LncRNA CEBPA-DT promotes liver cancer metastasis through DDR2/β-catenin activation via interacting with hnRNPC

Oncogenic mechanisms of COL10A1 in cancer and clinical challenges (Review)

Collagen type X α1 chain (COL10A1), a gene encoding the α‑1 chain of type X collagen, serves a key role in conferring tensile strength and structural integrity to tissues. Upregulation of COL10A1 expression has been observed in different malignancies, including lung, gastric and pancreatic cancer, and is associated with poor prognosis. The present review provides an updated synthesis of the evolving biological understanding of COL10A1, with a particular focus on its mechanisms of action and regulatory functions within the context of tumorigenesis. For example, it has been established that increased COL10A1 expression promotes cancer progression by activating multiple signaling pathways, including the TGF‑β1/Smad, MEK/ERK and focal adhesion kinase signaling pathways, thereby inducing proliferation, invasion and migration. Additionally, COL10A1 has been demonstrated to induce epithelial‑mesenchymal transition and reshapes the extracellular matrix within tumor tissues. Furthermore, on the basis of methyltransferase‑like 3‑mediated N6‑methyladenosine methylation, COL10A1 intricately regulates the epitranscriptomic machinery, thereby augmenting its oncogenic role. However, although COL10A1 serves a pivotal role in gene transcription and the orchestration of tumor growth, the question of whether COL10A1 would serve as a viable therapeutic target remains a subject of scientific hypothesis requiring rigorous examination. Variables such as distinct tumor microenvironments and treatment associations necessitate further experimental validation. Therefore, a comprehensive assessment and understanding of the functional and mechanistic roles of COL10A1 in cancer may pave the way for the development of innovative cancer treatment strategies.

The Wnt signaling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma: Regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic prospects

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumor that arises from hepatocytes. Multiple signaling pathways play a regulatory role in the occurrence and development of HCC, with the Wnt signaling pathway being one of the primary regulatory pathways. In normal hepatocytes, the Wnt signaling pathway maintains cell regeneration and organ development. However, when aberrant activated, the Wnt pathway is closely associated with invasion, cancer stem cells(CSCs), drug resistance, and immune evasion in HCC. Among these factors, the development of drug resistance is one of the most important factors affecting the efficacy of HCC treatment. These mechanisms form the basis for tumor cell adaptation and evolution within the body, enabling continuous changes in tumor cells, resistance to drugs and immune system attacks, leading to metastasis and recurrence. In recent years, there have been numerous new discoveries regarding these mechanisms. An increasing number of drugs targeting the Wnt signaling pathway have been developed, with some already entering clinical trials. Therefore, this review encompasses the latest research on the role of the Wnt signaling pathway in the onset and progression of HCC, as well as advancements in its therapeutic strategies.

LINC00618 facilitates growth and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma via elevating cholesterol synthesis by promoting NSUN2-mediated SREBP2 m5C modification

Dysregulation of cholesterol metabolism is an important feature of cancer development. There are limited reports on the involvement of lncRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression via the cholesterol metabolism pathway. The present study explored the effect of LINC00618 on HCC growth and metastasis, and elucidated the underlying mechanisms involved in cholesterol metabolism. Here, we found that LINC00618 expression was upregulated in cancerous tissues from 30 patients with HCC compared to that in adjacent normal tissues. High expression of LINC00618 was detected in metastatic HCC tissues. LINC00618 is predominantly localized in the nucleus and overexpression of LINC00618 facilitated HCC cell proliferation, migration and EMT progression by promoting cholesterol biosynthesis. Mechanistically, the 1-101nt region of LINC00618 bound to NSUN2. LINC00618 inhibited ubiquitin-proteasome pathway-induced NSUN2 degradation. NSUN2 stabilized by LINC00618 increased m5C modification of SREBP2 and promoted SREBP2 mRNA stability in a YBX1-dependent manner, thereby promoting cholesterol biosynthesis in HCC cells. Moreover, mouse HCC xenograft and lung metastasis models were established by subcutaneous and tail vein injections of MHCC97 cells transfected with or without sh-LINC00618. Silencing LINC00618 impeded HCC growth and metastasis. In conclusion, LINC00618 promoted HCC growth and metastasis by elevating cholesterol synthesis by stabilizing NSUN2 to enhance SREBP2 mRNA stability in an m5C-dependent manner.

LncRNA SLC9A3-AS1 knockdown increases the sensitivity of liver cancer cell to triptolide by regulating miR-449b-5p-mediated glycolysis

