MiR-486 as an effective biomarker in cancer diagnosis and prognosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Myogenic microRNAs as Therapeutic Targets for Skeletal Muscle Mass Wasting in Breast Cancer Models

Breast cancer is the type of cancer with the highest prevalence in women worldwide. Skeletal muscle atrophy is an important prognostic factor in women diagnosed with breast cancer. This atrophy stems from disrupted skeletal muscle homeostasis, triggered by diminished anabolic signalling and heightened inflammatory conditions, culminating in an upregulation of skeletal muscle proteolysis gene expression. The importance of delving into research on modulators of skeletal muscle atrophy, such as microRNAs (miRNAs), which play a crucial role in regulating cellular signalling pathways involved in skeletal muscle protein synthesis and degradation, has been recognised. This holds true for conditions of homeostasis as well as pathologies like cancer. However, the determination of specific miRNAs that modulate skeletal muscle atrophy in breast cancer conditions has not yet been explored. In this narrative review, we aim to identify miRNAs that could directly or indirectly influence skeletal muscle atrophy in breast cancer models to gain an updated perspective on potential therapeutic targets that could be modulated through resistance exercise training, aiming to mitigate the loss of skeletal muscle mass in breast cancer patients.

LINC00606 promotes glioblastoma progression through sponge miR-486-3p and interaction with ATP11B

BACKGROUND

LncRNAs regulate tumorigenesis and development in a variety of cancers. We substantiate for the first time that LINC00606 is considerably expressed in glioblastoma (GBM) patient specimens and is linked with adverse prognosis. This suggests that LINC00606 may have the potential to regulate glioma genesis and progression, and that the biological functions and molecular mechanisms of LINC00606 in GBM remain largely unknown.

METHODS

The expression of LINC00606 and ATP11B in glioma and normal brain tissues was evaluated by qPCR, and the biological functions of the LINC00606/miR-486-3p/TCF12/ATP11B axis in GBM were verified through a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments. The molecular mechanism of LINC00606 was elucidated by immunoblotting, FISH, RNA pulldown, CHIP-qPCR, and a dual-luciferase reporter assay.

RESULTS

We demonstrated that LINC00606 promotes glioma cell proliferation, clonal expansion and migration, while reducing apoptosis levels. Mechanistically, on the one hand, LINC00606 can sponge miR-486-3p; the target gene TCF12 of miR-486-3p affects the transcriptional initiation of LINC00606, PTEN and KLLN. On the other hand, it can also regulate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to mediate glioma cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis by binding to ATP11B protein.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the LINC00606/miR-486-3p/TCF12/ATP11B axis is involved in the regulation of GBM progression and plays a role in tumor regulation at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels primarily through LINC00606 sponging miR-486-3p and targeted binding to ATP11B. Therefore, our research on the regulatory network LINC00606 could be a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of GBM.

Customizing EV-CATCHER to Purify Placental Extracellular Vesicles from Maternal Plasma to Detect Placental Pathologies

Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS) is a life-threatening condition in which placental trophoblastic cells abnormally invade the uterus, often up to the uterine serosa and, in extreme cases, tissues beyond the uterine wall. Currently, there is no clinical assay for the non-invasive detection of PAS, and only ultrasound and MRI can be used for its diagnosis. Considering the subjectivity of visual assessment, the detection of PAS necessitates a high degree of expertise and, in some instances, can lead to its misdiagnosis. In clinical practice, up to 50% of pregnancies with PAS remain undiagnosed until delivery, and it is associated with increased risk of morbidity/mortality. Although many studies have evaluated the potential of fetal biomarkers circulating in maternal blood, very few studies have evaluated the potential of circulating placental extracellular vesicles (EVs) and their miRNA contents for molecular detection of PAS. Thus, to purify placental EVs from maternal blood, we customized our robust ultra-sensitive immuno-purification assay, termed EV-CATCHER, with a monoclonal antibody targeting the membrane Placental Alkaline Phosphatase (PLAP) protein, which is unique to the placenta and present on the surface of placental EVs. Then, as a pilot evaluation, we compared the miRNA expression profiles of placental EVs purified from the maternal plasma of women diagnosed with placenta previa (controls, n = 16); placenta lying low in uterus but not invasive) to those of placental EVs purified from the plasma of women with placenta percreta (cases, n = 16), PAS with the highest level of invasiveness. Our analyses reveal that miRNA profiling of PLAP+ EVs purified from maternal plasma identified 40 differentially expressed miRNAs when comparing these two placental pathologies. Preliminary miRNA pathway enrichment and gene ontology analysis of the top 14 upregulated and top nine downregulated miRNAs in PLAP+ EVs, purified from the plasma of women diagnosed with placenta percreta versus those diagnosed with placenta previa, suggests a potential role in control of cellular invasion and motility that will require further investigation.

