Long non-coding RNA ZFAS1 promotes colorectal cancer tumorigenesis and development through DDX21-POLR1B regulatory axis

Research Progress of Long Non-coding RNA-ZFAS1 in Malignant Tumors

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), although incapable of encoding proteins, play crucial roles in multiple layers of gene expression regulation, epigenetic modifications, and post-transcriptional regulation. Zinc finger antisense 1 (ZFAS1), a lncRNA located in the 20q13 region of the human genome, exhibits dual functions as an oncogene or tumor suppressor in various human malignancies. ZFAS1 plays a crucial role in cancer progression, metastasis, invasion, apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, and drug resistance through complex molecular mechanisms. Additionally, ZFAS1 has a long half-life of over 16 h, demonstrating exceptional stability, and making it a potential biomarker. This review integrates recent studies on the role and molecular mechanisms of ZFAS1 in malignancies and summarizes its clinical significance. By summarizing the role of ZFAS1 in cancer, we aim to highlight its potential as an anti-cancer biomarker and therapeutic target.

Unraveling the ncRNA landscape that governs colorectal cancer: A roadmap to personalized therapeutics

Colorectal cancer (CRC) being one of the most common malignancies, has a significant death rate, especially when detected at an advanced stage. In most cases, the fundamental aetiology of CRC remains unclear despite the identification of several environmental and intrinsic risk factors. Numerous investigations, particularly in the last ten years, have indicated the involvement of epigenetic variables in this type of cancer. The development, progression, and metastasis of CRC are influenced by long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), which are significant players in the epigenetic pathways. LncRNAs are implicated in diverse pathological processes in CRC, such as liver metastasis, epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), inflammation, and chemo-/radioresistance. It has recently been determined that CRC cells and tissues exhibit dysregulation of tens of oncogenic and tumor suppressor lncRNAs. Serum samples from CRC patients exhibit dysregulated expressions of several of these transcripts, offering a non-invasive method of detecting this kind of cancer. In this review, we outlined the typical paradigms of the deregulated lncRNA which exert significant role in the underlying molecular mechanisms of CRC initiation and progression. We comprehensively discuss the role of lncRNAs as innovative targets for CRC prognosis and treatment.

Current understanding of the role of DDX21 in orchestrating gene expression in health and diseases

RNA helicases are involved in almost all biological events, and the DDXs family is one of the largest subfamilies of RNA helicases. Recently, studies have reported that RNA helicase DDX21 is involved in several biological events, specifically in orchestrating gene expression. Hence, in this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the function of DDX21 in health and diseases. In the genome, DDX21 contributes to genome stability by promoting DNA damage repair and resolving R-loops. It also facilitates transcriptional regulation by directly binding to promoter regions, interacting with transcription factors, and enhancing transcription through non-coding RNA. Moreover, DDX21 is involved in various RNA metabolism such as RNA processing, translation, and decay. Interestingly, the activity and function of DDX21 are regulated by post-translational modifications, which affect the localization and degradation of DDX21. Except for its role of RNA helicase, DDX21 also acts as a non-enzymatic function in unwinding RNA, regulating transcriptional modifications and promoting transcription. Next, we discuss the potential application of DDX21 as a clinical predictor for diseases, which may facilitate providing novel pharmacological targets for molecular therapy.

An update on the molecular mechanisms of ZFAS1 as a prognostic, diagnostic, or therapeutic biomarker in cancers

Zinc finger antisense 1 (ZFAS1), a newly discovered long noncoding RNA, is expressed in various tissues and organs and has been introduced an oncogenic gene in human malignancies. In various cancers, ZFAS1 regulates apoptosis, cell proliferation, the cell cycle, migration, translation, rRNA processing, and spliceosomal snRNP assembly; targets signaling cascades; and interacts with transcription factors via binding to key proteins and miRNAs, with conflicting findings on its effect on these processes. ZFAS1 is elevated in different types of cancer, like colorectal, colon, osteosarcoma, and gastric cancer. Considering the ZFAS1 expression pattern, it also has the potential to be a diagnostic or prognostic marker in various cancers. The current review discusses the mode of action of ZFAS1 in various human cancers and its regulation function related to chemoresistance comprehensively, as well as the potential role of ZFAS1 as an effective and noninvasive cancer-specific biomarker in tumor diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. We expected that the current review could fill the current scientific gaps in the ZFAS1-related cancer causative mechanisms and improve available biomarkers.

