MicroRNA-340 Inhibits Tumor Cell Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis in Endometrial Carcinoma Cell Line RL 95-2

The Role of lncRNA-miR-26a-mRNA Network in Cancer Progression and Treatment

The role of non-coding RNAs in regulating biological processes associated with cancer progression, such as proliferation, migration, and apoptosis, has been extensively studied. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a role in regulating these processes through various mechanisms, including transcriptional and post-transcriptional modifications. In post-transcriptional regulation, lncRNAs can bind to specific miRNAs and affect their function, which can either promote or inhibit cancer development. The interaction between lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs forms a network known as competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA), which is involved in cancer progression or inhibition. One specific miRNA called miR-26a-5p has been identified as having tumor-suppressive properties. However, when lncRNAs bind to and inhibit miR-26a-5p, it can lead to cancer progression. Therefore, targeting this ceRNA network could be a promising strategy for preventing cancer development. This review will first discuss the anticancer effects of miR-26a-5p and then explore the involvement of the lncRNA-miR26a-5p-mRNA axis in cancer progression and potential targeted therapies.

Anti-cancer Effects of a Chitosan Based Nanoformulation Expressing miR-340 on 4T1 Breast Cancer Cells

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have a crucial role in the regulation of gene expression in tumor development, invasion, and metastasis. Herein, miRNA-340 (miR-340) has been shown to play tumor suppressor activity in breast cancer (BC). However, the clinical applications of miRNAs request the development of safe and effective delivery systems capable of protecting nucleic acids from degradation. In this study, biodegradable chitosan nanoparticles incorporating miR-340 plasmid DNA (pDNA) (miR-340 CNPs) were synthesized and characterized. Then, the anti-tumor effects of miR-340 CNPs were investigated using 4T1 BCE cells. The spherical nanoparticles (NPs) with an appropriate mean diameter of around 266 ± 9.3 nm and zeta potential of +17 ± 1.8 mV were successfully prepared. The NPs showed good stability, high entrapment efficiency and a reasonable release behavior, meanwhile their high resistance against enzymatic degradation was verified. Furthermore, NPs demonstrated appropriate transfection efficiency and could induce apoptosis, so had toxicity in 4T1 BCE cells. Also, CD47 expression on the surface of cancer cells was significantly reduced after treatment with miR-340 CNPs. The results showed that miR-340 CNPs augmented the expression of P-27 in BC cells. Furthermore, miR-340 CNPs caused down-regulation of BRP-39 (breast regression protein-39) increasingly suggested as a prognostic biomarker for neoplastic diseases like BC. In conclusion, our data show that miR-340 CNPs can be considered as a promising new platform for BC gene therapy.

MicroRNA-Mediated Regulation of Histone-Modifying Enzymes in Cancer: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications

In the past decade, significant advances in molecular research have provided a deeper understanding of the intricate regulatory mechanisms involved in carcinogenesis. MicroRNAs, short non-coding RNA sequences, exert substantial influence on gene expression by repressing translation or inducing mRNA degradation. In the context of cancer, miRNA dysregulation is prevalent and closely associated with various stages of carcinogenesis, including initiation, progression, and metastasis. One crucial aspect of the cancer phenotype is the activity of histone-modifying enzymes that govern chromatin accessibility for transcription factors, thus impacting gene expression. Recent studies have revealed that miRNAs play a significant role in modulating these histone-modifying enzymes, leading to significant implications for genes related to proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis in cancer cells. This article provides an overview of current research on the mechanisms by which miRNAs regulate the activity of histone-modifying enzymes in the context of cancer. Both direct and indirect mechanisms through which miRNAs influence enzyme expression are discussed. Additionally, potential therapeutic implications arising from miRNA manipulation to selectively impact histone-modifying enzyme activity are presented. The insights from this analysis hold significant therapeutic promise, suggesting the utility of miRNAs as tools for the precise regulation of chromatin-related processes and gene expression. A contemporary focus on molecular regulatory mechanisms opens therapeutic pathways that can effectively influence the control of tumor cell growth and dissemination.

miR-340-5p Mediates Cardiomyocyte Oxidative Stress in Diabetes-Induced Cardiac Dysfunction by Targeting Mcl-1

