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Nemunaitis J, Stanbery L, Walter A, Wallraven G, Nemunaitis A, Horvath S, Bognar E, Rao D, Engle S, Brun S, Ghisoli M, Rocconi RP, Monk BJ, Coleman RL. Gemogenovatucel-T (Vigil): bi-shRNA plasmid-based targeted immunotherapy. Future Oncol 2024:1-16. [PMID: 39101448 DOI: 10.1080/14796694.2024.2376518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
We describe in this review the historical evidence leading up to the concept and design of Vigil and subsequent clinical applications including safety and efficacy in a randomized, controlled Phase IIB trial. Vigil (gemogenovatucel-T) is a unique triple function targeted immunotherapy that demonstrates preclinical and clinical systemic anticancer activity. Construction of Vigil involves harvest of autologous malignant tissue for neoantigen targeting (ideally containing clonal neoantigens) followed by a two-day process involving transfection with a plasmid to provide a permissive 'training environment' for the patient's immune system. Transfected plasmid components contain an expressive human GMCSF DNA segment to enhance anticancer immune functional response and a second component expressing bi-shRNAfurin which reduces TGFβ isomers (TGFβ1 and TGFβ2) thereby reducing cancer inhibition of the targeted immune response. Results generated to date justify advancement to confirmatory clinical trials supporting product regulatory approval.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Scott Brun
- Gold Mast Consulting, LLC, The Woodlands, TX 77380, USA
| | | | - Rodney P Rocconi
- University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - Bradley J Monk
- HonorHealth Research Institute, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ 85012, USA
- Creigton University, School of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ 85012, USA
| | - Robert L Coleman
- Texas Oncology, US Oncology Network, The Woodlands, TX 77380, USA
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2
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Duan Y, Li L, Panzade GP, Piton A, Zinovyeva A, Ambros V. Modeling neurodevelopmental disorder-associated human AGO1 mutations in Caenorhabditis elegans Argonaute alg-1. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2308255121. [PMID: 38412125 PMCID: PMC10927592 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2308255121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNA) associate with Argonaute (AGO) proteins and repress gene expression by base pairing to sequences in the 3' untranslated regions of target genes. De novo coding variants in the human AGO genes AGO1 and AGO2 cause neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) with intellectual disability, referred to as Argonaute syndromes. Most of the altered amino acids are conserved between the miRNA-associated AGO in Homo sapiens and Caenorhabditis elegans, suggesting that the human mutations could disrupt conserved functions in miRNA biogenesis or activity. We genetically modeled four human AGO1 mutations in C. elegans by introducing identical mutations into the C. elegans AGO1 homologous gene, alg-1. These alg-1 NDD mutations cause phenotypes in C. elegans indicative of disrupted miRNA processing, miRISC (miRNA silencing complex) formation, and/or target repression. We show that the alg-1 NDD mutations are antimorphic, causing developmental and molecular phenotypes stronger than those of alg-1 null mutants, likely by sequestrating functional miRISC components into non-functional complexes. The alg-1 NDD mutations cause allele-specific disruptions in mature miRNA profiles, accompanied by perturbation of downstream gene expression, including altered translational efficiency and/or messenger RNA abundance. The perturbed genes include those with human orthologs whose dysfunction is associated with NDD. These cross-clade genetic studies illuminate fundamental AGO functions and provide insights into the conservation of miRNA-mediated post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Duan
- Program of Molecular Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01605
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA02138
| | - Li Li
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS66506
| | | | - Amélie Piton
- Department of Translational Medicine and Neurogenetics, Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology, Strasbourg University, CNRS UMR7104, INSERM U1258, Illkirch67 400, France
| | - Anna Zinovyeva
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS66506
| | - Victor Ambros
- Program of Molecular Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA01605
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3
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Diener C, Keller A, Meese E. The miRNA-target interactions: An underestimated intricacy. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:1544-1557. [PMID: 38033323 PMCID: PMC10899768 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad1142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play indispensable roles in posttranscriptional gene regulation. Their cellular regulatory impact is determined not solely by their sheer number, which likely amounts to >2000 individual miRNAs in human, than by the regulatory effectiveness of single miRNAs. Although, one begins to develop an understanding of the complex mechanisms underlying miRNA-target interactions (MTIs), the overall knowledge of MTI functionality is still rather patchy. In this critical review, we summarize key features of mammalian MTIs. We especially highlight latest insights on (i) the dynamic make-up of miRNA binding sites including non-canonical binding sites, (ii) the cooperativity between miRNA binding sites, (iii) the adaptivity of MTIs through sequence modifications, (iv) the bearing of intra-cellular miRNA localization changes and (v) the role of cell type and cell status specific miRNA interaction partners. The MTI biology is discussed against the background of state-of-the-art approaches with particular emphasis on experimental strategies for evaluating miRNA functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Diener
- Saarland University (USAAR), Institute of Human Genetics, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Keller
- Saarland University (USAAR), Chair for Clinical Bioinformatics, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS)–Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Saarland University Campus, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Eckart Meese
- Saarland University (USAAR), Institute of Human Genetics, 66421 Homburg, Germany
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Hammad G, Mamdouh S, Seoudi DM, Seleem MI, Safwat G, Mohamed RH. Elevated expression patterns of P-element Induced Wimpy Testis (PIWI) transcripts are potential candidate markers for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancer Biomark 2024; 39:95-111. [PMID: 38043006 PMCID: PMC11002723 DOI: 10.3233/cbm-230134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND P-Element-induced wimpy testis (PIWI) proteins, when in combination with PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA), are engaged in the epigenetic regulation of gene expression in germline cells. Different types of tumour cells have been found to exhibit abnormal expression of piRNA, PIWIL-mRNAs, and proteins. We aimed to determine the mRNA expression profiles of PIWIL1, PIWIL2, PIWIL3, & PIWIL4, in hepatocellular carcinoma patients, and to associate their expression patterns with clinicopathological features. METHODS The expression patterns of PIWIL1, PIWIL2, PIWIL3, PIWIL4 mRNA, was assessed via real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-QPCR), on tissue and serum samples from HCC patients, their impact for diagnosis was evaluated by ROC curves, prognostic utility was determined, and In Silico analysis was conducted for predicted variant detection, association with HCC microRNAs and Network Analysis. RESULTS Expression levels were significantly higher in both HCC tissue and serum samples than in their respective controls (p< 0.001). Additionally, the diagnostic performance was assessed, Risk determination was found to be statistically significant. CONCLUSION PIWIL mRNAs are overexpressed in HCC tissue and serum samples, the expression patterns could be valuable molecular markers for HCC, due to their association with age, tumour grade and pattern. To the best of our knowledge, our study is the first to report the expression levels of all PIWIL mRNA and to suggest their remarkable values as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, in addition to their correlation to HCC development. Additionally, a therapeutic opportunity might be also suggested through in silico miRNA prediction for HCC and PIWIL genes through DDX4 and miR-124-3p.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gehan Hammad
- Faculty of Biotechnology, October University for Modern Sciences & Arts (MSA), Giza, Egypt
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Samah Mamdouh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Dina Mohamed Seoudi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Ismail Seleem
- Department of Surgery, National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Gehan Safwat
- Faculty of Biotechnology, October University for Modern Sciences & Arts (MSA), Giza, Egypt
| | - Rania Hassan Mohamed
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
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5
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Kocic G, Hadzi-Djokic J, Colic M, Veljkovic A, Tomovic K, Roumeliotis S, Smelcerovic A, Liakopoulos V. The Role of Nucleases Cleaving TLR3, TLR7/8 and TLR9 Ligands, Dicer RNase and miRNA/piRNA Proteins in Functional Adaptation to the Immune Escape and Xenophagy of Prostate Cancer Tissue. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010509. [PMID: 36613950 PMCID: PMC9820234 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The prototypic sensors for the induction of innate and adaptive immune responses are the Toll-like receptors (TLRs). Unusually high expression of TLRs in prostate carcinoma (PC), associated with less differentiated, more aggressive and more propagating forms of PC, changed the previous paradigm about the role of TLRs strictly in immune defense system. Our data reveal an entirely novel role of nucleic acids-sensing Toll-like receptors (NA-TLRs) in functional adaptation of malignant cells for supply and digestion of surrounding metabolic substrates from dead cells as specific mechanism of cancer cells survival, by corresponding ligands accelerated degradation and purine/pyrimidine salvage pathway. The spectrophotometric measurement protocols used for the determination of the activity of RNases and DNase II have been optimized in our laboratory as well as the enzyme-linked immunosorbent method for the determination of NF-κB p65 in prostate tissue samples. The protocols used to determine Dicer RNase, AGO2, TARBP2 and PIWIL4 were based on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The amount of pre-existing acid-soluble oligonucleotides was measured and expressed as coefficient of absorbance. The activities of acid DNase II and RNase T2, and the activities of nucleases cleaving TLR3, TLR7/8 and TLR9 ligands (Poly I:C, poly U and unmethylated CpG), increased several times in PC, compared to the corresponding tumor adjacent and control tissue, exerting very high sensitivity and specificity of above 90%. Consequently higher levels of hypoxanthine and NF-κB p65 were reported in PC, whereas the opposite results were observed for miRNA biogenesis enzyme (Dicer RNase), miRNA processing protein (TARB2), miRNA-induced silencing complex protein (Argonaute-AGO) and PIWI-interacting RNAs silence transposon. Considering the crucial role of purine and pyrimidine nucleotides as energy carriers, subunits of nucleic acids and nucleotide cofactors, future explorations will be aimed to design novel anti-cancer immune strategies based on a specific acid endolysosomal nuclease inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordana Kocic