Differential expression of serum miR-486 and miR-25 in ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease: Correlations with disease activity, extent, and location

Novel reliable biomarkers of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are clinically imperative due to potential limitations of endoscopic techniques. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as non-invasive biomarkers of IBD; however, the full disease-specific miRNAs signature for IBD subtypes remains elusive. We evaluated the diagnostic role of circulating miR-486 and miR-25 in IBD patients and their potential ability to discriminate IBD subtypes; ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). Sixty UC patients, 60 CD patients, and 60 healthy controls were recruited. Serum miRNA expression was determined using RT-qPCR. Bioinformatics was employed for target gene and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analyses. Serum miR-486 was upregulated in CD patients, but didn't change in UC patients compared to controls. Conversely, serum miR-25 was decreased in both CD and UC patients compared to controls. Only miR-486 was differentially expressed between UC and CD patients. Receiver-operating characteristic analysis revealed that serum miR-486 was superior in CD diagnosis (AUC=0.945) and significantly distinguished CD and UC patients, whereas miR-25 showed discriminative potential for both UC and CD from controls. In the multivariate logistic analysis only miR-486 was associated with the risk of CD diagnosis. Serum miR-486 was correlated with CD activity index and location of disease in CD patients, whereas miR-25 was correlated with the type/extent of UC. PPI network analysis revealed common target genes and signaling pathways for both miRNAs. Conclusively, serum miR-486 and miR-25 might serve as new biomarkers of IBD, with serum miR-486 could be employed in risk stratification of IBD subtypes and has the ground for clinical utility in CD diagnosis, whereas miR-25 has potential for UC and CD diagnosis.

Remote Adipose Tissue-Derived Stromal Cells of Patients with Lung Adenocarcinoma Generate a Similar Malignant Microenvironment of the Lung Stromal Counterpart

Cancer alters both local and distant tissue by influencing the microenvironment. In this regard, the interplay with the stromal fraction is considered critical as this latter can either foster or hamper the progression of the disease. Accordingly, the modality by which tumors may alter distant niches of stromal cells is still unclear, especially at early stages. In this short report, we attempt to better understand the biology of this cross-talk. In our "autologous stromal experimental setting," we found that remote adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (mediastinal AMSC) obtained from patients with lung adenocarcinoma sustain proliferation and clonogenic ability of A549 and human primary lung adenocarcinoma cells similarly to the autologous stromal lung counterpart (LMSC). This effect is not observed in lung benign diseases such as the hamartochondroma. This finding was validated by conditioning benign AMSC with supernatants from LAC for up to 21 days. The new reconditioned media of the stromal fraction so obtained, was able to increase cell proliferation of A549 cells at 14 and 21 days similar to that derived from AMSC of patients with lung adenocarcinoma. The secretome generated by remote AMSC revealed overlapping to the corresponding malignant microenvironment of the autologous local LMSC. Among the plethora of 80 soluble factors analyzed by arrays, a small pool of 5 upregulated molecules including IL1-β, IL-3, MCP-1, TNF-α, and EGF, was commonly shared by both malignant-like autologous A- and L-MSC derived microenvironments vs those benign. The bioinformatics analysis revealed that these proteins were strictly and functionally interconnected to lung fibrosis and proinflammation and that miR-126, 101, 486, and let-7-g were their main targets. Accordingly, we found that in lung cancer tissues and blood samples from the same set of patients here employed, miR-126 and miR-486 displayed the highest expression levels in tissue and blood, respectively. When the miR-126-3p was silenced in A549 treated with AMSC-derived conditioned media from patients with lung adenocarcinoma, cell proliferation decreased compared to control media.

