The roles and mechanisms of the lncRNA-miRNA axis in the progression of esophageal cancer: a narrative review

Osteomyelitis and non-coding RNAS: A new dimension in disease understanding

Osteomyelitis, a debilitating bone infection, presents considerable clinical challenges due to its intricate etiology and limited treatment options. Despite strides in surgical and chemotherapeutic interventions, the treatment landscape for osteomyelitis remains unsatisfactory. Recent attention has focused on the role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in the pathogenesis and progression of osteomyelitis. This review consolidates current knowledge on the involvement of distinct classes of ncRNAs, including microRNAs, long ncRNAs, and circular RNAs, in the context of osteomyelitis. Emerging evidence from various studies underscores the potential of ncRNAs in orchestrating gene expression and influencing the differentiation of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, pivotal processes in bone formation. The review initiates by elucidating the regulatory functions of ncRNAs in fundamental cellular processes such as inflammation, immune response, and bone remodeling, pivotal in osteomyelitis pathology. It delves into the intricate network of interactions between ncRNAs and their target genes, illuminating how dysregulation contributes to the establishment and persistence of osteomyelitic infections. Understanding their regulatory roles may pave the way for targeted diagnostic tools and innovative therapeutic interventions, promising a paradigm shift in the clinical approach to this challenging condition. Additionally, we delve into the promising therapeutic applications of these molecules, envisioning novel diagnostic and treatment approaches to enhance the management of this challenging bone infection.

Long non-coding RNAs in cancer: multifaceted roles and potential targets for immunotherapy

Cancer remains a major global health concern with high mortality rates mainly due to late diagnosis and poor prognosis. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as key regulators of gene expression in human cancer, functioning through various mechanisms including as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) and indirectly regulating miRNA expression. LncRNAs have been found to have both oncogenic and tumor-suppressive roles in cancer, with the former promoting cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and poor prognosis. Recent research has shown that lncRNAs are expressed in various immune cells and are involved in cancer cell immune escape and the modulation of the tumor microenvironment, thus highlighting their potential as targets for cancer immunotherapy. Targeting lncRNAs in cancer or immune cells could enhance the anti-tumor immune response and improve cancer immunotherapy outcomes. However, further research is required to fully understand the functional roles of lncRNAs in cancer and the immune system and their potential as targets for cancer immunotherapy. This review offers a comprehensive examination of the multifaceted roles of lncRNAs in human cancers, with a focus on their potential as targets for cancer immunotherapy. By exploring the intricate mechanisms underlying lncRNA-mediated regulation of cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and immune evasion, we provide insights into the diverse therapeutic applications of these molecules.

The ncRNA-TGF-β axis: Unveiling new frontiers in colorectal cancer research

Colorectal cancer (CRC) poses a substantial global challenge, necessitating a deeper understanding of the molecular underpinnings governing its onset and progression. The transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) network has been a well-recognized cornerstone in advancing CRC. Nevertheless, a recent study has highlighted the growing importance of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in this context. This comprehensive review aims to present an extensive examination of the interaction between ncRNAs and TGF-signaling. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), encompassing circular RNAs (circRNAs), long-ncRNAs (lncRNAs), and microRNAs (miRNAs), have surfaced as pivotal modulators governing various aspects of TGF-β signaling. MiRNAs have been discovered to target elements within the TGF-β signaling, either enhancing or inhibiting signaling, depending on the context. LncRNAs have been associated with CRC progression, functioning as miRNA sponges or directly influencing TGF-β pathway elements. Even circRNAs, a relatively recent addition to the ncRNA family, have impacted CRC, affecting TGF-β signaling through diverse mechanisms. This review encompasses recent progress in comprehending specific ncRNAs involved in TGF-β signaling, their functional roles, and their clinical relevance in CRC. We investigate the possibility of ncRNAs as targets for detection, prognosis, and therapy. Additionally, we explore the interaction of TGF-β and other pathways in CRC and the role of ncRNAs within this intricate network. As we unveil the intricate regulatory function of ncRNAs in the TGF-β signaling in CRC, we gain valuable insights into the disease's pathogenesis. Incorporating these discoveries into clinical settings holds promise for more precise diagnosis, prognosis, and targeted therapeutic approaches, ultimately enhancing the care of CRC patients. This comprehensive review underscores the ever-evolving landscape of ncRNA research in CRC and the potential for novel interventions in the battle against this formidable disease.

What are the changes in the hotspots and frontiers of microRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma over the past decade?

BACKGROUND

Emerging research suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A comprehensive analysis of recent research concerning miRNAs in HCC development could provide researchers with a valuable reference for further studies.

AIM

To make a comprehensive analysis of recent studies concerning miRNAs in HCC.

METHODS

All relevant publications were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database. Bibliometrix software, VOSviewer software and CiteSpace software were used to visually analyze the distribution by time, countries, institutions, journals, and authors, as well as the keywords, burst keywords and thematic map.

RESULTS

A total of 9426 publications on this topic were found worldwide. According to the keywords analysis, we found that the studies of miRNAs focused on their expression level, effects, and mechanisms on the biological behaviour of HCC. Keywords bursting analysis showed that in the early years (2013-2017), "microRNA expression", "gene expression", "expression profile", "functional polymorphism", "circulating microRNA", "susceptibility" and "mir 21" started to attract attention. In the latest phase (2018-2022), the hot topics turned to "sorafenib resistance", "tumor microenvironment" and so on.

