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Moeinafshar A, Nouri M, Shokrollahi N, Masrour M, Behnam A, Tehrani Fateh S, Sadeghi H, Miryounesi M, Ghasemi MR. Non-coding RNAs as potential therapeutic targets for receptor tyrosine kinase signaling in solid tumors: current status and future directions. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:26. [PMID: 38200584 PMCID: PMC10782702 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03203-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
This review article presents an in-depth analysis of the current state of research on receptor tyrosine kinase regulatory non-coding RNAs (RTK-RNAs) in solid tumors. RTK-RNAs belong to a class of non-coding RNAs (nc-RNAs) responsible for regulating the expression and activity of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), which play a critical role in cancer development and progression. The article explores the molecular mechanisms through which RTK-RNAs modulate RTK signaling pathways and highlights recent advancements in the field. This include the identification of potential new RTK-RNAs and development of therapeutic strategies targeting RTK-RNAs. While the review discusses promising results from a variety of studies, encompassing in vitro, in vivo, and clinical investigations, it is important to acknowledge the challenges and limitations associated with targeting RTK-RNAs for therapeutic applications. Further studies involving various cancer cell lines, animal models, and ultimately, patients are necessary to validate the efficacy of targeting RTK-RNAs. The specificity of ncRNAs in targeting cellular pathways grants them tremendous potential, but careful consideration is required to minimize off-target effects, the article additionally discusses the potential clinical applications of RTK-RNAs as biomarkers for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. In essence, by providing a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of RTK-RNAs in solid tumors, this review emphasizes their potential as therapeutic targets for cancer while acknowledging the associated challenges and limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aysan Moeinafshar
- Center for Comprehensive Genetic Services, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Nouri
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Shokrollahi
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Masrour
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Center for Orthopedic Trans-Disciplinary Applied Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirmohammad Behnam
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahand Tehrani Fateh
- Center for Comprehensive Genetic Services, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Sadeghi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Miryounesi
- Center for Comprehensive Genetic Services, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Reza Ghasemi
- Center for Comprehensive Genetic Services, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Mavatkar AD, Naidu CM, Prabhu JS, Nair MG. The dynamic tumor-stromal crosstalk: implications of 'stromal-hot' tumors in the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in breast cancer. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:5379-5393. [PMID: 37046108 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08422-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer metastatic programming involves an intricate process by which the tumor cell coevolves with the surrounding extracellular niche. The supporting cells from the local host stroma get transformed into cancer-associated stromal cells. This complex crosstalk leads to extracellular matrix remodeling, invasion, and eventually distant metastasis. METHODS In this review, we examine the protein-miRNA secretome that is crucial for this crosstalk. We also provide evidence from the literature for the pivotal role played by the various stromal cells like fibroblasts, adipocytes, and immune cells in promoting the process of EMT in breast cancer. Through in-silico analysis, we have also attempted to establish that stromal presence is integral to the process of EMT. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION The in-silico analysis delineates the persuasive role of the stroma in mediating epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. This review elucidates the importance of examining the role of the stromal niche that can yield promising diagnostic markers and pave avenues for formulating tailored anti-cancer therapy. Process of EMT as driven by 'stroma-hot' tumors: The process of EMT is driven by the stromal cells. The stromal cells in the form of fibroblasts, adipocytes, endothelial cells, mesenchymal stromal cells and tissue associated macrophages secrete the miRNA-protein secretome that modulates the stromal niche and the tumor cells to be become 'tumor associated'. This drives tumor progression and invasion. The 'stromal-hot' tumors eventually get the benefit of the surplus nurturing from the stroma that facilitates EMT leading to distant organ seeding and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apoorva D Mavatkar
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John's Research Institute, St. John's Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Chandrakala M Naidu
