Downregulation of miR-199a-5p promotes prostate adeno-carcinoma progression through loss of its inhibition of HIF-1α

microRNAs: critical targets for treating rheumatoid arthritis angiogenesis

Vascular neogenesis, an early event in the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) inflammation, is critical for the formation of synovial vascular networks and plays a key role in the progression and persistence of chronic RA inflammation. microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of single-stranded, non-coding RNAs with approximately 21-23 nucleotides in length, regulate gene expression by binding to the 3' untranslated region (3'-UTR) of specific mRNAs. Increasing evidence suggests that miRNAs are differently expressed in diseases associated with vascular neogenesis and play a crucial role in disease-related vascular neogenesis. However, current studies are not sufficient and further experimental studies are needed to validate and establish the relationship between miRNAs and diseases associated with vascular neogenesis, and to determine the specific role of miRNAs in vascular development pathways. To better treat vascular neogenesis in diseases such as RA, we need additional studies on the role of miRNAs and their target genes in vascular development, and to provide more strategic references. In addition, future studies can use modern biotechnological methods such as proteomics and transcriptomics to investigate the expression and regulatory mechanisms of miRNAs, providing a more comprehensive and in-depth research basis for the treatment of related diseases such as RA.

Regulation of the HIF switch in human endothelial and cancer cells

Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) are transcription factors that reprogram the transcriptome for cells to survive hypoxic insults and oxidative stress. They are important during embryonic development and reprogram the cells to utilize glycolysis when the oxygen levels are extremely low. This metabolic change facilitates normal cell survival as well as cancer cell survival. The key feature in survival is the transition between acute hypoxia and chronic hypoxia, and this is regulated by the transition between HIF-1 expression and HIF-2/HIF-3 expression. This transition is observed in many human cancers and endothelial cells and referred to as the HIF Switch. Here we discuss the mechanisms involved in the HIF Switch in human endothelial and cancer cells which include mRNA and protein levels of the alpha chains of the HIFs. A major continuing effort in this field is directed towards determining the differences between normal and tumor cell utilization of this important pathway, and how this could lead to potential therapeutic approaches.

Molecular panorama of therapy resistance in prostate cancer: a pre-clinical and bioinformatics analysis for clinical translation

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a malignant disorder of prostate gland being asymptomatic in early stages and high metastatic potential in advanced stages. The chemotherapy and surgical resection have provided favourable prognosis of PCa patients, but advanced and aggressive forms of PCa including CRPC and AVPC lack response to therapy properly, and therefore, prognosis of patients is deteriorated. At the advanced stages, PCa cells do not respond to chemotherapy and radiotherapy in a satisfactory level, and therefore, therapy resistance is emerged. Molecular profile analysis of PCa cells reveals the apoptosis suppression, pro-survival autophagy induction, and EMT induction as factors in escalating malignant of cancer cells and development of therapy resistance. The dysregulation in molecular profile of PCa including upregulation of STAT3 and PI3K/Akt, downregulation of STAT3, and aberrant expression of non-coding RNAs are determining factor for response of cancer cells to chemotherapy. Because of prevalence of drug resistance in PCa, combination therapy including co-utilization of anti-cancer drugs and nanotherapeutic approaches has been suggested in PCa therapy. As a result of increase in DNA damage repair, PCa cells induce radioresistance and RelB overexpression prevents irradiation-mediated cell death. Similar to chemotherapy, nanomaterials are promising for promoting radiosensitivity through delivery of cargo, improving accumulation in PCa cells, and targeting survival-related pathways. In respect to emergence of immunotherapy as a new tool in PCa suppression, tumour cells are able to increase PD-L1 expression and inactivate NK cells in mediating immune evasion. The bioinformatics analysis for evaluation of drug resistance-related genes has been performed.

miR-199a/214 cluster enhances prostate cancer sensitiveness to nimotuzumab via targeting TBL1XR1

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a significant health concern affecting men worldwide. Previous studies have shown that nimotuzumab, a drug targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), can effectively inhibit cancer progression. Here, we aimed to explore the role of miR-199a/214 cluster in mediating the inhibitory effect of nimotuzumab on the development of PCa. In this study, we conducted an MTT assay to assess cell proliferation and utilized flow cytometry to evaluate cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of nimotuzumab on prostate cancer development, we focused on the miR-199a-5p and miR-214-3p miRNA clusters. The TargetScan Human database was used to predict the binding sites between miR-199a-5p or miR-214-3p and the 3'-UTR of the transducin (β)-like 1 X-linked receptor 1 (TBL1XR1) mRNA. To confirm the direct interaction and binding between miR-199a-5p or miR-214-3p and the 3'-UTR of TBL1XR1 mRNA, we performed luciferase reporter assays. Our findings demonstrated that nimotuzumab exerted a significant dosage-dependent suppression of PCa cell proliferation and facilitated PCa cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Concurrently, nimotuzumab obviously impeded the activity of Wnt/β-catenin and EGFR signaling pathways in PCa cells. We also observed downregulation of miR-199a-5p and miR-214-3p in PCa cells. Overexpression of miR-199a/214 cluster inhibited PCa cell viability and enhanced cell apoptosis. Furthermore, we found that miR-199a/214 cluster augmented the inhibitory effect of nimotuzumab on PCa cell proliferation and promoted its ability to induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. This effect was reversed upon TBL1XR1 overexpression, indicating that TBL1XR1 is involved in the regulatory pathway of miR-199a/214 and nimotuzumab in PCa cells. We further revealed that TBL1XR1 was overexpressed in PCa and was identified as a downstream target of the miR-199a/214 cluster. In nimotuzumab-treated PCa cells, the overexpression of miR-199a/214 markedly inhibited Wnt/β-catenin and EGFR signaling, and this effect was also rescued by TBL1XR1 overexpression. In summary, our data indicated that miR-199a/214 cluster play a crucial role in enhancing the inhibitory effect of nimotuzumab on PCa development by downregulating TBL1XR1 and modulating Wnt/β-catenin and EGFR signaling pathways. These findings offer a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of prostate cancer.

