miR-1271 inhibits growth, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition by targeting ZEB1 in ovarian cancer cells

The functions of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA)-MALAT-1 in the pathogenesis of renal cell carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC), a prevalent form of renal malignancy, is distinguished by its proclivity for robust tumor proliferation and metastatic dissemination. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as pivotal modulators of gene expression, exerting substantial influence over diverse biological processes, encompassing the intricate landscape of cancer development. Metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT-1), an exemplar among lncRNAs, has been discovered to assume functional responsibilities within the context of RCC. The conspicuous expression of MALAT-1 in RCC cells has been closely linked to the advancement of tumors and an unfavorable prognosis. Experimental evidence has demonstrated the pronounced ability of MALAT-1 to stimulate RCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, thereby underscoring its active participation in facilitating the metastatic cascade. Furthermore, MALAT-1 has been implicated in orchestrating angiogenesis, an indispensable process for tumor expansion and metastatic dissemination, through its regulatory influence on pro-angiogenic factor expression. MALAT-1 has also been linked to the evasion of immune surveillance in RCC, as it can regulate the expression of immune checkpoint molecules and modulate the tumor microenvironment. Hence, the potential utility of MALAT-1 as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in RCC emerges, warranting further investigation and validation of its clinical significance. This comprehensive review provides an overview of the diverse functional roles exhibited by MALAT-1 in RCC.

Unleashing the pathological imprinting of cancer in autoimmunity: Is ZEB1 the answer?

The intriguing scientific relationship between autoimmunity and cancer immunology have been traditionally indulged to throw spotlight on novel pathological targets. Understandably, these "slowly killing" diseases are on the opposite ends of the immune spectrum. However, the immune regulatory mechanisms between autoimmunity and cancer are not always contradictory and sometimes mirror each other based on disease stage, location, and timepoint. Moreover, the blockade of immune checkpoint molecules or signalling pathways that unleashes the immune response against cancer is being leveraged to preserve self-tolerance and treat many autoimmune disorders. Therefore, understanding the common crucial factors involved in cancer is of paramount importance to paint the autoimmune disease spectrum and validate novel drug candidates. In the current review, we will broadly describe how ZEB1, or Zinc-finger E-box Binding Homeobox 1, reinforces immune exhaustion in cancer or contributes to loss of self-tolerance in auto-immune conditions. We made an effort to exchange information about the molecular pathways and pathological responses (immune regulation, cell proliferation, senescence, autophagy, hypoxia, and circadian rhythm) that can be regulated by ZEB1 in the context of autoimmunity. This will help untwine the intricate and closely postured pathogenesis of ZEB1, that is less explored from the perspective of autoimmunity than its counterpart, cancer. This review will further consider several approaches for targeting ZEB1 in autoimmunity.

Evaluation of expression of biomarkers of PLAGL1 (ZAC1), microRNA, and their non-coding RNAs in patients with endometriosis

Since the PLAGL1 (ZAC1) gene is expressed in the human endometrium. It may be involved in the etiology of endometrial disorders by its abnormal regulation and expression. This study aimed to investigate the Zac1 gene and related microRNA and LncRNA and its alterations in patients with endometriosis. Blood plasma, ectopic (EC) and eutopic (EU) endometrial samples were gathered from 30 patients with endometriosis and 30 healthy fertile women, and the Q-PCR technique was used to determine the expression level of Zac1 mRNA and microRNAs (miR-1271-5p, hsa-miR-490-3pin) and LncRNAs (TONSL-AS1 TONSL, KCNQ1OT1 KCNQ1). According to the results, the Zac1 gene and KCNQ1OT1 KCNQ1, TONSL-AS1 TONSL LncRNA expression were significantly decreased in the endometriosis group versus the control group (P < 0.05). MiR-1271-5p and hsa-miR-490-3pin microRNA expression were significantly raised in the endometriosis group as opposed to the control group (P < 0.05). In summary, this research for the first time revealed that identifying Zac1 expression provides us with new indicators for evaluating endometriosis.