Biological sex differences in hepatic response to in utero dimethylbenz(a)anthracene exposure

Fetal hepatic dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) biotransformation is not defined, thus, this study investigated whether the fetal liver metabolizes DMBA and differs with biological sex. KK.Cg-a/a (lean; n = 20) or KK.Cg-Ay/J (obese; n = 20) pregnant mice were exposed to corn oil (CT) or DMBA (1 mg/kg bw/day) by intraperitoneal injection (n = 10/treatment) from gestation day 7-14. Postnatal day 2 male or female offspring livers were collected. Total RNA (n = 6) and protein (n = 6) were analyzed via a PCR-based array or LC-MS/MS, respectively. The level of Mgst3 was lower (P < 0.05) in livers of female compared to male offspring. Furthermore, in utero DMBA exposure increased (P < 0.1) Cyp2c29 and Gpx3 levels (P < 0.05) in female offspring. In male offspring, the abundance of Ahr, Comt (P < 0.1), Alox5, and Asna1 (P < 0.05) decreased due to DMBA exposure. Female and male offspring had 34 and 21 hepatic proteins altered (P < 0.05) by in utero DMBA exposure, respectively. Opposing patterns for hepatic CD81 and KRT78 occurred, being decreased in females but increased in males, while YWHAG was decreased by DMBA exposure in both. Functional KEGG pathway analysis identified enrichment of 26 and 13 hepatic metabolic proteins in male and female offspring, respectively, due to in utero DMBA exposure. In silico transcription factor analysis of differentially expressed proteins predicted involvement of female NRF1 but male AHR. Thus, hepatic biological sex differences and capacity to respond to toxicants in utero are supported.

Inhibition of TAF1B impairs ribosome biosynthesis and suppresses cell proliferation in stomach adenocarcinoma through promoting c-MYC mRNA degradation

Hyperactivation of ribosome biosynthesis (RiBi) is a hallmark of cancer, and targeting ribosome biogenesis has emerged as a potential therapeutic strategy. The depletion of TAF1B, a major component of selectivity factor 1 (SL1), disrupts the pre-initiation complex, preventing RNA polymerase I from binding ribosomal DNA and inhibiting the hyperactivation of RiBi. Here, we investigate the role of TAF1B, in regulating RiBi and proliferation in stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD). We disclosed that the overexpression of TAF1B correlates with poor prognosis in STAD, and found that knocking down TAF1B effectively inhibits STAD cell proliferation and survival in vitro and in vivo. TAF1B knockdown may also induce nucleolar stress, and promote c-MYC degradation in STAD cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate that TAF1B depletion impairs rRNA gene transcription and processing, leading to reduced ribosome biogenesis. Collectively, our findings suggest that TAF1B may serve as a potential therapeutic target for STAD and highlight the importance of RiBi in cancer progression.

Role and therapeutic potential of DEAD-box RNA helicase family in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed and the second cancer-related death worldwide, leading to more than 0.9 million deaths every year. Unfortunately, this disease is changing rapidly to a younger age, and in a more advanced stage when diagnosed. The DEAD-box RNA helicase proteins are the largest family of RNA helicases so far. They regulate almost every aspect of RNA physiological processes, including RNA transcription, editing, splicing and transport. Aberrant expression and critical roles of the DEAD-box RNA helicase proteins have been found in CRC. In this review, we first summarize the protein structure, cellular distribution, and diverse biological functions of DEAD-box RNA helicases. Then, we discuss the distinct roles of DEAD-box RNA helicase family in CRC and describe the cellular mechanism of actions based on recent studies, with an aim to provide future strategies for the treatment of CRC.

Colon cancer transcriptome

Over the last four decades, methodological innovations have continuously changed transcriptome profiling. It is now feasible to sequence and quantify the transcriptional outputs of individual cells or thousands of samples using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). These transcriptomes serve as a connection between cellular behaviors and their underlying molecular mechanisms, such as mutations. This relationship, in the context of cancer, provides a chance to unravel tumor complexity and heterogeneity and uncover novel biomarkers or treatment options. Since colon cancer is one of the most frequent malignancies, its prognosis and diagnosis seem to be critical. The transcriptome technology is developing for an earlier and more accurate diagnosis of cancer which can provide better protectivity and prognostic utility to medical teams and patients. A transcriptome is a whole set of expressed coding and non-coding RNAs in an individual or cell population. The cancer transcriptome includes RNA-based changes. The combined genome and transcriptome of a patient may provide a comprehensive picture of their cancer, and this information is beginning to affect treatment decision-making in real-time. A full assessment of the transcriptome of colon (colorectal) cancer has been assessed in this review paper based on risk factors such as age, obesity, gender, alcohol use, race, and also different stages of cancer, as well as non-coding RNAs like circRNAs, miRNAs, lncRNAs, and siRNAs. Similarly, they have been examined independently in the transcriptome study of colon cancer.