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is initially characterized by early diastolic dysfunction, left ventricular remodeling, hypertrophy, and myocardial fibrosis, and it is eventually characterized by clinical heart failure. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), endogenous small noncoding RNAs, play significant roles in diabetes mellitus (DM). However, it is still largely unknown about the mechanism that links miRNAs and the development of DCM. Here, we aimed to elucidate the mechanism underlying the potential role of microRNA-340-5p in DCM in db/db mouse, which is a commonly used model of type 2 DM and diabetic complications that lead to heart failure. We first demonstrated that miR-340-5p expression was dramatically increased in heart tissues of mice and cardiomyocytes under diabetic conditions. Overexpression of miR-340-5p exacerbated DCM, which was reflected by extensive myocardial fibrosis and more serious dysfunction in db/db mice as represented by increased apoptotic cardiomyocytes, elevated ROS production, and impaired mitochondrial function. Inhibition of miR-340-5p by a tough decoy (TUD) vector was beneficial for preventing ROS production and apoptosis, thus rescuing diabetic cardiomyopathy. We identified myeloid cell leukemia 1 (Mcl-1) as a major target gene for miR-340-5p and showed that the inhibition of Mcl-1 was responsible for increased functional loss of mitochondria, oxidative stress, and cardiomyocyte apoptosis, thereby caused cardiac dysfunction in diabetic mice. In conclusion, our results showed that miR-340-5p plays a crucial role in the development of DCM and can be targeted for therapeutic intervention.

High Expression MicroRNA-206 Inhibits the Growth of Tumor Cells in Human Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma

Background: Malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) is a common type of soft tissue sarcoma and a serious threat to human health. MFH often relapses locally after the curettage is related to the residual cancer stem cells (CSCs). Currently, the dysregulation of microRNA (miRNA) has been found to be closely related to the recurrence of CSCs. However, whether dysregulations of miRNAs exist in MFH, CSCs remained unknown.

Methods: In this study, miRNAs in MFH CSCs and MFH common cells were examined by gene probe. Then, target genes and their functions involved in the signal pathway were predicted by the relevant database. Finally, the miRNAs’ target regulatory network was constructed. Furthermore, the miRNAs and target genes were identified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, whereas miRNA analogs and antagonists were transfected in tumor cells to investigate cell proliferation ability further.

Results: Results showed that a total of 47 miRNAs were found, including 16 that were upregulated and 31 that were downregulated. The screened differential miRNA showed a different expression in the cell resistant strains compared with the control group. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis confirmed that the relative abundance of seven miRNAs and four target genes varied significantly. The encouraging issue is that we found Hsa-miR-206 significantly inhibited MFH proliferative activity.

Conclusion: Hsa-miR-206 played a key role in regulating MFH CSC properties that might be a representative marker and target for the diagnosis and treatment of MFH in the future.

The expression level and prognostic value of microRNA-15a-5p in endometrial carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have shown that the microRNA-15a-5p (miR-15a-5p) plays varying roles in different malignancies. However, to date, the role and prognostic value of miR-15a-5p in patients with endometrial cancer has not been explored. This study investigated the expression level of miR-15a-5p in endometrial carcinoma and its prognostic value.

METHODS

A total of 108 patients with endometrial cancer treated in our hospital from January 2015 to January 2016 were enrolled in this study. The patients were followed up for 5 years. Patients who experienced recurrence or metastasis after surgery were assigned into the recurrence and metastasis group (n=45) and the remaining patients were assigned into the control group (n=63). The expression level of microRNA-15a-5p in endometrial cancer was analyzed. Furthermore, the correlation between the expression of miR-15a-5p and the pathological features and prognosis was examined.

RESULTS

The expression of miR-15a-5p in endometrial carcinoma was significantly lower than that in adjacent healthy tissues (2.22±0.75 vs. 2.59±0.91, P=0.000). Furthermore, the expression of miR-15a-5p in the endometrial cancer tissues of patients in the recurrence and metastasis group was significantly lower than that observed in patients in the control group (1.91±0.62 vs. 2.45±0.75, P=0.000). The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to analyze the predictive value of miR-15a-5p in endometrial cancer tissue for postoperative recurrence or metastasis in endometrial cancer patients. The area under the curve was 0.690 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.601 to 0.798, P=0.000], the best cut-off value of diagnosis was 2.325, the sensitivity was 0.619, and the specificity was 0.733. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that miR-15a-5p expression <2.325 was a risk factor for postoperative recurrence or metastasis of endometrial cancer [odds ratio (OR) =3.544 (95% CI: 1.489 to 8.436), P=0.004]. Furthermore, the expression of miR-15a-5p in endometrial carcinoma was correlated with lymph node metastasis, TNM stage, and patient mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

The expression of miR-15a-5p in endometrial carcinoma is related to lymph node metastasis, TNM stage, and mortality. Furthermore, the expression of miR-15a-5p was significantly decreased in endometrial cancer patients with recurrence or metastasis and thus, miR-15a-5p may have certain value in predicting postoperative recurrence or metastasis in such patients.

