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Saleem A, Khan MU, Zahid T, Khurram I, Ghani MU, Ullah I, Munir R, Calina D, Sharifi-Rad J. Biological role and regulation of circular RNA as an emerging biomarker and potential therapeutic target for cancer. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:296. [PMID: 38340202 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09211-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a unique family of endogenous RNAs devoid of 3' poly-A tails and 5' end caps. These single-stranded circRNAs, found in the cytoplasm, are synthesized via back-splicing mechanisms, merging introns, exons, or both, resulting in covalently closed circular loops. They are profusely expressed across the eukaryotic transcriptome and offer heightened stability against exonuclease RNase R compared to linear RNA counterparts. This review endeavors to provide a comprehensive overview of circRNAs' characteristics, biogenesis, and mechanisms of action. Furthermore, aimed to shed light on the potential of circRNAs as significant biomarkers in various cancer types. It has been performed an exhaustive literature review, drawing on recent studies and findings related to circRNA characteristics, synthesis, function, evaluation techniques, and their associations with oncogenesis. CircRNAs are intricately associated with tumor progression and development. Their multifaceted roles encompass gene regulation through the sponging of proteins and microRNAs, controlling transcription and splicing, interacting with RNA binding proteins (RBPs), and facilitating gene translation. Due to these varied roles, circRNAs have become a focal point in tumor pathology investigations, given their promising potential as both biomarkers and therapeutic agents. CircRNAs, due to their unique biogenesis and multifunctionality, hold immense promise in the realm of oncology. Their stability, widespread expression, and intricate involvement in gene regulation underscore their prospective utility as reliable biomarkers and therapeutic targets in cancer. As our understanding of circRNAs deepens, advanced techniques for their detection, evaluation, and manipulation will likely emerge. These advancements might catalyze the translation of circRNA-based diagnostics and therapeutics into clinical practice, potentially revolutionizing cancer care and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayman Saleem
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Umer Khan
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Tazeen Zahid
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Iqra Khurram
- Centre for Applied Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Usman Ghani
- Centre for Applied Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Inam Ullah
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Rakhtasha Munir
- Centre for Applied Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Daniela Calina
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349, Craiova, Romania.
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Luo J, Tian Z, Zhou Y, Xiao Z, Park SY, Sun H, Zhuang T, Wang Y, Li P, Zhao X. CircABCA13 acts as a miR-4429 sponge to facilitate esophageal squamous cell carcinoma development by stabilizing SRXN1. Cancer Sci 2023; 114:2835-2847. [PMID: 37017121 PMCID: PMC10323080 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play a pivotal role in the tumorigenesis and progression of various cancers. However, the role and mechanisms of circABCA13 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) are largely unknown. Here, we reported that circABCA13, a novel circular RNA generated by back-splicing of the intron of the ABCA13 gene, is highly expressed in ESCC tumor tissues and cell lines. Upregulation of circABCA13 correlated with TNM stage and a poor prognosis in ESCC patients. While knockdown of circABCA13 in ESCC cells significantly reduced cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and anchorage-independent growth, overexpression of circABCA13 facilitated tumor growth both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, circABCA13 directly binds to miR-4429 and sequesters miR-4429 from its endogenous target, SRXN1 mRNA, which subsequently upregulates SRXN1 and promotes ESCC progression. Consistently, overexpression of miR-4429 or knockdown of SRXN1 abolished malignant behavior promotion of ESCC results from circABCA13 overexpression in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, our study uncovered the oncogenic role of circABCA13 and its mechanism in ESCC, suggesting that circABCA13 could be a potential therapeutic target and a predictive biomarker for ESCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junwen Luo
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryThe Second Hospital of Shandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Zhongxian Tian
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryThe Second Hospital of Shandong UniversityJinanChina
- Key Laboratory of Chest CancerShandong University, The Second Hospital of Shandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Yongjia Zhou
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryThe Second Hospital of Shandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Zhaohua Xiao
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryThe Second Hospital of Shandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Sun Young Park
- Department of Environmental MedicineNew York University Grossman School of MedicineNew YorkUSA
| | - Hong Sun
- Department of Environmental MedicineNew York University Grossman School of MedicineNew YorkUSA
| | - Ting Zhuang
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Tumor Migration and Invasion Precision Medicine, School of Laboratory MedicineXinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
| | - Yongjie Wang
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryThe Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdaoChina
| | - Peiwei Li
- Institute of Medical SciencesThe Second Hospital of Shandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Xiaogang Zhao
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryThe Second Hospital of Shandong UniversityJinanChina
- Key Laboratory of Chest CancerShandong University, The Second Hospital of Shandong UniversityJinanChina
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Mishra A, Bharti PS, Rani N, Nikolajeff F, Kumar S. A tale of exosomes and their implication in cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188908. [PMID: 37172650 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a cause of high deaths worldwide and also a huge burden for the health system. Cancer cells have unique properties such as a high rate of proliferation, self-renewal, metastasis, and treatment resistance, therefore, the development of novel diagnoses of cancers is a tedious task. Exosomes are secreted by virtually all cell types and have the ability to carry a multitude of biomolecules crucial for intercellular communication, hence, contributing a crucial part in the onset and spread of cancer. These exosomal components can be utilized in the development of markers for diagnostic and prognostic purposes for various cancers. This review emphasized primarily the following topics: exosomes structure and functions, isolation and characterization strategies of exosomes, the role of exosomal contents in cancer with a focus in particular on noncoding RNA and protein, exosomes, and the cancer microenvironment interactions, cancer stem cells, and tumor diagnosis and prognosis based on exosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhay Mishra
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Prahalad Singh Bharti
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Neerja Rani
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Fredrik Nikolajeff
- Department of Health, Education, and Technology, Lulea University of Technology, 97187, Sweden
| | - Saroj Kumar
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India; Department of Health, Education, and Technology, Lulea University of Technology, 97187, Sweden.
