Downregulation of miR-216a-5p by long noncoding RNA PVT1 suppresses colorectal cancer progression via modulation of YBX1 expression

Unraveling the ncRNA landscape that governs colorectal cancer: A roadmap to personalized therapeutics

Colorectal cancer (CRC) being one of the most common malignancies, has a significant death rate, especially when detected at an advanced stage. In most cases, the fundamental aetiology of CRC remains unclear despite the identification of several environmental and intrinsic risk factors. Numerous investigations, particularly in the last ten years, have indicated the involvement of epigenetic variables in this type of cancer. The development, progression, and metastasis of CRC are influenced by long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), which are significant players in the epigenetic pathways. LncRNAs are implicated in diverse pathological processes in CRC, such as liver metastasis, epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), inflammation, and chemo-/radioresistance. It has recently been determined that CRC cells and tissues exhibit dysregulation of tens of oncogenic and tumor suppressor lncRNAs. Serum samples from CRC patients exhibit dysregulated expressions of several of these transcripts, offering a non-invasive method of detecting this kind of cancer. In this review, we outlined the typical paradigms of the deregulated lncRNA which exert significant role in the underlying molecular mechanisms of CRC initiation and progression. We comprehensively discuss the role of lncRNAs as innovative targets for CRC prognosis and treatment.

LncRNAPVT1 is Associated with Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Proliferation Through Regulating TGF-βin Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

INTRODUCTION

Human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common type of oral cancer and has a poor survival rate. Cell-cell communication between OSCC cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) plays important roles in OSCC progression. We previously demonstrated that CAFs promote OSCC cell migration and invasion. However, how OSCC cells influence CAFs proliferation is unknown.

METHODS

Knockdown of PVT1 was confirmed using lentivirus infection technique. CAFs in tissues were identified by staining the cells with α-SMA using immunohistochemical technique. CCK-8 assay was used to evaluate cell proliferation. The mRNA level of a gene was measured by qRT-PCR. Secreted TGF-β were detected using ELISA assay.

RESULTS

We found that knockdown of the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (PVT1) was associated with a low density of CAFs in xenograft tumors in mice; further analysis revealed that PVT1 in OSCC cells induced CAF proliferation through transforming growth factor (TGF)-β.

DISCUSSION

Our results demonstrate that lncRNA PVT1 in tumor cells participates in CAF development in OSCC by regulating TGF-β. This study revealed a new mechanism by which PVT1 regulates OSCC progression and PVT1 is a potential therapeutic target in OSCC.

Competitive endogenous RNA networks: Decoding the role of long non-coding RNAs and circular RNAs in colorectal cancer chemoresistance

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is recognized as one of the most common gastrointestinal malignancies across the globe. Despite significant progress in designing novel treatments for CRC, there is a pressing need for more effective therapeutic approaches. Unfortunately, many patients undergoing chemotherapy develop drug resistance, posing a significant challenge for cancer treatment. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been found to play crucial roles in CRC development and its response to chemotherapy. However, there are still gaps in our understanding of interactions among various ncRNAs, such as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs). These ncRNAs can act as either oncogenes or tumour suppressors, affecting numerous biological functions in different cancers including CRC. A class of ncRNA molecules known as competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) has emerged as a key player in various cellular processes. These molecules form networks through lncRNA/miRNA/mRNA and circRNA/miRNA/mRNA interactions. In CRC, dysregulation of ceRNA networks has been observed across various cellular processes, including proliferation, apoptosis and angiogenesis. These dysregulations are believed to play a significant role in the progression of CRC and, in certain instances, may contribute to the development of chemoresistance. Enriching our knowledge of these dysregulations holds promise for advancing the field of diagnostic and therapeutic modalities for CRC. In this review, we discuss lncRNA- and circRNA-associated ceRNA networks implicated in the emergence and advancement of drug resistance in colorectal carcinogenesis.

MALAT1 promotes FOXA1 degradation by competitively binding to miR-216a-5p and enhancing neuroendocrine differentiation in prostate cancer

OBJECTIVES

Prostate cancer (PC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death in males worldwide. Neuroendocrine differentiation (NED) is a feature of PC that often goes undetected and is associated with poor patient outcomes. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs), and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) play important roles in the development and progression of PC.

METHODS

In this study, we used transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis to identify key regulators of NED in PC. Specifically, we examined the expression of PC-related lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs in PC cells and correlated these findings with NED phenotypes.