LncRNAs in colorectal cancer: Biomarkers to therapeutic targets

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related death in men and women worldwide. As early detection is associated with lower mortality, novel biomarkers are urgently needed for timely diagnosis and appropriate management of patients to achieve the best therapeutic response. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to play essential roles in CRC progression. Accordingly, the regulatory roles of lncRNAs should be better understood in general and for identifying diagnostic, prognostic and predictive biomarkers in CRC specifically. In this review, the latest advances on the potential diagnostic and prognostic lncRNAs as biomarkers in CRC samples were highlighted, Current knowledge on dysregulated lncRNAs and their potential molecular mechanisms were summarized. The potential therapeutic implications and challenges for future and ongoing research in the field were also discussed. Finally, novel insights on the underlying mechanisms of lncRNAs were examined as to their potential role as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in CRC. This review may be used to design future studies and advanced investigations on lncRNAs as biomarkers for the diagnosis, prognosis and therapy in CRC.

RNA Polymerases I and III in development and disease

Ribosomes are macromolecular machines that are globally required for the translation of all proteins in all cells. Ribosome biogenesis, which is essential for cell growth, proliferation and survival, commences with transcription of a variety of RNAs by RNA Polymerases I and III. RNA Polymerase I (Pol I) transcribes ribosomal RNA (rRNA), while RNA Polymerase III (Pol III) transcribes 5S ribosomal RNA and transfer RNAs (tRNA) in addition to a wide variety of small non-coding RNAs. Interestingly, despite their global importance, disruptions in Pol I and Pol III function result in tissue-specific developmental disorders, with craniofacial anomalies and leukodystrophy/neurodegenerative disease being among the most prevalent. Furthermore, pathogenic variants in genes encoding subunits shared between Pol I and Pol III give rise to distinct syndromes depending on whether Pol I or Pol III function is disrupted. In this review, we discuss the global roles of Pol I and III transcription, the consequences of disruptions in Pol I and III transcription, disorders arising from pathogenic variants in Pol I and Pol III subunits, and mechanisms underpinning their tissue-specific phenotypes.

MACC1 Correlates with Tumor Progression and Immune Cell Infiltration of Colon Adenocarcinoma and is Regulated by the lncRNA ZFAS1/miR-642a-5p Axis

Colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) is the most common pathologic type of colon cancer. Metastasis is responsible for the high mortality rate of patients with COAD. The gene, metastasis-associated in colon cancer 1 (MACC1), is a biomarker predictive of both metastatic and metastasis-free survival in patients with colon cancer and other solid tumors. However, the underlying mechanism by which MACC1 affect COAD progression and metastasis remains unknown. In this study, we analyzed the expression level and prognostic value of MACC1, as well as their correlation, in patients with various types of cancer included in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) databases. High MACC1 expression was found to be significantly associated with poor prognosis in patients with COAD. Analysis of the potential upstream miRNA of MACC1 showed that miR-642a-5p was downregulated in COAD and was negatively correlated with MACC1 expression. Analysis of the upstream regulators of miR-642a-5p showed that the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) ZFAS1was the most likely upstream regulator of miR-642a-5p. In addition, the expression of MACC1 correlated positively with tumor immune cell infiltration, as well as with the levels of biomarkers of five kinds of immune cells. In summary, these findings suggest that MACC1 contributes to COAD progression and immune cell infiltration via the ZFAS1/miR-642a-5p/MACC1 axis.

Identification and Validation in a Novel Classification of Helicase Patterns for the Prediction of Tumor Proliferation and Prognosis

Background

Helicases have been classified as a class of enzymes that determine the stability of the cellular genome. There is growing evidence that helicases can help tumor cells resist drug killing by repairing Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid (DNA) or stabilizing transcription, which may contribute to the understanding of drug resistance. Currently, identifying cancer biomarkers among helicases and stratifying patients according to helicase activity will be able to guide treatment well.

