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Sun Y, Chen X, Shi Y, Teng F, Dai C, Ge L, Xu J, Jia X. hsa_circ_0020093 suppresses ovarian cancer progression by modulating LRPPRC activity and miR-107/LATS2 signaling. Biol Direct 2024; 19:69. [PMID: 39164777 PMCID: PMC11337591 DOI: 10.1186/s13062-024-00520-y] [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: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024] Open
Abstract
A substantive body of evidence has demonstrated the significant roles of circular RNA (circRNA) in cancer. However, the contribution of dysregulated circRNAs to ovarian cancer (OC) remains elusive. We aim to elucidate the critical roles and mechanisms of hsa_circ_0020093, which was demonstrated to be downregulated in OC tissues in our previous study. In this study, we confirmed the decreased expression of hsa_circ_0020093 in OC tissues and cell lines and demonstrated the negative correlation between its expression and FIGO stage, abdominal implantation and CA125 level of OC patients. Through gain and loss of function studies, we confirmed the inhibitory role of hsa_circ_0020093 in ovarian tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, based on the peri-nuclear accumulation of hsa_circ_0020093, we discovered the interaction between hsa_circ_0020093 and the mitochondrial protein LRPPRC by RNA pull-down, mass spectrometry, RNA Binding Protein Immunoprecipitation. As a result, qRT-PCR and transmission electron microscopy results showed that the mitochondria mRNA expression and mitochondria abundance were decreased upon hsa_circ_0020093-overexpression. Meanwhile, we also unearthed the hsa_circ_0020093/miR-107/LATS2 axis in OC according to RNA-sequencing, RIP and luciferase reporter assay data. Furthermore, LRPPRC and LATS2 are both reported as the upstream regulators of YAP, our study also studied the crosstalk between hsa_circ_0020093, LRPPRC and miR-107/LATS2, and unearthed the up-regulation of phosphorylated YAP in hsa_circ_0020093-overexpressing OC cells and xenograft tumors. Collectively, our study indicated the novel mechanism of hsa_circ_0020093 in suppressing OC progression through both hsa_circ_0020093/LRPPRC and hsa_circ_0020093/miR-107/LATS2 axes, providing a potential therapeutic target for OC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Sun
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Women and Children's Healthcare Hospital), 123 Tianfei Xiang, Mochou Road, Nanjing, 210004, China
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Xiyi Chen
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Women and Children's Healthcare Hospital), 123 Tianfei Xiang, Mochou Road, Nanjing, 210004, China
| | - Yaqian Shi
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Women and Children's Healthcare Hospital), 123 Tianfei Xiang, Mochou Road, Nanjing, 210004, China
| | - Fang Teng
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Women and Children's Healthcare Hospital), 123 Tianfei Xiang, Mochou Road, Nanjing, 210004, China
| | - Chencheng Dai
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Women and Children's Healthcare Hospital), 123 Tianfei Xiang, Mochou Road, Nanjing, 210004, China
| | - Lili Ge
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Women and Children's Healthcare Hospital), 123 Tianfei Xiang, Mochou Road, Nanjing, 210004, China.
| | - Juan Xu
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Women and Children's Healthcare Hospital), 123 Tianfei Xiang, Mochou Road, Nanjing, 210004, China.
| | - Xuemei Jia
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Women and Children's Healthcare Hospital), 123 Tianfei Xiang, Mochou Road, Nanjing, 210004, China.
