Downregulation of miR-432 activates Wnt/β-catenin signaling and promotes human hepatocellular carcinoma proliferation

The regulation of LRPs by miRNAs in cancer: influencing cancer characteristics and responses to treatment

The low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP) family is a group of cell surface receptors that participate in a variety of biological processes, including lipid metabolism, Wnt signaling, and bone metabolism. miRNAs are small non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression and play a role in many biological processes, including the occurrence and development of tumors. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that LRP members are modulated by miRNAs across multiple cancer types, influencing key oncogenic processes-including tumor cell proliferation, apoptosis suppression, extracellular matrix remodeling, cell adhesion, and angiogenesis. The LRPs, miRNAs, their upstream lncRNAs, and downstream signaling molecules often form complex signaling pathways to regulate the activity of tumor cells. However, the tissue-specific roles and mechanistic underpinnings of these pathways remain incompletely understood. When examining the emerging concept of the interaction between miRNAs and LRPs, we emphasize the significance of these complex regulatory layers in the initiation and progression of cancer. Collectively, these findings are critical for advancing our understanding of the role of the LRPs family in the occurrence and development of tumors, as well as for the development of new strategies for cancer treatment.

O-GlcNAcylation of TRIM29 and OGT translation forms a feedback loop to promote adaptive response of PDAC cells to glucose deficiency

PURPOSE

Glucose not only provides energy for tumor cells, but also provides various biomolecules that are essential for their survival, proliferation and invasion. Therefore, it is of great clinical significance to understand the mechanism of how tumor cells adapt to metabolic stress and maintain their survival. The aim of this research was to study the critical role of OGT and TRIM29 O-GlcNAc modification driven adaptability of PDAC cells to low glucose stress, which might have important medical implications for PDAC therapy.

METHODS

Western blotting, mass spectrometry and WGA-immunoprecipitation were used to examined the levels of OGT and O-GlcNAc glycosylated proteins in BxPC3 and SW1990 cells in normal culture and under glucose deprivation conditions. Crystal violet assay, flow cytometry, RIP, RT-qPCR, protein stability assay, biotin pull down were used to investigate the mechanism of OGT and TRIM29-mediated adaptive response to glucose deficiency in PDAC cells.

RESULTS

The current study found that under the condition of low glucose culture, the levels of OGT and O-GlcNAc glycosylation in PDAC cells were significantly higher than those in normal culture. Moreover, the high expression of OGT has a protective effect on PDAC cells under low glucose stress. This study confirmed that there was no significant change in mRNA level and protein degradation of OGT under low glucose stress, which was mainly reflected in the increase of protein synthesis. In addition, O-GlcNAc modification at T120 site plays a critical role in the metabolic adaptive responses mediated by TRIM29.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, our study indicated that O-GlcNAcylation of TRIM29 at T120 site and OGT translation forms a loop feedback to facilitate survival of PDAC under glucose deficiency.

MicroRNA signatures differentiate types, grades, and stages of breast invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC): miRNA-target interacting signaling pathways

BACKGROUND

Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) is the most common form of breast cancer which accounts for 85% of all breast cancer diagnoses. Non-invasive and early stages have a better prognosis than late-stage invasive cancer that has spread to lymph nodes. The involvement of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the initiation and progression of breast cancer holds great promise for the development of molecular tools for early diagnosis and prognosis. Therefore, developing a cost effective, quick and robust early detection protocol using miRNAs for breast cancer diagnosis is an imminent need that could strengthen the health care system to tackle this disease around the world.

METHODS

We have analyzed putative miRNAs signatures in 100 breast cancer samples using two independent high fidelity array systems. Unique and common miRNA signatures from both array systems were validated using stringent double-blind individual TaqMan assays and their expression pattern was confirmed with tissue microarrays and northern analysis. In silico analysis were carried out to find miRNA targets and were validated with q-PCR and immunoblotting. In addition, functional validation using antibody arrays was also carried out to confirm the oncotargets and their networking in different pathways. Similar profiling was carried out in Brca2/p53 double knock out mice models using rodent miRNA microarrays that revealed common signatures with human arrays which could be used for future in vivo functional validation.

RESULTS

Expression profile revealed 85% downregulated and 15% upregulated microRNAs in the patient samples of IDC. Among them, 439 miRNAs were associated with breast cancer, out of which 107 miRNAs qualified to be potential biomarkers for the stratification of different types, grades and stages of IDC after stringent validation. Functional validation of their putative targets revealed extensive miRNA network in different oncogenic pathways thus contributing to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cellular plasticity.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed potential biomarkers for the robust classification as well as rapid, cost effective and early detection of IDC of breast cancer. It not only confirmed the role of these miRNAs in cancer development but also revealed the oncogenic pathways involved in different progressive grades and stages thus suggesting a role in EMT and cellular plasticity during breast tumorigenesis per se and IDC in particular. Thus, our findings have provided newer insights into the miRNA signatures for the classification and early detection of IDC.

Deciphering roles of TRIMs as promising targets in hepatocellular carcinoma: current advances and future directions

Tripartite motif (TRIM) family is assigned to RING-finger-containing ligases harboring the largest number of proteins in E3 ubiquitin ligating enzymes. E3 ubiquitin ligases target the specific substrate for proteasomal degradation via the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), which seems to be a more effective and direct strategy for tumor therapy. Recent advances have demonstrated that TRIM genes associate with the occurrence and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). TRIMs trigger or inhibit multiple biological activities like proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, ferroptosis and autophagy in HCC dependent on its highly conserved yet diverse structures. Remarkably, autophagy is another proteolytic pathway for intracellular protein degradation and TRIM proteins may help to delineate the interaction between the two proteolytic systems. In depth research on the precise molecular mechanisms of TRIM family will allow for targeting TRIM in HCC treatment. We also highlight several potential directions warranted further development associated with TRIM family to provide bright insight into its translational values in hepatocellular carcinoma.

The Effects of DDI1 on Inducing Differentiation in Ovine Preadipocytes via Oar-miR-432

Reducing fat deposition in sheep (Ovis aries) tails is one of the most important ways to combat rising costs and control consumer preference. Our previous studies have shown that oar-miR-432 is differentially expressed in the tail adipose tissue of Hu (a fat-tailed sheep breed) and Tibetan (a thin-tailed sheep breed) sheep and is a key factor in the negative regulation of fat deposition through BMP2 in ovine preadipocytes. This study investigated the effect of oar-miR-432 and its target genes in ovine preadipocytes. A dual luciferase assay revealed that DDI1 is a direct target gene of oar-miR-432. We transfected an oar-miR-432 mimic and inhibitor into preadipocytes to analyze the expression of target genes. Overexpression of oar-miR-432 inhibits DDI1 expression, whereas inhibition showed the opposite results. Compared with thin-tailed sheep, DDI1 was highly expressed in the fat-tailed sheep at the mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, we transfected the overexpression and knockdown target genes into preadipocytes to analyze their influence after inducing differentiation. Knockdown of DDI1 induced ovine preadipocyte differentiation into adipocytes but suppressed oar-miR-432 expression. Conversely, the overexpression of DDI1 significantly inhibited differentiation but promoted oar-miR-432 expression. DDI1 overexpression also decreased the content of triglycerides. Additionally, DDI1 is a nested gene in intron 1 of PDGFD. When DDI1 was overexpressed, the PDGFD expression also increased, whereas DDI1 knockdown showed the opposite results. This is the first study to reveal the biological mechanisms by which oar-miR-432 inhibits preadipocytes through DDI1 and provides insight into the molecular regulatory mechanisms of DDI1 in ovine preadipocytes. These results have important applications in animal breeding and obesity-related human diseases.

miR-432 exerts a protective effect against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury by activating the β-catenin/HIF-1α pathway and augmenting NRF2-mediated anti-oxidative stress

OBJECTIVE

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to play an important role in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R) injury. This study aimed to determine the role of miR-432 in MI/R injury.