The role and application of transcriptional repressors in cancer treatment

Gene expression is modulated through the integration of many regulatory elements and their associated transcription factors (TFs). TFs bind to specific DNA sequences and either activate or repress transcriptional activity. Through decades of research, it has been established that aberrant expression or functional abnormalities of TFs can lead to uncontrolled cell division and the development of cancer. Initial studies on transcriptional regulation in cancer have focused on TFs as transcriptional activators. However, recent studies have demonstrated several different mechanisms of transcriptional repression in cancer, which could be potential therapeutic targets for the development of specific anti-cancer agents. In the first section of this review, "Emerging roles of transcriptional repressors in cancer development," we summarize the current understanding of transcriptional repressors and their involvement in the molecular processes of cancer progression. In the subsequent section, "Therapeutic applications," we provide an updated overview of the available therapeutic targets for drug discovery and discuss the new frontier of such applications.

microRNA-671-5p reduces tumorigenicity of ovarian cancer via suppressing HDAC5 and HIF-1α expression

OBJECTIVE

microRNA (miR)-based therapeutic reference has been established and expanded in the treatment of cancers. For this reason, we explored how miR-671-5p regulated tumorigenicity of ovarian cancer (OC) through regulating histone deacetylase 5 (HDAC5) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α).

METHODS

miR-671-5p, HDAC5 and HIF-1α expression levels were determined in OC clinical tissues. The OC cell line H8910 was screened and transfected with the vector that altered miR-671-5p, HDAC5 and HIF-1α levels. Finally, the proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis of the transfected H8910 cells were determined and the role of miR-671-5p and HDAC5 in vivo tumor growth was further discussed.

RESULTS

Low miR-671-5p and high HDAC5 and HIF-1α levels were tested in OC tissues. Up-regulating miR-671-5p or down-regulating HDAC5 or HIF-1α suppressed proliferation, migration, invasion and augmented apoptosis of H8910 cells while the silenced miR-671-5p or enhanced HDAC5 caused the opposite consequences. Overexpression of HDAC5 reduced while depletion of HDAC5 enhanced the influence of up-regulated miR-671-5p on OC cell growth. In animal models, suppressing miR-671-5p or promoting HDAC5 encouraged OC tumor growth.

CONCLUSION

A summary delineates that miR-671-5p reduces tumorigenicity of OC via suppressing HDAC5 and HIF-1α levels.

Deubiquitinase USP39 and E3 ligase TRIM26 balance the level of ZEB1 ubiquitination and thereby determine the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma

Emerging evidence suggests that USP39 plays an important role in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the molecular mechanism by which USP39 promotes HCC progression has not been well defined, especially regarding its putative ubiquitination function. Zinc-finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) is a crucial inducer of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) to promote tumor proliferation and metastasis, but the regulatory mechanism of ZEB1 stability in HCC remains enigmatic. Here, we reveal that USP39 is highly expressed in human HCC tissues and correlated with poor prognosis. Moreover, USP39 depletion inhibits HCC cell proliferation and metastasis by promoting ZEB1 degradation. Intriguingly, deubiquitinase USP39 has a direct interaction with the E3 ligase TRIM26 identified by co-immunoprecipitation assays and immunofluorescence staining assays. We further demonstrate that TRIM26 is lowly expressed in human HCC tissues and inhibits HCC cell proliferation and migration. TRIM26 promotes the degradation of ZEB1 protein by ubiquitination in HCC. Deubiquitinase USP39 and E3 ligase TRIM26 function in an antagonistic pattern, but not a competitive pattern, and play key roles in controlling ZEB1 stability to determine the HCC progression. In summary, our data reveal a previously unknown mechanism that USP39 and TRIM26 balance the level of ZEB1 ubiquitination and thereby determine HCC cell proliferation and migration. This novel mechanism may provide new approaches to target treatment for inhibiting HCC development by restoring TRIM26 or suppressing USP39 expression in HCC cases with high ZEB1 protein levels.

miR-455 Inhibits the Viability and Invasion by Targeting RAB18 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been regarded as the fifth most common cancer worldwide with a low prognosis. miR-455 usually played the role of a tumor suppressor in multiple cancers. The aim of this study was to investigate the roles of miR-455 in HCC.

Materials and Methods

Cell viability and invasion were measured by CCK8 and Transwell assays. Luciferase reporter assay was performed to verify that miR-455 directly binds to the 3′-noncoding region (UTR) of RAB18 mRNA in Huh7 cells.

Results

The expression of miR-455 was lower in HCC tissues and cell lines than in nontumor tissues and normal cell line, and downregulation of miR-455 was connected with worse outcome of HCC patients. miR-455 suppressed cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo, and it inhibited the abilities of cell invasion and EMT in HCC. RAB18 was upregulated in HCC tissues and cell lines, and the expression of RAB18 was regulated by miR-455. RAB18 reversed partial roles of miR-455 on cell viability and invasion in HCC.

