14, CXCR4, and CYP1B1. qRT-PCR was used to detect the expression of UCA1. CCK8, flow cytometry, and transwell assays were used to detect the proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of HL60 and U937 cells, respectively. m6A methylation was detected by dot blot analysis. Tumor-bearing mice were established, and tumor weight and volume were analyzed. Immunofluorescence staining, co-localization, and RNA pull-down were used to confirm the reaction between UCA1 and METTL14. Results. Overexpression of UCA1 promotes AML development in vitro. Furthermore, we found that METTL14-influenced m6A methylation could be affected by UCA1. UCA1 promoted AML development by regulating m6A methylation. Moreover, the expression of CYP1B1 and CXCR4 was affected by METTL14. In addition, UCA1 promoted AML development by affecting m6A methylation in vivo. Conclusion. In the present study, we demonstrated that lncRNAUCA1 promotes the progression of AML by upregulating the expression of CXCR4 and CYP1B1 by affecting the stability of METTL14.

m6A-related lncRNAs predict prognosis and indicate immune microenvironment in acute myeloid leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a complex hematologic malignancy. Survival rate of AML patients is low. N6-methyladenosine (m⁶A) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in AML tumorigenesis and progression. However, the relationship between lncRNAs and biological characteristics of AML, as well as how lncRNAs influence the prognosis of AML patients, remain unclear. In this study. In this study, Pearson correlation analysis was used to identify lncRNAs related to m⁶A regulatory genes, namely m⁶A-related lncRNAs. And we analyzed their roles and prognostic values in AML. m⁶A-related lncRNAs associated with patient prognosis were screened using univariate Cox regression analysis, followed by systematic analysis of the relationship between these genes and AML clinicopathologic and biologic characteristics. Furthermore, we examined the characteristics of tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) using different IncRNA clustering models. Using LASSO regression, we identified the risk signals related to prognosis of AML patients. We then constructed and verified a risk model based on m⁶A-related lncRNAs for independent prediction of overall survival in AML patients. Our results indicate that risk scores, calculated based on risk-related signaling, were related to the clinicopathologic characteristics of AML and level of immune infiltration. Finally, we examined the expression level of TRAF3IP2-AS1 in patient samples through real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis and in GEO datasets, and we identified a interaction relationship between SRSF10 and TRAF3IP2-AS1 through in vitro assays. Our study shows that m⁶A-related lncRNAs, evaluated using the risk prediction model, can potentially be used to predict prognosis and design immunotherapy in AML patients.

Molecular Mechanisms of lncRNAs in the Dependent Regulation of Cancer and Their Potential Therapeutic Use

Deep whole genome and transcriptome sequencing have highlighted the importance of an emerging class of non-coding RNA longer than 200 nucleotides (i.e., long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs)) that are involved in multiple cellular processes such as cell differentiation, embryonic development, and tissue homeostasis. Cancer is a prime example derived from a loss of homeostasis, primarily caused by genetic alterations both in the genomic and epigenetic landscape, which results in deregulation of the gene networks. Deregulation of the expression of many lncRNAs in samples, tissues or patients has been pointed out as a molecular regulator in carcinogenesis, with them acting as oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes. Herein, we summarize the distinct molecular regulatory mechanisms described in literature in which lncRNAs modulate carcinogenesis, emphasizing epigenetic and genetic alterations in particular. Furthermore, we also reviewed the current strategies used to block lncRNA oncogenic functions and their usefulness as potential therapeutic targets in several carcinomas.

A novel imatinib-upregulated long noncoding RNA plays a critical role in inhibition of tumor growth induced by Abl oncogenes

BACKGROUND

Dysregulation of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) has been linked to various human cancers. Bcr-Abl oncogene that results from a reciprocal translocation between human chromosome 9 and 22, is associated with several hematological malignancies. However, the role of lncRNAs in Bcr-Abl-induced leukemia remains largely unexplored.

METHODS

LncRNA cDNA microarray was employed to identify key lncRNAs involved in Bcr-Abl-mediated cellular transformation. Abl-transformed cell survival and xenografted tumor growth in mice were evaluated to dissect the role of imatinib-upregulated lncRNA 1 (IUR1) in Abl-induced tumorigenesis. Primary bone marrow transformation and in vivo leukemia transplant using lncRNA-IUR1 knockout (KO) mice were further conducted to address the functional relevance of lncRNA-IUR1 in Abl-mediated leukemia. Transcriptome RNA-seq and Western blotting were performed to determine the mechanisms by which lncRNA-IUR1 regulates Bcr-Abl-induced tumorigenesis.