METHODS

We established a MI/R injury model by ligation/untying of the left anterior descending coronary artery, and used viral infection to regulate gene expression, such as that of miR-432 in vitro and in vivo, and used RT-qPCR to detect the expression of the gene at mRNA level. Finally, western blotting and immunochemistry analyses were used to determine the protein level.

RESULTS

The results of this study show that miR-432 is upregulated in the heart following MI/R injury and that miR-432 overexpression showed a significant decrease, while miR-432 knockdown showed a significant increase in the ratio of the infarct area (IA) to the area at risk (AAR) and levels of serum creating phosphokinase (CPK). Moreover, miR-432 augmented the activation of the β-catenin pathway and decreased the rate of apoptosis in the mice heart at 24 hours after MI/R injury by targeting RBM5. At the same time, miR-432 overexpression enhanced HIF-1α activation, while β-catenin deletion attenuated HIF-1α activation induced by miR-432 overexpression. Importantly, β-catenin and HIF-1α knockdown significantly increased the rate of apoptosis and the ratio of IA to AAR and levels of serum CPK induced by miR-432 overexpression at 24 hours after MI/R injury. miR-432 overexpression strongly decreased levels of SOD and GSH-PX activity, and increased levels of MDA activity and the expression of the gp91^phox protein in the mice hearts at 24 hours after MI/R injury, while miR-432 knockdown exerted an opposite effect. miR-432 was also found to have increased NRF2 protein levels by targeting KEAP1 protein expression. NRF2 knockdown reversed the downregulation of the levels of gp91^phox protein and MDA, while it also reversed the upregulation of the levels of SOD and GSH-PX induced by miR-432 overexpression in the heart of the mice at 24 hours after MI/R injury.

CONCLUSION

miR-432 protects against MI/R injury by activating the β-catenin/HIF-1α pathway and augmenting NRF2-mediated anti-oxidative stress.

Exploring the physiological roles of circular RNAs in livestock animals

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a recently identified class of RNAs produced via back-splicing and covalent linkage between RNA ends, resulting in a circularized RNA molecule. Physiologically, circRNAs are known to influence a variety of biological pathways, and can also regulate transcription, post-transcription, RNA splicing, or interaction with other proteins or microRNAs (miRNAs). Functionally, circRNAs are known to competitively bind to various other RNA molecules including miRNAs and other competing endogenous RNA such as long noncoding RNA, thereby significantly influencing gene expression. Since gene expression is a crucial factor that underlies economically important livestock traits, it is likely that circRNAs significantly influence livestock traits like growth, milk production, reproduction, meat quality, hair follicle growth, and gametogenesis. Thousands of circRNAs have been recognized in different species of animals, and some of these circRNAs have also been shown to regulate stress responses that may be crucial for animal welfare. Therefore, in this review, we aim to highlight the biogenesis of circRNAs, along with its potential implications for livestock. The presented summary would offer a fundamental understanding of the molecular machinery that underlies circRNAs and associated biological phenomena and emphasize the need for further explorations into the role of circRNAs in the other productive, reproductive, and physiological attributes in animals.

circPTN Promotes the Progression of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer through Upregulation of E2F2 by Sponging miR-432-5p

Background

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most prevalent cancers, accounting for around 80% of total lung cancer cases worldwide. Exploring the function and mechanism of circRNAs could provide insights into the diagnosis and treatment for NSCLC.

Methods

In this study, we collected tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues from NSCLC patients to detect the expression level of circPTN and analyzed the association of its expression level with the clinicopathological parameter of NSCLC patients. Moreover, the functional engagement of circPTN in NSCLC cells was examined by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) cell proliferation assay, transwell migration and invasion assays, and tube formation assay. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting (WB) analysis were used to detect gene and protein expression, respectively. The molecular targets of cicrPTN were predicted using starBase online resources, which was validated by RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and dual-luciferase reporter assay.

Results

Compared with adjacent normal tissues, there was a remarkable increase of the circPTN levels in NSCLC tissues. A high level of circPTN expression was associated with more lymph node metastasis (LNM) and advanced TNM stages. Functionally, circPTN knockdown inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion and tube formation ability of NSCLC cells. We further demonstrated that circPTN regulated the malignant phenotype of NSCLC cells through targeting the miR-432-5p/E2F2 axis.

Conclusion

Together, our results suggest that circPTN, which is upregulated in NSCLC tissues, could serve as a prognostic marker for NSCLC patients. circPTN regulates the malignant progression of NSCLC cells through targeting the miR-432-5p/E2F2 axis, which may be employed as a potential strategy for the management of NSCLC.

Circular RNA circRNA-0039459 promotes the migration, invasion, and proliferation of liver cancer cells through the adsorption of miR-432

This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism of circular RNA circ-0039459 and its effects on the apoptosis, proliferation, invasion, and migration of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. The expression of circ-0039459, miR-432, and synoviolin 1 (SYVN1) mRNA was determined using real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR. Cell proliferation was detected by cell counting kit-8 assay, and the apoptosis rate was detected using flow cytometry. Cell migration and invasion were detected using Transwell assay. The expression of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and vimentin was detected using western blot. The targeting relationship between circ-0039459 and miR-432 as well as that between miR-432 and SYVN1 were detected using the dual-luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assays. We found that circ-0039459 and SYVN1 mRNA were highly expressed, whereas miR-432 was lowly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma cells and tissues. After treatment with ribonuclease R or actinomycin D, the expression of linear RNA was reduced, whereas that of circular RNA was not significantly changed. circ-0039459 knockdown or miR-432 overexpression can inhibit cell proliferation, invasion, and migration and the expression of N-cadherin and vimentin proteins in carcinoma cells as well as promote apoptosis and increase the E-cadherin level. circ-0039459 targeted and regulated miR-432, which targeted and regulated SYVN1. The decreased miR-432 expression reversed the effects of circ-0039459 knockout in cancer cells. Furthermore, SYVN1 overexpression reversed the effect of miR-432 overexpression in hepatoma cells. Hence, circ-0039459 can affect the proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells through the adsorption of miR-432, thereby regulating the expression of SYVN1.

Long noncoding RNA LINC00649 functions as a microRNA‑432‑5p sponge to facilitate tumourigenesis in colorectal cancer by upregulating HDGF

Long intergenic nonprotein coding RNA 649 (LINC00649) is a functional regulator in acute myeloid leukaemia. However, the contribution of LINC00649 in colorectal cancer (CRC) has yet to be confirmed. Accordingly, the present investigation was devoted to exploring the detailed functions of LINC00649 and reveal the mechanisms underlying the LINC00649-induced promotion of CRC progression. LINC00649 expression in CRC was investigated by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. Knockdown of LINC00649 was achieved using small interfering RNAs or short hairpin RNA, followed by functional experiments. The binding between LINC00649 and microRNA (miR)-432-5p was predicted by a bioinformatics tool, and corroborated by luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation. In the present study, LINC00649 was expressed at a high level in CRC. The aberrant expression of LINC00649 exhibited an inverse association with CRC patient prognosis. Functionally, the downregulation of LINC00649 exerted anticarcinogenic activities in CRC by decreasing cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and inducing cell apoptosis. Furthermore, the growth of CRC cells in vivo was attenuated after LINC00649 deficiency. Mechanistically, LINC00649 functioned as a competitive endogenous RNA by competitively binding to miR-432-5p in CRC cells, inducing an increase in hepatoma-derived growth factor (HDGF). Ultimately, functional rescue experiments highlighted that the exogenous introduction of miR-432-5p inhibitor or HDGF overexpression plasmid partially abated the inhibitory effects of LINC00649 silencing. In conclusion, LINC00649 promoted the aggressiveness of CRC cells by adjusting the miR-432-5p/HDGF axis. Thus, the LINC00649/miR-432-5p/HDGF pathway may be a promising target for CRC therapy.