Triptolide (TP) is involved in the progression of liver cancer. However, the detailed molecular network regulated through TP is still unclear. Long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) SLC9A3 exerts roles in various pathological progresses. Nevertheless, whether SLC9A3 affects the sensitivity of liver cancer cells to TP have not been uncovered. The content of SLC9A3-AS1 and miR-449b-5p was estimated by utilizing quantitative real-time polymerase-chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) assay was introduced to assess cell viability. Additionally, cell viability as well as invasion was tested via transwell assay. The direct binding between miR-449b-5p and SLC9A3-AS1 or LDHA was confirmed through luciferase reporter gene assay. Moreover, glycolysis rate was tested by calculating the uptake of glucose in addition to the production of lactate in Huh7 cells. LncRNA SLC9A3-AS1 was up-regulated in liver cancer tissue samples and cells. Knockdown of SLC9A3-AS1 notably further inhibited viability, migration as well as invasion in Huh7 cells. MiR-449b-5p was the direct downstream miRNA of SLC9A3-AS1 and was down-regulated by SLC9A3-AS1 in Huh7 cells. In addition, miR-449b-5p was reduced in liver cancer tissues and cells. Overexpressed miR-449b-5p increased the sensitivity of Huh7 cells to TP remarkably. Moreover, miR-449b-5p negatively regulated LDHA expression in Huh7 cells. This work proved that SLC9A3-AS1 increased the sensitivity of liver cancer cells to TP by regulating glycolysis rate mediated via miR-449b-5p/LDHA axis. These findings implied that TP is likely to be a potent agent for treating patients diagnosed with liver cancer.

Upregulation of Long Noncoding RNA MAGOH-DT Mediates TNF-α and High Glucose-Induced Endothelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Arteriosclerosis Obliterans

Arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO) is characterized by arterial narrowing and blockage due to atherosclerosis, influenced by endothelial dysfunction and inflammation. This research focuses on exploring the role of MAGOH-DT, a long noncoding RNA, in mediating endothelial cell dysfunction through endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) under inflammatory and hyperglycemic stimuli, aiming to uncover potential therapeutic targets for ASO. Differential expression of lncRNAs, including MAGOH-DT, was initially identified in arterial tissues from ASO patients compared to healthy controls through lncRNA microarray analysis. Validation of MAGOH-DT expression in response to tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and high glucose (HG) was performed in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) using RT-qPCR. The effects of MAGOH-DT and HNRPC knockdown on EndMT were assessed by evaluating EndMT markers and TGF-β2 protein expression with Western blot analysis. RNA-immunoprecipitation assays were used to explore the interaction between MAGOH-DT and HNRPC, focusing on their role in regulating TGF-β2 translation. In the results, MAGOH-DT expression is found to be upregulated in ASO and further induced in HUVECs under TNF-α/HG conditions, contributing to the facilitation of EndMT. Silencing MAGOH-DT or HNRPC is shown to inhibit the TNF-α/HG-induced increase in TGF-β2 protein expression, effectively attenuating EndMT processes without altering TGF-β2 mRNA levels. In conclusion, MAGOH-DT is identified as a key mediator in the process of TNF-α/HG-induced EndMT in ASO, offering a promising therapeutic target. Inhibition of MAGOH-DT presents a novel therapeutic strategy for ASO management, especially in cases complicated by diabetes mellitus. Further exploration into the therapeutic implications of MAGOH-DT modulation in ASO treatment is warranted.

Non-coding RNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis: Remarkable indicators and potential oncogenic mechanism

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), as key regulators involving in intercellular biological processes, are more prominent in many malignancies, especially for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Herein, we conduct a comprehensive review to summarize diverse ncRNAs roles in HCC metastatic mechanism. We focus on four signaling pathways that predominate in HCC metastatic process, including Wnt/β-catenin, HIF-1α, IL-6, and TGF-β pathways. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs) employed different mechanisms to participate in the regulation of the key genes in these pathways, typical as interaction with DNA to control transcription, with RNA to control translation, and with protein to control stability. Therefore, ncRNAs may become potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for HCC metastasis.

Exploration of the role of EMC3‑AS1 as a potential diagnostic and prognostic indicator in liver cancer

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic significance of the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) endoplasmic reticulum membrane protein complex subunit 3 antisense RNA 1 (EMC3-AS1) in liver cancer, and its impact on the proliferative and invasive capabilities of liver cancer cells. EMC3-AS1 expression in liver cancer was assessed using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and three Gene Expression Omnibus datasets, and validated in clinical liver cancer samples using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. The prognostic and diagnostic potentials of this lncRNA were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier and receiver operating characteristic analyses, respectively. The infiltration of immune cells and differential expression of immune checkpoints (ICs) between high- and low-EMC3-AS1 expression groups were investigated. Therapeutic correlation analyses were also undertaken to assess the impact of EMC3-AS1 in the treatment of liver cancer. In addition, in vitro experiments were conducted using small interfering RNA to knock down the expression of EMC3-AS1 in HepG2, Sk-Hep-1 and Huh-7 cells, and evaluate the effect on cell proliferation, colony formation and migration. The results revealed a significant upregulation of EMC3-AS1 expression in liver cancer tissues compared with that in adjacent normal tissues, which was associated with an unfavorable prognosis and demonstrated diagnostic effectiveness for patients with liver cancer. Furthermore, patients with high EMC3-AS1 expression exhibited increased levels of IC markers in comparison with those with low EMC3-AS1 expression. In addition, EMC3-AS1 was indicated to have clinical significance in the prediction of the response to immunotherapy and chemotherapy. Notably, the in vitro experiments demonstrated that the knockdown of EMC3-AS1 significantly hindered cell proliferation, colony formation and migration. Consequently, it was concluded that EMC3-AS1 is upregulated in liver cancer and serves as a prognostic indicator for unfavorable outcomes in patients with liver cancer. Additionally, targeting EMC3-AS1 through knockdown interventions showed potential in mitigating the ability of liver cancer cells to proliferate and migrate, which highlights its dual role as a biomarker and therapeutic target for liver cancer.