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Nis, 18000 Nis, Serbia
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +381-63-8122522
| | | | - Miodrag Colic
- Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Andrej Veljkovic
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Nis, 18000 Nis, Serbia
| | - Katarina Tomovic
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Nis, 18000 Nis, Serbia
| | - Stefanos Roumeliotis
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, 1st Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA Hospital, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Andrija Smelcerovic
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Nis, 18000 Nis, Serbia
| | - Vassilios Liakopoulos
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, 1st Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA Hospital, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
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A previously unknown Argonaute 2 variant positively modulates the viability of melanoma cells. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:475. [PMID: 35943635 PMCID: PMC9363364 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04496-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In malignant melanoma, a highly aggressive form of skin cancer, many microRNAs are aberrantly expressed contributing to tumorigenesis and progression. Further, deregulation of microRNA processing enzymes, like the miRNA-binding protein Argonaute 2, significantly impacts microRNA function. This study characterizes a novel splice variant of Argonaut 2, AGO2-ex1/3. AGO2-ex1/3 is substantially expressed in different melanoma cell lines and patient-derived tissue samples. It is a mature mRNA, which is translated into an N-terminally truncated Argonaute 2 protein form. Molecular dynamics simulations show that the PAZ, MID, and PIWI domain largely retain their structure in AGO2-ex1/3 and that the truncation of the N-terminus leads to an increased interdomain flexibility. Expression of AGO2-ex1/3 provides a survival advantage for melanoma cells while the knockdown causes significantly reduced proliferation and increases apoptosis. RNA-sequencing revealed that in cells lacking AGO2-ex1/3 expression many miRNA target genes are deregulated, implicating a considerable role of AGO2-ex1/3 for miRNA function. This study inaugurates insights into an important role of a so far unknown splice variant of Argonaute 2 for the miRNA pathway as well as the mechanisms which drive growth and survival of melanoma cells. This knowledge provides the basis for potential new promising therapeutic targets focusing on small RNA-mediated gene regulation in melanoma.
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7
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McGeary SE, Bisaria N, Pham TM, Wang PY, Bartel DP. MicroRNA 3'-compensatory pairing occurs through two binding modes, with affinity shaped by nucleotide identity and position. eLife 2022; 11:e69803. [PMID: 35191832 PMCID: PMC8940178 DOI: 10.7554/elife.69803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs), in association with Argonaute (AGO) proteins, direct repression by pairing to sites within mRNAs. Compared to pairing preferences of the miRNA seed region (nucleotides 2-8), preferences of the miRNA 3' region are poorly understood, due to the sparsity of measured affinities for the many pairing possibilities. We used RNA bind-n-seq with purified AGO2-miRNA complexes to measure relative affinities of >1000 3'-pairing architectures for each miRNA. In some cases, optimal 3' pairing increased affinity by >500 fold. Some miRNAs had two high-affinity 3'-pairing modes-one of which included additional nucleotides bridging seed and 3' pairing to enable high-affinity pairing to miRNA nucleotide 11. The affinity of binding and the position of optimal pairing both tracked with the occurrence of G or oligo(G/C) nucleotides within the miRNA. These and other results advance understanding of miRNA targeting, providing insight into how optimal 3' pairing is determined for each miRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean E McGeary
- Howard Hughes Medical InstituteCambridgeUnited States
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical ResearchCambridgeUnited States
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
| | - Namita Bisaria
- Howard Hughes Medical InstituteCambridgeUnited States
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical ResearchCambridgeUnited States
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
| | - Thy M Pham
- Howard Hughes Medical InstituteCambridgeUnited States
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical ResearchCambridgeUnited States
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
| | - Peter Y Wang
- Howard Hughes Medical InstituteCambridgeUnited States
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical ResearchCambridgeUnited States
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
| | - David P Bartel
- Howard Hughes Medical InstituteCambridgeUnited States
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical ResearchCambridgeUnited States
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
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8
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Kilikevicius A, Meister G, Corey DR. Reexamining assumptions about miRNA-guided gene silencing. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:617-634. [PMID: 34967419 PMCID: PMC8789053 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab1256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short endogenously expressed RNAs that have the potential to regulate the expression of any RNA. This potential has led to the publication of several thousand papers each year connecting miRNAs to many different genes and human diseases. By contrast, relatively few papers appear that investigate the molecular mechanism used by miRNAs. There is a disconnect between rigorous understanding of mechanism and the extraordinary diversity of reported roles for miRNAs. Consequences of this disconnect include confusion about the assumptions underlying the basic science of human miRNAs and slow development of therapeutics that target miRNAs. Here, we present an overview of investigations into miRNAs and their impact on gene expression. Progress in our understanding of miRNAs would be aided by a greater focus on the mechanism of miRNAs and a higher burden of evidence on researchers who seek to link expression of a particular miRNA to a biological phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrius Kilikevicius
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Road, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Gunter Meister
- Regensburg Center for Biochemistry (RCB), Laboratory for RNA Biology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - David R Corey
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Road, Dallas, TX, USA
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9
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Mokarram P, Niknam M, Sadeghdoust M, Aligolighasemabadi F, Siri M, Dastghaib S, Brim H, Ashktorab H. PIWI interacting RNAs perspectives: a new avenues in future cancer investigations. Bioengineered 2021; 12:10401-10419. [PMID: 34723746 PMCID: PMC8809986 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.1997078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
As a currently identified small non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) category, the PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are crucial mediators of cell biology. The human genome comprises over 30.000 piRNA genes. Although considered a new field in cancer research, the piRNA pathway is shown by the existing evidence as an active pathway in a variety of different types of cancers with critical impacts on main aspects of cancer progression. Among the regulatory molecules that contribute to maintaining the dynamics of cancer cells, the P-element Induced WImpy testis (PIWI) proteins and piRNAs, as new players, have not been broadly studied so far. Therefore, the identification of cancer-related piRNAs and the assessment of target genes of piRNAs may lead to better cancer prevention and therapy strategies. This review articleaimed to highlight the role and function of piRNAs based on existing data. Understanding the role of piRNA in cancer may provide perspectives on their applications as particular biomarker signature in diagnosis in early stage, prognosis and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooneh Mokarram
- Autophagy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran,Department of Biochemistry, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran,CONTACT Pooneh Mokarram Department of Biochemistry, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Maryam Niknam
- Department of Biochemistry, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammadamin Sadeghdoust
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mashhad Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Farnaz Aligolighasemabadi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mashhad Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Morvarid Siri
- Autophagy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sanaz Dastghaib
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hassan Brim
- Pathology and Cancer Center, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Hassan Ashktorab
- Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology Division and Cancer Center, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, Dc, USA
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10
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Dragomir MP, Knutsen E, Calin GA. Classical and noncanonical functions of miRNAs in cancers. Trends Genet 2021; 38:379-394. [PMID: 34728089 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2021.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Alterations in microRNAs (miRNAs) expression are causative in the initiation and progression of human cancers. The molecular events responsible for the widespread differential expression of miRNAs in malignancy are exemplified by their location in cancer-associated genomic regions, epigenetic mechanisms, transcriptional dysregulation, chemical modifications and editing, and alterations in miRNA biogenesis proteins. The classical miRNA function is synonymous with post-transcriptional repression of target protein genes. However, several studies have reported miRNAs functioning outside this paradigm and some of these novel modes of regulation of gene expression have been implicated in cancers. Here, we summarize key aspects of miRNA involvement in cancer, with a special focus on these lesser-studied mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihnea P Dragomir
- Institute of Pathology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Erik Knutsen
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.
