LncHOXA10 drives liver TICs self-renewal and tumorigenesis via HOXA10 transcription activation

DNA methylation-activated full-length EMX1 facilitates metastasis through EMX1-EGFR-ERK axis in hepatocellular carcinoma

Altered DNA methylation is a crucial epigenetic event in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development and progression. Through methylation-transcriptomic analysis, we identified a set of sixty potential DNA methylation-based epidriver genes. In this set of genes, we focused on the hypermethylation of EMX1, which is frequently observed in hepatobiliary tumors. Despite of its frequent occurrence, the function of EMX1 remains largely unknown. By utilizing bisulfite-next-generation sequencing, we have detected EMX1 DNA hypermethylation on the gene body, which is positively correlated with EMX1 mRNA expression. Further analysis revealed that EMX1 mRNA terminal exon splicing in HCC generated two protein isoforms: EMX1 full length (EMX1-FL) and alternative terminal exon splicing isoform (EMX1-X1). Cellular functional assays demonstrated that gain-of-function EMX1-FL, but not EMX1-X1, induced HCC cells migration and invasion while silencing EMX1-FL inhibited HCC cells motility. This result was further validated by in vivo tumor metastasis models. Mechanistically, EMX1-FL bound to EGFR promoter, promoting EGFR transcription and activating EGFR-ERK signaling to trigger tumor metastasis. Therefore, EGFR may be a potential therapeutic target for EMX1-high expression HCC. Our work illuminated the crucial role of gene body hypermethylation-activated EMX1-FL in promoting tumorigenesis and metastasis in HCC. These findings pave the way for targeting the EMX1-EGFR axis in HCC tumorigenicity and metastasis.

Cooperation between NSPc1 and DNA methylation represses HOXA11 expression and promotes apoptosis of trophoblast cells during preeclampsia

Accumulating evidence has shown that the apoptosis of trophoblast cells plays an important role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia, and an intricate interplay between DNA methylation and polycomb group (PcG) protein-mediated gene silencing has been highlighted recently. Here, we provide evidence that the expression of nervous system polycomb 1 (NSPc1), a BMI1 homologous polycomb protein, is significantly elevated in trophoblast cells during preeclampsia, which accelerates trophoblast cell apoptosis. Since NSPc1 acts predominantly as a transcriptional inactivator that specifically represses HOXA11 expression in trophoblast cells during preeclampsia, we further show that NSPc1 is required for DNMT3a recruitment and maintenance of the DNA methylation in the HOXA11 promoter in trophoblast cells during preeclampsia. In addition, we find that the interplay of DNMT3a and NSPc1 represses the expression of HOXA11 and promotes trophoblast cell apoptosis. Taken together, these results indicate that the cooperation between NSPc1 and DNMT3a reduces HOXA11 expression in preeclampsia pathophysiology, which provides novel therapeutic approaches for targeted inhibition of trophoblast cell apoptosis during preeclampsia pathogenesis.

miR-135a inhibits the proliferation of HBV-infected hepatocellular carcinoma cells by targeting HOXA10

Background

The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is extremely high. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a type of endogenous non-coding small RNA with novel molecular therapeutic mechanisms that plays an important role in the occurrence and development of cancers. This study aimed to explore the regulation mechanism of miR-135a and HOXA10 in the proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis of HCC cells.

Methods

Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis was used to detect the expression level of miR-135a. Overexpression of miR-135a was used to measure the roles of miR-135a in the proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis of HCC cells. A dual luciferase experiment was performed to assess the relationship between HOXA10 and miR-135a. Western blot was applied to observe the protein levels of p-p38, p-ERK, and p-JNK.

Results

The expression levels of miR-135a were significantly decreased in HCC tissues and cells. Overexpression of miR-135a inhibited the proliferation and invasion but promoted the apoptosis of HCC cells. Importantly, our results confirmed that HOXA10 was a direct target of miR-135a. Under HBV infection, silencing of HOXA10 significantly blocked the proliferation and invasion and promoted the apoptosis of HCC cells. In addition, miR-135a/HOXA10 regulated the expressions of p-p38, p-ERK, and p-JNK through the miR-135a/HOXA10 axis, thereby inhibiting the activation of the MAPK pathway.

Conclusions

HBV promoted the proliferation and invasion, and inhibited the apoptosis of HCC cells by regulating the miR-135a/HOXA10 pathway. These findings provide a theoretical basis for improving the treatment of HBV-infected HCC patients.

Dissecting novel mechanisms of hepatitis B virus related hepatocellular carcinoma using meta-analysis of public data

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Interestingly, this process is not necessarily mediated through cirrhosis and may in fact involve oncogenic processes. Prior studies have suggested specific oncogenic gene expression pathways were affected by viral regulatory proteins. Thus, identifying these genes and associated pathways could highlight predictive factors for HCC transformation and has implications in early diagnosis and treatment.

AIM

To elucidate HBV oncogenesis in HCC and identify potential therapeutic targets.

METHODS

We employed our Search, Tag, Analyze, Resource platform to conduct a meta-analysis of public data from National Center for Biotechnology Information’s Gene Expression Omnibus. We performed meta-analysis consisting of 155 tumor samples compared against 185 adjacent non-tumor samples and analyzed results with ingenuity pathway analysis.

RESULTS

Our analysis revealed liver X receptors/retinoid X receptor (RXR) activation and farnesoid X receptor/RXR activation as top canonical pathways amongst others. Top upstream regulators identified included the Ras family gene rab-like protein 6 (RABL6). The role of RABL6 in oncogenesis is beginning to unfold but its specific role in HBV-related HCC remains undefined. Our causal analysis suggests RABL6 mediates pathogenesis of HBV-related HCC through promotion of genes related to cell division, epigenetic regulation, and Akt signaling. We conducted survival analysis that demonstrated increased mortality with higher RABL6 expression. Additionally, homeobox A10 (HOXA10) was a top upstream regulator and was strongly upregulated in our analysis. HOXA10 has recently been demonstrated to contribute to HCC pathogenesis in vitro. Our causal analysis suggests an in vivo role through downregulation of tumor suppressors and other mechanisms.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis describes possible roles of RABL6 and HOXA10 in the pathogenesis of HBV-related HCC. RABL6 and HOXA10 represent potential therapeutic targets and warrant further investigation.

