MiR-155-5p accelerates the metastasis of cervical cancer cell via targeting TP53INP1

Small non-coding RNAs as diagnostic, prognostic and predictive biomarkers of gynecological cancers: an update

INTRODUCTION

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) comprise a heterogeneous cluster of RNA molecules. Emerging evidence suggests their involvement in various aspects of tumorigenesis, particularly in gynecological malignancies. Notably, ncRNAs have been implicated as mediators within tumor signaling pathways, exerting their influence through interactions with RNA or proteins. These findings further highlight the hypothesis that ncRNAs constitute therapeutic targets and point out their clinical potential as stratification biomarkers.

AREAS COVERED

The review outlines the use of small ncRNAs, including miRNAs, tRNA-derived small RNAs, PIWI-interacting RNAs and circular RNAs, for diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive purposes in gynecological cancers. It aims to increase our knowledge of their functions in tumor biology and their translation into clinical practice.

EXPERT OPINION

By leveraging interdisciplinary collaborations, scientists can decipher the riddle of small ncRNA biomarkers as diagnostic, prognostic and predictive biomarkers of gynecological tumors. Integrating small ncRNA-based assays into clinical practice will allow clinicians to provide cure plans for each patient, reducing the likelihood of adverse responses. Nevertheless, addressing challenges such as standardizing experimental methodologies and refining diagnostic assays is imperative for advancing small ncRNA research in gynecological cancer.

Non-coding transcriptome profiles in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma

Clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a common urological malignancy with an increasing incidence. The development of molecular biomarkers that can predict the response to treatment and guide personalized therapy selection would substantially improve patient outcomes. Dysregulation of non-coding RNA (ncRNA) has been shown to have a role in the pathogenesis of ccRCC. Thus, an increasing number of studies are being carried out with a focus on the identification of ncRNA biomarkers in ccRCC tissue samples and the connection of these markers with patients' prognosis, pathological stage and grade (including metastatic potential), and therapy outcome. RNA sequencing analysis led to the identification of several ncRNA biomarkers that are dysregulated in ccRCC and might have a role in ccRCC development. These ncRNAs have the potential to be prognostic and predictive biomarkers for ccRCC, with prospective applications in personalized treatment selection. Research on ncRNA biomarkers in ccRCC is advancing, but clinical implementation remains preliminary owing to challenges in validation, standardization and reproducibility. Comprehensive studies and integration of ncRNAs into clinical trials are essential to accelerate the clinical use of these biomarkers.

Evaluating the Serum Level of ACTH and Investigating the Expression of miR-26a, miR-34a, miR-155-5p, and miR-146a in the Peripheral Blood Cells of Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory and neurodegenerative disorder affecting white and gray matter. This study aimed to investigate the association between clinical outcomes in MS patients and the levels of certain molecules in their serum, including ACTH, IL-17, and specific miRNAs: miR-26a, miR-34a, miR-155-5p, and miR-146a. Fifty healthy people and 75 blood samples from MS patients were selected. MS patients had higher expression levels of IL-17, miR-26a, miR-34a, and miR-146a compared to healthy individuals (p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in miR-155-5p expression between the two groups (p = 0.203). MS patients also had higher serum levels of ACTH compared to the normal population (p < 0.0001). In MS patients, there was a negative correlation between IL-17 and miR-155-5p expression levels (p = 0.048, r =  - 0.229). Similarly, a significant negative correlation was observed between ACTH and miR-155-5p in the control group (p = 0.044, r =  - 0.286). The study's analysis revealed no significant difference in the expression of miR-155-5p between MS patients and normal individuals; the study's examination revealed that the expression level of IL-17, miR-26a, miR-34a, and miR-146a was higher in MS patients than in normal individuals.

Differential levels of circulating RNAs prior to endometrial cancer diagnosis

Endometrial cancer (EC) is one of the most common female cancers and there is currently no routine screening strategy for early detection. An altered abundance of circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) and other RNA classes have the potential as early cancer biomarkers. We analyzed circulating RNA levels using small RNA sequencing, targeting RNAs in the size range of 17-47 nucleotides, in EC patients with samples collected prior to diagnosis compared to cancer-free controls. The analysis included 316 cases with samples collected 1-11 years prior to EC diagnosis, and 316 matched controls, both from the Janus Serum Bank cohort in Norway. We identified differentially abundant (DA) miRNAs, isomiRs, and small nuclear RNAs between EC cases and controls. The top EC DA miRNAs were miR-155-5p, miR-200b-3p, miR-589-5p, miR-151a-5p, miR-543, miR-485-5p, miR-625-p, and miR-671-3p. miR-200b-3p was previously reported to be among one of the top miRNAs with higher abundance in EC cases. We observed 47, 41, and 32 DA miRNAs for EC interacting with BMI, smoking status, and physical activity, respectively, including two miRNAs (miR-223-3p and miR-29b-3p) interacting with all three factors. The circulating RNAs are altered and show temporal dynamics prior to EC diagnosis. Notably, DA miRNAs for EC had the lowest q-value 4.39-6.66 years before diagnosis. Enrichment analysis of miRNAs showed that signaling pathways Fc epsilon RI, prolactin, toll-like receptor, and VEGF had the strongest associations.

Identification and validation of miRNA-target genes network in pediatric brain tumors

Alterations in miRNA levels have been observed in various types of cancer, impacting numerous cellular processes and increasing their potential usefulness in combination therapies also in brain tumors. Recent advances in understanding the genetics and epigenetics of brain tumours point to new aberrations and associations, making it essential to continually update knowledge and classification. Here we conducted molecular analysis of 123 samples of childhood brain tumors (pilocytic astrocytoma, medulloblastoma, ependymoma), focusing on identification of genes that could potentially be regulated by crucial representatives of OncomiR-1: miR-17-5p and miR-20a-5p. On the basis of microarray gene expression analysis and qRTPCR profiling, we selected six (WEE1, CCND1, VEGFA, PTPRO, TP53INP1, BCL2L11) the most promising target genes for further experiments. The WEE1, CCND1, PTPRO, TP53INP1 genes showed increased expression levels in all tested entities with the lowest increase in the pilocytic astrocytoma compared to the ependymoma and medulloblastoma. The obtained results indicate a correlation between gene expression and the WHO grade and subtype. Furthermore, our analysis showed that the integration between genomic and epigenetic pathways should now point the way to further molecular research.

Exosomal microRNAs: impact on cancer detection, treatment, and monitoring

Exosomes, measuring between 30 and 150 nm in diameter, are small vesicles enclosed by a lipid bilayer membrane. They are released by various cells in the body and carry a diverse payload of molecules, including proteins, lipids, mRNA, and different RNA species such as long non-coding RNA, circular RNA, and microRNA (miRNA). With lengths of approximately 19-22 nucleotides, miRNAs constitute the predominant cargo in exosomes and serve as crucial regulators of protein biosynthesis. In cancer detection, exosomal miRNAs show promise as non-invasive biomarkers due to their stability and presence in various bodily fluids, aiding in early detection and precise diagnosis with specific miRNA signatures linked to different cancer types. Moreover, exosomal miRNAs influence treatment outcomes by affecting cellular processes like cell growth, cell death, and drug resistance, thereby impacting response to therapy. Additionally, they serve as indicators of disease progression and treatment response, providing insights that can guide treatment decisions and improve patient care. Through longitudinal studies, changes in exosomal miRNA profiles have been observed to correlate with disease progression, metastasis, and response to therapy, highlighting their potential for real-time monitoring of tumor dynamics and treatment efficacy. Understanding the intricate roles of exosomal miRNAs in cancer biology offers opportunities for developing innovative diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies tailored to individual patients, ultimately advancing precision medicine approaches and improving outcomes for cancer patients. This review aims to provide an understanding of the role of exosomal miRNAs in cancer detection, treatment, and monitoring, shedding light on their potential for revolutionising oncology practices and patient care.

Assessing the toxicity of pesticides exposure on hepatic miRNA-target gene alterations in rat liver tissues via molecular and integrated network bioinformatics analysis

The prevalent use of pesticides, including pirimiphos-methyl (PPM) and bifenthrin (BF), poses a serious health risk, particularly to workers who encounter these chemicals daily. Despite the recognized hepatotoxic effects, the specific molecular mechanisms, especially those involving miRNAs in liver damage caused by PPM and BF, are not fully elucidated. Prior studies have not exhaustively analyzed the hepatic miRNA-target gene dynamics following exposure to these pesticides; thus, this research aims to fill that gap through an extensive miRNA analysis to discern their regulation in PPM or BF-induced hepatic toxicity. In this study, male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to BF or PPM for 28 days through oral gavage, simulating the chronic exposure faced by humans. We conducted a thorough assessment of the hepatotoxicity induced by PPM and BF, employing multiple evaluation levels, including histological analysis, liver enzyme measurements, and real-time PCR to detect changes in hepatic miRNA-target gene expressions. Additionally, we utilized DIANA-miRPath prediction tools to delineate the functional implications of these hepatic miRNA target genes. Our findings reveal a significant modulation in the expression of rno-miR-155-5p and rno-miR-122-5p, along with their target genes, following PPM and BF treatment. In contrast, rno-miR-21-5p levels remained unaltered. These observations suggest potential utility of these specific hepatic miRNAs as biomarkers for liver injury resulting from pesticide exposure. Subsequent GO enrichment analysis linked target genes to functions like molecular activity, protein binding, and cellular processes. Additionally, KEGG pathway analysis showed these genes, influenced by varied miRNA expressions, play significant roles in metabolic and signaling pathways In conclusion, this study enhances our comprehension of the biological roles of miRNAs in hepatic toxicity induced by PPM and BF. The insights gained here not only shed light on molecular mechanisms but also open avenues for considering these miRNAs as potential diagnostic biomarkers in conditions of pesticide-induced hepatotoxicity, thereby guiding future therapeutic strategies.