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John's Research Institute, St. John's Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Jyothi S Prabhu
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John's Research Institute, St. John's Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Madhumathy G Nair
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John's Research Institute, St. John's Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
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Hashemi M, Rashidi M, Hushmandi K, Ten Hagen TLM, Salimimoghadam S, Taheriazam A, Entezari M, Falahati M. HMGA2 regulation by miRNAs in cancer: affecting cancer hallmarks and therapy response. Pharmacol Res 2023; 190:106732. [PMID: 36931542 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
High mobility group A 2 (HMGA2) is a protein that modulates the structure of chromatin in the nucleus. Importantly, aberrant expression of HMGA2 occurs during carcinogenesis, and this protein is an upstream mediator of cancer hallmarks including evasion of apoptosis, proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and therapy resistance. HMGA2 targets critical signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin and mTOR in cancer cells. Therefore, suppression of HMGA2 function notably decreases cancer progression and improves outcome in patients. As HMGA2 is mainly oncogenic, targeting expression by non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) is crucial to take into consideration since it affects HMGA2 function. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) belong to ncRNAs and are master regulators of vital cell processes, which affect all aspects of cancer hallmarks. Long ncRNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), other members of ncRNAs, are upstream mediators of miRNAs. The current review intends to discuss the importance of the miRNA/HMGA2 axis in modulation of various types of cancer, and mentions lncRNAs and circRNAs, which regulate this axis as upstream mediators. Finally, we discuss the effect of miRNAs and HMGA2 interactions on the response of cancer cells to therapy. Regarding the critical role of HMGA2 in regulation of critical signaling pathways in cancer cells, and considering the confirmed interaction between HMGA2 and one of the master regulators of cancer, miRNAs, targeting miRNA/HMGA2 axis in cancer therapy is promising and this could be the subject of future clinical trial experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrdad Hashemi
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohsen Rashidi
- Department Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, 4815733971, Iran; The Health of Plant and Livestock Products Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, 4815733971, Iran.
| | - Kiavash Hushmandi
- Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Division of Epidemiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Timo L M Ten Hagen
- Precision Medicine in Oncology (PrMiO), Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Shokooh Salimimoghadam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.
| | - Afshin Taheriazam
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Maliheh Entezari
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mojtaba Falahati
- Precision Medicine in Oncology (PrMiO), Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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MicroRNA Associated with the Invasive Phenotype in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma: Let-7c-5p Inhibits Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion by Targeting Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 Receptor. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10102425. [DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Differential microRNA (miRNA) expression can portend clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) progression. In a previous study, we identified a subset of dysregulated miRNA in small renal masses, pT1 ccRCC (≤5 cm) that are associated with an aggressive phenotype. The present study investigated miRNA expression in clinical stage I (cT1) tumors (≤5 cm), comparing pathologic stage I (pT1) tumors to those upstaged to pathologic stage 3 (pT3) after surgery following identification of renal vein invasion or invasion into adjacent fat tissue within Gerota’s fascia. Twenty cT1 tumors were examined in an miRNA screening, 10 pT1 and 10 pT3 tumors. The ccRCC cell lines 786-O and Caki-1 were used to assess the impact of let-7c-5p and its protein target insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R). Cells were transfected with pre-let-7c-5p and assessed through cell proliferation, migration, and invasion assays. IGF1R expression was evaluated through Simple Western, and interaction between let-7c-5p and IGF1R was confirmed via luciferase reporter assay. Screening identified 20 miRNA, including let-7c-5p, that were dysregulated between pT1 and pT3 upstaged tumors. This miRNA was also downregulated in our previous study of pT1 tumors that progressed to metastatic disease. Transfection of ccRCC cells with pre-let-7c-5p significantly inhibited proliferation, migration, invasion, and IGF1R expression. These findings suggest that miRNA dysregulation is involved in ccRCC progression, specifically through invasion, and that let-7c-5p downregulation contributes to the aggressiveness of small ccRCC tumors, in part, through its regulation of IGF1R.