| | - George A Calin
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA; Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNAs, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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11
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Teixeira AL, Patrão AS, Dias F, Silva C, Vieira I, Silva JF, Ferreira M, Morais A, Maurício J, Medeiros R. AGO2 expression levels and related genetic polymorphisms: influence in renal cell progression and aggressive phenotypes. Pharmacogenomics 2021; 22:1069-1079. [PMID: 34672687 DOI: 10.2217/pgs-2021-0072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most lethal urological cancer and up to 40% of patients submitted to surgery will relapse. Thus, the study aim was to analyze the associations of AGO2 SNPs with RCC patients' prognosis, and evaluate their effect on AGO2 mRNA levels. Materials & methods: The AGO2 rs4961280, rs3928672 and rs11996715 polymorphisms and the relative quantification of AGO2 mRNA levels were analyzed by real-time PCR. Results: We observed that AGO2 rs4961280 AC + AA genotypes carriers presented a higher cancer progression risk (odds ratio= 3.13, p < 0.001), a reduced progression-free survival (log rank test, p = 0.003) and an increased risk of an early relapse (hazard ratio= 2.26, p = 0.008). In fact, these patients also presented higher circulating levels of AGO2 mRNA (p = 0.043), with the high levels being associated with more aggressive tumors. Conclusion: The AGO2 rs4961280 AA/AC genotypes are unfavorable RCC prognostic biomarkers, with the AGO2 levels being a useful RCC aggressive phenotype biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Luísa Teixeira
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto CCC)
| | - Ana Sofia Patrão
- Medical Oncology Department of The Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto), Porto, Portugal
| | - Francisca Dias
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISECI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto CCC)
| | - Carlos Silva
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISECI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto CCC)
| | - Isabel Vieira
- Urology Department of The Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto), Porto, Portugal
| | - José Fernando Silva
- Urology Department of The Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto), Porto, Portugal
| | - Marta Ferreira
- Medical Oncology Department of The Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto), Porto, Portugal
| | - António Morais
- Urology Department of The Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto), Porto, Portugal
| | - Joaquina Maurício
- Medical Oncology Department of The Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto), Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Medeiros
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISECI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto CCC).,ICBAS, Abel Salazar Institute for The Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Portugal.,FMUP, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Portugal.,Research Department, LPCC- Portuguese League Against Cancer (NR Norte), Porto, Portugal.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Fernando Pessoa University, Porto, Portugal
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12
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AGO2 localizes to cytokinetic protrusions in a p38-dependent manner and is needed for accurate cell division. Commun Biol 2021; 4:726. [PMID: 34117353 PMCID: PMC8196063 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02130-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Argonaute 2 (AGO2) is an indispensable component of the RNA-induced silencing complex, operating at the translational or posttranscriptional level. It is compartmentalized into structures such as GW- and P-bodies, stress granules and adherens junctions as well as the midbody. Here we show using immunofluorescence, image and bioinformatic analysis and cytogenetics that AGO2 also resides in membrane protrusions such as open- and close-ended tubes. The latter are cytokinetic bridges where AGO2 colocalizes at the midbody arms with cytoskeletal components such as α-Τubulin and Aurora B, and various kinases. AGO2, phosphorylated on serine 387, is located together with Dicer at the midbody ring in a manner dependent on p38 MAPK activity. We further show that AGO2 is stress sensitive and important to ensure the proper chromosome segregation and cytokinetic fidelity. We suggest that AGO2 is part of a regulatory mechanism triggered by cytokinetic stress to generate the appropriate micro-environment for local transcript homeostasis. Pantazopoulou et al. find that AGO2 resides in open-ended tunneling nanotubes and close-ended cytokinetic bridges. At the latter location, AGO2 colocalizes with cell division components and the authors show that AGO2 depletion impairs cell division fidelity.
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13
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Singh M, Kumar V, Sehrawat N, Yadav M, Chaudhary M, Upadhyay SK, Kumar S, Sharma V, Kumar S, Dilbaghi N, Sharma AK. Current paradigms in epigenetic anticancer therapeutics and future challenges. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 83:422-440. [PMID: 33766649 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Any alteration at the genetic or epigenetic level, may result in multiplex of diseases including tumorigenesis which ultimately results in the cancer development. Restoration of the normal epigenome by reversing the epigenetic alterations have been reported in tumors paving the way for development of an effective epigenetic treatment in cancer. However, delineating various epigenetic events has been a challenging task so far despite substantial progress in understanding DNA methylation and histone modifications during transcription of genes. Many inhibitors in the form of epigenetic drugs mostly targeting chromatin and histone modifying enzymes including DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) enzyme inhibitors and a histone deacetylases (HDACs) inhibitor, have been in use subsequent to the approval by FDA for cancer treatment. Similarly, other inhibitory drugs, such as FK228, suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) and MS-275, have been successfully tested in clinical studies. Despite all these advancements, still we see a hazy view as far as a promising epigenetic anticancer therapy is concerned. The challenges are to have more specific and effective inhibitors with negligible side effects. Moreover, the alterations seen in tumors are not well understood for which one has to gain deeper insight into the tumor pathology as well. Current review focusses on such epigenetic alterations occurring in cancer and the effective strategies to utilize such alterations for potential therapeutic use and treatment in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoj Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana-Ambala, 133207, Haryana, India
| | - Vikas Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana-Ambala, 133207, Haryana, India
| | - Nirmala Sehrawat
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana-Ambala, 133207, Haryana, India
| | - Mukesh Yadav
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana-Ambala, 133207, Haryana, India
| | - Mayank Chaudhary
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana-Ambala, 133207, Haryana, India
| | - Sushil K Upadhyay
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana-Ambala, 133207, Haryana, India
| | - Sunil Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana-Ambala, 133207, Haryana, India
| | - Varruchi Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Guru Gobind Singh College Sector-26, Chandigarh, UT, 160019, India
| | - Sandeep Kumar
- Department of Bio& Nanotechnology, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology, Hisar, Haryana, 125001, India
| | - Neeraj Dilbaghi
- Department of Bio& Nanotechnology, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology, Hisar, Haryana, 125001, India
| | - Anil K Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana-Ambala, 133207, Haryana, India.