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Dai Z, Lin L, Xu Y, Hu L, Gou S, Xu X. Extracellular vesicle dynamics in COPD: understanding the role of miR-422a, SPP1 and IL-17 A in smoking-related pathology. BMC Pulm Med 2024; 24:173. [PMID: 38609925 PMCID: PMC11010439 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-024-02978-y] [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: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) induced by smoking poses a significant global health challenge. Recent findings highlight the crucial role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in mediating miRNA regulatory networks across various diseases. This study utilizes the GEO database to uncover distinct expression patterns of miRNAs and mRNAs, offering a comprehensive understanding of the pathogenesis of smoking-induced COPD. This study aims to investigate the mechanisms by which extracellular vesicles (EVs) mediate the molecular network of miR-422a-SPP1 to delay the onset of COPD caused by smoking. METHODS The smoking-related miRNA chip GSE38974-GPL7723 was obtained from the GEO database, and candidate miRs were retrieved from the Vesiclepedia database. Downstream target genes of the candidate miRs were predicted using mRNA chip GSE38974-GPL4133, TargetScan, miRWalk, and RNA22 databases. This prediction was integrated with COPD-related genes from the GeneCards database, downstream target genes predicted by online databases, and key genes identified in the core module of WGCNA analysis to obtain candidate genes. The candidate genes were subjected to KEGG functional enrichment analysis using the "clusterProfiler" package in R language, and a protein interaction network was constructed. In vitro experiments involved overexpressing miRNA or extracting extracellular vesicles from bronchial epithelial cell-derived exosomes, co-culturing them with myofibroblasts to observe changes in the expression levels of the miR-422a-SPP1-IL-17 A regulatory network, and assessing protein levels of fibroblast differentiation-related factors α-SMA and collagen I using Western blot analysis. RESULTS The differential gene analysis of chip GSE38974-GPL7723 and the retrieval results from the Vesiclepedia database identified candidate miRs, specifically miR-422a. Subsequently, an intersection was taken among the prediction results from TargetScan, miRWalk, and RNA22 databases, the COPD-related gene retrieval results from GeneCards database, the WGCNA analysis results of chip GSE38974-GPL4133, and the differential gene analysis results. This intersection, combined with KEGG functional enrichment analysis, and protein-protein interaction analysis, led to the final screening of the target gene SPP1 and its upstream regulatory gene miR-422a. KEGG functional enrichment analysis of mRNAs correlated with SPP1 revealed the IL-17 signaling pathway involved. In vitro experiments demonstrated that miR-422a inhibition targets suppressed the expression of SPP1 in myofibroblasts, inhibiting differentiation phenotype. Bronchial epithelial cells, under cigarette smoke extract (CSE) stress, could compensate for myofibroblast differentiation phenotype by altering the content of miR-422a in their Extracellular Vesicles (EVs). CONCLUSION The differential gene analysis of Chip GSE38974-GPL7723 and the retrieval results from the Vesiclepedia database identified candidate miRs, specifically miR-422a. Further analysis involved the intersection of predictions from TargetScan, miRWalk, and RNA22 databases, gene search on COPD-related genes from the GeneCards database, WGCNA analysis from Chip GSE38974-GPL4133, and differential gene analysis, combined with KEGG functional enrichment analysis and protein interaction analysis. Ultimately, the target gene SPP1 and its upstream regulatory gene miR-422a were selected. KEGG functional enrichment analysis on mRNAs correlated with SPP1 revealed the involvement of the IL-17 signaling pathway. In vitro experiments showed that miR-422a targeted inhibition suppressed the expression of SPP1 in myofibroblast cells, inhibiting differentiation phenotype. Furthermore, bronchial epithelial cells could compensate for myofibroblast differentiation phenotype under cigarette smoke extract (CSE) stress by altering the miR-422a content in their extracellular vesicles (EVs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihui Dai
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Yongkang First People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, No. 599 Jinshan West Road, 321300, Yongkang, Zhejiang Province, P. R. China
| | - Li Lin
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Yongkang First People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, No. 599 Jinshan West Road, 321300, Yongkang, Zhejiang Province, P. R. China
| | - Yanan Xu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Yongkang First People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, No. 599 Jinshan West Road, 321300, Yongkang, Zhejiang Province, P. R. China
| | - Lifang Hu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Yongkang First People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, No. 599 Jinshan West Road, 321300, Yongkang, Zhejiang Province, P. R. China
| | - Shiping Gou
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Yongkang First People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, No. 599 Jinshan West Road, 321300, Yongkang, Zhejiang Province, P. R. China
| | - Xinkai Xu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Yongkang First People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, No. 599 Jinshan West Road, 321300, Yongkang, Zhejiang Province, P. R. China.