Different Liquid Biopsies for the Management of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in the Mutational Oncology Era

In the last ten years, liquid biopsy has been slowly joining the traditional invasive techniques for the diagnosis and monitoring of tumors. Liquid biopsies allow easy repeated sampling of blood, reflect the tumor scenario, and make personalized therapy real for the patient. Liquid biopsies isolate and utilize different substrates present in patients' body fluids such as circulating tumor cells, circulating tumor DNA, tumor extracellular vesicles, etc. One of the most-used solid cancers in the development of the non-invasive liquid biopsy approach that has benefited from scientific advances is non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Using liquid biopsy, it is possible to have more details on NSCLC staging, progression, heterogeneity, gene mutations and clonal evolution, etc., basing the treatment on precision medicine as well as on the screening of markers for therapeutic resistance. With this review, the authors propose a complete and current overview of all different liquid biopsies available to date, to understand how much has been carried out and how much remains to be completed for a better characterization of NSCLC.

Diagnostic and prognostic value of microRNA-486 in patients with lung cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

There are conflicting opinions on whether miR-486 could be used for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Therefore, this present study investigated the potential effect of miR-486 on lung cancer diagnosis and prognosis.

METHODS

We researched PubMed, Embase, Wanfang and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure databases to select relevant publications. Specificity and sensitivity were obtained for the pooled and subgroup diagnostic meta-analysis while the hazard ratio was for prognostic meta-analysis. Publication analyses and sensitivity analyses were conducted to investigate possible sources of heterogeneity.

RESULTS

The overall sensitivity and specificity with 95% confidence intervals were 0.8 (0.8-0.9) and 0.9 (0.9-0.9). Results of subgroup analysis showed that high diagnostic efficacy might be obtained by miR-486 combined with other microRNAs (area under the curve (AUC): 0.9 (0.9-1.0)) to distinguish lung cancer patients from healthy controls (AUC: 1.0 (0.9-1.0)), especially for lung adenocarcinoma (AUC: 1.0 (1.0-1.0)) in the Asian population (AUC: 0.9 (0.9-1.0)). For prognosis prediction of miR-486 in overall non-small cell lung cancer, the overall hazard ratio with 95% confidence interval was 1.15 (0.85-1.54) for high versus low expression of miR-486, which indicated that a high miR-486 level was not related to the high risk of poor outcome. However, for the subgroup of progression-free survival and patients with chemotherapy, the hazard ratio was 0.41 (0.21-0.77), indicating that the higher miR-486 level would decrease the risk of poor progression-free survival for lung cancer patients with chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION

This study suggested circulating miR-486 combined with other microRNAs could be used as ideal biomarkers in early diagnosis and prognosis prediction for lung cancer, especially for lung adenocarcinoma in the Asian population.

Skeletal muscle-specific overexpression of miR-486 limits mammary tumor-induced skeletal muscle functional limitations

