MicroRNA-3127 promotes cell proliferation and tumorigenicity in hepatocellular carcinoma by disrupting of PI3K/AKT negative regulation

Non-coding RNA mediated regulation of PI3K/Akt pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma: Therapeutic perspectives

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the primary reasons for fatalities caused by cancer globally, highlighting the need for comprehensive knowledge of its molecular aetiology to develop successful treatment approaches. The PI3K/Akt system is essential in the course of HCC, rendering it an intriguing candidate for treatment. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as long ncRNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), are important mediators of the PI3K/Akt network in HCC. The article delves into the complex regulatory functions of ncRNAs in influencing the PI3K/Akt system in HCC. The study explores how lncRNAs, miRNAs, and circRNAs impact the expression as well as the function of the PI3K/Akt network, either supporting or preventing HCC growth. Additionally, treatment strategies focusing on ncRNAs in HCC are examined, such as antisense oligonucleotide-based methods, RNA interference, and small molecule inhibitor technologies. Emphasizing the necessity of ensuring safety and effectiveness in clinical settings, limitations, and future approaches in using ncRNAs as therapies for HCC are underlined. The present study offers useful insights into the complex regulation system of ncRNAs and the PI3K/Akt cascade in HCC, suggesting possible opportunities for developing innovative treatment approaches to address this lethal tumor.

Plausible role of INPP4A dysregulation in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

INPP4A has been shown to be involved in the regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis of multiple cell types including fibroblasts. Previous reports from our group have demonstrated the role of inositol polyphosphate 4-phosphatase Type I A (INPP4A) in these functions. Though existing evidences suggest a critical role for INPP4A in the maintenance of lung homeostasis, its role in chronic lung diseases is relatively under explored. In the current study, we made an attempt to understand the regulation of INPP4A in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Through integration of relevant INPP4A gene expression data from public repositories with our results from in vitro experiments and mouse models, we show that INPP4A is altered in IPF. Interestingly, the direction of the change is dependent both on the disease stage and the region of the lung used. INPP4A was found to be upregulated when analyzed in lung sample representative of the whole lung, but was downregulated in the fibrotic regions of the lung. Similarly, INPP4A was found to be high, compared to controls, only in the early stage of the disease. Though the observed increase in INPP4A was found to be negatively correlated to physiological indices, FVC, and DLCO, of lung function, treatment with anti-INPP4A antibody worsened the condition in bleomycin treated mice. These contrasting results taken together are suggestive of a nuanced regulation of INPP4A in IPF which is dependent on the disease stage, cellular state and extent of fibrosis in the lung region being analyzed.

Comprehensive analysis of differentially expressed miRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma: Prognostic, predictive significance and pathway insights

Robust prognostic and predictive factors for hepatocellular carcinoma, a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, have not yet been identified. Previous studies have identified potential HCC determinants such as genetic mutations, epigenetic alterations, and pathway dysregulation. However, the clinical significance of these molecular alterations remains elusive. MicroRNAs are major regulators of protein expression. MiRNA functions are frequently altered in cancer. In this study, we aimed to explore the prognostic value of differentially expressed miRNAs in HCC, to elucidate their associated pathways and their impact on treatment response. To this aim, bioinformatics techniques and clinical dataset analyses were employed to identify differentially expressed miRNAs in HCC compared to normal hepatic tissue. We validated known associations and identified a novel miRNA signature with potential prognostic significance. Our comprehensive analysis identified new miRNA-targeted pathways and showed that some of these protein coding genes predict HCC patients' response to the tyrosine kinase inhibitor sorafenib.

Survival associated miRNA signature in patients with head and neck carcinomas

Head and neck carcinoma (HNSC) is often diagnosed at advanced stage, incurring poor patient outcome. Despite of advances in chemoradiation and surgery approaches, limited improvements in survival rates of HNSC have been observed over the last decade. Accumulating evidences have demonstrated the importance of microRNAs (miRNAs) in carcinogenesis. In this context, we sought to identify a miRNA signature associated with the survival time in patients with HNSC. This study proposed a survival estimation method called HNSC-Sig that identified a miRNA signature consists of 25 miRNAs associated with the survival in 133 patients with HNSC. HNSC-Sig achieved 10-fold cross validation a mean correlation coefficient and a mean absolute error of 0.85 ± 0.01 and 0.46 ± 0.02 years, respectively, between actual and estimated survival times. The survival analysis revealed that five miRNAs, hsa-miR-3605-3p, hsa-miR-629-3p, hsa-miR-3127-5p, hsa-miR-497-5p, and hsa-miR-374a-5p, were significantly associated with prognosis in patients with HNSC. Comparing the relative expression difference of top 10 prioritized miRNAs, eight miRNAs, hsa-miR-629-3p, hsa-miR-3127-5p, hsa-miR-221-3p, hsa-miR-501-5p, hsa-miR-491-5p, hsa-miR-149-3p, hsa-miR-3934-5p, and hsa-miR-3170, were significantly expressed between cancer and normal groups. In addition, biological relevance, disease association, and target interactions of the miRNA signature were discussed. Our results suggest that identified miRNA signature have potential to serve as biomarker for diagnosis and clinical practice in HNSC.

