LncRNA ANRIL is up-regulated in nasopharyngeal carcinoma and promotes the cancer progression via increasing proliferation, reprograming cell glucose metabolism and inducing side-population stem-like cancer cells

Non-coding RNAs to treat vascular smooth muscle cell dysfunction

Vascular smooth muscle cell (vSMC) dysfunction is a critical contributor to cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, restenosis and vein graft failure. Recent advances have unveiled a fascinating range of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that play a pivotal role in regulating vSMC function. This review aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the mechanisms underlying vSMC dysfunction and the therapeutic potential of various ncRNAs in mitigating this dysfunction, either preventing or reversing it. We explore the intricate interplay of microRNAs, long-non-coding RNAs and circular RNAs, shedding light on their roles in regulating key signalling pathways associated with vSMC dysfunction. We also discuss the prospects and challenges associated with developing ncRNA-based therapies for this prevalent type of cardiovascular pathology.

LncRNA ANRIL Promotes Glucose Metabolism and Proliferation of Colon Cancer in a High-Glucose Environment and is Associated with Worse Outcome in Diabetic Colon Cancer Patients

BACKGROUND

The potential involvement of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) as a risk factor for colon cancer (CC) has been previously reported. Epigenetic changes, such as deregulation of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and microRNA (miR), have been linked to the advancement of CC; however, the effects of high glucose levels on their deregulation and, in turn, colon cancer remain unexplored.

METHODS

Fifty patients had a dual diagnosis of CC and T2DM, and 60 patients with CC without diabetes mellitus were included in the study. qRT-PCR was used to examine the expression of lncRNA ANRIL and miR-186-5p in tissue samples. ANRIL, miR-186-5p, and their downstream target genes HIF-1α, PFK, HK, Bcl-2, and Bax were also determined in CC cell lines under various glucose conditions. Glucose uptake, lactate production and cells proliferation were estimated in CC cell lines.

RESULTS

A significant upregulation of ANRIL expression levels (p<0.001) and a significant downregulation of miR-186-5p expression (p<0.001) in diabetic colon cancer specimens compared to those in non-diabetic colon cancer group were observed. MiR-186-5p expression levels were inversely correlated with ANRIL expression levels, blood glucose levels and HbA1c%. Concerning in vitro model, a significant upregulation of ANRIL, downregulation of miR-186-5p, upregulation of HIF-1α, glycolytic enzymes and activation of antiapoptotic pathway was detected in higher glucose concentrations than lower one. There was a significant increase of glucose uptake, lactate accumulation and proliferation of the Caco2 and SW620 cell lines in a dose dependent manner of glucose concentrations. Moreover, a significant positive correlation between glucose uptake and ANRIL expression was shown.

CONCLUSIONS

A high-glucose environment can increase the tumor-promoting effect of ANRIL. ANRIL can promote glucose metabolism and colon cancer proliferation by downregulating miR-186-5p with subsequent upregulation of glycolysis enzymes expression and inhibition of apoptosis.

Long Noncoding RNA GUSBP11 Knockdown Alleviates Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma via Regulating miR-1226-3p/TM9SF4 Axis

Purpose: Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been confirmed related to the occurrence and progress of multiple cancers, including cervical cancer nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). This study focused on assessing GUSBP11 effects on NPC progression and exploring possible mechanisms. Materials and Methods: RT-qPCR was conducted for assessing GUSBP11 levels within NPC tissues and cells. CCK-8, colony formation, and Transwell were adopted for examining GUSBP11 impacts on NPC cell proliferation and cell metastasis. RT-qPCR analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assay were conducted for judging the expression interrelation of GUSBP11 and its potential target miR-1226-3p. The same methods were carried out for verifying the inhibiting influences of miR-1226-3p upregulation and its potential target TM9SF4. Results: GUSBP11 levels were upregulated within NPC tissues and cells. GUSBP11 downregulation repressed NPC cell proliferation and cell metastasis. In addition, GUSBP11 targeted and negatively regulated miR-1226-3p. Furthermore, miR-1226-3p targeted TM9SF4 and mediated GUSBP11's impacts on TM9SF4 levels. At last, the authors proved the critical role of the GUSBP11/miR-1226-3p/TM9SF4 axis in regulating NPC progression. Conclusion: These findings indicate that downregulation of GUSBP11 alleviates NPC development by regulating the miR-1226-3p/TM9SF4 axis.

lncRNAs are potential prognostic markers in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma in China: A systematic review and meta‑analysis

The present study aimed to investigate the association between the expression profiles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and the clinical characteristics or prognosis of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The findings presented in the present review may provide novel strategies for the prevention and treatment of NPC. For the analyses, medical databases, including PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane library were searched using specific search terms, search strategies and screening strategies. Endnote X9 document management software was then employed to extract documents from January, 2010 to May, 2023. Data were extracted following the prescribed standards. Review Manager 5.4 and STATA 12.0 data analysis software were used for data analysis. A total of 490 publications were analyzed for inclusion. In total, 29 publications, composed of 24 studies with upregulated lncRNAs and 5 studies with downregulated lncRNAs, were included in the final analysis. The analysis revealed that the upregulation of lncRNAs was significantly associated with T stage, N stage and clinical stage, as well as with the overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) of patients with NPC (P<0.05). However, there was no significant association between the upregulated lncRNAs and sex, M stage or relapse-free survival (RFS) (P>0.05). On the other hand, the suppression of lncRNA expression was significantly associated with N stage, M stage, clinical stage and the OS of patients with NPC (P<0.05), but not with T stage and RFS (P>0.05). Taken together, the present review demonstrates that the up- and downregulation of different lncRNAs was associated with an advanced clinical stage and a shorter OS of patients with NPC. Therefore, lncRNAs may serve as potential prognostic factors in NPC.

Expression profile of LncRNA ANRIL, miR-186, miR-181a, and MTMR-3 in patients with preeclampsia

Preeclampsia (PE) is a leading cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Several studies demonstrated the role of lncRNAs and miRNAs in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia; the aim was to detect the expression profiles of serum LncRNA ANRIL, miR-186, miR-181a, and MTMR-3 in patients with preeclampsia. The study included 160 subjects divided into 80 subjects considered as a control group, 80 patients with preeclampsia. We found that there was a significant difference between the preeclampsia and control groups with up-regulation of miR-186 median (IQR) = 4, 29 (1.35-7.73) (P < 0.0001), miR-181a median (IQR) = 2.45 (0.83-6.52) (P = 0.028), and downregulation of lncRNA ANRIL median (IQR) = 0.35(0.28-0.528) (P < 0.0001), MTMR median (IQR) = 0.32(0.155-1.11), (P < 0.0001). ROC curve of lncRNA ANRIL, miR-186, miR-181a, and MTMR-3 in preeclampsia patients showing the roles of these markers in the diagnosis of preeclampsia. In conclusion, serum LncRNA ANRIL, miR-186, miR-181a, and MTMR-3 could be promising biomarkers in the diagnosis of preeclampsia.

The Talented LncRNAs: Meshing into Transcriptional Regulatory Networks in Cancer

As a group of diseases characterized by uncontrollable cell growth, cancer is highly multifaceted in how it overrides checkpoints controlling proliferation. Amongst the regulators of these checkpoints, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can have key roles in why natural biological processes go haywire. LncRNAs represent a large class of regulatory transcripts that can localize anywhere in cells. They were found to affect gene expression on many levels from transcription to mRNA translation and even protein stability. LncRNA participation in such control mechanisms can depend on cell context, with given transcripts sometimes acting as oncogenes or tumor suppressors. Importantly, the tissue-specificity and low expression levels of lncRNAs make them attractive therapeutic targets or biomarkers. Here, we review the various cellular processes affected by lncRNAs and outline molecular strategies they use to control gene expression, particularly in cancer and in relation to transcription factors.