Tumor Suppressor miRNA in Cancer Cells and the Tumor Microenvironment: Mechanism of Deregulation and Clinical Implications

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are noncoding RNAs that have been identified as important posttranscriptional regulators of gene expression. miRNAs production is controlled at multiple levels, including transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation. Extensive profiling studies have shown that the regulation of mature miRNAs expression plays a causal role in cancer development and progression. miRNAs have been identified to act as tumor suppressors (TS) or as oncogenes based on their modulating effect on the expression of their target genes. Upregulation of oncogenic miRNAs blocks TS genes and leads to tumor formation. In contrast, downregulation of miRNAs with TS function increases the translation of oncogenes. Several miRNAs exhibiting TS properties have been studied. In this review we focus on recent studies on the role of TS miRNAs in cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME). Furthermore, we discuss how TS miRNA impacts the aggressiveness of cancer cells, with focus of the mechanism that regulate its expression. The study of the mechanisms of miRNA regulation in cancer cells and the TME may paved the way to understand its critical role in the development and progression of cancer and is likely to have important clinical implications in a near future. Finally, the potential roles of miRNAs as specific biomarkers for the diagnosis and the prognosis of cancer and the replacement of tumor suppressive miRNAs using miRNA mimics could be promising approaches for cancer therapy.

Non-Coding RNAs as Prognostic Markers for Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer (EC) has been classified over the years, for prognostic and therapeutic purposes. In recent years, classification systems have been emerging not only based on EC clinical and pathological characteristics but also on its genetic and epigenetic features. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are emerging as promising markers in several cancer types, including EC, for which their prognostic value is currently under investigation and will likely integrate the present prognostic tools based on protein coding genes. This review aims to underline the importance of the genetic and epigenetic events in the EC tumorigenesis, by expounding upon the prognostic role of ncRNAs.

miR-340: A multifunctional role in human malignant diseases

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of short non-coding RNAs of approximately 22 nucleotides in length, which function by binding to the 3' UTR sequences of their target mRNAs. It has been reported that dysregulated miRNAs play pivotal roles in numerous diseases, including cancers, such as gastric, breast, colorectal, ovarian, and other cancers. Recent research efforts have been devoted to translating these basic discoveries into clinical applications that could improve the therapeutic outcome in patients with cancer. Early studies have shown that miR-340 may act either as an oncogene or a tumor suppressor by targeting genes related to proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis, as well as those associated with diagnosis, treatment, chemoresistance, and prognosis. miR-340 has been shown to have a role in other diseases, such as autoimmune diseases, acute stroke, and alcoholic steatohepatitis. Nevertheless, the roles of miR-340 in human malignancies are still unclear, and the associated mechanisms are complex, involving a variety of signaling pathways, such as Wnt/β-catenin and the JAK-STAT pathways. Herein, we review the crucial roles of miR-340 in human cancers through the analysis of the latest research studies, with the aim of clarifying miR-340 function in malignant disease diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis, and to propose further investigations.

Analysis of microRNA regulating cell cycle-related tumor suppressor genes in endometrial cancer patients

Endometrial cancer remains the most common malignancy of the female genital system in developed countries. Tumor suppressor genes are responsible for controlling the cells fate in the cell cycle and preventing cancerogenesis. Gene expression affects cancer progression and is modulated by microRNAs defined as both tumor suppressors and oncogenes. These molecules indirectly regulate multiple processes like cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. The aim of this study was to analyze miRNAs expression that can regulate the activity of tumor suppressor genes related to the cell cycle in patients with endometrioid endometrial cancer. The study group consisted of 12 samples that met the inclusion criteria from a total of 48 obtained. The 12 samples were used to analyze microRNA expression. Complementary miRNAs were identified using TargetScan Database and statistical analysis. MicroRNAs were determined for the tumor suppressor genes: CYR61, WT1, TSPYL5, HNRNPA0, BCL2L1 and BAK1. All the miRNAs were complementary to the described target genes based on TargetScan Database. There were five miRNAs differentially expressed that can regulate tumor suppressor genes related to the cell cycle. The distinguished miRNAs: mir-340-3p, mir-1236-5p, mir-874-3p, mir-873-5p.2 and mir-548-5p were differentially expressed in endometrial cancer in comparison to the control. Among the distinguished miRNAs, the most promising is mir-874-3p, which may have an important role in endometrial adenocarcinoma proliferation.