Silencing MFN2 Drives WNT/β-catenin Nucleation to Reduce Sorafenib Sensitivity in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells

OBJECTIVE

Mitofusin-2 (MFN2) is a mitochondrial membrane protein that plays a critical role in regulating mitochondrial fusion and cellular metabolism. To further elucidate the impact of MFN2, this study aimed to investigate its significance on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell function and its potential role in mediating chemosensitivity.

METHODS

This study investigated the effects of silencing and overexpressing MFN2 on the survival, proliferation, invasion and migration abilities, and sorafenib resistance of MHCC97-L HCC cells. Additional experiments were conducted using XAV939 (a β-catenin inhibitor) and HLY78 (a β-catenin activator) to further validate these findings.

RESULTS

Silencing MFN2 significantly promoted the survival and proliferation of MHCC97-L cells, enhanced their invasion and migration capacities, increased the IC50 of sorafenib, reduced the percentage of TUNEL-positive cells, and decreased the expression of proapoptotic proteins. Additionally, silencing MFN2 markedly induced the nuclear translocation of β-catenin, increased β-catenin acetylation levels and enhanced the expression of the downstream regulatory proteins Snail1 and Vimentin while inhibiting E-cadherin expression. Conversely, overexpressing MFN2 reversed the effects observed in MHCC97-L cells mentioned above. The results confirmed that silencing MFN2 activated the β-catenin/epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway and reduced the sensitivity of cells to sorafenib, which could be reversed by XAV939 treatment. Conversely, overexpression of MFN2 inhibited the β-catenin/EMT pathway and increased the sensitivity of cells to sorafenib, which could be altered by HLY78.

CONCLUSION

Low expression of MFN2 in HCC cells promotes the nuclear translocation of β-catenin, thereby activating the EMT pathway and mediating resistance to sorafenib.

Current updates on the molecular and genetic signals as diagnostic and therapeutic targets for hepatitis B virus-associated hepatic malignancy

Liver cancer caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the third most common cancer-related cause of death worldwide. Early detection of HBV-caused hepatic tumors increases the likelihood of a successful cure. Molecular and genetic signals are becoming more and more recognized as possible indicators of HBV-associated hepatic malignancy and of how well a treatment is working. As a result, we have discussed the current literature on molecular and genetic sensors, including extracellular vesicle microRNAs (EV-miRNAs), long non-coding circulating RNAs (lncRNAs), extracellular vesicles (EVs), and cell free circulating DNA (cfDNA), for the diagnosis and forecasting of HBV-related hepatic cancer. Extracellular vesicle microRNAs such as miR-335-5p, miR-172-5p, miR-1285-5p, miR-497-5p, miR-636, miR-187-5p, miR-223-3p, miR-21, miR-324-3p, miR-210-3p, miR-718, miR-122, miR-522, miR-0308-3p, and miR-375 are essential for the posttranscriptional regulation of oncogenes in hepatic cells as well as the epigenetic modulation of many internal and external signaling pathways in HBV-induced hepatic carcinogenesis. LncRNAs like lnc01977, HULC (highly up-regulated in liver cancer), MALAT1 (metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1), and HOTAIR (hox transcript antisense intergenic RNA) have been demonstrated to control hepatic-tumors cell growth, relocation, encroachment, and cell death resiliency. They are also becoming more and more involved in immune tracking, hepatic shifting, vasculature oversight, and genomic destabilization. EVs are critical mediators involved in multiple aspects of liver-tumors like angiogenesis, immunology, tumor formation, and the dissemination of malignant hepatocytes. Furthermore, cfDNA contributes to signals associated with tumors, including mutations and abnormal epigenetic changes during HBV-related hepatic tumorigenesis.

New HCC Subtypes Based on CD8 Tex-Related lncRNA Signature Could Predict Prognosis, Immunological and Drug Sensitivity Characteristics of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Purpose

Hepatocellular carcinoma has become one of the severe diseases threatening human health. T cell exhaustion is deemed as a reason for immunotherapy resistance. However, little is known about the roles of CD8 Tex-related lncRNAs in HCC.

Materials and Methods

We processed single-cell RNA sequencing to identify CD8 Tex-related genes. CD8 Tex-related lncRNAs were identified based on their correlations with mRNAs. Unsupervised clustering approach was used to identify molecular clusters of CD8 Tex-related lncRNAs. Differences in prognosis and immune infiltration between the clusters were explored. Machine learning algorithms were used to construct a prognostic signature. Samples were classified as low- and high-risk groups based on their risk scores. We identified prognosis-related lncRNAs and constructed a ceRNA network. In vitro experiments were conducted to investigate the impacts of CD8 Tex-related lncRNAs on proliferation and apoptosis of HCC cells.