Regulative Roles of Metabolic Plasticity Caused by Mitochondrial Oxidative Phosphorylation and Glycolysis on the Initiation and Progression of Tumorigenesis

One important feature of tumour development is the regulatory role of metabolic plasticity in maintaining the balance of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis in cancer cells. In recent years, the transition and/or function of metabolic phenotypes between mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis in tumour cells have been extensively studied. In this review, we aimed to elucidate the characteristics of metabolic plasticity (emphasizing their effects, such as immune escape, angiogenesis migration, invasiveness, heterogeneity, adhesion, and phenotypic properties of cancers, among others) on tumour progression, including the initiation and progression phases. Thus, this article provides an overall understanding of the influence of abnormal metabolic remodeling on malignant proliferation and pathophysiological changes in carcinoma.

Long Non-Coding RNA and Chemoresistance in Bladder Cancer - A Mini Review

Bladder cancer is the 10th most common cancer worldwide. It is a heterogeneous disease, comprising several tumor subtypes with differences in histology, genomic aberrations, prognosis and sensitivity to anti-cancer treatments. Although the treatment of bladder cancer is based tumor classifications and gradings, patients have different clinical response. In recent years, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were associated with bladder cancer chemoresistance. Thus, lncRNAs seem to be promising targets in treatment of bladder cancer. This review highlights the recent findings concerning lncRNAs and their relevance to the chemoresistance of bladder cancer. This may provide a basis for exploiting more robust therapeutic approaches in the future.

Long Non-Coding RNAs as Cellular Metabolism and Haematopoiesis Regulators

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a category of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that are more than 200 bases long and play major regulatory roles in a wide range of biologic processes, including hematopoeisis and metabolism. Metabolism in cells is an immensely complex process that involves the interconnection and unification of numerous signaling pathways. A growing body of affirmation marks that lncRNAs do participate in metabolism, both directly and indirectly, via metabolic regulation of enzymes and signaling pathways, respectively. The complexities are disclosed by the latest studies demonstrating how lncRNAs could indeed alter tissue-specific metabolism. We have entered a new realm for discovery that is both intimidating and intriguing. Understanding the different functions of lncRNAs in various cellular pathways aids in the advancement of predictive and therapeutic capabilities for a wide variety of myelodysplastic and metabolic disorders. This review has tried to give an overview of the different ncRNAs and their effects on hematopoiesis and metabolism. We have focused on the pathway of action of several lncRNAs and have also delved into their prognostic value. Their use as biomarkers and possible therapeutic targets has also been discussed. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This review has tried to give an overview of the different ncRNAs and their effects on hematopoiesis and metabolism. The pathway of action of several lncRNAs and their prognostic value was discussed. Their use as biomarkers and possible therapeutic targets has also been elaborated.

Prediction of Potential Biomarkers in Early-Stage Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Based on Platelet RNA Sequencing

Early diagnosis is essential for the treatment and prevention of nasopharyngeal cancer. However, there is a lack of effective biological indicators for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Therefore, we explored the potential biomarkers in tumour-educated blood platelet (TEP) RNA in early NPC. Platelets were isolated from blood plasma and their RNA was extracted. High-throughput sequenced data from a total of 33 plasma samples were analysed using DESeq2 to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Subsequently, the DEGs were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA), gene ontology (GO) analysis, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis; and Cytoscape, TargetScan, and miRanda software were used for inferring the competing endogenous RNA network. We identified 19 long non-coding (lnc) RNAs (DElncRNAs) and 248 mRNAs (DEmRNAs) that were differentially expressed in the TEP RNA. In addition, SELP gene mRNA and lncRNAs AC092135.3, AC012358.2, AL021807.1, AP001972.5, and GPX1 were found to be down-regulated DEmRNA and DElncRNAs in the early stage of NPC. Bioinformatic analysis showed that these DEmRNAs and DElncRNAs may be involved in regulating the pathogenesis of NPC. Our research may provide new insights for exploring the biological mechanisms of NPC and early diagnosis using potential biomarkers.

High expression of ANRIL correlated with the poor prognosis in patients with cancer: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

ANRIL, also called CDKN2B antisense RNA 1, is an important genetic susceptibility locus for cardiovascular diseases and associated with numerous pathologies, including several human cancers.

OBJECTIVE

The relationship between ANRIL and the clinical outcome or prognosis of cancer patients was analyzed in this meta-analysis.

METHODS

One thousand seven hundred eight cancer patients were selected in 23 studies from 3 databases (Pubmed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE).

RESULTS

A fixed-effects model indicated that the high expression of ANRIL is obviously linked to poor overall survival (OS) (Hazard ratio [HR] = 1.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.57-2.00, P < .00001); the random-effects model revealed poor disease-free survival (DFS) (HR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.46-2.37, P < .00001). A high level of ANRIL expression was also associated with the tumor size (small vs large, odds ratio [OR] = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.39-0.83, P = .003), TNM stage (I + II vs III + IV; OR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.24-0.69, P = .0008), and lymph node metastasis (LNM) (Yes vs No, OR = 3.66, 95% CI: 1.46-9.17, P = .006). ANRIL was not related significantly to histologic differentiation compared to poor with moderate + well; the OR value is 0.74, 95% CI: 0.26-2.12, P = .58. In addition, evidence suggested that a high level of ANRIL was positively associated with human cancer type, follow-up time, and sample size.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis demonstrated that ANRIL may be a valuable biomarker for predicting poor prognosis in cancer patients.

Long non-coding RNAs play an important regulatory role in tumorigenesis and tumor progression through aerobic glycolysis

Compared to normal cells, cancer cells generate ATP mainly through aerobic glycolysis, which promotes tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) are a class of transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides with little or without evident protein-encoding function. LncRNAs are involved in the ten hallmarks of cancer, interestingly, they are also closely associated with aerobic glycolysis. However, the mechanism of this process is non-transparent to date. Demonstrating the mechanism of lncRNAs regulating tumorigenesis and tumor progression through aerobic glycolysis is particularly critical for cancer therapy, and may provide novel therapeutic targets or strategies in cancer treatment. In this review, we discuss the role of lncRNAs and aerobic glycolysis in tumorigenesis and tumor progression, and further explore their interaction, in hope to provide a novel therapeutic target for cancer treatment.

Revealing the crosstalk between nasopharyngeal carcinoma and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) arises from the epithelial cells located in the nasopharynx and has a distinct geographic distribution. Chronic Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, as its most common causative agents, can be detected in 100% of NPC types. In-depth studies of the cellular and molecular events leading to immunosuppression in NPC have revealed new therapeutic targets and diverse combinations that promise to benefit patients with highly refractory, advanced and metastatic NPC. This paper reviews the mechanisms by which NPC cells to circumvent immune surveillance and approaches being attempted to restore immunity. We integrate existing insights into anti-NPC immunity and molecular signaling pathways as well as targeting therapies in anticipation of broader applicability and effectiveness in advanced metastatic NPC.

The role of endoplasmic reticulum stress in the regulation of long noncoding RNAs in cancer

Cancer cells must overcome a variety of external and internal stresses to survive and proliferate. These unfavorable conditions include the accumulation of mutations, nutrient deficiency, oxidative stress, and hypoxia. These stresses can cause aggregation of misfolded proteins inside the endoplasmic reticulum. Under these conditions, the cell undergoes endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER-stress), and consequently initiates the unfolded protein response (UPR). Activation of the UPR triggers transcription factors and regulatory factors, including long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), which control the gene expression profile to maintain cellular stability and hemostasis. Recent investigations have shown that cancer cells can ensure their survival under adverse conditions by the UPR affecting the expression of lncRNAs. Therefore, understanding the relationship between lncRNA expression and ER stress could open new avenues, and suggest potential therapies to treat various types of cancer.