MicroRNA-432 inhibits milk fat synthesis by targeting SCD and LPL in ovine mammary epithelial cells

The microRNA (miR)-432 is differentially expressed in the mammary gland of two breeds of lactating sheep with different milk production traits, and between the non-lactating and peak-lactation periods, but there have been no reports describing the molecular mechanisms involved. In this study, the effect of miR-432 on the proliferation of ovine mammary epithelial cells (OMECs) and the target genes of miR-432 were investigated. The effects of miR-432 on the expression of the target genes and the content of triglycerides in the OMECs were also analyzed. Transfection with a miR-432 mimic was found using CCK8 and Edu assays, to inhibit the viability of OMECs and reduce the number of proliferated OMECs. In contrast, a miR-432 inhibitor had the opposite effect to the miR-432 mimic, and together these results suggest that miR-432 inhibits the proliferation of OMECs. A dual luciferase assay revealed that the genes for stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) are targeted by miR-432. The transfection of miR-432 mimic into OMECs resulted in decreases in the expression of SCD and LPL, and three other milk fat synthesis marker genes; FABP4, LPIN1 and ACACA. The mimic also decreased the content of triglycerides. The miR-432 inhibitor had the opposite effect to the mimic on the expression of these genes and the level of triglycerides. This is the first study to reveal the biological mechanisms by which miR-432 inhibits milk fat synthesis in sheep.

MicroRNA-432-5p inhibits cell migration and invasion by targeting CXCL5 in colorectal cancer

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer (CRC). Evidence shows that miR-432-5p expression is decreased in various tumors and cancer cell lines. miR-432-5p can inhibit tumor invasion and metastasis, but its role in colorectal cancer is unclear. The present study demonstrated that miR-432-5p expression was decreased in colorectal cancer tissue and cell lines, and is negatively associated with invasion classification, lymph node metastasis and Tumor-Node-Metastasis stage. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that low miR-432-5p expression was associated with a poor survival rate in patients with CRC. In addition, SW480 and HT-29 cells transfected with miR-432-5p mimics had decreased migration and invasion abilities, whereas miR-432-5p inhibitors had the opposite effect. The expression of C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 5 (CXCL5), a direct target of miR-432-5p, was negatively associated with miR-432-5p expression. When CXCL5 was introduced into miR-432-5p mimic-transfected SW480 and HT-29 cells, miR-432-5p-mediated inhibition of CRC migration and invasion was reversed. Thus, the present results suggest that miR-432-5p can inhibit the migration and invasion of CRC cells by targeting CXCL5.

Long Intergenic Non-Coding RNA LINC00885 Promotes Tumorigenesis of Cervical Cancer by Upregulating MACC1 Expression Through Serving as a Competitive Endogenous RNA for microRNA-432-5p

Purpose

Long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 885 (LINC00885) has been well studied in breast cancer; however, its contribution in cervical cancer remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to determine the detailed functions of LINC00885 in cervical cancer and elucidate the underlying molecular regulation mechanism.

Methods

The expression status of LINC00885 in cervical cancer was determined using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and by searching The Cancer Genome Atlas database. The detailed functions of LINC00885 in cervical cancer cells were confirmed using Cell Counting Kit 8 assay, flow cytometry analysis, Transwell cell migration and invasion assays, and tumor xenograft assay. Mechanistic experiments included bioinformatics prediction, RNA immunoprecipitation, luciferase reporter assay, and rescue experiments.

Results

LINC00885 was clearly overexpressed in cervical cancer, which was linked with unfavorable clinical outcomes. Functionally, LINC00885 deficiency suppressed cervical cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion but stimulated cell apoptosis in vitro. Furthermore, loss of LINC00885 restricted the growth of cervical cancer cells in vivo. Mechanistically, LINC00885 functioned as a competitive endogenous RNA for microRNA-432-5p (miR-432-5p) in cervical cancer. Furthermore, metastasis-associated colon cancer 1 (MACC1) was confirmed as the direct target of miR-432-5p, and LINC00885 could enhance MACC1 expression by sequestering miR-432-5p. Rescue experiments revealed that silencing of miR-432-5p or upregulation of MACC1 expression could effectively counteract the restrained aggressive properties of cervical cancer cells induced by LINC00885 deficiency.

Conclusion

LINC00885 upregulated MACC1 expression in cervical cancer cells by sponging miR-432-5p, thereby promoting cancer progression. The LINC00885/miR-432-5p/MACC1 pathway may help in the identification of potential prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in cervical cancer.

MicroRNA-432 Acts as a Prognostic Biomarker and an Inhibitor of Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion in Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND

Accumulating studies have demonstrated that microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the progression of various cancers. This study aimed to investigate the potential clinical and functional role of miR-432 in breast cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We evaluated the expression of miR-432 in 117 breast cancer samples and paired nontumor tissue samples, as well as 4 breast cancer cell lines using RT-qPCR analysis. Kaplan-Meier survival curve and multivariate Cox regression analysis were used to evaluate the prognostic significance of miR-432 in breast cancer patients. CCK-8 assay and Transwell assays were used to evaluate the biological function of miR-432 in the progression of breast cancer.

RESULTS

miR-432 was downregulated in breast cancer tissues and cell lines, and its exotic expression was associated with tumor size, lymph node metastasis, and TNM stage. In addition, breast cancer patients with low miR-432 expression exhibited a shorter overall survival outcome. Further experiments revealed that overexpression of miR-432 inhibited the cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of breast cancer cells, while knockdown of miR-432 promoted these cellular activities. AXL was a direct target of miR-432 in breast cancer cells.

CONCLUSION

The present study suggested that miR-432 may be a tumor suppressor in the progression of breast cancer through inhibiting cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by targeting AXL. And miR-432 might be a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for the treatment of breast cancer. This study provided a novel insight into breast cancer prognosis and treatment.

Negative Correlation Between Circular RNA SMARC5 and MicroRNA 432, and Their Clinical Implications in Bladder Cancer Patients

Objective: Our study aimed to evaluate the correlation of circular RNA SMARCA5 (circ-SMARCA5) and microRNA 432 (miR-432) with clinical characteristics and survival in bladder cancer patients. Methods: Preoperative clinicopathologic features and survival data of 156 bladder cancer patients were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 156 cases of tumor tissues, whereas 71 cases out of 156 available adjacent tissues were obtained from the Pathology Department for circ-SMARCA5 and miR-432 detections using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results: Circ-SMARCA5 was upregulated but miR-432 was downregulated in tumor tissues compared with adjacent tissues; meanwhile, circ-SMARCA5 expression was negatively correlated with miR-432 in bladder cancer tissues. Circ-SMARCA5 high expression was correlated with larger tumor size, higher tumor stage, and lymph node (LYN) metastasis. However, miR-432 high expression was correlated with single multiplicity, smaller tumor size, lower tumor stage, less LYN metastasis in bladder cancer patients. Regarding survival, circ-SMARCA5 high expression was correlated with shorter disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS); whereas, miR-432 high expression was correlated with longer DFS and OS in bladder cancer patients. Further multivariate Cox's regression analysis displayed that circ-SMARCA5 high expression was an independent predictive factor for both worse DFS and OS in bladder cancer patients. Conclusion: Circ-SMARCA5 high expression but miR-432 low expression is correlated with advanced tumor features and poor survival of bladder cancer patients, which present as potential prognostic markers in bladder cancer.

Deep small RNA-Seq reveals microRNAs expression profiles in lactating mammary gland of 2 sheep breeds with different milk performance

Micro ribonucleic acid (miRNA) is a type of noncoding RNA, and it has been revealed to play important roles in the activity of the mammary gland (MG) in some species. However, the function of miRNAs in MG of sheep is poorly understood. In the study, Gansu Alpine Merino (GAM; n = 9) and Small-tailed Han sheep (STH; n = 9) with different milk production traits were investigated. Microstructures and the expression profile of miRNAs of MG tissues at peak lactation were studied. Mature alveolar lumens of MG in appearance were larger in STH than GAM. The expression levels of CSN2 and the content of rough endoplasmic reticulum were also higher in STH ewes than GAM ewes. A total of 124 mature miRNAs were expressed, and 18 of these were differentially expressed between the 2 breeds. The KEGG analysis results showed that the targeted genes of differentially expressed miRNAs were mainly involved in some metabolic pathways and signaling pathways related to MG development, milk protein, and fat synthesis. The findings in the study can improve our understanding of the roles of miRNAs in the development and lactation of MG in sheep.