Results

We clarified cell types within two HCC single-cell datasets. We identified specific markers of CD8 Tex cells and analyzed their potential functions. Twenty-eight lncRNAs were identified as CD8 Tex-related. Based on CD8 Tex-related lncRNAs, samples were categorized into two distinct clusters, which exhibited significant differences in survival rates and immune infiltration. Ninety-six algorithm combinations were employed to establish a prognostic signature. RSF emerged as the one with the highest C-index. Patients in high- and low-risk groups exhibited marked differences in prognosis, enriched pathways, mutations and drug sensitivities. MCM3AP-AS1, MAPKAPK5-AS1 and PART1 were regarded as prognosis-related lncRNAs. A ceRNA network was constructed based on CD8 Tex-related lncRNAs and mRNAs. Experiments on cell lines and organoids indicated that downregulation of MCM3AP-AS1, MAPKAPK5-AS1 and PART1 suppressed cell proliferation and induced apoptosis.

Conclusion

CD8 Tex-related lncRNAs played crucial roles in HCC progression. Our findings provided new insights into the regulatory mechanisms of CD8 Tex-related lncRNAs in HCC.

lncRNA PAARH impacts liver cancer cell proliferation by engaging miR‑6512‑3p to target LASP1

Long non-coding (lnc)RNAs serve a pivotal role as regulatory factors in carcinogenesis. The present study aimed to assess the involvement of the lncRNA progression and angiogenesis-associated RNA in hepatocellular carcinoma (PAARH) in liver cancer, along with the associated underlying mechanism. Through the use of reverse transcription-quantitative (RT-q)PCR, differences in the expression levels of PAARH in HepG2, HEP3B2.1.7, HCCLM3, Huh-7 and MHCC97-H liver cancer cell lines and THLE-2 epithelial cell lines were evaluated. The liver cancer cell line with the greatest, significantly different, level of expression relative to the normal liver cell line was selected for subsequent experiments. Using ENCORI database, the putative target genes of the microRNA (miR) miR-6512-3p were predicted. Cells were then transfected with lentiviruses carrying short-hairpin-PAARH to interfere with PAARH expression. Subsequently, HepG2 liver cancer cells were transfected with a miR-6512-3p mimic and an inhibitor, and the expression levels of miR-6512-3p and the LIM and SH3 domain protein 1 (LASP1) in cells were assessed using RT-qPCR analysis. Cell proliferation was subsequently evaluated using colony formation assays, and immunofluorescence and western blotting were used to assess the expression level of LASP1 in transfected cells. The binding interaction between miR-6512-3p and LASP1 was further evaluated using a dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. Liver cancer cells were found to exhibit higher expression levels of PAARH compared with normal liver cells. Following PAARH interference, the expression level of miR-6512-3p was significantly increased, whereas that of LASP1 was significantly decreased, resulting in a reduction in cell proliferation. In liver cancer cells, miR-6512-3p overexpression led to a significant reduction in the LASP1 level and reduced proliferation, whereas suppressing miR-6512-3p led to a significant increase in LASP1 levels and increased proliferation. Additionally, the inhibition of miR-6512-3p caused the states of low LASP1 expression and reduced cell proliferation to be reversed. LASP1, a recently identified target gene of miR-6512-3p, was demonstrated to be suppressed by miR-6512-3p overexpression, thereby inhibiting liver cancer cell proliferation. Taken together, the findings of the present study demonstrate that the lncRNA PAARH may enhance liver cancer cell proliferation by engaging miR-6512-3p to target LASP1.

Identification of RNA-binding protein hnRNP C targeting the 3'UTR of the TAP-associated glycoprotein tapasin in melanoma

Deregulation or loss of the human leukocyte antigen class I (HLA-I) molecules on tumor cells leading to inhibition of CD8+ T cell recognition is an important tumor immune escape strategy, which could be caused by a posttranscriptional control of molecules in the HLA-I pathway mediated by RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). So far, there exists only limited information about the interaction of RBPs with HLA-I-associated molecules, but own work demonstrated a binding of the heterogeneous ribonucleoprotein C (hnRNP C) to the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of the TAP-associated glycoprotein tapasin (tpn). In this study, in silico analysis of pan-cancer TCGA datasets revealed that hnRNP C is higher expressed in tumor specimens compared to corresponding normal tissues, which is negatively correlated to tpn expression, T cell infiltration and the overall survival of tumor patients. Functional analysis demonstrated an upregulation of tpn expression upon siRNA-mediated downregulation of hnRNP C, which is accompanied by an increased HLA-I surface expression. Thus, hnRNP C has been identified to target tpn and its inhibition could improve the HLA-I surface expression on melanoma cells suggesting its use as a possible biomarker for T-cell-based tumor immunotherapies.