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He F, Feng G, Ma N, Midorikawa K, Oikawa S, Kobayashi H, Zhang Z, Huang G, Takeuchi K, Murata M. GDF10 inhibits cell proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in nasopharyngeal carcinoma by the transforming growth factor-β/Smad and NF-κB pathways. Carcinogenesis 2021; 43:94-103. [PMID: 34922336 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgab122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Growth differentiation factor-10 (GDF10) belongs to a member of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily. Dysfunction of the TGF-β pathway can lead to carcinoma progression. Previous studies have shown that GDF10 acts as a tumor suppressor gene in some cancers. However, the molecular mechanisms of the association between GDF10 and cell functions in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) remain unclear. In this study, the expression and methylation levels of GDF10 were studied in human subjects and cell lines. Furthermore, overexpression of GDF10 was used to explore its biological function and potential mechanism in NPC cell lines. GDF10 was downregulated in NPC owing to its aberrant promoter methylation. After treatment with 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine, the expression of GDF10 in NPC cells was reversed. We also confirmed that the overexpression of GDF10 significantly inhibited cell proliferation and tumor growth both in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Additionally, GDF10 overexpression in NPC cells attenuated migration and invasion and inhibited epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition with a decrease in nuclear Smad2 and NF-κB protein accumulation. GDF10 was silenced owing to its promoter hypermethylation, and it might originally act as a functional tumor suppressor via TGF-β/Smad and NF-κB signaling pathways in NPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng He
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Medicine, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie, Japan.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie, Japan
| | - Guofei Feng
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Medicine, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie, Japan.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie, Japan
| | - Ning Ma
- Graduate School of Health Science, Suzuka University of Medical Science, Suzuka, Japan.,Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Suzuka University of Medical Science, Suzuka, Mie, Japan
| | - Kaoru Midorikawa
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Medicine, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie, Japan
| | - Shinji Oikawa
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Medicine, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie, Japan
| | - Hatasu Kobayashi
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Medicine, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie, Japan
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Guangwu Huang
- Key Laboratory of High-Incidence-Tumor Prevention & Treatment, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Kazuhiko Takeuchi
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie, Japan
| | - Mariko Murata
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Medicine, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie, Japan
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Vahabi M, Blandino G, Di Agostino S. MicroRNAs in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a possible challenge as biomarkers, determinants for the choice of therapy and targets for personalized molecular therapies. Transl Cancer Res 2021; 10:3090-3110. [PMID: 35116619 PMCID: PMC8797920 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-20-2530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are referred to a group of heterogeneous cancers that include structures of aerodigestive tract such as oral and nasal cavity, salivary glands, oropharynx, pharynx, larynx, paranasal sinuses, and local lymph nodes. HNSCC is characterized by frequent alterations of several genes such as TP53, PIK3CA, CDKN2A, NOTCH1, and MET as well as copy number increase in EGFR, CCND1, and PIK3CA. These genomic alterations play a role in terms of resistance to chemotherapy, molecular targeted therapy, and prediction of patient outcome. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small single-stranded noncoding RNAs which are about 19-25 nucleotides. They are involved in the tumorigenesis of HNSCC including dysregulation of cell survival, proliferation, cellular differentiation, adhesion, and invasion. The discovery of the stable presence of the miRNAs in all human body made them attractive biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis or as targets for novel therapeutic ways, enabling personalized treatment for HNSCC. In recent times the number of papers concerning the characterization of miRNAs in the HNSCC tumorigenesis has grown a lot. In this review, we discuss the very recent studies on different aspects of miRNA dysregulation with their clinical significance and we apologize for the many past and most recent works that have not been mentioned. We also discuss miRNA-based therapy that are being tested on patients by clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahrou Vahabi
- IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Laboratory, via Elio Chianesi, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Blandino
- IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Laboratory, via Elio Chianesi, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Di Agostino
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, viale Europa, Catanzaro, Italy
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Lack of Conserved miRNA Deregulation in HPV-Induced Squamous Cell Carcinomas. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11050764. [PMID: 34065237 PMCID: PMC8160722 DOI: 10.3390/biom11050764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) in the anogenital and head and neck regions are associated with high-risk types of human papillomaviruses (HR-HPV). Deregulation of miRNA expression is an important contributor to carcinogenesis. This study aimed to pinpoint commonly and uniquely deregulated miRNAs in cervical, anal, vulvar, and tonsillar tumors of viral or non-viral etiology, searching for a common set of deregulated miRNAs linked to HPV-induced carcinogenesis. RNA was extracted from tumors and nonmalignant tissues from the same locations. The miRNA expression level was determined by next-generation sequencing. Differential expression of miRNAs was calculated, and the patterns of miRNA deregulation were compared between tumors. The total of deregulated miRNAs varied between tumors of different locations by two orders of magnitude, ranging from 1 to 282. The deregulated miRNA pool was largely tumor-specific. In tumors of the same location, a low proportion of miRNAs were exclusively deregulated and no deregulated miRNA was shared by all four types of HPV-positive tumors. The most significant overlap of deregulated miRNAs was found between tumors which differed in location and HPV status (HPV-positive cervical tumors vs. HPV-negative vulvar tumors). Our results imply that HPV infection does not elicit a conserved miRNA deregulation in SCCs.
