Long noncoding RNA H19 promotes transforming growth factor-β-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition by acting as a competing endogenous RNA of miR-370-3p in ovarian cancer cells

Gallic acid attenuates metastatic potential of human colorectal cancer cells through the miR-1247-3p-modulated integrin/FAK axis

Colorectal cancer (CRC) exhibits highly metastatic potential even in the early stages of tumor progression. Gallic acid (GA), a common phenolic compound in plants, is known to possess potent antioxidant and anticancer activities, thereby inducing cell death or cell cycle arrest. However, whether GA reduces the invasiveness of CRC cells without inducing cell death remains unclear. Herein, we aimed to investigate the antimetastatic activity of low-dose GA on CRC cells and determine its underlying mechanism. Cell viability and tumorigenicity were analyzed by MTS, cell adhesion, and colony formation assay. Invasiveness was demonstrated using migration and invasion assays. Changes in protein phosphorylation and expression were assessed by Western blot. The involvement of microRNAs was validated by microarray analysis and anti-miR antagonist. Our findings showed that lower dose of GA (≤100 μM) did not affect cell viability but reduced the capabilities of colony formation, cell adhesion, and invasiveness in CRC cells. Cellularly, GA downregulated the cellular level of integrin αV/β3, talin-1, and tensin and diminished the phosphorylated FAK, paxillin, Src, and AKT in DLD-1 cells. Microarray results revealed that GA increased miR-1247-3p expression, and pretreatment of anti-miR antagonist against miR-1247-3p restored the GA-reduced integrin αV/β3 and the GA-inhibited paxillin activation in DLD-1 cells. Consistently, the in vivo xenograft model showed that GA administration inhibited tumor growth and liver metastasis derived from DLD-1 cells. Collectively, our findings indicated that GA inhibited the metastatic capabilities of CRC cells, which may result from the suppression of integrin/FAK axis mediated by miR1247-3p.

The emerging roles of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) H19 in gynecologic cancers

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) H19 has gained significant recognition as a pivotal contributor to the initiation and advancement of gynecologic cancers, encompassing ovarian, endometrial, cervical, and breast cancers. H19 exhibits a complex array of mechanisms, demonstrating dualistic effects on tumorigenesis as it can function as both an oncogene and a tumor suppressor, contingent upon the specific context and type of cancer being investigated. In ovarian cancer, H19 promotes tumor growth, metastasis, and chemoresistance through modulation of key signaling pathways and interaction with microRNAs. Conversely, in endometrial cancer, H19 acts as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting proliferation, inducing apoptosis, and regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Additionally, H19 has been implicated in cervical and breast cancers, where it influences cell proliferation, invasion, and immune evasion. Moreover, H19 has potential as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for gynecologic cancers, with its expression levels correlating with clinical parameters and patient outcomes. Understanding the functional roles of H19 in gynecologic cancers is crucial for the development of targeted therapeutic strategies and personalized treatment approaches. Further investigation into the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying H19's involvement in gynecologic malignancies is warranted to fully unravel its therapeutic potential and clinical implications. This review aims to elucidate the functional roles of H19 in various gynecologic malignancies.

Long noncoding RNA H19 in ovarian biology and placenta development

As the first long noncoding RNA to be discovered, H19 has gained substantial attention as a key regulator of several biological processes and its roles in female reproductive biology are gradually getting revealed. Herein, we have summarized the current evidence regarding H19 expression pattern and involvement in the developmental and pathological processes associated with the ovary and the placenta. The findings indicate that within the ovaries, H19 is expressed in the antral and cystic atretic follicles as well as in the corpora lutea but absent in the primordial, primary, and secondary follicles. Its normal expression promotes the maturation of antral follicles and prevents their premature selection for the ovulatory journey while its aberrant induction promotes polycystic ovary syndrome development and ovarian cancer metastasis. In the placenta, H19 is highly expressed in the cytotrophoblasts and extravillous trophoblasts but weakly expressed in the syncytiotrophoblast layer and potentially controls trophoblast cell fate decisions during placenta development. Abnormal expression of H19 is observed in the placental villi of pregnancies affected by pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction. Therefore, dysregulated H19 is a candidate biomarker and therapeutic target for the mitigation of ovarian and placenta-associated diseases.

Interplay between LncRNA/miRNA and TGF-β Signaling in the Tumorigenesis of Gynecological Cancer

Gynecologic cancers are among the most common malignancies with aggressive features and poor prognosis. Tumorigenesis in gynecologic cancers is a complicated process that is influenced by multiple factors, including genetic mutations that activate various oncogenic signaling pathways, including the TGF-β pathway. Aberrant activation of TGF-β signaling is correlated with tumor recurrence and metastasis. It has been shown that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have crucial effects on cancer cell proliferation, migration, and metastasis. Upregulation of various ncRNAs, including long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) and microRNAs (miRNAs), has been reported in several tumors, like cervical, ovarian, and endometrial cancers, but their cellular mechanisms remain to be investigated. Thus, recognizing the role of ncRNAs in regulating the TGF-β pathway may provide novel strategies for better treatment of cancer patients. The present study summarizes recent findings on the role of ncRNAs in regulating the TGF-β signaling involved in tumor progression and metastasis in gynecologic cancers.

Role of non-coding RNAs as new therapeutic targets in regulating the EMT and apoptosis in metastatic gastric and colorectal cancers

Colorectal cancer (CRC) and gastric cancer (GC), are the two most common cancers of the gastrointestinal tract, and are serious health concerns worldwide. The discovery of more effective biomarkers for early diagnosis, and improved patient prognosis is important. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), can regulate cellular processes such as apoptosis and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) leading to progression and resistance of GC and CRC tumors. Moreover these pathways (apoptosis and EMT) may serve as therapeutic targets, to prevent metastasis, and to overcome drug resistance. A subgroup of ncRNAs is common to both GC and CRC tumors, suggesting that they might be used as biomarkers or therapeutic targets. In this review, we highlight some ncRNAs that can regulate EMT and apoptosis as two opposite mechanisms in cancer progression and metastasis in GC and CRC. A better understanding of the biological role of ncRNAs could open up new avenues for the development of personalized treatment plans for GC and CRC patients.

Exosomes derived from ovarian cancer cells regulate proliferation and migration of cancer-associated fibroblasts

Cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) is an essential risk factor for ovarian cancer. Exosomes can mediate cellular communication in the tumour microenvironment, but the interaction of tumour cell exosomes with CAF is less studied in Ovarian cancer. This study identified H19/miR-29c-3p/LOXL2-COL1A1 as a ceRNA regulatory network involved in regulating tumour matrix-associated signaling pathways associated with CAF. Cellular assays demonstrated that exosomes from ovarian cancer cell line SKOV3 significantly promoted the proliferation and migration of CAF. The results of mixed transplantation tumour experiments in nude mice showed that exosomes of SKOV3 significantly promoted tumour growth. Ovarian cancer tumour-derived exosomes can regulate CAF proliferation and migration through H19/miR-29c-3p/LOXL2-COL1A1. This study reveals the regulatory role of tumour exosomes on CAF, which may provide a theoretical basis for the development of therapeutic regimens targeting fibroblasts in ovarian cancer.

The Role of EMT-Related lncRNAs in Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the deadliest cancers worldwide; late diagnosis and drug resistance are two major factors often responsible for high morbidity and treatment failure. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a dynamic process that has been closely linked with cancer. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been also associated with several cancer-related mechanisms, including EMT. We conducted a literature search in the PubMed database in order to sum up and discuss the role of lncRNAs in regulating OC-related EMT and their underlying mechanisms. Seventy (70) original research articles were identified, as of 23 April 2023. Our review concluded that the dysregulation of lncRNAs is highly associated with EMT-mediated OC progression. A comprehensive understanding of lncRNAs' mechanisms in OC will help in identifying novel and sensitive biomarkers and therapeutic targets for this malignancy.