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Pepe G, Appierdo R, Ausiello G, Helmer-Citterich M, Gherardini PF. A Meta-Analysis Approach to Gene Regulatory Network Inference Identifies Key Regulators of Cardiovascular Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4224. [PMID: 38673810 PMCID: PMC11049946 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084224] [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: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) represent a major concern for global health, whose mechanistic understanding is complicated by a complex interplay between genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Specifically, heart failure (HF), encompassing dilated cardiomyopathy (DC), ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM), and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), is a topic of substantial interest in basic and clinical research. Here, we used a Partial Correlation Coefficient-based algorithm (PCC) within the context of a meta-analysis framework to construct a Gene Regulatory Network (GRN) that identifies key regulators whose activity is perturbed in Heart Failure. By integrating data from multiple independent studies, our approach unveiled crucial regulatory associations between transcription factors (TFs) and structural genes, emphasizing their pivotal roles in regulating metabolic pathways, such as fatty acid metabolism, oxidative stress response, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and coagulation. In addition to known associations, our analysis also identified novel regulators, including the identification of TFs FPM315 and OVOL2, which are implicated in dilated cardiomyopathies, and TEAD1 and TEAD2 in both dilated and ischemic cardiomyopathies. Moreover, we uncovered alterations in adipogenesis and oxidative phosphorylation pathways in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and discovered a role for IL2 STAT5 signaling in heart failure. Our findings underscore the importance of TF activity in the initiation and progression of cardiac disease, highlighting their potential as pharmacological targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerardo Pepe
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (G.P.); (R.A.)
| | - Romina Appierdo
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (G.P.); (R.A.)
- PhD Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Ausiello
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (G.P.); (R.A.)
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Dzhugashvili E, Tamkovich S. Exosomal Cargo in Ovarian Cancer Dissemination. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:9851-9867. [PMID: 38132461 PMCID: PMC10742327 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45120615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) has the highest mortality rate among all gynecologic cancers and is characterized by early peritoneal spread. The growth and development of OC are associated with the formation of ascitic fluid, creating a unique tumor microenvironment. Understanding the mechanisms of tumor progression is crucial in identifying new diagnostic biomarkers and developing novel therapeutic strategies. Exosomes, lipid bilayer vesicles measuring 30-150 nm in size, are known to establish a crucial link between malignant cells and their microenvironment. Additionally, the confirmed involvement of exosomes in carcinogenesis enables them to mediate the invasion, migration, metastasis, and angiogenesis of tumor cells. Functionally active non-coding RNAs (such as microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, circRNAs), proteins, and lipid rafts transported within exosomes can activate numerous signaling pathways and modify gene expression. This review aims to expand our understanding of the role of exosomes and their contents in OC carcinogenesis processes such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), angiogenesis, vasculogenic mimicry, tumor cell proliferation, and peritoneal spread. It also discusses the potential for utilizing exosomal cargo to develop novel "liquid biopsy" biomarkers for early OC diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Dzhugashvili
- V. Zelman Institute for Medicine and Psychology, Novosibirsk State University, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Svetlana Tamkovich
- V. Zelman Institute for Medicine and Psychology, Novosibirsk State University, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
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Qiao H, Li H. PLP2 Could Be a Prognostic Biomarker and Potential Treatment Target in Glioblastoma Multiforme. Pharmgenomics Pers Med 2023; 16:991-1009. [PMID: 37964785 PMCID: PMC10642424 DOI: 10.2147/pgpm.s425251] [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: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to discern the association between PLP2 expression, its biological significance, and the extent of immune infiltration in human GBM. Methods Utilizing the GEPIA2 and TCGA databases, we contrasted the expression levels of PLP2 in GBM against normal tissue. We utilized GEPIA2 and LinkedOmics for survival analysis, recognized genes co-expressed with PLP2 via cBioPortal and GEPIA2, and implemented GO and KEGG analyses. The STRING database facilitated the construction of protein-protein interaction networks. We evaluated the relationship of PLP2 with tumor immune infiltrates using ssGSEA and the TIMER 2.0 database. An IHC assay assessed PLP2 and PDL-1 expression in GBM tissue, and the Drugbank database aided in identifying potential PLP2-targeting compounds. Molecular docking was accomplished using Autodock Vina 1.2.2. Results PLP2 expression was markedly higher in GBM tissues in comparison to normal tissues. High PLP2 expression correlated with a decrease in overall survival across two databases. Functional analyses highlighted a focus of PLP2 functions within leukocyte. Discrepancies in PLP2 expression were evident in immune infiltration, impacting CD4+ T cells, neutrophils, myeloid dendritic cells, and macrophages. There was a concomitant increase in PLP2 and PD-L1 expression in GBM tissues, revealing a link between the two. Molecular docking with ethosuximide and praziquantel yielded scores of -7.441 and -4.295 kcal/mol, correspondingly. Conclusion PLP2's upregulation in GBM may adversely influence the lifespan of GBM patients. The involvement of PLP2 in pathways linked to leukocyte function is suggested. The positive correlation between PLP2 and PD-L1 could provide insights into PLP2's role in glioma modulation. Our research hints at PLP2's potential as a therapeutic target for GBM, with ethosuximide and praziquantel emerging as potential treatment candidates, especially emphasizing the potential of these compounds in GBM treatment targeting PLP2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Qiao