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Hu F, Peng Y, Fan X, Zhang X, Jin Z. Circular RNAs: implications of signaling pathways and bioinformatics in human cancer. Cancer Biol Med 2023; 20:j.issn.2095-3941.2022.0466. [PMID: 36861443 PMCID: PMC9978890 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2022.0466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) form a class of endogenous single-stranded RNA transcripts that are widely expressed in eukaryotic cells. These RNAs mediate post-transcriptional control of gene expression and have multiple functions in biological processes, such as transcriptional regulation and splicing. They serve predominantly as microRNA sponges, RNA-binding proteins, and templates for translation. More importantly, circRNAs are involved in cancer progression, and may serve as promising biomarkers for tumor diagnosis and therapy. Although traditional experimental methods are usually time-consuming and laborious, substantial progress has been made in exploring potential circRNA-disease associations by using computational models, summarized signaling pathway data, and other databases. Here, we review the biological characteristics and functions of circRNAs, including their roles in cancer. Specifically, we focus on the signaling pathways associated with carcinogenesis, and the status of circRNA-associated bioinformatics databases. Finally, we explore the potential roles of circRNAs as prognostic biomarkers in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Hu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Genome Stability and Disease Prevention and Regional Immunity and Diseases, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Yin Peng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Genome Stability and Disease Prevention and Regional Immunity and Diseases, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Xinmin Fan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Genome Stability and Disease Prevention and Regional Immunity and Diseases, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Xiaojing Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Genome Stability and Disease Prevention and Regional Immunity and Diseases, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
- Correspondence to: Zhe Jin and Xiaojing Zhang, E-mail: and
| | - Zhe Jin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Genome Stability and Disease Prevention and Regional Immunity and Diseases, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
- Correspondence to: Zhe Jin and Xiaojing Zhang, E-mail: and
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Zhang K, Yang X, Zheng M, Ning Y, Zhang S. Acetylated-PPARγ expression is regulated by different P53 genotypes associated with the adipogenic differentiation of polyploid giant cancer cells with daughter cells. Cancer Biol Med 2023; 20:j.issn.2095-3941.2022.0432. [PMID: 36647790 PMCID: PMC9843444 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2022.0432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs) with daughter cells express epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated proteins. Highly malignant tumor cells with EMT properties can transdifferentiate into mature tumor cells. In this study, we elucidated the potential for, and underlying mechanism of, adipogenic differentiation of PGCCs with daughter cells (PDCs). METHODS Cobalt chloride was used to induce PGCC formation in HEY (wild-type P53) and MDA-MB-231 (mutant P53) cells; these cells were then cultured in adipogenic differentiation medium. Oil red O staining was used to confirm adipogenic differentiation, and the cell cycle was detected with flow cytometry. The expression of adipogenic differentiation-associated proteins and P300 histone acetyltransferase activity were compared before and after adipogenic differentiation. Animal xenograft models were used to confirm the adipogenic differentiation of PDCs. RESULTS PDCs transdifferentiated into functional adipocytes. Two different cell cycle distributions were observed in PDCs after adipogenic differentiation. The expression levels of PPARγ, Ace-PPARγ, and Ace-P53 were higher in PDCs after adipogenic differentiation than in cells before adipogenic differentiation. Ace-PPARγ and FABP4 expression increased in HEY cells and decreased in MDA-MB-231 PDCs after p53 knockdown. A485 treatment increased Ace-P53, Ace-PPARγ, and FABP4 expression in HEY PDCs by inhibiting SUMOylation of P53. In MDA-MB-231 PDCs, A485 treatment decreased Ace-P53, Ace-PPARγ, and FABP4 expression. Animal experiments also confirmed the adipogenic differentiation of PDCs. CONCLUSIONS Acetylation of P53 and PPARγ plays an important role in the adipogenic differentiation of PDCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Zhang
- Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin 300122, China
| | - Xiaohui Yang
- Nankai University School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | | | - Yidi Ning
- Nankai University School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Shiwu Zhang
- Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin 300122, China
- Correspondence to: Shiwu Zhang, E-mail:
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Pouliquen DL, Boissard A, Henry C, Coqueret O, Guette C. Curcuminoids as Modulators of EMT in Invasive Cancers: A Review of Molecular Targets With the Contribution of Malignant Mesothelioma Studies. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:934534. [PMID: 35873564 PMCID: PMC9304619 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.934534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Curcuminoids, which include natural acyclic diarylheptanoids and the synthetic analogs of curcumin, have considerable potential for fighting against all the characteristics of invasive cancers. The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a fundamental process for embryonic morphogenesis, however, the last decade has confirmed it orchestrates many features of cancer invasiveness, such as tumor cell stemness, metabolic rewiring, and drug resistance. A wealth of studies has revealed EMT in cancer is in fact driven by an increasing number of parameters, and thus understanding its complexity has now become a cornerstone for defining future therapeutic strategies dealing with cancer progression and metastasis. A specificity of curcuminoids is their ability to target multiple molecular targets, modulate several signaling pathways, modify tumor microenvironments and enhance the host’s immune response. Although the effects of curcumin on these various parameters have been the subject of many reviews, the role of curcuminoids against EMT in the context of cancer have never been reviewed so far. This review first provides an updated overview of all EMT drivers, including signaling pathways, transcription factors, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and tumor microenvironment components, with a special focus on the most recent findings. Secondly, for each of these drivers the effects of curcumin/curcuminoids on specific molecular targets are analyzed. Finally, we address some common findings observed between data reported in the literature and the results of investigations we conducted on experimental malignant mesothelioma, a model of invasive cancer representing a useful tool for studies on EMT and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel L. Pouliquen
- Inserm, CNRS, Nantes Université, CRCI2NA, Université d’Angers, Angers, France
- *Correspondence: Daniel L. Pouliquen,
| | - Alice Boissard
- ICO, Inserm, CNRS, Nantes Université, CRCI2NA, Université d’Angers, Angers, France
| | - Cécile Henry
- ICO, Inserm, CNRS, Nantes Université, CRCI2NA, Université d’Angers, Angers, France
| | - Olivier Coqueret
- Inserm, CNRS, Nantes Université, CRCI2NA, Université d’Angers, Angers, France
| | - Catherine Guette
- ICO, Inserm, CNRS, Nantes Université, CRCI2NA, Université d’Angers, Angers, France
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Ogata FT, Simões Sato AY, Coppo L, Arai RJ, Stern AI, Pequeno Monteiro H. Thiol-Based Antioxidants and the Epithelial/Mesenchymal Transition in Cancer. Antioxid Redox Signal 2022; 36:1037-1050. [PMID: 34541904 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2021.0199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Significance: The epithelial/mesenchymal transition (EMT) is commonly associated with tumor metastasis. Oxidative and nitrosative stress is maintained in cancer cells and is involved in the EMT. Cancer cells are endowed with high levels of enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants, which counteract the effects of oxidative and nitrosative stress. Thiol-based antioxidant systems such as the thioredoxin/thioredoxin reductase (Trx/TrxR) and glutathione/glutaredoxin (GSH/Grx) are continually active in cancer cells, while the thioredoxin-interacting protein (Txnip), the negative regulator of the Trx/TrxR system, is downregulated. Recent Advances: Trx/TrxR and GSH/Grx systems play a major role in maintaining EMT signaling and cancer cell progression. Critical Issues: Enhanced stress conditions stimulated in cancer cells inhibit EMT signaling. The elevated expression levels of the Trx/TrxR and GSH/Grx systems in these cells provide the antioxidant protection necessary to guarantee the occurrence of the EMT. Future Directions: Elevation of the intracellular reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide concentrations in cancer cells has been viewed as a promising strategy for elimination of these cells. The development of inhibitors of GSH synthesis and of the Trx/TrxR system together with genetic-based strategies to enhance Txnip levels may provide the necessary means to achieve this goal. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 36, 1037-1050.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Toshio Ogata
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapy-CTCMol, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alex Yuri Simões Sato
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapy-CTCMol, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Morphology and Genetics, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucia Coppo
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Roberto Jun Arai
- Department of Oncology and Radiology, Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina-Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Arnold Ira Stern
- Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Hugo Pequeno Monteiro
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapy-CTCMol, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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