Long noncoding RNAs: glycolysis regulators in gynaecologic cancers

The three most common gynaecologic cancers that seriously threaten female lives and health are ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, and endometrial cancer. Glycolysis plays a vital role in gynaecologic cancers. Several long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are known to function as oncogenic molecules. LncRNAs impact downstream target genes by acting as ceRNAs, guides, scaffolds, decoys, or signalling molecules. However, the role of glycolysis-related lncRNAs in regulating gynaecologic cancers remains poorly understood. In this review, we emphasize the functional roles of many lncRNAs that have been found to promote glycolysis in gynaecologic cancers and discuss reasonable strategies for future research.

LncRNA IGF2-AS promotes endometriosis progression through targeting miR-370-3p/IGF2 axis and activating PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway

PURPOSE

Endometriosis, a gynecological disease, is difficult to be cured. Currently, to identify more potential biomarkers for the early diagnosis of endometriosis is urgently needed. Insulin like growth factor 2 (IGF2) has been revealed to correlate with endometriosis. This research aimed to further explore the role of IGF2 and its up-stream mechanism in endometriosis.

METHODS

Primary ectopic endometrial stromal cells (EESCs) were extracted from ectopic endometrial tissues which were pathological endometrial tissues resected from three patients with II-III endometriosis. Primary normal endometrial stromal cells (NESCs) were extracted from normal endometrial tissues of two patients with grade III cervical dysplasia and one patient with uterine leiomyoma III. Four endometriotic cell lines (EEC145T, hEM15A, hEM5B2, and 12Z) and normal human endometrial epithelial cells (hEECs) were purchased. Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were evaluated through functional assays. The molecular interaction between RNAs was investigated through mechanistic analyses.

RESULTS

We discovered that IGF2 was upregulated in purchased endometriotic cells and primary EESC. Suppression of IGF2 hampered cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Furthermore, insulin-like growth factor 2 antisense RNA (IGF2-AS) was uncovered to positively regulate IGF2 expression and enhanced proliferative, migratory, and invasive abilities of endometriotic cells. Mechanistically, miR-370-3p was found to bind with IGF2-AS and IGF2. IGF2-AS competitively bind with miR-370-3p to upregulate IGF2. Furthermore, IGF2-AS was revealed to activate the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway through targeting miR-370-3p/IGF2 axis.

CONCLUSION

IGF2-AS promotes endometriotic cell growth via regulating IGF2/miR-370-3p axis and further activating PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

circ_0025033 promotes ovarian cancer development via regulating the hsa_miR-370-3p/SLC1A5 axis

BACKGROUND

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) appear to be important modulators in ovarian cancer. We aimed to explore the role and mechanism of circ_0025033 in ovarian cancer.

METHODS

qRT-PCR was conducted to determine circ_0025033, hsa_miR-370-3p, and SLC1A5 mRNA expression. Functional experiments were conducted, including Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU), flow cytometry, transwell, tube formation, xenograft tumor model assay, western blot analysis of protein levels, and analysis of glutamine metabolism using commercial kits. Their predicted interaction was confirmed using dual-luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down.

RESULTS

circ_0025033 was upregulated in ovarian cancer; its knockdown induced proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, glutamine metabolism, and apoptosis in vitro, and blocked tumor growth in vivo. circ_0025033 regulated ovarian cancer cellular behaviors via sponging hsa_miR-370-3p. In parallel, SLC1A5 might abolish the anti-ovarian cancer role of hsa_miR-370-3p. Furthermore, circ_0025033 affected SLC1A5 via regulating hsa_miR-370-3p.

CONCLUSION

circ_0025033 might promote ovarian cancer progression via hsa_miR-370-3p/SLC1A5, providing an interesting insight into ovarian cancer tumorigenesis.

Deficiency of a novel lncRNA-HRAT protects against myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury by targeting miR-370-3p/RNF41 pathway

Accumulating evidence indicates that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) contribute to myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. However, the underlying mechanisms by which lncRNAs modulate myocardial I/R injury have not been thoroughly examined and require further investigation. A novel lncRNA named lncRNA-hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-associated transcript (lncRNA-HRAT) was identified by RNA sequencing analysis. The expression of lncRNA-HRAT exhibited a significant increase in the I/R mice hearts and cardiomyocytes treated with H/R. LncRNA-HRAT overexpression facilitates H/R-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Furthermore, cardiomyocyte-specific deficiency of lncRNA-HRAT in vivo after I/R decreased creatine kinase (CK) release in the serum, reduced myocardial infarct area, and improved cardiac dysfunction. Molecular mechanistic investigations revealed that lncRNA-HRAT serves as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) of miR-370-3p, thus upregulating the expression of ring finger protein 41 (RNF41), thereby aggravating apoptosis in cardiomyocytes induced by H/R. This study revealed that the lncRNA-HRAT/miR-370-3p/RNF41 pathway regulates cardiomyocyte apoptosis and myocardial injury. These findings suggest that targeted inhibition of lncRNA-HRAT may offer a novel therapeutic method to prevent myocardial I/R injury.

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) H19 in human cancer: From proliferation and metastasis to therapy

Initiation and development of cancer depend on multiple factors that mutations in genes and epigenetic level can be considered as important drivers. Epigenetic factors include a large family of members and understanding their function in cancer has been a hot topic. LncRNAs are RNA molecules with no capacity in synthesis of proteins, and they have regulatory functions in cells. LncRNAs are localized in nucleus and cytoplasm, and their abnormal expression is related to development of tumor. This manuscript emphasizes on the role of lncRNA H19 in various cancers and its association with tumor hallmarks. The function of lncRNA H19 in most tumors is oncogenic and therefore, tumor cells increase its expression for promoting their progression. LncRNA H19 contributes to enhancing growth and cell cycle of cancers and by EMT induction, it is able to elevate metastasis rate. Silencing H19 induces apoptotic cell death and disrupts progression of tumors. LncRNA H19 triggers chemo- and radio-resistance in cancer cells. miRNAs are dually upregulated/down-regulated by lncRNA H19 in increasing tumor progression. Anti-cancer agents reduce lncRNA H19 in impairing tumor progression and increasing therapy sensitivity. A number of downstream targets and molecular pathways for lncRNA H19 have been detected in cancers including miRNAs, RUNX1, STAT3, β-catenin, Akt2 and FOXM1. Clinical studies have revealed potential of lncRNA H19 as biomarker and its association with poor prognosis. LncRNA H19 can be transferred to cancer cells via exosomes in enhancing their progression.

