Long noncoding RNA DANCR promotes invasion of prostate cancer through epigenetically silencing expression of TIMP2/3

Matrix metalloproteinases targeting in prostate cancer

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common tumors affecting men all over the world. PCa has brought a huge health burden to men around the world, especially for elderly men, but its pathogenesis is unclear. In prostate cancer, epigenetic inheritance plays an important role in the development, progression, and metastasis of the disease. An important role in cancer invasion and metastasis is played by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), zinc-dependent proteases that break down extracellular matrix. We review two important forms of epigenetic modification and the role of matrix metalloproteinases in tumor regulation, both of which may be of significant value as novel biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis monitoring. The author considers that both mechanisms have promising therapeutic applications for therapeutic agent research in prostate cancer, but that efforts should be made to mitigate or eliminate the side effects of drug therapy in order to maximize quality of life of patients. The understanding of epigenetic modification, MMPs, and their inhibitors in the functional regulation of prostate cancer is gradually advancing, it will provide a new technical means for the prevention of prostate cancer, early diagnosis, androgen-independent prostate cancer treatment, and drug research.

Illuminating the pathogenic role of SARS-CoV-2: Insights into competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) regulatory networks

The appearance of SARS-CoV-2 in 2019 triggered a significant economic and health crisis worldwide, with heterogeneous molecular mechanisms that contribute to its development are not yet fully understood. Although substantial progress has been made in elucidating the mechanisms behind SARS-CoV-2 infection and therapy, it continues to rank among the top three global causes of mortality due to infectious illnesses. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), being integral components across nearly all biological processes, demonstrate effective importance in viral pathogenesis. Regarding viral infections, ncRNAs have demonstrated their ability to modulate host reactions, viral replication, and host-pathogen interactions. However, the complex interactions of different types of ncRNAs in the progression of COVID-19 remains understudied. In recent years, a novel mechanism of post-transcriptional gene regulation known as "competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA)" has been proposed. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), and viral ncRNAs function as ceRNAs, influencing the expression of associated genes by sequestering shared microRNAs. Recent research on SARS-CoV-2 has revealed that disruptions in specific ceRNA regulatory networks (ceRNETs) contribute to the abnormal expression of key infection-related genes and the establishment of distinctive infection characteristics. These findings present new opportunities to delve deeper into the underlying mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis, offering potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. This progress paves the way for a more comprehensive understanding of ceRNETs, shedding light on the intricate mechanisms involved. Further exploration of these mechanisms holds promise for enhancing our ability to prevent viral infections and develop effective antiviral treatments.

New evidence for a role of DANCR in cancers: a comprehensive review

Cancer remains a leading cause of mortality and poses a substantial threat to public health. Studies have revealed that Long noncoding RNA DANCR is a cytoplasmic lncRNA whose aberrant expression plays a pivotal role in various cancer types. Within tumour biology, DANCR exerts regulatory control over crucial processes such as proliferation, invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, inflammatory responses, cellular energy metabolism reprogramming, and apoptosis. By acting as a competitive endogenous RNA for miRNAs and by interacting with proteins and mRNAs at the molecular level, DANCR contributes significantly to cancer progression. Elevated DANCR levels have also been linked to heightened resistance to anticancer drugs. Moreover, the detection of circulating DANCR holds promise as a valuable biomarker for aiding in the clinical differentiation of different cancer types. This article offers a comprehensive review and elucidation of the primary functions and molecular mechanisms through which DANCR influences tumours.

Updated review on analysis of long non-coding RNAs as emerging diagnostic and therapeutic targets in prostate cancers

Despite advancements, prostate cancers (PCa) pose a significant global health challenge due to delayed diagnosis and therapeutic resistance. This review delves into the complex landscape of prostate cancer, with a focus on long-noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). Also explores the influence of aberrant lncRNAs expression in progressive PCa stages, impacting traits like proliferation, invasion, metastasis and therapeutic resistance. The study elucidates how lncRNAs modulate crucial molecular effectors, including transcription factors and microRNAs, affecting signaling pathways such as androgen receptor signaling. Besides, this manuscript sheds light on novel concepts and mechanisms driving PCa progression through lncRNAs, providing a critical analysis of their impact on the disease's diverse characteristics. Besides, it discusses the potential of lncRNAs as diagnostics and therapeutic targets in PCa. Collectively, this work highlights state of art mechanistic comprehension and rigorous scientific approaches to advance our understanding of PCa and depict innovations in this evolving field of research.

Single cell-transcriptomic analysis informs the lncRNA landscape in metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer

Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is a lethal form of prostate cancer. Although long-noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been implicated in mCRPC, past studies have relied on bulk sequencing methods with low depth and lack of single-cell resolution. Hence, we performed a lncRNA-focused analysis of single-cell RNA-sequencing data (n = 14) from mCRPC biopsies followed by integration with bulk multi-omic datasets. This yielded 389 cell-enriched lncRNAs in prostate cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME). These lncRNAs demonstrated enrichment with regulatory elements and exhibited alterations during prostate cancer progression. Prostate-lncRNAs were correlated with AR mutational status and response to treatment with enzalutamide, while TME-lncRNAs were associated with RB1 deletions and poor prognosis. Finally, lncRNAs identified between prostate adenocarcinomas and neuroendocrine tumors exhibited distinct expression and methylation profiles. Our findings demonstrate the ability of single-cell analysis to refine our understanding of lncRNAs in mCRPC and serve as a resource for future mechanistic studies.

From carcinogenesis to therapeutic avenues: lncRNAs and mTOR crosstalk in lung cancer

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been demonstrated to have a crucial function in the modulation of the activity of genes, impacting a variety of homeostatic processes involving growth, survival, movement, and genomic consistency. Certain lncRNAs' aberrant expression has been linked to carcinogenesis, tumor growth, and therapeutic resistance. They are beneficial for the management of malignancies since they can function as cancer-causing or cancer-suppressing genes and behave as screening or prognosis indicators. The modulation of the tumor microenvironment, metabolic modification, and spread have all been linked to lncRNAs in lung cancer. Recent research has indicated that lncRNAs may interact with various mTOR signalling systems to control expression in lung cancer. Furthermore, the route can affect how lncRNAs are expressed. Emphasizing the function of lncRNAs as crucial participants in the mTOR pathway, the current review intends to examine the interactions between the mTOR cascade and the advancement of lung cancer. The article will shed light on the roles and processes of a few lncRNAs associated with the development of lung cancer, as well as their therapeutic prospects.

LncRNA DANCR Enhances Angiogenesis to Promote Melanoma Progression Via Sponging miR-5194

Background and aim: As an oncogenic long noncoding RNA, differentiation antagonizing non-protein coding RNA (DANCR) was identified in many kinds of cancers. However, the specific function of DANCR in melanoma remains unclear. Here, we aimed to clarify the role of DANCR played in melanoma progression and the underlying mechanisms. Methods: TCGA data base and patients' tissue samples were used to analyzed the function of DANCR in melanoma progression. Transwell assay was used to detect cell migration and tube formation assay was employed to assess the ability of angiogenesis. Western blot, qRT-PCR, ELISA and IHC assay were used to examine VEGFB expression and secrection. Luciferase assay verified the binding of DANCR and miRNA. Results: We found that the expression of DANCR was positively related to poor clinical prognosis of melanoma. DANCR knockdown suppressed melanoma progression with a more significant suppression in vivo compared with it in vitro. Further detection showed that beyond promoting proliferation, DANCR also enhanced angiogenesis via upregulating VEGFB. Mechanistic analysis revealed that DANCR upregulating VEGFB through sponging miR-5194, which negatively regulated VEGFB expression and secretion. Conclusion: We demonstrated a novel oncogenic role DANCR played in melanoma and suggested a new avenue for melanoma therapy by targeting the DANCR/miR-5194/VEGFB signaling.