Methods

We clustered 371 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) by consensus clustering based on helicase expression profiles to identify potential molecular subtypes. The Multiscale Embedded Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (MEGENA) algorithm was used to find core differential gene modules between different molecular subtypes, and single-cell analysis was utlized to explore the potential function of hub gene. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was used to verify the diagnostic value of DDX56 and its ability to reflect the proliferation efficiency of cancer cells.

Results

We identified two subtypes associated with helicase. High helicase subtype was associated with poor clinical outcome, massive M0 macrophage infiltration, and highly active cell proliferation features. In addition, we identified a new biomarker, DDX56, which has not been reported in HCC, was highly expressed in HCC tissues, associated with poor prognosis, and was also shown to be associated with high cell proliferative activity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, based on helicase expression profiles, we have developed a new classification system for HCC, which is a proliferation-related system, and has clinical significance in evaluating prognosis and treating HCC patients, including immunotherapy and chemotherapy. In addition, we identified a new biomarker, DDX 56, which is overexpressed in HCC tissues, predicts a poor prognosis and is a validated index of tumor cell proliferation.

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in pancreatic cancer progression

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are RNA molecules involved in gene regulation at transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and epigenetic levels. LncRNAs participate in regulating apoptosis and autophagy in pancreatic cancer (PCa) and can promote and/or decrease the proliferation rate of tumor cells. The metastasis of PCa cells is tightly regulated by lncRNAs and they can affect the mechanism of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) to modulate metastasis. The drug resistance of PCa cells, especially to gemcitabine, can be affected by lncRNAs. In addition, lncRNAs enriched in exosomes can be transferred among tumor cells to regulate their proliferation and metastasis. Antitumor compounds, such as curcumin and ginsenosides, can regulate lncRNA expression in PCa therapy. As we discuss here, the expression level of lncRNAs can be considered as both a diagnostic and prognostic tool in patients with PCa.

LncRNA ZFAS1 regulates the proliferation, oxidative stress, fibrosis, and inflammation of high glucose-induced human mesangial cells via the miR-588/ROCK1 axis

BACKGROUND

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a critical and the most common microvascular complication and its pathogenesis is still faintly understood. Thus, this study was performed to examine the long non-coding RNA ZNFX1 Antisense Gene Protein 1 (lncRNA ZFAS1) biological function and mechanism of regulation in DN.

METHOD

Human glomerular mesangial cells (HGMC) were induced with high glucose (HG, 25 mM) to establish HG-induced cell viability, pro-inflammation observed in DN. After, target miRNA and mRNA were predicted through Lncbase and Targetscan. Subsequently, the expression of ZFAS1, miR-588, and ROCK1 in DN clinical samples and cell-model was examined through qRT-PCR and western blot analysis. We upheld the targeted interaction between miR-588 and ZFAS1 or ROCK1 through a dual-luciferase reporter assay. The proliferation of the cell was also examined through CCK-8 assay, while the level of HG-induced oxidative stress was established by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, and also the activities of antioxidant enzymes in the cell. Lastly, the level of accumulated extracellular matrix (ECM) protein-fibronectin and collagen type IV, and inflammatory cytokines produced by the cell was analyzed through western blot analysis and ELISA.

RESULTS

ZFAS1 was significantly upregulated in the DN blood samples and HG-induced HGMC. Prediction result revealed that the ZFAS1 endogenously targets the miR-588 seed sequence while miR-588 plays a role in post-transcriptional regulation of ROCK1 mRNA. Moreover, we found that miR-588 expression was significantly downregulated in DN blood samples and negatively correlates with ZFAS1 expression. Further results show that silencing ZFAS1 had a protective effect on HG-induced proliferation, oxidative stress, fibrosis, and inflammation in HGMC while miR-588 inhibition and ROCK1 overexpression reversed this effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Altogether, our data suggest that ZFAS1 regulates the proliferation, oxidative stress, fibrosis, and inflammation of high glucose-induced diabetic nephropathy through the miR-588/ROCK1 axis.