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14
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Murphy SJ, Levy MJ, Smadbeck JB, Karagouga G, McCune AF, Harris FR, Udell JB, Johnson SH, Kerr SE, Cheville JC, Kipp BR, Vasmatzis G, Gleeson FC. Theragnostic chromosomal rearrangements in treatment-naive pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas obtained via endoscopic ultrasound. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:4110-4123. [PMID: 33704908 PMCID: PMC8051743 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A crucial mutational mechanism in malignancy is structural variation, in which chromosomal rearrangements alter gene functions that drive cancer progression. Herein, the presence and pattern of structural variations were investigated in twelve prospectively acquired treatment‐naïve pancreatic cancers specimens obtained via endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). In many patients, this diagnostic biopsy procedure and specimen is the only opportunity to identify somatic clinically relevant actionable alterations that may impact their care and outcome. Specialized mate pair sequencing (MPseq) provided genome‐wide structural variance analysis (SVA) with a view to identifying prognostic markers and possible therapeutic targets. MPseq was successfully performed on all specimens, identifying highly rearranged genomes with complete SVA on all specimens with > 20% tumour content. SVA identified chimeric fusion proteins and potentially immunogenic readthrough transcripts, change of function truncations, gains and losses of key genes linked to tumour progression. Complex localized rearrangements, termed chromoanagenesis, with broad pattern heterogeneity were observed in 10 (83%) specimens, impacting multiple genes with diverse cellular functions that could influence theragnostic evaluation and responsiveness to immunotherapy regimens. This study indicates that genome‐wide MPseq can be successfully performed on very limited clinically EUS obtained specimens for chromosomal rearrangement detection and potential theragnostic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Murphy
- Biomarker Discovery Laboratory, Centre for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Michael J Levy
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - James B Smadbeck
- Biomarker Discovery Laboratory, Centre for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Giannoula Karagouga
- Biomarker Discovery Laboratory, Centre for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Alexa F McCune
- Biomarker Discovery Laboratory, Centre for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Faye R Harris
- Biomarker Discovery Laboratory, Centre for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Julia B Udell
- Biomarker Discovery Laboratory, Centre for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Sarah H Johnson
- Biomarker Discovery Laboratory, Centre for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Sarah E Kerr
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - John C Cheville
- Biomarker Discovery Laboratory, Centre for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.,Department of Anatomic Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Benjamin R Kipp
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - George Vasmatzis
- Biomarker Discovery Laboratory, Centre for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Ferga C Gleeson
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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15
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Kozar I, Philippidou D, Margue C, Gay LA, Renne R, Kreis S. Cross-Linking Ligation and Sequencing of Hybrids (qCLASH) Reveals an Unpredicted miRNA Targetome in Melanoma Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1096. [PMID: 33806450 PMCID: PMC7961530 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13051096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs are key post-transcriptional gene regulators often displaying aberrant expression patterns in cancer. As microRNAs are promising disease-associated biomarkers and modulators of responsiveness to anti-cancer therapies, a solid understanding of their targetome is crucial. Despite enormous research efforts, the success rates of available tools to reliably predict microRNAs (miRNA)-target interactions remains limited. To investigate the disease-associated miRNA targetome, we have applied modified cross-linking ligation and sequencing of hybrids (qCLASH) to BRAF-mutant melanoma cells. The resulting RNA-RNA hybrid molecules provide a comprehensive and unbiased snapshot of direct miRNA-target interactions. The regulatory effects on selected miRNA target genes in predicted vs. non-predicted binding regions was validated by miRNA mimic experiments. Most miRNA-target interactions deviate from the central dogma of miRNA targeting up to 60% interactions occur via non-canonical seed pairing with a strong contribution of the 3' miRNA sequence, and over 50% display a clear bias towards the coding sequence of mRNAs. miRNAs targeting the coding sequence can directly reduce gene expression (miR-34a/CD68), while the majority of non-canonical miRNA interactions appear to have roles beyond target gene suppression (miR-100/AXL). Additionally, non-mRNA targets of miRNAs (lncRNAs) whose interactions mainly occur via non-canonical binding were identified in melanoma. This first application of CLASH sequencing to cancer cells identified over 8 K distinct miRNA-target interactions in melanoma cells. Our data highlight the importance non-canonical interactions, revealing further layers of complexity of post-transcriptional gene regulation in melanoma, thus expanding the pool of miRNA-target interactions, which have so far been omitted in the cancer field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Kozar
- Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 6, Avenue du Swing, L-4367 Belvaux, Luxembourg; (I.K.); (D.P.); (C.M.)
| | - Demetra Philippidou
- Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 6, Avenue du Swing, L-4367 Belvaux, Luxembourg; (I.K.); (D.P.); (C.M.)
| | - Christiane Margue
- Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 6, Avenue du Swing, L-4367 Belvaux, Luxembourg; (I.K.); (D.P.); (C.M.)
| | - Lauren A. Gay
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, 1200 Newell Drive, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (L.A.G.); (R.R.)
| | - Rolf Renne
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, 1200 Newell Drive, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (L.A.G.); (R.R.)
| | - Stephanie Kreis
- Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 6, Avenue du Swing, L-4367 Belvaux, Luxembourg; (I.K.); (D.P.); (C.M.)
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16
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Nowak I, Sarshad AA. Argonaute Proteins Take Center Stage in Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13040788. [PMID: 33668654 PMCID: PMC7918559 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The dysregulation of RNA interference (RNAi) has often been observed in cancers, where the main focus of research has been on the small RNA molecules directing RNAi. In this review, we focus on the activity of Argonaute proteins, central components of RNAi, in tumorigenesis, and also highlight their potential applications in grading tumors and anti-cancer therapies. Abstract Argonaute proteins (AGOs) play crucial roles in RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) formation and activity. AGOs loaded with small RNA molecules (miRNA or siRNA) either catalyze endoribonucleolytic cleavage of target RNAs or recruit factors responsible for translational silencing and target destabilization. miRNAs are well characterized and broadly studied in tumorigenesis; nevertheless, the functions of the AGOs in cancers have lagged behind. Here, we discuss the current state of knowledge on the role of AGOs in tumorigenesis, highlighting canonical and non-canonical functions of AGOs in cancer cells, as well as the biomarker potential of AGO expression in different of tumor types. Furthermore, we point to the possible application of the AGOs in development of novel therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iwona Nowak
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden;
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Aishe A. Sarshad
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden;
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Correspondence:
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17
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Argonaute 3 (AGO3) promotes malignancy potential of cervical cancer via regulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Reprod Biol 2021; 21:100479. [PMID: 33444963 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2020.100479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
We aimed to investigate the biological roles of Argonaute 3 (AGO3) in cervical cancer. RNA profiles containing 306 cervical cancer tissues and 13 normal samples revealed that AGO3 was significantly up-regulated in cervical cancer, and the expression of AGO3 was negatively associated with the outcome of cervical cancer patients. Cell proliferation and transwell assays showed that the depletion of AGO3 markedly inhibited cervical cancer cell growth and mobility. Importantly, we detected that knockdown of AGO3 exerted suppressive effect on cellular behaviors via inactivating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Collectively, we conclude that AGO3 is a novel tumor promoter in cervical cancer and has a potential to be a drug target and prognostic predictor of cervical cancer patients.
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18
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Li Z, Zhao S, Zhu S, Fan Y. MicroRNA-153-5p promotes the proliferation and metastasis of renal cell carcinoma via direct targeting of AGO1. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:33. [PMID: 33414440 PMCID: PMC7791042 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-03306-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been demonstrated to affect the biological processes of cancers and showed great potential for prognostic biomarkers. In this study, we screened differentially expressed miRNAs in ccRCC based on three dimensions of metastasis, prognosis, and differential expression compared to normal tissue using bioinformatics algorithms. MiR-153-5p was identified as a candidate miRNA to promote ccRCC occurrence and progression. Clinically, we found that miR-153-5p was significantly upregulated and related to unfavorable clinical features in ccRCC. Besides, miR-153-5p served as an independent prognostic biomarker. Functionally, miR-153-5p depletion remarkably inhibited the proliferation and metastasis of ccRCC via the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling. Furthermore, AGO1 was proved to be a direct target of miR-153-5p. AGO1 is associated with favorable clinical features and exhibited independent prognostic value in ccRCC. Besides, we observed that AGO1 knockdown significantly promoted tumor proliferation and metastasis. Downregulation of AGO1 partly abolished the oncogenic effects of miR-153-5p knockdown. Furthermore, miR-153-5p combined with AGO1 showed more robust prognostic significance in ccRCC. In conclusion, we found that the newly identified miR-153-5p/AGO1 axis was responsible for tumor occurrence and progression via PI3K/Akt signaling, which may therefore provide promising therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers for patients with ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeyan Li
- Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.,Laboratory of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Shuo Zhao
- Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.,Laboratory of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Shiqin Zhu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.
| | - Yidong Fan
- Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.