Regulators at Every Step-How microRNAs Drive Tumor Cell Invasiveness and Metastasis

Tumor cell invasiveness and metastasis are the main causes of mortality in cancer. Tumor progression is composed of many steps, including primary tumor growth, local invasion, intravasation, survival in the circulation, pre-metastatic niche formation, and metastasis. All these steps are strictly controlled by microRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNA that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. miRNAs can act as oncomiRs that promote tumor cell invasion and metastasis or as tumor suppressor miRNAs that inhibit tumor progression. These miRNAs regulate the actin cytoskeleton, the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) receptors including integrins and ECM-remodeling enzymes comprising matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and regulate epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), hence modulating cell migration and invasiveness. Moreover, miRNAs regulate angiogenesis, the formation of a pre-metastatic niche, and metastasis. Thus, miRNAs are biomarkers of metastases as well as promising targets of therapy. In this review, we comprehensively describe the role of various miRNAs in tumor cell migration, invasion, and metastasis.

Development of a Novel Serum Exosomal MicroRNA Nomogram for the Preoperative Prediction of Lymph Node Metastasis in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Preoperative prediction of lymph node (LN) metastasis is accepted as a crucial independent risk factor for treatment decision-making for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients. Our study aimed to establish a non-invasive nomogram to identify LN metastasis preoperatively in ESCC patients. Construction of the nomogram involved three sequential phases with independent patient cohorts. In the discovery phase (N = 20), LN metastasis-associated microRNAs (miRNAs) were selected from next-generation sequencing (NGS) assay of human ESCC serum exosome samples. In the training phase (N = 178), a nomogram that incorporated exosomal miRNA model and clinicopathologic was developed by multivariate logistic regression analysis to preoperatively predict LN status. In the validation phase (n = 188), we validated the predicted nomogram's calibration, discrimination, and clinical usefulness. Four differently expressed miRNAs (chr 8-23234-3p, chr 1-17695-5p, chr 8-2743-5p, and miR-432-5p) were tested and selected in the serum exosome samples from ESCC patients who have or do not have LN metastasis. Subsequently, an optimized four-exosomal miRNA model was constructed and validated in the clinical samples, which could effectively identify ESCC patients with LN metastasis, and was significantly superior to preoperative computed tomography (CT) report. In addition, a clinical nomogram consisting of the four-exosomal miRNA model and CT report was established in training cohort, which showed high predictive value in both training and validation cohorts [area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC): 0.880 and 0.869, respectively]. The Hosmer–Lemeshow test and decision curve analysis implied the nomogram's clinical applicability. Our novel non-invasive nomogram is a robust prediction tool with promising clinical potential for preoperative LN metastasis prediction of ESCC patients, especially in T1 stage.

CircSMARCA5 Facilitates the Progression of Prostate Cancer Through miR-432/PDCD10 Axis

Background: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been reported to be implicated in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer (PCa). Herein, the authors explore the role and molecular mechanism of circRNA SWI/SNF-related, matrix-associated, actin-dependent regulator of chromatin, subfamily a, member 5 (circSMARCA5) in PCa. Materials and Methods: The levels of circSMARCA5, SMARCA5, miR-432, and programmed cell death 10 (PDCD10) were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The circular structure and stability of circSMARCA5 were validated by qRT-PCR using Oligo dT primer, transcriptional inhibitor actinomycin D, or RNase R treatment, respectively. Cell proliferation, migration, invasion, epithelial/mesenchymal transition (EMT), and glycolysis were detected by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), transwell migration and invasion assays, Western blot assay, and Glucose or Lactate Detection Kit, respectively. The target relationship between miR-432 and circSMARCA5 or PDCD10 was validated by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. Western blot was performed to detect the protein expression of PDCD10 in PCa cells. Results: CircSMARCA5 was aberrantly upregulated, and was a circular and stable RNA in PCa cells. CircSMARCA5 accelerated the proliferation, metastasis, and glycolysis of PCa cells. MiR-432 was a direct target of circSMARCA5, and circSMARCA5 accelerated the development of PCa through miR-432 in PCa cells. PDCD10 was a direct target of miR-432, and PDCD10 addition reversed the inhibitory effects of miR-432 accumulation on the proliferation, metastasis, and glycolysis of PCa cells. CircSMARCA5 upregulated the expression of PDCD10 through sponging miR-432 in PCa cells. Conclusion: CircSMARCA5 deteriorated PCa through the miR-432/PDCD10 axis. CircSMARCA5/miR-432/PDCD10 axis might be an underlying therapeutic target for PCa treatment.

A Novel Long Non-coding RNA, MSTRG.51053.2 Regulates Cisplatin Resistance by Sponging the miR-432-5p in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Cells

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying cisplatin (DDP) resistance in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells by constructing a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network.

Methods: The gene expression profiles of human lung adenocarcinoma DDP-resistant cell line (A549/DDP) and its progenitor (A549) were comparatively evaluated by whole-transcriptome sequencing. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were subjected to KEGG pathway analysis. The expression levels of mRNAs involved in several pathways associated with conferring DDP resistance to tumor cells were evaluated. The ceRNA network was constructed based on the mRNA expression levels and the sequencing data of miRNA and lncRNA. Several ceRNA regulatory relationships were validated.

Results: We quantified the expression of 17 genes involved in the six pathways by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The differential protein expression levels of eight genes were quantified by western blotting. Western blot analysis revealed six differentially expressed proteins (MGST1, MGST3, ABCG2, FXYD2, ALDH3A1, and GST-ω1). Among the genes encoding these six proteins, ABCG2, ALDH3A1, MGST3, and FXYD2 exhibited interaction with 8 lncRNAs and 4 miRNAs in the ceRNA regulatory network. The expression levels of these lncRNAs and miRNAs were quantified in cells; among these, 6 lncRNAs and 4 miRNAs exhibited differential expression between A549/DDP and A549 groups, which were used to construct a ceRNA network. The ceRNA regulatory network of MSTRG51053.2-miR-432-5p-MGST3 was validated by luciferase reporter assay.

Conclusion: The MSTRG51053.2 lncRNA may function as a ceRNA for miR-432-5p to regulate the DDP resistance in NSCLC. The MGST1, MGST3, GST-ω1, and ABCG2 mRNAs, miR-432-5p and miR-665 miRNAs, and MSTRG51053.2 and PPAN lncRNAs can serve as potential DDP drug targets to reverse DDP resistance in NSCLC.

Circular RNA cSMARCA5 regulates the progression of cervical cancer by acting as a microRNA‑432 sponge

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been shown to be involved in the development of cancer. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of circRNA SMARCA5 (cSMARCA5) in human cervical cancer. In the present study, cSMARCA5 expression was upregulated in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines. Furthermore, the proliferation rate of cells transduced with viral plasmids expressing small interfering RNA targeting cSMARCA5 was downregulated. Bioinformatics analysis predicted that microRNA (miR)‑432 targeted cSMARCA5, and miR‑432 was able to interact with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) by binding to its 3'‑untranslated region. The expression levels of EGFR, ERK1 and ERK2 were increased in cervical cancer tissues. Furthermore, correlation analysis revealed that cSMARCA5 levels were positively correlated with ERK1 and ERK2 levels. In conclusion, the present findings suggested that cSMARCA5 may play an important role in the progression of cervical cancer via the ERK signaling pathway by modulating miR‑432.

MicroRNA-432 Suppresses Invasion and Migration via E2F3 in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Background

E2F transcription factor 3 (E2F3) is oncogenic and dysregulated in various malignancies. Complex networks involving microRNAs (miRNAs) and E2F3 regulate tumorigenesis and progression. However, the potential roles of E2F3 and its target miRNAs in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) are rarely reported.

Methods

E2F3 expression was detected in human NPC tissues and cell lines through quantitative real-time PCR. NPC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were evaluated in vitro by colony forming, cell counting kit-8, wound healing, and Transwell invasion assays. Publicly available database software was used to explore the target miRNAs of E2F3. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to identify the direct relationship. The function of miRNAs in vivo was investigated by using a tumor xenograft model.

