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Hashemi M, Daneii P, Asadalizadeh M, Tabari K, Matinahmadi A, Bidoki SS, Motlagh YSM, Jafari AM, Ghorbani A, Dehghanpour A, Nabavi N, Tan SC, Rashidi M, Taheriazam A, Entezari M, Goharrizi MASB. Epigenetic regulation of hepatocellular carcinoma progression: MicroRNAs as therapeutic, diagnostic and prognostic factors. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2024; 170:106566. [PMID: 38513802 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2024.106566] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a significant challenge for public healthcare systems in developed Western countries including the USA, Canada, and the UK, is influenced by different risk factors including hepatitis virus infections, alcoholism, and smoking. The disruption in the balance of microRNAs (miRNAs) plays a vital function in tumorigenesis, given their function as regulators in numerous signaling networks. These miRNAs, which are mature and active in the cytoplasm, work by reducing the expression of target genes through their impact on mRNAs. MiRNAs are particularly significant in HCC as they regulate key aspects of the tumor, like proliferation and invasion. Additionally, during treatment phases such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the levels of miRNAs are key determinants. Pre-clinical experiments have demonstrated that altered miRNA expression contributes to HCC development, metastasis, drug resistance, and radio-resistance, highlighting related molecular pathways and processes like MMPs, EMT, apoptosis, and autophagy. Furthermore, the regulatory role of miRNAs in HCC extends beyond their immediate function, as they are also influenced by other epigenetic factors like lncRNAs and circular RNAs (circRNAs), as discussed in recent reviews. Applying these discoveries in predicting the prognosis of HCC could mark a significant advancement in the therapy of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrdad Hashemi
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pouria Daneii
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahya Asadalizadeh
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kiana Tabari
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arash Matinahmadi
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland
| | - Seyed Shahabadin Bidoki
- Faculty of medicine, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | | | - Ali Moghadas Jafari
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amin Ghorbani
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Dehghanpour
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Noushin Nabavi
- Department of Urologic Sciences and Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, V6H3Z6, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Shing Cheng Tan
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mohsen Rashidi
- Department Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; The Health of Plant and Livestock Products Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
| | - Afshin Taheriazam
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Maliheh Entezari
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
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Weidle UH, Nopora A. Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Up-regulated Circular RNAs Which Mediate Efficacy in Preclinical In Vivo Models. Cancer Genomics Proteomics 2023; 20:500-521. [PMID: 37889063 PMCID: PMC10614070 DOI: 10.21873/cgp.20401] [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: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranges as number two with respect to the incidence of tumors and is associated with a dismal prognosis. The therapeutic efficacy of approved multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitors and checkpoint inhibitors is modest. Therefore, the identification of new therapeutic targets and entities is of paramount importance. We searched the literature for up-regulated circular RNAs (circRNAs) which mediate efficacy in preclinical in vivo models of HCC. Our search resulted in 14 circRNAs which up-regulate plasma membrane transmembrane receptors, while 5 circRNAs induced secreted proteins. Two circRNAs facilitated replication of Hepatitis B or C viruses. Three circRNAs up-regulated high mobility group proteins. Six circRNAs regulated components of the ubiquitin system. Seven circRNAs induced GTPases of the family of ras-associated binding proteins (RABs). Three circRNAs induced redox-related proteins, eight of them up-regulated metabolic enzymes and nine circRNAs induced signaling-related proteins. The identified circRNAs up-regulate the corresponding targets by sponging microRNAs. Identified circRNAs and their targets have to be validated by standard criteria of preclinical drug development. Identified targets can potentially be inhibited by small molecules or antibody-based moieties and circRNAs can be inhibited by small-interfering RNAs (siRNAs) or short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich H Weidle
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Adam Nopora
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
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Moldogazieva NT, Zavadskiy SP, Astakhov DV, Sologova SS, Margaryan AG, Safrygina AA, Smolyarchuk EA. Differentially expressed non-coding RNAs and their regulatory networks in liver cancer. Heliyon 2023; 9:e19223. [PMID: 37662778 PMCID: PMC10474437 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The vast majority of human transcriptome is represented by various types of small RNAs with little or no protein-coding capability referred to as non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). Functional ncRNAs include microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), which are expressed at very low, but stable and reproducible levels in a variety of cell types. ncRNAs regulate gene expression due to miRNA capability of complementary base pairing with mRNAs, whereas lncRNAs and circRNAs can sponge miRNAs off their target mRNAs to act as competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs). Each miRNA can target multiple mRNAs and a single mRNA can interact with several miRNAs, thereby creating miRNA-mRNA, lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA, and circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks. Over the past few years, a variety of differentially expressed miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs (DEMs, DELs, and DECs, respectively) have been linked to cancer pathogenesis. They can exert both oncogenic and tumor suppressor roles. In this review, we discuss the recent advancements in uncovering the roles of DEMs, DELs, and DECs and their networks in aberrant cell signaling, cell cycle, transcription, angiogenesis, and apoptosis, as well as tumor microenvironment remodeling and metabolic reprogramming during hepatocarcinogenesis. We highlight the potential and challenges in the use of differentially expressed ncRNAs as biomarkers for liver cancer diagnosis and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurbubu T. Moldogazieva