Glycyrrhizic Acid’s Effect on the Proliferation and Apoptosis of Thyroid Cancer Cell SW579 via LncRNA RP11-385J1.2-Targeted miR-370-3p

This study assesses glycyrrhizic acid’s effect on thyroid cancer cell SW579. Thyroid cancer cell lines were selected to detect RP11-385J1.2 and miR-370-3p level by QRT-PCR. Cells were treated with glycyrrhizic acid followed by measuring cell apoptosis by flow cytometry and cell proliferation by MTT assay and protein expression by western blot. Under glycyrrhizic acid (40 μM) treatment, the proliferation of SW579 cells was weakened and apoptosis increased significantly (P < 0.05) along with reduced RP11-385J1.2 and increased miR-370-3p expression compared to untreated (P < 0.05). miR-370-3p has a targeting relationship with RP11-385J1.2. RP11-385J1.2 overexpression significantly reduced miR-370-3p, which can reverse glycyrrhizic acid’s effect on inhibiting cell proliferation and promoting apoptosis. RP11-385J1.2 overexpression reversed the effect of glycyrrhizin on cell proliferation and apoptosis, and inhibition of miR-370-3p reversed si-RP11-385J1.2’s effect on inhibiting cell proliferation and promoting apoptosis (P <0.05). In conclusion, glycyrrhizic acid targets miR-370-3p through lncRNA RP11-385J1.2 to inhibit thyroid cancer cell proliferation. It participates in the development of tumor cells, and lncRNA RP11-385J1.2 and miR-370-3p is negatively correlated, providing new experimental data and evidence for treating thyroid cancer.

Silibinin exerts anti-cancer activity on human ovarian cancer cells by increasing apoptosis and inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)

BACKGROUND

Silibinin, the principal flavonoid derived from milk thistle seeds, has been demonstrated to have strong inhibitory effects against human malignancies. The inhibitory function of silibinin on ovarian cancer, however, is not fully identified. In this essay, both in vivo and in vitro investigations were conducted to survey the silibinin's blocking effects on ovarian cancer.

METHODS

The impacts of silibinin on two ovarian cancer cell lines, SKOV-3 and A2870, were determined by evaluating cell viability, migration, invasion, and apoptosis. Q-RT-PCR and western blotting techniques were carried out to explore the protein levels of signaling pathway markers. A mouse xenograft model was utilized to determine the silibinin efficacy in inhibiting tumor growth.

RESULTS

After cell treatment with silibinin, cell viability, migration, and invasion were appreciably inhibited in cancer cell lines, but cell apoptosis was promoted. Also, silibinin reversed the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) mechanism by inducing E-cadherin expression and reducing N-cadherin and vimentin expression, suppressing the levels of regulators related to EMT such as Snail, Slug, and ZEB1 transcription factors, and also decreasing PI3K/AKT, Smad2/3, and β-catenin intermediate molecules in vitro. Silibinin effectively ameliorated tumor growth in vivo.

CONCLUSION

silibinin could be considered a potent agent against ovarian cancer based on the results.

Exosomal-long non-coding RNAs journey in colorectal cancer: Evil and goodness faces of key players

Exosomes are nano-vesicles (NVs) secreted by cells and take part in cell-cell communications. Lately, these exosomes were proved to have dual faces in cancer. Actually, they can contribute to carcinogenesis through epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), angiogenesis, metastasis and tumor microenvironment (TME) of various cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC). On the other hand, they can be potential targets for cancer treatment. CRC is one of the most frequent tumors worldwide, with incidence rates rising in the recent decades. In its early stage, CRC is asymptomatic with poor treatment outcomes. Therefore, finding a non-invasive, early diagnostic biomarker tool and/or suitable defender to combat CRC is mandatory. Exosomes provide enrichment and safe setting for their cargos non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and proteins, whose expression levels can be upregulated ordown-regulated in cancer. Hence, exosomes can be used as diagnostic and/or prognostic tools for cancer. Moreover, exosomes can provide a novel potential therapeutic modality for tumors via loading with specific chemotherapeutic agents, with the advantage of possible tumor targeting. In this review, we will try to collect and address recent studies concerned with exosomes and their cargos' implications for CRC diagnosis and/or hopefully, treatment.

The Role of Long Non-Coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in Female Oriented Cancers

Recent advances in molecular biology have discovered the mysterious role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as potential biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and targets for advanced cancer therapy. Studies have shown that lncRNAs take part in the incidence and development of cancers in humans. However, previously they were considered as mere RNA noise or transcription byproducts lacking any biological function. In this article, we present a summary of the progress on ascertaining the biological functions of five lncRNAs (HOTAIR, NEAT1, H19, MALAT1, and MEG3) in female-oriented cancers, including breast and gynecological cancers, with the perspective of carcinogenesis, cancer proliferation, and metastasis. We provide the current state of knowledge from the past five years of the literature to discuss the clinical importance of such lncRNAs as therapeutic targets or early diagnostic biomarkers. We reviewed the consequences, either oncogenic or tumor-suppressing features, of their aberrant expression in female-oriented cancers. We tried to explain the established mechanism by which they regulate cancer proliferation and metastasis by competing with miRNAs and other mechanisms involved via regulating genes and signaling pathways. In addition, we revealed the association between stated lncRNAs and chemo-resistance or radio-resistance and their potential clinical applications and future perspectives.

(In)Distinctive Role of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Common and Rare Ovarian Cancers

Rare ovarian cancers (ROCs) are OCs with an annual incidence of fewer than 6 cases per 100,000 women. They affect women of all ages, but due to their low incidence and the potential clinical inexperience in management, there can be a delay in diagnosis, leading to a poor prognosis. The underlying causes for these tumors are varied, but generally, the tumors arise due to alterations in gene/protein expression in cellular processes that regulate normal proliferation and its checkpoints. Dysregulation of the cellular processes that lead to cancer includes gene mutations, epimutations, non-coding RNA (ncRNA) regulation, posttranscriptional and posttranslational modifications. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) are defined as transcribed RNA molecules, more than 200 nucleotides in length which are not translated into proteins. They regulate gene expression through several mechanisms and therefore add another level of complexity to the regulatory mechanisms affecting tumor development. Since few studies have been performed on ROCs, in this review we summarize the mechanisms of action of lncRNA in OC, with an emphasis on ROCs.

LncRNA-H19 regulates chemoresistance to carboplatin in epithelial ovarian cancer through microRNA-29b-3p and STAT3

Background: Platinum-based chemotherapy is part of current standard treatment for epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). However, chemoresistance often rapidly developed, leading to chemotherapy failure and unfavored prognosis. Increasing evidence has demonstrated the important role of oncogenic long noncoding RNA H19 in various cancers, including EOC. No current study is available in exploring the role of lncRNA-H19 in carboplatin resistance of EOC and its underlying mechanism.

Methods: Levels of lncRNA-H19, miR-29b-3p, and STAT3 mRNA were measured by qRT-PCR. The 50% inhibitory concentration value was detected with Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8). Colony-formation and CCK8 assays were employed to measure cell viability. Cell migration and invasion ability was evaluated with transwells. Western blot assay was utilized to measure P-gp, MRP1, LRP, and STAT3 protein levels. The targeting between lncRNA-H19 and miR-29b-3p, as well as miR-29b-3p and STAT3, was verified by dual-luciferase, RNA immunoprecipitation, and RNA pull-down experiments.

Results: lncRNA-H19 and STAT3 were sharply increased, while miR-29b-3p was decreased in carboplatin-resistant EOC. Carboplatin efficacy was enhanced by lncRNA-H19 silencing in chemo-resistant EOC cells. lncRNA-H19 served as a competing endogenous RNA of miR-29b-3p, causing the derepression of miR-29b-3p downstream target STAT3, leading to chemoresistance in carboplatin-tolerated EOC.

Conclusions: The lncRNA-H19/miR-29b-3p axis improved carboplatin resistance of EOC by targeting STAT3, indicating a possible approach to improving chemotherapy for EOC.