LncFALEC recruits ART5/PARP1 and promotes castration-resistant prostate cancer through enhancing PARP1-meditated self PARylation

Accumulating evidence indicates that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are abnormal expression in various malignant tumors. Our previous research demonstrated that focally amplified long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) on chromosome 1 (FALEC) is an oncogenic lncRNA in prostate cancer (PCa). However, the role of FALEC in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is poorly understood. In this study, we showed FALEC was upregulated in post-castration tissues and CRPC cells, and increased FALEC expression was associated with poor survival in post-castration PCa patients. RNA FISH demonstrated FALEC was translocated into nucleus in CRPC cells. RNA pulldown and followed Mass Spectrometry (MS) assay demonstrated FALEC directly interacted with PARP1 and loss of function assay showed FALEC depletion sensitized CRPC cells to castration treatment and restored NAD⁺. Specific PARP1 inhibitor AG14361 and NAD⁺ endogenous competitor NADP⁺ sensitized FALEC-deleted CRPC cells to castration treatment. FALEC increasing PARP1 meditated self PARylation through recruiting ART5 and down regulation of ART5 decreased CRPC cell viability and restored NAD⁺ through inhibiting PARP1meditated self PARylation in vitro. Furthermore, ART5 was indispensable for FALEC directly interaction and regulation of PARP1, loss of ART5 impaired FALEC and PARP1 associated self PARylation. In vivo, FALEC depleted combined with PARP1 inhibitor decreased CRPC cell derived tumor growth and metastasis in a model of castration treatment NOD/SCID mice. Together, these results established that FALEC may be a novel diagnostic marker for PCa progression and provides a potential new therapeutic strategy to target the FALEC/ART5/PARP1 complex in CRPC patients.

DANCR Induces Cisplatin Resistance of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer by KLF5/p27 Signaling

An increasing body of evidence suggests that long noncoding RNAs play critical roles in human cancer. Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease and the potential involvement of long noncoding RNAs in breast cancer remains poorly understood. Herein, the study identified a long noncoding RNA, DANCR, which promotes cisplatin chemoresistance in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. Mechanistically, binding of DANCR to Krüppel-like factor 5 (KLF5) induced acetylation of KLF5 at lysine 369 (K369), and DANCR knockdown resulted in down-regulation of KLF5 protein levels. Furthermore, DANCR/KLF5 signaling pathway induced hypersensitivity to cisplatin in chemoresistant patients by inhibiting p27 transcription. In summary, this study reinforced the potential presence of a growth regulatory network in TNBC cells, and documented a DANCR/KLF5/p27 signaling pathway mediating cisplatin chemoresistance in TNBC.

Oncogenic Long Noncoding RNAs in Prostate Cancer, Osteosarcoma, and Metastasis

Prostate cancer (PC) is a common malignancy and is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death in men worldwide. Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common bone cancer, representing 20-40% of all bone malignancy cases. Cancer metastasis is a process by which malignant tumor cells detach from the primary tumor site via a cascade of processes and migrate to secondary sites through the blood circulation or lymphatic system to colonize and form secondary tumors. PC has a specific affinity to the bone based on the "seed and soil" theory; once PC reach the bone, it becomes incurable. Several studies have identified long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) as potential targets for cancer therapy or as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. The dysregulation of various lncRNAs has been found in various cancer types, including PC, OS, and metastasis. However, the mechanisms underlying lncRNA oncogenic activity in tumor progression and metastasis are extremely complex and remain incompletely understood. Therefore, understanding oncogenic lncRNAs and their role in OS, PC, and metastasis and the underlying mechanism may help better manage and treat this malignancy. The aim of this review is to summarize current knowledge of oncogenic lncRNAs and their involvement in PC, OS, and bone metastasis.

Plant polysaccharides with anti-lung injury effects as a potential therapeutic strategy for COVID-19

When coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) develops into the severe phase, lung injury, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and/or respiratory failure could develop within a few days. As a result of pulmonary tissue injury, pathomorphological changes usually present endothelial dysfunction, inflammatory cell infiltration of the lung interstitium, defective gas exchange, and wall leakage. Consequently, COVID-19 may progress to tremendous lung injury, ongoing lung failure, and death. Exploring the treatment drugs has important implications. Recently, the application of traditional Chinese medicine had better performance in reducing fatalities, relieving symptoms, and curtailing hospitalization. Through constant research and study, plant polysaccharides may emerge as a crucial resource against lung injury with high potency and low side effects. However, the absence of a comprehensive understanding of lung-protective mechanisms impedes further investigation of polysaccharides. In the present article, a comprehensive review of research into plant polysaccharides in the past 5 years was performed. In total, 30 types of polysaccharides from 19 kinds of plants have shown lung-protective effects through the pathological processes of inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, autophagy, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and immunomodulation by mediating mucin and aquaporins, macrophage, endoplasmic reticulum stress, neutrophil, TGF-β1 pathways, Nrf2 pathway, and other mechanisms. Moreover, the deficiencies of the current studies and the future research direction are also tentatively discussed. This research provides a comprehensive perspective for better understanding the mechanism and development of polysaccharides against lung injury for the treatment of COVID-19.

Gene expression analysis reveals a 5-gene signature for progression-free survival in prostate cancer

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common male cancer worldwide, but effective biomarkers for the presence or progression risk of disease are currently elusive. In a series of nine matched histologically confirmed PCa and benign samples, we carried out an integrated transcriptome-wide gene expression analysis, including differential gene expression analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), which identified a set of potential gene markers highly associated with tumour status (malignant vs. benign). We then used these genes to establish a minimal progression-free survival (PFS)-associated gene signature (GS) (PCBP1, PABPN1, PTPRF, DANCR, and MYC) using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and stepwise multivariate Cox regression analyses from The Cancer Genome Atlas prostate adenocarcinoma (TCGA-PRAD) dataset. Our signature was able to predict PFS over 1, 3, and 5 years in TCGA-PRAD dataset, with area under the curve (AUC) of 0.64–0.78, and our signature remained as a prognostic factor independent of age, Gleason score, and pathological T and N stages. A nomogram combining the signature and Gleason score demonstrated improved predictive capability for PFS (AUC: 0.71–0.85) and was superior to the Cambridge Prognostic Group (CPG) model alone and some conventionally used clinicopathological factors in predicting PFS. In conclusion, we have identified and validated a novel five-gene signature and established a nomogram that effectively predicted PFS in patients with PCa. Findings may improve current prognosis tools for PFS and contribute to clinical decision-making in PCa treatment.

A review on the role of DANCR in the carcinogenesis

DANCR is an RNA gene located on chr4. This gene has several splice variants. Up-regulation of DANCR has been reported in many types of cancers. This lncRNA is mainly located in the cytoplasm and regulates genes expression at post-transcriptional level. In fact, it acts as a molecular sponge for a variety of miRNAs, including miR-874-3P, miR-335, miR-149, miR-4319, miR-758-3p, miR-216a-5p, miR-874-3p, miR-33a-5p, miR-335-5p, miR-145-3p, miR-665, miR-345-5p and miR-125b-5p. DANCR also regulates activity of PI3K/AKT/NF-κB, Wnt/β-catenin, ERK/SMAD, MAPK, IL-6/JAK1/STAT3, Smad2/3, p53, FAK/PI3K/AKT/GSK3β/Snail pathways. In the current narrative review article, we summarize the roles of DANCR in the carcinogenesis, with an especial emphasis on its role in the development of osteosarcoma and lung, liver, pancreatic and colorectal cancers.