RESULTS

Our data revealed that metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) and zinc finger protein 91 (ZFP91) were upregulated in PC, while miR-216a-5p was down-regulated. Ectopic expression of MALAT1 induced NED and promoted malignant phenotypes of PC cells. Furthermore, we found that MALAT1 competitively bound to miR-216a-5p, upregulated ZFP91, and promoted the degradation of forkhead box A1 (FOXA1), a key gene involved in NED of PC.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, these results suggest that MALAT1 plays an oncogenic role in NED and metastasis of PC via the miR-216a-5p/ZFP91/FOXA1 pathway. Our study highlights the potential of targeting this pathway as a novel therapeutic strategy for PC.

circPLOD2 knockdown suppresses endometriosis progression via the miR-216a-5p/ZEB1 axis

The present study aimed to identify the role of circPLOD2 in endometriosis and its underlying mechanisms. We determined circPLOD2 and miR-216a-5p expression in ectopic endometrial (EC) and eutopic endometrial (EU) samples as well as in endometrial samples from uterine fibroids of ectopic patients (EN) and embryonic stem cells (ESCs) using qRT-PCR. The association between circPLOD2 and miR-216a-5p or miR-216a-5p and zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) expression was analyzed using Starbase, TargetScan, and dual-luciferase reporter gene assays. Cell viability, apoptosis, and migration and invasion were assessed using MTT, flow cytometry, and transwell assays, respectively. In addition, qRT-PCR and western blotting was used to measure circPLOD2, miR-216a-5p, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and ZEB1 expression. circPLOD2 was upregulated and miR-216a-5p was downregulated in EC samples compared with that in EU samples. Similar trends were observed in ESCs. circPLOD2 interacted and negatively regulated miR-216a-5p expression in EC-ESCs. circPLOD2-siRNA significantly inhibited EC-ESC growth; promoted cellular apoptosis; and inhibited EC-ESC migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition; these effects could be reversed following miR-216a-5p inhibitor transfection. miR-216a-5p directly targeted and negatively regulated ZEB1 expression in EC-ESCs. In conclusion, circPLOD2 promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of EC-ESCs and inhibits their apoptosis by targeting miR-216a-5p. These findings indicate potential therapeutic targets for endometriosis.

YBX1/lncRNA SBF2-AS1 interaction regulates proliferation and tamoxifen sensitivity via PI3K/AKT/MTOR signaling in breast cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Y-box binding protein 1 (YBX1) is a multifunctional oncoprotein that can interact with several long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) to regulate metastasis in malignancies including breast cancer (BC). In the present study, we demonstrated the association of YBX1 with oncogenic lncRNA SBF2-AS1 (SET-binding factor 2 antisense RNA 1) via PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling to regulate BC cell proliferation. We further explored the involvement of the YBX1/SBF2-AS1/PI3K/AKT/mTOR axis in the restoration of tamoxifen (TAM) sensitivity.

METHODS AND RESULTS

YBX1-SBF2-AS1 association was predicted in silico and verified by RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP)-qPCR assay. Transfection experiments, Real-time RT PCR, Western blots, Phospho AKT/mTOR antibody array kit, and cell proliferation/apoptosis assays were employed to detect the YBX1/SBF2-AS1/ PI3K/AKT/mTOR axis and its effects upon TAM treatment in vitro. We identified that the YBX1 protein specifically binds to lncRNA SBF2-AS1. Our transfection experiments in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-468 cells with SBF2-AS1 silenced or overexpressed YBX1 plasmids, and their negative controls revealed that YBX1 regulates the expression of SBF2-AS1 by forming a positive feedback loop for its activation. We further demonstrated YBX1-SBF2-AS1 association exerts its effects on cell proliferation via PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Furthermore, we observed an increase in TAM sensitivity in BC cells after the knockdown of YBX1-SBF2-AS1 marked by decreased cell proliferation through disruption of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR axis.

CONCLUSION

Our study has identified a novel YBX1/SBF2-AS1/PI3K/AKT/mTOR regulatory axis which may serve as a potential target to improve the effectiveness and efficacy of TAM treatment in BC.

Molecular mechanisms of microRNA-216a during tumor progression

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) as the members of non-coding RNAs family are involved in post-transcriptional regulation by translational inhibiting or mRNA degradation. They have a critical role in regulation of cell proliferation and migration. MiRNAs aberrations have been reported in various cancers. Considering the importance of these factors in regulation of cellular processes and their high stability in body fluids, these factors can be suggested as suitable non-invasive markers for the cancer diagnosis. MiR-216a deregulation has been frequently reported in different cancers. Therefore, in the present review we discussed the molecular mechanisms of the miR-216a during tumor progression. It has been reported that miR-216a mainly functioned as a tumor suppressor through the regulation of signaling pathways and transcription factors. This review paves the way to suggest the miR-216a as a probable therapeutic and diagnostic target in cancer patients.