LncRNA H19: A novel oncogene in multiple cancers

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a series of non-coding RNAs that lack open reading frameworks. Accumulating evidence suggests important roles for lncRNAs in various diseases, including cancers. Recently, lncRNA H19 (H19) became a research focus due to its ectopic expression in human malignant tumors, where it functioned as an oncogene. Subsequently, H19 was confirmed to be involved in tumorigenesis and malignant progression in many tumors and had been implicated in promoting cell growth, invasion, migration, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, metastasis, and apoptosis. H19 also sequesters some microRNAs, facilitating a multilayer molecular regulatory mechanism. In this review, we summarize the abnormal overexpression of H19 in human cancers, which suggests wide prospects for further research into the diagnosis and treatment of cancers.

Ovarian cancer: epigenetics, drug resistance, and progression

Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in women. OC is associated with the activation of oncogenes, the inactivation of tumor suppressor genes, and the activation of abnormal cell signaling pathways. Moreover, epigenetic processes have been found to play an important role in OC tumorigenesis. Epigenetic processes do not change DNA sequences but regulate gene expression through DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA. This review comprehensively considers the importance of epigenetics in OC, with a focus on microRNA and long non-coding RNA. These types of RNA are promising molecular markers and therapeutic targets that may support precision medicine in OC. DNA methylation inhibitors and histone deacetylase inhibitors may be useful for such targeting, with a possible novel approach combining these two therapies. Currently, the clinical application of such epigenetic approaches is limited by multiple obstacles, including the heterogeneity of OC, insufficient sample sizes in reported studies, and non-optimized methods for detecting potential tumor markers. Nonetheless, the application of epigenetic approaches to OC patient diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis is a promising area for future clinical investigation.

Overexpression of Long Noncoding RNA H19 Downregulates miR-140-5p and Activates PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway to Promote Invasion, Migration and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Ovarian Cancer Cells

OBJECTIVE

The abnormal expression of LncRNA H19 and miR-140-5p has been linked to ovarian cancer (OC). Whether H19 directly regulates miR-140-5p in ovarian cancer cells has been unclear. In this study, we deeply explored the relationship between H19 and miR-140-5p in ovarian cancer and the mechanism of action in regulating OC progression.

METHODS

A total of 66 patients with OC admitted to the hospital from June 2017 to June 2019 were selected as the research group (RG), and meanwhile, 60 cases of healthy subjects were selected as the control group (CG). In addition, OC cells and normal ovarian epithelial cells were used to detect H19 and miR-140-5p expression levels and to analyze the effect of H19 on OC cells. The activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway and downstream proteins were analyzed by western blot.

RESULTS

H19 was highly expressed while miR-140-5p was lowly expressed in OC patients and cell lines (P < 0.050). The proliferation, invasion, migration ability, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of OC cells were reduced after inhibiting H19 expression, and the apoptosis rate was increased. Transfection of cells with miR-140-5p mimics brought opposite effects. Online prediction and dual-luciferase reporter (DLR) confirmed that H19 directly binds miR-140-5p. Western blot assay indicated overexpression activated the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in OC cells. Moreover, overexpression promoted tumor growth in nude mice and was suppressed by PI3K inhibitor.

CONCLUSION

LncRNA H19 downregulation of miR-140-5p to activate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and promote the proliferation, invasion, migration and EMT of OC.

Long non-coding RNAs: A view to kill ovarian cancer

An emerging role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in tumor progression has been revealed in the last decade. Through interactions with nucleic acids and proteins, lncRNAs could act as enhancers, scaffolds or decoys for a number of oncoproteins and tumor suppressors. The aberrant lncRNA expression or mutations are often associated with changes in a variety of cellular processes, including proliferation, stress response and cell death. Here, we will focus on the tumor-associated lncRNAs in ovarian cancer according to their contribution to cancer hallmarks, such as intense proliferation, cell death resistance, altered energy metabolism, invasion and metastasis, and immune evasion. Moreover, the potential clinical implications of lncRNAs and their significance for the diagnosis, prognosis and therapy of ovarian cancer will be discussed.

Deciphering the Long Non-Coding RNAs and MicroRNAs Coregulation Networks in Ovarian Cancer Development: An Overview

Non-coding RNAs are emergent elements from the genome, which do not encode for proteins but have relevant cellular functions impacting almost all the physiological processes occurring in eukaryotic cells. In particular, microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a new class of small RNAs transcribed from the genome, which modulate the expression of specific genes at transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels, thus adding a new regulatory layer in the flux of genetic information. In cancer cells, the miRNAs and lncRNAs interactions with its target genes and functional pathways are deregulated as a consequence of epigenetic and genetic alterations occurring during tumorigenesis. In this review, we summarize the actual knowledge on the interplay of lncRNAs with its cognate miRNAs and mRNAs pairs, which interact in coregulatory networks with a particular emphasis on the mechanisms underlying its oncogenic behavior in ovarian cancer. Specifically, we reviewed here the evidences unraveling the relevant roles of lncRNAs/miRNAs pairs in altered regulation of cell migration, angiogenesis, therapy resistance, and Warburg effect. Finally, we also discussed its potential clinical implications in ovarian cancer and related endocrine disease therapies.

Long non-coding RNA-H19 promotes ovarian cancer cell proliferation and migration via the microRNA-140/Wnt1 axis

To explore the effect and underlying molecular mechanism of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA)-H19 on ovarian cancer (OC) cells, a total of 41 cases of OC and adjacent normal tissues were collected. H19 and microRNA (miR)-140 expressions in OC tissues and cells were detected using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-RCR). The correlation between H19 expression and prognosis of OC patient was analyzed. siRNA (si)-H19 and si-negative control (NC) were transfected into OC cells. Cell proliferation was checked by cell counting kit-8 assay and colony formation assay, and cell migration and invasion were analyzed via Transwell assay. The targeted binding relationship between H19 and miR-140 was predicted and verified, miR-140 downstream gene was predicted and Wnt1 was screened out. The impact of in-miR-140 on the si-H19-induced decreased OC cell proliferation and migration was evaluated. H19 expression was upregulated in OC tissues and cells, and its overexpression was associated with a poor prognosis of OC. si-H19 remarkably reduced OC cell proliferation and migration. H19 upregulated Wnt1 expression through targeting miR-140 in OC cells. Altogether, miR-140 was notably downregulated in OC, and in-miR-140 partially inhibited the si-H19-induced decrease of OC cell proliferation and migration. H19 competitively bound to miR-140 to upregulate Wnt1, thereby promoting OC cell proliferation and migration.

Non-Coding RNAs as Biomarkers of Tumor Progression and Metastatic Spread in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

Simple Summary

Despite advances in cancer research in recent years, efficient predictive biomarkers of tumor progression and metastatic spread for ovarian cancer are still missing. Therefore, we critically address recent findings in the field of non-coding RNAs (microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs) and DNA methylation in ovarian cancer patients as promising novel biomarkers of ovarian cancer progression.

Abstract

Ovarian cancer is one of the most common causes of death among gynecological malignancies. Molecular changes occurring in the primary tumor lead to metastatic spread into the peritoneum and the formation of distant metastases. Identification of these changes helps to reveal the nature of metastases development and decipher early biomarkers of prognosis and disease progression. Comparing differences in gene expression profiles between primary tumors and metastases, together with disclosing their epigenetic regulation, provides interesting associations with progression and metastasizing. Regulatory elements from the non-coding RNA families such as microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs seem to participate in these processes and represent potential molecular biomarkers of patient prognosis. Progress in therapy individualization and its proper targeting also rely upon a better understanding of interactions among the above-listed factors. This review aims to summarize currently available findings of microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs linked with tumor progression and metastatic process in ovarian cancer. These biomolecules provide promising tools for monitoring the patient’s response to treatment, and further they serve as potential therapeutic targets of this deadly disease.