Conclusion

miR-455 inhibited cell viability and invasion by directly targeting the 3′-UTR of RAB18 mRNA of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Molecular Mechanisms of miR-1271 Dysregulation in Human Cancer

MicroRNA is a small noncoding RNA that plays a role in regulating gene expression. miR-1271 is a tumor suppressor microRNA, which is related to the biological changes of many cancers. miR-1271 is considered a biomarker with a potential prognosis and high therapeutic value in tumors. Besides, the expression of miR-1271 is also regulated by many factors. In this study, we summarize the role of miR-1271 in tumors, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of the target genes of miR-1271. Our review will provide a comprehensive understanding of miR-1271 in tumors, as well as ideas for subsequent tumor research related to miR-1271.

Circular RNA ABCB10 promotes cell proliferation and invasion, but inhibits apoptosis via regulating the microRNA‑1271‑mediated Capn4/Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway in epithelial ovarian cancer

Circular RNA ABCB10 (circ-ABCB10) modulates cellular functions and microRNA (miR)-1271 in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). The present study aimed to investigate the interaction between circ-ABCB10 and miR-1271 in regulating EOC cellular function and the calpain small subunit 1 (Capn4)/Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. circ-ABCB10 and miR-1271 expression levels were detected in EOC cells (OVCAR3, UWB1.289, SKOV3 and CAOV3) and normal ovarian epithelial cells (IOSE80) via reverse-transcription quantitative PCR. SKOV3 cells were transfected with control short hairpin (sh)RNA plasmids, control inhibitor, circ-ABCB10 shRNA plasmids and miR-1271 inhibitor. UWB1.289 cells were transfected with control overexpression plasmids, control mimic, circ-ABCB10 overexpression plasmids and miR-1271 mimic. Subsequently, cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and the Capn4/Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway were assessed. In addition, a luciferase activity assay was performed. circ-ABCB10 expression was significantly increased in OVCAR3, SKOV3 and CAOV3 cells compared with IOSE80 cells, but was not significantly altered in UWB1.289 cells. miR-1271 expression was significantly decreased in OVCAR3, UWB1.289, SKOV3 and CAOV3 cells compared with IOSE80 cells. In both SKOV3 and UWB1.289 cells, circ-ABCB10 negatively regulated miR-1271, whereas miR-1271 did not affect circ-ABCB10. Furthermore, circ-ABCB10 enhanced cell proliferation, invasion and the Capn4/Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, but inhibited cell apoptosis, whereas miR-1271 suppressed cell proliferation, invasion and the Capn4/Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, but facilitated cell apoptosis. Moreover, miR-1271 attenuated the proproliferative, proinvasive and antiapoptotic effects of circ-ABCB10, and reversed the positive regulation of circ-ABCB10 on the Capn4/Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Besides, the luciferase activity assay indicated that circ-ABCB10 directly bound to miR-1271. In conclusion, the present study indicated that circ-ABCB10 promoted cell proliferation and invasion, and suppressed apoptosis by regulating the miR-1271-mediated Capn4/Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in EOC.

microRNA-1271-5p/TIAM1 suppresses the progression of ovarian cancer through inactivating Notch signaling pathway

Objective

Ovarian cancer (OC) has been regarded as the most malignant gynecological neoplasm and often confers grave outcomes owing to the frequent metastasis and high recurrence. A previous study has demonstrated that miR-1271-5p is implicated in OC progression, however, the possible mechanism of it remains unknown. The purpose of this investigation was to explore how miR-1271-5p regulates the progression of OC.

Methods

Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases were employed to analyze the differentially expressed miRNAs or genes as well as their corresponding prognostic values. miR-1271-5p expression in OC cells was examined by qRT-PCR. Cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8), colony formation, and transwell tests were conducted to evaluate the proliferation, migration and invasion potentials. Bioinformatics prediction and luciferase activity analysis were utilized to predict and verify the target gene of miR-1271-5p. Western blot assay was carried out to measure protein expression.

Results

miR-1271-5p was significantly decreased in OC and its down-regulation was associated with the grave outcome of OC patients. Upregulation of miR-1271-5p inhibited cell viability, but miR-1271-5p knockdown promoted the proliferation of OC cells. TIAM1 was a direct target gene of miR-1271-5p and expressed in OC tissues at higher level. High expression of TIAM1 induced the poorer prognosis of patients with OC. Further functional analyses showed that the suppressive role of miR-1271-5p on OC cell malignant behaviors was overturned by the upregulation of TIAM1. The protein levels of Cyclin D1, HES1, NOTCH and NUMB were remarkably changed due to the abnormal expression of miR-1271-5p and TIAM1.