Emerging roles of PHLPP phosphatases in the nervous system

It has been more than a decade since the discovery of a novel class of phosphatase, the Pleckstrin Homology (PH) domain Leucine-rich repeat Protein Phosphatases (PHLPP). Over time, they have been recognized as crucial regulators of various cellular processes, such as memory formation, cellular survival and proliferation, maintenance of circadian rhythm, and others, with any deregulation in their expression or cellular localization causing havoc in any cellular system. With the ever-growing number of downstream substrates across multiple tissue systems, a web is emerging wherein the central point is PHLPP. A slight nick in the normal signaling cascade of the two isoforms of PHLPP, namely PHLPP1 and PHLPP2, has been recently found to invoke a variety of neurological disorders including Alzheimer's disease, epileptic seizures, Parkinson's disease, and others, in the neuronal system. Improper regulation of the two isoforms has also been associated with various disease pathologies such as diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, cancer, musculoskeletal disorders, etc. In this review, we have summarized all the current knowledge about PHLPP1 (PHLPP1α and PHLPP1β) and PHLPP2 and their emerging roles in regulating various neuronal signaling pathways to pave the way for a better understanding of the complexities. This would in turn aid in providing context for the development of possible future therapeutic strategies.

PHLPPs: Emerging players in metabolic disorders

That reversible protein phosphorylation by kinases and phosphatases occurs in metabolic disorders is well known. Various studies have revealed that a multi-faceted and tightly regulated phosphatase, pleckstrin homology domain leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatase (PHLPP)-1/2 displays robust effects in cardioprotection, ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R), and vascular remodelling. PHLPP1 promotes foamy macrophage development through ChREBP/AMPK-dependent pathways. Adipocyte-specific loss of PHLPP2 reduces adiposity, improves glucose tolerance,and attenuates fatty liver via the PHLPP2-HSL-PPARα axis. Discoveries of PHLPP1-mediated insulin resistance and pancreatic β cell death via the PHLPP1/2-Mst1-mTORC1 triangular loop have shed light on its significance in diabetology. PHLPP1 downregulation attenuates diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) by restoring PI3K-Akt-mTOR signalling. In this review, we summarise the functional role of, and cellular signalling mediated by, PHLPPs in metabolic tissues and discuss their potential as therapeutic targets.

miRNAs inspirations in hepatocellular carcinoma: Detrimental and favorable aspects of key performers

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. HCC initiation, progression, and therapy failure are all influenced by various variables, including microRNAs (miRNAs). miRNAs are short non-coding RNA sequences that modulate target mRNA expression by deteriorating or repressing translation. miRNAs play an imperative role in HCC pathogenesis by triggering the induction of cancer stem cells (CSCs) and their proliferation, while also delaying apoptosis, sustaining the cell cycle, and inspiring angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. Additionally, miRNAs modulate crucial HCC-related molecular pathways such as the p53 pathway, the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, VEGFR2, and PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway. Consequently, the goal of this review was to give an up-to-date overview of oncogenic and tumor suppressor (TS) miRNAs, as well as their potential significance in HCC pathogenesis and treatment responses, highlighting their underpinning molecular pathways in HCC initiation and progression. Similarly, the biological importance and clinical application of miRNAs in HCC are summarized.

LINC00961 functions as an anti-oncogene in non-small cell lung carcinoma by regulation of miR-3127

BACKGROUND

This study set out to explore the regulatory relationship between LINC00961/miR-3127 axis and non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), so as to provide a new and effective molecular target for targeted therapy of NSCLC.

METHODS

RNA-seq and miRNA-seq data of NSCLC and normal samples were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database for analyzing LINC00961 and miR-3127 expression. Eighty-six pairs of clinical NSCLC tissues and adjacent normal tissues as well as NSCLC cell lines were obtained. Measurements of LINK00961 and miR-3127 levels were done using real-time-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Furthermore, LINK00961 and miR-3127 in NSCLC cell were regulated respectively. The NSCLC cell proliferation, invasion and migration were determined with MTT assay, Transwell and wound healing assays, respectively. The levels of invasion- and apoptosis-related proteins were detected using western blots, and the connection of LINC00961 and miR-3127 was identified using dual luciferase reporter (DLR) assay.

RESULTS

Differential analysis results of TCGA databases identified that LINC00961 was ubiquitously expressed at low levels in NSCLC, while miR-3127 was highly expressed. Similar expression trends of LINC00961 and miR-3127 were observed in clinical NSCLC samples and cell lines. Overexpression of LINC00961 and knockdown of miR-3127 significantly reduced NCI-H1299 cell migration, invasiveness, and multiplication, decreased MMP-2, MMP-9 and Bcl-2 protein levels, and increased E-cadherin, Bax and Caspase-3 protein levels. The DLR assay confirmed that miR-3127 can be targeted by LINC00961.

CONCLUSION

LINC00961 functions as an anti-oncogene in NSCLC by modulating miR-3127.

How metformin affects various malignancies by means of microRNAs: a brief review

Metformin known as the first-line orally prescribed drug for lowering blood glucose in type II diabetes (T2DM) has recently found various therapeutic applications including in cancer. Metformin has been studied for its influences in prevention and treatment of cancer through multiple mechanisms such as microRNA (miR) regulation. Alteration in the expression of miRs by metformin may play an important role in the treatment of various cancers. MiRs are single-stranded RNAs that are involved in gene regulation. By binding to the 3'UTR of target mRNAs, miRs influence protein levels. Irregularities in the expression of miRs that control the expression of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes are associated with the onset and progression of cancer. Metformin may possess an effect on tumor prevention and progression by modifying miR expression and downstream pathways. Here, we summarize the effect of metformin on different types of cancer by regulating the expression of various miRs and the associated downstream molecules.