New horizons for the role of RNA N6-methyladenosine modification in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancy, presenting a formidable challenge to the medical community owing to its intricate pathogenic mechanisms. Although current prevention, surveillance, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment have achieved some success in preventing HCC and controlling overall disease mortality, the imperative to explore novel treatment modalities for HCC remains increasingly urgent. Epigenetic modification has emerged as pivotal factors in the etiology of cancer. Among these, RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification stands out as one of the most prevalent, abundant, and evolutionarily conserved post-transcriptional alterations in eukaryotes. The literature underscores that the dynamic and reversible nature of m6A modifications orchestrates the intricate regulation of gene expression, thereby exerting a profound influence on cell destinies. Increasing evidence has substantiated conspicuous fluctuations in m6A modification levels throughout the progression of HCC. The deliberate modulation of m6A modification levels through molecular biology and pharmacological interventions has been demonstrated to exert a discernible impact on the pathogenesis of HCC. In this review, we elucidate the multifaceted biological functions of m6A modifications in HCC, and concurrently advancing novel therapeutic strategies for the management of this malignancy.

The functions and mechanisms of RNA modification in prostate: Current status and future perspectives

The increasing incidence and mortality of prostate cancer worldwide significantly impact the life span of male patients, emphasizing the urgency of understanding its pathogenic mechanism and associated molecular changes that regulate tumor progression for effective prevention and treatment. RNA modification, an important post-transcriptional regulatory process, profoundly influences tumor cell growth and metabolism, shaping cell fate. Over 170 RNA modification methods are known, with prominent research focusing on N6-methyladenosine, N7-methylguanosine, N1-methyladenosine, 5-methylcytidine, pseudouridine, and N4-acetylcytidine modifications. These alterations intricately regulate coding and non-coding RNA post-transcriptionally, affecting the stability of RNA and protein expression levels. This article delves into the latest advancements and challenges associated with various RNA modifications in prostate cancer tumor cells, tumor microenvironment, and core signaling molecule androgen receptors. It aims to provide new research targets and avenues for molecular diagnosis, treatment strategies, and improvement of the prognosis in prostate cancer.

LINC00645 inhibits renal cell carcinoma progression by interacting with HNRNPA2B1 to regulate the ROCK1 mRNA stability

The lncRNA plays an important role in tumorigenesis and the progression of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). LINC00645 is one of the most different expressed lncRNA between RCC and normal renal tissue. However, the regulatory mechanism of LINC00645 in RCC remains unknown. Our results indicated that LINC00645 inhibited RCC proliferation, migration, and invasion. Mechanistically, HNRNPA2B1 directly bound to ROCK1 mRNA and strengthened its stability. LINC00645 competitively bound to the RRM1 domain, which is responsible for interacting with ROCK1 mRNA, reducing ROCK1 mRNA level by affecting posttranscriptional destabilization. The expression of LINC00645 was significantly reduced in RCC cells, significantly upregulating ROCK1 by abolishing the interaction with HNRNPA2B1, finally promoting RCC proliferation, migration, and invasion. Moreover, RCC cells with lower LINC00645 expression were more sensitive to the ROCK1 inhibitor Y-27632. Our study indicates that decreased expression of LINC00645 promotes the RCC progression via HNRNPA2B1/ROCK1 axis, providing a promising treatment strategy for RCC patients with decreased LINC00645 expression.

Multifaceted collagen-DDR1 signaling in cancer

In addition to immune cells and fibroblasts, the tumor microenvironment (TME) comprises an extracellular matrix (ECM) which contains collagens (COLs) whose architecture and remodeling dictate cancer development and progression. COL receptors expressed by cancer cells sense signals generated by microenvironmental alterations in COL state to regulate cell behavior and metabolism. Discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) is a key sensor of COL fiber state and composition that controls tumor cell metabolism and growth, response to therapy, and patient survival. This review focuses on DDR1 to NRF2 signaling, its modulation of autophagy and macropinocytosis (MP), and its role in cancer and other diseases. Elucidating the regulation of DDR1 activity and expression under different pathophysiological conditions will facilitate the discovery of new therapeutics.

Upregulated lncRNA PRNT promotes progression and oxaliplatin resistance of colorectal cancer cells by regulating HIPK2 transcription

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and a significant cause of cancer-related mortality globally. Resistance to chemotherapy, especially during CRC treatment, leads to reduced effectiveness of drugs and poor patient outcomes. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been implicated in various pathophysiological processes of tumor cells, including chemotherapy resistance, yet the roles of many lncRNAs in CRC remain unclear.

AIM

To identify and analyze the lncRNAs involved in oxaliplatin resistance in CRC and to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms influencing this resistance.

METHODS

Gene Expression Omnibus datasets GSE42387 and GSE30011 were reanalyzed to identify lncRNAs and mRNAs associated with oxaliplatin resistance. Various bioinformatics tools were employed to elucidate molecular mechanisms. The expression levels of lncRNAs and mRNAs were assessed via quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Functional assays, including MTT, wound healing, and Transwell, were conducted to investigate the functional implications of lncRNA alterations. Interactions between lncRNAs and transcription factors were examined using RIP and luciferase reporter assays, while Western blotting was used to confirm downstream pathways. Additionally, a xenograft mouse model was utilized to study the in vivo effects of lncRNAs on chemotherapy resistance.