Prostate-derived circulating microRNAs add prognostic value to prostate cancer risk calculators

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of malignancy-related deaths among American men. Active surveillance is a safe option for many men with less aggressive disease, yet definitively determining low-risk cancer is challenging with biopsy alone. Herein, we sought to identify prostate-derived microRNAs in patient sera and serum extracellular vesicles, and determine if those microRNAs improve upon the current clinical risk calculators for prostate cancer prognosis before and after biopsy. Prostate-derived intracellular and extracellular vesicle-contained microRNAs were identified by small RNA sequencing of prostate cancer patient explants and primary cells. Abundant microRNAs were included in a custom microRNA PCR panel that was queried in whole serum and serum extracellular vesicles from a diverse cohort of men diagnosed with prostate cancer. The levels of these circulating microRNAs significantly differed between indolent and aggressive disease and improved the area under the curve for pretreatment nomograms of prostate cancer disease risk. The microRNAs within the extracellular vesicles were the most informative and improved the AUC to 0.739 compared to the existing nomogram alone, which has an AUC of 0.561. The microRNAs in the whole serum improved it to AUC 0.675. In summary, quantifying microRNAs circulating in extracellular vesicles is a clinically feasible assay that may provide additional information for assessing prostate cancer risk stratification.

Angiogenesis and prostate cancer: MicroRNAs comes into view

Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is an important stage in the growth of cancer. Extracellular matrix, endothelial cells, and soluble substances must be carefully coordinated during the multistep procedure of angiogenesis. Inducers and inhibitors have been found to control pretty much every phase. In addition to benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, and angiogenesis have a critical role in the initiation and progression of prostate cancer. MicroRNA (miRNA) is endogenous, short, non-coding RNA molecules of almost 22 nucleotides play a role in regulating cellular processes and regulating several genes' expression. Through controlling endothelial migration, differentiation, death, and cell proliferation, miRNAs have a significant function in angiogenesis. A number of pathological and physiological processes, particularly prostate cancer's emergence, depend on the regulation of angiogenesis. Investigating the functions played with miRNAs in angiogenesis is crucial because it might result in the creation of novel prostate cancer therapies that entail regulating angiogenesis. The function of several miRNAs and its targeting genes engaged in cancer of the prostate angiogenesis will be reviewed in this review in light of the most recent developments. The potential clinical utility of miRNAs potentially a novel therapeutic targets will also be explored, as well as their capacity to control prostate cancer angiogenesis and the underlying mechanisms.

Prostate-derived circulating microRNAs add prognostic value to prostate cancer risk calculators

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of malignancy-related deaths among American men. Active surveillance is a safe option for many men with less aggressive disease, yet definitively determining low-risk cancer is challenging with biopsy alone. Herein, we sought to identify prostate-derived microRNAs in patient sera and serum extracellular vesicles, and determine if those microRNAs improve upon the current clinical risk calculators for prostate cancer prognosis before and after biopsy. Prostate-derived intracellular and extracellular vesicle-contained microRNAs were identified by small RNA sequencing of prostate cancer patient explants and primary cells. Abundant microRNAs were included in a custom microRNA PCR panel that was queried in whole serum and serum extracellular vesicles from a diverse cohort of men diagnosed with prostate cancer. The levels of these circulating microRNAs significantly differed between indolent and aggressive disease and improved the area under the curve for pretreatment nomograms of prostate cancer disease risk. The microRNAs within the extracellular vesicles had improved prognostic value compared to the microRNAs in the whole serum. In summary, quantifying microRNAs circulating in extracellular vesicles is a clinically feasible assay that may provide additional information for assessing prostate cancer risk stratification.

LncRNA H19 promotes tumor angiogenesis in smokers by targeting anti-angiogenic miRNAs

A key concept in drug discovery is the identification of candidate therapeutic targets such as long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) because of their extensive involvement in neoplasms, and impressionability by smoking. Induced by exposure to cigarette smoke, lncRNA H19 targets and inactivates miR-29, miR-30a, miR-107, miR-140, miR-148b, miR-199a and miR-200, which control the rate of angiogenesis by inhibiting BiP, DLL4, FGF7, HIF1A, HIF1B, HIF2A, PDGFB, PDGFRA, VEGFA, VEGFB, VEGFC, VEGFR1, VEGFR2 and VEGFR3. Nevertheless, these miRNAs are often dysregulated in bladder cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, glioma, gastric adenocarcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, meningioma, non-small-cell lung carcinoma, oral squamous cell carcinoma, ovarian cancer, prostate adenocarcinoma and renal cell carcinoma. As such, the present perspective article seeks to establish an evidence-based hypothetical model of how a smoking-related lncRNA known as H19 might aggravate angiogenesis by interfering with miRNAs that would otherwise regulate angiogenesis in a nonsmoking individual.

A microRNA binding site polymorphism in the 3' UTR region of VEGF-A gene modifies colorectal cancer risk based on ethnicity: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) plays an integral role in angiogenesis by contributing to growth, development, and metastasis of solid tumors. Recently, a single-nucleotide polymorphism +936C/T located in the VEGF-A 3' untranslated region (UTR) facilitated the susceptibility of colorectal cancer. The association between VEGF-A gene polymorphism +936C/T and colorectal cancer risk has been widely studied in the last decade, but presently, the results furnished remain enigmatic. Hence, the study aimed to investigate the association between VEGF-A +936C/T miRNA binding site polymorphism and the risk of developing colorectal cancer.

METHODS

This meta-analysis included 13 published case-control studies covering 3465 cases (colorectal cancer) and 3476 healthy controls. Publication bias was examined by means of Begg's funnel plots and Egger's regression tests. The quality of the studies included was evaluated using Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Subgroup analyses were performed in accordance to the various ethnicities of the study subjects and the study quality.