Construction of lncRNA and mRNA co-expression network associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma progression

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a type of head and neck cancer with a high incidence in men. In the past decades, the survival rate of NPC has remained around 70%, but it often leads to treatment failure due to its distant metastasis or recurrence. The lncRNA-mRNA regulatory network has not been fully elucidated. We downloaded the NPC-related gene expression datasets GSE53819 and GSE12452 from the Gene Expression Omnibus database; GSE53819 included 18 NPC tissues and 18 normal tissues, and GSE12452 included 31 NPC tissues and 10 normal tissues. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis was performed on mRNA and lncRNA to screen out modules that were highly correlated with tumor progression. The two datasets were subjected to differential analysis after removing batch effects, and then Venn diagrams were used to screen for overlapping genes in the module genes and differential genes. The lncRNA-mRNA co-expression network was then constructed, and key mRNAs were identified by MCODE analysis and expression analysis. GSEA analysis and qRT-PCR were performed on key mRNAs. Through a series of analyses, we speculated that BTK, CD72, PTPN6, and VAV1 may be independent predictors of the prognosis of NPC patients.Taken together, our study provides potential candidate biomarkers for NPC diagnosis, prognosis, or precise treatment.

Regulation of signaling pathways in hair follicle stem cells

Hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) reside in the bulge region of the outer root sheath of the hair follicle. They are considered slow-cycling cells that are endowed with multilineage differentiation potential and superior proliferative capacity. The normal morphology and periodic growth of HFSCs play a significant role in normal skin functions, wound repair and skin regeneration. The HFSCs involved in these pathophysiological processes are regulated by a series of cell signal transduction pathways, such as lymphoid enhancer factor/T-cell factor, Wnt/β-catenin, transforming growth factor-β/bone morphogenetic protein, Notch and Hedgehog. The mechanisms of the interactions among these signaling pathways and their regulatory effects on HFSCs have been previously studied, but many mechanisms are still unclear. This article reviews the regulation of hair follicles, HFSCs and related signaling pathways, with the aims of summarizing previous research results, revealing the regulatory mechanisms of HFSC proliferation and differentiation and providing important references and new ideas for treating clinical diseases.

LncRNAs in tumor metabolic reprogramming and immune microenvironment remodeling

Evidence accumulated over the past decade has verified that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) exert important functions in multiple cell programs. As a novel class of cellular regulatory molecules, lncRNAs interact with different molecules, such as DNA, RNA or proteins, depending on their subcellular distribution, to modulate gene transcription and kinase cascades. It has been widely clarified that lncRNAs play important roles in modulating metabolic reprogramming and reshaping the immune landscape and serve as hinges bridging tumor metabolism and anti-tumor immunity. Given these facts, lncRNAs, as putative regulators of tumor initiation and progression, have attracted extensive attention in recent years. In this review, we summarized the current research progress on the role of lncRNAs in tumor metabolic reprogramming and tumor-immune microenvironment remodeling, and conclude with our laboratory's contributions in advancing the clinical applications of lncRNAs.

Linc01133 promotes proliferation and metastasis of human renal cell carcinoma through sponging miR-760

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the most frequent human tumors and has brought great threats to the health of the people around the globe. It was reported that linc01133, a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), was involved in the pathogenesis and development of several human cancer. But the biological role of linc01133 in RCC is still not understood. The present study aimed to investigate the biological functions of linc01133 in RCC. We did some biological experiments in this study, including quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), western blotting, MTT assay, wound healing assay, Transwell invasion assay and xenograft tumor assay. In this study, we found the expression levels of linc01133 markedly increased in the RCC tissues compared with the normal tissues. And we found that the over-expressing of linc01133 promoted cell proliferation, migration and invasion, the interfering of linc01133 inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Furthermore, we found that the interfering of linc01133 inhibited tumor growth in murine xenograft models. Additionally, we found that linc01133 promotes RCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion through sponging miR-760. Collectively, our work preliminarily illuminated the tumor-promoting role of linc01133 in RCC and the potential molecular mechanism. Thus, our study may provide some evidence for the treatment of RCC.

The Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition at the Crossroads between Metabolism and Tumor Progression

The transition between epithelial and mesenchymal phenotype is emerging as a key determinant of tumor cell invasion and metastasis. It is a plastic process in which epithelial cells first acquire the ability to invade the extracellular matrix and migrate into the bloodstream via transdifferentiation into mesenchymal cells, a phenomenon known as epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), and then reacquire the epithelial phenotype, the reverse process called mesenchymal–epithelial transition (MET), to colonize a new organ. During all metastatic stages, metabolic changes, which give cancer cells the ability to adapt to increased energy demand and to withstand a hostile new environment, are also important determinants of successful cancer progression. In this review, we describe the complex interaction between EMT and metabolism during tumor progression. First, we outline the main connections between the two processes, with particular emphasis on the role of cancer stem cells and LncRNAs. Then, we focus on some specific cancers, such as breast, lung, and thyroid cancer.

LncRNA TP73-AS1 promotes nasopharyngeal carcinoma progression through targeting miR-342-3p and M2 polarization via exosomes

BACKGROUND

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a deadly cancer, mainly presenting in southeast and east Asia. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play essential roles in cancer progression. Exosomes are critical for intercellular communication. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify the functional lncRNAs in NPC and its relevant mechanisms.

METHODS

Data from public databases were utilized to screen for functional lncRNAs in NPC. Functional and mechanical experiments were performed to determine the role of lncRNAs in NPC and its relative molecular mechanisms. Exosomes derived from NPC cells were isolated to determine their function in tumor-associated macrophages.

RESULTS

LncRNA TP73-AS1 was increased in NPC cells and tissues and was associated with a poor prognosis. TP73-AS1 overexpression promoted proliferation, colony formation, and DNA synthesis of NPC cells while TP73-AS1 knockdown showed opposite roles. TP73-AS1 could directly bind with miR-342-3p. MiR-342-3p overexpression attenuated the effect of TP73-AS1 in NPC cells. Furthermore, TP73-AS1 was transferred by exosomes to promote M2 polarization of macrophages. Lastly, exosomal TP73-AS1 enhanced the motility and tube formation of macrophages.

CONCLUSIONS

Together, this study suggests that TP73-AS1 promotes NPC progression through targeting miR-342-3p and exosome-based communication with macrophages and that TP73-AS1 might be an emerging biomarker for NPC.

CDKN2B-AS1 promotes the proliferation, clone formation, and invasion of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells by regulating miR-98-5p/E2F2 axis

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effect of CDKN2B antisense RNA 1 (CDKN2B-AS1) on the proliferation, clone formation, and invasion of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells by regulating miR-98-5p/E2F transcription factor 2 (E2F2) axis.

METHODS

The expressions of CDKN2B-AS1, miR-98-5p, and E2F2 in NPC tissues and cell lines (SUNE-1, 5-8F, 6-10B, and HK-1) as well as in peritumoral normal tissues and cell line NP69 were determined by qRT-PCR. Subcellular localization of CDKN2B-AS1 was detected using the fluorescence in situ hybridization assay. The targeting relationships between CDKN2B-AS1 and miR-98-5p as well as between miR-98-5p and E2F2 were analyzed by the dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation assay. The proliferation, clone formation and invasion of 5-8F cells were measured using the CCK-8 assay, Clone formation assay, and transwell assay, respectively.

RESULTS

CDKN2B-AS1 was highly expressed in NPC tissues and cells, whereas the expression of miR-98-5p decreased in the NPC tissues and cells. Silencing of CDKN2B-AS1 inhibited the proliferation, clone formation, and invasion of NPC cells (all P<0.05). CDKN2B-AS1 acted asceRNA of miR-98-5p, and miR-98-5p inhibitor could partially reverse the inhibitory effect of silencing CDKN2B-AS1 on NPC cells (all P<0.05). CDKN2B-AS1 upregulated E2F2 by inhibiting miR-98-5p, and the upregulation of E2F2 partially reversed the inhibitory effect of miR-98-5p overexpression on the NPC cells (all P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

CDKN2B-AS1, as a lncRNA, can regulate E2F2 by sponging miR-98-5p to promote the proliferation, clone formation, and invasion of NPC cells.