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Zheng Y, Luo M, Lü M, Zhou T, Liu F, Guo X, Zhang J, Kang M. Let-7c-5p Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Migration and Promotes Apoptosis via the CTHRC1/AKT/ERK Pathway in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:11193-11209. [PMID: 33173311 PMCID: PMC7646436 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s274092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Let-7c-5p has been identified as a tumor suppressor in various malignancies; however, its function and mechanism in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remain unclear. Here, we explored the role and potential molecular mechanism of let-7c-5p in ESCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS mRNA and protein expression levels were detected by quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting. The cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to assess cell proliferation. Flow cytometry analysis was used to detect cell apoptosis, and cell migration was measured by wound healing assay and Transwell assays. The dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the targeting relationship between let-7c-5p and CTHRC1. The tumor xenograft model was constructed to further verify the effect of let-7c-5p on the growth of ESCC in vivo. RESULTS We found that let-7c-5p expression was downregulated in ESCC tissue and cell lines, and its reduced expression was correlated with TNM staging and lymph node metastasis. Next, we found that let-7c-5p can be used to discriminate ESCC patients from normal control subjects by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Subsequently, we observed that let-7c-5p overexpression inhibited proliferation and migration and promoted apoptosis, while let-7c-5p down-regulation promoted proliferation and migration and inhibited apoptosis of TE-1 and KYSE150 cells. Furthermore, let-7c-5p overexpression inhibited tumor growth, while let-7c-5p inhibition promoted tumor growth in xenograft models. In addition, we confirmed that CTHRC1 was a direct target gene of let-7c-5p. Then, we found that let-7c-5p level was negatively correlated with CTHRC1 and negatively regulated expression of CTHRC1 in ESCC. Moreover, we confirmed that let-7c-5p upregulation significantly reduced the phosphorylation of AKT and ERK by directly inhibiting CTHRC1, while let-7c-5p downregulation showed the opposite effect. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that let-7c-5p is markedly downregulated in ESCC and suppresses proliferation and migration and promotes apoptosis of ESCC cells by inhibiting the AKT and ERK signaling pathways through negatively regulating CTHRC1. Therefore, these results suggest that let-7c-5p may represent a novel biomarker and therapeutic target for ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaxin Zheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mao Luo
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease of Sichuan Province, Drug Discovery Research Center, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Muhan Lü
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tiejun Zhou
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichaun, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fang Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoni Guo
- School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Min Kang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
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Li XF, Shen WZ, Jin X, Ren P, Zhang J. Let-7c regulated epithelial-mesenchymal transition leads to osimertinib resistance in NSCLC cells with EGFR T790M mutations. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11236. [PMID: 32641854 PMCID: PMC7343825 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-67908-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor- tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) have shown promise against non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) in clinics but the utility is often short-lived because of T790M mutations in EGFR that help evade TKIs’ action. Osimertinib is the third and latest generation TKI that targets EGFRs with T790M mutations. However, there are already reports on acquired resistance against Osimertinib. Recent work has revealed the role that miRNAs, particularly tumor suppressor let-7c, play in the invasiveness and acquired resistance of NSCLCs, but the mechanistic details, particularly in Osimertinib resistance, remain elusive. Using two cells lines, H1975 (endogenous T790M mutation) and HCC827-T790M (with acquired T790M mutation), we found that let-7c is a regulator of EMT, as well as it affects CSC phenotype. In both the cell lines, transfection with pre-let-7c led to reversal of EMT as studied through EMT markers e-cadherin and ZEB1. This resulted in reduced proliferation and invasion. Conversely, reduced expression of let-7c through anti-let-7c transfections significantly increased proliferation and invasion of lung cancer cells. Expression of let-7c was functionally relevant as EMT correlated with resistance to Osimertinib. High let-7c expression reversed EMT and made cells sensitive to Osimertinib, and vice versa. WNT1 and TCF-4 were found to be two targets of let-7c which were epigenetic suppressed by let-7c through increased methylation. In vivo, pre-let-7c inhibited while anti-let-7c potentiated tumor growth and WNT1 and TCF-4 were downregulated in xenografts with pre-let-7c. Silencing of both WNT1 and TCF-4 resulted in potentiation of Osimertinib action. Our results suggest an important role of let-7c in regulating EMT and the resulting Osimertinib resistance in T790M NSCLCs. More clinical studies need to be performed to fully understand the translational relevance of this novel mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Feng Li
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, 218 Ziqiang Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, 130041, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei-Zhang Shen
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, 218 Ziqiang Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, 130041, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Jin
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, 218 Ziqiang Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, 130041, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Ren
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Chaoyang, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, 218 Ziqiang Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, 130041, Jilin, People's Republic of China.