RESULTS

From the data obtained, it is implied that VEGF-A +936C/T polymorphism did not correlate with elevated colorectal cancer risk in all genetic models. But the results acquired from the subgroup analysis in over dominant model (CT vs. CC + TT: OR = 1.5047, 95% CI = 1.19-1.90) suggest that VEGF-A +936C/T polymorphism leads to the raise in the risk of developing CRC among the East Asian population. No association was observed in Caucasian and South Asian population.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that VEGF-A +936C/T polymorphism is not a risk factor for developing CRC in Caucasian and South Asian population. However, the East Asian population was related to an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer due to the presence of the minor allele.

Regulation of Let-7a-5p and miR-199a-5p Expression by Akt1 Modulates Prostate Cancer Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition via the Transforming Growth Factor-β Pathway

Simple Summary

The molecular mechanisms regulating the switch from the growth of tumor cells to invasive phenotype for metastasis is largely unknown. Molecules such as Akt1 and TGFβ have been demonstrated to play reciprocal roles in the early and advanced stages of cancers, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition has been identified as a common link in the process. Advancing our knowledge on the direct association between these two pathways and how their effects are reconciled in the advanced stages of cancers such as prostate cancer will have therapeutic benefits. Identifying the role of microRNAs in the process will also benefit the scientific community.

Abstract

Akt1 suppression in advanced cancers has been indicated to promote metastasis. Our understanding of how Akt1 orchestrates this is incomplete. Using the NanoString^®-based miRNA and mRNA profiling of PC3 and DU145 cells, and subsequent data analysis using the DIANA-mirPath, dbEMT, nCounter, and Ingenuity^® databases, we identified the miRNAs and associated genes responsible for Akt1-mediated prostate cancer (PCa) epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Akt1 loss in PC3 and DU145 cells primarily induced changes in the miRNAs and mRNAs regulating EMT genes. These include increased miR-199a-5p and decreased let-7a-5p expression associated with increased TGFβ-R1 expression. Treatment with locked nucleic acid (LNA) miR-199a-5p inhibitor and/or let-7a-5p mimic induced expression changes in EMT genes correlating to their anticipated effects on PC3 and DU145 cell motility, invasion, and TGFβ-R1 expression. A correlation between increased miR-199a-5p and TGFβ-R1 expression with reduced let-7a-5p was also observed in high Gleason score PCa patients in the cBioportal database analysis. Collectively, our studies show the effect of Akt1 suppression in advanced PCa on EMT modulating miRNA and mRNA expression changes and highlight the potential benefits of miR-199a-5p and let-7a-5p in therapy and/or early screening of mPCa.

Effects of miRNA-199a-5p on cell proliferation and apoptosis of uterine leiomyoma by targeting MED12

Background/aims

Uterine leiomyoma (ULM) is a kind of gene-involved benign tumor, which is located in the front of female reproductive tract. It is one of the most common reproductive tract tumors in women, which leads to abnormal menstruation, repeated pregnancy loss, and other serious gynecological diseases. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have attracted much more attention in the process of exploring the molecular mechanisms of tumorigenesis. Furthermore, the deregulated miRNAs had been reported to play important roles in ULM pathology.

Methods

In this study, we assessed the expression level of microRNA-199a-5p (miR-199a-5p) in human ULM by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. After that cell counting kit 8, colony formation, 5-ethynyl-20-deoxyuridine, flow cytometry, and Western blot analyses were performed to investigate the effects of miR-199a-5p on ULM cell proliferation and apoptosis.

Results

We confirmed that miR-199a-5p was significantly downregulated in human ULM. The results of function analyses showed that miR-199a-5p inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis in vitro. Bioinformatics tool showed oncogene MED12 was one of the target genes of miR-199a-5p, which mediated the effect of miR-199a-5p on the ULM.

Conclusion

Our results showed that miR-199a-5p functioned as an antitumor factor in human ULM cells. These findings broaden the current findings on the function of miR-199a-5p into the ULM pathogenesis, and miR-199a-5p may serve as a prognosis and therapeutic target for the ULM and its related diseases.

Regulation of Hypoxic Signaling and Oxidative Stress via the MicroRNA-SIRT2 Axis and Its Relationship with Aging-Related Diseases

The sirtuin family of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-dependent deacetylase and ADP-ribosyl transferases plays key roles in aging, metabolism, stress response, and aging-related diseases. SIRT2 is a unique sirtuin that is expressed in the cytosol and is abundant in neuronal cells. Various microRNAs were recently reported to regulate SIRT2 expression via its 3'-untranslated region (UTR), and single nucleotide polymorphisms in the miRNA-binding sites of SIRT2 3'-UTR were identified in patients with neurodegenerative diseases. The present review highlights recent studies into SIRT2-mediated regulation of the stress response, posttranscriptional regulation of SIRT2 by microRNAs, and the implications of the SIRT2-miRNA axis in aging-related diseases.

Prediction of Grade Reclassification of Prostate Cancer Patients on Active Surveillance through the Combination of a Three-miRNA Signature and Selected Clinical Variables

Simple Summary

Active surveillance (AS) has evolved as an alternative to radical treatment for potentially indolent prostate cancer. However, current selection criteria for entering AS are suboptimal, and a significant percentage of patients discontinue AS because of disease reclassification. Hence, there is an unmet need for novel biomarkers for the accurate identification of high-risk PCa and the unequivocal classification of indolent disease. Circulating biomarkers, including microRNAs identified through liquid biopsies, represent a valuable approach to improve on currently available clinicopathological risk-stratification tools. In an attempt to identify specific microRNA signatures as potential circulating biomarkers, the authors performed an unprecedented analysis of the global microRNA profile in plasma samples from AS patients and identified and validated a three-microRNA signature able to predict patient reclassification. The addition of the three-microRNA signature was able to improve the performance of currently available clinicopathological variables, thus showing potential for the refinement of AS patients’ selection.