- Department of Pharmacology, Nelyubin Institute of Pharmacy, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991, 8 Trubetskaya str., Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergey P. Zavadskiy
- Department of Pharmacology, Nelyubin Institute of Pharmacy, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991, 8 Trubetskaya str., Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry V. Astakhov
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biodesign and Complex Systems Modelling, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991, 8 Trubetskaya str., Moscow, Russia
| | - Susanna S. Sologova
- Department of Pharmacology, Nelyubin Institute of Pharmacy, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991, 8 Trubetskaya str., Moscow, Russia
| | - Arus G. Margaryan
- Department of Pharmacology, Nelyubin Institute of Pharmacy, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991, 8 Trubetskaya str., Moscow, Russia
| | - Anastasiya A. Safrygina
- Department of Pharmacology, Nelyubin Institute of Pharmacy, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991, 8 Trubetskaya str., Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena A. Smolyarchuk
- Department of Pharmacology, Nelyubin Institute of Pharmacy, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991, 8 Trubetskaya str., Moscow, Russia
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Li H, Liu B, Xu X, Li S, Zhang D, Liu Q. Circ_SNX27 regulates hepatocellular carcinoma development via miR-637/FGFR1 axis. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2022; 37:2832-2843. [PMID: 36029209 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circular RNAs (circRNAs) serve as critical regulatory factors in cancer development. Nonetheless, the potential regulatory mechanism of circRNA sorting nexin 27 (circ_SNX27) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still unknown. METHODS The circ_SNX27, microRNA-637 (miR-637), and fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) levels were quantified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. Next, function experiments were conducted using in vitro assays and in vivo senograft study. The relationship between miR-637 with circ_SNX27 or FGFR1 was uncovered by dual-luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assays. RESULTS The circ_SNX27 and FGFR1 levels were up-regulated, but miR-637 content was reduced in HCC. Circ_SNX27 down-regulation inhibited HCC cell proliferation, motility, and invasion and promoted apoptosis in vitro, as well as weakened tumor growth in vivo. Circ_SNX27 served as a sponge of miR-637 to promote FGFR1 expression. MiR-637 reduction abolished the restrained effect of circ_SNX27 absence on HCC cell development. Moreover, miR-637 curbed HCC cell malignant phenotype by regulating FGFR1. CONCLUSION Circ_SNX27 contributed to HCC development via miR-637/FGFR1 axis, offering a new idea for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Bingli Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xin Xu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Shunle Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Di Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Qingfeng Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
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Pan Y, Huang Q, Peng X, Yu S, Liu N. Circ_0015756 promotes ovarian cancer progression via the miR-145-5p/PSAT1 axis. Reprod Biol 2022; 22:100702. [PMID: 36327671 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2022.100702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Circular RNA (circRNA) have been shown to exert vital functions in the pathological progressions of ovarian cancer (OC). Herein, this study aimed to investigate the role and mechanisms of circ_0015756 in OC progression. Levels of circ_0015756, microRNA (miR)- 145-5p and phosphoserine aminotransferase 1 (PSAT1) were detected using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot or immunohistochemistry assays. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion were determined using cell counting kit-8, 5-Ethynyl-2'-Deoxyuridine (Edu) incorporation, flow cytometry, transwell and Western blot assays. The binding interaction between miR-145-5p and circ_0015756 or PSAT1 was confirmed by bioinformatics prediction and dual-luciferase reporter assay. Tumor formation assay in nude mice was performed to determine the tumor growth in vivo. Circ_0015756 was highly expressed in OC tissues and cells. Knockdown of circ_0015756 suppressed cancer cell growth, migration and invasion in vitro, as well as impeded tumor growth in vivo. In a mechanical study, circ_0015756 directly bound to miR-145-5p, and inhibition of miR-145-5p reversed the effects of circ_0015756 knockdown on OC cells. Moreover, miR-145-5p directly targeted PSAT1, and miR-145-5p weakened OC cell growth, migration and invasion via targeting PSAT1. Importantly, further studies confirmed that circ_0015756 could indirectly regulate PSAT1 expression via sponging miR-145-5p. In all, circ_0015756 accelerated OC tumorigenesis through regulating miR-145-5p/PSAT1 axis, providing a new therapeutic target for OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhen Pan
- Department of Oncology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, Guangdong, China
| | - Qianyu Huang
- Department of Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaodan Peng
- Department of Oncology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, Guangdong, China
| | - Shaokang Yu
- Department of Oncology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, Guangdong, China
| | - Nannan Liu
- Department of Oncology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, Guangdong, China.