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Deji QZ, Yan F, Zhaba WD, Liu YJ, Yin J, Huang ZP. Cross-talk between microRNA-let7c and transforming growth factor-β2 during epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of retinal pigment epithelial cells. Int J Ophthalmol 2020; 13:693-700. [PMID: 32420214 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2020.05.01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To explore the roles of microRNA-let7c (miR-let7c) and transforming growth factor-β2 (TGF-β2) and cellular signaling during epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of retinal pigment epithelial cells. METHODS Retinal pigment epithelial (ARPE-19) cells were cultured with no serum for 12h, and then with recombinant human TGF-β2 for different lengths of time. ARPE-19 cells were transfected with 1×106 TU/mL miR-let7c mimcs (miR-let7cM), miR-let7c mimcs negative control (miR-let7cMNC) and miR-let7c inhibitor (miR-let7cI) using the transfection reagent. The expression of keratin-18, vimentin, N-cadherin, IKB alpha, p65 were detected by Western blot, quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence. RESULTS The expression of miR-let7c was dramatically reduced and the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway was activated after induction by TGF-β2 (P<0.05). In turn, overexpressed miR-let7c significantly inhibited TGF-β2-induced EMT (P<0.05). However, miR-let7c was unable to inhibit TGF-β2-induced EMT when the NF-κB signaling pathway was inhibited by BAY11-7082 (P<0.01). CONCLUSION The miR-let7c regulates TGF-β2-induced EMT through the NF-κB signaling pathway in ARPE-19 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qu-Zhen Deji
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Feng Yan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wang-Dui Zhaba
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ya-Jun Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jie Yin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhen-Ping Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, Jiangsu Province, China
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Unachukwu U, Chada K, D’Armiento J. High Mobility Group AT-Hook 2 (HMGA2) Oncogenicity in Mesenchymal and Epithelial Neoplasia. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21093151. [PMID: 32365712 PMCID: PMC7246488 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21093151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
High mobility group AT-hook 2 (HMGA2) has been associated with increased cell proliferation and cell cycle dysregulation, leading to the ontogeny of varied tumor types and their metastatic potentials, a frequently used index of disease prognosis. In this review, we deepen our understanding of HMGA2 pathogenicity by exploring the mechanisms by which HMGA2 misexpression and ectopic expression induces mesenchymal and epithelial tumorigenesis respectively and distinguish the pathogenesis of benign from malignant mesenchymal tumors. Importantly, we highlight the regulatory role of let-7 microRNA family of tumor suppressors in determining HMGA2 misexpression events leading to tumor pathogenesis and focused on possible mechanisms by which HMGA2 could propagate lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), benign mesenchymal tumors of the lungs. Lastly, we discuss potential therapeutic strategies for epithelial and mesenchymal tumorigenesis based on targeting the HMGA2 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uchenna Unachukwu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University Medical Center, 630 West 168th Street, P&S 12-402, New York, NY 10032, USA;
| | - Kiran Chada
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology; Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 675 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA;
| | - Jeanine D’Armiento
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University Medical Center, 630 West 168th Street, P&S 12-402, New York, NY 10032, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +212-305-3745
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12
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HMGA Genes and Proteins in Development and Evolution. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21020654. [PMID: 31963852 PMCID: PMC7013770 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21020654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
HMGA (high mobility group A) (HMGA1 and HMGA2) are small non-histone proteins that can bind DNA and modify chromatin state, thus modulating the accessibility of regulatory factors to the DNA and contributing to the overall panorama of gene expression tuning. In general, they are abundantly expressed during embryogenesis, but are downregulated in the adult differentiated tissues. In the present review, we summarize some aspects of their role during development, also dealing with relevant studies that have shed light on their functioning in cell biology and with emerging possible involvement of HMGA1 and HMGA2 in evolutionary biology.