Valproic acid regulates the miR-155/Jarid2 axis by affecting miR-155 promoter methylation in glioma

The most frequent primary brain tumor in adults is glioma, yet no effective curative treatments are currently available. Our previous study demonstrated the enhancing effects of JARID2 on glioma sensitivity to TMZ treatment. In this study, miR-155 is predicted to target JARID2. miR-155 is overexpressed in clinical glioma specimens and cell lines. miR-155 overexpression in glioma cells enhances cell viability and represses cell apoptosis. Through targeting, miR-155 inhibits JARID2 expression. miR-155 inhibition inhibits glioma cell viability and enhances cell apoptosis, whereas JARID2 knockdown enhances cell viability and inhibits cell apoptosis; JARID2 knockdown partially reverses miR-155 inhibition effects on glioma phenotypes. miR-155 inhibition reduces but knockdown of JARID2 promotes the tumor formation ability of glioma cells in vivo. Valproic acid (VPA) upregulates JARID2 expression, inhibits glioma cell viability and enhances cell apoptosis. VPA downregulates the expression level of miR-155 by increasing the methylation level of the miR-155 promoter, suggesting that the miR-155/JARID2 axis is implicated in VPA inhibition of glioma cell viability and enhancement of glioma cell apoptosis. This study demonstrates a new mechanism of VPA treatment of gliomas by affecting the miR-155/JARID2 axis, which could be regarded as a new strategy for the prevention and treatment of glioma.

Transcription Silencing and CpGs Hypermethylation as Therapeutic Gene Editing in Clinical Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Repression

Background/Aims

Colorectal cancer is the most common cancer in oncopathology, with an increasing incidence among the elderly during the last decade. Various genetic and environmental factors play important roles in the emergence of colorectal adenocarcinoma. Non-coding RNAs, approximately 20-22 nucleotides, are transcribed irregularly in many cancer cells and play a critical role in many metabolic pathways in clinical cancer cases. DNA methylation is a critical epigenetic alteration that controls gene expression. In the current study, transcriptional silencing and CpG hypermethylation were developed as a therapeutic gene editing strategy for the clinical repression of colorectal adenocarcinoma.

Methods

A human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line (Caco2) and a normal lung fibroblast cell line (Wi38) were utilized as the paradigms in this research to examine the effect of mir155 molecule transfection and CpGs-island (CGI) methylation. Cell counting was achieved using six-well and 24-well plates before transfection using a hemocytometer. The two cell lines were transfected with the mir155 agomir and antagomir molecules. The transfection efficiency, cell viability, cell IC50, and target gene expression were measured, and CGIs-methylation was achieved by bisulfate conversion.

Results

The outcomes revealed the downregulation of oncogenes (AKT1 and VCAM1 genes as cancer-associated genes) and the upregulation of tumor suppressor genes (TSGs, Tp53 and KEAP1). In addition, CpG-islands methylation showed significant blocking of the oncogene promoter regions, and the switch on of TSG promoter regions was continuous.

Conclusions

miRNA-CGI-methylation led to the regression of Caco2 cell proliferation, suggesting the potential use of RNA silencing and DNA methylation in targeted gene therapy for colorectal cancer.

MiR-150 and miR-155 expression predicts survival of cervical cancer patients: a translational approach to novel prognostic biomarkers

INTRODUCTION

High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is the aetiological agent of cervical cancer, which remains the fourth leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide. K14-HPV16 transgenic mice are a model for HPV-induced cancers, which undergo multistep squamous carcinogenesis at the skin, that is histologically and molecularly similar to carcinogenesis of the human cervix. Previous screens of differentially regulated microRNAs (miRs) using K14-HPV16 mice showed a role for miR-21, miR-155, miR-150, miR-146a, miR-125b and miR-223 during carcinogenesis.

METHODS

We now aim to translate these observations into the clinical setting, using data provided by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to explore whether those microRNAs can influence the survival of cervical cancer patients.

RESULTS

Results showed that low miR-150, miR-155 and miR-146a expression levels in primary tumours were associated with poor overall survival. However, only miR-150 and miR-155 were found to be independent predictors, increasing the risk of death. When patients were stratified by clinical stage, low miR-150, miR-155, miR-146a and miR-125b were associated with poor survival for clinical stages I and II. Only low miR-150 expression increased the death risk.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that miR-150 and miR-155 may be potentially applied as prognostic biomarkers in cervical cancer patients. However, further investigation is required to determine their applicability.

MicroRNA-155 downregulates long noncoding RNA prostate cancer-associated transcript 29 in hepatocellular carcinoma to suppress cancer cell invasion and migration

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) prostate cancer-associated transcript 29 (PCAT29) is known to suppress several cancers, but its participation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains elusive. This study tried to explore PCAT29 function in HCC. In this study, a total of 62 HCC patients were enrolled. Tissue samples were collected from all 62 patients to isolate RNA samples. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was applied for the expression analysis of PCAT29 and microRNA-155 (miR-155) in these tissue samples. The 62 HCC patients were followed up for 5 years to explore the prognostic value of PCAT29 for HCC. Correlations were analyzed using linear regression. IntaRNA 2.0 was used to predict the interaction between PCAT29 and miR-155. The role of PCAT29 and miR-155 in regulating HCC cell invasion and migration was evaluated by Transwell assay. We found that PCAT29 expression was downregulated in HCC and miR-155 expression was upregulated in HCC compared to nontumor samples (p < 0.001). Downregulation of PCAT29 was found to be closely associated with poor survival of HCC patients. MiR-155 was inversely correlated with PCAT29. It was predicted that miR-155 could target PCAT29. In HCC cells, miR-155 overexpression resulted in reduced PCAT29 expression (p < 0.05). MiR-155 counteracted the inhibitory effects of PCAT29 overexpression on HCC cell migration and invasion. These results suggest that PCAT29 may be a potential prognostic biomarker and a novel therapeutic target for treating HCC.

MicroRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs and gynecological cancers: focus on metastasis

Gynecologic cancer is a significant cause of death in women worldwide, with cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, and endometrial cancer being among the most well-known types. The initiation and progression of gynecologic cancers involve a variety of biological functions, including angiogenesis and metastasis-given that death mostly occurs from metastatic tumors that have invaded the surrounding tissues. Therefore, understanding the molecular pathways underlying gynecologic cancer metastasis is critical for enhancing patient survival and outcomes. Recent research has revealed the contribution of numerous non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) to metastasis and invasion of gynecologic cancer by affecting specific cellular pathways. This review focuses on three types of gynecologic cancer (ovarian, endometrial, and cervical) and three kinds of ncRNAs (long non-coding RNAs, microRNAs, and circular RNAs). We summarize the detailed role of non-coding RNAs in the different pathways and molecular interactions involved in the invasion and metastasis of these cancers.

MicroRNA-155 and cancer metastasis: Regulation of invasion, migration, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition

Among the leading causes of death globally has been cancer. Nearly 90% of all cancer-related fatalities are attributed to metastasis, which is the growing of additional malignant growths out of the original cancer origin. Therefore, a significant clinical need for a deeper comprehension of metastasis exists. Beginning investigations are being made on the function of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the metastatic process. Tiny non-coding RNAs called miRNAs have a crucial part in controlling the spread of cancer. Some miRNAs regulate migration, invasion, colonization, cancer stem cells' properties, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and the microenvironment, among other processes, to either promote or prevent metastasis. One of the most well-conserved and versatile miRNAs, miR-155 is primarily distinguished by overexpression in a variety of illnesses, including malignant tumors. It has been discovered that altered miR-155 expression is connected to a number of physiological and pathological processes, including metastasis. As a result, miR-155-mediated signaling pathways were identified as possible cancer molecular therapy targets. The current research on miR-155, which is important in controlling cancer cells' invasion, and metastasis as well as migration, will be summarized in the current work. The crucial significance of the lncRNA/circRNA-miR-155-mRNA network as a crucial regulator of carcinogenesis and a player in the regulation of signaling pathways or related genes implicated in cancer metastasis will be covered in the final section. These might provide light on the creation of fresh treatment plans for controlling cancer metastasis.

Overexpression of miR-146a and miR-155 are Potentially Biomarkers and Predict Unfavorable Relationship between Gastric Cancer and Helicobacter pylori Infection

Gastric Cancer (GC) is one of the most dangerous malignancies in the world. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between miR-146a and miR-155 in patients with H. pylori infections with GC compared to H. pylori-infected patients and healthy subjects. Forty patients with H. pylori and GC positive diagnoses and 40 patients with H. pylori positive and GC negative diagnoses, and 40 healthy persons were selected. The expression of miR-146a and miR-155 genes in the whole blood was examined using qRT-PCR. Moreover, ROC curves were drawn to represent the sensitivity and specificity of miR-146a and miR-155 expression as biomarkers. The results showed the expression of miR-146a and miR-155 in the whole blood of patients with H. pylori and GC positive diagnoses are significantly higher than in healthy individuals and are non-significantly enhanced compared to H. pylori positive and GC negative. Also, the results stated miR-146a and miR-155 expression in the whole blood of patients who are H. pylori positive and GC negative are significantly increased compared to healthy individuals. Furthermore, the ROC curve analysis of miR-146a and miR-155 RNA level demonstrated the two miRNAs have an appropriate sensitivity and specificity for diagnostic goals. In conclusion, H. pylori infection may increase the expression of miR-146a and miR-155 in patients with H. pylori and GC positive diagnoses, which can be effective in the curbing the progression of GC. For this reason, up-regulation of miR-146a and miR-155 along with H. pylori infection might contribute to the pathogenesis of GC, and also can be suggested as biomarkers for GC diagnosis and treatment.