Abstract

Active surveillance (AS) has evolved as a strategy alternative to radical treatments for very low risk and low-risk prostate cancer (PCa). However, current criteria for selecting AS patients are still suboptimal. Here, we performed an unprecedented analysis of the circulating miRNome to investigate whether specific miRNAs associated with disease reclassification can provide risk refinement to standard clinicopathological features for improving patient selection. The global miRNA expression profiles were assessed in plasma samples prospectively collected at baseline from 386 patients on AS included in three independent mono-institutional cohorts (training, testing and validation sets). A three-miRNA signature (miR-511-5p, miR-598-3p and miR-199a-5p) was found to predict reclassification in all patient cohorts (training set: AUC 0.74, 95% CI 0.60–0.87, testing set: AUC 0.65, 95% CI 0.51–0.80, validation set: AUC 0.68, 95% CI 0.56–0.80). Importantly, the addition of the three-miRNA signature improved the performance of the clinical model including clinicopathological variables only (AUC 0.70, 95% CI 0.61–0.78 vs. 0.76, 95% CI 0.68–0.84). Overall, we trained, tested and validated a three-miRNA signature which, combined with selected clinicopathological variables, may represent a promising biomarker to improve on currently available clinicopathological risk stratification tools for a better selection of truly indolent PCa patients suitable for AS.

Differentially expressed miR-20, miR-21, miR-100, miR-125a and miR-146a as a potential biomarker for prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the leading cause of death among men worldwide. Deregulation of microRNAs has been reported in many cancers. Expression of microRNAs miR-20a-5p, miR-21-5p, miR-100-5p, miR-125a-5p and miR-146a-5p in tissue blocks of histologically confirmed prostate cancer patients compared with BPH patients, to identify potential microRNA biomarker for prostate cancer. MicroRNA was isolated and expression was quantified by qRT-PCR using Taqman Advanced microRNA assay kits. The interactions between the microRNA:target mRNA were predicted by using bioinformatics tools such as miRwalk and miRTargetlink. The experimentally validated targets were analysed using gprofiler to identify their molecular function, biological process and related pathways. The expression analysis revealed that miR-21 and miR-100 were significantly down-regulated whereas miR-125a was up-regulated in prostate cancer patients. Comparative analysis of the expression levels with tumor grading reveal that miR-100 was significantly down-regulated (p < 0.05) in high grade tumor, indicating that miR-100 associated with prostate cancer. ROC analysis revealed that combined analysis of down-regulated miRNAs (miR-21 and miR-100) shown AUC of 0.72 (95% CI 0.65-0.79). The combined analysis of all five miRNAs showed AUC of 0.87 (95% CI 0.81-0.92). The targets prediction analysis revealed several validated targets including BCL2, ROCK1, EGFR, PTEN, MTOR, NAIF1 and VEGFA. Our results provide evidence that combined analysis of all the five miRNAs as a panel can significantly improve the prediction level of the presence of prostate cancer and may be used as a potential diagnostic biomarker.

miR-1825 Accelerates Cell Proliferation and Inhibits Cell Apoptosis of Prostate Cancer via Targeting Suppressor of Cancer Cell Invasion

Prostate cancer (PC) is one major carcinoma threat to the health of males. microRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding transcripts with about 23 nt in length. Booming evidence has verified the various roles of miRNAs in human tumors. miR-1825 was once demonstrated to be highly expressed in PC, but the potential role of miR-1825 in PC has never been clarified yet. This work aimed to explore the function of miR-1825 and reveal the underlying modulation mechanism in PC. First, miR-1825 was detected to be elevated in PC cells compared with normal prostate cells, as proved by RT-qPCR. After miR-1825 expression was inhibited, cell proliferation was hindered and cell apoptosis was promoted, which was observed by CCK8, colony formation, TUNEL staining and western blot assays. Bioinformatics tools discovered the targeting of suppressor of cancer cell invasion (SCAI) by miR-1825, which was further confirmed by luciferase reporter assay. Then the suppression of miR-1825 on SCAI protein expression was verified by western blotting. Eventually, rescue assays were implemented and affirmed the miR-1825/SCAI axis in PC cells. In conclusion, our present research disclosed the oncogenic role of miR-1825 and the miR-1825/SCAI pathway in PC. These findings gave new clues for the therapy of PC.

Epigenetic silencing of microRNA-199a-5p promotes the proliferation of non-small cell lung cancer cells by increasing AKAP1 expression

MicroRNA (miR)-199a-5p expression is downregulated in a variety of malignancies, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and its low expression is associated with a poor prognosis. However, to the best of our knowledge, the mechanism underlying miR-199a-5p downregulation in NSCLC and its target effectors remain to be elucidated. The present study revealed the downregulation of miR-199a-5p expression in NSCLC tissues and cell lines compared with in para-carcinoma tissues and a lung epithelial cell line. Further experiments indicated that the methylation levels of the miR-199a promoter were markedly higher in NSCLC tissues compared with in para-carcinoma tissues. The DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-Aza-2′-deoxycytidine markedly increased the expression levels of miR-199a-5p in NSCLC cells. Furthermore, it was identified that miR-199a-5p mimics transfection decreased the expression levels of A-kinase anchoring protein 1 (AKAP1) at both the mRNA and protein levels by targeting the 3′ untranslated region of AKAP1 mRNA. The in vitro experiments demonstrated that miR-199a-5p overexpression inhibited the proliferation and tumorigenicity of NSCLC cells, whereas overexpression of AKAP1 partially recovered the malignant phenotypes, suggesting that AKAP1 may be a downstream effector targeted by miR-199a-5p. Collectively, the present findings indicated that miR-199a-5p may be a novel regulator of AKAP1, and that miR-199a-5p may be a potential tumor suppressor in NSCLC.