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19
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Biopathological Significance of PIWI-piRNA Pathway Deregulation in Invasive Breast Carcinomas. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12102833. [PMID: 33008024 PMCID: PMC7600338 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The PIWI-piRNA ribonucleoproteic complexes are pivotal regulators of genome integrity, differentiation and homeostasis and their dysregulation has recently been implicated in carcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to analyze the four PIWILs gene expression in invasive breast carcinomas (IBC) at RNA level using quantitative RT-PCR and protein level using immunohistochemistry. In normal breast tissue, PIWILs 2 and 4 were solely expressed, whereas an abnormal emergence of PIWIL1 and 3 was observed in respectively 30% and 6% of IBCs. Conversely, PIWIL2 was underexpressed in 48.3% and PIWIL4 downregulated in 43.3% of IBCs. Similar patterns of PIWIL deregulation were observed in a multitumoral panel, suggesting a generic mechanism in most cancers. PIWIL2 underexpression was significantly associated with DNA methylation and strong cytotoxic immune response. Characterization of the newly recognized PIWIL-piRNA pathway in IBCs opens interesting therapeutic perspectives using piRNAs, hypomethylating drugs, checkpoints immunotherapies and anti-PIWIL 1–3 antibodies. Abstract The PIWI proteins emerging in the development of human cancers, edify PIWI-piRNA ribonucleoproteic complexes acting as pivotal regulators of genome integrity, differentiation and homeostasis. The aim of this study is to analyze the four PIWILs gene expression in invasive breast carcinomas (IBCs): at RNA level using quantitative RT-PCR (n = 526) and protein level using immunohistochemistry (n = 150). In normal breast tissue, PIWILs 2 and 4 were solely expressed, whereas an abnormal emergence of PIWIL1 and 3 was observed in respectively 30% and 6% of IBCs. Conversely, PIWIL2 was underexpressed in 48.3% and PIWIL4 downregulated in 43.3% of IBCs. Significant positive associations were observed between PIWIL4 underexpression, HR+ status and HR+ ERBB2+ molecular subtype and PIWIL2 underexpression, PR- status, ERBB2- status and molecular subtype. Similar patterns of PIWIL deregulation were observed in a multitumoral panel, suggesting a generic mechanism in most cancers. PIWIL2-4 underexpression was mainly regulated at epigenetic or post-transcriptional levels. PIWIL2 underexpression was significantly associated with DNA methylation and strong cytotoxic immune response. PIWIL2-4 were mainly associated with genes implicated in cell proliferation. As a result of this study, characterization of the PIWIL-piRNA pathway in IBCs opens interesting therapeutic perspectives using piRNAs, hypomethylating drugs, checkpoints immunotherapies and anti-PIWIL 1–3 antibodies.
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20
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The critical impacts of small RNA biogenesis proteins on aging, longevity and age-related diseases. Ageing Res Rev 2020; 62:101087. [PMID: 32497728 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2020.101087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Small RNAs and enzymes that provide their biogenesis and functioning are involved in the organism development and coordination of biological processes, including metabolism, maintaining genome integrity, immune and stress responses. In this review, we focused on the role of small RNA biogenesis proteins in determining the aging and longevity of animals and human. A number of studies have revealed that changes in expression profiles of key enzymes, in particular proteins of the Drosha, Dicer and Argonaute families, are associated with the aging process, as well as with some age-related diseases and progeroid syndromes. Down-regulation of small RNA biogenesis proteins leads to global alterations in the expression of regulatory RNAs, disruption of key molecular, cellular and systemic processes, which leads to a lifespan shortening. In contrast, overexpression of Dicer prolongs lifespan and improves cellular defense. Additionally, the role of small RNA biogenesis proteins in the pathogenesis of age-related diseases, including cancer, inflammaging, neurodegeneration, cardiovascular, metabolic and immune disorders, has been conclusively evidenced. Recent advances in biomedicine allow using these proteins as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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21
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Shandilya R, Bunkar N, Kumari R, Bhargava A, Chaudhury K, Goryacheva IY, Mishra PK. Immuno-cytometric detection of circulating cell free methylated DNA, post-translationally modified histones and micro RNAs using semi-conducting nanocrystals. Talanta 2020; 222:121516. [PMID: 33167226 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2020.121516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The diagnostic potential of cell free epigenomic signatures is largely driven by the fact that manifold quantities of methylated DNA, post-translationally modified histones and micro RNAs are released into systemic circulation in various non-communicable diseases. However, the time-consuming and specificity-related complications of conventional analytical procedures necessitate the development of a method which is rapid, selective and sensitive in nature. The present work illustrates a novel; prompt; "mix and measure" cytometric-based nano-biosensing system that offers direct quantification of cell-free circulating (ccf) epigenomic signatures (methylated ccf-DNA, tri-methylated histone H3 at lysine {4, 9, 27 & 36} and argonaute 2 protein-bound ccf-micro RNAs) using triple nano-assemblies in a single tube format. Each assembly with unique structural and spectral properties comprised of n-type semiconducting nanocrystals conjugated to a specific monoclonal antibody. Our results suggested that the developed combinatorial approach may offer simultaneous detection of three distinct yet biologically interrelated signatures with high selectivity and sensitivity using flow cytometry and fluorometry in the enriched and test samples. The proposed novel nano-assembly based detection system has a considerable potential of emerging as a minimal invasive easy-to-use method that could possibly permit real-time, rapid and reproducible monitoring of epigenomic markers in clinical and field settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruchita Shandilya
- Department of Molecular Biology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Bhopal, India
| | - Neha Bunkar
- Department of Molecular Biology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Bhopal, India
| | - Roshani Kumari
- Department of Molecular Biology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Bhopal, India
| | - Arpit Bhargava
- Department of Molecular Biology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Bhopal, India
| | - Koel Chaudhury
- School of Medical Science & Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India
| | - Irina Yu Goryacheva
- Department of General and Inorganic Chemistry, Saratov State University, Saratov, Russia
| | - Pradyumna Kumar Mishra
- Department of Molecular Biology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Bhopal, India.
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22
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Artificial miRNAs targeting CAG repeat expansion in ORFs cause rapid deadenylation and translation inhibition of mutant transcripts. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 78:1577-1596. [PMID: 32696070 PMCID: PMC7904544 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03596-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases are incurable neurological disorders caused by CAG repeat expansion in the open reading frames (ORFs) of specific genes. This type of mutation in the HTT gene is responsible for Huntington’s disease (HD). CAG repeat-targeting artificial miRNAs (art-miRNAs) were shown as attractive therapeutic approach for polyQ disorders as they caused allele-selective decrease in the level of mutant proteins. Here, using polyQ disease models, we aimed to demonstrate how miRNA-based gene expression regulation is dependent on target sequence features. We show that the silencing efficiency and selectivity of art-miRNAs is influenced by the localization of the CAG repeat tract within transcript and the specific sequence context. Furthermore, we aimed to reveal the events leading to downregulation of mutant polyQ proteins and found very rapid activation of translational repression and HTT transcript deadenylation. Slicer-activity of AGO2 was dispensable in this process, as determined in AGO2 knockout cells generated with CRISPR-Cas9 technology. We also showed highly allele-selective downregulation of huntingtin in human HD neural progenitors (NPs). Taken together, art-miRNA activity may serve as a model of the cooperative activity and targeting of ORF regions by endogenous miRNAs.