Modular scaffolding by lncRNA HOXA10-AS promotes oral cancer progression

Recent findings have implicated long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) as pivotal gene regulators for diverse biological processes, despite their lack of protein-coding capabilities. Accumulating evidence suggests the significance of lncRNAs in mediating cell signaling pathways, especially those associated with tumorigenesis. Consequently, lncRNAs have emerged as novel functional regulators and indicators of cancer development and malignancy. Recent transcriptomic profiling has recognized a tumor-biased expressed lncRNA, the HOXA10-AS transcript, whose expression is associated with patient survival. Functional cell-based assays show that the HOXA10-AS transcript is essential in the regulation of oral cancer growth and metastasis. LncRNA expression is also associated with drug sensitivity. In this study, we identify that HOXA10-AS serves as a modular scaffold for TP63 mRNA processing and that such involvement regulates cancer growth. These findings provide a functional interpretation of lncRNA-mediated molecular regulation, highlighting the significance of the lncRNA transcriptome in cancer biology.

Macrophage-derived exosomal aminopeptidase N aggravates sepsis-induced acute lung injury by regulating necroptosis of lung epithelial cell

Sepsis-induced acute lung injury (ALI) is a serious sepsis complication and the prevailing cause of death. Circulating plasma exosomes might exert a key role in regulating intercellular communication between immunological and structural cells, as well as contributing to sepsis-related organ damage. However, the molecular mechanisms by which exosome-mediated intercellular signaling exacerbate ALI in septic infection remains undefined. Therefore, we investigated the effect of macrophage-derived exosomal APN/CD13 on the induction of epithelial cell necrosis. Exosomal APN/CD13 levels in the plasma of septic mice and patients with septic ALI were found to be higher. Furthermore, increased plasma exosomal APN/CD13 levels were associated with the severity of ALI and fatality in sepsis patients. We found remarkably high expression of APN/CD13 in exosomes secreted by LPS-stimulated macrophages. Moreover, c-Myc directly induced APN/CD13 expression and was packed into exosomes. Finally, exosomal APN/CD13 from macrophages regulated necroptosis of lung epithelial cells by binding to the cell surface receptor TLR4 to induce ROS generation, mitochondrial dysfunction and NF-κB activation. These results demonstrate that macrophage-secreted exosomal APN/CD13 can trigger epithelial cell necroptosis in an APN/CD13-dependent manner, which provides insight into the mechanism of epithelial cell functional disorder in sepsis-induced ALI.

Necroptosis of lung epithelial cells is regulated by aminopeptidase N levels in circulating plasma exosomes in patients and mice with sepsis-induced acute lung injury.

The emerging role of ISWI chromatin remodeling complexes in cancer

Disordered chromatin remodeling regulation has emerged as an essential driving factor for cancers. Imitation switch (ISWI) family are evolutionarily conserved ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes, which are essential for cellular survival and function through multiple genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. Omics sequencing and a growing number of basic and clinical studies found that ISWI family members displayed widespread gene expression and genetic status abnormalities in human cancer. Their aberrant expression is closely linked to patient outcome and drug response. Functional or componential alteration in ISWI-containing complexes is critical for tumor initiation and development. Furthermore, ISWI-non-coding RNA regulatory networks and some non-coding RNAs derived from exons of ISWI member genes play important roles in tumor progression. Therefore, unveiling the transcriptional regulation mechanism underlying ISWI family sparked a booming interest in finding ISWI-based therapies in cancer. This review aims at describing the current state-of-the-art in the role of ISWI subunits and complexes in tumorigenesis, tumor progression, immunity and drug response, and presenting deep insight into the physiological and pathological implications of the ISWI transcription machinery in cancers.

Driver and novel genes correlated with metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer: A comprehensive analysis

Although mutations of genes are crucial events in tumorigenesis and development, the association between gene mutations and lung cancer metastasis is still largely unknown. The goal of this study is to identify driver and novel genes associated with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) metastasis. Candidate genes were identified using a novel comprehensive analysis, which was based on bioinformatics technology and meta-analysis. Firstly, EGFR, KRAS, ALK, TP53, BRAF and PIK3CA were identified as candidate driver genes. Further meta-analysis identified that EGFR (Pooled OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.19, 1.50; P < .001) and ALK (Pooled OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.22, 1.89; P < .001) mutations were associated with distant metastasis of NSCLC. Besides, ALK (Pooled OR 2.40, 95% CI 1.71, 3.38; P < .001) mutation was associated with lymph node metastasis of NSCLC. In addition, thirteen novel gene mutations were identified to be correlated with NSCLC metastasis, including SMARCA1, GGCX, KIF24, LRRK1, LILRA4, OR2T10, EDNRB, NR1H4, ARID4A, PRKCI, PABPC5, ACAN and TLN1. Furthermore, elevated mRNA expression level of SMARCA1 and EDNRB was associated with poor overall survival in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC), respectively. Additionally, pathway and protein-protein interactions network analyses found the two genes were correlated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition process. In conclusion, mutations of EGFR and ALK were significantly correlated with NSCLC metastasis. In addition, thirteen novel genes were identified to be associated with NSCLC metastasis, especially SMARCA1 in LUAD and EDNRB in LUSC.