MiR-199a-5p inhibition protects cognitive function of ischemic stroke rats by AKT signaling pathway

To explore the effect of miR-199a-5p and AKT signal pathway on cognitive function and neuronal cells in rats with ischemic stroke. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 6 groups: Normal group (normal rats), Sham group (rats received sham operation), Model group (MCAO rats), miR-199a-5p inhibitor group (model rats treated with miR-199a-5p inhibitor), IGF-1 group (model rats treated with AKT signaling pathway activator), miR-199a-5p inhibitor + IGF-1 group (model rats treated by miR-199a-5p inhibitor and AKT signaling pathway activator). Rat behavior and cerebral infarction area were observed. TUNEL fluorescence staining was used to detect neuronal apoptosis in hippocampal CA1 region of rats. The dual luciferase reporter assay validated the targeting relationship between miR-199a-5p and AKT. qRT-PCR and WB were used to detect the expression level of miR-199a-5p, (p)-AKT and (p)-mTOR, apoptosis-related proteins Bax and Bcl-2. Compared with the normal group, the expression of miR-199a-5p was increased in the Model group, and the expression levels of AKT, mTOR, p-AKT, and p-mTOR were decreased (all P < 0.05); the cognitive function of the rats in the Model group was thereby significantly lower (P < 0.05). miR-199a-5p was targeted to inhibit AKT. Compared with the Model group, miR-199a-5p inhibition combined with IGF-1 showed more significant effects on improving cognitive function and protecting neuronal cells of rats. In conclusion, silencing miR-199a-5p can effectively improve cognitive function in ischemic stroke rats and decrease neuronal apoptosis in hippocampus by activating the AKT signaling pathway.

Evaluation of LDL receptor and Scavenger Receptor, Class B, Type 1 in the malignant and benign breast tumors: The correlation with the expression of miR-199a-5p, miR-199b-5p and miR-455-5p

AIMS

The purpose of present study was to examine the correlations of LDL (LDLR) and HDL (SR-B1) receptors with lipoproteins, miR-199a-5p, miR-199b-5p, miR-455-5p in the malignant and benign breast tumors.

METHODS

Total cholesterol-rich-lipoproteins and the receptors were determined using enzymatic-homogeneous and ELISA methods. The expression levels of miRNAs were detected by qRT-PCR.

RESULTS

Receptor expressions and lipoproteins concentration were significantly higher in the malignant tumors (p < 0.05). Positive correlation was found for LDLR with Ki67% and Her2+. HDL-C content of TNBC tumors was higher than those of Non-TNBC (p < 0.05). The expression level of miR-199a-5p was found to be downregulated significantly in the malignant tumors of <2 cm, TNBC, HER2- or stage3. The expression of miR-199b-5p was downregulated in the malignant tumors and was negatively associated with TNBC, stage and Her2+. The expression of miR-455-5p was significantly correlated with Her2- (p < 0.05). A positive correlation was observed for SR-B1 or LDLR with HDL-C or LDL-C and also for SR-B1 with LDLR, although a reverse association was detected for the expression of miR-199b-5p with LDLR in the malignant tumors (p < 0.05). No significant correlations were found for miR-199a-5p or miR-455-5p with LDLR or SR-B1 expressions and also for LDL-C and SR-B1 with clinicopathological features (p ≥ 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Mechanisms potentially involved in the present findings may be due to the lipid internalization and lipoprotein consumption through LDLR and SR-B1 over expression. It is noteworthy that the expression of miR-199b-5p is negatively correlated with LDLR which may suggest it as a suppressor for LDLR expression in the breast cancer.

An Emerging Class of Long Non-coding RNA With Oncogenic Role Arises From the snoRNA Host Genes

The small nucleolar RNA host genes (SNHGs) are a group of long non-coding RNAs, which are reported in many studies as being overexpressed in various cancers. With very few exceptions, the SNHGs (SNHG1, SNHG3, SNHG5, SNHG6, SNHG7, SNHG12, SNHG15, SNHG16, SNHG20) are recognized as inducing increased proliferation, cell cycle progression, invasion, and metastasis of cancer cells, which makes this class of transcripts a viable biomarker for cancer development and aggressiveness. Through our literature research, we also found that silencing of SNHGs through small interfering RNAs or short hairpin RNAs is very effective in both in vitro and in vivo experiments by lowering the aggressiveness of solid cancers. The knockdown of SNHG as a new cancer therapeutic option should be investigated more in the future.

Suppression of TRPM7 Inhibited Hypoxia-Induced Migration and Invasion of Androgen-Independent Prostate Cancer Cells by Enhancing RACK1-Mediated Degradation of HIF-1α

Transient receptor potential melastatin subfamily member 7 (TRPM7) was essential in the growth and metastatic ability of prostate cancer cells. However, the effects and the relevant molecular mechanisms of TRPM7 on metastasis of prostate cancer under hypoxic atmosphere remain unclear. This study investigated the role of TRPM7 in the metastatic ability of androgen-independent prostate cancer cells under hypoxia. First, data mining was carried out to disclose the relationship between the TRPM7 gene level and the survival of prostate cancer patients. Specific siRNAs were used to knockdown target genes. Western blotting and qPCR were employed to determine protein and gene expression, respectively. The gene transcription activity was evaluated by luciferase activity assay of promoter gene. The protein interaction was determined by coimmunoprecipitation. Wound healing and transwell assays were employed to evaluated cell migration and invasion, respectively. Open access database results showed that high expression of TRPM7 was closely related to the poor survival of prostate cancer patients. Hypoxia simultaneously increased TRPM7 expression and induced HIF-1α accumulation in androgen-independent prostate cancer cells. Knockdown of TRPM7 significantly promoted HIF-1α degradation through the proteasome and inhibited EMT changes in androgen-independent prostate cancer cells under hypoxic condition. Moreover, TRPM7 knockdown increased the phosphorylation of RACK1 and strengthened the interaction between RACK1 and HIF-1α but attenuated the binding of HSP90 to HIF-1α. Whereas knockdown of RACK1 increased the binding of HSP90 to HIF-1α. Furthermore, both TRPM7 and HIF-1α knockdown significantly suppressed hypoxia-induced Annexin A1 protein expression, and suppression of HIF-1α/Annexin A1 signaling significantly inhibited hypoxia-induced cell migration and invasion of androgen-independent prostate cancer cells. Our findings demonstrate that TRPM7 knockdown promotes HIF-1α degradation via an oxygen-independent mechanism involving increased binding of RAKC1 to HIF-1α, and TRPM7-HIF-1α-Annexin A1 signaling axis plays a crucial role in the EMT, cell migration, and invasion of androgen-independent prostate cancer cells under hypoxic conditions.