TGFβ signaling networks in ovarian cancer progression and plasticity

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death in women. Late-stage diagnosis with significant tumor burden, accompanied by recurrence and chemotherapy resistance, contributes to this poor prognosis. These morbidities are known to be tied to events associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cancer. During EMT, localized tumor cells alter their polarity, cell-cell junctions, cell-matrix interactions, acquire motility and invasiveness and an exaggerated potential for metastatic spread. Key triggers for EMT include the Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGFβ) family of growth factors which are actively produced by a wide array of cell types within a specific tumor and metastatic environment. Although TGFβ can act as either a tumor suppressor or promoter in cancer, TGFβ exhibits its pro-tumorigenic functions at least in part via EMT. TGFβ regulates EMT both at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels as outlined here. Despite recent advances in TGFβ based therapeutics, limited progress has been seen for ovarian cancers that are in much need of new therapeutic strategies. Here, we summarize and discuss several recent insights into the underlying signaling mechanisms of the TGFβ isoforms in EMT in the unique metastatic environment of EOCs and the current therapeutic interventions that may be relevant.

MiR-370-3p inhibits the development of human endometriosis by downregulating EDN1 expression in endometrial stromal cells

MiR-370-3p has been demonstrated to be downregulated in patients with endometriosis (EM). However, its role and molecular mechanisms in the progression of EM remain unclear. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to measure the expression of miR-370-3p and endothelin-1 (EDN1) in patients with or without EM. After miR-370-3p overexpression or knockdown in ectopic endometrial hEM15A cells, the changes in the proliferation, apoptosis, and migration and invasion capacities were detected by using cell counting kit-8, flow cytometry, and transwell methods. The interplay between miR-370-3p and EDN1 was confirmed by a luciferase reporter assay. Patients with EM showed adverse expression of EDN1 and miR-370-3p, especially in eutopic endometrium and ectopic endometrium. MiR-370-3p inhibited the proliferation, metastasis, and invasion capacities of hEM15A cells and promoted apoptosis. Investigation of its molecular mechanism revealed that miR-370-3p targeted EDN1 to influence the biological functions of hEM15A cells. MiR-370-3p represented as a therapeutic target for EM treatment.

LncRNAs in cancer: Regulatory and therapeutic implications

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) comprise a class of RNAs that do not code for proteins but are critical in regulating diverse cellular processes and maintaining cell function. In doing so, they have, in recent years, added a potentially new and significant layer of biological regulation. These are more than 200 nucleotides in length and are implicated in a range of diseases and therefore have emerged as potential tools for possible therapeutic intervention. For a disease as complex as cancer, emerging technologies suggest the presence of mutations on genomic loci that do not encode proteins, but give rise to lncRNAs. Aberrant signatures of lncRNAs are now a consistent feature of almost all types of cancers and their associated complications. Analysis and characterisation of functional pathways that lncRNAs are involved with suggest that lncRNAs interact with the chromatin, the protein or with the RNA to demonstrate their cellular effects to modulate proliferation, migration, differentiation, apoptosis and cell death. This review summarizes the current knowledge of lncRNAs, their implications in diverse types of cancer and their possible therapeutic utility.

LncRNAs in Ovarian Cancer Progression, Metastasis, and Main Pathways: ceRNA and Alternative Mechanisms

Ovarian cancer (OvCa) develops asymptomatically until it reaches the advanced stages with metastasis, chemoresistance, and poor prognosis. Our review focuses on the analysis of regulatory long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) competing with protein-coding mRNAs for binding to miRNAs according to the model of competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) in OvCa. Analysis of publications showed that most lncRNAs acting as ceRNAs participate in OvCa progression: migration, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and metastasis. More than 30 lncRNAs turned out to be predictors of survival and/or response to therapy in patients with OvCa. For a number of oncogenic (CCAT1, HOTAIR, NEAT1, and TUG1 among others) and some suppressive lncRNAs, several lncRNA/miRNA/mRNA axes were identified, which revealed various functions for each of them. Our review also considers examples of alternative mechanisms of actions for lncRNAs besides being ceRNAs, including binding directly to mRNA or protein, and some of them (DANCR, GAS5, MALAT1, and UCA1 among others) act by both mechanisms depending on the target protein. A systematic analysis based on the data from literature and Panther or KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) databases showed that a significant part of lncRNAs affects the key pathways involved in OvCa metastasis, EMT, and chemoresistance.

Long non-coding RNAs in ovarian cancer: expression profile and functional spectrum

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), initially recognized as byproducts of the transcription process, have been proven to play crucial modulatory roles in preserving overall homoeostasis of cells and tissues. Furthermore, aberrant levels of these transcripts have been shown to contribute many diseases, including cancer. Among these, many aspects of ovarian cancer biology have been found to be regulated by lncRNAs, including cancer initiation, progression and dissemination. In this review, we summarize recent studies to highlight the various roles of lncRNAs in ovary in normal and pathological conditions, immune system, diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy. We address lncRNAs that have been extensively studied in ovarian cancer and their contribution to cellular dynamics.

Long non‑coding RNA NEAT1 promotes ovarian cancer cell invasion and migration by interacting with miR‑1321 and regulating tight junction protein 3 expression

Previous studies have reported that long non‑coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have a significant role in the metastasis of tumors, including ovarian cancer (OC). The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the function and working mechanism of lncRNA nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) in OC. The expressions of NEAT1 in OC were measured by reverse transcription‑quantitativePCR (RT‑qPCR). The effects of NEAT1 on cell proliferation, invasion, migration and epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT) were detected by Cell Counting Kit‑8, transwell and wound healing assays, and western blotting. Dual‑luciferase reporter assays were performed to confirm the correlated between NEAT and miR‑1321, miR‑1321 and TJP3. The effect of NEAT1 on miR‑1321 and TJP3 was confirmed by RT‑qPCR and western blotting. Elevated expression of NEAT1 was observed in OC cell lines, and NEAT1 expression was found to be positively related to the expression of tight junction protein 3 (TJP3), which is important in cancer development. Moreover, the present results indicated that NEAT1 and TJP3 expression levels were negatively correlated with microRNA (miR)‑1321 expression in OC. Knockdown of NEAT1 attenuated the migration and invasion of OC cells, as well as increased miR‑1321 expression and in turn led to the reduction of TJP3. Thus, the present study demonstrated that NEAT1 regulates TJP3 expression by sponging miR‑1321 and enhances the epithelial‑mesenchymal transition, invasion and migration of OC cells. Overall, the present study identified the function and mechanism of NEAT1 in OC, suggesting that NEAT1 may be a promising therapeutic target for OC metastasis.

LncRNA ANCR Promotes Invasion and Migration of Gastric Cancer by Regulating FoxO1 Expression to Inhibit Macrophage M1 Polarization

BACKGROUND

Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) are closely related to the occurrence of cancer, but its mechanism in gastric cancer (GC) is still largely unclear.

AIMS

This study aimed to reveal the underlying mechanism of LncRNA ANCR in GC.

METHODS

The expression of LncRNA ANCR was detected by qRT-PCR. ELISA was used to identify THP-1 cells into macrophage M1 type polarization. After macrophages overexpressing LncRNA ANCR were co-cultured with GC cell HGC-27, the invasion and metastasis of GC were analyzed by Transwell assay. The targeted regulation of FoxO1 by LncRNA ANCR was analyzed by RNA pull-down, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), and Western blot. The BALB/c nude mouse model of GC was established to analyze the effect of LncRNA ANCR on tumor growth.