Signaling Pathways and Targeted Therapies for Stem Cells in Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most frequently occurring cancers among men, and the current statistics show that it is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men. Over the years, research in PCa treatment and therapies has made many advances. Despite these efforts, the standardized therapies such as radiation, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy and surgery are not considered completely effective in treating advanced and metastatic PCa. In most situations, fast-dividing tumor cells are targeted, leaving behind relatively slowly dividing, chemoresistant cells known as cancer stem cells. Therefore, following the seemingly successful treatments, the lingering quiescent cancer stem cells are able to renew themselves, undergo differentiation into mature tumor cells, and sufficiently reinitiate the disease, leading to cancer relapse. Thus, prostate cancer stem cells (PCSCs) have been reported to play a vital role in controlling the dynamics of tumorigenesis, progression, and resistance to therapies in PCa. However, the complete knowledge on the mechanisms regulating the stemness of PCSCs is still unclear. Thus, studying the stemness of PCSCs will allow for the development of more effective cancer therapies due to the durable response, resulting in a reduction in recurrences of cancer. In this Review, we will specifically describe the molecular mechanisms responsible for regulating the stemness of PCSCs. Furthermore, current developments in stem cell-specific therapeutic approaches along with future prospects will also be discussed.

The role of FOXC1/FOXCUT/DANCR axis in triple negative breast cancer: a bioinformatics and experimental approach

BACKGROUND

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most challenging subtype of breast cancer and does not benefit from the existing targeted therapies. In the present study, we used bioinformatics and experimental approaches to assess the genes that are somehow involved in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway which may explain the invasive features of TNBC.

METHOD AND RESULTS

We analyzed five GEO datasets consisting of 657 breast tumors by GEO2R online software to achieve common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between TNBC and non-TNBC tumors. The expression of the selected coding and non-coding genes was validated in 100 breast tumors, including fifty TNBC and fifty non-TNBC samples, using quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR). The bioinformatics approach resulted in a final DEG list consisting of ten upregulated and seventeen downregulated genes (logFC ≥|1| and P < 0.05). Co-expression network construction indicated the FOXC1 transcription factor as a central hub node. Considering the notable role of FOXC1 in EMT, the expression levels of FOXC1-related lncRNAs, lnc-FOXCUT and lnc-DANCR, were also evaluated in the studied tumors. The results of qRT-PCR confirmed notable upregulation of FOXC1, lnc-FOXCUT, and lnc-DANCR in TNBC tissues compared to non-TNBC samples (P < 0.0001, P = 0.0005, and P = 0.0008, respectively). Moreover, ROC curve analysis revealed the potential biomarker role of FOXC1 in TNBC samples.

CONCLUSION

Present study suggested that the deregulation of FOXC1/lnc-FOXCUT/lnc-DANCR axis may contribute to the aggressive features of triple-negative breast tumors. Therefore, this axis may be considered as a new probable therapeutic target in the treatment of TNBC.

Roles of Key Epigenetic Regulators in the Gene Transcription and Progression of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a top-incidence malignancy, and the second most common cause of death amongst American men and the fifth leading cause of cancer death in men around the world. Androgen receptor (AR), the key transcription factor, is critical for the progression of PCa by regulating a series of target genes by androgen stimulation. A number of co-regulators of AR, including co-activators or co-repressors, have been implicated in AR-mediated gene transcription and PCa progression. Epigenetic regulators, by modifying chromatin integrity and accessibility for transcription regulation without altering DNA sequences, influence the transcriptional activity of AR and further regulate the gene expression of AR target genes in determining cell fate, PCa progression and therapeutic response. In this review, we summarized the structural interaction of AR and epigenetic regulators including histone or DNA methylation, histone acetylation or non-coding RNA, and functional synergy in PCa progression. Importantly, epigenetic regulators have been validated as diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets. A series of epigenetic target drugs have been developed, and have demonstrated the potential to treat PCa alone or in combination with antiandrogens.

Non-coding RNA-associated competitive endogenous RNA regulatory networks: Novel diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities for hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as the most prevalent liver malignancy, is annually diagnosed in more than half a million people worldwide. HCC is strongly associated with hepatitis B and C viral infections as well as alcohol abuse. Obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) also significantly enhance the risk of liver cancer. Despite recent improvements in therapeutic approaches, patients diagnosed in advanced stages show poor prognosis. Accumulating evidence provides support for the regulatory role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in cancer. There are a variety of reports indicating the regulatory role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in different stages of HCC. Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) exert their effects by sponging miRNAs and controlling the expression of miRNA-targeted genes. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) perform their biological functions by acting as transcriptional regulators, miRNA sponges and protein templates. Diverse studies have illustrated that dysregulation of competing endogenous RNA networks (ceRNETs) is remarkably correlated with HCC-causing diseases such as chronic viral infections, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and liver fibrosis/cirrhosis. The aim of the current article was to provide an overview of the role and molecular mechanisms underlying the function of ceRNETs that modulate the characteristics of HCC such as uncontrolled cell proliferation, resistance to cell death, metabolic reprogramming, immune escape, angiogenesis and metastasis. The current knowledge highlights the potential of these regulatory RNA molecules as novel diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in HCC.

Interaction between Non-Coding RNAs and Androgen Receptor with an Especial Focus on Prostate Cancer

The androgen receptor (AR) is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily and has three functional domains, namely the N-terminal, DNA binding, and C-terminal domain. The N-terminal domain harbors potent transactivation functions, whereas the C-terminal domain binds to androgens and antiandrogens used to treat prostate cancer. AR has genomic activity being DNA binding-dependent or through interaction with other DNA-bound transcription factors, as well as a number of non-genomic, non-canonical functions, such as the activation of the ERK, AKT, and MAPK pathways. A bulk of evidence indicates that non-coding RNAs have functional interactions with AR. This type of interaction is implicated in the pathogenesis of human malignancies, particularly prostate cancer. In the current review, we summarize the available data on the role of microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs on the expression of AR and modulation of AR signaling, as well as the effects of AR on their expression. Recognition of the complicated interaction between non-coding RNAs and AR has practical importance in the design of novel treatment options, as well as modulation of response to conventional therapeutics.

Long Non-coding RNA DANCR in Cancer: Roles, Mechanisms, and Implications

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) DANCR (also known as ANCR)—differentiation antagonizing non-protein coding RNA, was first reported in 2012 to suppress differentiation of epithelial cells. Emerging evidence demonstrates that DANCR is a cancer-associated lncRNA abnormally expressed in many cancers (e.g., lung cancer, gastric cancer, breast cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma). Increasing studies suggest that the dysregulation of DANCR plays critical roles in cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and chemoresistance in vitro and tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Mechanistic analyses show that DANCR can serve as miRNA sponges, stabilize mRNAs, and interact with proteins. Recent research reveals that DANCR can be detected in many body fluids such as serum, plasma, and exosomes, providing a quick and convenient method for cancer monitor. Thus DANCR can be used as a promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for various types of cancer. This review focuses on the role and mechanism of DANCR in cancer progression with an emphasis on the clinical significance of DANCR in human cancers.