lncRNA PVT1: a novel oncogene in multiple cancers

Long noncoding RNAs are involved in epigenetic gene modification, including binding to the chromatin rearrangement complex in pre-transcriptional regulation and to gene promoters in gene expression regulation, as well as acting as microRNA sponges to control messenger RNA levels in post-transcriptional regulation. An increasing number of studies have found that long noncoding RNA plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (PVT1) plays an important role in cancer development. In this review of a large number of studies on PVT1, we found that PVT1 is closely related to tumor onset, proliferation, invasion, epithelial–mesenchymal transformation, and apoptosis, as well as poor prognosis and radiotherapy and chemotherapy resistance in some cancers. This review comprehensively describes PVT1 expression in various cancers and presents novel approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Downregulation of long noncoding RNA HCP5/miR-216a-5p/ZEB1 axis inhibits the malignant biological function of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma cells

Previous studies find that long noncoding RNA human leukocyte antigen complex P5 (HCP5) is regarded as an oncogene via accelerating cancer cell growth, invasion, metastasis, vascularization, and drug resistance in renal cell carcinoma, gastric cancer, and colorectal cancer. Nevertheless, the effect and regulatory mechanism of HCP5 in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) remains unknown. In this study, HCP5 expression levels were confirmed to be prominently raised in LSCC cell lines. HCP5 knockdown reduced cell proliferation and migration and invasive ability of LSCC cell lines. Furthermore, miR-216a-5p was confirmed to sponge HCP5, and its expression was prominently downregulated in LSCC cell lines and upregulated in HCP5-silenced LSCC cell lines. miR-216a-5p overexpression downregulated the cell proliferation and migration and invasive ability of LSCC cells. Additionally, the protein level of zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1), one target gene of miR-216a-5p, was highly expressed in LSCC cell lines, and its expression level was downregulated by HCP5 knockdown and miR-216a-5p overexpression. An miR-216a-5p inhibitor reversed the effect of HCP5 knockdown on the proliferation and migration and invasive ability of LSCC cells. In conclusion, knocking down HCP5 may be a strategy to suppress the malignant biological function via regulating miR-216a-5p/ZEB1. Therefore, HCP5 may become a prospective therapeutic target for LSCC.

Construction of a Novel MYC-Associated ceRNA Regulatory Network to Identify Prognostic Biomarkers in Colon Adenocarcinoma

Colorectal cancer (CRC) includes colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) and rectal adenocarcinoma (READ). Competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) is crucial for cancer pathogenesis. Abnormal expression of MYC is generally associated with a poor colon adenocarcinoma prognosis. The present study aimed to identify a novel MYC-associated ceRNA regulatory network and identify potential prognostic markers associated with COAD. We obtained the transcriptome sequencing profiles of 462 COAD cases from the TCGA database and analyzed differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in MYC high expression (MYChigh) and MYC low expression (Myclow) tumors. We identified an important lncRNA, LINC00114, which effectively predicts overall survival and plays a protective role in COAD. Moreover, the LINC00114/miR-216a-5p axis was identified as a clinical prognostic model. The predicted target genes of the LINC00114/miR-216a-5p axis include uromodulin Like 1 (UMODL1) and oncoprotein induced transcript 3 (OIT3), which are closely related to the survival and prognosis of COAD patients. In summary, we constructed a novel ceRNA regulatory network and identified potential biomarkers for the targeted therapy and prognosis of COAD.

The Profile of MicroRNA Expression and Potential Role in the Regulation of Drug-Resistant Genes in Doxorubicin and Topotecan Resistant Ovarian Cancer Cell Lines

Epithelial ovarian cancer has the highest mortality among all gynecological malignancies. The main reasons for high mortality are late diagnosis and development of resistance to chemotherapy. Resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs can result from altered expression of drug-resistance genes regulated by miRNA. The main goal of our study was to detect differences in miRNA expression levels in two doxorubicin (DOX)- and two topotecan (TOP)-resistant variants of the A2780 drug-sensitive ovarian cancer cell line by miRNA microarray. The next aim was to recognize miRNAs as factors responsible for the regulation of drug-resistance genes. We observed altered expression of 28 miRNA that may be related to drug resistance. The upregulation of miR-125b-5p and miR-935 and downregulation of miR-218-5p was observed in both DOX-resistant cell lines. In both TOP-resistant cell lines, we noted the overexpression of miR-99a-5p, miR-100-5p, miR-125b-5p, and miR-125b-2-3p and decreased expression of miR-551b-3p, miR-551b-5p, and miR-383-5p. Analysis of the targets suggested that expression of important drug-resistant genes such as the collagen type I alpha 2 chain (COL1A2), protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Receptor Type K (PTPRK), receptor tyrosine kinase—EPHA7, Roundabout Guidance Receptor 2 (ROBO2), myristoylated alanine-rich C-kinase substrate (MARCK), and the ATP-binding cassette subfamily G member 2 (ABCG2) can be regulated by miRNA.