RESULTS

LncRNA ANCR was highly expressed in GC. The overexpression of LncRNA ANCR in macrophages reduced the concentrations of M1 macrophage polarized marker molecules IL-1β and IL-6 in the supernatant of cells, and inhibited the polarization of macrophages to M1, while the knockdown of LncRNA ANCR produced the opposite effect. The co-culture of macrophages overexpressing LncRNA ANCR with GC cells promoted the invasion and migration of cells. LncRNA ANCR targeted FoxO1 and inhibited the expression of FoxO1 in THP-1 cells by promoting FoxO1 ubiquitination degradation. In addition, the overexpression of LncRNA ANCR promoted tumor growth in a BALB/c nude mouse model of GC, while the knockdown of LncRNA ANCR produced the opposite effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on these results, the overexpression of LncRNA ANCR promoted the invasion and metastasis of GC cells via down-regulating FoxO1 to inhibit macrophage polarization to M1.

Overexpression of long noncoding RNA PTPRG-AS1 is associated with poor prognosis in epithelial ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to play a critical role in tumor progression. Abnormal expression of LncRNA PTPRG antisense RNA 1 (PTPRG-AS1) has been reported in several tumors. Hence, we aimed to determine the expression and clinical significance of PTPRG-AS1 in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients. METHODS The expressions of PTPRG-AS1 were assessed in 184 pairs of EOC tumor specimens and adjacent normal tissues. The levels of target lncRNAs and GAPDH were examined using standard SYBR-Green methods. The relationships between the expressions of PTPRG-AS1 and the clinicopathological features were analyzed using the chi-square test. Multivariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazards model was performed to assess the prognostic value of PTPRG-AS1 in EOC patients. RESULTS We confirmed that the expressions of PTPRG-AS1 were distinctly higher in the EOC tissue compared with the adjacent non-tumor specimens (p < 0.01). Higher levels of PTPRG-AS1 in EOC patients were associated with advanced FIGO stage (p = 0.005), grade (p = 0.006), and distant metastasis (p = 0.005). Survival analyses revealed that patients with high expressions of PTPRG-AS1 had a distinctly decreased overall survival (p = 0.0029) and disease-free survival (p = 0.0009) compared with those with low expressions of PTPRG-AS1. Multivariate assays indicated that PTPRG-AS1 expression was an independent prognostic factor for both overall survival and disease-free survival in EOC (Both p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that PTPRG-AS1 may serve as a novel prognostic biomarker for EOC patients.

Blocking NFATc3 ameliorates azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium induced colitis-associated colorectal cancer in mice via the inhibition of inflammatory responses and epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Ulcerative colitis-associated colorectal cancer (UC-CRC) is the most serious complication of ulcerative colitis (UC). Nuclear factor of activated T cells 3 (NFATc3) is participated in inflammation and cancer. In this study, we investigated the effects of NFATc3 on experimental UC-CRC in vivo and in vitro, and explored the underlying mechanisms. Administration of azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induced UC-CRC model in C57BL/6 mice. Body weight was monitored weekly. Colon tissues were harvested at week 14. We examined changes in the histopathology, inflammatory cytokines, carcinogenesis factors, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers in colon tissues. We found that NFATc3 expression was significantly up-regulated in AOM/DSS treated mice compared with control. Mice lacking NFATc3 showed decreased tumor number and size, decreased mucosal damage, and increased survival rate. Moreover, down-regulation of NFATc3 could inhibit the proliferation and EMT of UC-CRC, decrease the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, reduce the colonic infiltration by neutrophils and macrophages, and suppress the activation of P38 and JNK signal pathway in mice. In In vitro experiments, silencing NFATc3 suppressed the proliferation and EMT of CRC cells, and reduced the activation of P38 and JNK. In addition, miR-370-3p could bind to NFATc3. Down-regulation of miR-370-3p promoted proliferation and EMT of CRC cells, while silencing NFATc3 could reverse these effects. In conclusion, NFATc3 was involved in the pathogenesis of experimental UC-CRC and NFATc3 knockdown ameliorated experimental UC-CRC progression via the inhibition of inflammatory responses and EMT. NFATc3 mediated the inhibitory effects of miR-370-3p on CRC cells proliferation and EMT. Targeting NFATc3 may be effective in treating UC-CRC.

H19/miR-675-5p Targeting SFN Enhances the Invasion and Metastasis of Nasalpharyngeal Cancer Cells

AIMS

The aim is to study the role of miR-675-5p coded by long non-coding RNA H19 in the development of Nasopharyngeal Cancer (NPC) and whether miR-675-5p regulates the invasion and metastasis of NPC through targeting SFN (14-3-3σ). The study further validated the relationship between H19, miR-675-5p and SFN in NPC and their relationship with the invasion and metastasis of NPC.

METHODS

Western blot was used to detect the expression of 14-3-3σ protein in immortalized normal nasopharyngeal epithelial cells NP69 and different metastatic potential NPC cells, 6-10B and 5-8F. At the same time, to find out the relationship between 14-3-3σ protein and the expression of H19 and miR-675-5p, the expression of H19 and miR-675-5p in normal nasopharynx epithelial cells NP69 and varied nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells 6-10B and 5-8F were quantified by real-time PCR. MiR-675-5p mimic and inhibitor were transfected into NPC 6-10B to over-express and down-express miR-675-5p; miR-675-5p mimic negative control and inhibitor negative control were transfected into NPC 6-10B as control groups. The effect of over-expression and down-expression by miR-675-5p on the expression of 14-3-3σ protein was detected by Western blotting. The 3'-UTR segments of SFN, containing miR-675-5p binding sites were amplified by PCR and the luciferase activity in the transfected cells was assayed to detect whether SFN is the direct target of miR-675-5p. Transwell and scratch assays were used to verify the changes in NPC invasion and metastasis ability of mimics and inhibitors transfected with miR-675-5p.

RESULTS

The expression of 14-3-3σ protein in normal nasopharynx epithelial cells NP69 is significantly higher than in varied nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells, 6-10B and 5-8F (P<0.05), and the 14-3-3σ protein levels in low-metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell 6-10B is higher than in high-metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell 5-8F. The expression of H19 and miR-675-5p are significantly higher in NPC cells than in NP69 cell (P<0.05). The expression of H19 and miR-675-5p in high-Metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell 5-8F was higher than in low-Metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell 6-10B. The expression of 14-3-3σ protein in miR-675-5p mimic cells was significantly lower than in mimic NC (negative control) group and blank control group. However, compared with the blank control group, mimic NC showed no significant difference in 14-3-3σ protein between the two groups. The miR-675-5p inhibitor group was significantly higher than the inhibitor NC group and the blank control group (p<0.05), but there was no significant difference in the expression of 14-3-3σ protein in the inhibitor NC group and the blank control group (p>0.05). Dual-luciferase reporter assay system shows the 3'-UTR segments of SFN containing miR-675-5p binding sites. SFN was the target gene of miR-675-5p.

CONCLUSION

14-3-3σ is downregulated in NPC and is involved in the development of NPC. H19 and miR- 675-5p are upregulated in NPC, which is related to the development of NPC. The over-expression of miR- 675-5p inhibits the expression of 14-3-3σ protein. SFN is the target gene of miR-675-5p. MiR-675-5p targets SFN, downregulates its protein expression and promotes the invasion and metastasis of NPC.