LncRNAs link cancer stemness to therapy resistance

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a cellular subpopulation accelerating cancer cell growth, invasion and metastasis and survival. After chemoradiotherapy, CSCs are enriched because of their survival advantages and lead to tumor relapse and metastasis. Elimination of CSCs is critically important for the radical treatment of human cancers. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a group of RNAs longer than 200 nucleotides and have no protein-coding potential. Aberrant expressions of lncRNAs are associated with human diseases including cancer. LncRNAs function as cancer biomarkers, prognostic factors and therapeutic targets. They induce cancer stemness by chromatin modification, transcriptional regulation or post-transcriptional regulation of target genes as a sponge or through assembling a scaffold complex. Several factors caused aberrant expressions of lncRNAs in CSCs such as genes mutations, epigenetic alteration and environmental stimuli. Targeting of lncRNAs has been demonstrated to significantly reverse the chemoradioresistance of CSCs. In this review, we have summarized the progress of studies regarding lncRNAs-mediated therapy resistance of CSCs and clarified the molecular mechanisms. Furthermore, we have for the first time analyzed the influences of lncRNAs on cell metabolism and emphasized the effect of tumor microenvironment on lncRNAs functions in CSCs. Overall, the thorough understanding of the association of lncRNAs and CSCs would contribute to the reversal of therapy resistance.

Homeobox B5 promotes metastasis and poor prognosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma, via FGFR4 and CXCL1 upregulation

Background: Since metastasis remains the main reason for HCC-associated death, a better understanding of molecular mechanism underlying HCC metastasis is urgently needed. Here, we elucidated the role of Homeobox B5 (HOXB5), a member of the HOX transcriptional factor family, in promoting HCC metastasis.

Method: The expression of HOXB5 and its functional targets fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1 (CXCL1) were detected by immunohistochemistry. Luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were performed to measure the transcriptional regulation of target genes by HOXB5. The effects of FGFR4 and CXCL1 on HOXB5-mediated metastasis were analyzed by an orthotopic metastasis model.

Results: Elevated expression of HOXB5 had a positive correlation with poor tumour differentiation, higher TNM stage, and indicated unfavorable prognosis. Overexpression of HOXB5 promoted HCC metastasis through transactivating FGFR4 and CXCL1 expression, whereas knockdown of FGFR4 and CXCL1 decreased HOXB5-enhanced HCC metastasis. Moreover, HOXB5 overexpression in HCC cells promoted myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) infiltration through CXCL1/CXCR2 axis. Either depletion of MDSCs by anti-Gr1 or blocking CXCL1-CXCR2 axis by CXCR2 inhibitor impaired HOXB5-mediated HCC metastasis. In addition, fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) contributed to the HOXB5 upregulation through PI3K/AKT/HIF1α pathway. Overexpression of FGF15 (an analog of FGF19 in mouse) promoted HCC metastasis, whereas knockdown of HOXB5 significantly inhibited FGF15-enhanced HCC metastasis in immunocompetent mice. HOXB5 expression was positively associated with CXCL1 expression and intratumoral MDSCs accumulation in human HCC tissues. Patients who co-expressed HOXB5/CXCL1 or HOXB5/CD11b exhibited the worst prognosis. Furthermore, the combination of FGFR4 inhibitor BLU-554 and CXCR2 inhibitor SB265610 dramatically decreased HOXB5-mediated HCC metastasis.

Conclusion: HOXB5 was a potential prognostic biomarker in HCC patients and targeting this loop may provide a promising treatment strategy for the inhibition of HOXB5-mediated HCC metastasis.

The FENDRR/FOXC2 Axis Contributes to Multidrug Resistance in Gastric Cancer and Correlates With Poor Prognosis

The dysregulation of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and transcription factors (TFs) is closely related to the development and progression of drug resistance in cancer chemotherapy. However, their regulatory interactions in the multidrug resistance (MDR) of gastric cancer (GC) has largely remained unknown. In this study, we report a novel oncogenic role of lncRNA FENDRR in conferring MDR in GC by coordinated regulation of FOXC2 expression at the transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that downregulation of FENDRR expression remarkably decreased drug resistant ability of GC MDR cells while upregulation of FENDRR expression produced the opposite effect. FENDRR overexpression was observed in MDR GC cell lines, patient-derived xenografts, and clinical samples. And the high levels of FENDRR expression were correlated with poor prognosis in GC patients. Regarding the mechanism, FENDRR was revealed to increase proto-oncogene FOXC2 transcription by performing an enhancer-like role in the nucleus and by sponging miR-4700-3p in the cytoplasm. Both FOXC2 and miR-4700-3p were shown to be functionally involved in the FENDRR-induced chemoresistance. In addition, there is a positive correlation between FENDRR and FOXC2 expression in clinic and the overexpressed FOXC2 indicated a poor prognosis in GC patients. Collectively, our findings provide a new perspective for the lncRNA-TF regulatory interaction involved in MDR, suggesting that targeting the FENDRR/FOXC2 axis may be an effective approach to circumvent GC chemoresistance.

MicroRNA-497-5p Is Downregulated in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Associated with Tumorigenesis and Poor Prognosis in Patients

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been demonstrated to exhibit important regulatory roles in multiple malignancies, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). hsa-miR-497-5p was reported to involve in cancer progression and poor prognosis in many kinds of tumors. However, the expression and its clinical significance of hsa-miR-497-5p in HCC remain unclear.

Methods

In the present study, we investigated the expression of hsa-miR-497-5p in HCC and analyzed the correction of clinical features with prognosis. The expression levels of hsa-miR-497-5p and potential target genes were analyzed in HCC and adjacent noncancerous tissues using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to analyze hsa-miR-497-5p levels in 328 HCC tissues and 30 paired adjacent noncancer tissues. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of patients with HCC were assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test.

Results

The hsa-miR-497-5p expression levels were decreased, and its target genes ACTG1, CSNK1D, PPP1CC, and BIRC5 were upregulated in HCC tissues compared with normal tissues. Lower levels of hsa-miR-497-5p expression and higher levels of the four target genes were significantly associated with higher tumor diameter. Moreover, patients with lower hsa-miR-497-5p expression and higher target genes levels had shorter OS.