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huanting Li
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
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6
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Ye H, Wang RY, Yu XZ, Wu YK, Yang BW, Ao MY, Xi MR, Hou MM. Exosomal circNFIX promotes angiogenesis in ovarian cancer via miR-518a-3p/TRIM44 axis. Kaohsiung J Med Sci 2023; 39:26-39. [PMID: 36448712 DOI: 10.1002/kjm2.12615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is a gynecological cancer with high mortality. OC-derived exosomal circRNAs can regulate angiogenesis. This study aims to explore the role and mechanism of exosomal circRNA nuclear factor I X (CircNFIX) derived from OC cells in angiogenesis. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was employed to evaluate the levels of circNFIX, miR-518a-3p, and tripartite motif protein 44 (TRIM44) in OC and adjacent tissues. Exosomes from the ovarian surface epithelial cell (HOSEpiC) and OC cells (SKOV3 or OVCAR3) were isolated by differential centrifugation. Exosomes were cocultured with the human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The angiogenesis capacity was analyzed by Tube formation assay. 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and Transwell assays were used to determine the cell viability and migration ability. The dual-luciferase report, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), and RNA pull-down assays were applied to validate the gene's interaction. CircNFIX and TRIM44 expression were higher and miR-518a-3p was lower in OC tissues than in the adjacent tissues. Upregulated circNFIX and TRIM44 were significantly correlated with the tumor size and International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage of OC patients. HUVECs treated OC-derived exosomes had higher proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis capacities than the control group. While OC-derived exosomal circNFIX silencing restrained HUVECs' proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis, compared with the OC-derived exosomes group. OC-derived exosomal circNFIX positively regulated TRIM44 expression by targeting miR-518a-3p in HUVECs. OC-derived exosomal circNFIX promoted angiogenesis by regulating the Janus-activated kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (JAK/STAT1) pathway via miR-518a-3p/TRIM44 axis in HUVECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Ye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,The Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Rui-Yu Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,The Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiu-Zhang Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,The Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yu-Ke Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,The Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Bo-Wen Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,The Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Meng-Yin Ao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,The Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ming-Rong Xi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,The Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Min-Min Hou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,The Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Wang KH, Ding DC. The Role and Applications of Exosomes in Gynecological Cancer: A Review. Cell Transplant 2023; 32:9636897231195240. [PMID: 37632354 PMCID: PMC10467393 DOI: 10.1177/09636897231195240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Exosomes are phospholipid bilayer vesicles that are released by all types of cells, containing proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids such as DNAs and RNAs. Exosomes can be transferred between cells and play a variety of physiological and pathological regulatory functions. Noncoding RNAs, including micro RNAs, long noncoding RNAs, and circular RNAs, are the most studied biomolecules from exosomes and more and more studies found that noncoding RNAs play an important role in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of diseases, including various types of cancer. Gynecological malignancies such as ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancer seriously threaten women's life. Therefore, this article reviews the roles and applications of exosomes in gynecological malignancies, including the promotion or inhibition of tumor progression and regulation of tumor microenvironments, and as potential therapeutic targets for treating gynecological cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Hung Wang
- Department of Medical Research, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Dah-Ching Ding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan, R.O.C
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Circular RNAs in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: From Biomarkers to Therapeutic Targets. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14225711. [PMID: 36428803 PMCID: PMC9688053 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14225711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most lethal gynecological cancer, and more than 70% of patients are diagnosed at advanced stages. Despite the application of surgery and chemotherapy, the prognosis remains poor due to the high relapse rate. It is urgent to identify novel biomarkers and develop novel therapeutic strategies for EOC. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of noncoding RNAs generated from the "back-splicing" of precursor mRNA. CircRNAs exert their functions via several mechanisms, including acting as miRNA sponges, interacting with proteins, regulating transcription, and encoding functional proteins. Recent studies have identified many circRNAs that are dysregulated in EOC and may be used as diagnostic and prognostic markers. Increasing evidence has revealed that circRNAs play a critical role in ovarian cancer progression by regulating various cellular processes, including proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, and chemosensitivity. The circRNA-based therapy may be a novel strategy that is worth exploring in the future. Here, we provide an overview of EOC and circRNA biogenesis and functions. We then discuss the dysregulations of circRNAs in EOC and the possibility of using them as diagnostic/prognostic markers. We also summarize the role of circRNAs in regulating ovarian cancer development and speculate their potential as therapeutic targets.