RESULTS

We identified lncRNA-IUR1 as a critical negative regulator of Bcr-Abl-induced tumorigenesis. LncRNA-IUR1 expressed in a very low level in Bcr-Abl-positive cells from chronic myeloid leukemia patients. Interestingly, it was significantly induced in Abl-positive leukemic cells treated by imatinib. Depletion of lncRNA-IUR1 promoted survival of Abl-transformed human leukemic cells in experiments in vitro and xenografted tumor growth in mice, whereas ectopic expression of lncRNA-IUR1 sensitized the cells to apoptosis and suppressed tumor growth. In concert, silencing murine lncRNA-IUR1 in Abl-transformed cells accelerated cell survival and the development of leukemia in mice. Furthermore, lncRNA-IUR1 deficient mice were generated, and we observed that knockout of murine lncRNA-IUR1 facilitated Bcr-Abl-mediated primary bone marrow transformation. Moreover, animal leukemia model revealed that lncRNA-IUR1 deficiency promoted Abl-transformed cell survival and development of leukemia in mice. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that lncRNA-IUR1 suppressed Bcr-Abl-induced tumorigenesis through negatively regulating STAT5-mediated GATA3 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings unveil an inhibitory role of lncRNA-IUR1 in Abl-mediated cellular transformation, and provide new insights into molecular mechanisms underlying Abl-induced leukemogenesis.

Identification of the 7-lncRNA Signature as a Prognostic Biomarker for Acute Myeloid Leukemia

A lot of evidence has emphasized the function of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in tumors' development and progression. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of lncRNA biomarkers that can predict the prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Our goal was to develop a lncRNA marker with prognostic value for the survival of AML. AML patients' RNA sequencing data as well as clinical characteristics were obtained from the public TARGET database. Then, differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified in female and male AML samples. By adopting univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses, AML patients' survival was predicted by a seven-lncRNA signature. It was found that 95 abnormal expressed lncRNAs existed in AML. Then, the analysis of multivariate Cox regression showed that, among them, 7 (LINC00461, RP11-309M23.1, AC016735.2, RP11-61I13.3, KIAA0087, RORB-AS1, and AC012354.6) had an obvious prognostic value, and according to their cumulative risk scores, these 7 lncRNA signatures could independently predict the AML patients' overall survival. Overall, the prognosis of AML patients could be predicted by a reliable tool, that is, seven-lncRNA prognostic signature.

Association study of SNPs in LncRNA CDKN2B-AS1 with breast cancer susceptibility in Chinese Han population

BACKGROUND

The study aimed to analysis the genetic variation of the lncRNA CDKN2B-AS1 SNPs, and explored the regulation of SNPs on the invasion and metastasis of Breast cancer (BC).

METHODS

The SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) was screened for genotyping among 504 Chinese Han patients and 505 controls, which were frequency-matched for age ( ± 2 years). Logistic analysis was to explore the relationship between SNPs and the BC risk. Interactions between SNPs and reproductive factors was explored using the multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) method. qRT-PCR was conducted to detect the CDKN2B-AS1 expression in plasma of different rs10965215 and rs2518723 genotypes. The effect of rs10965215 A>G mutation on the binding ability of CDKN2B-AS1 and miR-4440 was verified by dual luciferase experiment. CCK-8, scratch and Transwell experiment were performed to explore the effect of miR-4440 over-expression on BC cell proliferation, migration and invasion.

RESULTS

A total of 13 SNP was screened. The individuals with SNPs rs2518723C>T, rs10965215 A>G, rs77792598C>G, rs4977753 T > C, rs75917766C>T and rs78545330C>G mutations might increase the BC risk. MDR results revealed that individuals with rs10965215 G genotype who age at menarche≥ 13 and regardless of the number of abortion< 2 or ≥ 2 had a higher risk of BC. The relative expression of CDKN2B-AS1 in rs10965215 homozygous wild AA genotype (8.88 ± 3.43) was lower than heterozygous GA (11.08 ± 2.90) and homozygous mutant GG genotype (11.31 ± 2.90). When rs10965215 wild A genotype was carried, there was an interaction between CDKN2B-AS1 and miR-4440. The CCK-8, Transwell, and scratch experiment were all found that miR-4440 over-expression might enhance the proliferation, invasion and migration of BC cells.