The control of polycomb repressive complexes by long noncoding RNAs

The polycomb repressive complexes 1 and 2 (PRCs; PRC1 and PRC2) are conserved histone-modifying enzymes that often function cooperatively to repress gene expression. The PRCs are regulated by long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in complex ways. On the one hand, specific lncRNAs cause the PRCs to engage with chromatin and repress gene expression over genomic regions that can span megabases. On the other hand, the PRCs bind RNA with seemingly little sequence specificity, and at least in the case of PRC2, direct RNA-binding has the effect of inhibiting the enzyme. Thus, some RNAs appear to promote PRC activity, while others may inhibit it. The reasons behind this apparent dichotomy are unclear. The most potent PRC-activating lncRNAs associate with chromatin and are predominantly unspliced or harbor unusually long exons. Emerging data imply that these lncRNAs promote PRC activity through internal RNA sequence elements that arise and disappear rapidly in evolutionary time. These sequence elements may function by interacting with common subsets of RNA-binding proteins that recruit or stabilize PRCs on chromatin. This article is categorized under: RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein-RNA Recognition RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > RNA-Protein Complexes RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein-RNA Interactions: Functional Implications.

Prognostic significance of lncRNA DANCR expression in human cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Several studies demonstrated that lncRNA differentiation antagonizing non-protein coding RNA (lncRNA DANCR) expression might have the potential capacity to predict the cancer prognosis; however, definite conclusion has not been obtained. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the prognostic value of lncRNA DANCR expression in cancers. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase were comprehensively searched for relevant studies. Studies meeting all inclusion standards were included into this meta-analysis. The analysis of overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), or clinicopathological features was conducted. Total 11 studies containing 1154 cancer patients were analyzed in this meta-analysis. The results showed, compared with low lncRNA DANCR expression, high lncRNA DANCR expression was significantly associated with shorter OS (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.85; 95% CI = 1.52–2.26; P<0.01) and DFS (HR = 1.82; 95% CI = 1.43–2.32; P<0.01) in cancers. Besides, high lncRNA DANCR expression predicted deeper tumor invasion (P<0.01), earlier lymph node metastasis (P<0.01), earlier distant metastasis (P<0.01), and more advanced clinical stage (P<0.01) compared with low lncRNA DANCR expression in cancer populations. High lncRNA DANCR expression was associated with worse prognosis compared with low lncRNA DANCR expression in cancers. LncRNA DANCR expression could serve as a prognostic factor of human cancers.

Long non‑coding RNA DANCR represses the viability, migration and invasion of multiple myeloma cells by sponging miR‑135b‑5p to target KLF9

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignancy of plasma cells that leads to marrow failure and bone lesions. Numerous studies have verified the link between long non‑coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and MM. The present study aimed to examine the role and underlying mechanism of differentiation antagonizing non‑protein coding RNA (DANCR) in MM cells. The relative expression levels of DANCR, microRNA (miR)‑135b‑5p and Krüppel‑like factor 9 (KLF9) were examined using reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR. Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay, while relative cell migration and invasion were evaluated using Transwell assays. Moreover, the dual‑luciferase reporter assay was used to examine the interplay between DANCR, miR‑135b‑5p and KLF9. Western blotting was performed to determine the expression level of KLF9. It was found that lncRNA DANCR and KLF9 were downregulated, while miR‑135b‑5p was upregulated in the serum of patients with MM and in MM cells compared with the controls. Overexpressing DANCR or knocking down miR‑135b‑5p reduced the viability of the MM cells, as well as restrained MM cells from migrating and invading. Furthermore, DANCR directly targeted miR‑135b‑5p and was negatively correlated with miR‑135b‑5p. It was also found that KLF9 was targeted by miR‑135b‑5p and was inversely correlated with miR‑135b‑5p expression. The impact of lncRNA DANCR‑mediated suppression on cell viability, invasion and migration was partially abolished by short hairpin RNA KLF9 or miR‑135b‑5p mimics transfection in MM cells. Thus, it was suggested that lncRNA DANCR repressed the viability, migration and invasion of MM cells by sponging miR‑135b‑5p to target KLF9.

Long non-coding DANCR targets miR-185-5p to upregulate LIM and SH3 protein 1 promoting prostate cancer via the FAK/PI3K/AKT/GSK3β/snail pathway

BACKGROUND

Long non-coding RNA differentiation antagonizing non-protein coding RNA (DANCR) acts as an oncogene in different cancers, although its roles in prostate cancer are not fully reported. We aimed to explore its mechanism in facilitating the malignancy of prostate cancer.

METHODS

The expression of DANCR, microRNA (miR)-185-5p and LIM and SH3 protein 1 (LASP1) in 40 pairs of prostate cancer tissues and normal tissues, five prostate cancer cell lines and one epithelial cell line was assessed by a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blotting and immunohistochemistry, respectively. In transfected PC3 and C4-2 cells, cell proliferation, migration, invasion, cell cycle distribution and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) protein expression were tested via cell counting kit-8, wound healing, transwell, flow cytometry and western blot assays, respectively. The interactions between DANCR, miR-185-5p and LASP1 were verified by a dual-luciferase reporter assay. Rescue experiments were conducted to determine the roles of DANCR on the malignant properties of PC3 and C4-2 cells. The involvement of the signaling pathway was examined using a p-FAK inhibitor.

RESULTS

DANCR and LASP1 expression was enhanced, whereas miR-185-5p expression was diminished in prostate cancer tissues and cell lines. Knockdown of DANCR suppressed cell proliferation, migration, invasion, G1-S transition and expression of EMT proteins of the transfected PC3 and C4-2 cells. DANCR sponged miR-185-5p to upregulate LASP1 expression. DANCR-miR-185-5p-LASP1 axis activates the FAK/PI3K/AKT/GSK3β/Snail pathway to promote the malignant properties of PC3 and C4-2 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that DANCR exerts oncogenic roles in prostate cancer via the miR-185-5p/LASP1 axis activating the FAK/PI3K/AKT/GSK3β/Snail pathway. It can be a potential biomarker in the diagnosis and monitoring of prostate cancer.

Long Noncoding RNA Small Nucleolar Host Gene: A Potential Therapeutic Target in Urological Cancers

The incidence of urological cancer has been gradually increasing in the last few decades. However, current diagnostic tools and treatment strategies continue to have limitations. Substantial evidence shows that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play essential roles in carcinogenesis and the progression, treatment response and prognosis of multiple human cancers, including urological cancers, gastrointestinal tumours, reproductive cancers and respiratory neoplasms. LncRNA small nucleolar RNA host genes (SNHGs), a subgroup of lncRNAs, have been found to be dysregulated in tumour cell biology. In this review, we summarize the impacts of lncRNA SNHGs in urological malignancies and the underlying mechanisms.

miR-214-5p targeted by LncRNA DANCR mediates TGF-β signaling pathway to accelerate proliferation, migration and inhibit apoptosis of prostate cancer cells

OBJECTIVE

This research was designed to probe into the regulatory mechanism of long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) differentiation antagonizing non-protein coding RNA (DANCR) in potential applications and molecular mechanisms of prostate carcinoma (PC).