Oncogenic and tumor-suppressive microRNAs in prostate cancer

MicroRNAs are known to be dysregulated in prostate cancer. These small noncoding RNAs can function as biomarkers and are involved in the biology of prostate cancer. The canonical mechanism for microRNAs is post-transcription regulation of gene expression via binding to the 3' untranslated region of mRNAs, resulting in RNA degradation and/or translational repression. Thus, oncogenic microRNAs, also known as oncomiRs, often have high expression in prostate cancer and target the mRNAs of tumor suppressors. Conversely, tumor-suppressive microRNAs have reduced expression in cancer and typically target oncogenes. Some microRNAs function outside the classical mechanism and serve to stabilize their mRNA targets. Herein, we review contemporary studies that demonstrate oncogenic and tumor-suppressive activity of microRNAs in prostate cancer.

LncRNA TMPO-AS1 up-regulates the expression of HIF-1α and promotes the malignant phenotypes of retinoblastoma cells via sponging miR-199a-5p

BACKGROUND

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) TMPO antisense RNA 1 (TMPO-AS1) is reported to be oncogenic in prostate cancer and lung cancer. This study aims to investigate the expression and biological function of it in retinoblastoma (RB), and explore its regulatory role for miR-199a-5p and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α).

METHODS

Paired RB samples were collected, and the expression levels of TMPO-AS1, miR-199a-5p and HIF-1α were examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR); TMPO-AS1 overexpressing plasmids and TMPO-AS1 shRNA were transfected into HXO-RB44 and SO-Rb50 cell lines respectively, and then proliferation, migration and invasion of RB cells were detected by CCK-8 assay and Transwell method. qRT-PCR and western blot were used to analyze the regulatory function of TMPO-AS1 on miR-199a-5p and HIF-1α; luciferase reporter gene assay was used to determine the regulatory relationship between miR-199a-5p and TMPO-AS1.

RESULTS

TMPO-AS1 was significantly up-regulated in cancerous tissues of RB samples (relatively expression: 2.97 vs 3.93, p < 0.001), negatively correlated with miR-199a-5p (r=-0.4813, p < 0.01). There was one binding site on TMPO-AS1 for miR-199a-5p. After transfection of TMPO-AS1 shRNAs into RB cells, the proliferation, migration and invasion of cancer cells was significantly inhibited, while TMPO-AS1 had opposite effects; TMPO-AS1 was also demonstrated to regulate the expression of HIF-1α on both mRNA and protein levels via negatively regulating miR-199a-5p.

CONCLUSION

TMPO-AS1 is abnormally up-regulated in RB tissues, and it can modulate the proliferation and migration of RB cells. It has the potential to be the "ceRNA" to regulate HIF-1α expression by sponging miR-199a-5p.

miR-199a-5p Represses Protective Autophagy and Overcomes Chemoresistance by Directly Targeting DRAM1 in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Chemotherapy resistance is still a primary clinical obstacle to the successful treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The underlying mechanisms of drug resistance are complicated and have not been fully understood. Here, we found that miR-199a-5p levels were significantly reduced in refractory/relapsed AML patients compared to those who achieved complete remission after chemotherapy. Consistently, miR-199a-5p was markedly decreased in Adriamycin-resistant AML K562/ADM cells in contrast with Adriamycin-sensitive K562 cells, and its decrement dramatically correlated with the chemoresistance of AML cells. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the basic and Adriamycin-induced autophagic activity in K562/ADM cells was higher than that in K562 cells. This inducible autophagy played a prosurvival role and contributed to the development of acquired drug resistance. Importantly, we investigated that miR-199a-5p could negatively regulate autophagy, at least in part, by inhibiting damage regulator autophagy modulator (DRAM1) expression at both the transcriptional and posttranscriptional level. miR-199a-5p bound directly to the 3'-UTR of DRAM1 mRNA which was a functional target of miR-199a-5p. Indeed, downregulation of DRAM1 gene by siRNA in K562/ADM cells resulted in autophagy suppression and chemosensitivity restoration. These results revealed that the miR-199a-5p/DRAM1/autophagy signaling represented a novel pathway regulating chemoresistance, indicating a potential therapeutic strategy for the intervention in drug-resistant AML.

MicroRNA‑199a‑5p suppresses migration and invasion in oral squamous cell carcinoma through inhibiting the EMT‑related transcription factor SOX4

MicroRNAs (miRs) are small, non-coding RNAs that can act as oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes in human cancer. Recent studies have revealed that miR-199a-5p is abnormally expressed in various types of human cancer; however, the potential role of miR-199a-5p in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains elusive. The present study investigated the role of miR-199a-5p in OSCC cells and explored the potential molecular mechanism. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to measure miR-199a-5p expression in OSCC tissues and adjacent normal oral epithelial tissues. Cell invasion and migration were evaluated using Transwell invasion and wound-healing assays in OSCC cells post-transfection with miR-199a-5p mimics or negative control mimics. In addition, a luciferase reporter assay was conducted to identify the target gene of miR-199a-5p in OSCC cells. The results demonstrated that miR-199a-5p expression was significantly downregulated in OSCC tissues and cell lines, and was associated with tumor progression in OSCC. Furthermore, overexpression of miR-199a-5p inhibited cell invasion and migration, and blocked the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) cascade. Notably, the results revealed that the EMT-related transcription factor SRY-box 4 (SOX4) was a direct target gene of miR-199a-5p, as determined by the direct binding of miR-199a-5p with the 3′-untranslated region of SOX4. In addition, knockdown of SOX4 by small interfering RNA-SOX4 suppressed proliferation, migration and invasion of OSCC cells. Conversely, overexpression of SOX4 rescued the suppressive effects of miR-199a-5p on cell migration and invasion. Collectively, these data indicated that miR-199a-5p may inhibit the migration and invasion of OSCC cells via targeting the EMT-related transcription factor SOX4, thus suggesting that miR-199a-5p may serve as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in the treatment of OSCC.