miR-486 is a myogenic microRNA, and its reduced skeletal muscle expression is observed in muscular dystrophy. Transgenic overexpression of miR-486 using muscle creatine kinase promoter (MCK-miR-486) partially rescues muscular dystrophy phenotype. We had previously demonstrated reduced circulating and skeletal muscle miR-486 levels with accompanying skeletal muscle defects in mammary tumor models. To determine whether skeletal muscle miR-486 is functionally similar in dystrophies and cancer, we performed functional limitations and biochemical studies of skeletal muscles of MMTV-Neu mice that mimic HER2+ breast cancer and MMTV-PyMT mice that mimic luminal subtype B breast cancer and these mice crossed to MCK-miR-486 mice. miR-486 significantly prevented tumor-induced reduction in muscle contraction force, grip strength, and rotarod performance in MMTV-Neu mice. In this model, miR-486 reversed cancer-induced skeletal muscle changes, including loss of p53, phospho-AKT, and phospho-laminin alpha 2 (LAMA2) and gain of hnRNPA0 and SRSF10 phosphorylation. LAMA2 is a part of the dystrophin-associated glycoprotein complex, and its loss of function causes congenital muscular dystrophy. Complementing these beneficial effects on muscle, miR-486 indirectly reduced tumor growth and improved survival, which is likely due to systemic effects of miR-486 on production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6. Thus, similar to dystrophy, miR-486 has the potential to reverse skeletal muscle defects and cancer burden.

Combined miR-486 and GP88 (Progranulin) Serum Levels Are Suggested as Supportive Biomarkers for Therapy Decision in Elderly Prostate Cancer Patients

Our study aimed to assess the applicability of miR-486 in combination with soluble GP88 protein as a diagnostic and/or predictive biomarker for prostate cancer (PCa) patients. miR-486 and GP88 levels in serum samples from 136 patients undergoing MRI-guided biopsy of the prostate were assessed by qRT−PCR and ELISA, respectively. Of these, 86 patients received a histologically confirmed diagnosis of PCa. Neither marker showed an association with the diagnosis of cancer. PCa patients were separated based on (i) treatment into patients with active surveillance or patients with any type of curative treatment and (ii) age into elderly (>68 years) patients and younger patients (≤68 years). In elderly patients (N = 41) with the intention of curative treatment at optimized cut-off values, significantly higher GP88 levels (p = 0.018) and lower miR-486 levels (p = 0.014) were observed. The total PSA level and ISUP biopsy grade were used in a baseline model for predicting definitive therapy. The baseline model exhibited an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.783 (p = 0.005). The addition of the serum biomarkers miR-486 and GP88 to the baseline model yielded an improved model with an AUC of 0.808 (p = 0.002). Altogether, combined miR-486 and GP88 serum levels are associated with and are therefore suggested as supportive biomarkers for therapy decisions, particularly in elderly PCa patients.

Role of FUS-CHOP in Myxoid Liposarcoma via miR-486/CDK4 Axis

This study aimed to explore the roles and relationship between FUsed in Sarcoma (FUS)-C/EBP HOmologous Protein (CHOP), microRNA (miR)-486 and cyclin dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) in myxoid liposarcoma, and determined whether FUS-CHOP can regulate proliferation and apoptosis of myxoid liposarcoma cells by regulating miR-486/CDK4 axis. The levels of miR-486, CDK4 and FUS-CHOP in myxoid liposarcoma samples/adjacent normal muscle tissues and myxoid liposarcoma/human adipose-derived stem cell line were evaluated using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were performed using 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide and flow cytometry, respectively. Furthermore, the apoptosis-related proteins were determined using Western blot assay. We found that miR-486 was down-regulated, FUS-CHOP and CDK4 were up-regulated in myxoid liposarcoma tissues and myxoid liposarcoma cell lines. Moreover, FUS-CHOP-siRNA distinctly suppressed FUS-CHOP level and increased miR-486 levels in 1955/91 cells. Our results demonstrated that knockdown of FUS-CHOP by siRNA inhibited 1955/91 growth, promoted cell apoptosis and enhanced cleaved Caspase3 protein expression. However, all these data were reversed by miR-486 inhibitor. Similarly, compared to mimic control, miR-486 mimic markedly reduced 1955/91 cells growth, induced cell apoptosis and fortified cleaved Caspase3 level, while these results were abolished by CDK4-plasmid. Collectively, our observations clearly suggested that FUS-CHOP regulated myxoid liposarcoma cell proliferation and apoptosis by the regulation of miR-486/CDK4 axis, indicating the potential use of FUS-CHOP-siRNA as a promising therapy for myxoid liposarcoma.