Unraveling Therapeutic Opportunities and the Diagnostic Potential of microRNAs for Human Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is a major public health problem and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Despite advances in treatment options, the five-year survival rate for lung cancer patients remains low, emphasizing the urgent need for innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for lung cancer due to their crucial roles in regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. For example, miR-34a and miR-150, once delivered to lung cancer via liposomes or nanoparticles, can inhibit tumor growth by downregulating critical cancer promoting genes. Conversely, miR-21 and miR-155, frequently overexpressed in lung cancer, are associated with increased cell proliferation, invasion, and chemotherapy resistance. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the roles of miRNAs in lung carcinogenesis, especially those induced by exposure to environmental pollutants, namely, arsenic and benzopyrene, which account for up to 1/10 of lung cancer cases. We then discuss the recent advances in miRNA-based cancer therapeutics and diagnostics. Such information will provide new insights into lung cancer pathogenesis and innovative diagnostic and therapeutic modalities based on miRNAs.

MiR-335-3p/miR-155-5p Involved in IGFBP7-AS1-Enhanced Odontogenic Differentiation

BACKGROUND

The differentiation of stem cells from exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs) into odontoblasts determines the regeneration of dentin-pulp complex. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNA (miRNA) and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), participate in many multiple biological processes, but the specific miRNAs involved in odontogenesis are incompletely defined. It was confirmed that lncRNA IGFBP7-AS1 could positively regulate odontogenetic differentiation in SHEDs. To investigate the downstream mechanisms of this process, miR-335-3p and miR-155-5p were found to be closely related with SHED odontogenic differentiation through whole-genome sequencing. The aim of the current study was to determine the role of miR-335-3p/miR-155-5p in IGFBP7-AS1-enhanced SHED differentiation and explore the potential mechanism of IGFBP7-AS1-mediated odontogenesis.

METHODS

Putative miR-335-3p/miR-155-5p binding sites within IGFBP7-AS1 were identified by bioinformatics analysis, and the binding of miR-335-3p/miR-155-5p to these sites was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter gene assays. The effects of miR-335-3p/miR-155-5p in odontogenesis were detected by tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase staining, Alizarin red staining, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analyses, and western blot testing. The molecular mechanisms of miR-335-3p/miR-155-5p involved in IGFBP7-AS1-mediated odontogenesis were analysed by qRT-PCR and western blot testing.

RESULTS

Dual-luciferase reporter gene assays showed that miR-335-3p/miR-155-5p could directly bind to IGFBP7-AS1. MiR-335-3p and miR-155-5p both could down-regulate dentin sialophosphoprotein expression, and both miRNAs could inhibit IGFBP7-AS1-mediated SHED odontogenetic differentiation via suppression of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Both miR-335-3p and miR-155-5p were negative regulators to IGFBP7-AS1-enhanced odontogenic differentiation of SHED through suppression of the ERK pathway.

Helicobacter pylori CagA Protein Regulating the Biological Characteristics of Gastric Cancer through the miR-155-5p/SMAD2/SP1 axis

Helicobacter pylori (Hp) is a grade Ι carcinogen of gastric cancer (GC), and its high infection rate seriously affects human health. Cytotoxin-associated gene A (CagA) plays a key role in the carcinogenesis of Hp as one of its main virulence factors. miR-155-5p is abnormally expressed in patients with GC, associated with the occurrence and development of cancer. However, little is known about the association between CagA and miR-155-5p. (1) Background: This study explored the association and mechanism of CagA and miR-155-5p in GC. (2) Methods: The CagA sequence was obtained from the NCBI. After sequence optimization, it was connected to the pcDNA3.1 vector to construct a CagA eukaryotic expression plasmid (pcDNA-CagA). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to investigate the expression of miR-155-5p and CagA in GC cells. The function of CagA on GC cells was detected by CCK8, wound healing, and Transwell assays. Similarly, the function of miR-155-5p was also studied through the above functional experiments after the miR-155-5p overexpression and knockdown models had successfully been constructed. The associations among CagA, miR-155-5p, and SMAD2/SP1 were evaluated using RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and rescue experiments. (3) Results: The expression of miR-155-5p was significantly reduced in GC cells, and the expression of miR-155-5p was further reduced after CagA induction. Both overexpressed CagA and knockdown miR-155-5p cell models enhanced malignant transformation, whereas overexpressed miR-155-5p inhibited malignant transformation in vitro. The function of miR-155-5p on GC cells could be influenced by CagA. We also found that the influence of miR-155-5p on SMAD2 and SP1 could be regulated by CagA. (4) Conclusions: CagA potentially regulates the biological function of GC cells through the miR-155-5p/SMAD2/SP1 axis. miR-155-5p could be a therapeutic target for GC related to CagA.

MicroRNA-155-5p Targets NR3C2 to Promote Malignant Progression of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The molecular heterogeneity of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) leads to a high mortality of the disease, which seriously threatens the life of patients. Therefore, this study explored the functional significance and mechanism of microRNA-155-5p and nuclear receptor subfamily 3 group C member 2 (NR3C2) in the regulation of ccRCC.

METHODS

Expression levels of microRNA-155-5p and NR3C2 mRNA in ccRCC cells were analyzed by qRT-PCR, and the protein expression of NR3C2 in human ccRCC cells was measured by Western blot. Biological functions were determined through a series of in vitro experiments. The interaction between microRNA-155-5p and NR3C2 was tested by luciferase reporter gene assay. In addition, the effect of overexpressed or silenced microRNA-155-5p on cell phenotypes was evaluated in ccRCC cells.

RESULTS

Experimental data suggested that overexpression or silencing of microRNA-155-5p in ccRCC could boost or suppress cancer cell proliferation and other malignant behaviors. Rescue experiments revealed that microRNA-155-5p facilitated the proliferation, migration, and invasion and suppressed the apoptosis of ccRCC by directly inhibiting the expression of NR3C2.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to generate new insights into the role of microRNA-155-5p/NR3C2 interaction in promoting the process of ccRCC, and it is possible to bring a turning point for the treatment of ccRCC.

Icariin inhibits the malignant progression of lung cancer by affecting the PI3K/Akt pathway through the miR‑205‑5p/PTEN axis

Icariin (ICA) is one of the main bioactive monomer belonging to the flavonoid glycosides that has been widely studied in multiple diseases, including lung cancer. Although ICA has shown anticancer effects, its specific molecular mechanism of action remains to be elucidated. In the present study, the expression of microRNA (miR)-205-5p and Phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) in human lung cancer and bronchial cells were analyzed. Cell viability, colony formation, migration, invasion, apoptosis and cell cycle distribution were investigated in vitro. In addition, the function of ICA on tumor growth was determined using a xenotransplantation model. The results showed that ICA decreased the viability of lung cancer cells. In addition, miR-205-5p was upregulated in lung cancer tissues but downregulated following ICA treatment, while PTEN showed a significantly lower expression in lung cancer cells. miR-205-5p could increase cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion and cell cycle progression while suppressing cell apoptosis. Importantly, rescue experiment results showed that ICA could target the miR-205-5p/PTEN axis to affect the PI3K/Akt signaling, thereby suppressing the malignant cell phenotype of lung cancer. Finally, animal experiments confirmed that ICA could inhibit lung cancer growth in vivo. Taken together, our findings suggest that miR-205-5p is a key gene targeted by ICA to inhibit lung cancer progression.

GATA3 Inhibits Viral Infection by Promoting MicroRNA-155 Expression

Recognition of viral RNAs by melanoma differentiation associated gene-5 (MDA5) initiates chicken antiviral response by producing type I interferons. Our previous studies showed that chicken microRNA-155-5p (gga-miR-155-5p) enhanced IFN-β expression and suppressed the replication of infectious burse disease virus (IBDV), a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) virus causing infectious burse disease in chickens. However, the mechanism underlying IBDV-induced gga-miR-155-5p expression in host cells remains elusive. Here, we show that IBDV infection or poly(I:C) treatment of DF-1 cells markedly increased the expression of GATA-binding protein 3 (GATA3), a master regulator for TH2 cell differentiation, and that GATA3 promoted gga-miR-155-5p expression in IBDV-infected or poly(I:C)-treated cells by directly binding to its promoter. Surprisingly, ectopic expression of GATA3 significantly reduced IBDV replication in DF-1 cells, and this reduction could be completely abolished by treatment with gga-miR-155-5p inhibitors, whereas knockdown of GATA3 by RNA interference enhanced IBDV growth, and this enhancement could be blocked with gga-miR-155-5p mimics, indicating that GATA3 suppressed IBDV replication by gga-miR-155-5p. Furthermore, our data show that MDA5 is required for GATA3 expression in host cells with poly(I:C) treatment, so are the adaptor protein TBK1 and transcription factor IRF7, suggesting that induction of GATA3 expression in IBDV-infected cells relies on MDA5-TBK1-IRF7 signaling pathway. These results uncover a novel role for GATA3 as an antivirus transcription factor in innate immune response by promoting miR-155 expression, further our understandings of host response against pathogenic infection, and provide valuable clues to the development of antiviral reagents for public health. IMPORTANCE Gga-miR-155-5p acts as an important antivirus factor against IBDV infection, which causes a severe immunosuppressive disease in chicken. Elucidation of the mechanism regulating gga-miR-155-5p expression in IBDV-infected cells is essential to our understandings of the host response against pathogenic infection. This study shows that transcription factor GATA3 initiated gga-miR-155-5p expression in IBDV-infected cells by directly binding to its promoter, suppressing viral replication. Furthermore, induction of GATA3 expression was attributable to the recognition of dsRNA by MDA5, which initiates signal transduction via TBK1 and IRF7. Thus, it is clear that IBDV induces GATA3 expression via MDA5-TBK1-IRF7 signaling pathway, thereby suppressing IBDV replication by GATA3-mediated gga-miR-155-5p expression. This information remarkably expands our knowledge of the roles for GATA3 as an antivirus transcription factor in host innate immune response particularly at an RNA level and may prove valuable in the development of antiviral drugs for public health.

