ROCK1 knockdown inhibits non-small-cell lung cancer progression by activating the LATS2-JNK signaling pathway

The circSNX14 functions as a tumor suppressor via the miR-562/ LATS2 pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play critical roles in the initiation and progression of various cancers. However, the potential functional roles of circSNX14 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain largely unknown. CircSNX14 expression pattern was analyzed in HCC tissues and cell lines via qRT-PCR. The effects of circSNX14 on cell proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, and Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were investigated by overexpression experiments. The role of circSNX14 in the tumorigenesis of HCC cells was examined using in vivo xenograft mouse model. The interaction between circSNX14, miR-562, and Large Tumor Suppressor Kinase 2 (LATS2) mRNA was confirmed by Luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) analysis. CircSNX14 was significantly down-regulated in HCC tissues and cell lines, and its down-regulation was correlated with a poor prognosis in HCC patients. In the following functional experiments, circSNX14 overexpression remarkably suppressed the proliferation and invasion of HCC cells, and attenuated the mesenchymall status. circSNX14 overexpression also suppressed the tumorigenesis of HCC cells in the mouse model. We further revealed the interaction of circSNX14 and miR-562, and miR-562 could suppress the expression of LATS2 by interacting with its mRNA. The negative correlation of circSNX14 and miR-562, negative correlation of miR-562 and LATS2, and positive correlation of circSNX14 and LATS2 have been confirmed by Pearson correlation in the HCC samples. Collectively, these results reveal a novel role of circSNX14/miR-562/LATS2 axis in regulating the malignant progression of HCC cancer progression, indicating the tumor suppressor role of circSNX14 and its potential as a prognostic biomarker.

Neferine, a novel ROCK1-targeting inhibitor, blocks EMT process and induces apoptosis in non-small cell lung cancer

The compounds derived from Traditional Chinese Medicines have shown various pharmacological activities with unique advantages, especially in the aspect of antitumor. Neferine (Nef), a natural compound, extracted from green seed embryos of Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) also exerts antitumor effects on cancers. In this study, the effects and mechanisms of Nef on epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were evaluated. The results showed that Nef had the antitumor effects in vivo and in vitro. Nef significantly suppressed cell viability and induced apoptosis in NSCLC cells, with elevated reactive oxygen species and reduced BCL2/BAX ratio. Nef was also demonstrated to inhibit the invasion, metastasis and EMT process of NSCLC cells, and attenuate EMT-related changes of E-cadherin, N-cadherin and Vimentin at both transcriptional and translational levels. Moreover, we concluded that the inhibitory effects of Nef on EMT was achieved by targeting Rho-associated protein kinase 1, a protein mediating the process of EMT in various cancers. These results showed that Nef had a significant antitumor effect on NSCLC cells by inducing apoptosis and blocking EMT, providing the therapeutical prospect on NSCLC treatment.

Increasing cancer permeability by photodynamic priming: from microenvironment to mechanotransduction signaling

The dense cancer microenvironment is a significant barrier that limits the penetration of anticancer agents, thereby restraining the efficacy of molecular and nanoscale cancer therapeutics. Developing new strategies to enhance the permeability of cancer tissues is of major interest to overcome treatment resistance. Nonetheless, early strategies based on small molecule inhibitors or matrix-degrading enzymes have led to disappointing clinical outcomes by causing increased chemotherapy toxicity and promoting disease progression. In recent years, photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as a novel approach to increase the permeability of cancer tissues. By producing excessive amounts of reactive oxygen species selectively in the cancer microenvironment, PDT increases the accumulation, penetration depth, and efficacy of chemotherapeutics. Importantly, the increased cancer permeability has not been associated to increased metastasis formation. In this review, we provide novel insights into the mechanisms by which this effect, called photodynamic priming, can increase cancer permeability without promoting cell migration and dissemination. This review demonstrates that PDT oxidizes and degrades extracellular matrix proteins, reduces the capacity of cancer cells to adhere to the altered matrix, and interferes with mechanotransduction pathways that promote cancer cell migration and differentiation. Significant knowledge gaps are identified regarding the involvement of critical signaling pathways, and to which extent these events are influenced by the complicated PDT dosimetry. Addressing these knowledge gaps will be vital to further develop PDT as an adjuvant approach to improve cancer permeability, demonstrate the safety and efficacy of this priming approach, and render more cancer patients eligible to receive life-extending treatments.

Mitotic protein kinase-driven crosstalk of machineries for mitosis and metastasis

Accumulating evidence indicates that mitotic protein kinases are involved in metastatic migration as well as tumorigenesis. Protein kinases and cytoskeletal proteins play a role in the efficient release of metastatic cells from a tumor mass in the tumor microenvironment, in addition to playing roles in mitosis. Mitotic protein kinases, including Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) and Aurora kinases, have been shown to be involved in metastasis in addition to cell proliferation and tumorigenesis, depending on the phosphorylation status and cellular context. Although the genetic programs underlying mitosis and metastasis are different, the same protein kinases and cytoskeletal proteins can participate in both mitosis and cell migration/invasion, resulting in migratory tumors. Cytoskeletal remodeling supports several cellular events, including cell division, movement, and migration. Thus, understanding the contributions of cytoskeletal proteins to the processes of cell division and metastatic motility is crucial for developing efficient therapeutic tools to treat cancer metastases. Here, we identify mitotic kinases that function in cancer metastasis as well as tumorigenesis. Several mitotic kinases, namely, PLK1, Aurora kinases, Rho-associated protein kinase 1, and integrin-linked kinase, are considered in this review, as an understanding of the shared machineries between mitosis and metastasis could be helpful for developing new strategies to treat cancer.