Insulin Resistance and Cancer: In Search for a Causal Link

Insulin resistance (IR) is a condition which refers to individuals whose cells and tissues become insensitive to the peptide hormone, insulin. Over the recent years, a wealth of data has made it clear that a synergistic relationship exists between IR, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and cancer. Although the underlying mechanism(s) for this association remain unclear, it is well established that hyperinsulinemia, a hallmark of IR, may play a role in tumorigenesis. On the other hand, IR is strongly associated with visceral adiposity dysfunction and systemic inflammation, two conditions which favor the establishment of a pro-tumorigenic environment. Similarly, epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA, in IR states, have been often associated with tumorigenesis in numerous types of human cancer. In addition to these observations, it is also broadly accepted that gut microbiota may play an intriguing role in the development of IR-related diseases, including type 2 diabetes and cancer, whereas potential chemopreventive properties have been attributed to some of the most commonly used antidiabetic medications. Herein we provide a concise overview of the most recent literature in this field and discuss how different but interrelated molecular pathways may impact on tumor development.

miR-486 Promotes the Invasion and Cell Cycle Progression of Ovarian Cancer Cells by Targeting CADM1

Objective

To explore the role and possible underlying mechanism of miR-486 in ovarian cancer (OC) cells.

Methods

The expression of miR-486 and CADM1 was detected by qRT-PCR in OC tissues and adjacent nontumor tissues and OC cell lines. The dual-luciferase reporter gene system was used to determine the targeting relationship between miR-486 and CADM1. CCK-8, colony formation assay, Transwell, and flow cytometry were performed to detect cell proliferation, cell invasion, cell cycle progression, and the apoptotic cell death, respectively. Western blot was carried out to detect the expression of CADM1 protein and the proteins associated with cell cycle progression.

Results

miR-486 was significantly upregulated in OC tissues and cells, while CADM1 expression was significantly downregulated. Dual-luciferase reporter assays further confirmed that CADM1 was a target gene of miR-486. Interference with miR-486 could inhibit the proliferation and invasion and promoted the apoptosis of SKOV3 cells. Knocking down both miR-486 and CADM1 significantly increased the SKOV3 cell proliferation, invasion, and the number of cells transitioning from the G0/G1 phase into the S phase of cell cycle and reduced the cellular apoptosis. Western blot analysis revealed that the expression of cell cycle progression-related proteins (CyclinD1, CyclinE, and CDK6) was significantly reduced, and the p21 expression was increased when interfering with both miR-486 and CADM1 expression.

Conclusion

Our results suggested that miR-486 could act as a tumor promoter by targeting CADM1 and be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of OC.

Relationship between diagnostic accuracy of microRNAs for NSCLC and number of combined microRNAs: an overview with meta-analysis

Objective: Several systematic reviews (SRs) have assessed the diagnostic accuracy of microRNAs (miRNAs) for NSCLC, and this overview aimed to assess the relationship between diagnostic accuracy of miRNAs for NSCLC and number of microRNAs combinations. Methods: Embase.com, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched. The PRISMA-DTA was used for reporting quality evaluation. Meta-analysis was conducted to assess the pooled diagnostic accuracy of different miRNAs combinations, and subgroup analyses were performed based on the source of miRNA. Results: Fourteen SRs with 91 original studies were included. Three SRs had minimal reporting flaws, and 11 SRs had medium flaws. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.76 and 0.80 for single miRNA, 0.80 and 0.81 for two miRNAs combined, 0.82 and 0.88 for three miRNAs combined, 0.88 and 0.92 for four miRNAs combined, 0.87 and 0.87 for five miRNAs combined, and 0.87 and 0.89 for six or more miRNAs combined. And miR-21 was mostly appeared. Subgroup analyses suggested that the serum-derived miRNA had the relatively best diagnostic value compared to other sources. Conclusions: Future studies should explore specific and serum-derived miRNAs in NSCLC and combine them to improve the diagnosis accuracy of NSCLC, which had great significance in economic efficiency.