YB-1 as an Oncoprotein: Functions, Regulation, Post-Translational Modifications, and Targeted Therapy

Y box binding protein 1 (YB-1) is a protein with a highly conserved cold shock domain (CSD) that also belongs to the family of DNA- and RNA-binding proteins. YB-1 is present in both the nucleus and cytoplasm and plays versatile roles in gene transcription, RNA splicing, DNA damage repair, cell cycle progression, and immunity. Cumulative evidence suggests that YB-1 promotes the progression of multiple tumor types and serves as a potential tumor biomarker and therapeutic target. This review comprehensively summarizes the emerging functions, mechanisms, and regulation of YB-1 in cancers, and further discusses targeted strategies.

Long non-coding RNAs as the critical regulators of epithelial mesenchymal transition in colorectal tumor cells: an overview

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of cancer mortality and a major health challenge worldwide. Despite advances in therapeutic and diagnostic methods, there is still a poor prognosis in CRC patients. Tumor recurrence and metastasis are the main causes of high mortality rate in these patients, which are due to late diagnosis in advanced tumor stages. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is known to be the most important cause of CRC metastasis, during which tumor cells obtain metastasis ability by losing epithelial features and gaining mesenchymal features. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are pivotal regulators of EMT process. Regarding the higher stability of lncRNAs compared with coding RNAs in body fluids, they can be used as non-invasive diagnostic markers for EMT process. In the present review, we summarized all of the lncRNAs involved in regulation of EMT process during CRC progression and metastasis. It was observed that lncRNAs mainly induced the EMT process in CRC cells by regulation of EMT-related transcription factors, Poly comb repressive complex (PRC), and also signaling pathways such as WNT, NOTCH, MAPK, and Hippo.

Propofol rescues LPS-induced toxicity in HRT-8/SVneo cells via miR-216a-5p/TLR4 axis

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of propofol on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced toxicity in HTR-8/SVneo cells.

METHODS

In this study, HTR-8/SVneo cells were induced by LPS. The cells were treated with different concentrations of propofol. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and wound healing rate were measured by MTT, flow cytometry, Transwell, and wound-healing assay. The relative mRNA expression levels of miR-216a-5p, TLR, MyD88, and NF-κB(p65) were measured by qRT-PCR. The protein expression levels of TLR, MyD88, and p-NF-κB(p65) were detected by western blot. The p-NF-κB(p65) nuclear volume was evaluated by cell immunofluorescence.

RESULTS

Compared with control group, the cell proliferation, invasion, and wound healing rate were significantly decreased and the cell apoptosis rate was significantly increased in LPS- induced HTR-8/SVneo cells (P < 0.01). With propofol supplement, the cell proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities were significantly recovered and apoptosis rate was significantly inhibited (P < 0.05). The expression levels of miR-216a-5p, TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB(p65), and p-NF-κB(p65), and p-NF-κB(p65) nuclear volume were significantly different between propofol group and model group (P < 0.05). However, after knockdown of miR-216a-5p expression by si-miR-216a-5p transfection, the cell proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities were significantly inhibited and apoptosis rate was notably increased (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Propofol improves LPS-induced toxicity in HTR-8/SVneo cells via regulation miR-216a-5p/TLR4 axis.

Diverse Regulation of YB-1 and YB-3 Abundance in Mammals

YB proteins are DNA/RNA binding proteins, members of the family of proteins with cold shock domain. Role of YB proteins in the life of cells, tissues, and whole organisms is extremely important. They are involved in transcription regulation, pre-mRNA splicing, mRNA translation and stability, mRNA packaging into mRNPs, including stress granules, DNA repair, and many other cellular events. Many processes, from embryonic development to aging, depend on when and how much of these proteins have been synthesized. Here we discuss regulation of the levels of YB-1 and, in part, of its homologs in the cell. Because the amount of YB-1 is immediately associated with its functioning, understanding the mechanisms of regulation of the protein amount invariably reveals the events where YB-1 is involved. Control over the YB-1 abundance may allow using this gene/protein as a therapeutic target in cancers, where an increased expression of the YBX1 gene often correlates with the disease severity and poor prognosis.