In situ self-assembly of Au-antimiR-155 nanocomplexes mediates TLR3-dependent apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells

MicroRNA 155 (miRNA-155) is frequently dysregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and other cancer types. Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3), a putative miR-155 target, plays a key role in liver pathophysiology, and its downregulation in HCC cells is associated with apoptosis evasion and poor outcomes. Herein, we examined the ability of in situ self-assembled Au-antimiR-155 nanocomplexes (Au-antimiRNA NCs) to activate TLR3 signaling in HCC cells. Gene expression analysis confirmed an inverse relationship between miR-155 and TLR3 expression in HCC samples, and marked upregulation of miR-155 was observed in HCC cells but not in normal L02 hepatocytes. RNA immunoprecipitation confirmed physical interaction between miR-155 and TLR3, while negative regulation of TLR3 expression by miR-155 was demonstrated by luciferase reporter assays. Au-antimiR-155 NCs were self-assembled within HepG2 HCC cells, but not within control L02 cells. They efficiently silenced miR-155, thereby inhibiting proliferation and migration and inducing apoptosis in HepG2 cells. Molecular analyses suggested these effects are secondary to TLR3 signaling mediating NF-κB transcription, caspase-8 activation, and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) release. Our results provide a basis for future studies examining the in vivo applicability of this novel Au-antimiRNA NCs delivery system to halt HCC progression by activating pro-apoptotic TLR3 signaling.

Identification and Validation of an Energy Metabolism-Related lncRNA-mRNA Signature for Lower-Grade Glioma

Energy metabolic processes play important roles for tumor malignancy, indicating that related protein-coding genes and regulatory upstream genes (such as long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs)) may represent potential biomarkers for prognostic prediction. This study will develop a new energy metabolism-related lncRNA-mRNA prognostic signature for lower-grade glioma (LGG) patients. A GSE4290 dataset obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus was used for screening the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and lncRNAs (DELs). The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset was used as the prognosis training set, while the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) was for the validation set. Energy metabolism-related genes were collected from the Molecular Signatures Database (MsigDB), and a coexpression network was established between energy metabolism-related DEGs and DELs to identify energy metabolism-related DELs. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis was performed to filter the prognostic signature which underwent survival analysis and nomogram construction. A total of 1613 DEGs and 37 DELs were identified between LGG and normal brain tissues. One hundred and ten DEGs were overlapped with energy metabolism-related genes. Twenty-seven DELs could coexpress with 67 metabolism-related DEGs. LASSO regression analysis showed that 9 genes in the coexpression network were the optimal signature and used to construct the risk score. Kaplan-Meier curve analysis showed that patients with a high risk score had significantly worse OS than those with a low risk score (TCGA: HR = 3.192, 95%CI = 2.182‐4.670; CGGA: HR = 1.922, 95%CI = 1.431‐2.583). The predictive accuracy of the risk score was also high according to the AUC of the ROC curve (TCGA: 0.827; CGGA: 0.806). Multivariate Cox regression analyses revealed age, IDH1 mutation, and risk score as independent prognostic factors, and thus, a prognostic nomogram was established based on these three variables. The excellent prognostic performance of the nomogram was confirmed by calibration and discrimination analyses. In conclusion, our findings provided a new biomarker for the stratification of LGG patients with poor prognosis.

LINC00319-Mediated miR-3127 Repression Enhances Bladder Cancer Progression Through Upregulation of RAP2A

Recent studies suggested that microRNA-3127 (miR-3127) was dysregulated in multiple tumor types and has important roles in tumorigenesis and cancer progression. However, its biological roles and the mechanisms that regulate its expression in bladder cancer (BCA) remain to be determined. The expression level of miR-3127 was measured in BCA tissues and its cellular functions were examined using both in vitro and in vivo experiments. The interaction between miR-3127 and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) LINC00319 was explored using RNA immunoprecipitation assay and luciferase reporter assays. We showed that miR-3127 expression was significantly downregulated in human BCA tissues and BCA cell lines. Lower miR-3127 levels were associated with worse survival in BCA patients. The overexpression of miR-3127 impaired BCA cell proliferation and invasion, and the knockdown of miR-3127 enhanced BCA cell proliferation and invasion in vitro. Importantly, miR-3127 was able to suppress cell growth in vivo. We demonstrated that miR-3127 repressed the proliferation and invasion of BCA cells though directly targeted the 3′-UTR of RAP2A, which served as a novel oncogene in BCA cells. The suppression of cell proliferation and invasion caused by miR-3127 overexpression could be partially abrogated by ectopic expression of RAP2A. Furthermore, high expression of LINC00319 was correlated with adverse survival in BCA patients. LINC00319 could bind directly with miR-3127 and inhibited its expression, and the tumor-promoting effects of LINC00319 could be reversed by re-expression of miR-3127 in BCA cells. Our findings indicated that lncRNA LINC00319-mediated miR-3127 repression promotes BCA progression through the upregulation of RAP2A. The re-introduction of miR-3127 or inhibition of LINC00319 might represent a promising therapeutic strategy for BCA treatment.

lncRNA FOXD2-AS1 affects trophoblast cell proliferation, invasion and migration through targeting miRNA

The abnormal expression of lncRNAs and miRNAs has been found in the placentas of patients with preeclampsia (PE). Therefore, we determined the role of lncRNA FOXD2-AS1/miR-3127 in trophoblast cells. The expression of lncRNA FOXD2-AS1 was detected by qRT-PCR. The proliferation, migration and invasion ability of trophoblast cells were evaluated using CCK-8, wound healing and transwell assays. The target gene of lncRNA FOXD2-AS1 was determined by StarBase and luciferase reporter assays. Western blotting was used to analyze the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9). The results showed that FOXD2-AS1 affected trophoblast cell viability in vitro, while the expression of miR-3127 was decreased. FOXD2-AS1 silencing decreased the promotion effects on trophoblast cell induced by miR-3127 inhibition. In addition, FOXD2-AS1 and miR-3127 presented the same effect on MMP2 and MMP9 levels. lncRNA FOXD2-AS1 modulated trophoblast cell proliferation, invasion and migration through downregulating miR-3127 expression. Therefore, lncRNA FOXD2-AS1 could act as a latent therapeutic marker in preeclampsia.

RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK, PI3K/PTEN/AKT/mTORC1 and TP53 pathways and regulatory miRs as therapeutic targets in hepatocellular carcinoma

Introduction: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant problem globally because of viral infections and the increasing incidence of obesity and fatty liver disease. However, it is difficult to treat because its inherent genetic heterogeneity results in activation of numerous signaling pathways. Kinases have been targeted for decades with varying results, but the development of therapeutic resistance is a major challenge.Areas covered: The key roles of the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK, PI3K/PTEN/AKT/mTORC1, TP53 microRNAs (miRs) as therapeutic targets are discussed and we suggests novel approaches for targeting miRs or their downstream targets to combat HCC. We performed literature searches using the Medline Database from 2000 to the present.Expert opinion: The involvement of RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK, PI3K/PTEN/AKT/mTORC and TP53 pathways as drivers of the disease and drug resistance is a challenge. Moreover, miRs regulate the expression of key genes in these pathways. What we and others are proposing is the prospect of targeting miRs and their downstream targets to improve conventional approaches to treat HCC. Combination approaches are often promising because multiple signaling pathways are deregulated due to diverse mutations and events.

Role of regulatory miRNAs of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the common malignant human tumors with high morbidity worldwide. Aberrant activation of the oncogenic phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) signaling is related to clinicopathological features of HCC. Emerging data revealed that microRNAs (miRNAs) have prominent implications for regulating cellular proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and metabolism through targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling axis. The recognition of the crucial role of miRNAs in hepatocarcinogenesis represents a promising area to identify novel anticancer therapeutics for HCC. The present study summarizes the major findings about the regulatory role of miRNAs in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in the pathogenesis of HCC.

Upregulation of sine oculis homeobox homolog 3 is associated with proliferation, invasion, migration, as well as poor prognosis of esophageal cancer

Esophageal cancer (EC) is a common cancer worldwide. Sine oculis homeobox homolog (SIX3) is a human transcription factor that regulates the progression of vertebrate eye and fetal forebrain. However, studies on the function of SIX3 in human tumorigenesis remain rare. In this study, we aim to evaluate the role and the significance of SIX3 in EC. The TCGA database and clinical samples were used to assess the expression of SIX3 in EC patients. The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox's proportional hazards model were performed to analyze the correlations between SIX3 expression and EC clinical outcomes. The expressions of SIX3 in EC cells were measured by quantitative reverse transcription PCR analysis. The cell proliferation was detected using cell counting kit-8 and colony formation assay. The migration and invasion capacity of EC cells were evaluated using wound healing and Transwell methods. Western blot assay was used to measure the alterations in some important protein expression levels in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. We found that SIX3 was highly expressed in the EC tissues and cells. In addition, high expression of SIX3 was related to poor survival. The knockdown of SIX3 significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of ECA109 cells. A similar pattern was also found in the proliferation and migration of SKGT-4 cell line. The expression levels of some key proteins in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway were obviously decreased after cells were transfected with si-SIX3, possibly resulting in PI3K/AKT signaling inactivation. In addition, E-cadherin and N-cadherin showed some change. Collectively, the results shed light on a potentially promoting role of SIX3 in human EC. Thus, SIX3 might be considered a novel prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for EC patients.

Phosphoinositide phosphatases in cancer cell dynamics-Beyond PI3K and PTEN

Phosphoinositides are a group of lipids that regulate intracellular signaling and subcellular biological events. The signaling by phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate and Akt mediates the action of growth factors that are essential for cell proliferation, gene transcription, cell migration, and polarity. The hyperactivation of this signaling has been identified in different cancer cells; and, it has been implicated in oncogenic transformation and cancer cell malignancy. Recent studies have argued the role of phosphoinositides in cancer cell dynamics, including actin cytoskeletal rearrangement at the plasma membrane and the organization of intracellular compartments. The focus of this review is to summarize the impact of the activities of phosphoinositide phosphatases on intracellular signaling related to cancer cell dynamics and to discuss how the abnormalities in the activities of the enzymes alter the levels of phosphoinositides in cancer cells.

DNA methylation and FoxO3a regulate PHLPP1 expression in chondrocytes

The protein phosphatase Phlpp1 is an essential enzyme for proper chondrocyte function. Altered Phlpp1 levels are associated with cancer and degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis. While much is known about the post-transcriptional mechanisms controlling Phlpp1 levels, transcriptional regulation of the Phlpp1 gene locus is underexplored. We previously showed that CpG methylation of the PHLPP1 promoter is lower in osteoarthritic cartilage than in normal cartilage, and indirectly correlates with gene expression. Here we further defined the effects of DNA methylation on PHLPP1 promoter activity in chondrocytes. We cloned a 1791 bp fragment of the PHLPP1 promoter (-1589:+202) and found that the first 500 bp were required for maximal promoter activity. General methylation of CpG sites within this fragment significantly blunts transcriptional activity, whereas site-specific methyltransferases HhaI or HpaII decrease transcriptional activation by approximately 50%. We located putative FoxO consensus sites within the PHLPP1 promoter region. Inhibition of DNA methylation by incorporation of 5-azacytidine increases Phlpp1 mRNA levels, but FoxO inhibition abolishes this induction. To determine which FoxO transcription factor mediates Phlpp1 expression, we performed overexpression and siRNA-mediated knock down experiments. Overexpression of FoxO3a, but not FoxO1, increases Phlpp1 levels. Likewise, siRNAs targeting FoxO3a, but not FoxO1, diminished Phlpp1 levels. Last, FoxO inhibition increases glycosaminoglycan staining of cultured chondrocytes and leads to concomitant increases in FGF18 and HAS2 expression. Together, these data demonstrate that CpG methylation and FoxO3a regulate PHLPP1 expression.