Results

E2F3 was upregulated in NPC cell lines and tissues, and its exotic expression promoted NPC cell invasion and migration. E2F3 was identified as a target of miR-432, which restrained NPC cell invasion and migration in vitro and in vivo. Further experiments revealed that miR-432 repressed the invasion and migration potential of NPC cells by modulating E2F3 expression.

Conclusion

miRNA-432 suppressed the malignant biological behavior of NPC cells by targeting E2F3. This study provided further insights into NPC prognosis and treatment.

MicroRNA‑432 inhibits the aggressiveness of glioblastoma multiforme by directly targeting IGF‑1R

MicroRNA‑432 (miR‑432) has been studied in multiple tumors, but the expression status, biological functions and the mechanism of action of miR‑432 in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) are yet to be elucidated. In the present study, miR‑432 expression in GBM was determined and its clinical significance was evaluated among patients with GBM. The effects on the malignancy of GBM in vitro and in vivo were examined in detail and the interactions between miR‑432 and insulin‑like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF‑1R) mRNA were then explored. miR‑432 expression in GBM tissue samples and cell lines was measured by reverse transcription‑quantitative (RT‑q)PCR. GBM cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion in vitro and tumor growth in vivo were evaluated by a Cell Counting Kit‑8 assay, flow‑cytometric analysis, Transwell migration and invasion assays, and a tumor xenograft experiment, respectively. Bioinformatic analysis followed by a luciferase reporter assay, RT‑qPCR and western blotting was applied to demonstrate that IGF‑1R is a direct target gene of miR‑432 in GBM cells. It was found that miR‑432 is downregulated in GBM tumors and cell lines. miR‑432 under expression obviously correlated with the Karnofsky Performance Status score and shorter overall survival among patients with GBM. Exogenous miR‑432 expression significantly reduced proliferation and induced apoptosis of GBM cells. In addition, miR‑432 overexpression impaired the migratory and invasive abilities of GBM cells in vitro and decreased their tumor growth in vivo. Furthermore, IGF‑1R was validated as a direct target gene of miR‑432 in GBM cells. IGF‑1R knockdown imitated the tumor‑suppressive actions of miR‑432 overexpression in GBM cells. Rescue experiments proved IGF‑1R downregulation to be essential for the effects of miR‑432 on GBM cells. The results of the present study revealed a tumor‑suppressive role of the miR‑432‑IGF‑1R axis in GBM cells and this axis may have implications for GBM therapy.

Prospect of circular RNA in osteogenesis: A novel orchestrator of signaling pathways

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) were initially regarded as by-products of aberrant splicing. But now, there are substantial evidence on their various roles in the regulation of genes during the development of organs and diseases. Consistent with these breakthroughs, it is experiencing rapid growth that circRNAs function as the important checkpoints during the osteogenesis. Therefore, characterizing the roles of circRNAs is useful and critical to better understanding the process of osteogenic differentiation, which could provide new avenues for the diagnosis and treatment of bone diseases, such as bone defects and osteoporosis. In this review, we presented a map of the interaction between circRNAs and the molecules of signaling pathways associated with osteogenesis, summarized the current knowledge of the biological functions of circRNAs during the osteogenic differentiation, figured out the limits of existing research works, and provided a novel look on the diagnostic and therapeutic methods of bone diseases based on circRNAs.

Protein phosphatase 2 regulatory subunit B''Alpha silencing inhibits tumor cell proliferation in liver cancer

Aim

To explore the effects of protein phosphatase 2 regulatory subunit B''Alpha (PPP2R3A) on the proliferation and migration of liver cancer cells.

Methods

Expression of PPP2R3A in tumor tissues of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients was detected by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. In two liver cancer cell lines (HepG2 and HuH7), PPP2R3A expression was silenced and then overexpression with PPP2R3A lentiviral vectors, and the effects of PPP2R3A knockdown or overexpression on the proliferation, cell cycle, migration, and invasion of HCC cells were determined in vitro. In a xenograft cancer model in nude mice, the in vivo effects of PPP2R3A knockdown on tumor growth and cancer cell proliferation were evaluated.

Results

PPP2R3A expression was found in tumor foci in six of eight HCC samples, at a level higher than that in the adjacent para‐tumor tissues. PPP2R3A expression was observed primarily in the cytoplasm of the cancer cells. Knockdown of PPP2R3A resulted in significant inhibition of hepatoma cell proliferation (P < .05), migration (P < .01), and invasion (P < .01) as well as a significant delay in the G1/S transition in both liver cancer lines (P < .05) and increased p53 expression. Conversely, overexpression of PPP2R3A promoted the proliferation (P < .05) and altered cell cycle progression (P < .05) of both liver cancer cell lines. In vivo, PPP2R3A knockdown in liver cancer cells led to significant reductions in the tumor volume (P < .001) and the expression of Ki‐67 in tumor tissues (P < .05).

Conclusion

PPP2R3A may play a role in liver cancer via the regulation of tumor cell proliferation and invasion.

Interplay of Wnt β-catenin pathway and miRNAs in HBV pathogenesis leading to HCC

The prevalence of Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been identified world-wide. Plethora of factors including chronic infection of HBV/HCV has been characterized for the development of HCC. Although the onset and progression of HCC has been linked with awry of various signaling pathways but precise mechanism, still lies under the multitude layers of curiosity. HBV is spreading with insane speed throughout the world and has been found a main culprit in HCC development after regulating the several cellular pathways including Wnt/β-catenin, Raf/MAPK, Akt and affecting cell multiplication to genomic instability. The role of Wnt/FZD/β-catenin signaling pathway is centralized in liver functions and its anomalous activation leads to HCC development. β-catenin mainly plays a pivotal role in canonical pathway of the system. Altered mainly overexpression of β-catenin along its nuclear localization tunes the aberrations in liver functions and set disease progression. In the development of HCC, modulation of Wnt/FZD/β-catenin signaling pathway by HBV has been established. As HBV infects the cell it affects the miRNAs, the master regulators of cell. Previous studies showed the connection between HBV and cellular miRNAs. In the present review, we unveiled how HBV is deciphering the cellular miRNAs like miR-26a, miR-15a, miR-16-1, miR-148a, miR-132, miR-122, miR-34a, miR-21, miR-29a, miR-222 and miR-199a/b-3p to modulate the Wnt/FZD/β-catenin signaling pathway and develop HCC. These HBV mediated miRNAs may prove future therapeutic options to treat HBV-Wnt/FZD/β-catenin associated HCC.

MicroRNA-621 inhibits cell proliferation and metastasis in bladder cancer by suppressing Wnt/β-catenin signaling

Increasing evidence has shown that dysregulation of microRNA-621 (miR-621) is demonstrated to be associated with several cancers. However, the role of miR-621 in bladder cancer (BCa) remains unclear. Herein, we aimed to study the expression pattern, biological function, and molecular mechanism of miR-621 in BCa. First, we demonstrated that miR-621 was frequently downregulated in BCa tissues and cell lines compared with the adjacent normal BCa tissues and non-cancerous immortalized urothelial cell line. In addition, the expression of miR-621 was negatively correlated with overall survival of BCa patients. Functional experiments suggessted that miR-621 inhibited the proliferation and metastasis of BCa cells. Notably, dual-luciferase assay showed that miR-621 directly targeted the 3' UTR of TRIM29, which was frequently upregulated in BCa tissues and displayed inverse correlation with miR-621 expression. Furthermore, we demonstrated that miR-621 inhibited the proliferation and metastasis of BCa cells via Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by targeting TRIM29. Our study suggested that the miR-621/TRIM29 axis inhibits the proliferation and metastasis of BCa cells via Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and may have potential applications for development of BCa diagnosis or treatment.