- CONCLUSION

CDKN2B-AS1 gene polymorphism might be related to the susceptibility of BC, CDKN2B-AS1 rs10965215 A/G genotype probably affect the proliferation, invasion and migration of BC cells by modulating the interactions with of miR-4440.

Immune-relatedlncRNAs can predict the prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia

The immune microenvironment in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is closely related to patients' prognosis. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as key regulators in immune systems. In this study, we established a prognostic model using an immune-related lncRNA (IRL) signature to predict AML patients' overall survival (OS) through Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Kaplan-Meier analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, univariate Cox regression, and multivariate Cox regression analyses further illustrated the reliability of our prognostic model. An IRL signature-based nomogram consisting of other clinical features efficiently predicted the OS of AML patients. The incorporation of the IRL signature improved the ELN2017 risk stratification system's prognostic accuracy. In addition, we found that monocytes and metabolism-related pathways may play a role in AML progression. Overall, the IRL signature appears as a novel effective model for evaluating the OS of AML patients and may be implemented to contribute to the prolonged OS in AML patients.

Downregulation of LINC01296 suppresses non-small-cell lung cancer via targeting miR-143-3p/ATG2B

The 5-year survival rate of lung cancer is one of the lowest among various malignant tumors. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), noncoding RNAs longer than 200 nucleotides, can function either as tumor suppressors or as oncogenes. The aim of this study is to investigate the function of lncRNA LINC01296 and its molecular mechanism in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). According to the Gene Expression Omnibus database, 10 differentially expressed lncRNAs in NSCLC cells and patient tissues are upregulated. LINC01296 is the one with the most significant overexpression. Knockdown of LINC01296 inhibits the growth and migration, arrests the cell cycle, and promotes the apoptosis of NSCLC cells. Knocking down LINC01296 in vivo suppresses tumor growth and metastasis. LINC01296 also acts as the sponge of miR-143-3p. Lowering the expression of LINC01296 leads to decreased expression of autophagy-related 2B (ATG2B), a target gene of miR-143-3p. Moreover, downregulation of LINC01296 promotes paclitaxel sensitivity in NSCLC. These results demonstrated that the LINC01296/miR-143-3p/ATG2B axis is crucial in promoting the development of NSCLC and paclitaxel resistance. Our study may provide new ideas for the further research of clinical chemotherapy of NSCLC in the near future.

LINC00998 functions as a novel tumor suppressor in acute myeloid leukemia via regulating the ZFP36 ring finger protein/mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2 axis

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a severe hematologic malignancy that threatens human health. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is emerged as a key player in human cancer. Herein, we explored the role of LINC00998 in human AML. LINC00998 was significantly decreased in human AML, which was linked to relapse and poor prognosis. Stable overexpression of LINC00998 inhibited AML cell viability, colony ability, DNA synthesis rate and increased apoptosis. LINC00998 was mainly located in the cytoplasm, in which interacted with ZFP36 ring finger protein (ZFP36), a mRNA destabilizing factor, resulting in increased decay of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORC2), a well-known proto-oncogene in AML. Overexpression of mTORC2 partly blocked the tumor suppressive effects of LINC00998. Importantly, LINC00998 shortened in vivo AML cell survival in xenograft tumor model. Taken together, we found that LINC00998 is a novel tumor-inhibiting lncRNA in human AML. The dysregulation of LINC00998/ZFP36/mTORC2 axis is linked to leukemogenesis and progression.

Silencing of ISLR inhibits tumour progression and glycolysis by inactivating the IL‑6/JAK/STAT3 pathway in non‑small cell lung cancer