Expression of lncRNA-ANRIL before and after Treatment and Its Predictive Value for Short-Term Survival in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease

This study aimed at observing the expression of lncRNA-ANRIL (ANRIL) before and after treatment and its predictive value for short-term survival in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Altogether, 112 patients with CHD admitted to the hospital were enrolled as a study group (SG), which was divided into a pretreatment study group (preSG) and a posttreatment study group (postSG). Further 72 healthy people undergoing physical examinations during the same period were enrolled as a control group (CG). Peripheral blood was collected from the subjects in the three groups, to detect the expression level of serum ANRIL using quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to evaluate the diagnostic value of ANRIL for CHD. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were plotted to analyze 3-year survival rates in high- and low-ANRIL expression groups. Cox regression was conducted to analyze independent risk factors affecting the patients. The expression level of serum ANRIL in preSG was significantly lower than those in CG and postSG (P < 0.05). According to the ROC curve, the area under the curve (AUC) of serum ANRIL for diagnosing CHD in CG was 0.894 and the optimal cutoff value was 0.639, with the sensitivity of 86.61% and the specificity of 93.67%. According to the survival curves, the 3-year overall survival rate in the high-ANRIL expression group was significantly lower than that in the low-expression group (P < 0.05). History of smoking, high total cholesterol (TC), high triglyceride (TG), high homocysteine (Hcy), and ANRIL expression were independent prognostic factors affecting the overall survival time of the patients (P < 0.05). ANRIL is poorly expressed in the peripheral blood of patients with CHD. Its detection has good sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing the disease, and its expression may be related to the poor prognosis of the patients.

LncRNA BASP1-AS1 interacts with YBX1 to regulate Notch transcription and drives the malignancy of melanoma

Melanoma is a fatal skin malignant tumor with a poor prognosis. We found that long noncoding RNA BASP1-AS1 is essential for the development and prognosis of melanoma. The methylation, RNA sequencing, copy number variation, mutation data, and sample follow-up information of melanoma from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were analyzed using weighted gene co-expression network analysis and 366 samples common to the three omics were selected for multigroup clustering analysis. A four-gene prognostic model (BASP1-AS1, LOC100506098, ARHGAP27P1, and LINC01532) was constructed in the TCGA cohort and validated using the GSE65904 series. The expression of BASP1-AS1 was upregulated in melanoma tissues and various melanoma cell lines. Functionally, the ectopic expression of BASP1-AS1 promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in both A375 and SK-MEL-2 cells. Mechanically, BASP1-AS1 interacted with YBX1 and recruited it to the promoter of NOTCH3, initiating its transcription process. The activation of the Notch signaling then resulted in the transcription of multiple oncogenes, including c-MYC, PCNA, and CDK4, which contributed to melanoma progression. Thus, BASP1-AS1 could act as a potential biomarker for cutaneous malignant melanoma.

Long Non-Coding RNA ANRIL as a Potential Biomarker of Chemosensitivity and Clinical Outcomes in Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma has a poor prognosis due to chemo-resistance and/or metastases. Increasing evidence shows that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can play an important role in drug sensitivity and cancer metastasis. Using osteosarcoma cell lines, we identified a positive correlation between the expression of a lncRNA and ANRIL, and resistance to two of the three standard-of-care agents for treating osteosarcoma-cisplatin and doxorubicin. To confirm the potential role of ANRIL in chemosensitivity, we independently inhibited and over-expressed ANRIL in osteosarcoma cell lines followed by treatment with either cisplatin or doxorubicin. Knocking-down ANRIL in SAOS2 resulted in a significant increase in cellular sensitivity to both cisplatin and doxorubicin, while the over-expression of ANRIL in both HOS and U2OS cells led to an increased resistance to both agents. To investigate the clinical significance of ANRIL in osteosarcoma, we assessed ANRIL expression in relation to clinical phenotypes using the osteosarcoma data from the Therapeutically Applicable Research to Generate Effective Treatments (TARGET) dataset. Higher ANRIL expression was significantly associated with increased rates of metastases at diagnosis and death and was a significant predictor of reduced overall survival rate. Collectively, our results suggest that the lncRNA ANRIL can be a chemosensitivity and prognosis biomarker in osteosarcoma. Furthermore, reducing ANRIL expression may be a therapeutic strategy to overcome current standard-of-care treatment resistance.

Comprehensive analyses of glycolysis-related lncRNAs for ovarian cancer patients

Background

Not only glycolysis but also lncRNAs play a significant role in the growth, proliferation, invasion and metastasis of of ovarian cancer (OC). However, researches about glycolysis -related lncRNAs (GRLs) remain unclear in OC. Herein, we first constructed a GRL-based risk model for patients with OC.

Methods

The processed RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) profiles with clinicopathological data were downloaded from TCGA and glycolysis-related genes (GRGs) were obtained from MSigDB. Pearson correlation coefficient between glycolysis-related genes (GRGs) and annotated lncRNAs (|r| > 0.4 and p < 0.05) were calculated to identify GRLs. After screening prognostic GRLs, a risk model based on five GRLs was constructed using Univariate and Cox regression. The identified risk model was validated by two validation sets. Further, the differences in clinicopathology, biological function, hypoxia score, immune microenvironment, immune checkpoint, immune checkpoint blockade, chemotherapy drug sensitivity, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) regulators, and ferroptosis-related genes between risk groups were explored by abundant algorithms. Finally, we established networks based on co-expression, ceRNA, cis and trans interaction.

Results

A total of 535 GRLs were gained and 35 GRLs with significant prognostic value were identified. The prognostic signature containing five GRLs was constructed and validated and can predict prognosis. The nomogram proved the accuracy of the model for predicting prognosis. After computing hypoxia score of each sample by ssGSEA, we found patients with higher risk scores exhibited higher hypoxia score and high hypoxia score was a risk factor. It was revealed that a total of 21 microenvironment cells (such as Central memory CD4 T cell, Neutrophil, Regulatory T cell and so on) and Stromal score had significant differences between the two groups. Four immune checkpoint genes (CD274, LAG3, VTCN1, and CD47) showed disparate expression levels in the two groups. Besides, 16 m6A regulators and 126 ferroptosis-related genes were expressed higher in the low-risk group. GSEA revealed that the risk groups were associated with tumor-related pathways. The two risk groups were confirmed to be sensitive to several chemotherapeutic agents and patients in the low-risk group were more sensitive to ICB therapy. The networks based on co-expression, ceRNA, cis and trans interaction provided insights into the regulatory mechanisms of GRLs.

Conclusions

Our identified and validated risk model based on five GRLs is an independent prognostic factor for OC patients. Through comprehensive analyses, findings of our study uncovered potential biomarker and therapeutic target for the risk model based on the GRLs.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13048-021-00881-2.

Serum lncRNA-ANRIL and SOX9 expression levels in glioma patients and their relationship with poor prognosis

Background

lncRNA-CDKN2B antisense RNA 1 (ANRIL) and SRY-box transcription factor 9 (SOX9) has abnormal expression in many tumors including glioma, but the underlying molecular mechanism is unclear. This study set out to investigate the serum lncRNA-ANRIL and SOX9 levels in glioma patients and their effects on prognosis.

