Propofol Suppresses Gastric Cancer Progression by Regulating circPDSS1/miR-1324/SOX4 Axis

Circular RNA hsa_circ_0001610 promotes prostate cancer progression by sponging miR-1324 and upregulating PTK6

Prostate cancer (PCa) incidence and cancer-related deaths are both high in the male population. Once castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) has developed, PCa can be difficult to manage. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play essential roles in the regulation of carcinogenesis and cancer progression. In CRPC, however, the potential molecular mechanisms and biological functions of circRNAs are yet to be defined. In this study, we conducted RNA sequencing on four hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (HSPC) tumor tissue samples and three CRPC samples. We recognized hsa_circ_0001610, a novel circRNA that was highly expressed in the cells and tissue of CRPC. We used quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) to evaluate hsa_circ_0001610 expression. We conducted in vivo and in vitro experiments and found that hsa_circ_0001610 overexpression caused PCa cells to proliferate and migrate and caused enzalutamide resistance. In contrast, the opposite results were found for hsa_circ_0001610 knockdown. We used Western blot, dual-luciferase reporter assays, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), qRT-PCR, and rescue experiments to reveal the underlying mechanisms of hsa_circ_0001610. Mechanistically, hsa_circ_0001610 acted as a molecular sponge for miR-1324 and thus reversed its inhibitory effect on its target gene PTK6. As a result, the PTK6 expression was enhanced, which accelerated PCa progression. The findings of this study confirmed that hsa_circ_0001610 drives the progression of PCa through the hsa_circ_0001610/miR-1324/PTK6 axis. Thus, hsa_circ_0001610 is potentially an effective therapeutic target and specific biomarker for advanced PCa.

CircPDSS1 (hsa_circ_0017998) silencing induces ferroptosis in non-small-cell lung cancer cells by modulating the miR-137/SLC7A11/GPX4/GCLC axis

BACKGROUND

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) regulate the tumorigenesis of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). CircPDSS1 (hsa_circ_0017998) has been newly discovered, and its role in NSCLC remains elusive. We aimed to investigate the functional roles and downstream targets of circPDSS1 in NSCLC cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cellular viabilities were measured through the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, whereas cell death was assessed through flow cytometry. The lactate dehydrogenase activity, malondialdehyde levels, ferrous iron, and reactive oxygen species were measured using commercial assay kits. The interaction between circPDSSA/ microRNA-137 (miR-137) and miR-137/solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) was assayed through a dual luciferase activity assay. Finally, the mRNA and protein levels were measured using real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and western blots, respectively.

RESULTS

CircPDSS1 expression was upregulated in NSCLC cells, compared with healthy lung cells. CircPDSS1 silencing suppressed the viability of NSCLC cells. Additionally, circPDSS1 knockdown induced ferroptosis rather than other types of cell death in NSCLC cells. Mechanically, circPDSS1 functions as a "sponge" to inversely control miR-137 expression, which directly targets SLC7A11. Moreover, circPDSS1 silencing causes the downregulation of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC).

CONCLUSIONS

Targeting the circPDSS1/miR-137/SLC7A11/GPX4/GCLC axis may be a promising strategy to kill NSCLC cells.

Depletion of circPDSS1 inhibits ITGA11 production to confer cisplatin sensitivity through miR-515-5p in gastric cancer

Chemoresistance limits cisplatin (DDP)-mediated treatment for gastric cancer (GC). Circular RNA (circRNA) acts an important role in chemoresistance. However, the underlying mechanism of circPDSS1 regulating DDP sensitivity in GC remains unclear. The expression patterns of circPDSS1, miR-515-5p and integrin subunit alpha 11 (ITGA11) were analyzed by qRT-PCR. Protein expression was checked by Western blotting analysis. Cell viability was investigated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Cell proliferation was evaluated by colony formation assay and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay. The analysis of cell apoptosis, migration and invasion was performed by flow cytometry analysis and transwell assays. Dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation assay were conducted to identify the associations among circPDSS1, miR-515-5p and ITGA11. In vivo assay was implemented using a xenograft mouse model assay. CircPDSS1 and ITGA11 expression were significantly upregulated, whereas miR-515-5p was downregulated in DDP-resistant GC tissues and cells in comparison with controls. CircPDSS1 depletion reduced DDP resistance, cell proliferation, migration and invasion but induced cell apoptosis in DDP-resistant GC cells. CircPDSS1 directly bound to miR-515-5p. CircPDSS1-mediated actions were dependent on the regulation of miR-515-5p. Besides, miR-515-5p was associated with ITGA11, and circPDSS1 regulated ITGA11 expression by binding to miR-515-5p. Overexpression of miR-515-5p improved DDP sensitivity owing to the downregulation of ITGA11. Further, circPDSS1 mediated DDP sensitivity by regulating miR-515-5p and ITGA11 in vivo. CircPDSS1 conferred DDP resistance through the miR-515-5p/ITGA11 axis in GC cells.