Lung cancer is the second most frequent cancer type in both men and women, and it is considered to be one of the major causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. However, few biomarkers are currently available for the diagnosis of lung cancer. The aim of the present study was to investigate the function of the immunoglobulin superfamily containing leucine-rich repeat (ISLR) gene in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells, and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism of its action. The current study analysed ISLR expression in NSCLC tumour and normal tissues using The Cancer Genome Atlas cohort datasets. ISLR expression in NSCLC cell lines was determined using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. Cell Counting Kit-8, soft agar colony formation, wound healing, Transwell, flow cytometry and glycolysis assays were performed to determine the effects of ISLR silencing or overexpression on cells. The expression levels of the genes involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), apoptosis and glycolysis were evaluated via western blotting. Transfected cells were exposed to the pathway activator, IL-6, to validate the regulatory pathway. ISLR was overexpressed in NSCLC tissues and cell lines. Overall, patients with high ISLR expression had lower survival rates. In addition, small interfering RNA-ISLR inhibited the proliferation, EMT, migration, invasion and glycolysis of NSCLC cells, and promoted their apoptosis. ISLR overexpression had the opposite effect on tumour progression and glycolysis in NSCLC cells. Gene set enrichment analysis and western blotting results indicated that the IL-6/Janus kinase (JAK)/STAT3 pathway was enriched in ISLR-related NSCLC. Knockdown of ISLR inhibited IL-6-induced proliferation, invasion, migration and glycolysis in human NSCLC cells. In summary, ISLR silencing can inhibit tumour progression and glycolysis in NSCLC cells by activating the IL-6/JAK/STAT3 signalling pathway, which is a potential molecular target for NSCLC diagnosis and treatment.

Integrated analysis identifies a novel lncRNA prognostic signature associated with aerobic glycolysis and hub pathways in breast cancer

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a crucial role in cancer aerobic glycolysis. However, glycolysis‐related lncRNAs are still underexplored in breast cancer. In this study, we identified the five most glycolysis‐related lncRNAs in breast cancer to construct a prognostic signature, which could distinguish between patients with unfavorable and favorable prognoses. To investigate the role of signature lncRNAs in breast cancer, we profiled their expression levels in breast cancer progression cell line model. Real‐time PCR revealed that the five lncRNAs could contribute to breast cancer initiation or progression. Furthermore, we observed that the levels of four lncRNAs expression had a significant trend of gradient upregulation with the addition of glycolysis inhibitor in breast cancer cells. Afterward, random forest and logistic regression were conducted to assess the model's performance in stratifying glycolysis status. Finally, a nomogram including the lncRNA signature and clinical features was developed, and its efficacy in predicting the survival time and clinical utility was evaluated using a calibration curve, concordance index, and decision curve analysis. In this study, gene set enrichment analysis showed that the mTOR pathway, a central pathway in tumor initiation and progression, was significantly enriched in the high‐risk group. In addition, gene set variation analysis was performed to validate our findings in two independent datasets. Subsequent weighted gene co‐expression network analysis, followed by enrichment analysis, indicated that downstream cell growth‐related signaling was strikingly activated in the high‐risk group, and may directly promote tumor progression and escalate mortality risk in patients with high‐risk scores. Overall, our findings may provide novel insight into lncRNA‐related metabolic regulation, and help to develop promising prognostic indicators and therapeutic targets for breast cancer patients.

Long noncoding RNAs: A novel insight in the leukemogenesis and drug resistance in acute myeloid leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a common hematological disorder with heterogeneous nature that resulted from blocked myeloid differentiation and an enhanced number of immature myeloid progenitors. During several decades, different factors, including cytogenetic, genetic, and epigenetic have been reported to contribute to the pathogenesis of AML by inhibiting the differentiation and ensuring the proliferation of myeloid blast cells. Recently, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been considered as potential diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic factors in different human malignancies including AML. Altered expression of lncRNAs is correlated with the transformation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells into leukemic blast cells because of their distinct role in the key cellular processes. We discuss the significant role of lncRNAs in the proliferation, survival, differentiation, leukemic stem cells in AML and their involvement in different molecular pathways (insulin-like growth factor type I receptor, FLT3, c-KIT, Wnt, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase-B, microRNAs), and associated mechanisms such as autophagy, apoptosis, and glucose metabolism. In addition, we aim to highlight the role of lncRNAs as reliable biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and drug resistance for precision medicine in AML.