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Xing Y, Liang X, Lv X, Cheng Y, Du J, Liu C, Yang Y. New insights into the role of circular RNAs in ovarian cancer. Pathol Res Pract 2022; 238:154073. [PMID: 36007396 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2022.154073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most aggressive tumors in women and has a poor prognosis and the highest mortality rate. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a type of endogenous non-coding RNAs that have recently attracted interest in cancer research. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that circRNAs play an oncogenic or suppressive role in tumorigenesis and progression, and show tissue- or developmental-stage-specific expression. Due to high stability, conservation, abundance, and specificity, circRNAs are considered promising biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of cancer. Herein, we have summarized the expression profiles of circRNAs in OC tissues, serums, and cell lines. Moreover, we discuss how circRNAs participate in the regulation of multiple biological processes in OC, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, autophagy, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, glucose metabolism, angiogenesis, immune response, and chemotherapy resistance, by sponging microRNAs and interacting with proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijuan Xing
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000 Gansu, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Key Laboratory of Gynecologic Oncology Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, China
| | - Xiaolei Liang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Key Laboratory of Gynecologic Oncology Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000 Gansu, China
| | - Xiao Lv
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Key Laboratory of Gynecologic Oncology Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000 Gansu, China
| | - Yuemei Cheng
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000 Gansu, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Key Laboratory of Gynecologic Oncology Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, China
| | - Junhong Du
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000 Gansu, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Key Laboratory of Gynecologic Oncology Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Key Laboratory of Gynecologic Oncology Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000 Gansu, China
| | - Yongxiu Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Key Laboratory of Gynecologic Oncology Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000 Gansu, China.
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10
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Advances in Exosomes as Diagnostic and Therapeutic Biomarkers for Gynaecological Malignancies. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194743. [PMID: 36230667 PMCID: PMC9563301 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The three major gynaecological cancers are ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, and cervical cancer, which endanger women’s health worldwide. Significant progress has been made in the study of exosomes, which have been proven to be an important form of intercellular communication, as well as an important carrier for the uptake, transport, and release of cargo. Exosomes may also be promising diagnostic or prognostic markers for gynaecologic malignancies, which may improve the level of treatment of gynaecologic malignancies. This article reviews the latest research progress and systematic knowledge of exosomes in gynaecological malignant tumours in recent years, in order to provide a new perspective for the treatment of gynaecological tumours and promote the clinical application of exosomes in gynaecological malignancies. Abstract Background: Exosomes are extracellular vesicles that can be released by practically all types of cells. They have a diameter of 30–150 nm. Exosomes control the exchange of materials and information between cells. This function is based on its special cargo-carrying and transporting functions, which can load a variety of useful components and guarantee their preservation. Recently, exosomes have been confirmed to play a significant role in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of gynaecological malignancies. Particularly, participation in liquid biopsy was studied extensively in gynaecological cancer, which holds the advantages of noninvasiveness and individualization. Literature Review: This article reviews the latest research progress of exosomes in gynaecological malignancies and discusses the involvement of humoral and cell-derived exosomes in the pathogenesis, progression, metastasis, drug resistance and treatment of ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, and endometrial cancer. Advances in the clinical application of exosomes in diagnostic technology, drug delivery, and overcoming tumour resistance are also presented. Conclusion: Exosomes are potentially diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in gynaecological malignancies, and also provide new directions for the treatment of gynaecological tumours, showing great clinical potential.