MiR-195 inhibits migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of endometrial carcinoma cells by targeting SOX4

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified as potential biomarkers for endometrial carcinoma (EC) diagnosis, prognosis and therapy. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the detailed role and molecular mechanism of miR-195 in EC metastasis. qRT-PCR assay was performed to assess the expression of miR-195 and SRY-related high-mobility group box 4 (SOX4) mRNA in EC tissues and cells. The levels of N-cadherin, Vimentin, E-cadherin and SOX4 protein were determined by western blot. SOX4 protein expression in EC tissues was also determined by Immunohistochemistry (IHC) experiment. Transwell assay was used to analyze cell migration and invasion abilities. Dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA Immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay were performed to confirm the targeted interaction between miR-195 and SOX4. Our data supported that miR-195 was downregulated and SOX4 was upregulated in EC tissues and cell lines. Upregulation of miR-195 inhibited migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of EC cells. Moreover, SOX4 was a direct target of miR-195. MiR-195 overexpression-mediated anti-migration, anti-invasion and anti-EMT effects were antagonized by SOX4 restoration in EC cells. In conclusion, our study suggested that miR-195 inhibited the migration, invasion and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) of EC cells at least partly by targeting SOX4. Our study provided a novel underlying mechanism for EC metastasis and a promising therapeutic target for EC management.

[Role of miRNA-340 in modulating gastric cancer cell proliferation and bioinformatic analysis]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the mechanism of miRNA-340 for regulating the proliferation of gastric cancer (GC) cells and predict its interacting circular RNAs (circRNAs), its downstream target genes and the involved signaling pathways.

METHODS

The differentially expressed miRNAs in GC cell lines were analyzed and screened using miRNA microarrays. The expression level of miRNA-340 in 21 pairs of GC tissues and adjacent normal tissues was detected using real-time PCR. MTT and EdU assays were performed to examine the effect of miRNA-340 on the proliferation ability of HFE145 and BGC-823 cells. We also tested the effect of miRNA-340 inhibition on subcutaneous tumorigenesis of GC cells in a nude mouse model. The downstream target genes of miRNA-340 and the probable signal pathways were predicted online using Targetscan and DAVID database, respectively. The interacting circRNAs of miRNA-340 were analyzed using starBase platform.

RESULTS

Among the differentially expressed miRNAs, miRNA-340 was significantly down-regulated in GC cell lines. Real-time PCR results showed that the expression of miRNA-340 was significantly lower in GC tissues than in the adjacent tissues (P &lt; 0.05). MTT and EdU cell proliferation assays showed that miRNA-340 overexpression inhibited the proliferation of GC cells in vitro. In the nude mouse models, the proliferation of GC cells transfected with miRNA-340 inhibitor was obviously enhanced. Bioinformatics analysis suggested that miRNA-340 had 21 target genes with 3 or more conserved sites, and these genes were involved in tumorigenesis and invasion. The top 10 circRNAs were selected as the most powerful sponge circRNAs interacting with miRNA-340.

CONCLUSIONS

miRNA-340 may play the role of a tumor suppressor in tumorigenesis and progression. Overexpression of miRNA-340 suppress the proliferation of GC cells, suggesting its involvement in the development of GC along with multiple circRNAs.

miR-940 potentially promotes proliferation and metastasis of endometrial carcinoma through regulation of MRVI1