Overexpression of microRNA‑486 affects the proliferation and chemosensitivity of mesothelioma cell lines by targeting PIM1

Dysregulated levels of microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs), involved in oncogenic pathways, have been proposed to contribute to the aggressiveness of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). Previous studies have highlighted the downregulation of miRNA miR-486-5p in patients with mesothelioma and the introduction of miRNA mimics to restore their reduced or absent functionality in cancer cells is considered an important therapeutic strategy. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the mechanisms through which miRNAs may influence the functions, proliferation and sensitivity to cisplatin of MPM cells. In the present study, a miR-486-5p mimic was transfected into the H2052 and H28 MPM cell lines, and cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane potential were monitored. miR-486-5p overexpression led to a clear impairment of cell proliferation, targeting CDK4 and attenuating cell cycle progression. In addition, transfection with miR-486-5p mimic negatively regulated the release of inflammatory factors and the expression of Provirus integration site for Moloney murine leukaemia virus 1 (PIM1). The sensitivity of the cells to cisplatin was enhanced by enhancing the apoptotic effects of the drug and impairing mitochondrial function. On the whole, the present study demonstrates that miR-486-5p may play an important role in MPM treatment by targeting multiple pathways involved in tumour development and progression. These activities may be mostly related to the downregulation of PIM1, a crucial regulator of cell survival and proliferation. Furthermore, these results provide support for the combined use of miR-486-5p with chemotherapy as a therapeutic strategy for MPM.

Frontiers of MicroRNA Signature in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for more than 80% of all lung cancer cases. Recent advancements in diagnostic tools, surgical treatments, chemotherapies, and molecular targeted therapies that improved the therapeutic efficacy in NSCLC. However, the 5-years relative survival rate of NSCLC is only about 20% due to the inadequate screening methods and late onset of clinical symptoms. Dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) was frequently observed in NSCLC and closely associated with NSCLC development, progression, and metastasis through regulating their target genes. In this review, we provide an updated overview of aberrant miRNA signature in NSCLC, and discuss the possibility of miRNAs becoming a diagnostic and therapeutic tool. We also discuss the possible causes of dysregulated miRNAs in NSCLC.

Nanoceria, alone or in combination with cigarette-smoke condensate, induce transforming and epigenetic cancer-like features in vitro

Aim: To detect cell transformation effects of nanoceria after long-term exposure (up to 6 weeks) and to determine their potential interactions with cigarette smoke condensate, as a model of environmental carcinogenic pollutant. Materials & methods: Human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2 cells were used to determine transformation effects (invasion and tumorspheres induction), as well as changes in the expression of a battery of miRNAs related to the carcinogenesis process. Results: Nanoceria- and co-exposed cells exhibit cell transforming potential, with significantly increased invasion and tumorsphere formation abilities. Likewise, these exposures produced a high impact on the battery of miRNAs used. Conclusion: Nanoceria exposure induces cell-transformation and shows a positive interaction with the cell-transforming effects of cigarette smoke condensate. Besides, cerium dioxide nanoparticles and the co-exposure produced potential toxicity at the transcriptome level, which is related to tumorigenesis.

Overexpression miR-486-3p Promoted by Allicin Enhances Temozolomide Sensitivity in Glioblastoma Via Targeting MGMT

Glioblastoma is the most common primary tumor of the central nervous system that develops chemotherapy resistance. Previous studies showed that Allicin could inhibit multiple cancer cells including glioblastoma, but the function of Allicin in glioblastoma is still unclear. Our work aimed to investigate the underlying molecular mechanism. The results showed that miR-486-3p levels were greatly increased in glioblastoma during Allicin treatment. Overexpression of miR-486-3p increased chemosensitivity to temozolomide (TMZ) in vitro and in vivo. O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) was identified as a direct target of miR-486-3p, and miR-486-3p overexpression prevented the protein translation of MGMT. Moreover, overexpression of MGMT restored miR-486-3p-induced chemosensitivity to TMZ. Taken together, our studies revealed that Allicin could upregulate miR-486-3p and enhance TMZ sensitivity in glioblastoma. The results suggested that in the future, Allicin can be used as an adjuvant therapy with TMZ to improve the prognosis of patients, and miR-486-3p may be a potential target for glioblastoma treatment to improve the curative effects.