MicroRNA-432 is downregulated in cervical cancer and directly targets FN1 to inhibit cell proliferation and invasion

Numerous studies have identified the dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) in cervical cancer, and dysregulated miRNAs are involved in regulating a number of tumour- associated biological behaviours. Therefore, investigating the roles of cervical cancer-associated miRNAs and the underlying molecular mechanisms is essential for the development of novel diagnostic biomarkers and effective therapeutic targets. MicroRNA-432 (miR-432) dysregulation has been revealed to be implicated in the carcinogenesis and progression of a number of types of human cancer. However, the effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of miR-432 in cervical cancer have yet to be elucidated. In the present study, miR-432 expression was determined using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The results revealed that miR-432 was expressed at low levels in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines. Decreased miR-432 expression was significantly associated with the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage, myometrium invasion and lymph node metastasis of patients with cervical cancer. Following transfection with miR-432 mimic, the expression of miR-432 was significantly upregulated in cervical cancer cells. Upregulation of miR-432 expression restricted the proliferation and invasion of cervical cancer cells. Bioinformatics analysis followed by luciferase reporter assays revealed that fibronectin 1 (FN1) was a direct target gene of miR-432 in cervical cancer cells. In addition, FN1 was upregulated in cervical cancer tissues and was inversely correlated with miR-432 levels. Furthermore, miR-432 upregulation decreased the expression levels of FN1 in cervical cancer cells at the mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, silencing of FN1 could stimulate the tumour suppressor effects of miR-432 upregulation in cervical cancer cells. In addition, restored FN1 expression neutralized the effects of miR-432 overexpression in cervical cancer cells. The results of the present study indicate that miR-432 is a tumour suppressor that can restrain the aggressive phenotype of cervical cancer cells by directly targeting FN1, suggesting that this miRNA may be developed as an effective therapeutic strategy for patients with cervical cancer.

The role of microRNAs in chronic pseudomonas lung infection in Cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is the most common life limiting genetic disorder, characterized by chronic respiratory failure secondary to inflammation and chronic bacterial lung infection. Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infection is associated with more severe lung disease and rapid progression of respiratory failure when compared to Staphylococcus aureus infection. We hypothesized that a specific signature of epigenetic factors targeting specific gene transcripts contributes to the increased morbidity seen in CF patients with chronic Pseudomonas infection.

METHODS

We collected exhaled breath condensate (EBC) from 27 subjects and evaluated miRNA signatures in these samples using commercial PCR array. We identified predicted mRNA targets and associated signaling pathways using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis.

RESULTS

We found 11 differentially expressed miRNAs in EBC of patients infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa compared to EBC from CF patients who were not chronically infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (p < 0.05). Six of these miRNAs (hsa-miRNA-1247, hsa-miRNA-1276, hsa-miRNA-449c, hsa-miRNA-3170, hsa-miRNA-432-5p and hsa-miR-548) were significantly different in the CF Pseudomonas positive group when compared to both the CF Pseudomonas negative group and healthy control group. Ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) revealed organismal injury and abnormalities, reproductive system disease and cancer as the top diseases and bio functions associated with these miRNAs. IPA also detected RELA, JUN, TNF, IL-10, CTNNB1, IL-13, SERPINB8, CALM1, STARD3NL, SFI1, CD55, RPS6KA4, TTC36 and HIST1H3D as the top target genes for these miRNAs.

CONCLUSION

Our study identified 6 miRNAs as epigenetic factors specifically associated with chronic Pseudomonas infection in patients with CF.

TRIM29 prevents hepatocellular carcinoma progression by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

TRIM29 plays an important role in many neoplasms. In this study, we aimed to elucidate its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and explore the corresponding potential mechanism. The expression level of TRIM29 in HCC samples and hepatoma cell lines was detected. We found that TRIM29 was down-regulated in clinical HCC samples and cultured hepatoma cell lines by western blot analysis and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. In addition, we demonstrated that higher TRIM29 expression was associated with higher differentiation grade of HCC. To explore the effect of TRIM29 on hepatoma cells and its possible mechanisms, TRIM29-knockdown and overexpression cell models were constructed. The results showed that the depletion of TRIM29 promoted liver cancer cell proliferation, clone formation, migration and invasion in vitro probably through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. This study revealed the inhibitory roles of TRIM29 in HCC and the possible mechanisms.

MicroRNA-432 is downregulated in osteosarcoma and inhibits cell proliferation and invasion by directly targeting metastasis-associated in colon cancer-1

The aberrant expression of microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) in osteosarcoma (OS) has been demonstrated in previous studies, and deregulation of miRNA expression has been associated with several types of cancer, including OS development and progression. Therefore, identifying the functional role of miRNAs in OS onset and development may facilitate the identification of novel and effective therapeutic targets for the treatment of patients with OS. Previous studies have demonstrated that miR-432 is involved in tumor formation and progression in several types of cancer. However, the expression pattern, functional role and underlying mechanism of miR-432 in OS remain unknown. In the current study, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to measure miR-432 expression levels in OS tissue samples and cell lines. The effect of miR-432 overexpression on OS cell proliferation and invasion was detected using Cell Counting Kit-8 and Transwell invasion assays, respectively. Bioinformatics analysis was used to predict metastasis-associated in colon cancer 1 (MACC1) as a putative target of miR-432 and this was confirmed using a dual-luciferase reporter assay, RT-qPCR and western blot analysis. The current study demonstrated that miR-432 expression levels were significantly reduced in OS tissue samples and cell lines. In addition, functional assays revealed that overexpression of miR-432 significantly decreased OS cell proliferation and invasion. Furthermore, MACC1 was identified as a direct target gene of miR-432 in OS. MACC1 expression levels were significantly increased in OS tissue samples and an inverse correlation was observed between miR-432 and MACC1 expression in OS tissue samples. In addition, rescue experiments demonstrated that overexpression of MACC1 partially reversed the anti-proliferative and anti-invasive effects of miR-432 in OS cells. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that miR-432 inhibited OS cell proliferation and invasion in vitro through direct targeting of MACC1, and miR-432 may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of OS.

Interplay of miRNAs and Canonical Wnt Signaling Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the leading causes of cancer death worldwide and the activation of canonical Wnt signaling pathway is universal in hepatocellular carcinoma patients. MicroRNAs are found to participate in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma by activating or inhibiting components in the canonical Wnt signaling pathway. Meanwhile, transcriptional activation of microRNAs by canonical Wnt signaling pathway also contributes to the occurrence and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. Pharmacological inhibition of hepatocellular carcinoma pathogenesis and other cancers by microRNAs are now in clinical trials despite the challenges of identifying efficient microRNAs candidates and safe delivery vehicles. The focus of this review is on the interplay mechanisms between microRNAs and canonical Wnt signaling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma, and a deep understanding of the crosstalk will promote to develop a better management of this disease.

Circular RNA hsa_circ_0008039 promotes breast cancer cell proliferation and migration by regulating miR-432-5p/E2F3 axis

As the development of sequencing technology, more and more circular RNAs (circRNAs) are identified in human cancer tissues. Increasing evidences imply circRNAs are important regulators in tumor progression. Nevertheless, how circRNAs participate in breast cancer development and progression is not well understood. In the present study, we identified a novel circRNA hsa_circ_0008039 with upregulated expression level in breast cancer tissues. By functional experiments, we found that hsa_circ_0008039 depletion significantly suppressed the proliferation, arrested cell-cycle progression and reduced migration in breast cancer. Mechanistic investigations suggested that hsa_circ_0008039 served as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) of miR-432-5p. Subsequently, E2F3 was identified as the functional target of miR-432-5p and overexpression of hsa_circ_0008039 elevated E2F3 expression in breast cancer. On the whole, our study indicated that hsa_circ_0008039 exerted oncogenic roles in breast cancer and suggested the hsa_circ_0008039/miR-432-5p/E2F3 axis might be a potential therapeutic target.