METHODS

The DANCR and miR-214-5p levels in PC tissues and cell lines were tested via real-time PCR, and those of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway related proteins were evaluated via Western Blot (WB). Cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis and the regulatory relationship between target genes were assessed via MTT method, scratch test, flow cytometry, dual-luciferase report, RNA co-immunoprecipitation and RNA pull-down test, respectively.

RESULTS

DANCR was up-regulated in PC patients' serum and cell lines, while miR-214-5p was opposite, showing negative correlation. Besides, DANCR was significantly correlated with PSA, Gleason score and T stage in PC patients. The area under the curve (AUC) of DANCR and miR-214-5p for diagnosing PC was not less than 0.850, while the AUC for predicting poor prognosis was more than 0.800. Cox analysis results also revealed that the two might be prognostic indicators of PC patients. We found that DANCR high levels or miR-214-5p low levels were related to PC patients' poor prognosis. Up-regulating DANCR or down-regulating miR-214-5p could promote PC cells' malignant proliferation and migration, prevent apoptosis, and activate TGF-β signaling pathway, while reverse treatment of DANCR or miR-214-5p can reverse the above results. DANCR regulates miR-214-5p in a targeted manner, and DANCR over-expression can reduce the cancer inhibitory effect of miR-214-5p on PC cells.

CONCLUSION

DANCR-miR-214-5p-TGF-β axis regulatory network plays a key regulatory part in PC progression. It may provide new strategies for the screening and treatment of patients.

Androgen Receptor-Related Non-coding RNAs in Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second leading cause of cancer-related death among men in the United States. Androgen receptor (AR) signaling is the dominant oncogenic pathway in PCa and the main strategy of PCa treatment is to control the AR activity. A large number of patients acquire resistance to Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) due to AR aberrant activation, resulting in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying AR signaling in the PCa is critical to identify new therapeutic targets for PCa patients. The recent advances in high-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) techniques identified an increasing number of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that play critical roles through various mechanisms in different diseases. Some ncRNAs have shown great potentials as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Many ncRNAs have been investigated to regulate PCa through direct association with AR. In this review, we aim to comprehensively summarize recent findings of the functional roles and molecular mechanisms of AR-related ncRNAs as AR regulators or targets in the progression of PCa.

Mechanistic role of DANCR in the choreography of signaling pathways in different cancers: Spotlight on regulation of Wnt/β-catenin and JAK/STAT pathways by oncogenic long non-coding RNA

Discovery of non-coding RNAs has paradigmatically shifted our understanding of the multifaceted nature of cancer. It is becoming progressively more understandable that long non-coding RNAs play fundamental role in regulation of cell signaling pathways in different cancers. DANCR has started to gain remarkable appreciation because of its central role in cancer onset and progression. In this review we have attempted to summarize emerging aspects of DANCR-mediated regulation of Wnt/β-catenin and JAK/STAT pathways in different cancers. We have also discussed how DANCR epigenetically inactivated tumor suppressors to promote cancer. There is sufficient experimental evidence related to oncogenic role of DANCR in variety of cancers. However, there is a need to uncover how DANCR modulates various other oncogenic pathways in different cancers.

Long Noncoding RNA DANCR Activates Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling through MiR-216a Inhibition in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Long noncoding RNA differentiation antagonizing nonprotein coding RNA (lncRNA-DANCR) is associated with poor prognosis in multiple cancers, and promotes cancer stemness and invasion. However, the exact mechanisms by which DANCR promotes non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remain elusive. In this study, we determined that DANCR knockdown (KD) impeded cell migration and reduced stem-like characteristics in two NSCLC cell lines, A549 and H1755. Wnt signaling was shown to promote NSCLC proliferation, stemness, and invasion; therefore, we hypothesized that DANCR may regulate these activities through induction of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. DANCR KD reduced β-catenin signaling and protein expression, and decreased the expression of β-catenin gene targets c-Myc and Axin2. One of the well-defined functions of lncRNAs is their ability to bind and inhibit microRNAs. Through in silico analysis, we identified tumor suppressor miR-216a as a potential binding partner to DANCR, and confirmed this binding through coimmunoprecipitation and luciferase-reporter assays. Furthermore, we show that DANCR-induced β-catenin protein expression may be blocked with miR-216a overexpression. Our findings illustrate a role of DANCR in NSCLC migration and stemness, and suggest a novel DANCR/miR-216a signaling axis in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

The role of long non-coding RNAs in mediating chemoresistance by modulating autophagy in cancer

Cancer is a complex process in which protein-coding and non-coding genes play essential roles. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), as a subclass of noncoding genes, are implicated in various cancer processes including growth, proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Due to presence in body fluids such as blood and urine, lncRNAs have become novel biomarkers in cancer detection, diagnosis, progression, and therapy response. Remarkably, increasing evidence has verified that lncRNAs play essential roles in chemoresistance by targeting different signalling pathways. Autophagy, a highly conserved process in response to environmental stresses such as starvation and hypoxia, plays a paradoxical role in inducing resistance or sensitivity to chemotherapy agents. In this regard, we reviewed chemoresistance, the role of lncRNAs in cancer, and the role of lncRNAs in chemoresistance by modulating autophagy.

Long non-coding RNA DANCR alleviates hypoxia-caused H9c2 cells damage through up regulation of HIF-1α

Hypoxia is an important cause of myocardial cell loss, further inducing various heart illnesses, including acute myocardial infraction (AMI). Long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) discrimination antagonising non-protein coding RNA (DANCR) was firstly identified as epidermal cell differentiation suppressor. Here, we aimed to explore the effects and mechanism of DNACR in hypoxia-induced H9c2 cells. Hypoxic cells were made through 94% N₂, 5% CO₂, and 1% O₂ environment for 24 h. Cell viability and apoptosis were detected via methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) method and flow cytometry analysis, respectively. The expression of DANCR and HIF-1α was examined via qRT-PCR. The expression of proteins related to cell apoptosis and PI3K/AKT/mTOR and ERK1/2 signal pathways was examined through western blot analysis. We found that hypoxia induced obvious cell activity inhibition and apoptosis increasing in H9c2 cells. DANCR was negatively regulated under hypoxia condition. Overexpression of DANCR rescued activity and attenuated apoptosis. Moreover, the overexpression of DANCR elevated the activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR and ERK1/2 pathways. Further study indicated that DANCR could up-regulate the expression of HIF-1α. Si-HIF-1α transfection could remove the beneficial effects of DANCR overexpression in hypoxia-caused H9c2 cells damage. In conclusion, DANCR alleviated hypoxia-caused H9c2 cells damage through positive regulation of HIF-1α.

Polycomb repressor complex 2 function in breast cancer (Review)

Epigenetic modifications are important contributors to the regulation of genes within the chromatin. The polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) is a multi‑subunit protein complex that is involved in silencing gene expression through the trimethylation of lysine 27 at histone 3 (H3K27me3). The dysregulation of this modification has been associated with tumorigenicity through the increased repression of tumour suppressor genes via condensing DNA to reduce access to the transcription start site (TSS) within tumor suppressor gene promoters. In the present review, the core proteins of PRC2, as well as key accessory proteins, will be described. In addition, mechanisms controlling the recruitment of the PRC2 complex to H3K27 will be outlined. Finally, literature identifying the role of PRC2 in breast cancer proliferation, apoptosis and migration, including the potential roles of long non‑coding RNAs and the miR‑200 family will be summarized as will the potential use of the PRC2 complex as a therapeutic target.