MicroRNA-486-5p and microRNA-486-3p: Multifaceted pleiotropic mediators in oncological and non-oncological conditions

Despite historically known as "junk" DNA, nowadays non-coding RNA transcripts (ncRNAs) are considered as fundamental players in various physiological and pathological conditions. Nonetheless, any alteration in their expression level has been reported to be directly associated with the incidence and aggressiveness of several diseases. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are the well-studied members of the ncRNAs family. Several reports have highlighted their crucial roles in the post-transcriptional manipulation of several signaling pathways in different pathological conditions. In this review, our main focus is the multifaceted microRNA-486 (miR-486). miR-486-5p and miR-486-3p have been reported to have central roles in several types oncological and non-oncological conditions such as lung, liver, breast cancers and autism, intervertebral disc degeneration and metabolic syndrome, respectively. Moreover, we spotted the light onto the pleiotropic role of miR-486-5p in acting as competing endogenous RNA with other members of ncRNAs family such as long non-coding RNAs.

MiR-486-5p Suppresses Proliferation and Migration of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells through Downregulation of the E3 Ubiquitin Ligase CBL

MicroRNAs have been broadly implicated in cancer, but precise functions and mechanisms in carcinogenesis vary among cancer types and in many cases remain poorly understood. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the most frequent and lethal cancers. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of miR-486-5p in HCC and identify its specific target. MiR-486-5p was significantly downregulated in HCC tissues and cell lines compared with noncancerous tissues and, respectively, although expression level was not correlated with the degree of infiltration or tumor stage. However, miR-486-5p overexpression in HCC cells inhibited proliferation and migration as evidenced by CCK-8 cell counting, wound healing, and transwell assays, indicating that miR-486-5p is an HCC suppressor. We employed four miRNA databases to predict the target genes of miR-486-5p and verified retrieved genes using qPCR and western blotting. The E3 ubiquitin ligase CBL was significantly downregulated by miR-486-5p overexpression in HCC cell lines at both mRNA and protein level, and overexpression of CBL counteracted the inhibitory effects of miR-486-5p on HCC cell proliferation and migration. Moreover, CBL expression was negatively correlated with miR-486-5p expression in HCC tissues. Collectively, our results suggest that miR-486-5p may act as a tumor suppressor gene in HCC by downregulating CBL expression.

Non-Coding RNAs in IGF-1R Signaling Regulation: The Underlying Pathophysiological Link between Diabetes and Cancer

The intricate molecular network shared between diabetes mellitus (DM) and cancer has been broadly understood. DM has been associated with several hormone-dependent malignancies, including breast, pancreatic, and colorectal cancer (CRC). Insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, and inflammation are the main pathophysiological mechanisms linking DM to cancer. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), particularly microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), are widely appreciated as pervasive regulators of gene expression, governing the evolution of metabolic disorders, including DM and cancer. The ways ncRNAs affect the development of DM complicated with cancer have only started to be revealed in recent years. Insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) signaling is a master regulator of pathophysiological processes directing DM and cancer. In this review, we briefly summarize a number of well-known miRNAs and lncRNAs that regulate the IGF-1R in DM and cancer, respectively, and further discuss the potential underlying molecular pathogenesis of this disease association.