Methods

We enrolled 142 glioma patients admitted to our hospital from May 2014 to May 2016 into the research group (RG) and 120 healthy subjects receiving concurrent physical examinations into the control group (CG). Fasting peripheral blood (4 mL each) was sampled from subjects from the two groups. Using the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), lncRNA-ANRIL and SOX9 were measured to explore their values in the early diagnosis of glioma. Patients from RG were followed up for 3 years to analyze the influence of lncRNA-ANRIL and SOX9 on patient prognosis. We purchased glioma cell lines U251 and U87 and grouped them according to the transfection of different plasmids. We conducted CCK8 assay to test cell proliferation, Transwell assay to test cell invasion, the flow cytometry to test cell apoptosis, and Western Blot assay to measure bcl-2 and bax protein levels.

Results

ANRIL and SOX9 were evidently higher in RG than in CG (P<0.01). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve revealed that the diagnostic sensitivity of ANRIL combined with SOX9 for glioma was 81.62%, and the specificity was 90.83% (P<0.01). ANRIL and SOX9 were closely related to tumor grade, tumor diameter, distant metastasis, and family history of glioma (P<0.01). In total, 135 patients were successfully followed up (95.07%). Patients with high levels of ANRIL and SOX9 had a markedly poorer prognosis than those with low levels (P<0.05). ANRIL and SOX9 were markedly higher in glioma cell lines (U251 and U87) than in normal brain cells (P<0.01). The proliferation and invasion of U251 cells were notably reduced after the transfection of ANRIL and SOX9 inhibitory sequences (P<0.01), but the apoptosis was notably increased (P<0.01). Bcl-2 expression was markedly increased in lncRNA-ANRIL-inhibitor and SOX9-inhibitor (P<0.01), while bax expression was markedly reduced in lncRNA-ANRIL-inhibitor and SOX9-inhibitor (P<0.01).

Conclusion

lncRNA-ANRIL and SOX9 levels were higher in glioma patients than in healthy people. High-lncRNA-ANRIL and SOX9 levels were strongly associated with unfavorable prognosis of patients. The testing of biological behaviors revealed that lncRNA-ANRIL and SOX9 worked as tumor-promoting genes in glioma.

Long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 02570 promotes nasopharyngeal carcinoma progression by adsorbing microRNA miR-4649-3p thereby upregulating both sterol regulatory element binding protein 1, and fatty acid synthase

Our previous studies have elucidated a possible connection between long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 2570 (LINC02570) and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, the precise mechanism by which LINC02570 promotes NPC remains unknown. We used quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to detect LINC02570 expression in nasopharyngeal cell lines, NPC tissues, and chronic rhinitis tissues. Subcellular LINC02570 localization was confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The effects of LINC02570 stable knockdown and overexpression on viabillity, proliferation, migration, and invasion were analyzed using 3-(4,5-Dimethyl-2-Thiazolyl)-2,5-Diphenyl-2-H-Tetrazolium bromide (MTT), a colorimetric focus-formation assay, a wound healing assay, and transwell assays. RNA crosstalk analysis in silico predicted microRNA-4649-3p (miR-4649-3p) binding to LINC02570 or sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 1 (SREBF1). A dual luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm potential interactions. Sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP1) and fatty acid synthase (FASN) expression were detected by western blotting. The results suggest that LINC02570 is upregulated in late clinical stage NPC patients, and promotes NPC progression by adsorbing miR-4649-3p to up-regulate SREBP1 and FASN. This study elucidates a potential chemotherapeutic target involved in lipid metabolism in NPC.

Mechanism of lncRNA-ANRIL/miR-181b in autophagy of cardiomyocytes in mice with uremia by targeting ATG5

OBJECTIVES

This study is to investigate whether the cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (CMECs) can regulate the autophagy of cardiomyocytes (CMs) by secreting lncRNA-ANRIL/miR-181b exosomes, thus participating in the occurrence of uremic cardiovascular disease (CVD).

METHODS

A 5/6 nephrectomy uremia model was established, with the mice injected with ANRIL-shRNA lentivirus vector, miR-181b agomir, and related control reagents, containing the serum creatinine and urea nitrogen measured. The renal tissue sections of mice were stained with Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS), TUNEL, and Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) performed on myocardial tissue sections of mice. ANRIL-shRNA, miR-181b mimics, and related control reagents were transfected into CMECs, in which the exosomes were extracted and co-cultured with CMs. The expressions of ANRIL, miR-181b and ATG5 were detected by qRT-PCR, and the expressions of autophagy related proteins by Western blot, as well as the binding of ANRIL and miR-181b by the double luciferase reporter gene experiment.

RESULTS

ANRIL down-regulation or miR-181b up-regulation can increase the weight of mice with uremia, as well as the expressions of p62 and miR-181b, and reduce the content of serum creatinine and urea nitrogen, the damage of kidney and myocardial tissues, the number of apoptotic cells in myocardial tissues, as well as the expressions of ANRIL, ATG5, Beclin1, and LC3. CMs can absorb the exosomes of CMECs. Compared with IS+ CMEC-Exo group, the expressions of ANRIL and ATG5 in CMs of IS+ CMEC-Exo + sh lncRNA ANRIL and IS+CMEC-Exo+miR-181b mimics groups was down-regulated, as well as the expressions of ATG5, Beclin1, and LC3, while miR-181b expression was up-regulated as well as P62 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

CMECs can regulate autophagy of CMs by releasing exosomes containing ANRIL and miR-181b.

Radio-Susceptibility of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: Focus on Epstein- Barr Virus, MicroRNAs, Long Non-Coding RNAs and Circular RNAs

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a type of head and neck cancer. As a neoplastic disorder, NPC is a highly malignant squamous cell carcinoma that is derived from the nasopharyngeal epithelium. NPC is radiosensitive; radiotherapy or radiotherapy combining with chemotherapy are the main treatment strategies. However, both modalities are usually accompanied by complications and acquired resistance to radiotherapy is a significant impediment to effective NPC therapy. Therefore, there is an urgent need to discover effective radio-sensitization and radio-resistance biomarkers for NPC. Recent studies have shown that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-encoded products, microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), which share several common signaling pathways, can function in radio-related NPC cells or tissues. Understanding these interconnected regulatory networks will reveal the details of NPC radiation sensitivity and resistance. In this review, we discuss and summarize the specific molecular mechanisms of NPC radio-sensitization and radio-resistance, focusing on EBV-encoded products, miRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs. This will provide a foundation for the discovery of more accurate, effective and specific markers related to NPC radiotherapy. EBVencoded products, miRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs have emerged as crucial molecules mediating the radio-susceptibility of NPC. This understanding will improve the clinical application of markers and inform the development of novel therapeutics for NPC.

The emerging regulatory roles of long non-coding RNAs implicated in cancer metabolism

Compared to normal cells, cancer cells exhibit specific metabolic characteristics that facilitate the growth and metastasis of cancer. It is now widely appreciated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) exert extensive regulatory effects on a spectrum of biological processes through diverse mechanisms. In this review, we focus on the rapidly advancing field of lncRNAs and summarize the relationship between the dysregulation of lncRNAs and cancer metabolism, with a particular emphasis on the specific roles of lncRNAs in glycolysis, mitochondrial function, glutamine, and lipid metabolism. These investigations reveal that lncRNAs are a key factor in the complexity of malignant cancer metabolism. Only through understanding the relevance between lncRNAs and cancer metabolic reprogramming can we open a new chapter in the history of carcinogenesis, one that promises to alter the methods of cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Long non-coding RNAs and microorganism-associated cancers

Cancerous cells are abnormal cells characterized by aberrant growth and proliferation, which can involve various types of cells and tissues. Through numerous signalling pathways, many mechanisms are involved in cells that keep them normal. These signalling pathways are tightly set by different proteins whose expression is regulated by a large number of factors. In other words, when a regulating factor does not act properly or undergoes a change in its function or expression, the result will be that the subordinate gene and subsequently the related protein will show deranged expression and activity. This leads to disordered signalling pathways which bring about uncontrolled proliferation in cells. One of the most significant factors in adjusting the expression of genes is noncoding RNAs. It should be noted that all underlying causes initiating malignancy try to alter the main regulatory factors in cellular processes and gene expression and direct the cell to an unregulated state. Microorganisms have been identified as one of the important elements to direct normal cells to abnormality. That is, they probably agitate the malignant traits through manipulating significant factors such as ncRNAs in given cells using their own or host-related factors. The present study is aimed at examining how the long noncoding RNAs are involved in microorganism-mediated cancers.