MicroRNA-22-3p and MicroRNA-149-5p Inhibit Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Growth and Metastasis Properties by Regulating Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase

microRNAs are small endogenous noncoding RNAs that have emerged as key negative regulators that target gene expression through RISC. Our previous study showed that the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene (MTHFR) plays a key role in one carbon metabolism, which is downregulated by miR-22-3p and miR-149-5p, and that it could exert a potential anti-cancer effect. Whether miR-22-3p/miR-149-5p can regulate MTHFR to exert anti-cancer effects has become the focus of our research. Normal (HL-7702 cells) and cancerous (QGY-7703/HepG2 cells) human hepatocellular cells were transfected with 100 nM hsa-miR-22-3p/hsa-miR-149-5p mimic or controls. After 24, 48, and 72 h, cell proliferation ability was tested using CCK-8. The changes in MTHFR expression at both the transcriptional and translational levels were determined by RT-qPCR and Western blotting, respectively. Cancerous cell invasion and migration ability were confirmed by means of a transwell assay. We found that ectopic miR-22-3p/miR-149-5p inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation but does not inhibit normal human hepatocyte proliferation. The transfection of ectopic miR-22-3p/miR-149-5p downregulated the MTHFR expression in QGY-7703 and HepG2 but not in HL-7702. QGY-7703 and HepG2 migration and invasion were inhibited by ectopic miR-22-3p/miR-149-5p. Additionally, we found that ectopic miR-22-3p/miR-149-5p significantly increased the expression of TP53INP1 and PDCD4 in QGY-7703. The results of the study suggest that miRNA-22-3p and miRNA-149-5p inhibit tumor growth and metastasis properties may be by regulating MTHFR and that they exert anticancer effects in hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

MicroRNA-155-5p Contributes to 5-Fluorouracil Resistance Through Down-Regulating TP53INP1 in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

The anticancer drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) resistance is a major obstacle to reducing the effectiveness of cancer treatment, and its detailed mechanism has not been fully elucidated. Here, in 5-FU-resistant human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) HSC3 cells (HSC3/5-FU), the levels of 21 miRNA candidates were detected using RT-PCR and miR-155-5p level increased strikingly in HSC3/5-FU cells compared to HSC3 cells. Compared with HSC3 cells, the CCK-8 assay showed that the HSC3/5-FU cells transfected with miR-155-5p inhibitors decreased 5-FU IC50. Ectopic expression of miR-155-5p in HSC3 and HSC4 cells increased 5-FU IC50 (CCK-8 assay), migration (wound-healing and transwell assays) and invasion (transwell assay) abilities. Seven miR-155-5p target candidates were discovered by miRNA prediction algorithms (miRDB, Targetscan, and miRWalk), and the RT-PCR results showed that in HSC3/5-FU cells TP53INP1 was of the lowest mRNA expression level compared with HSC3 cells. The RT-PCR and Western blotting assays showed that ectopic expression of miR-155-5p in HSC3 and HSC4 cells decreased TP53INP1 expression level. Furthermore, the luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assays determined the interference effect of miR-155-5p on TP53INP1 expression. The enhancement of cell viability (CCK-8 assay), migration (wound-healing and transwell assays) and invasion (transwell assay) by miR-155-5p after 5-FU treatment was reversed by TP53INP1 overexpression. After treatment with 5-FU, HSC3-miR-155-5p tumor-bearing nude mice presented growing tumors, while HSC3-TP53INP1 group possessed shrinking tumors. In conclusion, these results lead to the proposal that miR-155-5p enhances 5-FU resistance by decreasing TP53INP1 expression in OSCC.

Cervical Cancer, Papillomavirus, and miRNA Dysfunction

Cervical cancer is the leading cause of death by cancer in women from developing countries. Persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18 is a major risk factor for cervical carcinogenesis. Nevertheless, only a few women with morphologic expression of HPV infection progress into invasive disease suggesting the involvement of other factors in cervical carcinogenesis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are conserved small non-coding RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression including genes involved in fundamental biological processes and human cancer. Dysregulation of miRNAs has been widely reported in cervical cancer. This work focuses on reviewing the miRNAs affected during the HPV infection process, as well relevant miRNAs that contribute to the development and maintenance of malignant cervical tumor cells. Finally, we recapitulate on miRNAs that may be used to distinguish between healthy individuals from patients with precancerous lesions or cervical tumors.

Tribulus terrestris L. protects glomerular endothelial cells via the miR155-H2AC6 interaction network in hypertensive renal injury

Background

Hypertensive renal injury is one of the most lethal complications of hypertension. At present, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) blockers are considered the best drugs for the treatment of renal injury in hypertension because of their nephroprotective effect of reducing proteinuria, but there are no specific drugs for this purpose, however, clinical trials proved that Chinese medicine has a protective effect on target organs in the treatment of hypertension. Tribulus terrestris L. (TrT), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has potential applications due to its reno-protective and immunomodulatory effects.

Methods

We investigated the underlying reno-protective mechanism of TrT on Angiotensin II (AngII)-induced hypertensive renal injury in glomerular endothelial cells by integrating the differential expression profiles of micro RNA (miRNA) and messenger RNA (mRNA) to construct a miRNA-mRNA interaction network associated with hypertensive kidney injury, followed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) for validation.

Results

Seventy-six differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs) and 1 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) were identified in the control group and the AngII-induced hypertensive renal injury group, respectively. 110 DEmRNAs and 27 DEmiRNAs were identified in the TrT treatment group and the AngII-induced group, respectively. The core component of the miRNA-mRNA network was miR-155-5p. Our study showed that miR-155-5p expression levels were more decreased in the AngII-induced hypertensive renal injury group than the control group. TrT treatment also significantly upregulated miR-155-5p. Additionally, we found that miR-155-5p expression levels were negatively correlated with H2A clustered histone 6 (H2AC6).

Conclusions

The results of this study indicate that TrT has a reno-protective effect on AngII-induced hypertensive renal injury by miR-155-5p, which negatively regulates the expression of H2AC6. Our findings offer a new therapeutic strategy and have identified an effective candidate target for the treatment of hypertensive renal injury in clinical settings.

Identification of miR-885-5p as a tumor biomarker: regulation of cellular function in cervical cancer

OBJECTIVES

MicroRNAs were revealed as biomarkers for early detection or prognosis predictors of cancer and were involved in the progression of cancer. The present study investigated the expression pattern, potential clinical, and functional role of miR-885-5p in cervical cancer.

DESIGN

A total of 115 pairs of cervical cancer tissue specimens and adjacent non-tumor paracancerous tissue specimens were collected from the cervical cancer patients who underwent surgical resection or biopsy without preoperative systemic therapy at Maternity and Child Health Care of Zaozhuang from 2012 to 2014. Participants/Materials, Setting, Methods: The expression levels of miR-885-5p in cervical cancer were measured using the qRT-PCR assay. A follow-up study was conducted and the Kaplan-Meier method with log-rank test was used to analyze the potential clinical significance of miR-885-5p in cervical cancer. The functional experiments including CCK-8, Transwell migration, and invasion assays were used to investigate the biological function of miR-885-5p in cervical cancer cells.

RESULTS

miR-885-5p expression was decreased in tumor tissues and tumor cell lines compared to normal control. Low expression of miR-885-5p was related to lymph node metastasis, late FIGO stage, and shorter overall survival outcome. Ascending expression of miR-885-5p inhibited the proliferative, migratory, and invasive abilities of cervical cancer cells, while downregulation of miR-885-5p promoted these cellular abilities of cervical cancer cells in vitro.

LIMITATIONS

The patient population size was limited, thus the clinical significance of miR-885-5p requires further verification. Secondly, the precise mechanism of miR-885-5p in cervical cancer still exclusive. In future studies, a larger sample size will be required to confirm the prognostic value of miR-885-5p in cervical cancer, and the possible targets, as well as the detailed mechanism of miR-885-5p, will be investigated.

CONCLUSIONS

miR-885-5p expression was decreased in cervical cancer and downregulation of miR-885-5p promoted the progression of cervical cancer cells. miR-885-5p may be an independent prognostic predictor and therapeutic target for treating cervical cancer.

Long noncoding RNA NORAD acts as a ceRNA mediates gemcitabine resistance in bladder cancer by sponging miR-155-5p to regulate WEE1 expression

BACKGROUND

Increasing evidences have proved that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate the occurrence of bladder cancer (BC) and participate in various pathophysiology processes. However, little is unknown about the role of lncRNAs in drug resistance of BC cells. In this study, we explored the role of non-coding RNA activated by DNA damage (NORAD) in the gemcitabine (GEM) resistant of BC cells and explored its potential mechanism.