Conclusion

The expression levels of hsa-miR-497-5p may play an important regulatory role in HCC and are closely correlated with HCC progression and poor prognosis in patients. The hsa-miR-497-5p may be a specific therapeutic target for the treatment of HCC.

A novel DNA methylation-based model that effectively predicts prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma

PURPOSE

To build a novel predictive model for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients based on DNA methylation data.

METHODS

Four independent DNA methylation datasets for HCC were used to screen for common differentially methylated genes (CDMGs). Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were used to explore the biological roles of CDMGs in HCC. Univariate Cox analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox analysis were performed to identify survival-related CDMGs (SR-CDMGs) and to build a predictive model. The importance of this model was assessed using Cox regression analysis, propensity score-matched (PSM) analysis and stratification analysis. A validation group from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was constructed to further validate the model.

RESULTS

Four SR-CDMGs were identified and used to build the predictive model. The risk score of this model was calculated as follows: risk score = (0.01489826 × methylation level of WDR69) + (0.15868618 × methylation level of HOXB4) + (0.16674959 × methylation level of CDKL2) + (0.16689301 × methylation level of HOXA10). Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that patients in the low-risk group had a significantly longer overall survival (OS; log-rank P-value =0.00071). The Cox model multivariate analysis and PSM analysis identified the risk score as an independent prognostic factor (P<0.05). Stratified analysis results further confirmed this model performed well. By analyzing the validation group, the results of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and survival analysis further validated this model.

CONCLUSION

Our DNA methylation-based prognosis predictive model is effective and reliable in predicting prognosis for patients with HCC.

Alternative splicing of lncRNAs in human diseases

Alternative splicing (AS), a vital post-transcription process for eukaryote gene expression regulating, can efficiently improve gene utilization and increase the variety of RNA transcripts and proteins. However, AS of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) has not been paid enough attention to compared with that of protein-coding RNAs (mRNAs) for a long time. In fact, AS of ncRNAs, especially long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), also plays a significant regulatory role in the human disease. Recently, some bifunctional genes transcribed into both mRNA and lncRNA transcripts by AS have been observed. Here, we focus on the AS of lncRNAs and bifunctional genes producing lncRNA transcripts and propose a strategy for the future research of lncRNA AS.

HOXA10 promotion of HDAC1 underpins the development of lung adenocarcinoma through the DNMT1-KLF4 axis

Background

Previous research has highlighted the ability of Homeobox A10 (HOXA10) to the promote proliferation, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transformation of various cancers, including lung adenocarcinoma (LAD), which is characterized by an aggressive disease course that exhibits rapid proliferation and migration, with studies suggesting histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) to be a downstream mediator of HOXA10. The current study aimed to investigate the mechanism by which HOXA10-mediated HDAC1 influences the development of LAD.

Methods

The expression patterns of HOXA10, HDAC1, DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), and Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) were determined. Additionally, the effect of HOXA10, HDAC1, or DNMT1 on invasive phenotypes of LAD was analyzed using depletion experiments. The interactions among HOXA10, HDAC1, DNMT1, and KLF4 were evaluated via chromatin immunoprecipitation, dual luciferase assay or co-immunoprecipitation. Furthermore, the tumorigenic ability of the LAD cells following HOXA10 silencing and/or HDAC1 overexpression in vivo was also investigated.

Results

In the LAD tissues and cells, HOXA10, HDAC1, and DNMT1 all exhibited high levels of expression, while KLF4 was poorly expressed. HOXA10 silencing inhibited the expression of HDAC1, reduced LAD cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and promoted the apoptosis. HDAC1 promoted DNMT1 expression through deacetylation, and DNMT1 inhibited the KLF4 expression through DNA methyltransferase. The in vitro findings were further attested through the use of in vivo assays.

Conclusion

Taken together, the key observations of the current study highlight the role of HOXA10 and HDAC1 in promoting the proliferation and migration of LAD cells. HOXA10-induced upregulation of HDAC1 interacts with DNMT1-KLF4 axis, while the inhibition of HOXA10 or HDAC1 represents a promising anti-tumor therapy target for LAD.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-021-01867-0.

Long non-coding RNAs in brain tumors

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been found to be central players in the epigenetic, transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. There is an accumulation of evidence on newly discovered lncRNAs, their molecular interactions and their roles in the development and progression of human brain tumors. LncRNAs can have either tumor suppressive or oncogenic functions in different brain cancers, making them attractive therapeutic targets and biomarkers for personalized therapy and precision diagnostics. Here, we summarize the current state of knowledge of the lncRNAs that have been implicated in brain cancer pathogenesis, particularly in gliomas and medulloblastomas. We discuss their epigenetic regulation as well as the prospects of using lncRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in patients with brain tumors.

Silencing lncRNA DUXAP8 inhibits lung adenocarcinoma progression by targeting miR-26b-5p

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), a common type of lung cancer, has become a popularly aggressive cancer. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a critical role in the pathogenesis of human cancers, while the function of double homeobox A pseudogene 8 (DUXAP8) in LUAD remains to be fully inquired. Therefore, our study was conducted to elucidate the DUXAP8 expression in LUAD and its mechanism on the biological features of LUAD cells. Loss-of-function experiments were performed to assess the function of DUXAP8 proliferation and apoptosis of H1975 and A549 cells. Functionally, silencing DUXAP8 inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis of LUAD cells. Mechanistically, further correlation assay indicated a negative association between miR-26b-5p and DUXAP8 expression. Subsequently, we testified that DUXAP8 exerted its role in the progression and development of LUAD through targeting miR-26b-5p. In summary, our results elucidated that that DUXAP8 promoted tumor progression in LUAD by targeting miR-26b-5p, which provide a novel therapeutic target for diagnosis and therapy of LUAD.