CONCLUSION

This study provides a comprehensive overview of the role of miRNAs in HCC development based on bibliometric analysis. The hotspots in this field focus on miRNAs expression level, effects, and mechanisms on the biological behavior of HCC. The frontiers turned to sorafenib resistance, tumor microenvironment and so on.

A positive feedback between PDIA3P1 and OCT4 promotes the cancer stem cell properties of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Increasing evidence has indicated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been proven to regulate esophageal cancer progression. The lncRNA protein disulfide isomerase family A member 3 pseudogene 1 (PDIA3P1) has been shown to promote cancer stem cell properties; however, its mechanism of action remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the regulation of esophageal cancer stem cell properties by the interaction of PDIA3P1 with proteins.

METHODS

The GEPIA2 and Gene Expression Omnibus databases were used to analyze gene expression. PDIA3P1 expression in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) tissues and cell lines was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Loss-of-function experiments were performed to determine the effects of PDIA3P1 on ESCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. The sphere formation assay, number of side population cells, and CD271 + /CD44 + cells were detected by flow cytometry to identify the cancer stem cell properties. RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), RNA pull-down, co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP), dual luciferase reporter, and cleavage under targets and tagmentation (CUT&Tag) assays were performed to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms.

RESULTS

PDIA3P1 expression was upregulated in ESCC cell lines and tissues. Functionally, higher PDIA3P1 expression promoted cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis and inhibited apoptosis in esophageal cancer. Importantly, PDIA3P1 promoted cancer stem cell properties in ESCC. Mechanistically, PDIA3P1 interacted with and stabilized octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4) by eliminating its ubiquitination by the ubiquitinating enzyme WW domain-containing protein 2 (WWP2). Moreover, as a transcription factor, OCT4 bound to the PDIA3P1 promoter and promoted its transcription.

CONCLUSIONS

Our research revealed a novel mechanism by which a positive feedback loop exists between PDIA3P1 and OCT4. It also demonstrated that the PDIA3P1-WWP2-OCT4 loop is beneficial for promoting the cancer stem cell properties of ESCC. Owing to this regulatory relationship, the PDIA3P1-WWP2-OCT4-positive feedback loop might be used in the diagnosis and prognosis, as well as in the development of novel therapeutics for esophageal cancer.

Expression of long noncoding RNA MEG3 and microRNA-302b-3p in colon cancer: Correlation with clinical stage and value in predicing prognosis after surgical treatment

BACKGROUND

More and more long non-coding RNAs and microRNAs have been found to have significant changes in expression levels during the occurrence and development of tumors, which can affect the expression of tumor suppressor genes or oncogenes and play an important role in the proliferation and metastasis of cancer cells.

AIM

To investigate the correlation between the expression of long non-coding RNA maternal imprinted gene 3 (LncRNA MEG3) and microRNA (miR)-302b-3p in colon cancer and clinical stage and analyze their value in predicting the prognosis after surgical treatment.

METHODS

A total of 97 patients with colon cancer treated at Jinhua Hospital of TCM from January 2017 to March 2022 were selected to compare the expression of LncRNA MEG3 and miR-302b-3p in different tissues, analyze the correlation between the expression of LncRNA MEG3 and miR-302b-3p and clinical pathological characteristics, compare the recurrence in patients with different LncRNA MEG3 and miR-302b-3p expression, analyze the factors affecting the recurrence of colon cancer after surgery, and analyze the impact of the interaction between LncRNA MEG3 and miR-302b-3p on the recurrence of colon cancer. The predictive value of LncRNA MEG3 and miR-302b-3p expression for the recurrence of colon cancer after surgery was evaluated.

RESULTS

The expression of LncRNA MEG3 and miR-302b-3p in colon cancer tissues was lower than that in tumor-adjacent tissues (P < 0.05). The expression of LncRNA MEG3 and miR-302b-3p in colon cancer tissues was not correlated with sex, age, or tumor size (P > 0.05), but was correlated with tumor differentiation, clinical stage, and lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05). In colon cancer tissues, the recurrence rate in patients with high LncRNA MEG3 and miR-302b-3p expression was lower than that of patients with lower LncRNA MEG3 and miR-302b-3p expression (P < 0.05). Tumor differentiation degree, clinical stage, and lymph node metastasis were all identified to be risk factors for colon cancer recurrence, and LncRNA MEG3 and miR-302b-3p expression were protective factors for colon cancer recurrence (P < 0.05). The interaction analysis showed that the synergistic effect of simultaneous exposure to LncRNA MEG3 and miR-302b-3p was 15.888 times greater than the effect of exposure to either LncRNA MEG3 or miR-302b-3p alone, and when simultaneously exposing to both, 56.98% of the risk of colon cancer recurrence was attributed to their synergistic effect. The area under the curve (AUC) (95% confidence interval [CI]) of LncRNA MEG3 and miR-302b-3p in predicting the prognosis of colon cancer patients was 0.720 (0.620-0.807) and 0.767 (0.670-0.847), respectively, and that of the combined prediction was 0.892 (0.813-0.946), with a sensitivity and specificity of 92.31% and 83.33%, respectively, which were significantly higher than those of either LncRNA MEG3 or miR-302b-3p alone.

CONCLUSION

The down-regulated expression of LncRNA MEG3 and miR-302b-3p in colon cancer is related to clinical stage. Clinical detection of their expression can be used to determine the malignant degree of tumor and predict the prognosis of surgical treatment, thus providing reference for adjustment of clinical treatment plan.