MiR-199a-5p Inhibits the Growth and Metastasis of Colorectal Cancer Cells by Targeting ROCK1

Mounting evidence indicates that microRNAs play important roles in the development of various cancers. Aberrant expression of microRNA-199a-5p has been frequently reported in cancer studies; however, the mechanistic details of the role of microRNA-199a-5p in colorectal cancer still remain unclear. Our study aimed to explore the role of microRNA-199a-5p in colorectal cancer cells by targeting Rho-associated coiled coil-containing protein kinase 1. Here, we showed that microRNA-199a-5p was significantly downregulated in colorectal cancer cell lines and tissue samples and was associated with a poor prognostic phenotype. MicroRNA-199a-5p suppressed colorectal cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and induced cell apoptosis. Moreover, we identified Rho-associated coiled coil-containing protein kinase 1 as the direct target of microRNA-199a-5p using luciferase and Western blot assays. Importantly, Rho-associated coiled coil-containing protein kinase 1 overexpression rescued the microRNA-199a-5p-induced suppression of proliferation, migration, and invasion of colorectal cancer cells. Furthermore, the overexpression of microRNA-199a-5p inhibited tumor growth and metastasis by inactivating the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT and Janus kinase 1/signal transducing activator of transcription signaling pathways through downregulation of Rho-associated coiled coil-containing protein kinase 1. Altogether, microRNA-199a-5p/Rho-associated coiled coil-containing protein kinase 1 may be a potential therapeutic target for colorectal cancer therapy.

MicroRNA Expression Profiles, Target Genes, and Pathways in Intervertebral Disk Degeneration: A Meta-Analysis of 3 Microarray Studies

BACKGROUND

Determining the expression profile and target genes of microRNA (miRNA) would assist in determining the pathophysiologic pathways in intervertebral disk degeneration (IDD). The aim of this study was to determine the expression profile of miRNA in degenerated intervertebral disks compared with normal healthy intervertebral disks.

METHODS

We conducted a meta-analysis of 3 available miRNA expression datasets to identify a panel of co-deregulated miRNA genes and overlapping biological processes in IDD. Degenerated intervertebral disks were compared with normal healthy disks. We selected 35 miRNA features common to all 3 platforms. Then, we calculated differential expression P values from our unpaired data using metaMA package in R statistical software according to the moderated t test method (Limma). Based on the P values (where the threshold was <0.05), a list of differentially expressed miRNAs was identified.

RESULTS

After normalization and selection of common miRNA features across all 3 platforms, we found a total of 5 differentially expressed miRNAs, among which miR-574-3p, miR-199a-5p, and miR-483-5p were not identified in any individual studies. Our results revealed that miR-199a-5p, miR-574-3p, miR-551a, and miR-640 are commonly upregulated in IDDs compared with control disks, whereas miR-483 is commonly downregulated. Pathway analysis of identified dysregulated miRNAs indicated the involvement of extracellular matrix-receptor interaction, adherens junction, and transforming growth factor-beta signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of IDDs. Moreover, the network of predicted targets for these miRNAs identified most affected target genes as ERBB4 and CLTC.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that the identified miRNAs through meta-analysis are candidate predictive markers for IDDs through different pathways.

Micro-ribonucleic acid expression signature of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: Regulation of NCAPH by antitumor miR-199a/b-3p

OBJECTIVES

To identify oncogenes regulated by micro-ribonucleic acid, miR-199a/b-3p, in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

METHODS

Advanced ribonucleic acid sequencing technologies were applied to construct a micro-ribonucleic acid expression signature using metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer autopsy specimens. Ectopic expression of mature micro-ribonucleic acids or small-interfering ribonucleic acids were applied to functional assays for cancer cell lines. Genome-wide gene expression and in silico database analyses were carried out to predict micro-ribonucleic acid targets.

RESULTS

Ectopic expression of miR-199a/b inhibited cancer cell aggressiveness. The gene coding for non-structural maintenance of chromosomes condensin I complex subunit H was directly regulated by miR-199a/b-3p. High expression of condensin I complex subunit H was significantly associated with poor disease-free survival by The Cancer Genome Atlas database analysis (P < 0.0001). Overexpression of condensin I complex subunit H was detected in hormone-sensitive prostate cancer and castration-resistant prostate cancer specimens, and knockdown assays showed that its expression enhanced cancer cell migration and invasive abilities.

CONCLUSIONS

Small ribonucleic acid sequencing of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer specimens showed the presence of several antitumor micro-ribonucleic acids whose targets are involved in hormone-sensitive prostate cancer and metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer pathogenesis. Condensin I complex subunit H seems to be a promising diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for this disease. Our approach, based on the roles of anti-tumor micro-ribonucleic acids and their targets, will contribute to an improved understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of hormone-sensitive prostate cancer and metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

Reciprocal regulations between miRNAs and HIF-1α in human cancers

Hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is a central molecule involved in mediating cellular processes. Alterations of HIF-1α and hypoxically regulated microRNAs (miRNAs) are correlated with patients' outcome in various cancers, indicating their crucial roles on cancer development. Recently, an increasing number of studies have revealed the intricate regulations between miRNAs and HIF-1α in modulating a wide variety of processes, including proliferation, metastasis, apoptosis, and drug resistance, etc. miRNAs are a class of small noncoding RNAs which function as negative regulators by directly targeting mRNAs. Evidence shows that miRNAs can be regulated by HIF-1α at transcriptional level. In turn, HIF-1α itself can be modulated by many miRNAs whose alterations have been implicated in tumorigenesis, thus forming a reciprocal regulation network. These findings add a new layer of complexity to our understanding of HIF-1α regulatory networks. Here, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the current advances about the bidirectional interactions between HIF-1α and miRNAs in human cancers. Besides, the review will summarize the roles of miRNAs/HIF-1α crosstalk according to various cellular processes. Finally, the potential values of miRNAs/HIF-1α loops in clinical applications are discussed.