METHODS

Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to detect the expression of NORAD and miR-155-5p of BC cells. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and Western blot were used to detect cell inhibition rate and the expression of WEE1 G2 checkpoint kinase (WEE1), P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP1). Flow cytometry detected cell cycle and apoptosis. Dual luciferase reporter gene assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay were used to confirm the targeting relationship between miR-155-5p, NORAD and WEE1. The xenograft model was used to observe the function of NORAD in vivo. immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay was used to detect the expression of WEE1, caspase-3 and Ki67 in tumor tissues.

RESULTS

NORAD highly expressed in GEM-resistant BC cell lines. Knockdown of NORAD significantly inhibited the proliferation of T24/GEM cells, the expression of drug-resistant proteins P-gp and MRP1, inhibit the G0/G1 phase of cells, and induce cell apoptosis. Knockdown of NORAD reversed the promotion effect of miR-155-5p on WEE1 expression and promoted the sensitivity of T24/GEM cells to GEM. In vivo, knockdown of NORAD inhibited the tumor growth, and enhanced the GEM-sensitivity in mice.

CONCLUSION

These data highlight the potential of NORAD acts as a therapeutic target for BC GEM resistance. It revealed the vital roles of NORAD/miR-155-5p/WEE1 axis in GEM resistant BC cells, providing a novel therapeutic strategy for BC.

Prolonged sub-lethal exposure to galaxolide (HHCB) and tonalide (AHTN) promotes the metastatic potential of glioblastoma tumor spheroids

Galaxolide and tonalide are well-known polycyclic musks whose intensive use without limitations in numerous cleaning, hygiene, and personal care products has resulted in widespread direct human exposure via absorption, inhalation, and oral ingestion. Latest data shows that long-term, low-dose exposure to toxic chemicals can induce unpredictable harmful effects in a variety of living systems, however, interactions between synthetic musks and brain tumours remain largely unexplored. Glioblastoma (GB) accounts for nearly half of all tumours of the central nervous system and is characterized by very poor prognosis. The aims of this study were (1) to investigate the potential effect of long-term (20-generation) single and combined application of galaxolide and tonalide at sub-lethal doses (5-2.5 u M) on the angiogenesis, invasion, and migration of human U87 cells or tumour spheroids, and (2) to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. Random amplified polymorphic DNA assays revealed significant DNA damage and increased total mutation load in galaxolide- and/or tonalide-treated U87 cells. In those same groups, we also detected remarkable tumour spheroid invasion and up-regulation of both HIF1-α/VEGF/MMP9 and IL6/JAK2/STAT3 signals, known to have important roles in hypoxia-related angiogenesis and/or proliferation. Prolonged musk treatment further altered angio-miRNA expression in a manner consistent with poor prognosis in GB. We also detected significant over-expression of the genes Slug, Snail, ZEB1, and Vimentin, which are biomarkers of epithelial to mesenchymal transition. In addition, matrigel, transwell, and wound healing assays clearly showed that long-term sub-lethal exposure to galaxolide and/or tonalide induced invasion and migration proposing a high metastatic potential. Our results suggest that assessing expression of HIF-1a, VEGF, STAT3, and the miR-17-92 cluster in biopsy samples of GB patients who have a history of possible long-term exposure to galaxolide or tonalide could be beneficial for deciding a therapy regime. Additionally, we recommend that extensively-used hygiene and cleaning materials be selected from synthetic musk-free products, especially when used in palliative care processes for GB patients.

Circ-ABCB10 knockdown inhibits the malignant progression of cervical cancer through microRNA-128-3p/ZEB1 axis

AIMS

We focused on the detailed functions of circ-ABCB10 in cervical cancer (CC) development and its mechanisms.

BACKGROUND

The increasing findings have proposed the central roles of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in the tumorigenesis of various human cancers. Circ-ABCB10 displays promising oncogenic effect in several tumors.

METHODS

Circ-ABCB10 and miR-128-3p production levels in CC tissues and cells were tested through RT-qPCR. The association of circ-ABCB10 expression with clinicopathologic parameters of CC patients was statistically analyzed. Cell proliferation, invasion, apoptosis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were evaluated by MTT, transwell invasion assays, flow cytometry analyses, and western blot examination of EMT markers. The binding activity between miR-128-3p and circ-ABCB10 or zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) was explored through pull-down assay or luciferase reporter assay. The influence of circ-ABCB10 on CC tumorigenesis was evaluated by in vivo xenograft experiments.

RESULTS

The elevated circ-ABCB10 expression was determined in CC tissues and cells. Moreover, higher production level of circ-ABCB10 was close related to lymph-node metastasis, Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, and tumor size in CC patients. Loss of circ-ABCB10 weakened cell proliferative and invasive abilities, inhibited EMT, and induced apoptosis in CC. Loss of circ-ABCB10 inhibited ZEB1 expression by serving as a sponge of miR-128-3p in CC cells. Circ-ABCB10 sponged miR-128-3p to enhance cell proliferation, invasion, EMT and inhibit apoptosis in CC cells. Xenograft tumor assays confirmed that circ-ABCB10 knockdown inhibited CC tumor growth.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that circ-ABCB10 depletion inhibits proliferation, invasion and EMT and promotes apoptosis of cervical cancer cells through miR-128-3p/ZEB1 axis and represses CC tumor growth.

Cervical cancer development, chemoresistance, and therapy: a snapshot of involvement of microRNA

Cervical cancer (CC) is one of the leading causes of death in women due to cancer and a major concern in the developing world. Persistent human papilloma virus (HPV) infection is the major causative agent for CC. Besides HPV infection, genetic and epigenetic factors including microRNA (miRNA) also contribute to the malignant transformation. Earlier studies have revealed that miRNAs participate in cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis, angiogenesis, and chemoresistance processes by binding and inversely regulating the target oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes. Based on functions and mechanistic insights, miRNAs have been identified as cellular modulators that have an enormous role in diagnosis, prognosis, and cancer therapy. Signatures of miRNA could be used as diagnostic markers which are necessary for early diagnosis and management of CC. The therapeutic potential of miRNAs has been shown in CC; however, more comprehensive clinical trials are required for the clinical translation of miRNA-based diagnostics and therapeutics. Understanding the molecular mechanism of miRNAs and their target genes has been useful to develop miRNA-based therapeutic strategies for CC and overcome chemoresistance. In this review, we summarize the role of miRNAs in the development, progression, and metastasis of CC as well as chemoresistance. Further, we discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of miRNAs to overcome chemoresistance and treatment of CC.

The Clinical Significance and Functional Role of miR-466 in Gastric Cancer Peritoneal Metastasis

The prognosis of metastasis gastric cancer patients remains poor and the identification of novel molecular markers will improve the management of gastric cancer patients. The present study aimed to investigate the clinical significance and functional role of miR-466 in gastric cancer peritoneal metastasis. miR-466 expression was confirmed by RT-qPCR. The biological functions were examined by MTT assay, Transwell migration, and invasion assays. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve and multivariate Cox regression analysis were used to investigate the clinical role of miR-466. The logistic regression analysis was performed to reveal the risk factors associated with peritoneal metastasis. miR-466 expression was downregulated in gastric cancer cell lines, tumor tissues, and peritoneal metastasis tissues compared with respective controls. Increased miR-466 expression inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion of gastric cancer cells. Besides, the lower expression of miR-466 in gastric cancer patients was associated with peritoneal dissemination. Furthermore, multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analyses demonstrated miR-466 expression level as an independent predictor of prognosis of gastric cancer. The present study provides novel evidence for the clinical and biological significance of miR-466 expression as a possible biomarker for the prognosis and identifying patients with peritoneal metastasis, as well as a potential therapeutic target in patients with gastric cancer.

MicroRNAs in Cancer: From Gene Expression Regulation to the Metastatic Niche Reprogramming

By 2003, the Human Genome project had been completed; however, it turned out that 97% of genome sequences did not encode proteins. The explanation came later when it was found the untranslated DNA contain sequences for short microRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs that did not produce any mRNAs or tRNAs, but instead were involved in the regulation of gene expression. Initially identified in the cytoplasm, miRNAs have been found in all cell compartments, where their functions are not limited to the degradation of target mRNAs. miRNAs that are secreted into the extracellular space as components of exosomes or as complexes with proteins, participate in morphogenesis, regeneration, oncogenesis, metastasis, and chemoresistance of tumor cells. miRNAs play a dual role in oncogenesis: on one hand, they act as oncogene suppressors; on the other hand, they function as oncogenes themselves and inactivate oncosuppressors, stimulate tumor neoangiogenesis, and mediate immunosuppressive processes in the tumors, The review presents current concepts of the miRNA biogenesis and their functions in the cytoplasm and nucleus with special focus on the noncanonical mechanisms of gene regulation by miRNAs and involvement of miRNAs in oncogenesis, as well as the authors' opinion on the role of miRNAs in metastasis and formation of the premetastatic niche.

Polymerase Chain Reaction in the Detection of miR-455-5p and Sphingosine-1 Phosphate Proteins in Cervical Carcinoma with the Help of Gold Nanoparticles-Based

This study aimed to detect miR-455-5p and S1PR1 proteins using nanoparticle-assisted polymerase chain reaction (nano-PCR) to determine their correlation with cervical carcinoma prognosis. To achieve this study's goals, we selected 48 cervical carcinoma patients between January 2014 to January 2016 and subjected them to the miR-455-5p test by nano-PCR. The collected samples were then divided into two groups based on miR-455-5p levels. We had four HeLa cell groups, one group as the control, and one group overexpressed the miR-455-5p protein. A third group was miR-455-5p silent, and a separate group overexpressed both the miR-455-5p and S1PR1 proteins. Results also proved that the nano-PCR had a higher sensitivity than RT-PCR, and patients with poor prognosis had lesser miR-455-5p levels. Similarly, high levels of miR-455-5 contributed to cancer cell apoptosis and migration inhibition by targeting S1PR1 expression negatively. These two biomarkers are therefore significantly related to the prognosis of cervical carcinoma patients.

