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Lei P, Guo Q, Hao J, Liu H, Chen Y, Wu F, He Z, Zhang X, Zhang N, Wen S, Gao W, Wu Y. Exploring the evolving roles and clinical significance of circRNAs in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. J Cancer 2024; 15:3984-3994. [PMID: 38911371 PMCID: PMC11190751 DOI: 10.7150/jca.96614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) represents the predominant malignancies in the head and neck region, and has limited therapeutic alternatives. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a substantial category of non-coding RNA molecules, exert influential roles in human disease development and progression, employing various mechanisms such as microRNA sponging, interaction with RNA-binding proteins, and translational capabilities. Accumulating evidence highlights the differential expression of numerous circRNAs in HNSCC, and numerous dysregulated circRNAs underscore their crucial involvement in malignant advancement and resistance to treatment. This review aims to comprehensively outline the characteristics, biogenesis, and mechanisms of circRNAs, elucidating their functional significance in HNSCC. In addition, we delve into the clinical implications of circRNAs, considering their potential as biomarkers or targets for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic applications in HNSCC. The discussion extends to exploring future challenges in the clinical translation of circRNAs, emphasizing the need for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengxiang Lei
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Cancer, Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Qingbo Guo
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Cancer, Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Jiewen Hao
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, The Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University (Shanxi Bethune Hospital), Taiyuan 030032, Shanxi, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shenzhen University General Hospital & Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Yaofeng Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, Shenzhen University General Hospital & Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Feng Wu
- Shenzhen Research Institute, Northwest A&F University, Shenzhen 518000, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhao He
- Shenzhen Research Institute, Northwest A&F University, Shenzhen 518000, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaolong Zhang
- Shenzhen Research Institute, Northwest A&F University, Shenzhen 518000, Guangdong, China
| | - Nannan Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, Shenzhen University General Hospital & Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuxin Wen
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, The Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University (Shanxi Bethune Hospital), Taiyuan 030032, Shanxi, China
| | - Wei Gao
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, Longgang Otolaryngology Hospital, Shenzhen 518172, Guangdong, China
- Shenzhen Institute of Otolaryngology & Key Laboratory of Otolaryngology, Longgang Otolaryngology Hospital, Shenzhen 518172, Guangdong, China
| | - Yongyan Wu
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Cancer, Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, Longgang Otolaryngology Hospital, Shenzhen 518172, Guangdong, China
- Shenzhen Institute of Otolaryngology & Key Laboratory of Otolaryngology, Longgang Otolaryngology Hospital, Shenzhen 518172, Guangdong, China
- Shenzhen University General Hospital & Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, China
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Tang S, Cai L, Wang Z, Pan D, Wang Q, Shen Y, Zhou Y, Chen Q. Emerging roles of circular RNAs in the invasion and metastasis of head and neck cancer: Possible functions and mechanisms. CANCER INNOVATION 2023; 2:463-487. [PMID: 38125767 PMCID: PMC10730008 DOI: 10.1002/cai2.50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the seventh most prevalent malignancy worldwide in 2020. Cancer metastasis is the main cause of poor prognosis in HNC patients. Recently, circular RNAs (circRNAs), initially thought to have no biological function, are attracting increasing attention, and their crucial roles in mediating HNC metastasis are being extensively investigated. Existing studies have shown that circRNAs primarily function through miRNA sponges, transcriptional regulation, interacting with RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and as translation templates. Among these functions, the function of miRNA sponge is the most prominent. In this review, we summarized the reported circRNAs involved in HNC metastasis, aiming to elucidate the regulatory relationship between circRNAs and HNC metastasis. Furthermore, we summarized the latest advances in the epidemiological information of HNC metastasis and the tumor metastasis theories, the biogenesis, characterization and functional mechanisms of circRNAs, and their potential clinical applications. Although the research on circRNAs is still in its infancy, circRNAs are expected to serve as prognostic markers and effective therapeutic targets to inhibit HNC metastasis and significantly improve the prognosis of HNC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shouyi Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Luyao Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Zhen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Dan Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Qing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Yingqiang Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Yu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduChina