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Faltermeier CM, Magill ST, Blevins LS, Aghi MK. Molecular Biology of Pituitary Adenomas. Neurosurg Clin N Am 2019; 30:391-400. [PMID: 31471046 DOI: 10.1016/j.nec.2019.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Pituitary adenomas are benign tumors, but still cause significant morbidity and in some cases increases in mortality. Surgical resection is not without risks, and approximately 40% of adenomas are incompletely resected. Medical therapies such as dopamine agonists, somatostatin analogues, and growth hormone antagonists are associated with numerous side effects. Understanding the molecular biology of pituitary adenomas may yield new therapeutic approaches. Additional studies are needed to help determine which genes or pathways are "drivers" of tumorigenesis and should be therapeutic targets. Further studies may also enable pituitary adenoma stratification to tailor treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire M Faltermeier
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, 505 Parnassus Avenue Suite M779, San Francisco, CA 94143-0112, USA
| | - Stephen T Magill
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, 505 Parnassus Avenue Suite M779, San Francisco, CA 94143-0112, USA. https://twitter.com/StephenTMagill1
| | - Lewis S Blevins
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, 505 Parnassus Avenue Suite M779, San Francisco, CA 94143-0112, USA; Medicine (Endocrinology), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Manish K Aghi
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, 505 Parnassus Avenue Suite M779, San Francisco, CA 94143-0112, USA.
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Zhu M, Zhang C, Chen D, Chen S, Zheng H. MicroRNA-98-HMGA2-POSTN signal pathway reverses epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 117:108998. [PMID: 31207579 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.108998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been widely considered that reversing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a potential access to restrain cancer progression and therapeutic resistance. Here, we aim to uncover the novel mechanisms by which we can reverse EMT and inhibit metastasis in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). We show that miR-98 is significantly reduced in both LSCC specimens and cell lines. Over-expression of miR-98 inhibits the EMT-related gene expression and metastasis and invasive behavior in LSCC in vitro, as well as reduces lung metastasis in mouse model. In the mechanistically study, miR-98 directly targets HMGA2 in mediating EMT. HMGA2 knock down by si-RNA method declines several EMT-related genes expression and LSCC migration and invasion. In parallel, overexpression of HMGA2 transforms LSCC cells to acquire stem cell-like features. Furthermore, we reveal that HMGA2-mediated EMT is closely linked with the expression of POSTN that inhibits EMT, as a tumor suppressor, by gene profiling analyses. POSTN is transcriptionally repressed by HMGA2. In clinic, the HMGA2 mRNA level is negatively correlated with the miR-98 level in LSCC patient cohort. In conclusion, our study confers a powerful signal: miR-98-HMGA-POSTN in LSCC, which is able to reverse EMT and inhibit metastasis, underlining the therapeutic potential of this signal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minhui Zhu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Changhai Hospital, the Second Military Medical University, No. 168 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Caiyun Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Changhai Hospital, the Second Military Medical University, No. 168 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Donghui Chen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Changhai Hospital, the Second Military Medical University, No. 168 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Shicai Chen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Changhai Hospital, the Second Military Medical University, No. 168 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongliang Zheng
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Changhai Hospital, the Second Military Medical University, No. 168 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China.