Regulatory Mechanisms of LncRNAs in Cancer Glycolysis: Facts and Perspectives

Cancer cells exhibit distinct metabolic characteristics that employ glycolysis to provide energy and intermediary metabolites. This aberrant metabolic phenotype favors cancer progression. LncRNAs are transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides that do not encode proteins. LncRNAs contribute to cancer progression and therapeutic resistance and affect aerobic glycolysis via multiple mechanisms, including modulating glycolytic transporters and enzymes. Further, dysregulated signaling pathways are vital for glycolysis. In this review, we highlight regulatory mechanisms for lncRNAs in aerobic glycolysis that provide novel insights into cancer development. Moreover, a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of lncRNAs in aerobic glycolysis can provide new strategies for clinical cancer management.

Epigenomic and Metabolomic Integration Reveals Dynamic Metabolic Regulation in Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer (BC) represents a clinical, social, and economic challenge due to tumor-intrinsic characteristics, limitations of diagnostic techniques and a lack of personalized treatments. In the last decade, the use of liquid biopsy has grown as a non-invasive approach to characterize tumors. Moreover, the emergence of omics has increased our knowledge of cancer biology and identified critical BC biomarkers. The rewiring between epigenetics and metabolism has been closely linked to tumor phenotype. Chromatin remodelers interact with each other to control gene silencing in BC, but also with stress-inducible factors or oncogenic signaling cascades to regulate metabolic reprogramming towards glycolysis, the pentose phosphate pathway, and lipogenesis. Concurrently, one-carbon metabolism supplies methyl groups to histone and DNA methyltransferases, leading to the hypermethylation and silencing of suppressor genes in BC. Conversely, α-KG and acetyl-CoA enhance the activity of histone demethylases and acetyl transferases, increasing gene expression, while succinate and fumarate have an inhibitory role. This review is the first to analyze the interplay between epigenome, metabolome and cell signaling pathways in BC, and shows how their regulation contributes to tumor development and progression. Moreover, it summarizes non-invasive biomarkers that could be applied in clinical practice to improve diagnosis, monitoring, prognosis and the therapeutic options in BC.

Long non-coding RNAs in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: biological functions and clinical applications

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is one of the most common head and neck malignancies. It has obvious ethnic and regional specificity. Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) are a class of non-protein coding RNA molecules. Emerging research shows that lncRNAs play a key role in tumor development, prognosis, and treatment. With the deepening of sequence analysis, a large number of functional LncRNAs have been found in NPC, which interact with coding genes, miRNAs, and proteins to form a complex regulatory network. However, the specific role and mechanism of abnormally expressed lncRNAs in the pathogenesis of NPC is not fully understood. This article briefly introduced the concept, classification, and functional mechanism of lncRNAs and reviewed their biological functions and their clinical applications in NPC. Specifically, we described lncRNAs related to the occurrence, growth, invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, and cancer stem cells of NPC; discussed lncRNAs related to Epstein-Barr virus infection; and summarized the role of lncRNAs in NPC treatment resistance. We have also sorted out lncRNAs related to Chinese medicine treatment. We believe that with the deepening of lncRNAs research, tumor-specific lncRNAs may become a new target for the treatment and a biomarker for predicting prognosis.

Involvement of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Glucose Metabolism in Cancer

The rapid and uncontrolled proliferation of cancer cells is supported by metabolic reprogramming. Altered glucose metabolism supports cancer growth and progression. Compared with normal cells, cancer cells show increased glucose uptake, aerobic glycolysis and lactate production. Byproducts of adjusted glucose metabolism provide additional benefits supporting hallmark capabilities of cancer cells. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a heterogeneous group of transcripts of more than 200 nucleotides in length. They regulate numerous cellular processes, primarily through physical interaction with other molecules. Dysregulated lncRNAs are involved in all hallmarks of cancer including metabolic alterations. They may upregulate metabolic enzymes, modulate the expression of oncogenic or tumor-suppressive genes and disturb metabolic signaling pathways favoring cancer progression. Thus, lncRNAs are not only potential clinical biomarkers for cancer diagnostics and prediction but also possible therapeutic targets. This review summarizes the lncRNAs involved in cancer glucose metabolism and highlights their underlying molecular mechanisms.

Glycolysis-associated lncRNAs identify a subgroup of cancer patients with poor prognoses and a high-infiltration immune microenvironment

BACKGROUND

Long noncoding (lnc)RNAs and glycolysis are both recognized as key regulators of cancers. Some lncRNAs are also reportedly involved in regulating glycolysis metabolism. However, glycolysis-associated lncRNA signatures and their clinical relevance in cancers remain unclear. We investigated the roles of glycolysis-associated lncRNAs in cancers.

METHODS

Glycolysis scores and glycolysis-associated lncRNA signatures were established using a single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) of The Cancer Genome Atlas pan-cancer data. Consensus clustering assays and genomic classifiers were used to stratify patient subtypes and for validation. Fisher's exact test was performed to investigate genomic mutations and molecular subtypes. A differentially expressed gene analysis, with GSEA, transcription factor (TF) activity scoring, cellular distributions, and immune cell infiltration, was conducted to explore the functions of glycolysis-associated lncRNAs.

RESULTS

Glycolysis-associated lncRNA signatures across 33 cancer types were generated and used to stratify patients into distinct clusters. Patients in cluster 3 had high glycolysis scores and poor survival, especially in bladder carcinoma, low-grade gliomas, mesotheliomas, pancreatic adenocarcinomas, and uveal melanomas. The clinical significance of lncRNA-defined groups was validated using external datasets and genomic classifiers. Gene mutations, molecular subtypes associated with poor prognoses, TFs, oncogenic signaling such as the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and high immune cell infiltration demonstrated significant associations with cluster 3 patients. Furthermore, five lncRNAs, namely MIR4435-2HG, AC078846.1, AL157392.3, AP001273.1, and RAD51-AS1, exhibited significant correlations with glycolysis across the five cancers. Except MIR4435-2HG, the lncRNAs were distributed in nuclei. MIR4435-2HG was connected to glycolysis, EMT, and immune infiltrations in cancers.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified a subgroup of cancer patients stratified by glycolysis-associated lncRNAs with poor prognoses, high immune infiltration, and EMT activation, thus providing new directions for cancer therapy.