Modulation of the TGF-β signaling pathway by long noncoding RNA in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a type of liver cancer with poor prognosis. There have been demonstrated to exist many possible mechanisms in HCC tumorigenesis, and recent investigations have provided some promising therapy targets. However, further mechanisms remain to be researched to improve the therapeutic strategy and diagnosis of HCC. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a pleiotropic cytokine which plays critical roles in networks of different cellular processes, and TGF-β signaling has been found to participate in tumor initiation and development of HCC in recent years. Moreover, among the molecules and signaling pathways, researchers paid more attention to lncRNAs (long non-coding RNAs), but the connection between lncRNAs and TGF-βremain poorly understood. In this review, we conclude the malignant procedure which lncRNAs and TGF-β involved in, and summarize the mechanisms of lncRNAs and TGF-βin HCC initiation and development. Furthermore, the interaction between lncRNA and TGF-β are paid more attention, and the potential therapy targets are mentioned.

Recent Advances in Liver Cancer Stem Cells: Non-coding RNAs, Oncogenes and Oncoproteins

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide, with high morbidity, relapse, metastasis and mortality rates. Although liver surgical resection, transplantation, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and some molecular targeted therapeutics may prolong the survival of HCC patients to a certain degree, the curative effect is still poor, primarily because of tumor recurrence and the drug resistance of HCC cells. Liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs), also known as liver tumor-initiating cells, represent one small subset of cancer cells that are responsible for disease recurrence, drug resistance and death. Therefore, understanding the regulatory mechanism of LCSCs in HCC is of vital importance. Thus, new studies that present gene regulation strategies to control LCSC differentiation and replication are under development. In this review, we provide an update on the latest advances in experimental studies on non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), oncogenes and oncoproteins. All the articles addressed the crosstalk between different ncRNAs, oncogenes and oncoproteins, as well as their upstream and downstream products targeting LCSCs. In this review, we summarize three pathways, the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway, and interleukin 6/Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (IL6/JAK2/STAT3) signaling pathway, and their targeting gene, c-Myc. Furthermore, we conclude that octamer 4 (OCT4) and Nanog are two important functional genes that play a pivotal role in LCSC regulation and HCC prognosis.

Comprehensive analysis of transcriptome data stemness indices identifies key genes for controlling cancer stem cell characteristics in gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are the tumor cell of origin with self-renewing ability and multi-differentiation potency. CSCs can play vital roles in gastric cancer (GC) metastasis and relapse. However, the genes that regulate the stemness maintenance of CSCs in GC patients remain largely unknown. In the present study, we sought to determine the key genes associated with stemness in GC patients.

METHODS

mRNA expression-based stemness index (mRNA SI) was analyzed with regard to the differential expression levels between normal and GC tissues, as well as clinical features and survival outcomes. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed to identify modules of interest and key genes. The differences in mRNA expression of key genes between normal and GC tissues were calculated by "ggpubr" package in R. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) analysis were carried out to annotate the function of key genes. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) and gene co-expression analyses were conducted using STRING and "corrplot" package in R, respectively.

RESULTS

mRNA SI score was markedly increased in GC tumor compared to normal tissues. High mRNA SI score was remarkably associated with more advanced tumor stage and higher pathologic grade, but longer survival times. Based on the results of WGCNA, 19 key genes (i.e., BUB1, BUB1B, KIF14, NCAPH, RACGAP1, KIF15, CENPF, TPX2, RAD54L, KIF18B, TTX, KIF4A, SGO2, PLK4, ARHGAP11A, XRCC2, C1orf112, NCAPG, ORC6) were identified. GO and KEGG functional analyses revealed that these 19 key genes were mainly related to cell proliferation. From PPI and gene co-expression analyses, these 19 key genes were discovered to be intensively associated with each other at both protein and transcription levels.

CONCLUSIONS

our study identified 19 key genes that play vital roles in the stemness maintenance of CSCs in GC patients. Targeting these key genes may help to control CSC characteristics in GC.

Emerging roles and potential clinical applications of noncoding RNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) is one of the most common forms of cancer, and accounts for a high proportion of cancer-associated deaths. Growing evidences have demonstrated that non- protein-coding regions of the genome could give rise to transcripts, termed noncoding RNA (ncRNA), that form novel functional layers of the cellular activity. ncRNAs are implicated in different molecular mechanisms and functions at transcriptional, translational and post-translational levels. An increasing number of studies have demonstrated a complex array of molecular and cellular functions of ncRNAs in different stages of the HCC tumorigenesis, either in an oncogenic or tumor-suppressive manner. As a result, several pre-clinical studies have highlighted the great potentials of ncRNAs as novel biomarkers for cancer diagnosis or therapeutics in targeting HCC progression. In this review, we briefly described the characteristics of several representative ncRNAs and summarized the latest findings of their roles and mechanisms in the development of HCC, in order to better understand the cancer biology and their potential clinical applications in this malignancy.

Dual Effects of Non-Coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in Cancer Stem Cell Biology

The identification of cancer stem cells (CSCs) as initiators of carcinogenesis has revolutionized the era of cancer research and our perception for the disease treatment options. Additional CSC features, including self-renewal and migratory and invasive capabilities, have further justified these cells as putative diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic targets. Given the CSC plasticity, the identification of CSC-related biomarkers has been a serious burden in CSC characterization and therapeutic targeting. Over the past decades, a compelling amount of evidence has demonstrated critical regulatory functions of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) on the exclusive features of CSCs. We now know that ncRNAs may interfere with signaling pathways, vital for CSC phenotype maintenance, such as Notch, Wnt, and Hedgehog. Here, we discuss the multifaceted contribution of microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), as representative ncRNA classes, in sustaining the CSC-like traits, as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms of their action in various CSC types. We further discuss the use of CSC-related ncRNAs as putative biomarkers of high diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic value.