LncRNA OIP5-AS1 Regulates the Warburg Effect Through miR-124-5p/IDH2/HIF-1α Pathway in Cervical Cancer

Hypoxia reprogrammed glucose metabolism affects the Warburg effect of tumor cells, but the mechanism is still unclear. Long-chain non-coding RNA (lncRNA) has been found by many studies to be involved in the Warburg effect of tumor cells under hypoxic condition. Herein, we find that lncRNA OIP5-AS1 is up-regulated in cervical cancer tissues and predicts poor 5-years overall survival in cervical cancer patients, and it promotes cell proliferation of cervical cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, OIP5-AS1 is a hypoxia-responsive lncRNA and is essential for hypoxia-enhanced glycolysis which is IDH2 or hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) dependent. In cervical cancer cells, OIP5-AS1 promotes IDH2 expression by inhibiting miR-124-5p, and IDH2 promotes the Warburg effect of cervical under hypoxic condition through regulating HIF-1α expression. In conclusion, hypoxia induced OIP5-AS1 promotes the Warburg effect through miR-124-5p/IDH2/HIF-1α pathway in cervical cancer.

LncRNA MEG3 Involved in NiO NPs-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis via Regulating TGF-β1-Mediated PI3K/AKT Pathway

Long noncoding RNA maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3) involves in fibrotic diseases, but its role in nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO NPs)-induced pulmonary fibrosis remains unclear. The present study aimed to explore the relationships among MEG3, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway in NiO NPs-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Wistar rats were intratracheally instilled with NiO NPs twice a week for 9 weeks, and human lung adenocarcinoma epithelial cells (A549 cells) were exposed to NiO NPs for 24 h. The pathological alterations and increased hydroxyproline indicated that NiO NPs caused pulmonary fibrosis in rats. The up-regulated type I collagen (Col-I) suggested that NiO NPs-induced collagen deposition in A549 cells. Meanwhile, NiO NPs could significantly down-regulate MEG3, up-regulate TGF-β1 and activate PI3K/AKT signaling pathway both in vivo and in vitro. However, we found that the PI3K/AKT pathway activated by NiO NPs could be suppressed by 10 μM TGF-β1 inhibitor (SB431542) in A549 cells. The protein markers (Col-I, Fibronectin, and alpha-smooth muscle actin) of collagen deposition up-regulated by NiO NPs were reduced by 10 μM PI3K inhibitor (LY294002). Furthermore, we further found that overexpressed MEG3 inhibited the expression of TGF-β1, resulting in the inactivation of PI3K/AKT pathway and the reduction of collagen formation. In summary, our results validated that MEG3 could arrest NiO NPs-induced pulmonary fibrosis via inhibiting TGF-β1-mediated PI3K/AKT pathway.

CRNDE enhances the expression of MCM5 and proliferation in acute myeloid leukemia KG-1a cells by sponging miR-136-5p

The long-noncoding RNA colorectal neoplasia differentially expressed (CRNDE) gene has been considered to be crucial in tumor malignancy. Although CRNDE is highly expressed in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), its mechanism of action remains unknown. In this study, GEPIA and qRT-PCR were performed to confirm the expression of CRNDE in AML samples and cell lines, respectively. CRNDE shRNA vectors were transfected to explore the biological functions of CRNDE. The cell proliferation was assessed by the CCK8 assay, while apoptosis and cell cycle distribution were measured by flow cytometry and Western blotting. The results showed that CRNDE was overexpressed in both AML samples and cell lines. CRNDE silencing inhibited proliferation and increased apoptotic rate and cell cycle arrest of KG-1a cells. The luciferase reporter assay coupled with RIP assay revealed that CRNDE act as a ceRNA. Rescue assays demonstrated that the effects of CRNDE silencing could be reversed by miR-136-5p inhibitors. In conclusion, our results expound that the CRNDE/miR-136-5p/MCM5 axis modulates cell progression and provide a new regulatory network of CRNDE in KG-1a cells.

Emerging roles of a pivotal lncRNA SBF2-AS1 in cancers

Long non-coding RNAs refer to transcripts over 200 nt in length that lack the ability to encode proteins, which occupy the majority of the genome and play a crucial role in the occurrence and development of human diseases, especially cancers. SBF2-AS1, a newly identified long non-coding RNA, has been verified to be highly expressed in diversiform cancers, and is involved in processes promoting tumorigenesis, tumor progression and tumor metastasis. Moreover, upregulation of SBF2-AS1 expression was significantly related to disadvantageous clinicopathologic characteristics and indicated poor prognosis. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the up-to-date knowledge of the detailed mechanisms and underlying functions of SBF2-AS1 in diverse cancer types, highlighting the potential of SBF2-AS1 as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and even a therapeutic target.