A meta-analysis of public microarray data identifies biological regulatory networks in Parkinson's disease

BACKGROUND

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a long-term degenerative disease that is caused by environmental and genetic factors. The networks of genes and their regulators that control the progression and development of PD require further elucidation.

METHODS

We examine common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from several PD blood and substantia nigra (SN) microarray datasets by meta-analysis. Further we screen the PD-specific genes from common DEGs using GCBI. Next, we used a series of bioinformatics software to analyze the miRNAs, lncRNAs and SNPs associated with the common PD-specific genes, and then identify the mTF-miRNA-gene-gTF network.

RESULT

Our results identified 36 common DEGs in PD blood studies and 17 common DEGs in PD SN studies, and five of the genes were previously known to be associated with PD. Further study of the regulatory miRNAs associated with the common PD-specific genes revealed 14 PD-specific miRNAs in our study. Analysis of the mTF-miRNA-gene-gTF network about PD-specific genes revealed two feed-forward loops: one involving the SPRK2 gene, hsa-miR-19a-3p and SPI1, and the second involving the SPRK2 gene, hsa-miR-17-3p and SPI. The long non-coding RNA (lncRNA)-mediated regulatory network identified lncRNAs associated with PD-specific genes and PD-specific miRNAs. Moreover, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis of the PD-specific genes identified two significant SNPs, and SNP analysis of the neurodegenerative disease-specific genes identified seven significant SNPs. Most of these SNPs are present in the 3'-untranslated region of genes and are controlled by several miRNAs.

CONCLUSION

Our study identified a total of 53 common DEGs in PD patients compared with healthy controls in blood and brain datasets and five of these genes were previously linked with PD. Regulatory network analysis identified PD-specific miRNAs, associated long non-coding RNA and feed-forward loops, which contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms underlying PD. The SNPs identified in our study can determine whether a genetic variant is associated with PD. Overall, these findings will help guide our study of the complex molecular mechanism of PD.

FOXO1 inhibits the invasion and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma by reversing ZEB2-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition

The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) program is critical for epithelial cell cancer progression and fibrotic diseases. FOXO1 influences a broad range of physiological and pathological processes. However, the mechanism by which FOXO1 inhibits EMT is not fully understood. In this study, we demonstrated that FOXO1 overexpression inhibited cell motility and invasiveness in vitro and inhibited lung metastasis in vivo. In addition, we found that FOXO1 couldreverse the EMT program. FOXO1 silencing by siRNA in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines enhanced the expression of mesenchymal markers and decreased the expression of the epithelial markers. Consistent with these findings, FOXO1 overexpression exerted opposite effects. Furthermore, we found that FOXO1 levels were inversely correlated with the levels of EMT inducers, including Snail, Slug, ZEB1, ZEB2 and Twist1 in HCC cells. Co-immunoprecipitation and immunohistochemistry assays revealed that an interaction between FOXO1 and ZEB2. A dual-luciferase reporter assay and a ChIP assay further demonstrated that FOXO1 binds to the ZEB2 promoter. Together, these findings suggest that FOXO1 overexpression or ZEB2 inhibition might be potential therapeutic strategies for treating HCC.

Circulating miR-21, miR-378, and miR-940 increase in response to an acute exhaustive exercise in chronic heart failure patients

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a major cause of hospitalizations, morbidity, and mortality in Western societies. In addition to optimal medical and device therapy, exercise training is an important adjunct treatment option for CHF patients. MicroRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) participate in a variety of physiological and pathological processes. Dynamic regulation of circulating miRNAs during exercise in healthy persons and athletes has recently been documented, however, the response of circulating miRNAs to exercise in CHF patients is undetermined. Twenty-eight CHF patients underwent a symptom-limited incremental cardiopulmonary exercise test on a bicycle ergometer using a standardized exercise protocol of revised Ramp10 programs at Shanghai Tongji Hospital. Blood samples were collected before and immediately after an acute exercise session. RNA was extracted from the serum and selected miRNAs were determined using quantitative polymerase chain reactions. Moreover, inflammatory and muscle damage markers were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assays. We found that serum miR-21, miR-378 and miR-940 levels were significantly up-regulated immediately following an acute exercise while the rest were not changed. In addition, no robust correlation was identified between changes of these miRNAs and exercise capacity, muscle damage or inflammation. In conclusion, serum miR-21, miR-378, and miR-940 increase in response to an acute exhaustive exercise in CHF patients. Further studies are needed to clarify the potential use of circulating miRNAs as biomarkers of exercise adaptation in CHF patients, and if they have any use as prognostic markers of cardiovascular outcomes.