Multi-Omics Reveal the Immunological Role and the Theragnostic Value of miR-216a/GDF15 Axis in Human Colon Adenocarcinoma

Colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) is the most common type of gastrointestinal cancer and is still the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Accurate screening tools for early diagnosis and prediction of prognosis and precision treatment strategies are urgently required to accommodate the unmet medical needs of COAD management. We herein aimed to explore the significance of the microRNA (miR)-216a/growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) axis in terms of clinical value, tumor immunity, and potential mechanisms in COAD by using multi-omic analysis. The gene expression levels of miR-216a and GDF15 showed an increase in the COAD group compared to those of the normal group. The expression of miR-216a presented a negative correlation with GDF15 in COAD tumor tissue. The use of an in vitro luciferase reporter assay and bioinformatic prediction revealed that miR-216a-3p acted toward translational inhibition on GDF15 by targeting its 3′untranslated region (UTR) site. High miR-216a expression was associated with decreased overall survival (OS), while the high expression of GDF15 was associated with increased OS. Enriched type 1 T-helper (Th1), enriched regulatory T (Treg), enriched eosinophils, and decreased nature killer T-cells (NKTs) in COAD tumor tissue may play counteracting factors on the tumor-regulatory effects of miR-216a and GDF15. In addition, high GDF15 expression had associations with suppressed immunoinhibitory genes and negative correlations with the infiltration of macrophages and endothelial cells. The enrichment analysis revealed that GDF15 and its co-expression network may be implicated in mitochondrial organization, apoptosis signaling, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response. The Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC) and Cancer Therapeutics Response Portal (CTRP) analysis identified that Gemcitabine acted as a precision treatment for COAD when GDF15 expression was low. This study supports the miR-216a/GDF15 axis as a diagnostic/prognostic panel for COAD, identifies Th1, Treg, eosinophils, and NKTs as counteracting factors, indicates potential relationships underlying immunomodulation, mitochondrial organization, apoptotic signaling, and ER stress and unveil Gemcitabine as a potential drug for the development of treatment strategy when combined with targeting GDF15.

Autophagy and gastrointestinal cancers: the behind the scenes role of long non-coding RNAs in initiation, progression, and treatment resistance

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers comprise a heterogeneous group of complex disorders that affect different organs, including esophagus, stomach, gallbladder, liver, biliary tract, pancreas, small intestine, colon, rectum, and anus. Recently, an explosion in nucleic acid-based technologies has led to the discovery of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that have been found to possess unique regulatory functions. This class of RNAs is >200 nucleotides in length, and is characterized by their lack of protein coding. LncRNAs exert regulatory effects in GI cancer development by affecting different functions such as the proliferation and metastasis of cancer cells, apoptosis, glycolysis and angiogenesis. Over the past few decades, considerable evidence has revealed the important role of autophagy in both GI cancer progression and suppression. In addition, recent studies have confirmed a significant correlation between lncRNAs and the regulation of autophagy. In this review, we summarize how lncRNAs play a behind the scenes role in the pathogenesis of GI cancers through regulation of autophagy.

MicroRNA-216a-5p in lipopolysaccharide-induced endothelial injury

MicroRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) are a type of non-coding RNA that are closely associated with disease development and treatment. The present study aimed to investigate the role of miR-216a-5p in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endothelial injury in vitro. The EdU assay was performed to detect EdU-positive cells, while flow cytometric analysis was performed to detect apoptotic cells. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blot analyses were performed to detect the expression levels of miR-216a-5p, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), MyD88 and nuclear factor (NF)-κB(p65) and phosphorylated (p)-NF-κB(p65). Furthermore, p-NF-κB(p65) nuclear expression level was detected via cellular immunofluorescence. The dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to verify the association between miR-216a-5p and TLR4. The results demonstrated that the number of EdU-positive cells significantly decreased, the apoptotic rate significantly increased, and TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κB(p65) mRNA expression levels were significantly upregulated.TLR4, MyD88 and p-NF-κB(p65) protein expression levels were significantly upregulated and p-NF-κB(p65) nuclear concentration was significantly enhanced in the small interfering RNA-miR-216a-5p and LPS groups (P<0.001, respectively) compared with the negative control group. However, the addition of miR-216a-5p significantly increased the number of EdU-positive cells, significantly decreased the apoptotic rate and significantly downregulated the mRNA expression levels of TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κB(p65), as well as the protein expression levels of TLR4, MyD88 and p-NF-κB(p65). In addition, the p-NF-κB(p65) nuclear concentration was significantly decreased in the miR-216a-5p group (P<0.001, respectively) compared with the LPS group. Taken together, the results suggest that overexpression of miR-216a-5p suppresses the effects of LPS induced endothelial injury.

Knockdown of circ_0011946 targets miR-216a-5p/BCL2L2 axis to regulate proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are implicated in the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The aim of current research is to elucidate the role and mechanism of circ_0011946 in the functional behaviors of OSCC cells.