Role of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a debilitating condition of the pulmonary circulatory system that occurs in patients of all ages and if untreated, eventually leads to right heart failure and death. Despite existing medical treatment options that improve survival and quality of life, the disease remains incurable. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop novel therapies to treat this disease. Emerging evidence suggests that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical roles in pulmonary vascular remodeling and PAH. LncRNAs are implicated in pulmonary arterial endothelial dysfunction by modulating endothelial cell proliferation, angiogenesis, endothelial mesenchymal transition, and metabolism. LncRNAs are also involved in inducing different pulmonary arterial vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypes, such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, regulation of the phenotypic switching, and cell cycle. LncRNAs are essential regulators of gene expression that affect various diseases at the chromatin, transcriptional, post-translational, and even post-translational levels. Here, we focus on the role of LncRNAs and their molecular mechanisms in the pathogenesis of PAH. We also discuss the current research challenge and potential biomarker and therapeutic potentials of lncRNAs in PAH.

A Prognostic Autophagy-Related Long Non-coding RNA (ARlncRNA) Signature in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

Background

Some studies have proven that autophagy and lncRNA play important roles in AML. Several autophagy related lncRNA signatures have been shown to affect the survival of patients in some other cancers. However, the role of autophagy related lncRNA in AML has not been explored yet. Hence, this study aims to find an autophagy related lncRNA signature that can affect survival for AML patients.

Method

A Pearson correlation analysis, a Kaplan–Meier survival curve, a univariate cox regression, and a multivariate cox regression were performed to establish an autophagy related lncRNA signature. A univariate cox regression, a multivariate cox regression, a Kaplan–Meier survival curve, and a ROC curve were applied to confirm if the signature is an independent prognosis for AML patients. The relationship between the signature and the clinical features was explored by using a T test. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was used to investigate the potential tumor related pathways.

Results

A four-autophagy related lncRNA (MIR133A1HG, AL359715.1, MIRLET7BHG, and AL356752.1) signature was established. The high risk score based on signature was related to the short survival time of AML patients. The signature was an independent factor for the prognosis for AML patients (HR = 1.684, 95% CI = 1.324–2.142, P < 0.001). The signature was correlated with age, leukocyte numbers, and FAB (M3 or non-M3). The P53, IL6/JAK/STAT3, TNF-α, INF-γ, and IL2/STAT5 pathways might contribute to the differences between the risk groups based on signature in AML.

Conclusion

The four autophagy related lncRNAs and their signature might be novel biomarkers for predicting the survival of AML patients. Some biological pathways might be the potential mechanisms of the signature for the survival of AML patients.

miR-593-3p Promotes Proliferation and Invasion in Prostate Cancer Cells by Targeting ADIPOR1

Background

Accumulating evidence has indicated that dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) contributes to the tumorigenesis of prostate cancer (PCa). Nevertheless, the role of miR-593-3p in the development of PCa remains unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the role and mechanisms of miR-593-3p in PCa cells.

Methods

RT-PCR was used to detect the expression levels of miR-593-3p. CCK-8, colony formation, spheroid formation and transwell assays were performed to examine the proliferation, migration and invasion of C4-2, DU145 and RWPE-1 cells. And then, transcriptome sequencing, dual-luciferase reporter assay and Western blot were taken to identify the target gene and downstream mechanisms of miR-593-3p.

Results

Here, we found that miR-593-3p promoted PCa cell proliferation, colony formation, spheroid formation, migration and invasion. Further mechanistic studies revealed that miR-593-3p possessed binding sites of ADIPOR1 3ʹ-UTR and played an important role in 5ʹ-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. In addition, the transfection of si-ADIPOR1 also enhanced the PCa cell proliferation and invasion.

Conclusion

Our study provides an empirical investigation of miR-593-3p, which exerts oncogenic function through targeting ADIPOR1 in PCa cells.

Long non-coding RNA ANRIL and its target microRNAs (microRNA-34a, microRNA-125a and microRNA-186) relate to risk stratification and prognosis in multiple myeloma

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the correlations of long non-coding RNA ANRIL (lncRNA ANRIL), microRNA (miR)-34a, miR-125a and miR-186 with disease risk, clinical features and prognosis of multiple myeloma (MM).