MicroRNA-150 suppresses cell proliferation and metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma by inhibiting the GAB1-ERK axis

MicroRNA-150 (miR-150) is frequently dysregulated in cancer and is involved in carcinogenesis and cancer progression. In this study, we found that miR-150 was significantly downregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues compared to adjacent noncancerous tissues. Low levels of miR-150 were significantly associated with worse clinicopathological characteristics and a poor prognosis for patients with HCC. miR-150 overexpression inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro and tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Further experiments indicated that Grb2-associated binding protein 1 (GAB1) was a direct target of miR-150 in HCC cells. In addition, GAB1 expression was increased in HCC tissues and inversely correlated with miR-150 levels. Knockdown of GAB1 mimicked the tumor-suppressive effects of miR-150 overexpression on HCC cells, whereas restoration of GAB1 expression partially abolished the inhibitory effects. Moreover, miR-150 overexpression decreased GAB1 expression, subsequently downregulated phospho-ERK1/2 and suppressed epithelial-mesenchymal-transition (EMT). These effects caused by miR-150 overexpression were alleviated by exogenous GAB1 expression. Taken together, this study demonstrates that miR-150 may be useful as a prognostic marker and that the identified miR-150-GAB1-ERK axis is a potential therapeutic target for HCC.

Tumor suppressive protein phosphatases in human cancer: Emerging targets for therapeutic intervention and tumor stratification

Aberrant protein phosphorylation is one of the hallmarks of cancer cells, and in many cases a prerequisite to sustain tumor development and progression. Like protein kinases, protein phosphatases are key regulators of cell signaling. However, their contribution to aberrant signaling in cancer cells is overall less well appreciated, and therefore, their clinical potential remains largely unexploited. In this review, we provide an overview of tumor suppressive protein phosphatases in human cancer. Along their mechanisms of inactivation in defined cancer contexts, we give an overview of their functional roles in diverse signaling pathways that contribute to their tumor suppressive abilities. Finally, we discuss their emerging roles as predictive or prognostic markers, their potential as synthetic lethality targets, and the current feasibility of their reactivation with pharmacologic compounds as promising new cancer therapies. We conclude that their inclusion in clinical practice has obvious potential to significantly improve therapeutic outcome in various ways, and should now definitely be pushed forward.

Prognostic value of microRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma: a meta-analysis

Background

Numerous articles reported that dysregulated expression levels of miRNAs correlated with survival time of HCC patients. However, there has not been a comprehensive meta-analysis to evaluate the accurate prognostic value of miRNAs in HCC.

Design

Meta-analysis.

Materials and Methods

Studies, published in English, estimating expression levels of miRNAs with any survival curves in HCC were identified up until 15 April, 2017 by performing online searches in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews by two independent authors. The pooled hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to estimate the correlation between miRNA expression and overall survival (OS).

Results

54 relevant articles about 16 miRNAs, with 6464 patients, were ultimately included. HCC patients with high expression of tissue miR-9 (HR = 2.35, 95% CI = 1.46–3.76), miR-21 (HR = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.29–2.41), miR-34c (HR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.05–2.57), miR-155 (HR = 2.84, 95% CI = 1.46–5.51), miR-221 (HR = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.02–3.04) or low expression of tissue miR-22 (HR = 2.29, 95% CI = 1.63–3.21), miR-29c (HR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.10–1.65), miR-34a (HR = 1.84, 95% CI = 1.30–2.59), miR-199a (HR = 2.78, 95% CI = 1.89–4.08), miR-200a (HR = 2.64, 95% CI = 1.86–3.77), miR-203 (HR = 2.20, 95% CI = 1.61–3.00) have significantly poor OS (P < 0.05). Likewise, HCC patients with high expression of blood miR-21 (HR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.07–2.80), miR-192 (HR = 2.42, 95% CI = 1.15–5.10), miR-224 (HR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.14–2.12) or low expression of blood miR-148a (HR = 2.26, 95% CI = 1.11–4.59) have significantly short OS (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

In conclusion, tissue miR-9, miR-21, miR-22, miR-29c, miR-34a, miR-34c, miR-155, miR-199a, miR-200a, miR-203, miR-221 and blood miR-21, miR-148a, miR-192, miR-224 demonstrate significantly prognostic value. Among them, tissue miR-9, miR-22, miR-155, miR-199a, miR-200a, miR-203 and blood miR-148a, miR-192 are potential prognostic candidates for predicting OS in HCC.

miR-138-5p suppresses autophagy in pancreatic cancer by targeting SIRT1

The role of microRNA in the aberrant autophagy that occurs in pancreatic cancer remains controversial. Because hypoxia is known to induce autophagy, we screened for differentially expressed microRNAs using a miRNA microarray with pancreatic cancer cells cultured under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. We found that miR-138-5p was among the most downregulated miRNA in hypoxia-stimulated cells, and that overexpression of miR-138-5p substantially reduced expression of autophagy markers. In addition, western blot and immunofluorescence analyses and electron microscopy revealed that miR-138-5p inhibited autophagy in pancreatic cancer cells and blocked serum starvation-induced autophagic flux independently of the typical autophagic signaling pathway. miR-138-5p had no effect on ATG3, ATG5, or ATG7, three primary autophagy-associated genes. Instead, miR-138-5p specifically targeted the SIRT1 3' untranslated region and suppressed autophagy by reducing the level of SIRT1, which acetylates FoxO1 and regulates autophagy via FoxO1/Rab7. SIRT1 or Rab7 knockdown blocked the SIRT1/FoxO1/Rab7 axis and suppressed autophagic inhibition by miR-138-5p. Finally, we found that miR-138-5p inhibited autophagy and tumor growth in vivo. These results indicate that miR-138-5p suppresses autophagy in pancreatic cancer by targeting SIRT1.