Breast Cancer and Anaesthesia: Genetic Influence

Breast cancer is the leading cause of mortality in women. It is a heterogeneous disease with a high degree of inter-subject variability even in patients with the same type of tumor, with individualized medicine having acquired significant relevance in this field. The clinical and morphological heterogeneity of the different types of breast tumors has led to a diversity of staging and classification systems. Thus, these tumors show wide variability in genetic expression and prognostic biomarkers. Surgical treatment is essential in the management of these patients. However, the perioperative period has been found to significantly influence survival and cancer recurrence. There is growing interest in the pro-tumoral effect of different anaesthetic and analgesic agents used intraoperatively and their relationship with metastatic progression. There is cumulative evidence of the influence of anaesthetic techniques on the physiopathological mechanisms of survival and growth of the residual neoplastic cells released during surgery. Prospective randomized clinical trials are needed to obtain quality evidence on the relationship between cancer and anaesthesia. This document summarizes the evidence currently available about the effects of the anaesthetic agents and techniques used in primary cancer surgery and long-term oncologic outcomes, and the biomolecular mechanisms involved in their interaction.

MicroRNAs' role in the environment-related non-communicable diseases and link to multidrug resistance, regulation, or alteration

The discovery of microRNAs (miRNAs) 20 years ago has advocated a new era of "small molecular genetics." About 2000 miRNAs are present that regulate one third of the genome. MiRNA dysregulated expression arising as a response to our environment insult or stress or changes may contribute to several diseases, namely non-communicable diseases, including tumor growth. Their presence in body fluids, reflecting level alteration in various cancers, merit circulating miRNAs as the "next-generation biomarkers" for early-stage tumor diagnosis and/or prognosis. Herein, we performed a comprehensive literature search focusing on the origin, biosynthesis, and role of miRNAs and summarized the foremost studies centering on miR value as non-invasive biomarkers in different environment-related non-communicable diseases, including various cancer types. Moreover, during chemotherapy, many miRNAs were linked to multidrug resistance, via modulating numerous, environment triggered or not, biological processes and/or pathways that will be highlighted as well.

miR-155-5p Promotes Cell Proliferation and Migration of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma by Targeting PEG3

OBJECTIVE

miR-155-5p as an important microRNA has been extensively studied for its biological functions and mechanisms in various cancers. However, the role and underlying mechanisms in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) remain to be further elucidated.

METHODS

Bioinformatics methods were implemented to analyze differentially expressed genes in the cancer genome atlas database. qRT-PCR and Western blot were employed to detect the expression of miR-155-5p and paternally expressed gene 3 (PEG3) mRNA as well as protein expression. Cell lines with miR-155-5p knockdown or miR-155-5p/PEG3 co-overexpression were constructed. A series of experiments including the MTT method, wound healing assay, and transwell assay were carried out to detect the proliferation, migration, and invasion of cancer cells in different treatment groups. Bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase assay were conducted to confirm the targeting relationship between PEG3 and miR-155-5p in ccRCC.

RESULTS

miR-155-5p was found to be significantly upregulated in ccRCC cells, while PEG3 exhibited significantly low expression. The downregulation of miR-155-5p could inhibit cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of ccRCC. miR-155-5p could inhibit the expression of PEG3. The overexpression of miR-155-5p could promote cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, whereas overexpression of PEG3 could significantly attenuate such effect. Therefore, miR-155-5p may promote cell growth of ccRCC via inhibiting PEG3 expression.

CONCLUSION

These findings validated the effect of miR-155-5p/PEG3 on ccRCC cells and provided novel potential targets for the prognosis and treatment of patients with ccRCC.

MicroRNA-155-5p promotes cell proliferation and invasion in lung squamous cell carcinoma through negative regulation of fibroblast growth factor 9 expression

Background

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) ranks first for mortality among all malignancies. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one of the main types of NSCLC. Previous studies have found that fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9) is closely related to lung SCC via different molecular regulatory mechanisms. This study aimed to explore the relationship between microRNA-155-5p (miR-155-5p) and FGF9 gene expression and their effects on the proliferation and invasion of lung SCC through experiments, in order to provide theoretical basis for overcoming this disease.

Methods

Fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction was employed for the detection miR-155-5p and FGF9 expression in lung SCC tissues (n=40) and the corresponding adjacent normal tissues. The expression of FGF9 in the cancerous and adjacent tissues was detected by western blot. Transwell assay used to verify the effect of miR-155-5p on FGF-induced invasion and migration. Finally, subcutaneous tumor formation experiments in nude mice were used to verify how miR-155-5p and FGF9 affect the proliferative ability of lung SCC cells.

Results

The results of fluorescence quantitative PCR revealed that miR-155-5p and FGF9 were expressed at high and low levels, respectively, in lung SCC tissue samples relative to normal adjacent tissue samples. Western blot analysis of 6 lung SCC tissue samples revealed a significantly reduced level of FGF9. Correlation analysis uncovered that miR-155-5p and FGF9 share a significant negative correlation in lung SCC. At the messenger RNA and protein levels miR-155-5p could negatively regulate the expression of FGF9. Bioinformatics and dual luciferase reporter assay results confirmed FGF9 to be a downstream regulatory gene targeted by miR-155-5p. Our in vitro and in vivo results demonstrated that FGF9 overexpression exerted a significant inhibitory effect on miR-155-5p’s ability to promote lung cancer cell growth, invasion, and proliferation.

Conclusions

Our results show that miR-155-5p, as an oncogene, negative regulates FGF9 expression to promote SCC occurrence and development in the lungs.

The role of HPV-induced epigenetic changes in cervical carcinogenesis (Review)

Cervical cancer is associated with infection by certain types of human papillomaviruses (HPVs), and this affects women worldwide. Despite the improvements in prevention and cure of HPV-induced cervical cancer, it remains the second most common type of cancer in women in the least developed regions of the world. Epigenetic modifications are stable long-term changes that occur in the DNA, and are part of a natural evolutionary process of necessary adaptations to the environment. They do not result in changes in the DNA sequence, but do affect gene expression and genomic stability. Epigenetic changes are important in several biological processes. The effects of the environment on gene expression can contribute to the development of numerous diseases. Epigenetic modifications may serve a critical role in cancer cells, by silencing tumor suppressor genes, activating oncogenes, and exacerbating defects in DNA repair mechanisms. Although cervical cancer is directly related to a persistent high-risk HPV infection, several epigenetic changes have been identified in both the viral DNA and the genome of the infected cells: DNA methylation, histone modification and gene silencing by non-coding RNAs, which initiate and sustain epigenetic changes. In the present review, recent advances in the role of epigenetic changes in cervical cancer are summarized.

Role of miRNAs in cervical cancer: A comprehensive novel approach from pathogenesis to therapy

Human papillomaviruses (HPV) infection is a major causative agent and strongly associated with the development of cervical cancer. Understanding the mechanisms of HPV-induced cervical cancer is extremely useful in therapeutic strategies for primary prevention (HPV vaccines) and secondary prevention (screening and diagnosis of precancerous lesions). However, due to the lack of proper implementation of screening programs in developing countries, cervical cancer is usually diagnosed at advanced stages that result in poor treatment responses. Nearly half of the patients will experience disease recurrence within two years post treatment. Therefore, it is vital to identify new tools for early diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment prediction. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs, implicated in posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression. Growing evidence has shown that abnormal miRNA expression is associated with cervical cancer progression, metastasis, and influences treatment outcomes. In this review, we provide comprehensive information about miRNA and their potential utility in cervical cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and clinical management to improve patient outcomes.

Pap Smear miR-92a-5p and miR-155-5p as potential diagnostic biomarkers of squamous intraepithelial cervical cancer

BACKGROUND

one of the female-specific diseases with a high incidence and mortality is cervical cancer. The main cause of cervical cancer is infection with Human papilloma virus (HPV). Low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) and High-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) usually is caused by an HPV infection. Considering the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) as diagnostic biomarkers for a variety of cancers, the aim of this study was to determine miR-92a-5p and miR-155-5p expression levels in LSIL and HSIL Pap Smear samples.

METHODS

After initial bioinformatic studies, A total of 75 samples (25 samples of patients with LSIL, 25 patients with HSIL and 25 healthy individuals) were subjected to RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis. The expressions levels of confirmed miRNAs in samples of patients with LSIL, HSIL and healthy individuals were evaluated by Real time PCR analysis. To demonstration the role of predicted miRNAs as novel biomarkers in diagnosis of LSIL and HSIL, ROC curve analysis was done.

RESULTS

Bioinformatics results showed that miR-92a-5p and miR-155-5p target the HPV E6 and E7 genes. The expression levels of these miRNAs were strikingly higher in Pap smear of patients with LSIL than in the healthy individuals (35.36, P = 0.001) (62.23, P = 0.001). Similarity, expression levels of miR-92a-5p and miR-155-5p were amazingly higher in patients with HSIL than in the healthy individuals (33.62, P= 0.001) (69.07, P= 0.001). Although, the levels of miR-92a-5p (0.95, P = 0. 85) and miR-155-5p (1.11, P = 0.84) exhibited no statistical differences between patients with LSIL and HSIL. Also, ROC curve analyses verified that miR-92a-5p and miR-155-5p are specific and sensitive and may serve as new biomarkers for the early detection of cervical cancer.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest miR-92a-5p and miR-155-5p, which are upregulated in LSIL and HSIL, can be consider as predictive biomarkers for the prognosis of cervical cancer patients.
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Circular RNA CHST15 Sponges miR-155-5p and miR-194-5p to Promote the Immune Escape of Lung Cancer Cells Mediated by PD-L1

Background

The effects of up-regulated CircCHST15 on lung cancer remained unclear. In this study, the role of CircCHST15 in lung cancer was investigated.