The functional roles of long noncoding RNA DANCR in Human Cancers

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been wildly explored in various cellular processes and their aberrant expression could lead to tumorigenesis, development and progression. Differentiation antagonizing non-protein coding RNA (DANCR), a well-known lncRNA that is aberrant expression in various tumors, including hepatocellular carcinoma, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer and glioma and so on, in which it functions as oncogene mainly, contributing to cancer development and progression. High expressed DANCR is correlated with poor prognosis. In the present review, we summarize recent progression concerning the role, potential clinical utilities and underlying molecular mechanisms of DANCR related to occurrence and development of multiple cancers.

Long Non-Coding Small Nucleolar RNA Host Genes (SNHGs) in Endocrine-Related Cancers

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging regulators of a diverse range of biological processes through various mechanisms. Genome-wide association studies of tumor samples have identified several lncRNAs, which act as either oncogenes or tumor suppressors in various types of cancers. Small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) are predominantly found in the nucleolus and function as guide RNAs for the processing of transcription. As the host genes of snoRNAs, lncRNA small nucleolar RNA host genes (SNHGs) have been shown to be abnormally expressed in multiple cancers and can participate in cell proliferation, tumor progression, metastasis, and chemoresistance. Here, we review the biological functions and emerging mechanisms of SNHGs involved in the development and progression of endocrine-related cancers including thyroid cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer and prostate cancer.

Resveratrol Suppresses Human Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cell Growth Via Inhibiting Differentiation Antagonizing Non-Protein Coding RNA (DANCR) Expression

BACKGROUND Although resveratrol has been found to show anti-cancer effects and potential chemotherapeutic activities in several cancers, the role and molecular mechanisms of resveratrol in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) remains poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the effect of resveratrol in NPC progression and its molecular mechanism. MATERIAL AND METHODS Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were used to detect the expression of DANCR and PTEN. MTT assay and EdU assay were performed to detect the cell proliferation in NPC cells with different treatment. The effect of resveratrol on cell migration was explored by Transwell migration assay. RNA immunoprecipitation assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay were performed to test the interaction between DANCR, EZH2, and PTEN. A mouse xenograft model of NPC cell was established, and immunohistochemistry assay was performed to detect the PTEN expression. RESULTS Resveratrol treatment inhibited NPC cell growth and migration in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, resveratrol downregulated the expression of DANCR and DANCR overexpressing abrogated the inhibition effect of resveratrol on NPC cell migration. Mechanistically, DANCR could bind to EZH2 and downregulated PTEN expression through mediating the binding of EZH2 on PTEN promoter. Furthermore, rescue experiments suggested resveratrol inhibited NPC cell growth and migration by the DANCR/PTEN pathway. Resveratrol significantly decreased the tumor volume and tumor weight and increased the expression of PTEN. CONCLUSIONS Resveratrol increased PTEN expression and suppressed NPC cell growth and migration through downregulation of DANCR.

DANCR: an emerging therapeutic target for cancer

The discovery of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) revolutionized the current framework for understanding the molecular mechanisms of tumorigenesis and stimulated the search for targeted cancer treatments. Among lncRNAs, differentiation antagonizing non-protein-coding RNA (DANCR) is a newly identified oncogenic gene that is upregulated in diverse cancer types and has a critical role in cancer progression. Herein, we summarize current knowledge regarding DANCR regulatory functions related to cancer cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and chemo-resistance. We also synthesize the effects of DANCR on cancer stemness features, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and angiogenesis, which are essential for the progression of malignant cancer cells. Mechanically, the interaction between DANCR and its targets including microRNAs (miRNAs), mRNAs, and proteins are also elucidated. Finally, we propose DANCR-based therapeutic approaches to provide novel insights about cancer treatment.

Decreased ZNF750 promotes angiogenesis in a paracrine manner via activating DANCR/miR-4707-3p/FOXC2 axis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

ZNF750 is one novel significantly mutated gene identified in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) using next-generation sequencing. However, its clinically relevant and potential mechanisms have remained elusive. Using genomic sequencing of 612 ESCC patients, we analyzed the associations of ZNF750 mutations with clinicopathologic features and its prognostic value. We further investigated the function and underlying mechanism of ZNF750 in angiogenesis. The results showed ZNF750 mutations/deletions are significantly associated with malignant progression and poor prognosis of ESCC patients. Decreased ZNF750 in ESCC cells induces enhanced angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and human arterial endothelial cells (HAECs), and the effect may be indirectly mediated by FOXC2. RNA-seq and ChIP shows lncRNA DANCR is a direct downstream target of ZNF750. Furtherly, knockdown ZNF750 evokes DANCR expression, which prevents miR-4707-3p to interact with FOXC2 as a microRNA sponge in a ceRNA manner, leading to enhanced FOXC2 signaling and angiogenesis. In contrast, ZNF750 expression reverses the effect. Our study reveals a novel mechanism of ZNF750, highlights a significance of ZNF750 as a metastatic and prognostic biomarker, and offers potential therapeutic targets for ESCC patients harboring ZNF750 mutations.

Long non-coding RNA DANCR promotes cervical cancer growth via activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

Background

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are implicated in many pathophysiological processes, including cancers. In particular, lncRNA DANCR is regarded as a cancer-associated lncRNA exerting various regulatory mechanisms. However, the expressions, functions, and mechanisms of action of DANCR in cervical cancer are still unclear.

Methods

The expressions of DANCR in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines were evaluated using qRT-PCR. Correlations between DANCR expression and clinicopathological features and prognosis were analyzed. The roles of DANCR in cervical cancer growth were evaluated by in vitro CCK-8 and EdU assay, and in vivo xenograft assay. The regulatory effects of DANCR on Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway were evaluated using nuclear proteins extraction, western blot, and qRT-PCR.

Results

DANCR is increased in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines. Increased expression of DANCR is associated with large tumor size, advanced FIGO stage, and poor overall survival of cervical cancer patients. Functional experiments showed that enhanced expression of DANCR promotes cervical cancer cell proliferation in vitro and xenograft growth in vivo. Conversely, DANCR knockdown inhibits cervical cancer cell proliferation in vitro and xenograft growth in vivo. Mechanistic investigation demonstrated that DANCR upregulates the expressions of FRAT1 and FRAT2 and activates the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Blocking the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway abolishes the pro-proliferative roles of DANCR overexpression and anti-proliferative roles of DANCR knockdown.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest DANCR as an oncogenic lncRNA in cervical cancer through activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, and imply that DANCR may be a promising prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for cervical cancer.

Long noncoding RNA DANCR knockdown inhibits proliferation, migration and invasion of glioma by regulating miR-135a-5p/BMI1

Background

Glioma is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor with high mortality rate around the world. LncRNAs have been identified to play key roles in tumorigenesis in various cancers, including glioma. However, the precise mechanism of DANCR in progression of glioma remains poorly defined.

Methods

The expression levels of DANCR, miR-135a-5p and BMI1 were measured by qRT-PCR in glioma tissues and cells. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion were detected by CCK-8 assay and transwell assay, respectively. The possible binding sites of miR-135a-5p and DANCR or BMI1 were predicted by online software and verified using luciferase report assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. Western blot analysis was carried out to detect the protein of BMI1 expression. A xenograft tumor model was established to investigate the functions of DANCR in glioma progression in vivo.