RESULTS

LncRNA prion protein testis specific (PRNT) was found to be upregulated in oxaliplatin-resistant CRC cell lines and negatively correlated with homeodomain interacting protein kinase 2 (HIPK2) expression. PRNT was demonstrated to sponge transcription factor zinc finger protein 184 (ZNF184), which in turn could regulate HIPK2 expression. Altered expression of PRNT influenced CRC cell sensitivity to oxaliplatin, with overexpression leading to decreased sensitivity and decreased expression reducing resistance. Both RIP and luciferase reporter assays indicated that ZNF184 and HIPK2 are targets of PRNT. The PRNT/ZNF184/HIPK2 axis was implicated in promoting CRC progression and oxaliplatin resistance both in vitro and in vivo.

CONCLUSION

The study concludes that PRNT is upregulated in oxaliplatin-resistant CRC cells and modulates the expression of HIPK2 by sponging ZNF184. This regulatory mechanism enhances CRC progression and resistance to oxaliplatin, positioning PRNT as a promising therapeutic target for CRC patients undergoing oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy.

Germline structural variation globally impacts the cancer transcriptome including disease-relevant genes

Germline variation and somatic alterations contribute to the molecular profile of cancers. We combine RNA with whole genome sequencing across 1,218 cancer patients to determine the extent germline structural variants (SVs) impact expression of nearby genes. For hundreds of genes, recurrent and common germline SV breakpoints within 100 kb associate with increased or decreased expression in tumors spanning various tissues of origin. A significant fraction of germline SV expression associations involves duplication of intergenic enhancers or 3' UTR disruption. Genes altered by both somatic and germline SVs include ATRX and CEBPA. Genes essential in cancer cell lines include BARD1 and IRS2. Genes with both expression and germline SV breakpoint patterns associated with patient survival include GCLM. Our results capture a class of phenotypic variation at work in the disease setting, including genes with cancer roles. Specific germline SVs represent potential cancer risk variants for genetic testing, including those involving genes with targeting implications.

Research progress of DDR1 inhibitors in the treatment of multiple human diseases

Discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) is a collagen-activated receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) and plays pivotal roles in regulating cellular functions such as proliferation, differentiation, invasion, migration, and matrix remodeling. DDR1 is involved in the occurrence and progression of many human diseases, including cancer, fibrosis, and inflammation. Therefore, DDR1 represents a highly promising therapeutic target. Although no selective small-molecule inhibitors have reached clinical trials to date, many molecules have shown therapeutic effects in preclinical studies. For example, BK40143 has demonstrated significant promise in the therapy of neurodegenerative diseases. In this context, our perspective aims to provide an in-depth exploration of DDR1, encompassing its structure characteristics, biological functions, and disease relevance. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of understanding the structure-activity relationship of DDR1 inhibitors and highlight the unique advantages of dual-target or multitarget inhibitors. We anticipate offering valuable insights into the development of more efficacious DDR1-targeted drugs.

LncRNA CHKB-DT Downregulation Enhances Dilated Cardiomyopathy Through ALDH2

BACKGROUND

Human cardiac long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) profiles in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) were previously analyzed, and the long noncoding RNA CHKB (choline kinase beta) divergent transcript (CHKB-DT) levels were found to be mostly downregulated in the heart. In this study, the function of CHKB-DT in DCM was determined.

METHODS

Long noncoding RNA expression levels in the human heart tissues were measured via quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridization assays. A CHKB-DT heterozygous or homozygous knockout mouse model was generated using the clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 system, and the adeno-associated virus with a cardiac-specific promoter was used to deliver the RNA in vivo. Sarcomere shortening was performed to assess the primary cardiomyocyte contractility. The Seahorse XF cell mitochondrial stress test was performed to determine the energy metabolism and ATP production. Furthermore, the underlying mechanisms were explored using quantitative proteomics, ribosome profiling, RNA antisense purification assays, mass spectrometry, RNA pull-down, luciferase assay, RNA-fluorescence in situ hybridization, and Western blotting.

RESULTS

CHKB-DT levels were remarkably decreased in patients with DCM and mice with transverse aortic constriction-induced heart failure. Heterozygous knockout of CHKB-DT in cardiomyocytes caused cardiac dilation and dysfunction and reduced the contractility of primary cardiomyocytes. Moreover, CHKB-DT heterozygous knockout impaired mitochondrial function and decreased ATP production as well as cardiac energy metabolism. Mechanistically, ALDH2 (aldehyde dehydrogenase 2) was a direct target of CHKB-DT. CHKB-DT physically interacted with the mRNA of ALDH2 and fused in sarcoma (FUS) through the GGUG motif. CHKB-DT knockdown aggravated ALDH2 mRNA degradation and 4-HNE (4-hydroxy-2-nonenal) production, whereas overexpression of CHKB-DT reversed these molecular changes. Furthermore, restoring ALDH2 expression in CHKB-DT+/- mice alleviated cardiac dilation and dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS

CHKB-DT is significantly downregulated in DCM. CHKB-DT acts as an energy metabolism-associated long noncoding RNA and represents a promising therapeutic target against DCM.