Methods

Dual-luciferase reporter verified the bioinformatics prediction that CircCHST15 targeted miR-155-5p and miR-194-5p. The correlation between CircCHST15 and PD-L1 was analyzed by Pearson analysis. CCK-8 and colony formation was performed to determine the viability and proliferation of lung cancer cells. After the lung cancer (subcutaneous-xenotransplant) model was established in mice, the T cell subtype and related cytokines in mouse tumor tissues were detected by flow cytometry and ELISA. Moreover, the expressions of CircCHST15, miR-155-5p, miR-194-5p, immune-related, and proliferation-related factors of the lung cancer cells or mice tumor tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry, RT-qPCR, or Western blot.

Results

CircCHST15 and PD-L1 were high-expressed in lung cancer, and the two was positively correlated. CircCHST15 targeted miR-155-5p and miR-194-5p, the later further targeted PD-L1. Lung cancer cell viability and proliferation were increased by miR-155-5p and inhibited by miR-194-5p. CircCHST15 located in the cytoplasm promoted tumor growth, down-regulated the expressions of miR-155-5p and miR-194-5p, and up-regulated the expressions of PD-L1, Ki-67, PCNA, CCL17, CCL22, IFN-γ, TNF-β, and IL-10. Also, CircCHST15 decreased the CD8⁺ cells in mouse blood and tumor, but increased the Tregs in mouse tumor. PD-L1 inhibitor showed an opposite effect to CircCHST15 on mouse tumors.

Conclusion

CircCHST15 sponged miR-155-5p and miR-194-5p to promote the PD-L1-mediated immune escape of lung cancer cells.

LncRNA NEAT1 activates MyD88/NF-κB pathway in bronchopneumonia through targeting miR-155-5p

BACKGROUND

Bronchopneumonia is a disease of the respiratory tract. It leads to other complications and endangers life and health. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) participates in the occurrence and development of bronchopneumonia. Nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1) plays a key role in inflammatory diseases, but the function of NEAT1 in bronchopneumonia remains unclear.

METHODS

RT-qPCR and Western blotting were performed to determine genes and proteins expressions. MTT was applied to test cell viability. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. RIP was used to investigate the correlation between NEAT1 and miR-155-5p. The interaction between miR-155-5p and NEAT1 or MyD88 was evaluated by the dual-luciferase reporter gene.

RESULTS

NEAT1 and MyD88 were upregulated in BEAS-2B cells by LPS, while miR-155-5p was downregulated. Knockdown of NEAT1 inhibited LPS-induced BEAS-2B cells growth inhibition by inhibiting the apoptosis. In addition, NEAT1 silencing suppressed LPS-induced inflammatory responses in BEAS-2B cells via suppression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-18. Meanwhile, NEAT1 is directly bound to miR-155-5p to regulate MyD88/NF-κB axis, and overexpression of miR-155-5p increased cell proliferation and suppressed inflammatory factors expression levels and cell apoptosis. Furthermore, sh-NEAT1-induced inhibition of BEAS-2B cells injury was partially reversed by miR-155-5p inhibitor or MyD88 overexpression.

CONCLUSION

NEAT1 silencing suppressed LPS-induced BEAS-2B cells injury and inflammation by the mediation of miR-155-5p/MyD88/NF-κB axis. Thus, our study might shed new light on exploring the new strategies for the treatment of bronchopneumonia.

CircTP63 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression by sponging miR-155-5p and upregulating ZBTB18

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the leading cause of tumor-related death worldwide due to high morbidity and mortality, yet lacking effective biomarkers and therapies. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a group of non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression through interacting with miRNAs, implicating in the tumorigenesis and progression. A novel circRNA, circTP63, was reported to be an oncogene in HCC. However, its role in HCC remains unclear.

METHODS

qRT-PCR was used to assess the mRNA levels of CircTP63 in 90 pairs of tumor and adjacent normal tissues from HCC patients, one human normal hepatic epithelial cell line and HCC cell lines. CCK-8, colony formation, transwell, and flow cytometry assays were performed to detect the cellular function of circTP63/miR-155-5p/ZBTB18 in HCC cells. HCC xenograft mice models were established to assess the in vivo effect of circTP63. Bioinformatic analysis, RNA pull-down and luciferase assays were used to determine the interaction among circTP63/miR-155-5p/ZBTB18.

RESULTS

circTP63 was significantly upregulated in HCC tissues and cell lines. High circTP63 expression is closely associated with the tumor stages, lymph node metastasis, and poor prognosis of HCC patients. Functionally, knockdown of circTP63 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and promoted cell apoptosis of HCC. Meanwhile, overexpression of circTP63 enhanced HCC progression. Mechanically, circTP63 was a sponge of miR-155-5p to facilitate the ZBTB18 expression, and the ZBTB18 expression in HCC tissues was negatively associated with the survival rate of HCC patients. Furthermore, rescued assays revealed that the reduced tumor-promoting effect on HCC cells induced by knockdown of circTP63 can be reversed by miR-155-5p inhibitor or ZBTB18 overexpression.

CONCLUSION

Our data highlight a critical circTP63-miR-155-5p-ZBTB18 regulatory network involved in the HCC progression, gaining mechanistic insights into the function of circRNAs in HCC progression, and providing effective biomarkers and therapeutic targets for HCC treatment.

Tumor-associated macrophages secret exosomal miR-155 and miR-196a-5p to promote metastasis of non-small-cell lung cancer

Background

Understanding the molecular basis underlying metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) may provide a new therapeutic modality for the treatment of NSCLC. However, the mechanisms by which tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) affect NSCLC metastasis remain undefined. In this study, we aimed to discover a novel regulatory pathway involved in NSCLC metastasis.

Methods

Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), Transwell, western blot assays were used to assess cell viability, migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Exosomes from macrophages medium were characterized, and in vitro cell coculture was further conducted to investigate M2 derived exosomes mediated crosstalk between TAMs and tumor cells. Besides, miRNA microarray was used to analyze miRNA expression profiles of M0 and M2 derived exosomes. Luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the potential binding between miRNA and mRNA. Moreover, 6-week-old male BALB/c nude mice were performed to establish transplantation tumor model using tail vein injection. Hematoxylin & eosin staining was used to detect the metastasis of tumor tissues.

Results

We found that M2 TAMs were the main TAMs in metastatic tissues of NSCLC patients and exosomes derived from M2 TAMs were able to promote cell viability, cell migration, cell invasion and EMT in NSCLC. We demonstrated that miR-155 and miR-196a-5p were abundant in M2 TAMs and exosomes secreted by M2 TAMs. Functional experiments demonstrated that the deletion of miR-155 and miR-196a-5p in M2 TAMs significantly prevented NSCLC metastasis in vitro and in vivo. To clarify the mechanism governing miR-155 and miR-196a-5p from M2 TAMs, we carried out bioinformatics analysis to predict potential target genes. Mechanistically, miR-155 and miR-196a-5p directly bound to the 3'-UTR of Ras association domain family member 4 (RASSF4), and negatively regulating RASSF4 expression. At last, rescue assays demonstrated that miR-155 and miR-196a-5p exerted its performance by RASSF4.

Conclusions

Overall, we revealed a new regulatory pathway that was M2 TAMs secreted exosomal miR-155 and miR-196a-5p to promote NSCLC metastasis. This dynamic and reciprocal cross-talk between NSCLC and macrophages innovatively provided a potential opportunity for diagnosis and treatment of NSCLC.

Hypoxia-Mediated Complement 1q Binding Protein Regulates Metastasis and Chemoresistance in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer and Modulates the PKC-NF-κB-VCAM-1 Signaling Pathway

Objectives

Complement 1q binding protein (C1QBP/HABP1/p32/gC1qR) has been found to be overexpressed in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). However, the underlying mechanisms of high C1QBP expression and its role in TNBC remain largely unclear. Hypoxia is a tumor-associated microenvironment that promotes metastasis and paclitaxel (PTX) chemoresistance in tumor cells. In this study, we aimed to assess C1QBP expression and explore its role in hypoxia-related metastasis and chemoresistance in TNBC.

Materials and Methods

RNA-sequencing of TNBC cells under hypoxia was performed to identify C1QBP. The effect of hypoxia inducible factor 1 subunit alpha (HIF-1α) on C1QBP expression was investigated using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay. The role of C1QBP in mediating metastasis, chemoresistance to PTX, and regulation of metastasis-linked vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) expression were studied using in vitro and in vivo experiments. Clinical tissue microarrays were used to verify the correlation of C1QBP with the expression of HIF-1α, VCAM-1, and RELA proto-oncogene nuclear factor-kappa B subunit (P65).

Results

We found that hypoxia-induced HIF-1α upregulated C1QBP. The inhibition of C1QBP notably blocked metastasis of TNBC cells and increased their sensitivity to PTX under hypoxic conditions. Depletion of C1QBP decreased VCAM-1 expression by reducing the amount of P65 in the nucleus and suppressed the activation of hypoxia-induced protein kinase C-nuclear factor-kappa B (PKC-NF-κB) signaling.immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining of the tissue microarray showed positive correlations between the C1QBP level and those of HIF-1α, P65, and VCAM-1.