The role of blood lnc-ZFAS1 in acute ischemic stroke: correlation with neurological impairment, inflammation, and survival profiles

Background

Long non‐coding RNA zinc finger antisense 1 (lnc‐ZFAS1) has been reported to inhibit neuronal damage in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). However, the role of lnc‐ZFAS1 in AIS patients remains unclear. Therefore, we assessed the relationship of lnc‐ZFAS1 with neurological impairment, inflammation, and prognosis in AIS patients.

Methods

Totally, 241 AIS patients and 120 controls were enrolled. lnc‐ZFAS1 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was evaluated using reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Besides, a 3‐year follow‐up was conducted to assess recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) in AIS patients.

Results

lnc‐ZFAS1 was reduced in AIS patients compared to that in controls (Z = −10.693, p < 0.001). In AIS patients, lnc‐ZFAS1 was negatively correlated with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (r_s = −0.335, p < 0.001), C‐reactive protein (r_s = −0.284, p < 0.001), tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (r_s = −0.293, p < 0.001), interleukin‐1β (r_s = −0.149, p = 0.021), and interleukin‐6 (r_s = −0.161, p = 0.012), but not underlying diseases (all p > 0.05). Besides, lnc‐ZFAS1 was divided into high and low levels based on the median expression in AIS patients. Indeed, high lnc‐ZFAS1 predicted better RFS (χ² = 6.222, p = 0.013); the 1‐year, 2‐year, and 3‐year RFS rates were 94.2%, 88.3%, and 85.5%, respectively, in patients with high lnc‐ZFAS1, then 87.5%, 79.2%, and 71.6%, respectively, in those with low lnc‐ZFAS1. However, lnc‐ZFAS1 was not correlated with OS (χ² = 1.404, p = 0.236); the 1‐year, 2‐year, and 3‐year OS rates were 98.3%, 95.8%, and 94.0%, respectively, in patients with high lnc‐ZFAS1, then 96.7%, 93.9%, and 89.6%, respectively, in those with low lnc‐ZFAS1.

Conclusion

Lower lnc‐ZFAS1 expression is connected with increased neurological impairment and inflammation as well as worse RFS in AIS patients.

Downregulation of DEAD-box helicase 21 (DDX21) inhibits proliferation, cell cycle, and tumor growth in colorectal cancer via targeting cell division cycle 5-like (CDC5L)

Identification of novel anti-tumor target is crucial for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic strategy. The study aimed to explore the roles and interaction of DEAD-box helicase 21 (DDX21) and cell division cycle 5-like (CDC5L) in colorectal cancer (CRC) progression. Levels of DDX21 and CDC5L were detected in colorectal cancer cell lines by RT-qPCR and Western blot assay. The role of DDX21 and CDC5L on the cell proliferation, cell cycle and tumor growth were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. The interaction of DDX21 and CDC5L was predicted by The STRING publicly available data and verified by immunoprecipitation. The results showed that DDX21 was dramatically upregulated in colorectal cancer cells. In vivo and in vitro experiments revealed that downregulation of DDX21 suppressed colorectal cancer cell proliferation, colony formation, cell cycle development, and tumor growth, while overexpression of CDC5L reversed the suppressive effects of DDX21 silencing. Furthermore, DDX21 interacted with CDC5L to exert the tumor-promoting effects in CRC. In summary, the data indicate a novel role for DDX21/CDC5L in the development of CRC, which enrich the therapeutic strategy for CRC.

Action and function of helicases on RNA G-quadruplexes

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Methodological progresses and piling evidence prove the rG4 biology in vivo.

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rG4s step in virtually every aspect of RNA biology.

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Helicases unwinding of rG4s is a fine regulatory layer to the downstream processes and general cell homeostasis.

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The current knowledge is however limited to a few cell lines.

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The regulation of helicases themselves is delineating as a important question.

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Non-helicase rG4-processing proteins likely play a role.

The nucleic acid structure called G-quadruplex (G4) is currently discussed to function in nucleic acid-based mechanisms that influence several cellular processes. They can modulate the cellular machinery either positively or negatively, both at the DNA and RNA level. The majority of what we know about G4 biology comes from DNA G4 (dG4) research. RNA G4s (rG4), on the other hand, are gaining interest as researchers become more aware of their role in several aspects of cellular homeostasis. In either case, the correct regulation of G4 structures within cells is essential and demands specialized proteins able to resolve them. Small changes in the formation and unfolding of G4 structures can have severe consequences for the cells that could even stimulate genome instability, apoptosis or proliferation. Helicases are the most relevant negative G4 regulators, which prevent and unfold G4 formation within cells during different pathways. Yet, and despite their importance only a handful of rG4 unwinding helicases have been identified and characterized thus far. This review addresses the current knowledge on rG4s-processing helicases with a focus on methodological approaches. An example of a non-helicase rG4s-unwinding protein is also briefly described.