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23
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From the Argonauts Mythological Sailors to the Argonautes RNA-Silencing Navigators: Their Emerging Roles in Human-Cell Pathologies. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21114007. [PMID: 32503341 PMCID: PMC7312461 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21114007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulation of gene expression has emerged as a fundamental element of transcript homeostasis. Key effectors in this process are the Argonautes (AGOs), highly specialized RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) that form complexes, such as the RNA-Induced Silencing Complex (RISC). AGOs dictate post-transcriptional gene-silencing by directly loading small RNAs and repressing their mRNA targets through small RNA-sequence complementarity. The four human highly-conserved family-members (AGO1, AGO2, AGO3, and AGO4) demonstrate multi-faceted and versatile roles in transcriptome’s stability, plasticity, and functionality. The post-translational modifications of AGOs in critical amino acid residues, the nucleotide polymorphisms and mutations, and the deregulation of expression and interactions are tightly associated with aberrant activities, which are observed in a wide spectrum of pathologies. Through constantly accumulating information, the AGOs’ fundamental engagement in multiple human diseases has recently emerged. The present review examines new insights into AGO-driven pathology and AGO-deregulation patterns in a variety of diseases such as in viral infections and propagations, autoimmune diseases, cancers, metabolic deficiencies, neuronal disorders, and human infertility. Altogether, AGO seems to be a crucial contributor to pathogenesis and its targeting may serve as a novel and powerful therapeutic tool for the successful management of diverse human diseases in the clinic.
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24
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Meiri E, Volinsky N, Dromi N, Kredo-Russo S, Benjamin H, Tabak S, Marmor H, Motin M, Lebanony D, Lithwick-Yanai G, Kadosh E, Kreader C, Grosman-Rimon L, Amir O. Differential expression of microRNA in serum fractions and association of Argonaute 1 microRNAs with heart failure. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:6586-6595. [PMID: 32400052 PMCID: PMC7299714 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The serum or plasma microRNA (miRNA) molecules have been suggested as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, in various pathological conditions. However, these molecules are also found in different serum fractions, such as exosomes and Argonaute (Ago) protein complexes. Ago1 is the predominant Ago protein expressed in heart tissue. The objective of the study was to examine the hypothesis that Ago1‐associated miRNAs may be more relevant to cardiac disease and heart failure compared with the serum. In total, 84 miRNA molecules were screened for their expression in the whole serum, exosomes and Ago1, and Ago2 complexes. Ago1‐bound miR‐222‐3p, miR‐497‐5p and miR‐21‐5p were significantly higher, and let‐7a‐5p was significantly lower in HF patients compared with healthy controls, whereas no such difference was observed for those markers in the serum samples among the groups. A combination of these 4 miRNAs into an Ago1‐HF score provided a ROC curve with an AUC of 1, demonstrating clear discrimination between heart failure patients and healthy individuals. Ago1 fraction might be a better and more specific platform for identifying HF‐related miRNAs compared with the whole serum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eti Meiri
- Rosetta Genomics Ltd, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Natalia Volinsky
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Baruch Padeh Medical Center, Poriya, Israel.,The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine in the Galilee, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Nir Dromi
- Rosetta Genomics Ltd, Rehovot, Israel
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Liza Grosman-Rimon
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Baruch Padeh Medical Center, Poriya, Israel.,The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine in the Galilee, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Offer Amir
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Baruch Padeh Medical Center, Poriya, Israel.,The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine in the Galilee, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
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Wu J, Yang J, Cho WC, Zheng Y. Argonaute proteins: Structural features, functions and emerging roles. J Adv Res 2020; 24:317-324. [PMID: 32455006 PMCID: PMC7235612 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2020.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Argonaute proteins are highly conserved in almost all organisms. They not only involve in the biogenesis of small regulatory RNAs, but also regulate gene expression and defend against foreign pathogen invasion via small RNA-mediated gene silencing pathways. As a key player in these pathways, the abnormal expression and/or mis-modifications of Argonaute proteins lead to the disorder of small RNA biogenesis and functions, thus influencing multiply biological processes and disease development, especially cancer. In this review, we focus on the post-translational modifications and novel functions of Argonaute proteins in alternative splicing, host defense and genome editing.
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Key Words
- AKT3, AKT serine/threonine kinase 3
- Argonaute protein
- CCR4-NOT, carbon catabolite repressor 4-negative on TATA
- CRISPR-Cas9, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated protein 9 (cas9)
- DGCR8, DiGeorge syndrome critical region gene 8
- EGFR, epidermal growth factor receptor
- GW182 protein, glycine/tryptophan repeats-containing protein with molecular weight of 182 kDa
- H3K9, histone H3 lysine 9
- Hsp70/90, heat shock proteins 70/90
- JEV, Japanese encephalitis virus
- KRAS, Kirsten rat sarcoma oncogene
- P4H, prolyl 4-hydroxylase
- PAM, protospacer adjacent motif
- PAZ, PIWI-argonaute-zwille
- PIWI, P-element-induced wimpy testis
- Post-translational modification
- RISCs, small RNA-induced silencing complexes
- Small RNA
- TRBP, the transactivating response (TAR) RNA-binding protein
- TRIM71/LIN41, tripartite motif-containing 71, known as Lin41
- WSSV, white spot syndrome virus
- miRNAs
- piRNAs
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin'en Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, CAAS, Lanzhou 730046, China
| | - Jing Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, CAAS, Lanzhou 730046, China
| | - William C Cho
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Yadong Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, CAAS, Lanzhou 730046, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
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Dobrijević Z, Matijašević S, Savić-Pavićević D, Brajušković G. Association between genetic variants in genes encoding Argonaute proteins and cancer risk: A meta-analysis. Pathol Res Pract 2020; 216:152906. [PMID: 32143906 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2020.152906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
With the accumulation of evidence of the involvement of small-RNA-based regulatory mechanisms in carcinogenesis, genes encoding Ago proteins emerged as candidates for case-control studies on cancer. Since the data from association studies on various cancer types was not previously meta-analyzed, the potential effect of these variants on cancer risk in general was not previously evaluated. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis of all eligible studies, testing multiple genetic models of association. The identification of publication was based on PubMed database search, while OpenMeta-analyst, as well as MetaGenyo software, were used for quantitative data synthesis. AGO1 genetic variant rs636832 was found to associate with the overall cancer risk, assuming the overdominant genetic model (P = 0.030; ORoverdom = 0.865, 95%CI 0.759-0.986). For the same genetic variant, statistical significance was reached for the association with solid tumors, as well as with lung cancer susceptibility. Similar results were found in the Asians cohort for another AGO1 variant, rs595961. For rs4961280, none of the meta-analyses yielded statistically significant results. We conclude that genetic variants rs636832 and rs595961 located within AGO1 may represent susceptibility variants for specific types of cancer, while the association with malignant diseases was not determined for AGO2 variant rs4961280.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zorana Dobrijević
- Department for Metabolism, Institute for the Application of Nuclear Energy (INEP), University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Suzana Matijašević
- Centre for Human Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dušanka Savić-Pavićević
- Centre for Human Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Goran Brajušković
- Centre for Human Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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Nawalpuri B, Ravindran S, Muddashetty RS. The Role of Dynamic miRISC During Neuronal Development. Front Mol Biosci 2020; 7:8. [PMID: 32118035 PMCID: PMC7025485 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Activity-dependent protein synthesis plays an important role during neuronal development by fine-tuning the formation and function of neuronal circuits. Recent studies have shown that miRNAs are integral to this regulation because of their ability to control protein synthesis in a rapid, specific and potentially reversible manner. miRNA mediated regulation is a multistep process that involves inhibition of translation before degradation of targeted mRNA, which provides the possibility to store and reverse the inhibition at multiple stages. This flexibility is primarily thought to be derived from the composition of miRNA induced silencing complex (miRISC). AGO2 is likely the only obligatory component of miRISC, while multiple RBPs are shown to be associated with this core miRISC to form diverse miRISC complexes. The formation of these heterogeneous miRISC complexes is intricately regulated by various extracellular signals and cell-specific contexts. In this review, we discuss the composition of miRISC and its functions during neuronal development. Neurodevelopment is guided by both internal programs and external cues. Neuronal activity and external signals play an important role in the formation and refining of the neuronal network. miRISC composition and diversity have a critical role at distinct stages of neurodevelopment. Even though there is a good amount of literature available on the role of miRNAs mediated regulation of neuronal development, surprisingly the role of miRISC composition and its functional dynamics in neuronal development is not much discussed. In this article, we review the available literature on the heterogeneity of the neuronal miRISC composition and how this may influence translation regulation in the context of neuronal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bharti Nawalpuri
- Centre for Brain Development and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (Instem), Bangalore, India.,School of Chemical and Biotechnology, Shanmugha Arts, Science, and Technology and Research Academy (SASTRA) University, Thanjavur, India
| | - Sreenath Ravindran
- Centre for Brain Development and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (Instem), Bangalore, India.,Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Ravi S Muddashetty
- Centre for Brain Development and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (Instem), Bangalore, India