Noncoding RNAs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Potential Applications in Combined Therapeutic Strategies and Promising Candidates of Treatment Response

The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasing, and 40% of patients are diagnosed at advanced stages. Over the past 5 years, the number of clinically available treatments has dramatically increased for HCC, making patient management particularly complex. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have improved the overall survival of patients, showing a durable treatment benefit over time and a different response pattern with respect to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Although there is improved survival in responder cases, a sizeable group of patients are primary progressors or are ineligible for immunotherapy. Indeed, patients with nonviral etiologies, such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and alterations in specific driver genes might be less responsive to immunotherapy. Therefore, improving the comprehension of mechanisms of drug resistance and identifying biomarkers that are informative of the best treatment approach are required actions to improve patient survival. Abundant evidence indicates that noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are pivotal players in cancer. Molecular mechanisms through which ncRNAs exert their effects in cancer progression and drug resistance have been widely investigated. Nevertheless, there are no studies summarizing the synergistic effect between ncRNA-based strategies and TKIs or ICIs in the preclinical setting. This review aims to provide up-to-date information regarding the possible use of ncRNAs as therapeutic targets in association with molecular-targeted agents and immunotherapies and as predictive tools for the selection of optimized treatment options in advanced HCCs.

LncRNA HEIH modulates the proliferation, migration, and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by regulating the miR-193a-5p/CDK8 axis

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a malignant tumor with a high mortality rate, is a serious problem worldwide. This research sought to examine how long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) high expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HEIH) affects the development and progression of HCC.

Methods

The expression of HEIH in HCC patients and HCC cell lines was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Additionally, HEIH was knocked down, and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide, wound-healing and transwell assays were conducted to evaluate the effects of HEIH on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of the HCC cells, respectively. A xenografted mice model was constructed to investigate the function of HEIH on HCC tumorigenesis in vivo. The interactions among HEIH, microRNA (miR)-193a-5p and cyclin-dependent kinase 8 (CDK8) were also investigated by dual luciferase reporter (DLR) gene and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays.

Results

HEIH was highly expressed in HCC tissues, and was correlated with advanced TNM stage and the absence of vascular invasion. The in vitro experiments showed that silencing HEIH restrained the viability, migration, and invasion of HCC cells, and hampered xenograft tumor growth in vivo. Additionally, HEIH was shown to bind directly to microRNA 193a-5p (miR-193a-5p) and facilitate the expression of the target gene CDK8 in the HCC cells. CDK8 overexpression and miR-193a-5p silencing attenuated the effects of si-HEIH-induced inhibition on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells.

Conclusions

Silencing HEIH restrained the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells via the miR-193a-5p/CDK8 axis.

The Role of Long Noncoding RNA Negative Regulator of Interferon Response in the Regulation of Hantaan Virus Infection

Hantaan virus (HTNV) is prevalent in Eurasia. It causes hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play key roles in regulating innate immunity. Among these, lncRNA negative regulator of interferon response (NRIR) was reported as an inhibitor of several interferon (IFN)-stimulated genes. Our results showed that: NRIR expression was upregulated by HTNV infection in a type I IFN-dependent manner. The expression of NRIR in CD14+ monocytes from HFRS patients in acute phase was significantly higher than that in convalescent phase and healthy controls. HTNV infection in some HTNV-compatible cells was promoted by NRIR. NRIR negatively regulated innate immunity, especially IFITM3 expression. Localized in the nucleus, NRIR bound with HNRNPC, and knockdown of HNRNPC significantly weakened the effect of NRIR in promoting HTNV infection and restored IFITM3 expression. These results indicated that NRIR regulates the innate immune response against HTNV infection possibly through its interaction with HNRNPC and its influence on IFITM3.

METTL3/YTHDF1 m6A axis promotes tumorigenesis by enhancing DDR2 expression in ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer has the highest mortality among all gynecological malignancies. Therefore, it is urgent to determine the molecular mechanism of ovarian cancer progression. As the most prevalent modification of messenger RNA (mRNA), N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) modification is recognized as a key regulatory role in the progression of various tumors. However, the specific role of m6A and its related regulatory pathways in ovarian cancer (OV) remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that the METTL3/YTHDF1 m6A axis plays an important role in the progression of ovarian cancer. Depletion of METTL3/YTHDF1 impaired cancer proliferation and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, The METTL3/YTHDF1 m6A axis directly binds to the mRNA of DDR2, thereby promoting the expression levels of the tumor promoter DDR2 and thus contributing to the progression of ovarian cancer. Collectively, our findings on the METTL3/YTHDF1/DDR2 m6A axis provide the insight into the underlying mechanism of ovarian carcinogenesis and highlight potential therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.

The expression and function of long noncoding RNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma

With the deepening of the genome project study, attention on noncoding RNAs is increasing. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have become a new research hotspot. A growing number of studies have revealed that lncRNAs are involved in tumorigenesis and tumor suppressor pathways. Aberrant expressions of lncRNAs have been found in a variety of human tumors including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this review, we provide a brief introduction to lncRNA and highlight recent research on the functions and clinical significance of lncRNAs in HCC.