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15
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Abstract
Infection and inflammation account for approximately 25% of cancer-causing factors. Inflammation-related cancers are characterized by mutagenic DNA lesions, such as 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) and 8-nitroguanine. Our previous studies demonstrated the formation of 8-oxodG and 8-nitroguanine in the tissues of cancer and precancerous lesions due to infection (e.g., Opisthorchis viverrini-related cholangiocarcinoma, Schistosoma haematobium-associated bladder cancer, Helicobacter pylori-infected gastric cancer, human papillomavirus-related cervical cancer, Epstein-Barr virus-infected nasopharyngeal carcinoma) and pro-inflammatory factors (e.g., asbestos, nanomaterials, and inflammatory diseases such as Barrett's esophagus and oral leukoplakia). Interestingly, several of our studies suggested that inflammation-associated DNA damage in cancer stem-like cells leads to cancer development with aggressive clinical features. Reactive oxygen/nitrogen species from inflammation damage not only DNA but also other biomacromolecules, such as proteins and lipids, resulting in their dysfunction. We identified oxidatively damaged proteins in cancer tissues by 2D Oxyblot followed by MALDI-TOF/TOF. As an example, oxidatively damaged transferrin released iron ion, which may mediate Fenton reactions and generate additional reactive oxygen species. Dysfunction of anti-oxidative proteins due to this damage might increase oxidative stress. Such damage in biomacromolecules may form a vicious cycle of oxidative stress, leading to cancer development. Epigenetic alterations such as DNA methylation and microRNA dysregulation play vital roles in carcinogenesis, especially in inflammation-related cancers. We examined epigenetic alterations, DNA methylation and microRNA dysregulation, in Epstein-Barr virus-related nasopharyngeal carcinoma in the endemic area of Southern China and found several differentially methylated tumor suppressor gene candidates by using a next-generation sequencer. Among these candidates, we revealed higher methylation rates of RAS-like estrogen-regulated growth inhibitor (RERG) in biopsy specimens of nasopharyngeal carcinoma more conveniently by using restriction enzyme-based real-time PCR. This result may help to improve cancer screening strategies. We profiled microRNAs of nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues using microarrays. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis confirmed the concordant downregulation of miR-497 in cancer tissues and plasma, suggesting that plasma miR-497 could be used as a diagnostic biomarker for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Chronic inflammation promotes genetic and epigenetic aberrations, with various pathogeneses. These changes may be useful biomarkers in liquid biopsy for early detection and prevention of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariko Murata
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Medicine, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu, Mie, 514-8507, Japan.
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Abstract
Infection and inflammation account for approximately 25% of cancer-causing factors. Inflammation-related cancers are characterized by mutagenic DNA lesions, such as 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) and 8-nitroguanine. Our previous studies demonstrated the formation of 8-oxodG and 8-nitroguanine in the tissues of cancer and precancerous lesions due to infection (e.g., Opisthorchis viverrini-related cholangiocarcinoma, Schistosoma haematobium-associated bladder cancer, Helicobacter pylori-infected gastric cancer, human papillomavirus-related cervical cancer, Epstein-Barr virus-infected nasopharyngeal carcinoma) and pro-inflammatory factors (e.g., asbestos, nanomaterials, and inflammatory diseases such as Barrett's esophagus and oral leukoplakia). Interestingly, several of our studies suggested that inflammation-associated DNA damage in cancer stem-like cells leads to cancer development with aggressive clinical features. Reactive oxygen/nitrogen species from inflammation damage not only DNA but also other biomacromolecules, such as proteins and lipids, resulting in their dysfunction. We identified oxidatively damaged proteins in cancer tissues by 2D Oxyblot followed by MALDI-TOF/TOF. As an example, oxidatively damaged transferrin released iron ion, which may mediate Fenton reactions and generate additional reactive oxygen species. Dysfunction of anti-oxidative proteins due to this damage might increase oxidative stress. Such damage in biomacromolecules may form a vicious cycle of oxidative stress, leading to cancer development. Epigenetic alterations such as DNA methylation and microRNA dysregulation play vital roles in carcinogenesis, especially in inflammation-related cancers. We examined epigenetic alterations, DNA methylation and microRNA dysregulation, in Epstein-Barr virus-related nasopharyngeal carcinoma in the endemic area of Southern China and found several differentially methylated tumor suppressor gene candidates by using a next-generation sequencer. Among these candidates, we revealed higher methylation rates of RAS-like estrogen-regulated growth inhibitor (RERG) in biopsy specimens of nasopharyngeal carcinoma more conveniently by using restriction enzyme-based real-time PCR. This result may help to improve cancer screening strategies. We profiled microRNAs of nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues using microarrays. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis confirmed the concordant downregulation of miR-497 in cancer tissues and plasma, suggesting that plasma miR-497 could be used as a diagnostic biomarker for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Chronic inflammation promotes genetic and epigenetic aberrations, with various pathogeneses. These changes may be useful biomarkers in liquid biopsy for early detection and prevention of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariko Murata
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Medicine, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu, Mie, 514-8507, Japan.
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