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Linck-Paulus L, Hellerbrand C, Bosserhoff AK, Dietrich P. Dissimilar Appearances Are Deceptive-Common microRNAs and Therapeutic Strategies in Liver Cancer and Melanoma. Cells 2020; 9:E114. [PMID: 31906510 PMCID: PMC7017070 DOI: 10.3390/cells9010114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
: In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on miRNAs as therapeutic targets in two cancer types that were frequently described to be driven by miRNAs-melanoma and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). By focusing on common microRNAs and associated pathways in these-at first sight-dissimilar cancer types, we aim at revealing similar molecular mechanisms that are evolved in microRNA-biology to drive cancer progression. Thereby, we also want to outlay potential novel therapeutic strategies. After providing a brief introduction to general miRNA biology and basic information about HCC and melanoma, this review depicts prominent examples of potent oncomiRs and tumor-suppressor miRNAs, which have been proven to drive diverse cancer types including melanoma and HCC. To develop and apply miRNA-based therapeutics for cancer treatment in the future, it is essential to understand how miRNA dysregulation evolves during malignant transformation. Therefore, we highlight important aspects such as genetic alterations, miRNA editing and transcriptional regulation based on concrete examples. Furthermore, we expand our illustration by focusing on miRNA-associated proteins as well as other regulators of miRNAs which could also provide therapeutic targets. Finally, design and delivery strategies of miRNA-associated therapeutic agents as well as potential drawbacks are discussed to address the question of how miRNAs might contribute to cancer therapy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Linck-Paulus
- Institute of Biochemistry, Emil-Fischer-Zentrum, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (L.L.-P.); (C.H.)
| | - Claus Hellerbrand
- Institute of Biochemistry, Emil-Fischer-Zentrum, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (L.L.-P.); (C.H.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) Erlangen-EMN, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anja K. Bosserhoff
- Institute of Biochemistry, Emil-Fischer-Zentrum, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (L.L.-P.); (C.H.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) Erlangen-EMN, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Peter Dietrich
- Institute of Biochemistry, Emil-Fischer-Zentrum, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (L.L.-P.); (C.H.)
- Department of Medicine 1, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
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Fadaka AO, Pretorius A, Klein A. MicroRNA Assisted Gene Regulation in Colorectal Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E4899. [PMID: 31623294 PMCID: PMC6801675 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20194899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2019] [Revised: 08/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second-leading cause of cancer death and a major public health problem. Nearly 80% CRC cases are diagnosed after the disease have metastasized and are often too advanced for treatment. Small non-coding RNA guides argonaute protein to their specific target for regulation as the sole of RNA induced silencing complex for gene silencing. These non-coding RNA for example microRNA, are thought to play a key role in affecting the efficiency of gene regulation in cancer, especially CRC. Understanding the mechanism at the molecular level could lead to improved diagnosis, treatment, and management decisions for CRC. The study aimed to predict the molecular mechanism of gene regulation based microRNA-mRNA duplex as a lead in the silencing mechanism. Five candidate microRNAs were identified through the in silico approach. The MicroRNA target prediction and subsequent correlation, and prioritization were performed using miRTarBase, gbCRC and CoReCG, and DAVID databases respectively. Protein selection and preparation were carried out using PDB and Schrödinger suits. The molecular docking analysis was performed using PATCHDOCK webserver and visualized by discovery studio visualizer. The results of the study reveal that the candidate microRNAs have strong binding affinity towards their targets suggesting a crucial factor in the silencing mechanism. Furthermore, the molecular docking of the receptor to both the microRNA and microRNA-mRNA duplex were analyzed computationally to understand their interaction at the molecular level. Conclusively, the study provides an explanation for understanding the microRNAs-based gene regulation (silencing mechanism) in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adewale O Fadaka
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, 7535 Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Ashley Pretorius
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, 7535 Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Ashwil Klein
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, 7535 Cape Town, South Africa.
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Amador-Cañizares Y, Panigrahi M, Huys A, Kunden RD, Adams HM, Schinold MJ, Wilson JA. miR-122, small RNA annealing and sequence mutations alter the predicted structure of the Hepatitis C virus 5' UTR RNA to stabilize and promote viral RNA accumulation. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 46:9776-9792. [PMID: 30053137 PMCID: PMC6182169 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Annealing of the liver-specific microRNA, miR-122, to the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) 5′ UTR is required for efficient virus replication. By using siRNAs to pressure escape mutations, 30 replication-competent HCV genomes having nucleotide changes in the conserved 5′ untranslated region (UTR) were identified. In silico analysis predicted that miR-122 annealing induces canonical HCV genomic 5′ UTR RNA folding, and mutant 5′ UTR sequences that promoted miR-122-independent HCV replication favored the formation of the canonical RNA structure, even in the absence of miR-122. Additionally, some mutant viruses adapted to use the siRNA as a miR-122-mimic. We further demonstrate that small RNAs that anneal with perfect complementarity to the 5′ UTR stabilize and promote HCV genome accumulation. Thus, HCV genome stabilization and life-cycle promotion does not require the specific annealing pattern demonstrated for miR-122 nor 5′ end annealing or 3′ overhanging nucleotides. Replication promotion by perfect-match siRNAs was observed in Ago2 knockout cells revealing that other Ago isoforms can support HCV replication. At last, we present a model for miR-122 promotion of the HCV life cycle in which miRNA annealing to the 5′ UTR, in conjunction with any Ago isoform, modifies the 5′ UTR structure to stabilize the viral genome and promote HCV RNA accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalena Amador-Cañizares
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Mamata Panigrahi
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Adam Huys
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Rasika D Kunden
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Halim M Adams
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Michael J Schinold
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Joyce A Wilson
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
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RIP-Chip analysis supports different roles for AGO2 and GW182 proteins in recruiting and processing microRNA targets. BMC Bioinformatics 2019; 20:120. [PMID: 30999843 PMCID: PMC6471694 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-019-2683-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules mediating the translational repression and degradation of target mRNAs in the cell. Mature miRNAs are used as a template by the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) to recognize the complementary mRNAs to be regulated. To discern further RISC functions, we analyzed the activities of two RISC proteins, AGO2 and GW182, in the MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line. Methods We performed three RIP-Chip experiments using either anti-AGO2 or anti-GW182 antibodies and compiled a data set made up of the miRNA and mRNA expression profiles of three samples for each experiment. Specifically, we analyzed the input sample, the immunoprecipitated fraction and the unbound sample resulting from the RIP experiment. We used the expression profile of the input sample to compute several variables, using formulae capable of integrating the information on miRNA binding sites, both in the 3’UTR and coding regions, with miRNA and mRNA expression level profiles. We compared immunoprecipitated vs unbound samples to determine the enriched or underrepresented genes in the immunoprecipitated fractions, independently for AGO2 and GW182 related samples. Results For each of the two proteins, we trained and tested several support vector machine algorithms capable of distinguishing the enriched from the underrepresented genes that were experimentally detected. The most efficient algorithm for distinguishing the enriched genes in AGO2 immunoprecipitated samples was trained by using variables involving the number of binding sites in both the 3’UTR and coding region, integrated with the miRNA expression profile, as expected for miRNA targets. On the other hand, we found that the best variable for distinguishing the enriched genes in the GW182 immunoprecipitated samples was the length of the coding region. Conclusions Due to the major role of GW182 in GW/P-bodies, our data suggests that the AGO2-GW182 RISC recruits genes based on miRNA binding sites in the 3’UTR and coding region, but only the longer mRNAs probably remain sequestered in GW/P-bodies, functioning as a repository for translationally silenced RNAs. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12859-019-2683-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Linck L, Liebig J, Völler D, Eichner N, Lehmann G, Meister G, Bosserhoff A. MicroRNA-sequencing data analyzing melanoma development and progression. Exp Mol Pathol 2018; 105:371-379. [PMID: 30414979 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2018.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) deregulated in melanoma are of growing importance in cancer research. We aimed to define the miRNAome of melanoma cell lines and primary melanocytes by RNA-Seq using identical cell lines as in a published miRNA expression study based on cDNA arrays. We identified 79 miRNAs, which are significantly deregulated during melanoma development. In addition, we could also determine 29 miRNAs being involved in melanoma progression. Interestingly, not all characterized miRNAs derived from cDNA array analyses of our and other groups could be found to be differentially expressed using RNA-Seq analyses, however, new miRNAs, formerly not associated with melanoma, were found to be strongly regulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Linck
- Institute of Biochemistry, Emil-Fischer-Center, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Janika Liebig
- Institute of Biochemistry, Emil-Fischer-Center, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Daniel Völler
- Institute of Biochemistry, Emil-Fischer-Center, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Norbert Eichner
- Biochemistry Center Regensburg (BZR), Laboratory of RNA Biology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Gerhard Lehmann
- Biochemistry Center Regensburg (BZR), Laboratory of RNA Biology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Gunter Meister
- Biochemistry Center Regensburg (BZR), Laboratory of RNA Biology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Anja Bosserhoff
- Institute of Biochemistry, Emil-Fischer-Center, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.