The specific functions and clinical significance of miR-940 in endometrial carcinoma (EC) have not been studied. First, we assessed the expression of miR-940 and MRVI1 in EC tissues collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and EC cell lines. miR-940 was significantly overexpressed in EC tissues and cell lines, particularly in RL95-2 cells. Correlation analysis showed that miR-940 expression level was remarkably associated with age, grade, and death. Moreover, the overall survival (OS) rate in the miR-940 low expression group was higher, compared with miR-940 high expression group. Univariate and multivariate models demonstrated that miR-940 expression, stage, and age were predictive indicators of OS. Moreover, there was no significance of the proliferation ability among the three EC cell lines (RL95-2, ISK, and KLE). To reveal the biological roles of miR-940, we respectively transfected RL95-2 cells with miR-940 mimics, miR-940 inhibitors, and control to further investigate the cell proliferation ability, and migration as well as invasion potential of RL95-2 cells. The transfection of miR-940 mimics significantly increased the proliferation and migration/invasion ability of RL95-2 cells. MRVI1 was predicted to be a potential target of miR-940 by means of in silico analysis followed by validation using luciferase reporter assays. MRVI1 was correlated with good prognosis. Moreover, forced expression of MRVI1 in miR-940 mimic transfected cells abolished the facilitation of miR-940 on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of RL95-2 and KLE cells. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that miR-940 might function as a reliable diagnostic and prognostic signature in EC.

Hepatitis B virus-regulated growth of liver cancer cells occurs through the microRNA-340-5p-activating transcription factor 7-heat shock protein A member 1B axis

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common cancer with poor prognosis. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the leading causes of HCC, but the precise mechanisms by which this infection promotes cancer development are not fully understood. Recently, miR‐340‐5p, a microRNA (miRNA) that has been identified as a cancer suppressor gene, was found to inhibit the migration and invasion of liver cancer cells. However, the effect of miR‐340‐5p on cell proliferation and apoptosis in HBV‐associated HCC remains unknown. In our study, we show that miR‐340‐5p plays an important role during HBV infection and hepatocellular carcinoma development. Specifically, this miRNA directly binds to the mRNA encoding activating transcription factor 7 (ATF7), a protein that both promotes cell proliferation and suppresses apoptosis through its interaction with heat shock protein A member 1B (HSPA1B). We further found that miR‐340‐5p is downregulated by HBV, which enhances ATF7 expression, leading to enhanced cell proliferation and inhibition of apoptosis. Notably, ATF7 is upregulated in HCC tissue, suggesting that HBV may target miR‐340‐5p in vivo to promote ATF7/HSPA1B‐mediated proliferation and apoptosis and regulate liver cancer progression. This work helps to elucidate the complex interactions between HBV and host miRNAs and further suggests that miR‐340‐5p may represent a promising candidate for the development of improved therapeutic strategies for HCC.

Oncogenic and Tumor-Suppressive Roles of MicroRNAs with Special Reference to Apoptosis: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are the non-coding class of minute RNA molecules that negatively control post-transcriptional regulation of various functional genes. These miRNAs are transcribed from the loci present in the introns of functional or protein-coding genes, exons of non-coding genes, or even in the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR). They have potential to modulate the stability or translational efficiency of a variety of target RNA [messenger RNA (mRNA)]. The regulatory function of miRNAs has been elucidated in several pathological conditions, including neurological (Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease) and cardiovascular conditions, along with cancer. Importantly, miRNA identification in cancer progression and invasion has evolved as an incipient era in cancer treatment. Several studies have shown the influence of miRNAs on various cancer processes, including apoptosis, invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis. In particular, apoptosis induction in tumor cells through miRNA has been extensively studied. The biphasic mode (up- and down-regulation) of miRNA expression in apoptosis and other cancer processes has already been determined. The findings of these studies could be utilized to develop potential therapeutic strategies for the management of various cancers. The present review critically describes the oncogenic and tumor suppressor role of miRNAs in apoptosis and other cancer processes, therapy resistance, and use of their presence in the body fluids as biomarkers.

Up-regulation of microRNA-340 promotes osteosarcoma cell apoptosis while suppressing proliferation, migration, and invasion by inactivating the CTNNB1-mediated Notch signaling pathway