PHLPPing through history: a decade in the life of PHLPP phosphatases

In the decade since their discovery, the PH domain leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatases (PHLPP) have emerged as critical regulators of cellular homeostasis, and their dysregulation is associated with various pathophysiologies, ranging from cancer to degenerative diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease. The two PHLPP isozymes, PHLPP1 and PHLPP2, were identified in a search for phosphatases that dephosphorylate Akt, and thus suppress growth factor signaling. However, given that there are over 200 000 phosphorylated residues in a single cell, and fewer than 50 Ser/Thr protein phosphatases, it is not surprising that PHLPP has many other cellular functions yet to be discovered, including a recently identified role in regulating the epigenome. Both PHLPP1 and PHLPP2 are commonly deleted in human cancers, supporting a tumor suppressive role. Conversely, the levels of one isozyme, PHLPP1, are elevated in diabetes. Thus, mechanisms to correctly control PHLPP activity in cells are critical for normal cellular homeostasis. This review summarizes the known functions of PHLPP and its role in disease.

Effects of microRNA-126 on cell proliferation, apoptosis and tumor angiogenesis via the down-regulating ERK signaling pathway by targeting EGFL7 in hepatocellular carcinoma

This study intends to explore the effects of microRNA-126 (miR-126) on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and tumor angiogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by regulating epidermal growth factor-like domain 7 (EGFL7) through extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling. HCC tissues and adjacent normal tissues were obtained from 184 HCC patients. HCC cells were separately transfected with recombinant plasmids. Western blotting and qRT-PCR were applied to detect miR-126 and EGFL7, ERK, Fas/FasL, Bcl-2, Caspase mRNA and protein levels. CCK8 and TUNEL were performed to determinate cell proliferation and apoptosis. Flow cytometry was used to analyze cell cycle distribution. Rats model of HCC was constructed, and tumor weight and the number of new blood vessels were recorded after 3 weeks of tumor transplantation. Compared with the adjacent normal tissues, HCC tissues exhibited lower miR-126 expression, and higher EGFL7, and ERK mRNA and protein levels. Overexpression of miR-126 in HCC cell lines suppressed EGFL7, ERK, Bcl-2, and P-ERK, and increased apoptotic-associated proteins Fas/FasL and Caspase-3, and it inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis. Overexpression of miR-126 in nude mice resulted in reduced tumor weight and less new blood vessels in tumors. The inhibition of miR-126 decreased cell apoptosis, and enhanced cell proliferation and tumor angiogenesis. This study demonstrates that miR-126 might decrease cell proliferation, induce apoptosis, and inhibit tumor angiogenesis in HCC by inhibiting EGFL7 via down-regulating the ERK signaling pathway.

Regulation of PI3K effector signalling in cancer by the phosphoinositide phosphatases

Class I phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) generates phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PtdIns(3,4,5)P₃) at the plasma membrane in response to growth factors, activating a signalling cascade that regulates many cellular functions including cell growth, proliferation, survival, migration and metabolism. The PI3K pathway is commonly dysregulated in human cancer, and drives tumorigenesis by promoting aberrant cell growth and transformation. PtdIns(3,4,5)P₃ facilitates the activation of many pleckstrin homology (PH) domain-containing proteins including the serine/threonine kinase AKT. There are three AKT isoforms that are frequently hyperactivated in cancer through mutation, amplification or dysregulation of upstream regulatory proteins. AKT isoforms have converging and opposing functions in tumorigenesis. PtdIns(3,4,5)P₃ signalling is degraded and terminated by phosphoinositide phosphatases such as phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN), proline-rich inositol polyphosphate 5-phosphatase (PIPP) (INPP5J) and inositol polyphosphate 4-phosphatase type II (INPP4B). PtdIns(3,4,5)P₃ is rapidly hydrolysed by PIPP to generate phosphatidylinositol 3,4-bisphosphate (PtdIns(3,4)P₂), which is further hydrolysed by INPP4B to form phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PtdIns3P). PtdIns(3,4)P₂ and PtdIns3P are also important signalling molecules; PtdIns(3,4)P₂ together with PtdIns(3,4,5)P₃ are required for maximal AKT activation and PtdIns3P activates PI3K-dependent serum and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase (SGK3) signalling. Loss of Pten, Pipp or Inpp4b expression or function promotes tumour growth in murine cancer models through enhanced AKT isoform-specific signalling. INPP4B inhibits PtdIns(3,4)P₂-mediated AKT activation in breast and prostate cancer; however, INPP4B expression is increased in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), melanoma and colon cancer where it paradoxically promotes cell proliferation, transformation and/or drug resistance. This review will discuss how PTEN, PIPP and INPP4B distinctly regulate PtdIns(3,4,5)P₃ signalling downstream of PI3K and how dysregulation of these phosphatases affects cancer outcomes.

Aqueous extract of Cordyceps sinensis potentiates the antitumor effect of DDP and attenuates therapy-associated toxicity in non-small cell lung cancer via IκBα/NFκB and AKT/MMP2/MMP9 pathways

Cordyceps sinensisis reported as an invigorant with pleiotropic biological effects that has potential for tumor therapy.

CTNNA3 is a tumor suppressor in hepatocellular carcinomas and is inhibited by miR-425

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common and leading cause of death worldwide. Here, we identified that a cell-cell adhesion gene, CTNNA3, is a tumor suppressor in HCC. CTNNA3 inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of HCC cell lines. In these cells, CTNNA3 inhibited Akt signal, and in turn decreased the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and the matrix metallopeptidase MMP-9, and increased the cell cycle inhibitor p21(Cip1/Waf1). Meanwhile, CTNNA3 is inhibited by miR-425 in HCC. The miR-425 directly bound to the 3'UTR of CTNNA3 and inhibited its expression. The tumor suppressor function of CTNNA3 and the oncogenic function of miR-425 were further confirmed in HCC cell xenograft in nude mice. The miR-425/CTNNA3 axis may provide insights into the mechanisms underlying HCC, and contribute to potential therapeutic strategy of HCC.