Methods

Circ_0011946, microRNA (miR)-216a-5p, B cell lymphoma-2-like 2 protein (BCL2L2) abundances were exposed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) or western blot. Cell proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis were detected by MTT, colony formation assay, transwell, wound-healing and flow cytometry assays, respectively. Target correlation was tested by dual-luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assays. An in vivo xenograft experiment was employed to investigate the function of circ_0011946 on tumor growth in vivo.

Results

Circ_0011946 and BCL2L2 levels were increased, while miR-216a-5p level was decreased in OSCC tissues and cells. Circ_0011946 knockdown impeded proliferation, migration, and invasion, but promoted apoptosis in OSCC cells. Circ_0011946 functioned as a sponge for miR-216a-5p, and BCL2L2 was targeted by miR-216a-5p. Besides, miR-216a-5p or BCL2L2 knockdown partly attenuated the inhibitory influences of circ_0011946 silence or miR-216a-5p overexpression on OSCC cell progression. Furthermore, circ_0011946 post-transcriptionally regulated BCL2L2 through sponging miR-216a-5p. Moreover, circ_0011946 knockdown constrained OSCC tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusion

Circ_0011946 silence repressed OSCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, but promoted apoptosis through the regulation of the miR-216a-5p/BCL2L2 axis.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-08779-4.

Knockdown of lncRNA PVT1 inhibits the proliferation and accelerates the apoptosis of colorectal cancer cells via the miR‑761/MAPK1 axis

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is associated with high morbidity rates. Long non‑coding RNAs (lncRNAs) participate in the development of CRC. However, the potential roles of lncRNA plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (PVT1) in CRC remain unknown. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the potential roles of PVT1 in CRC. Reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR and western blot analyses were conducted to determine the mRNA and protein expression levels. The cellular behaviors were detected using 5‑Ethynyl‑2'‑deoxyuridine, Cell Counting Kit‑8 and flow cytometry assays. The interaction between PVT1 and microRNA (miR)‑761 or MAPK1 was confirmed using a dual‑luciferase reporter assay. Moreover, the Pearson's method was applied for correlation analysis. The results demonstrated that the expression levels of PVT1 and MAPK1 were upregulated, while miR‑761 was downregulated in CRC tissues. The expression of PVT1 was positively correlated with MAPK1 and negatively correlated with miR‑761. In addition, PVT1 sponged miR‑761 to upregulate MAPK1 expression. It was found that the knockdown of PVT1 expression inhibited the proliferation and promoted the apoptosis of CRC cells, which was more potent in cells transfected with miR‑761. The regulatory role of small interfering RNA‑PVT1 on the expression of apoptosis‑related genes was reduced by MAPK1. Collectively, the present results suggested that knockdown of PVT1 may inhibit the progression of CRC by regulating the miR‑761/MAPK1 axis, which may provide a promising biomarker for the treatment of CRC.

Targeting HMGB1-TLR4 signaling by miR-216a-5p elevation alleviates the inflammatory behavioral hypersensitivity

Neuroinflammation induced by microglial activation has a critical role in inflammatory pain. In this study, we detected the function of miR-216a-5p in the progression of inflammatory behavioral hypersensitivity. Here, decreases of miR-216a-5p and up-regulation of high-mobility group box1 (HMGB1) were observed in complete freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced inflammatory pain model in mice and LSP-activated BV2 microglia. HMGB1 was identified as a target of miR-216a-5p by luciferase reporter system. Ectopic expression of miR-216a-5p suppressed microglial marker IBA-1 expression and subsequent pro-inflammatory cytokine releases (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) from LPS-activated microglia. Additionally, LPS exposure enhanced the protein expression levels of HMGB1, TLR4 and p-p65 NF-kB in microglia, which were abrogated following miR-216a-5p overexpression. Intriguingly, transfection of HMGN1 cDNA into BV2 microglial cells reversed the inhibitory effects of miR-216a-5p elevation on microglial activation-triggered inflammatory response. Intrathecal delivery of LV-miR-216a-5-p ameliorated CFA-evoked mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia in mice. Concomitantly, overexpressing miR-216a-5p also restrained the inflammatory response and microglia activation in CFA-induced inflammatory mouse models, concomitant with the decreases in the expression of HMGB1, TLR4 and p-p65 NF-kB in spinal cord. Thus, these findings highlight that miR-216a-5p may alleviate inflammatory behavioral hypersensitivity by blocking microglia-mediated neuroinflammation via targeting the HMGB1-TLR4-NF-kB pathway, supporting miR-216a-5p as a potential therapeutic avenue for inflammatory pain.

Inhibition of YBX1 by miR-216a Suppresses Proliferation and Invasion of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

BACKGROUND

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) could be implicated in tumorigenesis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

AIMS

To determine the role of MiR-216a in DLBCL.