Improving understanding of the mechanisms linking cell division and cancer spread (metastasis) could provide novel strategies for treatment. A group of enzymes involved in cell division (mitosis) are also thought to play critical roles in the spread of cancers. Hyungshin Yim at Hanyang University in Ansan, South Korea, and co-workers in Korea and the USA reviewed the roles of several mitotic enzymes that are connected with metastasis as well as tumorigenesis. They discussed how these enzymes modify cytoskeletal proteins and other substrates during cancer progression. Some regulatory control of cell cytoskeletal structures is required for cancer cells to metastasize. Recent research has uncovered crosstalk between mitotic enzymes and metastatic cytoskeletal molecules in various cancers. Targeting mitotic enzymes and the ways they influence cytoskeletal mechanisms could provide valuable therapeutic strategies for suppressing metastasis.

Hsa_circ_0041268 promotes NSCLC progress by sponging miR-214-5p/ROCK1

Circular RNAs hold significant regulatory functions during various tumors. However, the exact hsa_circ_0041268 roles in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) along with regulatory mechanism are unknown. In this study, RT-qPCR was used to perceive hsa_circ_0041268 expressions in NSCLC cell lines. Our team constructed small interfering RNA for hsa_circ_0041268. NSCLC cell proliferation, migration, and tumorigenesis in nude mice were assayed to confirm hsa_circ_0041268 activities in NSCLC cells. We then used bioinformatics and luciferase reporter analyses to characterize the hsa_circ_0041268 downstream targets. The result shows that the expressions of hsa_circ_0041268 incremented in NSCLC cell lines and hsa_circ_0041268 downregulation decreased cell proliferation and migration. ROCK1 and miR-214-5p were hsa_circ_0041268 downstream targets. miR-214-5p downregulation or ROCK1 overexpression restored migration and proliferation abilities after hsa_circ_0041268 silencing. ROCK1 overexpression renovated migration and proliferation abilities after miR-214-5p overexpression. In vivo investigations confirmed that hsa_circ_0041268 downregulation inhibited tumor formation and metastasis in nude mice xenografts. Together, results demonstrated that hsa_circ_0041268 acted as tumor promoter through novel hsa_circ_0041268/miR-214-5p/ROCK1 axis, which highlighted its potential as NSCLC therapeutic agent.

Circ_PIP5K1A regulates cisplatin resistance and malignant progression in non-small cell lung cancer cells and xenograft murine model via depending on miR-493-5p/ROCK1 axis

Background

Chemoresistance limits the therapeutic effect of cisplatin (DDP) on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Circular RNAs (circRNAs) function as important regulators in chemoresistance. This study aimed to explore the regulation of circRNA Phosphatidylinositol-4-Phosphate 5-Kinase Type 1 Alpha (circ_PIP5K1A) in DDP resistance.

Methods

The expression analysis of circ_PIP5K1A, micoRNA-493-5p (miR-493-5p) and Rho Associated Coiled-Coil Containing Protein Kinase 1 (ROCK1) was conducted through reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Cell sensitivity was determined using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-y1)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Cell proliferation and cell viability were evaluated by colony formation assay and MTT assay, respectively. Cell cycle and apoptosis detection was performed via flow cytometry. Cell motility was examined by transwell migration or invasion assay. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was applied to confirm the target binding. ROCK1 protein level was assayed via Western blot. In vivo assay was carried out using xenograft model in mice.

Results

Circ_PIP5K1A level was abnormally increased in DDP-resistant NSCLC tissues and cells. Silencing circ_PIP5K1A reduced DDP resistance, proliferation, cell cycle progression and cell motility in DDP-resistant NSCLC cells. Circ_PIP5K1A directly interacted with miR-493-5p in NSCLC cells. The function of circ_PIP5K1A was dependent on the negative regulation of miR-493-5p. MiR-493-5p directly targeted ROCK1 and circ_PIP5K1A regulated the ROCK1 level via acting as a sponge of miR-493-5p. Overexpression of miR-493-5p inhibited chemoresistance and cancer progression by downregulating ROCK1 expression in DDP-resistant NSCLC cells. Circ_PIP5K1A regulated DDP sensitivity in vivo via the miR-493-5p/ROCK1 axis.

Conclusion

These findings suggested that circ_PIP5K1A upregulated the ROCK1 expression to promote DDP resistance and cancer progression in NSCLC by sponging miR-493-5p.

LncRNA PITPNA-AS1 as a Potential Diagnostic Marker and Therapeutic Target Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression via Modulating miR-448/ROCK1 Axis

Background: Long non-coding RNAs are critical to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) developments. LncRNA PITPNA antisense RNA 1 (PITPNA-AS1) is a new regulator in several tumors. However, the mechanism by which PITPNA-AS1 mediates the tumorigenesis of HCC remains unclear.

Methods: RT-qPCR was used to detect the level of PITPNA-AS1 in HCC specimens and cells. The biological functions of PITPNA-AS1 were explored by several functional experiments in vivo and in vitro. The binding relationship among PITPNA-AS1, miR-448 and ROCK1 were studied by Luciferase assay and pull-down assays.

Results: We found that PITPNA-AS1 expressions were distinctly upregulated in both HCC specimens and cell lines. High PITPNA-AS1 levels were an unfavorable biomarker for patients with HCC. Functionally, knockdown of PITPNA-AS1 suppressed the proliferation, migration and invasion of HCC cells. Mechanistically, PITPNA-AS1 functioned as competing endogenous RNA to increase ROCK1 expressions via sponging miR-448.

Conclusion: The newly identified PITPNA-AS/miR-448/ROCK1 axis promoted the oncogenicity of HCC cells. This novel axis is likely to be a promising HCC therapeutic aim.