Results

DANCR was upregulated and miR-135a-5p was downregulated in glioma tissues and cells. Knockdown of DANCR inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion in glioma cells. In addition, miR-135a-5p was a direct target of DANCR, and its elevated expression could reverse miR-135a-5p inhibition-mediated progression of glioma. Moreover, miR-135a-5p could specially bind to BMI1, and the expression of BMI1 was obviously elevated in glioma tissues and cells. Furthermore, DANCR acted as a ceRNA to regulate BMI1 expression and BMI1-mediated effects on progression of glioma by sponging miR-135a-5p. Besides, inhibition of DANCR limited tumor growth by regulating miR-135a-5p and BMI1 expression in vivo.

Conclusion

DANCR knockdown inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion in glioma cells through regulating miR-135a-5p/BMI1 axis, providing viable therapeutic avenues for treatment of glioma.

Angelica Sinensis Polysaccharide Suppresses Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Pulmonary Fibrosis via a DANCR/AUF-1/FOXO3 Regulatory Axis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is characterized by the accumulation of lung fibroblasts and extracellular matrix deposition. Angelica sinensis polysaccharide (ASP), the major bioactive component that can extracted from roots of angelica, plays functional roles in immunomodulation, anti-tumor activity, and hematopoiesis. Emerging evidence has suggested that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in pathophysiological processes in various diseases. However, the roles of lncRNAs and ASP in IPF remain poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated the effects of ASP in IPF, as well as their functional interactions with lncRNA DANCR (differentiation antagonizing non-protein coding RNA). IPF models were established by treating Sprague-Dawley rats with BLM and treating alveolar type Ⅱ epithelial (RLE-6TN) cells with TGF-β1. Our results showed that ASP treatment suppressed pulmonary fibrosis in rats and fibrogenesis in RLE-6TN cells. The lncRNA DANCR is downregulated after ASP treatment in both rat lung tissues and RLE-6TN cells, and DANCR overexpression dramatically reversed the suppressive effects of ASP in IPF. Mechanistically, DANCR directly binds with AUF1 (AU-binding factor 1), thereby upregulating FOXO3 mRNA and protein levels. Moreover, overexpression of AUF1 or FOXO3 reversed the functional effects induced by ASP treatment. In conclusion, our findings showed that DANCR mediates ASP-induced suppression of IPF via upregulation of FOXO3 protein levels in an AUF1-dependent manner. Therefore, DANCR could serve as a promising therapeutic target in IPF treatment with ASP.

The long non-coding RNA DANCR regulates the inflammatory phenotype of breast cancer cells and promotes breast cancer progression via EZH2-dependent suppression of SOCS3 transcription

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is involved in the regulation of tumorigenesis and metastasis. In this study, we focused on the clinical relevance, biological effects, and molecular mechanisms of the lncRNA differentiation antagonizing non-protein coding RNA (DANCR) in breast cancer. We compared the expression of DANCR between breast cancer and normal tissues, and between breast cancer cell lines and normal breast epithelial cells using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis. By knocking down and overexpressing DANCR, we assessed its significance in regulating viability (MTT assay), migration/invasion (Transwell assay), epithelial-mesenchymal transition (western blot), stemness (mammosphere formation assay and western blot), and production of inflammatory cytokines (qRT-PCR and ELISA) of breast cancer cells in vitro, as well as xenograft growth in vivo. Furthermore, using ChIP and RNA immunoprecipitation, we examined the reciprocal regulation between DANCR and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) in breast cancer. DANCR was significantly up-regulated in tissue samples from patients with breast cancer, as well as in breast cancer cell lines, as compared with normal tissues and breast epithelial cells, respectively. The highest DANCR expression levels were associated with advanced tumor grades or lymph node metastasis. DANCR was necessary and sufficient to control multiple malignant phenotypes of breast cancer cells in vitro and xenograft growth in vivo. Mechanistically, DANCR promoted the binding of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) to the promoter of SOCS3, thereby epigenetically inhibiting SOCS3 expression. Functionally, SOCS3 up-regulation or EZH2 inhibition could rescue multiple malignant phenotypes induced by DANCR. Our data indicate that DANCR is a pleiotropic oncogenic lncRNA in breast cancer. Boosting SOCS3 expression may reverse the oncogenic activities of DANCR and thus provide a therapeutic strategy for breast cancer treatment.

RETRACTED: LncRNA DANCR silence inhibits SOX5-medicated progression and autophagy in osteosarcoma via regulating miR-216a-5p

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy). This article has been retracted at the request of the Authors and Editor-in-Chief. The authors of this article have informed the editors that the human anti-LC3 antibody used in this work recognized multiple antigens in murine tissues, leading them to believe that the antibody is contaminated. This possible contamination further leads them to determine that the data generated using these antibodies, and any conclusions based on that data, cannot be considered accurate. Furthermore, the authors also report that subsequent work has revealed that the DANCR/miR-216a-5p axis plays a role in the regulation of beta-oxidation and downstream non-programmed cell death and homeostasis. They therefore have requested to retract this article as unreliable. The authors have not provided the relevant raw data for the editors' review, or the subsequent reported role of DANCR in beta-oxidation. Therefore, given the authors' loss of confidence in these findings, the Editor-in-Chief supports the decision to retract the article.

Long non-coding RNAs in genitourinary malignancies: a whole new world

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are regulators of cellular machinery that are commonly dysregulated in genitourinary malignancies. Accordingly, the investigation of lncRNAs is improving our understanding of genitourinary cancers, from development to progression and dissemination. lncRNAs are involved in major oncogenic events in genitourinary malignancies, including androgen receptor (AR) signalling in prostate cancer, hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) pathway activation in renal cell carcinoma and invasiveness in bladder cancer, as well as multiple other proliferation and survival mechanisms. In line with their putative oncogenic roles, new lncRNA-based classifications are emerging as potent predictors of prognosis. In clinical practice, detection of oncogenic lncRNAs in serum or urine might enable early cancer detection, and lncRNAs might also be promising therapeutic targets for patients with genitourinary cancer. Furthermore, as predictors of sensitivity to anticancer treatments, lncRNAs could be integrated into future precision medicine strategies. Overall, lncRNAs are promising new candidates for molecular studies and for discovery of innovative biomarkers and are putative therapeutic targets in genitourinary oncology.

Downregulation of lncRNA DANCR promotes osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells

BACKGROUND

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been widely known to have an appreciable effect in physiology and pathology. In tooth regeneration, periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) are regarded as a key effector, whereas, how lncRNA acts in the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs have not been completely understood. This study aims to find out the relationship between lncRNA DANCR and the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs.

METHODS

Microarray was used to observe the different expression of lncRNAs in differentiated and undifferentiated PDLSCs. And then osteogenic-related lncRNA, DANCR was screened out. Its effects on proliferation and osteogenic differentiation was explored by constructing an overexpression and inhibition model. qRT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of osteogenesis related genes. MTT assay was performed to assess the effects of DANCR on cell growth curve. To quantify the effects of DANCR on osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs, ALP staining and alizarin red was performed in basic culture medium and osteogenic medium. Data were statistically processed.

RESULTS

Compared with the undifferentiated PDLSCs, the alizarin red staining level was higher in differentiated PDLSCs. And the expressions of osteogenic differentiation marker genes Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), osteocalcin (OCN) and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP-2) were significantly increased in the differentiated PDLSCs. Furthermore, we noticed that comparing with control groups, the expression of lncRNA DANCR decreases markedly in osteogenically induced PDLSCs. DANCR promoted proliferation of PDLSCs, as evidenced by cell viability. Further investigation has proven that the downregulation of DANCR shows in the calcium sediment forming, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activation and some osteogenic-related gene markers' upregulation including Runx2, OCN and BMP-2, which finally results in the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs following the transfection and induction. Conversely, DANCR upregulation was shown to repress the osteogenic differentiation potential of PDLSCs.