LncRNA-SARCC sensitizes osteosarcoma to cisplatin through the miR-143-mediated glycolysis inhibition by targeting Hexokinase 2

Chemotherapy is one of the primary treatments used against cancer. Cisplatin is a conventional chemotherapy drug used to treat osteosarcoma; however, due to the development of cisplatin resistance, advantageous therapeutic outcomes and prognosis of osteosarcoma remain low. Thus, investigation of the specific targeted therapies to circumvent the anti-chemoresistance of osteosarcoma depends on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying cisplatin resistance. Tumor cells display an increased utilization of glycolysis rather than oxidative phosphorylation. This phenomenon is called the "Warburg effect," which presents a survival advantage for tumor cells, leading to chemoresistance. To date, the molecular mechanism underlying osteosarcoma cisplatin resistance remains to be fully elucidated. In this study, we reported the significant down-regulation of the long noncoding RNA-Suppressing Androgen Receptor in Renal Cell Carcinoma (lncRNA-SARCC) in the cells of osteosarcoma and in the specimens from osteosarcoma patients. Moreover, we observed a negative correlation between the lncRNA-SARCC and cisplatin resistance in the osteosarcoma tissues. Overexpression of the lncRNA-SARCC sensitizes osteosarcoma cells to cisplatin. From microarray analysis, we screened several miRNAs, which are significantly regulated by the lncRNA-SARCC in osteosarcoma cells, and revealed that lncRNA-SARCC promoted microRNA-43 (miR-143) expression in osteosarcoma. Interestingly, miR-143 showed the same expression pattern with the lncRNA-SARCC in osteosarcoma patient specimens. By establishing a cisplatin-resistant cell line from Sarcoma Osteogenic-2 (Saos-2), we found the cisplatin-resistant cells with down-regulated expressions of the lncRNA-SARCC and miR-143, but with a higher glycolysis rate compared to that in parental cells. We identified the glycolysis key enzyme, Hexokinase 2 (HK2), as a direct target for miR-143 in osteosarcoma. Restoration of the HK2 expression in the lncRNA-SARCC-overexpressing osteosarcoma cells reversed cisplatin resistance, suggesting that lncRNA-SARCC-mediated cisplatin sensitivity may be via glycolysis in the miR-143-inhibited osteosarcoma cells. Finally, results from both in vitro and in vivo xenograft models demonstrated that the lncRNA-SARCC was an effective therapeutic agent for overcoming cisplatin resistance in osteosarcoma. Our findings suggest an essential axis of the lncRNA-SARCC-miR-143-HK2 in regulation of osteosarcoma chemosensitivity, presenting the lncRNA-SARCC as a new therapeutic target against cisplatin-resistant osteosarcoma.

lncRNA PART1, manipulated by transcriptional factor FOXP2, suppresses proliferation and invasion in ESCC by regulating the miR‑18a‑5p/SOX6 signaling axis

An increasing number of studies have demonstrated that long non-coding (lnc)RNAs are associated with tumor invasion, metastasis and the prognosis of patients with a variety of different tumors. However, the roles of lncRNA prostate androgen regulated transcript 1 (PART1) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remain unknown. In the present study, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR was performed to investigate the levels of PART1, SRY-box transcription factor 6 (SOX6) and miR-18a-5p in ESCC tissues and cells. The functions of PART1 in ESCC were demonstrated using Cell Counting Kit-8 and Matrigel assays. Promoter activity and dual-luciferase reporter assays, RNA immunoprecipitation and western blot analyses were also used to determine the potential mechanisms of PART1 in ESCC cell lines. It was found that PART1 and SOX6 were both downregulated in ESCC tissues and cells, and their low expression levels were associated with TNM stage, lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis in patients with ESCC. Forkhead box protein P2 (FOXP2) exhibited low expression level in ESCC tissues, and its expression was positively correlated with PART1 expression level in ESCC tissues. FOXP2 was found to bind to the promoter region of PART1 to regulate its expression in ESCC cells. Functionally, PART1 overexpression suppressed cell proliferation and invasion, whereas PART1 downregulation promoted cell proliferation and invasion in the ESCC cell lines. Mechanistically, PART1 functions as a competing endogenous (ce)RNA by sponging miR-18a-5p, resulting in the upregulation of the downstream target gene, SOX6, coupled with the inactivation of the β-catenin/c-myc signaling axis, to suppress ESCC cell proliferation and invasion. In conclusion, data from the present study unveil a potential ceRNA regulatory pathway, in which PART1 affects SOX6 expression level by sponging miR-18a-5p, to ultimately suppress ESCC development and progression.

The Role of Noncoding RNAs in the Regulation of Anoikis and Anchorage-Independent Growth in Cancer

Cancer is a global health concern, and the prognosis of patients with cancer is associated with metastasis. Multistep processes are involved in cancer metastasis. Accumulating evidence has shown that cancer cells acquire the capacity of anoikis resistance and anchorage-independent cell growth, which are critical prerequisite features of metastatic cancer cells. Multiple cellular factors and events, such as apoptosis, survival factors, cell cycle, EMT, stemness, autophagy, and integrins influence the anoikis resistance and anchorage-independent cell growth in cancer. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), are dysregulated in cancer. They regulate cellular signaling pathways and events, eventually contributing to cancer aggressiveness. This review presents the role of miRNAs and lncRNAs in modulating anoikis resistance and anchorage-independent cell growth. We also discuss the feasibility of ncRNA-based therapy and the natural features of ncRNAs that need to be contemplated for more beneficial therapeutic strategies against cancer.

Non-coding RNAs rewire cancer metabolism networks

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are functional RNAs with limited or no protein-coding ability. These interact with their target molecules and participate in the precise regulation of disease development. Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark in cancer, and is considered essential in meeting increased macromolecular biosynthesis and energy generation of tumors. Recent studies have revealed the involvement of ncRNAs in several metabolic regulations of cancer through direct modulation of metabolic enzyme activities or participation of metabolism-related signaling pathways. Elucidation of how ncRNAs regulate metabolic reprogramming of cancers has opened up a novel intention to understand the mechanism of metabolic rewiring and also the opportunities of utilizing ncRNA-based therapeutics for targeting the metabolism in cancer treatment.

LncRNA FOXP4-AS1 serves as a biomarker for nasopharyngeal carcinoma diagnosis and prognosis

This study was performed to probe the clinical significance of serum lncRNA FOXP4-AS1 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) tumorigenesis. LncRNA FOXP4-AS1 from nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients and healthy volunteers were abstracted and converged. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of FOXP4-AS1. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of FOXP4-AS1. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and log-rank test were used to assess the patients' survival prognosis. Independent risk factors for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were assessed by univariate and multivariate cox proportional hazards regression analysis. In this study, we observed that the levels of FOXP4-AS1 were significantly upregulated in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients compared to healthy volunteers. Besides, the expression of FOXP4-AS1 was closely associated with T stage, lymph node metastasis, and clinical stage. Meanwhile, ROC analysis found that FOXP4-AS1 had diagnostic values to distinguish tumor patients from healthy volunteers. Furthermore, patients with high FOXP4-AS1 expression level had poorer OS and PFS than those with low FOXP4-AS1 expression. Finally, univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis found that the T stage, lymph node metastasis, clinical stage, FOXP4-AS1 expression might be independent risk factors for OS and PFS of nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients. This study firstly clarified that FOXP4-AS1 was overexpressed in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. And FOXP4-AS1 may act as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker, and hopeful therapeutic target for nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients.

The role of long noncoding RNA in lipid, cholesterol, and glucose metabolism and treatment of obesity syndrome

Obesity syndromes, characterized by abnormal lipid, cholesterol, and glucose metabolism, are detrimental to human health and cause many diseases, including obesity and type II diabetes. Increasing evidence has shown that long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides that are not translated into proteins, play an important role in regulating abnormal metabolism in obesity syndromes. For the first time, we systematically summarize how lncRNA is involved in complex obesity metabolic syndromes, including the regulation of lipid, cholesterol, and glucose metabolism. Moreover, we discuss lncRNA involvement in food intake that mediates obesity syndromes. Furthermore, this review might shed new light on a lncRNA-based strategy for the prevention and treatment of obesity syndromes. Recent investigations support that lncRNA is a novel molecular target of obesity syndromes and should be emphasized. Namely, lncRNA plays a crucial role in the development of obesity syndrome process. Various lncRNAs are involved in the process of lipid, cholesterol, and glucose metabolism by regulating gene transcription, signaling pathway, and epigenetic modification of metabolism-related genes, proteins, and enzymes. Food intake could also induce abnormal expression of lncRNA associated with obesity syndrome, especially high-fat diet. Notably, some nanomolecules and natural extracts may target lncRNAs, associated with obesity syndrome, as a potential treatment for obesity syndromes.