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Wang P, Zhang Y, Deng L, Qu Z, Guo P, Liu L, Yu Z, Wang P, Liu N. The function and regulation network mechanism of circRNA in liver diseases. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:141. [PMID: 35361205 PMCID: PMC8973545 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02559-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Circular RNA (circRNA), a new type of endogenous non-coding RNA, is abundantly present in eukaryotic cells, and characterized as stable high conservation and tissue specific expression. It has been generated increasing attention because of their close association with the progress of diseases. The liver is the vital organ of humans, while it is prone to acute and chronic diseases due to the influence of multiple pathogenic factors. Moreover, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the one of most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Overwhelming evidences indicate that some circRNAs are differentially expressed in liver diseases, such as, HCC, chronic hepatitis B, hepatic steatosis and hepatoblastoma tissues, etc. Additionally, these circRNAs are related to proliferation, invasion, migration, angiogenesis, apoptosis, and metastasis of cell in liver diseases and act as oncogenic agents or suppressors, and linked to clinical manifestations. In this review, we briefly summarize the biogenesis, characterization and biological functions, recent detection and identification technologies of circRNA, and regulation network mechanism of circRNA in liver diseases, and discuss their potential values as biomarkers or therapeutic targets for liver diseases, especially on HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panpan Wang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 540001, People's Republic of China.,South China Hospital, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518116, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunhuan Zhang
- Institute of Chronic Disease Risks Assessment, School of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, People's Republic of China
| | - Lugang Deng
- South China Hospital, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518116, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi Qu
- Institute of Chronic Disease Risks Assessment, School of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, People's Republic of China.
| | - Peisen Guo
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 540001, People's Republic of China.,South China Hospital, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518116, People's Republic of China
| | - Limin Liu
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 540001, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Chronic Disease Risks Assessment, School of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, People's Republic of China.,South China Hospital, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518116, People's Republic of China
| | - Zengli Yu
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 540001, People's Republic of China.
| | - Peixi Wang
- Institute of Chronic Disease Risks Assessment, School of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, People's Republic of China
| | - Nan Liu
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 540001, People's Republic of China. .,Institute of Chronic Disease Risks Assessment, School of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, People's Republic of China. .,South China Hospital, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518116, People's Republic of China.
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7
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Chen Z, Du J, Yang C, Si G, Chen Y. circ-CFH promotes the development of HCC by regulating cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and glycolysis through the miR-377-3p/RNF38 axis. Open Life Sci 2022; 17:248-260. [PMID: 35415236 PMCID: PMC8951215 DOI: 10.1515/biol-2022-0029] [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: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have previously been confirmed to function as vital regulators in multiple human cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to clarify the role and underlying molecular mechanisms of circ-CFH in HCC. circ-CFH was overexpressed in HCC tissues and cells, and the downregulation of circ-CFH inhibited the development of HCC by repressing cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and glycolysis while enhancing apoptosis in vitro, as well as inhibited tumor growth in vivo. miR-377-3p was negatively regulated by circ-CFH, and silencing of miR-377-3p abolished circ-CFH knockdown-mediated effects on HCC cells. Moreover, overexpression of miR-377-3p could impede the HCC process by targeting RNF38. Mechanistically, the circ-CFH/miR-377-3p/RNF38 axis regulated the progression of HCC cells, which might provide new diagnostic markers for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zengyin Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Chengyang District People’s Hospital, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, China
| | - Juan Du
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Chengyang District People’s Hospital, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, China
| | - Chen Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Qingdao People’s Hospital, No. 600 Changcheng Road, Chengyang District, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, China
| | - Guangju Si
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Chengyang District People’s Hospital, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, China
| | - Yuxin Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Chengyang District People’s Hospital, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, China