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PIWI family emerging as a decisive factor of cell fate: An overview. Eur J Cell Biol 2017; 96:746-757. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2017.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Revised: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 09/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
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The Long Noncoding RNA HOTAIR in Breast Cancer: Does Autophagy Play a Role? Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18112317. [PMID: 29469819 PMCID: PMC5713286 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18112317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Revised: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
HOTAIR (HOX transcript antisense RNA) plays a critical role in chromatin dynamics through the interaction with histone modifiers resulting in transcriptional gene silencing. The promoter of the HOTAIR gene contains multiple estrogen response elements (EREs) and is transcriptionally activated by estradiol in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer cells. HOTAIR competes with BRCA1, a critical protein in breast cancer and is a critical regulator of genes involved in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. It mediates an oncogenic action of c-Myc, essential for breast carcinogenesis. The carcinogenic action of HOTAIR was confirmed in breast cancer stem-like cells, in which it was essential for self-renewal and proliferation. Several miRNAs regulate the expression of HOTAIR and HOTAIR interacts with many miRNAs to support cancer transformation. Many studies point at miR-34a as a major component of HOTAIR–miRNAs–cancer cross-talk. The most important role of HOTAIR can be attributed to cancer progression as its overexpression stimulates invasion and metastasis. HOTAIR can regulate autophagy, important for breast cancer cells survival, through the interaction with miRNAs specific for autophagy genes and directly with these genes. The role of HOTAIR-mediated autophagy in breast cancer progression can be underlined by its interaction with matrix metalloproteinases, essential for cancer invasion, and β-catenin can be important for this interaction. Therefore, there are several mechanisms of the interplay between HOTAIR and autophagy important for breast cancer, but further studies are needed to determine more details of this interplay.
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Pettit C, Walston S, Wald P, Webb A, Williams TM. Molecular profiling of locally-advanced rectal adenocarcinoma using microRNA expression (Review). Int J Oncol 2017. [PMID: 28627602 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2017.4045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment for locally-advanced rectal cancer (LARC) typically consists of neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by total mesorectal excision. Recently, there has been growing interest in non-operative management for patients who are medically-inoperable or wish to avoid surgical morbidity and permanent colostomy. Approximately 50% of patients who receive pre-operative neoadjuvant chemoradiation develop some degree of pathologic response. Approximately 10-20% of patients are found to have a complete pathologic response, a finding which has frequently been shown to predict better clinical outcomes, including local-regional control, distant metastasis and survival. Many recent studies have evaluated the role of molecular biomarkers in predicting response to neoadjuvant therapy. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are an emerging class of biomarkers that have the potential to predict which patients are most likely to benefit from pre-operative therapy and from a selective surgical approach. Here, we review the published literature on microRNAs as prognostic and predictive biomarkers in rectal cancer after pre-operative therapy. In the future, the development of prospectively validated miRNA signatures will allow clinical implementation of miRNAs as prognostic and predictive signatures in LARC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cory Pettit
- The Ohio State University Medical Center, Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Steve Walston
- The Ohio State University Medical Center, Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Patrick Wald
- The Ohio State University Medical Center, Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Amy Webb
- The Ohio State University Medical Center, Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Terence M Williams
- The Ohio State University Medical Center, Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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Abstract
The PIWI-like protein 1 (PIWIL1) plays a crucial role in stem cell proliferation, embryogenesis, growth, and development, as well as differentiation and maturation in multiple organisms. The relationships between PIWIL1 expression and clinicopathological features of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients were analyzed by us. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox's proportional hazards model. The high expression rate of PIWIL1 in the cancer tissue was obviously higher than that in the corresponding adjacent tissue. The expression of PIWIL1 was closely related to the tumor differentiation degree, infiltration depth, lymphovascular invasion, lymph node metastasis, and TNM stage. The Kaplan-Meier survival model suggested that the survival time of CRC patients in the high PIWIL1 expression group was notably lower than that in the low PIWIL1 expression group. High PIWIL1 expression suggests a poor prognosis for CRC patients, and PIWIL1 can serve as an important molecular marker for predicting the prognosis of CRC patients.
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Gozuacik D, Akkoc Y, Ozturk DG, Kocak M. Autophagy-Regulating microRNAs and Cancer. Front Oncol 2017; 7:65. [PMID: 28459042 PMCID: PMC5394422 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2017.00065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Macroautophagy (autophagy herein) is a cellular stress response and a survival pathway that is responsible for the degradation of long-lived proteins, protein aggregates, as well as damaged organelles in order to maintain cellular homeostasis. Consequently, abnormalities of autophagy are associated with a number of diseases, including Alzheimers’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and cancer. According to the current view, autophagy seems to serve as a tumor suppressor in the early phases of cancer formation, yet in later phases, autophagy may support and/or facilitate tumor growth, spread, and contribute to treatment resistance. Therefore, autophagy is considered as a stage-dependent dual player in cancer. microRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous non-coding small RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression at a post-transcriptional level. miRNAs control several fundamental biological processes, and autophagy is no exception. Furthermore, accumulating data in the literature indicate that dysregulation of miRNA expression contribute to the mechanisms of cancer formation, invasion, metastasis, and affect responses to chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Therefore, considering the importance of autophagy for cancer biology, study of autophagy-regulating miRNA in cancer will allow a better understanding of malignancies and lead to the development of novel disease markers and therapeutic strategies. The potential to provide study of some of these cancer-related miRNAs were also implicated in autophagy regulation. In this review, we will focus on autophagy, miRNA, and cancer connection, and discuss its implications for cancer biology and cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devrim Gozuacik
- Molecular Biology, Genetics and Bioengineering Program, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Center of Excellence for Functional Surfaces and Interfaces for Nano Diagnostics (EFSUN), Sabanci University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Yunus Akkoc
- Molecular Biology, Genetics and Bioengineering Program, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Deniz Gulfem Ozturk
- Molecular Biology, Genetics and Bioengineering Program, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Muhammed Kocak
- Molecular Biology, Genetics and Bioengineering Program, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Istanbul, Turkey
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