Roles and Mechanisms of the Long Noncoding RNAs in Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer (CC) continues to be one of the leading causes of death for women across the world. Although it has been determined that papillomavirus infection is one of the main causes of the etiology of the disease, genetic and epigenetic factors are also required for its progression. Among the epigenetic factors are included the long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), transcripts of more than 200 nucleotides (nt) that generally do not code for proteins and have been associated with diverse functions such as the regulation of transcription, translation, RNA metabolism, as well as stem cell maintenance and differentiation, cell autophagy and apoptosis. Recently, studies have begun to characterize the aberrant regulation of lncRNAs in CC cells and tissues, including Homeobox transcript antisense RNA (HOTAIR), H19, Metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1), Cervical Carcinoma High-Expressed 1 (CCHE1), Antisense noncoding RNA in the inhibitors of cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (ANRIL), Growth arrest special 5 (GAS5) and Plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (PVT1). They have been associated with several disease-related processes such as cell growth, cell proliferation, cell survival, metastasis and invasion as well as therapeutic resistance, and are novel potential biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis in CC. In this review, we summarize the current literature regarding the knowledge we have about the roles and mechanisms of the lncRNAs in cervical neoplasia.

Non coding RNAs as the critical factors in chemo resistance of bladder tumor cells

BACKGROUND

Bladder cancer (BCa) is the ninth frequent and 13th leading cause of cancer related deaths in the world which is mainly observed among men. There is a declining mortality rates in developed countries. Although, the majority of BCa patients present Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer (NMIBC) tumors, only 30% of patients suffer from muscle invasion and distant metastases. Radical cystoprostatectomy, radiation, and chemotherapy have proven to be efficient in metastatic tumors. However, tumor relapse is observed in a noticeable ratio of patients following the chemotherapeutic treatment. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are important factors during tumor progression and chemo resistance which can be used as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of BCa.

MAIN BODY

In present review we summarized all of the lncRNAs and miRNAs associated with chemotherapeutic resistance in bladder tumor cells.

CONCLUSIONS

This review paves the way of introducing a prognostic panel of ncRNAs for the BCa patients which can be useful to select a proper drug based on the lncRNA profiles of patients to reduce the cytotoxic effects of chemotherapy in such patients.

Exosomal Long Noncoding RNAs: Insights into Emerging Diagnostic and Therapeutic Applications in Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Annually, millions of people die from lung cancer because of late detection and ineffective therapies. Recently, exosomes have been introduced as new therapeutic players with the potential to improve upon current diagnostic and treatment options. Exosomes are small membranous vesicles produced during endosomal merging. This allows for cell packaging of nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids and transfer to adjacent or distant cells. While exosomes are a part of normal intercellular signaling, they also allow malignant cells to transfer oncogenic material leading to tumor spread and metastasis. Exosomes are an interesting field of discovery for biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Among exosomal materials, lncRNAs have priority; lncRNAs are a class of noncoding RNAs longer than 200 base pairs. In the case of cancer, primary interest regards their oncogene and tumor suppressor functions. In this review, the advantages of exosomal lncRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets will be discussed in addition to reviewing studies of their application in lung cancer.

The Role of Long Non-coding RNAs in Cancer Metabolism: A Concise Review

Dysregulation of metabolic pathways in cancer cells is regarded as a hallmark of cancer. Identification of these abnormalities in cancer cells dates back to more than six decades, far before discovery of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. Based on the importance of these pathways, several researchers have aimed at modulation of these functions to intervene with the pathogenic course of cancer. Numerous genes have been shown to participate in the regulation of metabolic pathways, thus aberrant expression of these genes can be involved in the pathogenesis of cancer. The recent decade has experienced a significant attention toward the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the biological functions. These transcripts regulate expression of genes at several levels, therefore influencing the activity of cancer-related pathways. Among the most affected pathways are those modulating glucose homeostasis, as well as amino acid and lipid metabolism. Moreover, critical roles of lncRNAs in regulation of mitochondrial function potentiate these transcripts as novel targets for cancer treatment. In the current review, we summarize the most recent literature regarding the role of lncRNAs in the cancer metabolism and their significance in the design of therapeutic modalities.

LncRNA GAS5/miR‑4465 axis regulates the malignant potential of nasopharyngeal carcinoma by targeting COX2

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a malignant tumor that not only negatively affects the physical and mental health but also the quality of life of the patients. Growth arrest-specific transcript 5 (GAS5) is a common long-chain non-coding RNA (lncRNA) that has been reported to participate in the development of various cancers. However, the biological functions of lncRNA GAS5 in the occurrence and development of nasopharyngeal carcinoma are elusive. The expression of lncRNA GAS5 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma and normal samples were analyzed. Bioinformatic tool was utilized to predict the potential function of lncRNA in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Transplanted mice were used for in vivo experiments. We observed that the expression of lncRNA GAS5 was upregulated in nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues and cells. Down-regulation of lncRNA GAS5 inhibited the proliferation and promoted apoptosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. The expression of miR-4465 was down regulated in nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues and cells. LncRNA GAS5 could directly bind to miR-4465 and regulated the expression of miR-4465. It was further confirmed that miR-4465 could directly bind with COX2 and inhibit the expression of COX2. Down-regulation of lncRNA GAS5 suppressed tumor growth, promoted the expression levels of miR-18a-5p and suppressed the expression of COX2 in vivo. LncRNA GAS5 regulated nasopharyngeal carcinoma malignancy through targeting miR-4465 and modulating COX2. The GAS5/miR-4465/COX2 axis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma pathogenesis was confirmed, which would provide a new therapeutic target for nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Advances in targeted therapy mainly based on signal pathways for nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant epithelial carcinoma of the head and neck region which mainly distributes in southern China and Southeast Asia and has a crucial association with the Epstein-Barr virus. Based on epidemiological data, both incidence and mortality of NPC have significantly declined in recent decades grounded on the improvement of living standard and medical level in an endemic region, in particular, with the clinical use of individualized chemotherapy and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) which profoundly contributes to the cure rate of NPC patients. To tackle the challenges including local recurrence and distant metastasis in the current NPC treatment, we discussed the implication of using targeted therapy against critical molecules in various signal pathways, and how they synergize with chemoradiotherapy in the NPC treatment. Combination treatment including targeted therapy and IMRT or concurrent chemoradiotherapy is presumably to be future options, which may reduce radiation or chemotherapy toxicities and open new avenues for the improvement of the expected functional outcome for patients with advanced NPC.

LINC00689 induces gastric cancer progression via modulating the miR-338-3p/HOXA3 axis

BACKGROUND

LINC00689 acts one critical regulatory role in several tumors. However, the functional, regulatory mechanism and expression of LINC00689 remains unknown in gastric cancer.

METHODS

LINC00689 and miR-338-3p levels were determined using a quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis and an enzyme-linked immunoassay and a cell-counting kit-8 assay were utilized to detect interleukin (IL)-8, IL-6 and IL-1β expression and cell proliferation, respectively.

RESULTS

We found that LINC00689 and HOXA3 are overexpressed and miR-338-3p is decreased in gastric cancer cells. Compared to control specimens, LINC00689 is overexpressed in gastric cancer specimens and the level of LINC00689 was up-regulated in 32 cases (32/40; 80.0%) compared to control samples. LINC00689 increased cell growth, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) development and secretion of inflammatory factors in gastric cancer. Compared to control specimens, miR-338-3p expression was decreased in gastric cancer specimens and a Pearson's correlation assay revealed that miR-338-3p was negatively correlated with LINC00689 expression in gastric cancer specimens. HOXA3 was identified as one target gene of miR-338-3p and Ectopic expression of LINC00689 suppressed miR-338-3p and enhanced HOXA3 expression in HGC-27 cells. LINC00689 enhanced cell growth, EMT development and secretion of inflammatory factors by promoting HOXA3.

CONCLUSIONS

LINC00689 may present a potential future target for gastric cancer treatment.