Progesterone modulates endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) viability through the CXCL12/CXCR4/PI3K/Akt signalling pathway

OBJECTIVES

Progesterone treatment can effectively increase levels of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and improve neurological functional outcome in a traumatic brain injury (TBI) rat model. However, the mechanisms of progesterone's effects on EPC viability remain elusive. The CXCL12/CXCR4 (CXC chemokine ligand 12/CXC chemokine receptor 4) signalling pathway regulates cell proliferation; we hypothesize that it mediates progesterone-induced EPC viability.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

EPCs were isolated from bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells (BM-MNCs) and treated with progesterone (5, 10 and 100 nm). MTS assay was used to investigate EPC viability. Protein expression was examined by Western blotting, ELISA assay and flow cytometry. Cell membrane and cytoplasm proteins were extracted with membrane and cytoplasm protein extraction kits. CXCR4 antagonist (AMD3100) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3K) antagonist (LY294002) were used to characterize underlying mechanisms.

RESULTS

Progesterone-induced EPC viability was time- and dose-dependent. Administration of progesterone facilitated EPC viability and increased expression of CXCL12 and phosphorylated Akt (also known as protein kinase B, pAkt) activity (P < 0.05). Progesterone did not regulate CXCR4 protein expression in cultured EPC membranes or cytoplasm. However, progesterone-induced EPC viability was significantly attenuated by AMD3100 or LY294002. Inhibition of the signalling pathway with AMD3100 and LY294002 subsequently reduced progesterone-induced CXCL12/CXCR4/PI3K/pAkt signalling activity.

CONCLUSIONS

The CXCL12/CXCR4/PI3K/pAkt signalling pathway increased progesterone-induced EPC viability.

PHLPP phosphatases as a therapeutic target in insulin resistance-related diseases

INTRODUCTION

Pleckstrin homology domain leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatases (PHLPPs), originally identified as Akt kinase hydrophobic motif specific phosphatases, have subsequently been shown to regulate several molecules recurring within the insulin signaling pathway. This observation suggests that PHLPP phosphatases may have a clinically relevant role in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance-related diseases and may thus represent suitable targets for the treatment of these conditions.

AREAS COVERED

The literature pertaining to PHLPPs substrates is reviewed herein, along with information on the molecular players involved in regulating the activity and expression of PHLPP phosphatases. In the present review, knowledge of genetic variants in the genes that encode for PHLPP isozymes and the surrounding regulatory regions is also summarized. In addition, data from the studies addressing the role of PHLPPs in insulin resistance-related disorders and from those investigating the possibility to manipulate these phosphatases for therapeutic purposes are presented.

EXPERT OPINION

A number of issues should be resolved before PHLPPs are pursued as therapeutic targets including: the mechanisms regulating the specificity of PHLPP isozymes; the possibility of differentially regulating PHLPP family members and the possible impact of PHLPPs modulation on the risk of cancer.

Apoptosis in liver carcinogenesis and chemotherapy

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major health problem. In human hepatocarcinogenesis, the balance between cell death and proliferation is deregulated, tipping the scales for a situation where antiapoptotic signals are overpowering the death-triggering stimuli. HCC cells harbor a wide variety of mutations that alter the regulation of apoptosis and hence the response to chemotherapeutical drugs, making them resistant to the proapoptotic signals. Considering all these modifications found in HCC cells, therapeutic approaches need to be carefully studied in order to specifically target the antiapoptotic signals. This review deals with the recent relevant contributions reporting molecular alterations for HCC that lead to a deregulation of apoptosis, as well as the challenge of death-inducing chemotherapeutics in current HCC treatment.

MiR-185 acts as a tumor suppressor by targeting AKT1 in non-small cell lung cancer cells

Increasing evidence has shown that microRNAs play critical roles in the initiation and progression of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). miR-185 is deregulated in various cancers, whereas its functional mechanism in NSCLC is still unclear. Here, we confirmed that the expression of miR-185 was significantly down-regulated in NSCLC tissues and cell lines. miR-185 over-expression caused significant suppression of in vitro cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and in vivo tumor growth. We subsequently identified that AKT1 was a target gene of miR-185. Re-expression of AKT1 could partially rescue the inhibitory effects of miR-185 on the capacity of NSCLC cell proliferation and motility. Collectively, we conclude that miR-185 has a critical function by blocking AKT1 in NSCLC cells, and it may be a novel therapeutic agent for miRNA based NSCLC therapy.

MiR-661 contributed to cell proliferation of human ovarian cancer cells by repressing INPP5J expression

Accumulating evidence has emerged important roles for microRNAs (miRNAs) participating in oncogenesis and growth of various cancers. We hypothesized that miR-661 played an important role in cell growth of ovarian cancer. Here, we found miR-661 was upregulated in human ovarian cancer cell lines and clinical tumor tissues. Our results revealed that miR-661 directly targeted INPP5J, thereby acting as tumor promoter in ovarian cancer cells by blocking cell proliferation. Importantly, we identified miR-661 as a positive regulator of INPP5J-induced AKT pathway. Taken together, our study sheds light onto the role of miR-661 as tumor promoter by targeting the INPP5J gene, and then promoting cell proliferation of ovarian cancer.