Conclusion

To sum up, miR-1271-5p inhibits proliferation, invasion and migration of OC cells by directly repressing TIAM1 to inactivate the Notch signaling pathway, which provides an alternative therapeutic candidate for the advancement of OC treatment.

miRNAs expression signature potentially associated with lymphatic dissemination in locally advanced prostate cancer

Background

Prostate cancer is one of the most common and socially significant cancers among men. The aim of our study was to reveal changes in miRNA expression profiles associated with lymphatic dissemination in prostate cancer and to identify the most prominent miRNAs as potential prognostic markers for future studies.

Methods

High-throughput miRNA sequencing was performed for 44 prostate cancer specimens taken from Russian patients, with and without lymphatic dissemination (N1 – 20 samples; N0 – 24 samples).

Results

We found at least 18 microRNAs with differential expression between N0 and N1 sample groups: miR-182-5p, miR-183-5p, miR-96-5p, miR-25-3p, miR-93-5p, miR-7-5p, miR-615-3p, miR-10b, miR-1248 (N1-miRs; elevated expression in N1 cohort; p < 0.05); miR-1271-5p, miR-184, miR-222-3p, miR-221-5p, miR-221-3p, miR-455-3p, miR-143-5p, miR-181c-3p and miR-455-5p (N0-miRs; elevated expression in N0; p < 0.05). The expression levels of N1-miRs were highly correlated between each other (the same is applied for N0-miRs) and the expression levels of N0-miRs and N1-miRs were anti-correlated. The tumor samples can be divided into two groups depending on the expression ratio between N0-miRs and N1-miRs.

Conclusions

We found the miRNA expression signature associated with lymphatic dissemination, in particular on the Russian patient cohort. Many of these miRNAs are well-known players in either oncogenic transformation or tumor suppression. Further experimental studies with extended sampling are required to validate these results.

MicroRNAs and Their Influence on the ZEB Family: Mechanistic Aspects and Therapeutic Applications in Cancer Therapy

Molecular signaling pathways involved in cancer have been intensively studied due to their crucial role in cancer cell growth and dissemination. Among them, zinc finger E-box binding homeobox-1 (ZEB1) and -2 (ZEB2) are molecules that play vital roles in signaling pathways to ensure the survival of tumor cells, particularly through enhancing cell proliferation, promoting cell migration and invasion, and triggering drug resistance. Importantly, ZEB proteins are regulated by microRNAs (miRs). In this review, we demonstrate the impact that miRs have on cancer therapy, through their targeting of ZEB proteins. MiRs are able to act as onco-suppressor factors and inhibit the malignancy of tumor cells through ZEB1/2 down-regulation. This can lead to an inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) mechanism, therefore reducing metastasis. Additionally, miRs are able to inhibit ZEB1/2-mediated drug resistance and immunosuppression. Additionally, we explore the upstream modulators of miRs such as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), as these regulators can influence the inhibitory effect of miRs on ZEB proteins and cancer progression.

Role of microRNAs as Clinical Cancer Biomarkers for Ovarian Cancer: A Short Overview

Ovarian cancer has the highest mortality rate among gynecological cancers. Early clinical signs are missing and there is an urgent need to establish early diagnosis biomarkers. MicroRNAs are promising biomarkers in this respect. In this paper, we review the most recent advances regarding the alterations of microRNAs in ovarian cancer. We have briefly described the contribution of miRNAs in the mechanisms of ovarian cancer invasion, metastasis, and chemotherapy sensitivity. We have also summarized the alterations underwent by microRNAs in solid ovarian tumors, in animal models for ovarian cancer, and in various ovarian cancer cell lines as compared to previous reviews that were only focused the circulating microRNAs as biomarkers. In this context, we consider that the biomarker screening should not be limited to circulating microRNAs per se, but rather to the simultaneous detection of the same microRNA alteration in solid tumors, in order to understand the differences between the detection of nucleic acids in early vs. late stages of cancer. Moreover, in vitro and in vivo models should also validate these microRNAs, which could be very helpful as preclinical testing platforms for pharmacological and/or molecular genetic approaches targeting microRNAs. The enormous quantity of data produced by preclinical and clinical studies regarding the role of microRNAs that act synergistically in tumorigenesis mechanisms that are associated with ovarian cancer subtypes, should be gathered, integrated, and compared by adequate methods, including molecular clustering. In this respect, molecular clustering analysis should contribute to the discovery of best biomarkers-based microRNAs assays that will enable rapid, efficient, and cost-effective detection of ovarian cancer in early stages. In conclusion, identifying the appropriate microRNAs as clinical biomarkers in ovarian cancer might improve the life quality of patients.