Modulation in the microRNA repertoire is responsible for the stage-specific effects of Akt suppression on murine neuroendocrine prostate cancer

Recent studies indicate a stage-specific, differential role for the oncogene Akt on various cancers. In prostate cancer (PCa), suppression of Akt activity in the advanced stages promoted transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) pathway-mediated epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis to the lungs. In the current study, we performed Affymetrix analysis to compare the expression profile of microRNAs in the mouse prostate tissues collected at the prostatic inter-epithelial neoplasia (PIN) stage from Transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse (TRAMP)/Akt1^+/+ versus TRAMP/Akt1^–/– mice, and at the advanced stage from TRAMP/Akt1^+/+ mice treated with triciribine (Akt inhibitor) versus DMSO-treated control. Our analysis demonstrates that in the early stage, Akt1 in the TRAMP prostate tumors express a set of miRNAs responsible for regulating cancer cell survival, proliferation, and tumor growth, whereas, in the advanced stages, a different set of miRNAs that promote EMT and cancer metastasis is expressed. Our study has identified novel Akt-regulated signature microRNAs in the early and advanced PCa and demonstrates their differential effects on PCa growth and metastasis.

Roles of microRNA in prostate cancer cell metabolism

MicroRNAs are non-coding RNA which functions as regulators of genes expression. MicroRNAs have shown their biological functions in cell proliferation, cell cycle, cell metabolism, apoptosis, invasion and metastasis. Cancer cells have the ability to grow in the absence of growth factors by increased metabolic activity. MicroRNAs regulate cell metabolic processes by targeting the key enzymes or transporters and change the metabolic activities by interfering with oncogenes/tumor suppressors, hypoxia, signalling pathways and cell adhesion. This review mainly explains the roles of microRNAs in prostate cancer cell metabolism, such as glucose uptake, glycolysis and lactate secretion, lipid metabolism and interaction with signalling pathways. The relation of microRNAs with hypoxia and cell adhesion in cell metabolism is also highlighted. Therefore, miRNAs help in regulating the metabolism of survived tumor cells, understanding such miRNA-mediated interaction could lead to new avenues in therapeutic application to treat PCa.

MicroRNA‑485 targets MACC1 and inhibits cervical cancer cell proliferation and invasion

A large body of evidence has indicated that microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) have essential roles in the development and progression of cervical cancer. Thus, miRNAs with dysregulated expression are potential biomarkers for cervical cancer diagnosis and prognosis. In the present study, expression levels of miR‑485 were detected in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines. The effects of miR‑485 overexpression on the proliferation and invasion of cervical cancer cells were determined with Cell Counting kit‑8 and Transwell invasion assays. The mechanisms underlying the action of miR‑485 in cervical cancer were investigated using bioinformatics analysis, a luciferase reporter assay, reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. In addition, the association between miR‑485 and metastasis associated in colon cancer‑1 (MACC1) in cervical cancer tissues was examined. The present study demonstrated that miR‑485 expression was significantly downregulated in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines. Reduced miR‑485 expression in patients with cervical cancer was correlated with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage and lymph node metastasis. Furthermore, restored expression of miR‑485 significantly reduced cervical cancer cell proliferation and invasion. MACC1 was identified as a direct target gene of miR‑485 in cervical cancer. MACC1 expression was significantly upregulated in cervical cancer specimens and was inversely correlated with miR‑485 expression. Additionally, the restored expression of MACC1 eliminated the suppressive effects of miR‑485 overexpression on the proliferation and invasion of cervical cancer cells. Notably, the upregulation of miR‑485 suppressed the MET proto‑oncogene, receptor tyrosine kinase (Met)/RAC‑α serine/threonine‑protein kinase (AKT) signaling pathway. These results demonstrated that miR‑485 may perform its tumor suppressive function in cervical cancer by directly targeting MACC1 and inhibiting the Met/AKT signaling pathway. Therefore, the miR‑485/MACC1 axis may be a novel and effective therapeutic target in cervical cancer.

Melatonin enhances sorafenib actions in human hepatocarcinoma cells by inhibiting mTORC1/p70S6K/HIF-1α and hypoxia-mediated mitophagy

The antiangiogenic effects of sustained sorafenib treatment in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) lead to the occurrence of hypoxia-mediated drug resistance resulting in low therapy efficiency and negative outcomes. Combined treatments with coadjuvant compounds to target the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) represent a promising therapeutic approach through which sorafenib efficiency may be improved. Melatonin is a well-documented oncostatic agent against different cancer types. Here, we evaluated whether melatonin could enhance sorafenib cytotoxicity and overcome the hypoxia-mediated resistance mechanisms in HCC. The pharmacological melatonin concentration (2 mM) potentiated the oncostatic effects of sorafenib (5 μM) on Hep3B cells even under hypoxia. Melatonin downregulated the HIF-1α protein synthesis through the inhibition of the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1)/ribosomal protein S6 kinase beta-1 (p70S6K)/ribosomal protein S6 (RP-S6) pathway, although the indole enhanced Akt phosphorylation by the mTORC1/C2 negative feedback. Furthermore, melatonin and sorafenib coadministration reduced the HIF-1α-mitophagy targets expression, impaired autophagosome formation and subsequent mitochondria and lysosomes colocalization. Together, our results indicate that melatonin improves the Hep3B sensitivity to sorafenib, preventing HIF-1α synthesis to block the cytoprotective mitophagy induced by the hypoxic microenvironment, an important element of the multifactorial mechanisms responsible for the chemotherapy failure.