Combination Therapy as a Promising Way to Fight Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is a highly aggressive tumor with invasive properties that can lead to metastasis and high mortality rates. Conventional treatment strategies, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, alone or in combination, are associated with significant side effects. Currently, combination therapy has become the standard practice for the treatment of locally advanced oral cancer, emerging as an effective approach in improving outcomes. In this review, we present an in-depth analysis of the current advancements in combination therapies for oral cancer. The review explores the current therapeutic options and highlights the limitations of monotherapy approaches. It then focuses on combinatorial approaches that target microtubules, as well as various signaling pathway components implicated in oral cancer progression, namely, DNA repair players, the epidermal growth factor receptor, cyclin-dependent kinases, epigenetic readers, and immune checkpoint proteins. The review discusses the rationale behind combining different agents and examines the preclinical and clinical evidence supporting the effectiveness of these combinations, emphasizing their ability to enhance treatment response and overcome drug resistance. Challenges and limitations associated with combination therapy are discussed, including potential toxicity and the need for personalized treatment approaches. A future perspective is also provided to highlight the existing challenges and possible resolutions toward the clinical translation of current oral cancer therapies.

Apoptotic Vesicles Regulate Bone Metabolism via the miR1324/SNX14/SMAD1/5 Signaling Axis

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are widely used in the treatment of diseases. After their in vivo application, MSCs undergo apoptosis and release apoptotic vesicles (apoVs). This study investigates the role of apoVs derived from human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMMSCs) in bone metabolism and the molecular mechanism of the observed effects. The results show that apoVs can promote osteogenesis and inhibit osteoclast formation in vitro and in vivo. ApoVs may therefore attenuate the bone loss caused by primary and secondary osteoporosis and stimulate bone regeneration in areas of bone defect. The mechanisms responsible for apoV-induced bone regeneration include the release of miR1324, which inhibit expression of the target gene Sorting Nexin 14 (SNX14) and thus activate the SMAD1/5 pathway in target cells. Given that MSC-derived apoVs are easily obtained and stored, with low risks of immunological rejection and neoplastic transformation, The findings suggest a novel therapeutic strategy to treat bone loss, including via cell-free approaches to bone tissue engineering.

Epigenetic regulation of autophagy by non-coding RNAs in gastrointestinal tumors: Biological functions and therapeutic perspectives

Cancer is the manifestation of changes and mutations in genetic and epigenetic levels. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are commonly dysregulated in disease pathogenesis, and their role in cancer has been well-documented. The ncRNAs regulate various molecular pathways and mechanisms in cancer that can lead to induction/inhibition of carcinogenesis. Autophagy is a molecular "self-digestion" mechanism its function can be pro-survival or pro-death in tumor cells. The aim of the present review is to evaluate the role of ncRNAs in regulating autophagy in gastrointestinal tumors. The role of the ncRNA/autophagy axis in affecting the progression of gastric, liver, colorectal, pancreatic, esophageal, and gallbladder cancers is investigated. Both ncRNAs and autophagy mechanisms can function as oncogenic or onco-suppressor and this interaction can determine the growth, invasion, and therapy response of gastrointestinal tumors. ncRNA/autophagy axis can reduce/increase the proliferation of gastrointestinal tumors via the glycolysis mechanism. Furthermore, related molecular pathways of metastasis, such as EMT and MMPs, are affected by the ncRNA/autophagy axis. The response of gastrointestinal tumors to chemotherapy and radiotherapy can be suppressed by pro-survival autophagy, and ncRNAs are essential regulators of this mechanism. miRNAs can regulate related genes and proteins of autophagy, such as ATGs and Beclin-1. Furthermore, lncRNAs and circRNAs down-regulate miRNA expression via sponging to modulate the autophagy mechanism. Moreover, anti-cancer agents can affect the expression level of ncRNAs regulating autophagy in gastrointestinal tumors. Therefore, translating these findings into clinics can improve the prognosis of patients.

Research progress on the circRNA/lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA axis in gastric cancer

Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignant tumours worldwide. Genetic and epigenetic alterations are key factors in gastric carcinogenesis and drug resistance to chemotherapy. Competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulation models have defined circRNA/lncRNA as miRNA sponges that indirectly regulate miRNA downstream target genes. The ceRNA regulatory network is related to the malignant biological behaviour of gastric cancer. The circRNA/lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA axis may be a marker for the early diagnosis and prognosis of gastric cancer and a potential therapeutic target for gastric cancer. Exosomal ncRNAs play an important role in gastric cancer and are expected to be ideal biomarkers for the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of gastric cancer. This review summarizes the specific ceRNA regulatory network (circRNA/lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA) discovered in gastric cancer in recent years, which may provide new ideas or strategies for early clinical diagnosis, further development, and application.

Sevoflurane inhibits the malignant phenotypes of glioma through regulating miR-146b-5p/NFIB axis

PURPOSE

Sevoflurane is a common used inhaled anesthetic that was reported to regulate the progression of multiple cancers. Here, we aimed to investigate the function and regulatory mechanism underlying sevoflurane in glioma cells.