STUDY DESIGN

Cell culture study.

METHODS

Expression of miR-216a in DLBCL cells was examined by qRT-PCR. Cell counting kit-8, bromodeoxyuridine staining and transwell assays were performed to evaluate role of miR-216a on DLBCL cell growth. Target gene of miR-216a was verified by luciferase reporter assay.

RESULTS

MiR-216a was dramatically reduced in DLBCL cells compared to the normal B-cell line (P < .01). MiR-216a reduced the viability and retarded DLBCL cell proliferation. The invasion of DLBCL was suppressed by miR-216a. Y box binding protein 1 (YBX1) was validated as a target of miR-216a. Its expression was reduced by miR-216a mimic and enhanced by miR-216a inhibitor in DB and SU-DHL-10 cells. Knockdown of YBX1 reduced cell viability, proliferation, and invasion of DB and SU-DHL-10 cells.

CONCLUSION

MiR-216a exerted tumor-suppressive effects on DLBCL cells through inhibition of YBX1, providing a new strategy for DLBCL.

Differential miRNA Expression in Human Macrophage-Like Cells Infected with Histoplasma capsulatum Yeasts Cultured in Planktonic and Biofilm Forms

Histoplasma capsulatum affects healthy and immunocompromised individuals, sometimes causing a severe disease. This fungus has two morphotypes, the mycelial (infective) and the yeast (parasitic) phases. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNAs involved in the regulation of several cellular processes, and their differential expression has been associated with many disease states. To investigate miRNA expression in host cells during H. capsulatum infection, we studied the changes in the miRNA profiles of differentiated human macrophages infected with yeasts from two fungal strains with different virulence, EH-315 (high virulence) and 60I (low virulence) grown in planktonic cultures, and EH-315 grown in biofilm form. MiRNA profiles were evaluated by means of reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction using a commercial human miRNome panel. The target genes of the differentially expressed miRNAs and their corresponding signaling pathways were predicted using bioinformatics analyses. Here, we confirmed biofilm structures were present in the EH-315 culture whose conditions facilitated producing insoluble exopolysaccharide and intracellular polysaccharides. In infected macrophages, bioinformatics analyses revealed especially increased (hsa-miR-99b-3p) or decreased (hsa-miR-342-3p) miRNAs expression levels in response to infection with biofilms or both growth forms of H. capsulatum yeasts, respectively. The results of miRNAs suggested that infection by H. capsulatum can affect important biological pathways of the host cell, targeting two genes: one encoding a protein that is important in the cortical cytoskeleton; the other, a protein involved in the formation of stress granules. Expressed miRNAs in the host’s response could be proposed as new therapeutic and/or diagnostic tools for histoplasmosis.

DICER1-AS1 Promotes the Malignant Behaviors of Colorectal Cancer Cells by Regulating miR-296-5p/STAT3 Axis

Background

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) exerts a regulatory role in the occurrence and progression of tumors. This study aimed at probing into the function and mechanism of lncRNA DICER1 antisense RNA 1 (DICER1-AS1) in colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods

The expressions of DICER1-AS1, miR-296-5p and STAT3 mRNA were tested by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was employed to detect cell proliferation, and Transwell was used to detect cell migration and invasion. In addition, the expressions of apoptosis-related proteins Bax and Bcl2 were detected by Western blot. Interactions between DICER1-AS1 and miR-296-5p, and miR-296-5p and STAT3 were predicted and determined by bioinformatics analysis, luciferase reporter assay and RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay.

Results

The expressions of DICER1-AS1 and STAT3 mRNA were significantly up-regulated while miR-296-5p expression was remarkably down-regulated in CRC tissues and cell lines. Over-expression of DICER1-AS1 or transfection of miR-296-5p inhibitors could promote the proliferation, migration and invasion and inhibit apoptosis of CRC cells, whereas knockdown of DICER1-AS1 or transfection of miR-296-5p mimics had the opposite effects. Additionally, DICER1-AS1 could down-regulate miR-296-5p expression via sponging it. DICER1-AS1 also enhanced the expression of STAT3, which was identified as a target gene of miR-296-5p.

Conclusion

DICER1-AS1 acts as an oncogenic lncRNA in CRC via modulating miR-296-5p/STAT3 axis. Our results provide a new direction for the diagnosis and treatment of CRC.