LncRNA PVT1 epigenetically stabilizes and post-transcriptionally regulates FOXM1 by acting as a microRNA sponge and thus promotes malignant behaviors of ovarian cancer cells

Accumulating evidence demonstrates that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) may be involved in the regulation of cancer biology. PVT1, which is overexpressed in tumor samples, acts as an oncogenic promoter in several kinds of cancers, including ovarian cancer. However, the mechanisms of its regulation of malignant behaviors in ovarian cancer remain largely unknown. In this study, the expression of PVT1 in several ovarian cancer cell lines was analyzed by qRT-PCR. The effect of PVT1 on malignant behaviors, including cell proliferation, migration and invasion, was analyzed. The posttranscriptional regulation of FOXM1 by PVT1 was analyzed by western blotting. The results illustrated that PVT1 acted as a sponge and bound miR-370 on two binding sites. The expression of PVT1 positively regulated malignant behaviors in ovarian cancer cells, including cell proliferation, migration and invasion, which could be reversed by the introduction of miR-370 mimics. Sponged miR-370 failed to posttranscriptionally regulate FOXM1, which resulted in the promotion of malignant behavior. PVT1 was also found to bind to FOXM1 directly and stabilize the FOXM1 protein. The promoting effect of PVT1 on malignant behaviors and chemoresistance to cisplatin could be reversed by knockdown of FOXM1 and introduction of miR-370 mimics. Together, these results suggest that lncRNA PVT1 promotes malignant behavior and induces chemoresistance in ovarian cancer by epigenetic and posttranscriptional regulation of FOXM1.

A comprehensive review of the role of long non-coding RNAs in organs with an endocrine function

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcripts with sizes larger than 200 nucleotides and no/ small open reading frame that cannot produce functional proteins. The number of these transcripts surpasses the number of coding genes. LncRNAs regulate many aspects of cell functions such as proliferation, cell cycle transition and differentiation; so their dysregulation has pervasive effects on cell phenotype. Increasing numbers of these transcripts have been shown to participate in the pathogenesis of cancer. In the current review, we summarize recent findings regarding the role of lncRNAs in tumors originated from organs which have an endocrine function. We mostly focused on adrenal, pancreas and pituitary gland as prototypes of these organs. Moreover, we presented the obtained data of the role of lncRNAs in prostate, ovarian and testicular cancers. Recent data highly supports the role of lncRNAs in the pathogenesis of cancers originated from these organs. Moreover, certain genomic loci within lncRNAs have been shown to be associated with risk of these cancers. Diagnostic and prognostic role of some lncRNAs in these cancers have been evaluated recently. Taken together, lncRNAs are putative biomarkers for cancers originated from organs which have an endocrine function.

The prognostic value of long non-coding RNA H19 in various cancers: A meta-analysis based on 15 studies with 1584 patients and the Cancer Genome Atlas data

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have shown that long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) H19 is aberrantly expressed in various cancers. However, the prognostic significance of H19 in cancer patients remains to be elucidated. Here, we designed and conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the prognostic value of this lncRNA for malignant solid neoplasms.

METHODS

Relevant publications were collected from PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase databases. The relevant survival data of patients with H19-associated cancers were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) project. Statistically significant relationships between H19 expression levels and overall survival were analyzed by hazard ratios (HRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

A total of 15 studies with 1584 patients were ultimately included for this literature meta-analysis. An elevated level of H19 expression was found to be negatively correlated with the overall survival (OS) (HR = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.36-1.93, P < .001) in various cancers. Abnormal H19 expression was also positively correlated with poor tumor differentiation (P < .0001), more advanced clinical stage (P < .0001), earlier lymph node metastasis (P < .0001), and earlier distant metastasis (P < .05). The relationship between elevated H19 expression and overall survival was further validated by a TCGA dataset consisting of 7462 cancer patients (HR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.03-1.22, P < .05).

CONCLUSION

Our study indicates that H19 expression is closely relevant to clinical outcome and suggests that lncRNA H19 could be a crucial prognostic biomarker for certain carcinoma types.

Dietary delphinidin inhibits human colorectal cancer metastasis associating with upregulation of miR-204-3p and suppression of the integrin/FAK axis

Delphinidin is a flavonoid belonging to dietary anthocyanidin family that has been reported to possess diverse anti-tumoral activities. However, the effects of delphinidin on colorectal cancer (CRC) cells and the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Thus, we aimed to investigate the anti-cancer activity of delphinidin in CRC cells and the underlying molecular mechanisms. The effects of delphinidin on the viability, metastatic characteristics, signaling, and microRNA (miR) profile of human CRC cell lines used were analyzed. In vivo metastasis was also evaluated using xenograft animal models. Our findings showed that delphinidin (<100 μM) inhibited the colony formation of DLD-1, SW480, and SW620 cells, but non-significantly affected cell viability. Delphinidin also suppressed the migratory ability and invasiveness of the tested CRC cell lines, downregulated integrin αV/β3 expression, inhibited focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/Src/paxillin signaling, and interfered with cytoskeletal construction. Analysis of the miR expression profile revealed a number of miRs, particularly miR-204-3p, that were significantly upregulated and downregulated by delphinidin. Abolishing the expression of one upregulated miR, miR-204-3p, with an antagomir restored delphinidin-mediated inhibition of cell migration and invasiveness in DLD-1 cells as well as the αV/β3-integrin/FAK/Src axis. Delphinidin also inhibited the lung metastasis of DLD-1 cells in the xenograft animal model. Collectively, these results indicate that the migration and invasion of CRC cells are inhibited by delphinidin, and the mechanism may involve the upregulation of miR-204-3p and consequent suppression of the αV/β3-integrin/FAK axis. These findings suggest that delphinidin exerts anti-metastatic effects in CRC cells by inhibiting integrin/FAK signaling and indicate that miR-204-3p may play an important role in CRC metastasis.

Long Non-Coding RNA TUG1 Modulates Proliferation, Migration, And Invasion Of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells Via Regulating miR-370-3p/MAPK1/ERK

Background

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common form of acute leukemia in adults. Long non-coding RNA taurine-upregulated gene 1 (lncRNA TUG1) has been discovered to participate in multiple cancers including AML. However, the detailed mechanism of TUG1 in AML remains obscure.

Materials and methods

AML cell lines HL-60 and Kasumi-1 were taken as cell models. TUG1 knockdown or overexpression cell lines were generated. Then, the biological influence of TUG1 on cancer cells was studied using CCK-8 assay, transwell assay and Western blot in vitro. Interaction between TUG1 and miR-370-3p was determined by bioinformatics analysis, RT-PCR, and luciferase assay. Western blot, RT-PCR, and luciferase assay were carried out to validate the interaction between miR-370-3p and its target gene Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1 (MAPK1).

Results

Knockdown of TUG1 markedly reduced viability and metastasis of AML cells, while its overexpression had the opposite effect. MAPK1 was verified as a target gene of miR-370-3p. TUG1 could reduce the level of functional miR-370-3p, facilitate MAPK1 expression, and in turn activate ERK1/2 signaling.

Conclusion

TUG1 could modulate malignant phenotypes of AML cells via miR-370-3p/MAPK1/ERK signaling. Our study would help to clarify the mechanism of AML tumorigenesis and progression.

CircAGFG1 promotes cervical cancer progression via miR-370-3p/RAF1 signaling

Background

In past decades, circular RNAs (circRNAs) have achieved increasing attention because of its regulatory role in different kinds of cancers. However, how circAGFG1 regulates cervical cancer (CC) is still largely undiscovered. This study aims to evaluate the role of a novel circRNAs and related molecular mechanism in CC cells.

Methods

High or low level of circAGFG1 was detected in CC cells or normal cell line with qRT-PCR. The proliferative and migratory abilities of CC cells were assessed with loss-of function assays. The downstream miRNA and mRNA of circAGFG1 were searched out and proved by using bioinformatics analysis and mechanism experiments. Recue assays were designed to confirm the role of circAGFG1/miR-370-3p/RAF1 axis in CC cell activities.