METHOD

Totally, 87 MM patients and 30 controls were recruited. LncRNA ANRIL and its target miRNAs (miR-34a, miR-125a and miR-186) in bone marrow derived plasma cells were detected by RT-qPCR. Treatment response was assessed and survivals were calculated in MM patients.

RESULTS

LncRNA ANRIL expression was increased, while miR-34a, miR-125a and miR-186 expressions were reduced in MM patients compared with controls. Meanwhile, lncRNA ANRIL negatively correlated with miR-34a and miR-125a but not miR-186 in MM patients, while did not correlate with miR-34a, miR-125a or miR-186 in controls. In MM patients, lncRNA ANRIL high expression associated with higher beta-2-microglobulin (β2-MG) and more advanced international staging system (ISS) stage; miR-125a high expression associated with lower β2-MG, less advanced ISS stage and less t (14; 16) abnormality; miR186 high expression associated with increased albumin; while miR-34a did not associate with any clinical features. Furthermore, lncRNA ANRIL high expression associated with decreased complete response (CR), while miR-34a high and miR-125a high expression associated with increased CR and objective response rate. Additionally, lncRNA ANRIL high expression associated with shorter progression-free survival (PFS), while miR-34a high expression associated with prolonged overall survival (OS), and miR-125a high expression associated with longer PFS and OS.

CONCLUSION

LncRNA ANRIL and its target miRNAs might serve as biomarkers for assisting with personalized treatment and prognosis improvement of MM.

The mutual regulatory loop between TPTEP1 and miR-1303 in leukemogenesis of acute myeloid leukemia

Background

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been identified as key regulators during the pathogenesis and development of cancers. However, most of ncRNAs have never been explored in acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Methods

Gene expression was evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) or western blot. Functional assays were performed to assess the cellular processes in AML cells. The relationship between genes was verified by means of a series of mechanism assays.

Results

Transmembrane phosphatase with tensin homology pseudogene 1 (TPTEP1) was notably downregulated in AML cells, and functionally acted as a proliferation-inhibitor. Additionally, TPTEP1 suppressed AML cell growth by inactivating c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)/c-JUN signaling pathway. MicroRNA (MiR)-1303, as an oncogene, was predicted and validated as a target of c-JUN in AML cells. Also, TPTEP1 interacted with miR-1303 and they were mutually silenced by each other in AML cells. Furthermore, the effect of TPTEP1 overexpression on AML cell proliferation was counteracted under miR-1303 upregulation.

Conclusion

Our findings unmasked a feedback loop of TPTEP1/JNK/c-JUN/miR-1303 axis in AML cells, suggesting TPTEP1 and miR-1303 as potential targets for developing therapeutic strategies for AML patients.

Puerarin protects cardiomyocytes from ischemia-reperfusion injury by upregulating LncRNA ANRIL and inhibiting autophagy

This study analyzed the roles of puerarin and LncRNA ANRIL in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. Hypoxia/reperfusion (H/R) model was established with H9C2 cells. Effects of puerarin of gradient concentrations on cardiomyocytes at different time points of hypoxia and reoxygenation were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), and microscope observation. Effects of puerarin on cardiomyocyte viability, ANRIL expression, contents of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and malondialdehyde (MDA), apoptosis, and expressions of autophagy-related genes after H/R injury were determined by CCK-8, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), ELISA, flow cytometry, and Western blot, respectively. After cell transfection, the effects of overexpressed and knockdown of ANRIL on cardiomyocytes and H/R-injured cardiomyocytes were examined by rescue experiments. The ischemia-reperfusion (I/R)-injured rat model was established to examine the protective effect of puerarin in vivo. Prolonged hypoxia downregulated ANRIL expression in cardiomyocytes and reduced cardiomyocyte viability. Prolonged reoxygenation increased apoptosis. Both cardiomyocyte viability and ANRIL expression showed a dose-dependent relationship with puerarin. Puerarin reversed the effects of H/R injury on cardiomyocyte viability, ANRIL expression, contents of LDH and MDA, apoptosis, and expressions of autophagy-related genes. Overexpression and knockdown of ANRIL regulated the functions of cardiomyocytes and the expressions of autophagy-related genes. Puerarin reversed the effects of knockdown of ANRIL on H/R-injured cells. The results of In vivo experiments confirmed that puerarin protected myocardial tissues by up-regulating ANRIL and inhibiting autophagy.