Circular RNAs and hereditary bone diseases

Circular RNA (circRNA) is a non-linear form of RNA derived from exonic, intronic, and exon-intron gene regions. circRNAs are characterized by covalent closed loops, highly stable nuclease resistance, and specific expression in species and developmental stages. CircRNA molecules have been identified as playing roles in the regulation of cell transcription, transcriptional expression after translation, interactions with microRNAs, and protein coding. A high stability and tissue- and disease-specific expression allow circRNAs to serve as potential biomarkers both for diseases and prognosis. CircRNAs function in bone remodeling by directly participating in bone-related signaling pathways and by forming the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA axis. Studies have seldom reported on the low incidence of circRNAs in genetic bone disorders. The current study reviews the characteristics of circRNAs and recent research on their role in rare hereditary bone diseases.

MicroRNA-432 functions as a tumor suppressor gene through targeting E2F3 and AXL in lung adenocarcinoma

Abnormal proliferation and drug resistance are the hallmarks of lung adenocarcinoma (LAD). Dispite the advances in diagnosis and therapy, the 5-year survival remains low. Increasing studies regarding its pathological mechanism have been focused on microRNA (miRNA) due to its nodal regulatory properties. This study aims to characterize the expression of miR-432 in LAD and investigate its effects on the proliferation and sensitivity of lung cancer cells to cisplatin. Here, we report that downregulation of miR-432 in LAD tissues was correlated with a higher clinical stage (p = 0.03) and poor prognosis (p = 0.036). Additionally, miR-432 expression was negative correlated with high Ki67 labeling index (p = 0.016) in our cohorts. Functionally, over-expression of miR-432 inhibits cell proliferation through arresting cell cycle and sensitizes tumor cells to cisplatin. Mechanistically, miR-432 functions by directly targeting E2F3 and AXL, and they, in turn, mediate the regulation of miR-432 towards cell proliferation and cisplatin sensitivity. Importantly, miR-432 levels are negatively correlated with the levels of E2F3 and AXL in human LAD tissues. These results demonstrated that miR-432 functions as a tumor-suppressive miRNA and may represent a prognostic parameter and therapeutic target for LAD.

Diallyl trisulfide inhibits proliferation, invasion and angiogenesis of glioma cells by inactivating Wnt/β-catenin signaling

Aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling leads to increased cell proliferation and survival and promotes the development of various human tumors, including glioma, one of the most common primary brain tumors. The treatment efficacy of many anticancer drugs remains limited or unsatisfactory and it is urgently necessary to develop effective and low-toxicity anticancer drugs or strategies, especially for glioma. Here, we report that diallyl trisulfide suppresses survival, migration, invasion and angiogenesis in glioma cells. These effects were associated with inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascade, which was accompanied by decreased expression of LRP6, TRIM29 and Pygo2. A dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed that DATS treatment decreased TCF/LEF-mediated transcription. Finally, a nude mouse tumorigenicity model was used to examine the biological effect of diallyl trisulfide in vivo. Consistent with the previous results, diallyl trisulfide inhibited proliferation, invasion and angiogenesis in glioma cells by suppressing Wnt/β-catenin signaling.

High expression of TRIM29 (ATDC) contributes to poor prognosis and tumor metastasis by inducing epithelial‑mesenchymal transition in osteosarcoma

The association of TRIM29 overexpression with cancer progression and poor clinical prognosis has been reported in the context of several types of cancers. In the present study, we investigated the prognostic relevance of TRIM29 and its involvement in the progression of human osteosarcoma. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate a major role of TRIM29 in osteosarcoma. Our results showed that the expression of TRIM29 in osteosarcoma tissues was much higher than that in normal bone tissues. Furthermore, TRIM29 expression was significantly correlated with tumor size, recurrence, metastasis and overall survival time. High expression of TRIM29 and presence of metastasis were independent predictors of poor prognosis in these patients. Both protein and mRNA expression of TRIM29 in osteosarcoma cell lines were significantly higher than those in osteoblast cell line, hFOB1.19. Moreover, the results indicated that TRIM29 promoted migration and invasive growth of osteosarcoma cells by inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Therefore, ectopic expression of TRIM29 potentially contributes to metastasis and poor prognosis in patients with osteosarcoma. In summary, TRIM29 is a potential prognostic biomarker and a therapeutic target for patients with osteosarcoma.

Vitamin D receptor activation reduces inflammatory cytokines and plasma MicroRNAs in moderate chronic kidney disease - a randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), partly due to endothelial dysfunction and chronic inflammation. Vitamin D treatment in end stage renal disease is suggested to modulate the immune system and lead to improved outcomes. We and others have demonstrated that treatment with vitamin D or activated vitamin D analogues protects the endothelial function in less severe renal disease as well. Since the endothelial protection might be mediated by vitamin D effects on inflammation, we assessed levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and micro RNAs (miRs) in patients with moderate CKD, treated with an active vitamin D analogue (paricalcitol).

METHODS

Thirty-six patients with moderate CKD were randomized to 12 weeks treatment with placebo, 1 μg, or 2 μg paricalcitol daily. Cytokines were measured by Milliplex 26-plex. Total RNA was isolated from plasma and miRs were determined by quantitative reverse transcription PCR analysis.

RESULTS

Selected pro-inflammatory cytokines decreased significantly following treatment, while no change was observed in the placebo group. The micro RNAs; miR 432-5p, miR 495-3p, and miR 576-5p were significantly downregulated in the active treated groups, compared to the placebo group.

CONCLUSION

Paricalcitol treatment for 12 weeks in patients with moderate CKD reduces cytokines and micro RNAs involved in atherosclerosis and inflammation. The potentially protective role of vitamin D receptor activation in the inflammatory processes regarding the long-term outcomes in CKD patients warrants further studies.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

SOLID study; NCT01204528 , April 27, 2010.

Differential circRNA expression profiles during the BMP2-induced osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells

OBJECTIVE

Recent studies have indicated that circular RNAs (circRNAs) might play important roles in various diseases. However, little is known about the functions of circRNAs in the skeletal system, and the role of circRNAs in the mechanism by which bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) promotes bone differentiation remains unknown. Here, we performed RNA-seq to analyze differential expression of circRNA during different osteoblast differentiation stages and investigated the relevant mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and activity were performed to assess osteogenic differentiation in MC3T3-E1 cells. The expression of osteogenic markers in MC3T3-E1 cells and the differential expression levels of circRNAs were measured and validated by qRT-PCR. Osteogenic marker proteins were measured by western blot. RNA-seq was performed to detect differential expression of circRNAs during the osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells induced by BMP2. Gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and PANTHER pathway analyses were performed to predict the functions of differentially expressed circRNAs and potentially co-expressed target genes. The microRNA (miRNA) targets of the circRNAs and circRNA-miRNA interactions were predicted by miRanda. The circRNA-miRNA co-expression network was constructed based on the correlation analysis between the differentially expressed circRNAs and miRNAs. A graph of the circRNA-miRNA network was created using Cytoscape 3.01.

RESULTS

The Cell Counting Kit 8 (CCK-8) assay showed that BMP2 promoted the proliferation of osteoblasts in vitro. Both the intracellular ALP content and activity were increased in BMP2-treated MC3T3-E1 cells. In addition, the mRNA and protein levels of the osteoblastic markers ALP, Sp7 transcription factor (SP7) and runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) were substantially up-regulated. In the present study, 158 circRNAs were differentially expressed by a fold-change ≥2.0, P<0.05 and false discovery rate <0.05. Among these, 74 circRNAs were up-regulated, while 84 circRNAs were down-regulated. In addition, the expression levels of circRNA.5846, circRNA.19142 and circRNA.10042 were significantly increased in the BMP2 group. Furthermore, by analyzing the target mRNAs of miR-7067-5p using GO and PANTHER pathway analyses, circ19142 and circ5846 were found to be not only strongly associated with the biological process of the positive regulation of developmental processes but also related to the fibroblast growth factor, epidermal growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor and Wnt signaling pathways, which are involved in cell growth and differentiation.

CONCLUSION

The present study identified circ19142 and circ5846 as being associated with osteoblast differentiation and BMP2 may induce osteogenic differentiation through a circ19142/circ5846-targeted miRNA-mRNA axis.