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He Q, Tao L, Xu H, Xie X, Cheng S. Circ_0072995 Promotes Proliferation and Invasion via Regulating miR-1253/EIF4A3 Signaling in HCC. Cancer Manag Res 2021; 13:5981-5987. [PMID: 34377018 PMCID: PMC8349228 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s316559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major threat for human health. This work aimed to determine the potential function of circ_0072995 in HCC progression and its molecular mechanism. Methods qRT-PCR was conducted to analyze circ_0072995 expression. CCK8 and colony formation assays were utilized to detect cell proliferation. Transwell assay was performed to determine migration and invasion. Interactions among circ_0072995, miR-1253 and EIF4A3 (Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factor 4A3) were predicted through bioinformatics methods and confirmed via luciferase reporter assay and RNA pulldown assay. Results circ_0072995 expression was upregulated in HCC tissues. Circ_0072995 high level was associated with poor prognosis. Circ_0072995 knockdown impaired proliferation, migration, invasion and survival. MiR-1253 was sponged by circ_0072995 and targeted EIF4A3 directly. Circ_0072995 inhibited miR-1253 to upregulate EIF4A3 level. Conclusion Circ_0072995 exerted tumorigenic roles to enhance HCC progression through activating EIF4A3 by sponging miR-1253.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianggui He
- Department of Trauma Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, People's Republic of China
| | - Lijun Tao
- Department of Trauma Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongbo Xu
- Department of Trauma Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianhai Xie
- Department of Trauma Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuibing Cheng
- Department of Trauma Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, People's Republic of China
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Liao R, Liu L, Zhou J, Wei X, Huang P. Current Molecular Biology and Therapeutic Strategy Status and Prospects for circRNAs in HBV-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:697747. [PMID: 34277444 PMCID: PMC8284075 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.697747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are newly classified noncoding RNA (ncRNA) members with a covalently closed continuous loop structure that are involved in immune responses against hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections and play important biological roles in the occurrence and pathogenesis of HCC progression. The roles of circRNAs in HBV-associated HCC (HBV-HCC) have gained increasing attention. Substantial evidence has revealed that both tissue and circulating circRNAs may serve as potential biomarkers for diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic purposes. So far, at least four circRNA/miRNA regulatory axes such as circRNA_101764/miR-181, circRNA_100338/miR-141-3p, circ-ARL3/miR-1305, circ-ATP5H/miR-138-5p, and several circulating circRNAs were reported to be associated with HBV-HCC development. Notably, TGF/SMAD, JAK/STAT, Notch and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways may play pivotal roles in this HBV-driven HCC via several circRNAs. Moreover, in non-HBV HCC patients or HCC patients partially infected by HBV, numerous circRNAs have been identified to be important regulators impacting the malignant biological behavior of HCC. Furthermore, the role of circRNAs in HCC drug resistance has become a focus of research with the aim of reversing chemoresistance and immune resistance. Herein, we review the molecular biology of circRNAs in HBV-HCC and their potential in therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Liao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The People's Rongchang Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Xufu Wei
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ping Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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10
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Ely A, Bloom K, Maepa MB, Arbuthnot P. Recent Update on the Role of Circular RNAs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2021; 8:1-17. [PMID: 33542907 PMCID: PMC7851377 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s268291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
After being overlooked for decades, circular RNAs (circRNAs) have recently generated considerable interest. circRNAs play a role in a variety of normal and pathological biological processes, including hepatocarcinogenesis. Many circRNAs contribute to hepatocarcinogenesis through sponging of microRNAs (miRs) and disruption of cellular signaling pathways that play a part in control of cell proliferation, metastasis and apoptosis. In most cases, overexpressed circRNAs sequester miRs to cause de-repressed translation of mRNAs that encode oncogenic proteins. Conversely, low expression of circRNAs has also been described in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and is associated with inhibited production of tumor suppressor proteins. Other functions of circRNAs that contribute to hepatocarcinogenesis include translation of truncated proteins and acting as adapters to regulate influence of transcription factors on target gene expression. circRNAs also affect hepatocyte transformation indirectly. For example, the molecules regulate immune surveillance of cancerous cells and influence the liver fibrosis that commonly precedes HCC. Marked over- or under-expression of circRNA expression in HCC, with correlating plasma concentrations, has diagnostic utility and assays of these RNAs are being developed as biomarkers of HCC. Although knowledge in the field has recently surged, the myriad of described effects suggests that not all may be vital to hepatocarcinogenesis. Nevertheless, investigation of the role of circRNAs is providing valuable insights that are likely to contribute to improved management of a serious and highly aggressive cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Ely
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Kristie Bloom
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Mohube Betty Maepa
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Patrick Arbuthnot
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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