Autophagy modulators for the treatment of oral and esophageal squamous cell carcinomas

Oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) and esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCC) exhibit a survival rate of less than 60% and 40%, respectively. Late-stage diagnosis and lack of effective treatment strategies make both OSCC and ESCC a significant health burden. Autophagy, a lysosome-dependent catabolic process, involves the degradation of intracellular components to maintain cell homeostasis. Targeting autophagy has been highlighted as a feasible therapeutic strategy with clinical utility in cancer treatment, although its associated regulatory mechanisms remain elusive. The detection of relevant biomarkers in biological fluids has been anticipated to facilitate early diagnosis and/or prognosis for these tumors. In this context, recent studies have indicated the presence of specific proteins and small RNAs, detectable in circulating plasma and serum, as biomarkers. Interestingly, the interplay between biomarkers (eg, exosomal microRNAs) and autophagic processes could be exploited in the quest for targeted and more effective therapies for OSCC and ESCC. In this review, we give an overview of the available biomarkers and innovative targeted therapeutic strategies, including the application of autophagy modulators in OSCC and ESCC. Additionally, we provide a viewpoint on the state of the art and on future therapeutic perspectives combining the early detection of relevant biomarkers with drug discovery for the treatment of OSCC and ESCC.

miR-486 Promotes Capan-2 Pancreatic Cancer Cell Proliferation by Targeting Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog Deleted on Chromosome 10 (PTEN)

Introduction: Pancreatic cancer is one of the most common malignant digestive system tumors. Current treatment options for pancreatic cancer cannot achieve the expected curative effect. MicroRNAs (miRNAs and miRs) participate in many biological and pathological processes. miR-486 has been reported to be involved in diverse types of malignant tumors; however, its role in pancreatic cancer remains unclear. Material and Methods: miR-486 mimics and inhibitors were transfected into Capan-2 cells to increase or decrease the expression of miR-486. Western blot was used to detect protein expression levels. EdU proliferation assay and flow cytometry were applied to identify changes in proliferation. In combination with a PTEN overexpression plasmid, miR-486 mimics were used to determine whether PTEN upregulation abolished the proliferative effect of miR-486. Results: Overexpression of miR-486 promoted proliferation and cell cycle progression of Capan-2 cells. Conversely, the proliferation and cell cycle of Capan-2 cells were attenuated after inhibition of miR-486. Using a combination of bioinformatics and Western blot analysis, PTEN was identified as a downstream target gene of miR-486. The effect of miR-486 on Capan-2 cell proliferation could be abolished by PTEN overexpression. Conclusions: miR-486 promotes the proliferation of Capan-2 cells by targeting PTEN. Inhibition of miR-486 might be a novel therapy for pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic β-cell function is inhibited by miR-3666 in type 2 diabetes mellitus by targeting adiponectin

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is a common endocrine and metabolic disorder, and poses threats to human health worldwide. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been suggested to play important roles in the pathophysiology of T2D. In this study, we explored the role of miR-3666 in T2D. miR-3666 was significantly down-regulated in the serum of T2D patients when compared to that of healthy volunteers, and miR-3666 expression level was negatively correlated with blood glucose levels of T2D patients. Overexpression of miR-3666 inhibited cell proliferation, reduced insulin secretion, and promoted cell apoptosis of pancreatic β-cell line (INS-1 cells). On the other hand, knockdown of miR-3666 had the opposite effects in INS-1 cells. The bio-informatics analysis using TargetScan revealed that adiponectin (ADIPOQ) was a downstream target of miR-3666, and the interaction between miR-3666 and ADIPOQ was validated by luciferase reporter assay. In addition, miR-3666 negatively regulated the mRNA and protein expression of ADIPOQ. Overexpression of ADIPOQ promoted insulin secretion after glucose stimulation, promoted cell proliferation, inhibited cell apoptosis, and partially abolished the effects of miR-3666 overexpression on insulin secretion, cell proliferation, and cell apoptosis of INS-1 cells. In conclusion, our results revealed that miR-3666 inhibited pancreatic cell proliferation, reduced insulin sensitivity, and promoted apoptosis by targeting ADIPOQ.