Results

The levels of circAGFG1 was abundant in CC cells in comparison with normal cervical cell End1/E6E7. The inhibitory effect of decreased circAGFG1 level on the proliferative and migratory abilities of CC cells was assessed. CircAGFG1 and miR-370-3p were localized in the cytoplasm and they can interact with each other. Moreover, miR-370-3p was downregulated in CC cells. We also determined the negative effect of miR-370-3p on RAF1. CircAGFG1 could promote RAF1 expression by absorbing miR-370-3p, thereby activating RAF/MEK/ERK pathway. circAGFG1 promoted proliferation and migration of CC cells via enhancing the activity of RAF/MEK/ERK pathway by sponging miR-370-3p and further regulating RAF1.

Conclusion

The results of this study provided new evidence that circAGFG1 acted as a vital regulator in cervical cancer proliferation and migration, giving great promise to apply it as a potential biomarker for diagnosis and therapy in CC treatment.

TGF-β-Mediated Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Cancer Metastasis

Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) is a secreted cytokine that regulates cell proliferation, migration, and the differentiation of a plethora of different cell types. Consistent with these findings, TGF-β plays a key role in controlling embryogenic development, inflammation, and tissue repair, as well as in maintaining adult tissue homeostasis. TGF-β elicits a broad range of context-dependent cellular responses, and consequently, alterations in TGF-β signaling have been implicated in many diseases, including cancer. During the early stages of tumorigenesis, TGF-β acts as a tumor suppressor by inducing cytostasis and the apoptosis of normal and premalignant cells. However, at later stages, when cancer cells have acquired oncogenic mutations and/or have lost tumor suppressor gene function, cells are resistant to TGF-β-induced growth arrest, and TGF-β functions as a tumor promotor by stimulating tumor cells to undergo the so-called epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The latter leads to metastasis and chemotherapy resistance. TGF-β further supports cancer growth and progression by activating tumor angiogenesis and cancer-associated fibroblasts and enabling the tumor to evade inhibitory immune responses. In this review, we will consider the role of TGF-β signaling in cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, EMT and cancer cell metastasis. In particular, we will highlight recent insights into the multistep and dynamically controlled process of TGF-β-induced EMT and the functions of miRNAs and long noncoding RNAs in this process. Finally, we will discuss how these new mechanistic insights might be exploited to develop novel therapeutic interventions.

Whole transcriptome sequencing identifies crucial genes associated with colon cancer and elucidation of their possible mechanisms of action

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the key long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) associated with colon cancer and elucidate their possible mechanisms of action.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eight early-stage (ES) colon tumor tissues, eight late-stage (LS) colon tumor tissues, and eight normal tissues were collected, and they were subjected to high-throughput RNA sequencing. Subsequently, comprehensive bioinformatics analyses, including the identification of differentially expressed mRNAs and lncRNAs, functional enrichment analysis, and construction of a protein-protein interaction network and an miRNA-lncRNA-mRNA regulatory network were performed. Additionally, the expression of key lncRNAs was verified using real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR).

RESULTS

In total, 549 common differentially expressed mRNAs and 30 common differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified in both the ES and LS colon cancer samples upon comparison with the normal samples. Functional enrichment analysis showed that KIAA0125 was significantly enriched in the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and that MSTRG.35002.1 was markedly enriched in BMP signaling-related functions. Moreover, key miRNA-lncRNA-mRNA relationships, such as hsa-miR-29b-3p-KIAA0125-BCL2 and hsa-miR-29b-3p-MSTRG.35002.1-MMP2, were identified. Notably, the qPCR assay confirmed that KIAA0125 and MSTRG.35002.1 were significantly downregulated in both ES and LS colon tumor tissues compared with normal colon tissues.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that key lncRNAs, including KIAA0125 and MSTRG.35002.1, may be involved in colorectal cancer (CRC) development. Downregulation of KIAA0125 may contribute to CRC development via sponging of hsa-miR-29b-3p to regulate BCL2 expression or regulating the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Downregulation of MSTRG.35002.1 may promote CRC development via sponging of hsa-miR-29b-3p to regulate MMP2 expression or regulating the BMP signaling pathway.

Bergapten induces G1 arrest and pro-apoptotic cascade in colorectal cancer cells associating with p53/p21/PTEN axis

Bergapten is a natural compound and has potent anticancer activities. In this study, we explored the cytotoxicity of bergapten on colorectal cancer (CRC) cell DLD-1 and LoVo and its underlying mechanisms. We observed that bergapten (30 and 50 μM) decreased the viability of the CRC cells and induced the G0/G1 and sub-G1 phase arrest. Furthermore, immunoblotting results indicated that bergapten increased p53, phospho-p53(Ser-46), p21, PUMA, Bax, PTEN, and the caspase-9 and caspase-3 cleavage, but decreased cyclin E, CDK2, and phosphor-AKT(Ser-473) in the CRC cells. Inhibition of p53 by pifithrin-α reversed the bergapten-induced p53-mediated apoptotic cascade and restored the survival signaling and cell viability. Collectively, our findings reveal that bergapten decrease the cell viability and induce cell cycle arrest in the CRC cells, which may be attributed to p53-mediated apoptotic cascade, upregulation of p21 and PTEN, and inhibition of AKT.

Long noncoding RNA LINC00707 sponges miR-370-3p to promote osteogenesis of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells through upregulating WNT2B

BACKGROUND

Human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (HBMSCs) are characterized by multiple differentiation potential and potent self-renewal ability, yet much remains to be elucidated on what determines these properties. Long-chain noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been suggested to be involved in multiple biological processes under physiological and pathological conditions, including osteogenic differentiation.

METHODS

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay, ALP staining, and Alizarin Red Staining were used for osteogenic potential detection. Western blot and qRT-PCR were used to examine the expression of LINC00707 and miR-370-3p. RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation was used to detect the interaction between LINC00707 and RNA-induced silencing complex. Luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm the binding sites of miR-370-3p to LINC00707 and WNT2B.

RESULTS

We demonstrated that LINC00707 expression was gradually increased in HBMSCs during consecutive osteogenic induction, and it could further positively regulate the osteogenic differentiation both in vitro and in vivo, whereas LINC00707 inhibition led to suppressed osteogenic differentiation. Thereafter, we inferred a predicted interaction between LINC00707 and miR-370-3p and then confirmed the direct binding sites of miR-370-3p on LINC00707. While miR-370-3p upregulation led to decreased osteogenic differentiation, LINC00707 overexpression could reverse this suppression, indicating that LINC00707 acts as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for miR-370-3p. Moreover, LINC00707 could act as a ceRNA to upregulate WNT2B via miR-370-3p inhibition.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, our study provides a novel lncRNA-miRNA regulatory network and a promising target to modulate the osteogenic differentiation of HBMSCs.

LncRNAs in ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is one of the most common gynecologic malignancies and has a poor prognosis. Recently, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified as key regulators of cancer development. Studies have shown that the dysregulation of lncRNAs is frequently observed in ovarian cancer and greatly contributes to malignant phenotypical changes. In this review, we provide perspectives on the involvement of lncRNAs in the proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, migration, invasion, metastasis and drug resistance of ovarian cancer based on recent discoveries. Then, we discuss the role of lncRNAs in predicting the prognosis of ovarian cancer. Finally, we provide insight into the potential of lncRNAs for evaluating the diagnosis and prognosis of ovarian cancer.