Silencing DSCAM-AS1 suppresses the growth and invasion of ER-positive breast cancer cells by downregulating both DCTPP1 and QPRT

Breast cancer (BC) remains a significant threat to the health of women; however, the mechanism underlying the initiation and progression of BC is poorly understood. We analyzed data from the Gene Expression Omnibus database and The Cancer Genome Atlas datasets to identify differentially expressed genes between BC and normal tissues. The roles of dCTP pyrophosphatase 1 (DCTPP1) and quinolinate phosphoribosyltransferase (QPRT) in BC cells were investigated after knocking down or overexpressing the genes. The regulatory effects of Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule antisense RNA 1 (DSCAM-AS1) on DCTPP1 and QPRT expression were determined using luciferase reporter, RNA immunoprecipitation, RNA pull-down, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and fluorescence in situ hybridization assays. DCTPP1 and QPRT were overexpressed in BC compared to normal tissues. Overexpression of DCTPP1 and QPRT was associated with poor BC progression and promoted growth, migration, and invasion of MCF7 and T47D cells but inhibited apoptosis. DSCAM-AS1 increased QPRT expression via competitively binding miRNA-150-5p and miRNA-2467-3p. DSCAM-AS1 promoted DCTPP1 gene transcription by affecting H3K27 acetylation and enhanced DCTPP1 mRNA stability by binding to the 3′ untranslated region, which collectively resulted in DCTPP1 overexpression. Overall, DSCAM-AS1 knockdown decreased both DCTPP1 and QPRT expression, inhibiting the growth, migration, and invasion of estrogen receptor-positive BC.

NCBP3/SNHG6 inhibits GBX2 transcription in a histone modification manner to facilitate the malignant biological behaviour of glioma cells

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are significantly dysregulated in glioma. In this study, we demonstrated the upregulation of Nuclear cap-binding subunit 3 (NCBP3) in glioma tissues and cells. Further, knockdown of NCBP3 inhibited the malignant progression of glioma. NCBP3 directly bound to small nucleolar RNA host gene 6 (SNHG6) and stabilized SNHG6 expression. In contrast, the gastrulation brain homeobox 2 (GBX2) transcription factor was downregulated in glioma tissues and cells. SNHG6 inhibited GBX2 transcription by mediating the H3K27me3 modification induced by polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2). Moreover, GBX2 decreased the promoter activities and downregulated the expression of the flotillin protein family 1 (FLOT1) oncogene. In conclusion, NCBP3/SNHG6 inhibits GBX2 transcription in a PRC2-dependent manner to facilitate the malignant progression of gliomas.

Targeting Long Non-coding RNA to Therapeutically Regulate Gene Expression in Cancer

Long-chain non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are RNA molecules with a length greater than 200 nt and no function of encoding proteins. lncRNAs play a precise regulatory function at different levels of transcription and post-transcription, and they interact with various regulatory factors to regulate gene expression, and then participate in cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis, and other life processes. In recent years, studies have shown that the abnormal expression of lncRNAs is closely related to the occurrence and development of tumors, which is expected to become an effective biomarker in tumor diagnosis. The sequencing analysis of mutations in the whole tumor genome suggests that mutations in non-coding regions may play an important role in the occurrence and development of tumors. Therefore, in-depth study of lncRNAs is helpful to clarify the molecular mechanism of tumor occurrence and development and to provide new targets for tumor diagnosis and treatment. This review introduces the molecular mechanism and clinical application prospect of lncRNAs affecting tumor development from the perspective of gene expression and regulation.

Long Noncoding RNA OIP5-AS1 Promotes the Progression of Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma via Regulating the hsa-miR-26a-3p/EPHA2 Axis

Numerous studies have suggested that dysregulated long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) contributed to the development and progression of many cancers. lncRNA OIP5 antisense RNA 1 (OIP5-AS1) has been reported to be increased in several cancers. However, the roles of OIP5-AS1 in liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) remain to be investigated. In this study, we demonstrated that OIP5-AS1 was upregulated in LIHC tissue specimens and its overexpression was associated with the poor survival of patients with LIHC. Furthermore, loss-of function experiments indicated that OIP5-AS1 promoted cell proliferation and inhibited cell apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, binding sites between OIP5-AS1 and hsa-miR-26a-3p as well as between hsa-miR-26a-3p and EPHA2 were confirmed by luciferase assays. Finally, a rescue assay was performed to prove the effect of the OIP5-AS1/hsa-miR-26a-3p/EPHA2 axis on LIHC cell biological behaviors. Based on all of the above findings, our results suggested that OIP5-AS1 promoted LIHC cell proliferation and invasion via regulating the hsa-miR-26a-3p/EPHA2 axis.

Bone-targeted lncRNA OGRU alleviates unloading-induced bone loss via miR-320-3p/Hoxa10 axis

Unloading-induced bone loss is a threat to human health and can eventually result in osteoporotic fractures. Although the underlying molecular mechanism of unloading-induced bone loss has been broadly elucidated, the pathophysiological role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in this process is unknown. Here, we identified a novel lncRNA, OGRU, a 1816-nucleotide transcript with significantly decreased levels in bone specimens from hindlimb-unloaded mice and in MC3T3-E1 cells under clinorotation-unloading conditions. OGRU overexpression promoted osteoblast activity and matrix mineralization under normal loading conditions, and attenuated the suppression of MC3T3-E1 cell differentiation induced by clinorotation unloading. Furthermore, this study found that supplementation of pcDNA3.1(+)–OGRU via (DSS)₆–liposome delivery to the bone-formation surfaces of hindlimb-unloaded (HLU) mice partially alleviated unloading-induced bone loss. Mechanistic investigations demonstrated that OGRU functions as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to facilitate the protein expression of Hoxa10 by competitively binding miR-320-3p and subsequently promote osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. Taken together, the results of our study provide the first clarification of the role of lncRNA OGRU in unloading-induced bone loss through the miR-320-3p/Hoxa10 axis, suggesting an efficient anabolic strategy for osteoporosis treatment.