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Cammarata G, Barraco N, Giusti I, Gristina V, Dolo V, Taverna S. Extracellular Vesicles-ceRNAs as Ovarian Cancer Biomarkers: Looking into circRNA-miRNA-mRNA Code. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14143404. [PMID: 35884464 PMCID: PMC9324482 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14143404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Patients with ovarian cancer have a very poor chance of long-term survival, usually due to advanced disease at the time of diagnosis. Emerging evidence suggests that extracellular vesicles contain noncoding RNAs such as microRNAs, piwiRNAs, circular RNAs, and long noncoding RNAs, with regulatory effects on ovarian cancer. In this review, we focus on ovarian cancer-associated circular RNA shuttled by extracellular vesicles as mediators of cancer progression and novel biomarkers in liquid biopsy. We propose a circular-RNA–microRNA-mRNA code that can reveal the regulatory network created by extracellular vesicles, noncoding RNAs, and mRNAs in ovarian cancer. Future research in this field will help to identify novel diagnostic biomarkers and druggable therapeutic targets, which will ultimately benefit patients. Abstract Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most lethal gynecologic malignancies in females worldwide. OC is frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage due to a lack of specific symptoms and effective screening tests, resulting in a poor prognosis for patients. Age, genetic alterations, and family history are the major risk factors for OC pathogenesis. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying OC progression, identifying new biomarkers for early detection, and discovering potential targets for new drugs are urgent needs. Liquid biopsy (LB), used for cancer detection and management, consists of a minimally invasive approach and practical alternative source to investigate tumor alterations by testing extracellular vesicles (EVs), circulating tumor cells, tumor-educated platelets, and cell-free nucleic acids. EVs are nanosize vesicles shuttling proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, such as DNA, RNA, and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), that can induce phenotypic reprogramming of target cells. EVs are natural intercellular shuttles for ncRNAs, such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and circular-RNAs (circRNAs), known to have regulatory effects in OC. Here we focus on the involvement of circRNAs and miRNAs in OC cancer progression. The circRNA-microRNA-mRNA axis has been investigated with Circbank and miRwalk analysis, unraveling the intricate and detailed regulatory network created by EVs, ncRNAs, and mRNAs in OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Cammarata
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), 90146 Palermo, Italy
- Correspondence: (G.C.); (S.T.)
| | - Nadia Barraco
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (N.B.); (V.G.)
| | - Ilaria Giusti
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (I.G.); (V.D.)
| | - Valerio Gristina
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (N.B.); (V.G.)
| | - Vincenza Dolo
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (I.G.); (V.D.)
| | - Simona Taverna
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), 90146 Palermo, Italy
- Correspondence: (G.C.); (S.T.)
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Mason HG, Bush J, Agrawal N, Hakami RM, Veneziano R. A Microfluidic Platform to Monitor Real-Time Effects of Extracellular Vesicle Exchange between Co-Cultured Cells across Selectively Permeable Barriers. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:3534. [PMID: 35408896 PMCID: PMC8998828 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Exosomes and other extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a significant yet poorly understood role in cell-cell communication during homeostasis and various pathological conditions. Conventional in vitro and in vivo approaches for studying exosome/EV function depend on time-consuming and expensive vesicle purification methods to obtain sufficient vesicle populations. Moreover, the existence of various EV subtypes with distinct functional characteristics and submicron size makes their analysis challenging. To help address these challenges, we present here a unique chip-based approach for real-time monitoring of cellular EV exchange between physically separated cell populations. The extracellular matrix (ECM)-mimicking Matrigel is used to physically separate cell populations confined within microchannels, and mimics tissue environments to enable direct study of exosome/EV function. The submicron effective pore size of the Matrigel allows for the selective diffusion of only exosomes and other smaller EVs, in addition to soluble factors, between co-cultured cell populations. Furthermore, the use of PEGDA hydrogel with a very small pore size of 1.2 nm in lieu of Matrigel allows us to block EV migration and, therefore, differentiate EV effects from effects that may be mediated by soluble factors. This versatile platform bridges purely in vitro and in vivo assays by enabling studies of EV-mediated cellular crosstalk under physiologically relevant conditions, enabling future exosome/EV investigations across multiple disciplines through real-time monitoring of vesicle exchange.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hunter G. Mason
- School of System Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA;
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Joshua Bush
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering and Computing, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA; (J.B.); (N.A.)
| | - Nitin Agrawal
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering and Computing, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA; (J.B.); (N.A.)
| | - Ramin M. Hakami
- School of System Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA;
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Remi Veneziano
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering and Computing, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA; (J.B.); (N.A.)
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