METHODS

A172 and U251 cells were treated with different concentrations of sevoflurane. Colony formation, EdU satining and 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT), flow cytometry, and transwell assays were performed to evaluate cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion, respectively. Circ_VCAN, microRNA-146b-5p (miR-146b-5p) and nuclear factor I B (NFIB) expression levels were assessed by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) or western blot. Bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assay were applied to evaluate the correlation between miR-146b-5p and circ_VCAN or NFIB. A xenograft glioma mice model was established to verify the effect of sevoflurane on tumor growth in vivo.

RESULTS

Sevoflurane (Sev) inhibited proliferation, migration, invasion, and elevated apoptosis of A172 and U251 cells. Sevoflurane treatment inhibited the expression of circ_VCAN and NFIB, but elevated the expression of miR-146b-5p in glioma cells. Overexpression of circ_VCAN alleviated the inhibition effects of sevoflurane on the malignant phenotypes of glioma in vitro and in vivo. Besides, miR-146b-5p is a target of circ_VCAN and negatively regulated NFIB expression. Overexpression of miR-146b-5p partly reversed the effects of circ_VCAN in Sev-treated glioma cells. Furthermore, miR-146b-5p deletion enhanced glioma progression in sevoflurane treated glioma cells by targeting NFIB. Moreover, circ_VCAN could upregulate NFIB expression by sponging miR-146b-5p in Sev-treated glioma cells.

CONCLUSION

Sevoflurane alleviated proliferation, migration and invasion, but enhanced apoptosis of glioma cells through regulating circ_VCAN/miR-146b-5p/NFIB axis.

Propofol Augments Paclitaxel-Induced Cervical Cancer Cell Ferroptosis In Vitro

Introduction: Cervical cancer is common in women. The present standardized therapies including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy are still not enough for treatment. Propofol is the most commonly used intravenous anesthetic agent for induction and maintenance of anesthesia and has been shown to exert anti-malignancy effects on cancer cells, inducing oxidative stress and apoptosis. However, the biological effects of propofol have not yet been systematically assessed. In this study, we examined the ferroptosis-related changes caused by propofol and the chemotherapeutic agent paclitaxel besides apoptosis in vitro.

Methods: Cervical cancer cell lines (C-33A and HeLa) were treated with propofol alone (1, 2, 5, 10, and 20 μg/ml) or in combination with paclitaxel (0.5, 1, and 5 μg/ml). The viability was assessed using cell counting kit-8 (CCK8), apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry, morphological changes of mitochondria were examined using transmission electron microscope (TEM), cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and intracellular ferrous ions were determined by fluorescence microscope or confocal microscopy. The expression and cellular localization of apoptosis and ferroptosis-related molecules were detected by Western blot and multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC), respectively. Calcusyn software was used to determine whether propofol has a synergistic effect with paclitaxel.

Results: Propofol and paclitaxel inhibited C-33A and HeLa cell viability. There were also synergistic effects when propofol and paclitaxel were used in combination at certain concentrations. In addition, propofol promoted paclitaxel-induced cervical cancer cell death via apoptosis. ROS level and Fe²⁺ concentrations were also influenced by different drug treatments. Furthermore, propofol, propofol injectable emulsion, and paclitaxel induced ferroptosis-related morphological changes of mitochondria in C-33A and HeLa cells. Ferroptosis-related signaling pathways including SLC7A11/GPX4, ubiquinol/CoQ10/FSP1, and YAP/ACSL4/TFRC were found to be changed under drug treatments.

Conclusion: Propofol showed synergistic anticancer effects with paclitaxel in cervical cancer cells. Propofol and paclitaxel may induce ferroptosis of cervical cancer cells besides apoptosis.

Targeting miRNAs with anesthetics in cancer: Current understanding and future perspectives

Anesthetics are extensively used during cancer surgeries. The progression of cancer can be influenced by perioperative events such as exposure to general or local anesthesia. However, whether they inhibit cancer or act as a causative factor for metastasis and exert deleterious effects on cancer growth differs based on the type of cancer and the therapy administration. Recent experimental data suggested that many of the most commonly used anesthetics in surgical oncology, whether general or local agents, can alter gene expression and cause epigenetic changes via modulating miRNAs. miRNAs are single-stranded non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression at various levels, and their dysregulation contributes to the pathogenesis of cancers. However, anesthetics via regulating miRNAs can concurrently target several effectors of cellular signaling pathways involved in cell differentiation, proliferation, and viability. This review summarized the current research about the effects of different anesthetics in regulating cancer, with a particular emphasis on the role of miRNAs. A significant number of studies conducted in this area of research illuminate the effects of anesthetics on the regulation of miRNA expression; therefore, we hope that a thorough understanding of the underlying mechanisms involved in the regulation of miRNA in the context of anesthesia-induced cancer regulation could help to define optimal anesthetic regimens and provide better perspectives for further studies.