Mechanisms of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Cancers and Their Dynamic Regulations

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), which is a kind of noncoding RNA, is generally characterized as being more than 200 nucleotide transcripts in length. LncRNAs exhibit many biological activities, including, but not limited to, cancer development. In this review, a search of the PubMed database was performed to identify relevant studies published in English. The term "lncRNA or long non-coding RNA" was combined with a range of search terms related to the core focus of the review: mechanism, structure, regulation, and cancer. The eligibility of the retrieved studies was mainly based on the abstract. The decision as to whether or not the study was included in this review was made after a careful assessment of its content. The reference lists were also checked to identify any other study that could be relevant to this review. We first summarized the molecular mechanisms of lncRNAs in tumorigenesis, including competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) mechanisms, epigenetic regulation, decoy and scaffold mechanisms, mRNA and protein stability regulation, transcriptional and translational regulation, miRNA processing regulation, and the architectural role of lncRNAs, which will help a broad audience better understand how lncRNAs work in cancer. Second, we introduced recent studies to elucidate the structure of lncRNAs, as there is a link between lncRNA structure and function and visualizing the architectural domains of lncRNAs is vital to understanding their function. Third, we explored emerging evidence for regulators of lncRNA expression, lncRNA turnover, and lncRNA modifications (including 5-methylcytidine, N6-methyladenosine, and adenosine to inosine editing), highlighting the dynamics of lncRNAs. Finally, we used autophagy in cancer as an example to interpret the diverse mechanisms of lncRNAs and introduced clinical trials of lncRNA-based cancer therapies.

The Underlying Mechanisms of Noncoding RNAs in the Chemoresistance of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal human malignancies. Chemotherapeutic agents, such as sorafenib and lenvatinib, can improve the outcomes of HCC patients. Nevertheless, chemoresistance has become a major hurdle in the effective treatment of HCC. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including mircoRNAs (miRNAs), long ncRNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), have been demonstrated to participate in the onset and progression of HCC. Moreover, multiple lines of evidence have indicated that ncRNAs also play a pivotal role in HCC drug resistance. ncRNAs can regulate drug efflux and metabolism, glucose metabolism, cellular death pathways, and malignant characteristics in HCC. A deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms responsible for ncRNA-mediated drug resistance in HCC will provide new opportunities for improving the treatment of HCC. In this review, we summarize recent findings on the molecular mechanisms by which ncRNAs regulate HCC chemoresistance, as well as their potential clinical implications in overcoming HCC chemoresistance.

All-trans retinoic acid suppressed GES-1 cell proliferation induced by exosomes from patients with precancerous lesions by arresting the cell cycle in S-phase

We aimed to detect the expression of specific LncRNAs in exosomes isolated from the serum of patients with precancerous lesions and to study the effect of these serum exosomes on the activity of GES-1 cells in patients with precancerous lesions, as well as the activity of all-trans retinoic acid on GES-1 cells with or without the exosomes. Exosomes were extracted from the serum of patients with precancerous lesions and normal controls. Based on our previous sequencing results, quantitative real time-PCR was used to detect differentially expressed LncRNAs. Exosomes from the serum of patients with precancerous lesions were cocultured with GES-1 cells, and 5 μM all-trans retinoic acid was added as an intervention. Changes in cell viability and expression of LncHOXA10 were observed. Compared with the blank group, the proliferation activity of GES-1 cells cocultured with exosomes derived from the serum of patients with precancerous lesions was increased (P < 0.01), the proportion of cells in S phase was increased (P < 0.05). After adding 5 μM all-trans retinoic acid, the viability of cells decreased significantly (P < 0.01), the proportion of cells in S phase decreased significantly (P < 0.05). The expression of LncHOXA10 was decreased (P < 0.05). All-trans retinoic acid can conduct its chemopreventive effects by inhibiting the expression of LncHOXA10, thereby reducing the activity of LncHOXA10 in GES-1 cells cocultured with serum exosomes from patients with precancerous lesions.

Inhibition of Splicing Factor 3b Subunit 1 (SF3B1) Reduced Cell Proliferation, Induced Apoptosis and Resulted in Cell Cycle Arrest by Regulating Homeobox A10 (HOXA10) Splicing in AGS and MKN28 Human Gastric Cancer Cells

Background

Small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs) complexes of protein and noncoding RNA accumulate in the cell nucleus and catalyze pre-mRNA splicing to form the spliceosome. This study aimed to investigate the role of the spliceosome, splicing factor 3b subunit 1 (SF3B1), in AGS and MKN28 human gastric cancer cells in vitro, including gene knockdown with small interfering RNA (siRNA), and the use of the selective mRNA splicing inhibitor of SF3B1, pladienolide B.

Material/Methods

In AGS and MKN28 human gastric cancer cells, SF3B1expression was inhibited with siRNA and pladienolide B. Following SF3B1 inhibition, the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay measured cell proliferation, and flow cytometry was used to investigate cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. The downstream HOXA10 and AKT pathways were studied by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot. The presence of alternative splicing, or differential splicing, of single-gene coding for multiple proteins, was analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) SpliceSeq.

Results

Inhibition of SF3B1 reduced the proliferation rate of AGS and MKN28 human gastric cancer cells by inducing apoptosis and G2/M phase arrest. SF3B1 knockdown resulted in reduced homeobox A10 (HOXA10) mRNA expression and expression of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) isoforms of HOXA10 (exons 1 and 3) and HOXA10 (exons 2 and 3). SF3B1 inhibition increased PTEN levels and reduced AKT protein phosphorylation.

Conclusions

In AGS and MKN28 human gastric cancer cells in vitro, inhibition of SF3B1 reduced cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, and resulted in cell cycle arrest by regulating HOXA10 splicing.