CONCLUSIONS

The osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs has proven to related to the down regulation of lncRNA DANCR. And this paper throws light on the effects of DANCR in the process of PDLSCs' osteogenic differentiation.

PIRCh-seq: functional classification of non-coding RNAs associated with distinct histone modifications

We develop PIRCh-seq, a method which enables a comprehensive survey of chromatin-associated RNAs in a histone modification-specific manner. We identify hundreds of chromatin-associated RNAs in several cell types with substantially less contamination by nascent transcripts. Non-coding RNAs are found enriched on chromatin and are classified into functional groups based on the patterns of their association with specific histone modifications. We find single-stranded RNA bases are more chromatin-associated, and we discover hundreds of allele-specific RNA-chromatin interactions. These results provide a unique resource to globally study the functions of chromatin-associated lncRNAs and elucidate the basic mechanisms of chromatin-RNA interactions.

LncRNA DANCR promotes proliferation and metastasis in pancreatic cancer by regulating miRNA-33b

Increasing evidence indicates that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) function as important regulators in biological processes and are dysregulated in various tumors. The lncRNA DANCR functions as an oncogene in various cancers, but elucidation of its role in pancreatic cancer (PC) requires further investigation. In the current study, we demonstrate that DANCR was increased in PC tissues and cell lines. Knockdown of DANCR significantly suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and influenced the levels of epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition‐associated proteins, as demonstrated by the observation of enhanced E‐cadherin levels and reduced N‐cadherin levels in PC cells. In addition, we identified direct binding to the predicted miR‐33b binding site on DANCR. We also showed that there is reciprocal repression between DANCR and miR‐33b. Furthermore, a miR‐33b inhibitor partially abrogated knockdown of DANCR and caused inhibitory effects. We also demonstrated that DANCR functions as a miR‐33b sponge to positively regulate MMP16 expression in PC cells. Collectively, the data reveal that DANCR exerts its function by regulating miR‐33b/MMP16 expression, implying an important role for a lncRNA–miRNA–mRNA functional network and suggesting a novel potential therapeutic target for PC.

Identification of Long Noncoding RNA APOC1P1 as an Oncogene in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the most common genitourinary cancers worldwide. Previous evidence shows that long noncoding RNA (LncRNA) APOC1P1 plays an important role in cancer development. However, the role of LncRNA APOC1P1 in ccRCC remains to be explored. LncRNA APOC1P1 expression in 283 ccRCC tissues and 30 normal kidney tissues was detected by quantitative real-time PCR, and its prognostic association with ccRCC was assessed by the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazard model. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were determined in RCC cells with downregulation of LncRNA APOC1P1 expression. LncRNA APOC1P1 expression was increased in ccRCC tissues compared with normal kidney tissues (P < 0.001). Its expression was higher in the Fuhrman grade III and IV group than in the Fuhrman grade I and II group (P < 0.05) and significantly upregulated in the advanced stage group (P < 0.05). Kaplan-Meier analyses revealed that elevated LncRNA APOC1P1 expression was significantly associated with poor overall survival (P < 0.05) but may not be an independent prognostic factor. Knockdown of LncRNA APOC1P1 inhibited cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, and arrested cells at the G1/S phase (P < 0.05). Silencing of LncRNA APOC1P1 also led to decreased cell migration and invasion (P < 0.05). LncRNA APOC1P1 acts as an oncogene, plays an important role in ccRCC development, and can be considered a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in ccRCC patients.

LncRNA DANCR promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of tongue squamous cell carcinoma cells through miR-135a-5p/KLF8 axis

Background

Tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is a most invasive cancer with high mortality and poor prognosis. It is reported that lncRNA DANCR has implications in multiple types of cancers. However, its biological role and underlying mechanism in TSCC progress are not well elucidated.

Methods

Our present study first investigated the function of DANCR on the proliferation, migration and invasion of TSCC cells by silencing or overexpressing DANCR. Further, the miR-135a-5p-Kruppel-like Factor 8 (KLF8) axis was focused on to explore the regulatory mechanism of DANCR on TSCC cell malignant phenotypes. Xenografted tumor growth using nude mice was performed to examine the role of DANCR in vivo.

Results

DANCR knockdown reduced the viability and inhibited the migration and invasion of TSCC cells in vitro, while ectopic expression of DANCR induced opposite effects. In vivo, the tumor growth and the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2/9 and KLF8 were also blocked by DANCR inhibition. In addition, we found that miR-135-5p directly targeted DANCR, which was negatively correlated with DANCR on TSCC progression. Its inhibition reversed the beneficial effects of DANCR silence on TSCC malignancies. Furthermore, the expression of KLF8 evidently altered by both DANCR and miR-135a-5p. Silencing KLF8 using its specific siRNA showed that KLF8 was responsible for the induction of miR-135a-5p inhibitor on TSCC cell malignancies and MMP-2/9 expression.

Conclusions

These findings, for the first time, suggest that DANCR plays an oncogenic role in TSCC progression via targeting miR-135a-5p/KLF8 axis, which provides a promising biomarker and treatment approach for preventing TSCC.

Long Non-coding RNA DANCR as an Emerging Therapeutic Target in Human Cancers

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as important regulators of numerous biological processes, especially in cancer development. Aberrantly expressed and specifically located in tumor cells, they exert distinct functions in different cancers via regulating multiple downstream targets such as chromatins, RNAs, and proteins. Differentiation antagonizing non-protein coding RNA (DANCR) is a cytoplasmic lncRNA that generally works as a tumor promoter. Mechanically, DANCR promotes the functions of vital components in the oncogene network by sponging their corresponding microRNAs or by interacting with various regulating proteins. DANCR's distinct expression in tumor cells and collective involvement in pro-tumor pathways make it a promising therapeutic target for broad cancer treatment. Herein, we summarize the functions and molecular mechanism of DANCR in human cancers. Furthermore, we introduce the use of CRISPR/Cas9, antisense oligonucleotides and small interfering RNAs as well as viral, lipid, or exosomal vectors for onco-lncRNA targeted treatment. Conclusively, DANCR is a considerable promoter of cancers with a bright prospect in targeted therapy.

Long noncoding RNAs in cancer: From discovery to therapeutic targets

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have recently gained considerable attention as key players in biological regulation; however, the mechanisms by which lncRNAs govern various disease processes remain mysterious and are just beginning to be understood. The ease of next-generation sequencing technologies has led to an explosion of genomic information, especially for the lncRNA class of noncoding RNAs. LncRNAs exhibit the characteristics of mRNAs, such as polyadenylation, 5' methyl capping, RNA polymerase II-dependent transcription, and splicing. These transcripts comprise more than 200 nucleotides (nt) and are not translated into proteins. Directed interrogation of annotated lncRNAs from RNA-Seq datasets has revealed dramatic differences in their expression, largely driven by alterations in transcription, the cell cycle, and RNA metabolism. The fact that lncRNAs are expressed cell- and tissue-specifically makes them excellent biomarkers for ongoing biological events. Notably, lncRNAs are differentially expressed in several cancers and show a distinct association with clinical outcomes. Novel methods and strategies are being developed to study lncRNA function and will provide researchers with the tools and opportunities to develop lncRNA-based therapeutics for cancer.