Biomarkers in Colorectal Cancer: Current Research and Future Prospects

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of death worldwide, despite progress made in detection and management through surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. Novel therapeutic agents have improved survival in both the adjuvant and advanced disease settings, albeit with an increased risk of toxicity and cost. However, metastatic disease continues to have a poor long-term prognosis and significant challenges remain due to late stage diagnosis and treatment failure. Biomarkers are a key tool in early detection, prognostication, survival, and predicting treatment response. The past three decades have seen advances in genomics and molecular pathology of cancer biomarkers, allowing for greater individualization of therapy with a positive impact on survival outcomes. Clinically useful predictive biomarkers aid clinical decision making, such as the presence of KRAS gene mutations predicting benefit from epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibiting antibodies. However, few biomarkers have been translated into clinical practice highlighting the need for further investigation. We review a range of protein, DNA and RNA-based biomarkers under investigation for diagnostic, predictive, and prognostic properties for CRC. In particular, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA), have been investigated as biomarkers in a range of cancers including colorectal cancer. Specifically, we evaluate the potential role of lncRNA plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (PVT1), an oncogene, as a diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic biomarker in colorectal cancer.

UPF1 Participates in the Progression of Endometrial Cancer by Inhibiting the Expression of lncRNA PVT1

BACKGROUND

Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is the primary cause of death associated with cancer globally. Thus, the possible molecular mechanism of EC needs further exploration. Up-frameshift protein 1 (UPF1) is an ATPase depending on RNA/DNA and RNA helicase depending on ATP. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (PVT1) was dysregulated in diverse diseases.

METHODS

qRT-PCR and Western blot were applied to detect UPF1 and PVT1 in EC. CCK-8, colony formation, and Transwell assays were used to test the effects of UPF1/PVT1 on cell proliferation and migration. Cells were cultured with actinomycin D to observe mRNA stability, and RNA immunoprecipitation assay was applied to verified the relationship between UPF1 and PVT1. Glucose consumption and lactate generation were measured when cells were transfected with siRNA.

RESULTS

Results demonstrated that the expression of UPF1 exhibited a remarkable decrement in EC tissues relative to that in non-tumor tissues. Subsequent functional experiments suggested that UPF1 decrement stimulated EC cells to grow and migrate. Moreover, UPF1 was discovered to be linked to PVT1 and had an inverse correlation with PVT1. Besides, PVT1 expression affected EC growth and migration, and PVT1 decrement alleviated the influence of UPF1 decrement on EC growth and migration and strengthened glycolysis in EC.

CONCLUSION

In this study, we found that UPF1 was down-regulated in EC tissues, and UPF1 might exert its role by regulating the expression of PVT1.

Long Non-coding RNA PVT1 as a Prognostic and Therapeutic Target in Pediatric Cancer

In recent decades, biomedical research has focused on understanding the functionality of the human translated genome, which represents a minor part of all genetic information transcribed from the human genome. However, researchers have become aware of the importance of non-coding RNA species that constitute the vast majority of the transcriptome. In addition to their crucial role in tissue development and homeostasis, mounting evidence shows non-coding RNA to be deregulated and functionally contributing to the development and progression of different types of human disease including cancer both in adults and children. Small non-coding RNAs (i.e., microRNA) are in the vanguard of clinical research which revealed that RNA could be used as disease biomarkers or new therapeutic targets. Furthermore, many more expectations have been raised for long non-coding RNAs, by far the largest fraction of non-coding transcripts, and still fewer findings have been translated into clinical applications. In this review, we center on PVT1, a large and complex long non-coding RNA that usually confers oncogenic properties on different tumor types. We focus on the compilation of early advances in the field of pediatric tumors which often lags behind clinical improvements in adult tumors, and provide a rationale to continue studying PVT1 as a possible functional contributor to pediatric malignancies and as a potential prognostic marker or therapeutic target.

LncRNA PART1 regulates colorectal cancer via targeting miR-150-5p/miR-520h/CTNNB1 and activating Wnt/β-catenin pathway

Numerous studies have reported that lncRNAs could play a significant role in carcinogenesis. PART1, as an identified lncRNA, was an oncogene in several cancers. However, the underling mechanism of PART1 regulating colorectal cancer remains unknown. qRT-PCR was used to measure relevant RNAs expression. CCK8 and colony formation were combined to evaluate cell proliferation. Tunel and flow cytometry were performed to access cell apoptosis. Wound healing and Transwell assay testified cell invasion and migration ability. Relevant protein expression level was measured via Western blot assay. TOP/FOP luciferase assay determined the activity of Wnt/β-catenin pathway. According to experiment findings, PART1 was up-regulated in CRC tissues and cell lines. Inhibition of PART1 hindered CRC cell proliferation, invasion and migration, while promoting CRC cell apoptosis. Experiments in vivo also validated this result. Mechanistically, PART1 sponged miR-150-5p/miR-520 h to up-regulate CTNNB1, thus activating Wnt/β-catenin pathway in CRC. In summary, PART1 could up-regulate CTNNB1 via sponging miR-150-5p/miR-520 h.