Natural Supplements for COVID19-Background, Rationale, and Clinical Trials

Worldwide, the turmoil of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic has generated a burst of research efforts in search of effective prevention and treatment modalities. Current recommendations on natural supplements arise from mostly anecdotal evidence in other viral infections and expert opinion, and many clinical trials are ongoing. Here the authors review the evidence and rationale for the use of natural supplements for prevention and treatment of COVID-19, including those with potential benefit and those with potential harms. Specifically, the authors review probiotics, dietary patterns, micronutrients, antioxidants, polyphenols, melatonin, and cannabinoids. Authors critically evaluated and summarized the biomedical literature published in peer-reviewed journals, preprint servers, and current guidelines recommended by expert scientific governing bodies. Ongoing and future trials registered on clinicaltrials.gov were also recorded, appraised, and considered in conjunction with the literature findings. In light of the controversial issues surrounding the manufacturing and marketing of natural supplements and limited scientific evidence available, the authors assessed the available data and present this review to equip clinicians with the necessary information regarding the evidence for and potential harms of usage to promote open discussions with patients who are considering dietary supplements to prevent and treat COVID-19.

Integrated whole transcriptome and small RNA analysis revealed multiple regulatory networks in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a global disease burden and a leading cause of cancer related deaths worldwide. The identification of aberrantly expressed messenger RNA (mRNA), long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), and microRNA (miRNA), and the resulting molecular interactions and signaling networks is essential for better understanding of CRC, identification of novel diagnostic biomarkers and potential development of therapeutic interventions. Herein, we performed microRNA (miRNA) sequencing on fifteen CRC and their non-tumor adjacent tissues and whole transcriptome RNA-Seq on six paired samples from the same cohort and identified alterations in miRNA, mRNA, and lncRNA expression. Computational analyses using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) identified multiple activated signaling networks in CRC, including ERBB2, RABL6, FOXM1, and NFKB networks, while functional annotation highlighted activation of cell proliferation and migration as the hallmark of CRC. IPA in combination with in silico prediction algorithms and experimentally validated databases gave insight into the complex associations and interactions between downregulated miRNAs and upregulated mRNAs in CRC and vice versa. Additionally, potential interaction between differentially expressed lncRNAs such as H19, SNHG5, and GATA2-AS1 with multiple miRNAs has been revealed. Taken together, our data provides thorough analysis of dysregulated protein-coding and non-coding RNAs in CRC highlighting numerous associations and regulatory networks thus providing better understanding of CRC.

DEAD-Box RNA Helicases in Cell Cycle Control and Clinical Therapy

Cell cycle is regulated through numerous signaling pathways that determine whether cells will proliferate, remain quiescent, arrest, or undergo apoptosis. Abnormal cell cycle regulation has been linked to many diseases. Thus, there is an urgent need to understand the diverse molecular mechanisms of how the cell cycle is controlled. RNA helicases constitute a large family of proteins with functions in all aspects of RNA metabolism, including unwinding or annealing of RNA molecules to regulate pre-mRNA, rRNA and miRNA processing, clamping protein complexes on RNA, or remodeling ribonucleoprotein complexes, to regulate gene expression. RNA helicases also regulate the activity of specific proteins through direct interaction. Abnormal expression of RNA helicases has been associated with different diseases, including cancer, neurological disorders, aging, and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) via regulation of a diverse range of cellular processes such as cell proliferation, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis. Recent studies showed that RNA helicases participate in the regulation of the cell cycle progression at each cell cycle phase, including G1-S transition, S phase, G2-M transition, mitosis, and cytokinesis. In this review, we discuss the essential roles and mechanisms of RNA helicases in the regulation of the cell cycle at different phases. For that, RNA helicases provide a rich source of targets for the development of therapeutic or prophylactic drugs. We also discuss the different targeting strategies against RNA helicases, the different types of compounds explored, the proposed inhibitory mechanisms of the compounds on specific RNA helicases, and the therapeutic potential of these compounds in the treatment of various disorders.