Conclusion

Targeting C1QBP along with PTX treatment might be a potential treatment for TNBC patients.

LncRNA SNHG15 Knockdown Protects Against OGD/R-Induced Neuron Injury by Downregulating TP53INP1 Expression via Binding to miR-455-3p

Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is the common symptom of ischemic stroke, which poses a heavy burden to human health. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is indicated to be a critical regulator in cerebral ischemia. This study aims to reveal the effects of lncRNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 15 (SNHG15) on oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation (OGD/R)-induced neuron injury and underlying mechanism. The expression levels of SNHG15, microRNA-455-3p (miR-455-3p) and tumour protein p53 inducible nuclear protein 1 (TP53INP1) mRNA were determined by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction in P12 cells. The protein levels of TP53INP1, cleaved caspase-3, caspase-3, B-cell lymphoma-2 and BCL2-associated x protein (Bax) were detected by western blot in P12 cells. Cell viability and apoptosis were revealed by cell counting kit-8 assay and flow cytometry analysis, respectively, in P12 cells. Caspase-3 activity, the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were severally determined by caspase-3 activity assay, Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and ROS detection assay in P12 cells. The binding relationship between miR-455-3p and SNHG15 or TP53INP1 was predicted by starbase online database, and identified by dual-luciferase reporter, RNA pull-down or RNA immunoprecipitation assay. SNHG15 expression and the mRNA and protein levels of TP53INP1 were dramatically upregulated, while miR-455-3p expression was apparently downregulated in OGD/R-induced PC12 cells. SNHG15 silencing hindered the effects of OGD/R treatment on cell viability, apoptosis, inflammation and oxidative in PC12 cells; however, these impacts were restored after miR-455-3p inhibitor transfection. Additionally, SNHG15 acted as a sponge of miR-455-3p and miR-455-3p bound to TP53INP1. SNHG15 contributed to OGD/R-induced neuron injury by regulating miR-455-3p/TP53INP1 axis, which provided a novel insight to study lncRNA-directed therapy in ischemia stoke.

Lung cancer cells and their sensitivity/resistance to cisplatin chemotherapy: Role of microRNAs and upstream mediators

Cisplatin (CP) is a well-known chemotherapeutic agent with excellent clinical effects. The anti-tumor activity of CP has been demonstrated in different cancers such as breast, cervical, reproductive, lung, brain, and prostate cancers. However, resistance of cancer cells to CP chemotherapy has led to its failure in eradication of cancer cells, and subsequent death of patients with cancer. Fortunately, much effort has been put to identify molecular pathways and mechanisms involved in CP resistance/sensitivity. It seems that microRNAs (miRs) are promising candidates in mediating CP resistance/sensitivity, since they participate in different biological aspects of cells such as proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, and differentiation. In this review, we focus on miRs and their regulation in CP chemotherapy of lung cancer, as the most malignant tumor worldwide. Oncogenic miRs trigger CP resistance in lung cancer cells via targeting various pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, Rab6, CASP2, PTEN, and Apaf-1. In contrast, onco-suppressor miRs inhibit oncogene pathways such as STAT3 to suppress CP resistance. These topics are discussed to determine the role of miRs in CP resistance/sensitivity. We also describe the upstream modulators of miRs such as lncRNAs, circRNAs, NF-κB, SOX2 and TRIM65 and their association with CP resistance/sensitivity in lung cancer cells. Finally, the effect of anti-tumor plant-derived natural compounds on miR expression during CP sensitivity of lung cancer cells is discussed.

MicroRNAs in the Pathogenesis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Review

Simple Summary

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most frequently occurring cancers, and the prognosis for late-stage HCC remains poor. A better understanding of the pathogenesis of HCC is expected to improve outcomes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, noncoding, single-stranded RNAs that regulate the expression of various target genes, including those in cancer-associated genomic regions or fragile sites in various human cancers. We summarize the central roles of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of HCC and discuss their potential utility as valuable biomarkers and new therapeutic agents for HCC.

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the seventh most frequent cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Despite substantial advances in therapeutic strategies, the prognosis of late-stage HCC remains dismal because of the high recurrence rate. A better understanding of the etiology of HCC is therefore necessary to improve outcomes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, endogenous, noncoding, single-stranded RNAs that modulate the expression of their target genes at the posttranscriptional and translational levels. Aberrant expression of miRNAs has frequently been detected in cancer-associated genomic regions or fragile sites in various human cancers and has been observed in both HCC cells and tissues. The precise patterns of aberrant miRNA expression differ depending on disease etiology, including various causes of hepatocarcinogenesis, such as viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. However, little is known about the underlying mechanisms and the association of miRNAs with the pathogenesis of HCC of various etiologies. In the present review, we summarize the key mechanisms of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of HCC and emphasize their potential utility as valuable diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, as well as innovative therapeutic targets, in HCC diagnosis and treatment.

MicroRNA-1323 serves as a biomarker in gestational diabetes mellitus and aggravates high glucose-induced inhibition of trophoblast cell viability by suppressing TP53INP1

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) leads to poor pregnancy outcomes, and microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) have been suggested to be associated with GDM, but the pathological mechanisms remain unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of miR-1323 in GDM patients and its effects on trophoblast cell viability. Additionally, the present study investigated the correlation between miR-1323 and TP53INP1 to understand the pathological mechanism of GDM progression. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the miR-1323 expression and TP53INP1 mRNA expression. The diagnostic value of serum miR-1323 was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic analysis. HTR-8/SVneo and BeWo cells were treated with high glucose (HG) to construct cell models of GDM, and trophoblast cell viability was assessed using an MTT assay. The protein expression of TP53INP1 was detected by western blot analysis. The correlation between miR-1323 and TP53INP1 was investigated by luciferase reporter assay. The miR-1323 expression was increased in patients with GDM, which had relatively high diagnostic accuracy for GDM screening and was positively correlated with fasting blood glucose in patients GDM. HG upregulated the miR-1323 expression and inhibited trophoblast cell viability. Overexpression of miR-1323 significantly inhibited the viability of HG-induced trophoblast cells. TP53INP1, a target gene of miR-1323, was negatively correlated with miR-1323. TP53INP1 overexpression reversed the inhibitory effect of miR-1323 overexpression on the viability of HG-treated trophoblast cells. Increased levels of serum miR-1323 may be a diagnostic biomarker for GDM. Additionally, miR-1323 may inhibit trophoblast cell viability by inhibiting TP53INP1, suggesting that it may be a potential therapeutic target for GDM.

Over-expression of MEG3 promotes differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into chondrocytes by regulating miR-129-5p/RUNX1 axis

This study explored the role of MEG3 in the cartilage differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). We investigated the effects of over-expression and knockdown of MEG3 on cell viability, cell differentiation, and the expressions of MEG3, miR-129-5p, COL2, chondrocyte differentiation-related genes (sry-type high-mobility-group box 9 (SOX9), SOX5, Aggrecan, silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1), and Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP)). The targeting relationship between MEG3 and miR-129-5p and the target gene of miR-129-5p was confirmed through Starbase, TargetScan and luciferase experiments. Finally, a series of rescue experiments were conducted to study the regulatory effects of MEG3 and miR-129-5p. BMSCs were identified as CD29⁺ and CD44⁺ positive, and their differentiation was time-dependent. As BMSCs differentiated, MEG3 expression was up-regulated, but miR-129-5p was down-regulated. Over-expressed MEG3 promoted the viability and differentiation of BMSCs, up-regulated the expressions of COL2 and chondrocyte differentiation-related genes, and inhibited miR-129-5p. Runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) was negatively regulated as a target gene of miR-129-5p. Results of rescue experiments showed that the inhibitory effect of miR-129-5p mimic on BMSCs could be partially reversed by MEG3. Over-expression of MEG3 regulated the miR-129-5p/RUNX1 axis to promote the differentiation of BMSCs into chondrocytes. This study provides a reliable basis for the application of lncRNA in articular cartilage injury.

Long Non-Coding RNA NORAD Inhibits Breast Cancer Cell Proliferation and Metastasis by Regulating miR-155-5p/SOCS1 Axis

Purpose

Non-coding RNA activated by DNA damage (NORAD) has been reported to be a cancer-related long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) implicated in the progression of several cancers; however, its role in breast cancer (BC) has not yet been clarified.

Methods

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to examine NORAD, microRNA (miR)-155-5p, and suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) mRNA expression levels. Western blotting was used to analyze SOCS1 protein expression. The malignancy of BC cells was assessed using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), BrdU, and Transwell assays. Bioinformatics analysis, RNA immunoprecipitation assay, and dual-luciferase reporter gene assays were used to verify the targeted relationship between NORAD and miR-155-5p. Additionally, the regulatory effects of NORAD and miR-155-5p on SOCS1 expression were determined by western blotting.

Results

NORAD expression was significantly reduced in BC cell lines and tissues, and its low expression was associated with poor tumor tissue differentiation. NORAD overexpression repressed BC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, whereas its knockdown produced the opposite effects. Additionally, miR-155-5p was found to be a target of NORAD, and the biological functions of miR-155-5p and NORAD were counteractive. MiR-155-5p was confirmed to target SOCS1, and SOCS1 was found to be positively regulated by NORAD.

Conclusion

NORAD suppresses miR-155-5p to upregulate SOCS1, thereby repressing the proliferation, migration, and invasion of BC cells.