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common histological form of primary bone cancer. It is most prevalent in teenagers and young adults. The present study aims at exploring the regulatory effect of microRNA-340 (miR-340) on OS cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis via regulating the Notch signaling pathway by targeting β-catenin (cadherin-associated protein) 1 (CTNNB1). OS tissues belonging to 45 patients and normal femoral head tissues of 45 amputees were selected. Cells were allocated to different groups. In situ hybridization was performed to determine the positive rate of miR-340 expression while immunohistochemistry was used to determine that of CTNNB1 and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2). We used a series of experiments to measure the expressions of related factors and assess rates of cell proliferation, migration, invasion, cycle, and apoptosis respectively. Our results show that miR-340 was expressed a higher level in normal tissue than OS tissue. Expression of Notch, CTNNB1, hairy and enhancer of split 1 (Hes1), Bcl-2, Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), and osteocalcin increased and that of miR-340, Bcl-2 interacting mediator of cell death (BIM), and Bcl-2 associated protein X (Bax) decreased in OS tissues. U-2OS cell line had the highest miR-340 expression. We also found that the up-regulation of miR-340 had increased expression of miR-340, BIM, and Bax but decreased expression of Notch, CTNNB1, Hes1, Bcl-2, Runx2, and osteocalcin. Up-regulation of miR-340p lead to increased cell apoptosis, suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Our study demonstrates that overexpression of miR-340 could suppress OS cell proliferation, migration, and invasion as well as promoting OS cell apoptosis by inactivating the Notch signaling pathway via down-regulating CTNNB1. Functional miR-340 overexpression might be a future therapeutic strategy for OS.

MicroRNAs in gynecological cancers: Small molecules with big implications

Gynecological cancers (GCs) are often diagnosed at advanced stages, limiting the efficacy of available therapeutic options. Thus, there remains an urgent and unmet need for innovative research for the efficient clinical management of GC patients. Research over past several years has revealed the enormous promise of miRNAs. These small non-coding RNAs can aid in the diagnosis, prognosis and therapy of all major GCs, viz., ovarian cancers, cervical cancers and endometrial cancers. Mechanistic details of the miRNAs-mediated regulation of multiple biological functions are under constant investigation, and a number of miRNAs are now believed to influence growth, proliferation, invasion, metastasis, chemoresistance and the relapse of different GCs. Modulation of tumor microenvironment by miRNAs can possibly explain some of their reported biological effects. miRNA signatures have been proposed as biomarkers for the early detection of GCs, even the various subtypes of individual GCs. miRNA signatures are also being pursued as predictors of response to therapies. This review catalogs the knowledge gained from collective studies, so as to assess the progress made so far. It is time to ponder over the knowledge gained, so that more meaningful pre-clinical and translational studies can be designed to better realize the potential that miRNAs have to offer.

Silencing nc886, a Non-Coding RNA, Induces Apoptosis of Human Endometrial Cancer Cells-1A In Vitro

Background

The role that nc886, a non-coding microRNA, plays in human endometrial cancer is unknown. The present study aimed to describe the functional role of nc886 in human endometrial cancer-1A (HEC-1A) cell line, which may provide another target for human endometrial cancer treatment.

Material/Methods

The expression levels of nv886 in normal human endometrial tissue and the early phase and late phase of human endometrial cancer tissues were determined and compared by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Small interference RNA (siRNA) was used to inhibit nc886, and cell proliferation was evaluated with the MTT test. mRNA levels of PKR, NF-κB, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and caspase-3 were determined against glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH between the HEC-1A control group and the silenced group (nc886 silenced with siRNA) by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The protein levels of PKR (total and phosphorylated form), NF-κB, VEGF, and caspase-3 were determined against GAPDH by Western blotting, and cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry.

Results

Our results indicated that a higher level of nc886 was expressed in the late phase of human endometrial cancer tissue, less than in the early phase but still higher than in normal human endometrial tissue. After nc886 was silenced, protein levels of p-PKR (phosphorylated PKR) and caspase-3 were increased, whereas NF-κB and VEGF were decreased.

Conclusions

The rate of apoptosis in the silenced group was increased and the rate of cell proliferation was slower in comparison to the control.

miR-922 regulates CYLD expression and promotes the cell proliferation of human hepatocellular carcinoma

Evidence reveals that microRNAs (miRNAs) play essential roles in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumorigenesis. In the present study, we identified an essential role for miR-922 in the development of HCC. We found that miR-922 was significantly upregulated in HCC cells and clinical tissues. Gain and loss of function studies indicated that miR-922 significantly promoted HCC cell proliferation. We subsequently identified that cylindromatosis (CYLD) was a target gene of miR-922. Moreover, miR-922 decreased CYLD expression, subsequently upregulating the expression of c-Myc and cyclin D1, while downregulating p-Rb expression. Furthermore, knockdown of CYLD expression by siRNA partially counteracted the tumor suppressive effect of the inhibitor of miR‑922, miR‑922-in. Taken together, our findings indicate that miR-922 plays a key role in the promotion of HCC cell proliferation, and strongly suggest that exogenous miR-922 may have therapeutic value for treating HCC.