Mechanism of long noncoding RNAs as transcriptional regulators in cancer

Dysregulation of gene expression, often interpreted by gene transcription as an endpoint response, is tightly associated with human cancer. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), derived from the noncoding elements in the genome and appeared no less than 200nt in length, have emerged as a novel class of pivotal regulatory component. Recently, great attention has been paid to the cancer-related lncRNAs and growing evidence have shown that lncRNAs act as key transcriptional regulators in cancer cells through diverse mechanisms. Here, we focus on the nucleus-expressed lncRNAs and summarize their molecular mechanisms in transcriptional control during tumorigenesis and cancer metastasis. Six major mechanisms will be discussed in this review: association with transcriptional factor, modulating DNA methylation or histone modification enzyme, influencing on chromatin remodelling complex, facilitating chromosomal looping, interaction with RNA polymerase and direct association with promoter.

The Emerging Role of Long Non-Coding RNAs in the Metastasis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play multifaceted roles in modulating gene expression under both physiological and pathological processes. The dysregulation of lncRNAs has been increasingly linked with many human diseases, including a plethora of cancers. Mounting evidence indicates that lncRNAs are aberrantly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and can regulate HCC progression, as well as metastasis. In this review, we summarize the recent findings on the expanding roles of lncRNAs in modulating various functions of HCC, and elaborate on how can lncRNAs impact HCC metastasis and progression via interacting with chromatin, RNA, and proteins at the epigenetic, transcriptional, and post-transcriptional levels. This mini-review also highlights the current advances regarding the signaling pathways of lncRNAs in HCC metastasis and sheds light on the possible application of lncRNAs for the prevention and treatment of HCC.

Long noncoding RNA LINC00958 promotes the oral squamous cell carcinoma by sponging miR-185-5p/YWHAZ

AIM

Increasing evidence has indicated the essential roles of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) in the oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, there are still numerous uncertain mechanisms for the pathophysiological process of OSCC. In this work, we tried to identify the biological function and potential mechanism of lncRNA LINC00958 in the OSCC.

MAIN METHODS

The expressions of RNA and protein were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blotting. The tumor behavior was detected using the CCK-8 assay, transwell assay, flow cytometry assay and xenograft in vivo assay. The interaction within LINC00958/miR-185-5p/YWHAZ was identified using the luciferase reporter assay.

KEY FINDINGS

LINC00958 expression was remarkably up-regulated in the OSCC tissue and cell lines. Clinical investigation showed that LINC00958 overexpression was associated with poor prognosis, acting as an independent prognostic factor for OSCC. Loss- and gain-of-function assays indicated that LINC00958 promoted the proliferation, invasion and reduced the apoptosis of OSCC cells in vitro. In vivo, knockdown of LINC00958 repressed the tumor growth. Mechanistically, bioinformatic tools and luciferase reporter assay indicated that miR-185-5p both targeted the 3'-UTR of LINC00958 and YWHAZ, constructing the LINC00958/miR-185-5p/YWHAZ regulatory axis.

SIGNIFICANCE

Taken together, the findings in this research reveal the modulation of LINC00958 for the OSCC tumorigenesis through the miR-185-5p/YWHAZ axis, which might be useful for the mechanical investigation associated with OSCC therapeutic target.

Long non-coding RNA LINC00526 represses glioma progression via forming a double negative feedback loop with AXL

Glioma is the most common primary intracranial carcinoma with extremely poor prognosis. The significances of long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) involved in glioma have been started revealed. However, the expression, roles and molecular mechanisms of most lncRNAs in glioma are still unknown. In this study, we identified a novel lncRNA LINC00526, which is significantly low expressed in glioma. Low expression of LINC00526 is correlated with aggravation and poor survival in glioma. Functional assays revealed that ectopic expression of LINC00526 inhibits glioma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. LINC00526 silencing promotes glioma cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Mechanistically, we found that LINC00526 directly interacts with EZH2, represses the binding of EZH2 to AXL promoter, attenuates the transcriptional activating roles of EZH2 on AXL, and therefore represses AXL expression. Via repressing AXL, LINC00526 further represses PI3K/Akt/NF‐κB signalling. Intriguingly, we identified that NFKB1 and NFKB2 directly binds LINC00526 promoter and represses LINC00526 transcription. We further found that via activating NF‐κB signalling, AXL represses LINC00526 transcription. Therefore, LINC00526/EZH2/AXL/PI3K/Akt/NF‐κB form a feedback loop in glioma. Analysis of the TCGA data revealed that the expression of LINC00526 is inversely correlated with that of AXL in glioma tissues. In addition, functional rescue assays revealed that the tumour suppressive roles of LINC00526 are dependent on the negative regulation of AXL. Collectively, our data identified LINC00526 as a tumour suppressor in glioma via forming a double negative feedback loop with AXL. Our data also suggested LINC00526 as a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic candidate for glioma.

LINC01433/miR-2116-3p/MYC Feedback Loop Promotes Cell Proliferation, Migration, and the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Breast Cancer

Background: It is reported that long noncoding RNAs play an important role in human cancers, including breast cancer (BC). However, the effect of long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 1433 (LINC01433) on BC development remains elusive. Materials and Methods: The expression level of LINC01433 in BC cells and a normal breast epithelial cell (MCF-10A) was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). A series of functional assays was applied to measure the bio-function of LINC01433 in BC. Bioinformatics analysis and mechanistic assays were utilized to disclose the underlying mechanism involved in the LINC01433-mediated BC cellular process. Results: qRT-PCR revealed that LINC01433 was highly expressed in BC cells. In function, LINC01433 depletion suppressed BC cell proliferation, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition, but induced cell apoptosis. Mechanically, chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assays suggested that LINC01433 was activated by its upstream transcription factor MYC proto-oncogene (MYC). The interaction between LINC01433 and miR-2116-3p was verified in BC. Additionally, MYC was validated as a target gene of miR-2116-3p. Rescue assays demonstrated that LINC01433 promoted BC cellular process via regulating miR-2116-3p/MYC axis. Conclusion: Our findings revealed a novel positive feedback loop (LINC01433/miR-2116-3p/MYC) in BC progression and discovered the novel functional genes in this BC cellular process.