Lnc-ZEB2-19 Inhibits the Progression and Lenvatinib Resistance of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Attenuating the NF-κB Signaling Pathway through the TRA2A/RSPH14 Axis

Long non-coding RNAs have been reported to play a crucial role in tumor progression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Lnc-ZEB2-19 has been validated to be deficiently expressed in HCC. However, the capabilities and underlying mechanisms of lnc-ZEB2-19 remain uncertain. In this study, we verified that the downregulation of lnc-ZEB2-19 was prevalent in HCC and significantly correlated with the unfavorable prognosis. Further in vitro and in vivo verified that lnc-ZEB2-19 notably inhibited the proliferation, metastasis, stemness, and lenvatinib resistance (LR) of HCC cells. Mechanistically, lnc-ZEB2-19 inhibited HCC progression and LR by specifically binding to transformer 2α (TRA2A) and promoting its degradation, which resulted in the instability of RSPH14 mRNA, leading to the downregulation of Rela(p65) and p-Rela(p-p65). Furthermore, rescue assays showed that silencing RSPH14 partially restrained the effect of knockdown expression of lnc-ZEB2-19 on HCC cell metastatic ability and stemness. The findings describe a novel regulatory axis, lnc-ZEB2-19/TRA2A/RSPH14, downregulating the nuclear factor kappa B to inhibit HCC progression and LR.

LncRNA MEG3 Inhibits Tumor Progression by Modulating Macrophage Phenotypic Polarization via miR-145-5p/DAB2 Axis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the predominant histological type of primary liver cancer, which ranks sixth among the most common human tumors. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are an important component of tumor microenvironment (TME) and the M2 macrophage polarization substantially contributes to tumor growth and metastasis. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) MEG3 was reported to restrain HCC development. However, whether MEG3 regulates macrophage phenotypic polarization in HCC remains unclear.

Methods

Bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDMs) were treated with LPS/IFNγ and IL4/IL13 to induce the M1 and M2 macrophage polarization, respectively. M2-polarized BMDMs were simultaneously transfected with adenovirus vector overexpressing MEG3 (Adv-MEG3). Subsequently, M2-polarized BMDMs were cultured for 24 h with serum-free medium, the supernatants of which were harvested as conditioned medium (CM). HCC cell line Huh7 was cultured with CM for 24 h. F4/80⁺CD68⁺ and F4/80⁺CD206⁺ cell percentages in M1-and M2-polarized BMDMs were calculated using flow cytometry. Huh7 cell migration, invasion and angiogenesis were determined via Transwell assay and tube formation experiment. Nude mice were implanted with Huh7 cells and Adv-MEG3-transfected M2-polarizd BMDMs, and tumor growth and M2 macrophage polarization markers were assessed. The binding between miR-145-5p and MEG3 or disabled-2 (DAB2) was verified by luciferase reporter assay.

Results

MEG3 presented lower expression in HCC tissues than in normal controls, and low expression of MEG3 was correlated to poorer prognosis of HCC patients. MEG3 expression was enhanced during LPS/IFNγ-induced M1 polarization, but was reduced during IL4/IL13-induced M2 polarization. MEG3 overexpression inhibited the expression of M2 polarization markers in both M2-polarized BMDMs and mice. Mechanically, MEG3 bound with miR-145-5p to regulate DAB2 expression. Overexpressing MEG3 suppressed M2 polarization-induced HCC cell metastasis and angiogenesis by upregulating DAB2 and inhibited in vivo tumor growth.

Conclusion

LncRNA MEG3 curbs HCC development by repressing M2 macrophage polarization via miR-145-5p/DAB2 axis.

LncRNA FAM83A-AS1 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition of pancreatic cancer cells via Hippo pathway

BACKGROUND

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been proved to play a vital role in pancreatic cancer (PC). However, the role of lncRNA FAM83A-AS1 in PC remains unclear. In this study, we explored the biological function and underlying mechanism of FAM83A-AS1 in PC cells.

METHODS

The FAM83A-AS1 expression was assessed via public databases and validated by qRT-PCR. The biofunction and immune cell infiltration of FAM83A-AS1 were analyzed through GO, KEGG, GESA and ssGSEA. The migration, invasion and proliferation abilities of PC cells were examined by Transwell, wound healing, CCK8 and colony formation. The EMT and Hippo pathway markers were evaluated by western blot.

RESULTS

FAM83A-AS1 expression was higher in PC tissues and cells than normal. Additionally, FAM83A-AS1 was associated with poor prognosis of PC and involved in cadherin binding and immune infiltration. Subsequently, we proved FAM83A-AS1 overexpression enhanced the migration, invasion and proliferation abilities of PC cells, whereas FAM83A-AS1 downregulation inhibited those. Moreover, western blot results showed that FAM83A-AS1 knockdown increased the E-cadherin expression and decreased the expression of N-cadherin, β-catenin, Vimentin, Snail and Slug. On the contrary, FAM83A-AS1 upregulation results in the opposite effects. Besides, FAM83A-AS1 overexpression inhibited the expression of p-YAP, p-MOB1, p-Lats1, SAV1, MST1 and MST2 as well as the results of FAM83A-AS1 knockdown were opposite.

CONCLUSION

FAM83A-AS1 promoted EMT of PC cells via Hippo signaling inactivation and may be a potential diagnosis and prognosis target.