- State Institute of Drug/Medical Device Clinical TrialWest China Hospital of StomatologyChengduChina
| | - Qianming Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduChina
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Pan C, Su Z, Xie H, Ning Y, Li S, Xiao H. Hsa_circ_0081069 facilitates tongue squamous cell carcinoma progression by modulating MAP2K4 expression via miR-634. Odontology 2023; 111:474-486. [PMID: 36181561 DOI: 10.1007/s10266-022-00746-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
It has been demonstrated that circular RNA (circRNA) is involved in the progression of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC). The aim of this study was to investigate the intrinsic mechanism of circ_0081069 in TSCC progression. The expression levels of circ_00081069, miR-634, and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 4 (MAP2K4) in TSCC tissues and cells were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Cell counting kit 8 assay, Edu assay, and flow cytometry assay were used to detect cell proliferation and cell cycle distribution. Transwell assay was used to detect cell migration and invasion abilities. Western blot analysis was performed to detect the protein expression. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to detect the targeting relationships of circ_0081069, miR-634 and MAP2K4. Immunohistochemical staining was used to measure MAP2K4-positive cells in tissues. The effect of circ_0081069 silencing on tumor formation in TSCC in vivo was explored by xenograft tumor assay. Circ_0081069 was highly expressed in TSCC tissues and cells. Silencing of circ_0081069 inhibited cell proliferation, cell cycle progress, cell migration and invasion in vitro, as well as hindered tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, circ_0081069 targeted miR-634 to negatively regulate miR-634 expression, and inhibition of miR-634 was able to weaken the inhibitory effect of circ_0081069 knockdown on proliferation, migration, and invasion of TSCC cells. MiR-634 targeted MAP2K4 and negatively regulated MAP2K4 expression, and overexpression of miR-634 inhibited TSCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while co-overexpression of MAP2K4 was able to reverse the effects of miR-634 in TSCC cells. Circ_0081069 is involved in the regulation of proliferation, cycle progress, migration, and invasion of TSCC cells through the miR-634/MAP2K4 axis and has the potential to serve as a diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Pan
- Department of Endodontics, Changsha Stomatological Hospital, No. 389, Youyi Road, Tianxin District, Changsha City, 410008, Hunan Province, China
| | - Zhijian Su
- Department of Endodontics, Changsha Stomatological Hospital, No. 389, Youyi Road, Tianxin District, Changsha City, 410008, Hunan Province, China
| | - Honghui Xie
- Department of Endodontics, Changsha Stomatological Hospital, No. 389, Youyi Road, Tianxin District, Changsha City, 410008, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yanyang Ning
- Department of Endodontics, Changsha Stomatological Hospital, No. 389, Youyi Road, Tianxin District, Changsha City, 410008, Hunan Province, China
| | - Shuangjing Li
- Department of Endodontics, Changsha Stomatological Hospital, No. 389, Youyi Road, Tianxin District, Changsha City, 410008, Hunan Province, China
| | - Haibo Xiao
- Department of Endodontics, Changsha Stomatological Hospital, No. 389, Youyi Road, Tianxin District, Changsha City, 410008, Hunan Province, China.
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Li T, Xu J, Liu Y. A Novel Circular RNA CircRFX3 Serves as a Sponge for MicroRNA-587 in Promoting Glioblastoma Progression via Regulating PDIA3. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:757260. [PMID: 34950658 PMCID: PMC8691731 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.757260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
An increasing number of studies have indicated that circular RNAs (circRNAs) participate in the progression of numerous tumors. However, the functions of circRNAs in glioblastoma (GBM) remain largely unknown. In this study, we focused on a novel circRNA (hsa_circRFX3_003) that was spliced from RFX3, which we named circRFX3. We confirmed that the expression of circRFX3 was substantially increased in GBM cell lines and clinical GBM tissues. The results of a series of overexpression and knockdown assays indicated that circRFX3 could boost the proliferation, invasion, and migration of GBM cells. By performing dual-luciferase reporter gene and RNA pull-down assays, we verified that circRFX3 could sponge microRNA-587 (miR-587) to exercise its function as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) in the development of GBM. In addition, PDIA3 was proven to be a downstream target of miR-587 and to regulate the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. In conclusion, circRFX3 could act as a cancer-promoting circRNA to boost the development of GBM and regulate the miR-587/PDIA3/β-catenin axis. This study might provide a novel target for the treatment of GBM with molecular therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Li
- The Department of Neurosurgery of West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jianguo Xu
- The Department of Neurosurgery of West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Liu
- The Department of Neurosurgery of West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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