Soya-cerebroside, an extract of Cordyceps militaris, suppresses monocyte migration and prevents cartilage degradation in inflammatory animal models

Pathophysiological events that modulate the progression of structural changes in osteoarthritis (OA) include the secretion of inflammatory molecules, such as proinflammatory cytokines. Interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) is the prototypical inflammatory cytokine that activates OA synovial cells to release cytokines and chemokines in support of the inflammatory response. The monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1/CCL2) is one of the key chemokines that regulate migration and infiltration of monocytes in response to inflammation. We show in this study that IL-1β-induced MCP-1 expression and monocyte migration in OA synovial fibroblasts (OASFs) is effectively inhibited by soya-cerebroside, an extract of Cordyceps militaris. We found that soya-cerebroside up-regulated of microRNA (miR)-432 expression via inhibiting AMPK and AKT signaling pathways in OASFs. Soya-cerebroside also effectively decreased monocyte infiltration and prevented cartilage degradation in a rat inflammatory model. Our findings are the first to demonstrate that soya-cerebroside inhibits monocyte/macrophage infiltration into synoviocytes, attenuating synovial inflammation and preventing cartilage damage by reducing MCP-1 expression in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, we suggest a novel therapeutic strategy based on the use of soya-cerebroside for the management of OA.

MicroRNA-432 targeting E2F3 and P55PIK inhibits myogenesis through PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway

Skeletal muscle is the dominant executant in locomotion and regulator in energy metabolism. Embryonic myogenesis and postnatal muscle growth are controlled by a cascade of transcription factors and epigenetic regulatory mechanisms. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a family of non-coding RNA of 22 nucleotides in length, post-transcriptionally regulates expression of mRNA by pairing the seed sequence to 3' UTR of target mRNA. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that miRNAs are important regulators in diverse myogenic processes. The profiling of miRNA expression revealed that miR-432 is more enriched in the longissimus dorsi of 35-day-old piglets than that of adult pigs. Our gain of function study showed that miR-432 can negatively regulate both myoblast proliferation and differentiation. Mechanically, we found that miR-432 is able to down-regulate E2F transcription factor 3 (E2F3) to inactivate the expression of cell cycle and myogenic genes. We also identified that phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase regulatory subunit (P55PIK) is another target gene of miR-432 in muscle cells. downregulation of P55PIK by miR-432 leads to inhibition of P55PIK-mediated PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway during differentiation. The blocking effect of miR-432 on this pathway can be rescued by insulin treatment. Taken together, our findings identified microRNA-432 as a potent inhibitor of myogenesis which functions by targeting E2F3 and P55PIK in muscle cells.

Japanese Encephalitis Virus exploits the microRNA-432 to regulate the expression of Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling (SOCS) 5

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a plus strand RNA virus, which infects brain. MicroRNAs are regulatory non-coding RNAs which regulate the expression of various genes in cells. Viruses modulate the expression of various microRNAs to suppress anti-viral signaling and evade the immune response. SOCS (Suppressor of cytokine signalling) family of proteins are negative regulators of anti-viral Jak-STAT pathway. In this study, we demonstrated the regulatory role of SOCS5 in Jak-STAT signaling and its exploitation by JEV through a microRNA mediated mechanism. JEV infection in human brain microglial cells (CHME3) downregulated the expression of miR-432, and upregulated SOCS5 levels. SOCS5 was validated as a target of miR-432 by using 3'UTR clone of SOCS5 in luciferase vector along with miR-432 mimic. The overexpression of miR-432 prior to JEV infection enhanced the phosphorylation of STAT1 resulting into increased ISRE activity and cellular inflammatory response resulting into diminished viral replication. The knockdown of SOCS5 resulted into increased STAT1 phosphorylation and suppressed viral replication. JEV infection mediated downregulation of miR-432 leads to SOCS5 upregulation, which helps the virus to evade cellular anti-viral response. This study demonstrated that JEV utilizes this microRNA mediated strategy to manipulate cellular immune response promoting JEV pathogenesis.

MicroRNA-505 suppresses proliferation and invasion in hepatoma cells by directly targeting high-mobility group box 1

AIMS

MicroRNA-505 (miR-505) expressions have been reported to be altered in the serum of HCC patients. However, the effect and underlying mechanism of miR-505 in hepatoma cells remains poorly understood. The present study intended to investigate the expression levels and the probable role and molecular basis of miR-505 in hepatoma cells.

MAIN METHODS

Real-time PCR was used to determine the miR-505 expressions in hepatoma cell lines QGY-7703, SMMC-7721 and MHCC97. Furthermore, an up-or down-regulation of miR-505 was performed in MHCC97 by transfected with miR-505 mimics or anti-miR-505, respectively. Cell proliferation, cell invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition were determined. Moreover, the target gene of miR-505 was also investigated.

KEY FINDINGS

The expressions of miR-505 were down-regulated in three hepatoma cell lines. MHCC97 possessed the lowest miR-505 levels among the three hepatoma cell lines. Furthermore, the up-regulation of miR-505 suppressed, whereas the down-regulation of miR-505 promoted proliferation, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in MHCC97. Moreover, miR-505 could directly bind to the 3'-untranslated region of High-Mobility Group Box 1. Notably, High-Mobility Group Box 1 knockdown apparently promoted cell proliferation and invasion in MHCC97.

SIGNIFICANCE

We investigated that MiR-505 regulates proliferation and invasion in MHCC97 cells via targeting High-Mobility Group Box 1.

Overexpression of Suprabasin is Associated with Proliferation and Tumorigenicity of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Suprabasin is a recently identified oncoprotein that is upregulated in multiple cancers. However, the clinical significance and biological role of suprabasin in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unclear. In the current study, we reported that suprabasin was markedly overexpressed in ESCC cell lines and tissues at both mRNA and protein levels, and this was associated with advanced clinical stage, tumor-nodes-metastasis (TNM) classification, histological differentiation, tumor size and poorer survival. Furthermore, we found that both proliferation and tumorigenicity of ESCC cells were significantly induced by suprabasin overexpression, but inhibited by suprabasin knock-down. Moreover, we demonstrated that upregulation of suprabasin activated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and led to nuclear localization of β-catenin and upregulation of Cyclin D1 and c-Myc. Together, our results suggest that suprabasin plays an important oncogenic role in promoting proliferation and tumorigenesis of ESCC.

microRNA expression changes after atrial fibrillation catheter ablation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is most common arrhythmia in general population, with increasing trend in mortality and morbidity. Electrophysiological and structural abnormalities, promoting abnormal impulse formation and propagation, lead to this disease. AF catheter ablation is related to a not small percentage of nonresponder patients. microRNAs (miRs) have been used as AF fibrotic and electrical alterations biomarkers. miRs may differentiate responders patients to ablative approach. Selective miR target therapy, as upregulation by adenovirus transfection and/or miR downregulation by antagomiR, may be used to treat AF patients. Catheter ablation of triggering electrical pulmonary veins activity or fibrotic areas defragmentation may be upgraded by miR therapy to prevent cardiac electrical and fibrotic remodeling after AF ablation.

Unique microRNAs appear at different times during the course of a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction in human skin

Diphencyprone (DPCP) is a hapten that induces delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reactions. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression and have been implicated in various inflammatory skin diseases, but their role in DTH reactions is not well understood. We generated global miRNA expression profiles (using next-generation sequencing) of DPCP reactions in skin of seven healthy volunteers at 3, 14 and 120 days after challenge. Compared to placebo-treated sites, DPCP-challenged skin at 3 days (peak inflammation) had 127 miRNAs significantly deregulated. At 14 days (during resolution of inflammation), 43 miRNAs were deregulated and, at 120 days (when inflammation had completely resolved), six miRNAs were upregulated. While some miRNAs have been observed in psoriasis or atopic dermatitis, most of the deregulated miRNAs have not yet been studied in the context of skin biology or immunology. Across the three time points studied, many but not all miRNAs were uniquely expressed. As various miRNAs may influence T cell activation, this may indicate that the miRNAs exclusively expressed at different time points function to promote or resolve skin inflammation, and therefore, may inform on the paradoxical ability of DPCP to treat both autoimmune conditions (alopecia areata) and conditions of ineffective immunity (melanoma).