LncRNA MIR194-2HG Promotes Cell Proliferation and Metastasis via Regulation of miR-1207-5p/TCF19/Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling in Liver Cancer

Deciphering the TCF19/miR-199a-5p/SP1/LOXL2 pathway: Implications for breast cancer metastasis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Globally, breast cancer (BC) is the predominant malignancy with a significant death rate due to metastasis. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a fundamental initiator for metastatic progression. Through advanced computational strategies, TCF19 was identified as a critical EMT-associated gene with diagnostic and prognostic significance in BC, based on a novel EMT score. Molecular details and the pro-EMT impact of the TCF19/miR-199a-5p/SP1/LOXL2 axis were explored in BC cell lines through in vitro validations, and the oncogenic and metastatic potential of TCF19 and LOXL2 were investigated using subcutaneous and tail-vein models. Additionally, BC-specific enrichment of TCF19 and LOXL2 was measured using a distribution landscape driven by diverse genomic analysis techniques. Molecular pathways revealed that TCF19-induced LOXL2 amplification facilitated migratory, invasive, and EMT activities of BC cells in vitro, and promoted the growth and metastatic establishment of xenografts in vivo. TCF19 decreases the expression of miR-199a-5p and alters the nuclear dynamics of SP1, modulating SP1's affinity for the LOXL2 promoter, leading to increased LOXL2 expression and more malignant characteristics in BC cells. These findings unveil a novel EMT-inducing pathway, the TCF19/miR-199a-5P/SP1/LOXL2 axis, highlighting the pivotal role of TCF19 and suggesting potential for novel therapeutic approaches for more focused BC interventions.

Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma: pathogenic role and therapeutic target

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary malignant liver tumor and one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway is a highly conserved pathway involved in several biological processes, including the improper regulation that leads to the tumorigenesis and progression of cancer. New studies have found that abnormal activation of the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway is a major cause of HCC tumorigenesis, progression, and resistance to therapy. New perspectives and approaches to treating HCC will arise from understanding this pathway. This article offers a thorough analysis of the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway's function and its therapeutic implications in HCC.

Noncoding RNAs as regulators of STAT3 pathway in gastrointestinal cancers: Roles in cancer progression and therapeutic response

Gastrointestinal (GI) tumors (cancers of the esophagus, gastric, liver, pancreas, colon, and rectum) contribute to a large number of deaths worldwide. STAT3 is an oncogenic transcription factor that promotes the transcription of genes associated with proliferation, antiapoptosis, survival, and metastasis. STAT3 is overactivated in many human malignancies including GI tumors which accelerates tumor progression, metastasis, and drug resistance. Research in recent years demonstrated that noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) play a major role in the regulation of many signaling pathways including the STAT3 pathway. The major types of endogenous ncRNAs that are being extensively studied in oncology are microRNAs, long noncoding RNAs, and circular RNAs. These ncRNAs can either be tumor-promoters or tumor-suppressors and each one of them imparts their activity via different mechanisms. The STAT3 pathway is also tightly modulated by ncRNAs. In this article, we have elaborated on the tumor-promoting role of STAT3 signaling in GI tumors. Subsequently, we have comprehensively discussed the oncogenic as well as tumor suppressor functions and mechanism of action of ncRNAs that are known to modulate STAT3 signaling in GI cancers.

Extracellular matrix-derived peptide stimulates the generation of endocrine progenitors and islet organoids from iPSCs

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have enormous potential in producing human tissues endlessly. We previously reported that type V collagen (COL5), a pancreatic extracellular matrix protein, promotes islet development and maturation from iPSCs. In this study, we identified a bioactive peptide domain of COL5, WWASKS, through bioinformatic analysis of decellularized pancreatic ECM (dpECM)-derived collagens. RNA-sequencing suggests that WWASKS induces the formation of pancreatic endocrine progenitors while suppressing the development of other types of organs. The expressions of hypoxic genes were significantly downregulated in the endocrine progenitors formed under peptide stimulation. Furthermore, we unveiled an enhancement of iPSC-derived islets' (i-islets) glucose sensitivity under peptide stimulation. These i-islets secrete insulin in a glucose responsive manner. They were comprised of α, β, δ, and γ cells and were assembled into a tissue architecture similar to that of human islets. Mechanistically, the peptide is able to activate the canonical Wnt signaling pathway, permitting the translocation of β-catenin from the cytoplasm to the nucleus for pancreatic progenitor development. Collectively, for the first time, we demonstrated that an ECM-derived peptide dictates iPSC fate toward the generation of endocrine progenitors and subsequent islet organoids.

Sevoflurane-induced POCD-associated exosomes delivered miR-584-5p regulates the growth of human microglia HMC3 cells through targeting BDNF

BACKGROUND

Inhalation of sevoflurane can cause neuronal apoptosis, and cognitive disorders, inducing to the occurrence and progression of post operative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). This study aimed to explore the roles of sevoflurane-induced POCD-associated exosomes on HMC3 cells and its related mechanisms.

METHODS

Exosomes were isolated from the plasma of sevoflurane-induced POCD or non-POCD patients, and were then sent for small RNA sequencing. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to verify the sequencing results, and miR-584-5p was chosen for subsequent study. HMC3 cells were respectively transfected with POCD-derived exosomes and miR-584-5p mimics, and cell viability and apoptosis were measured. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was applied to confirm the target of miR-584-5p.

RESULTS

After sequencing, 301 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified, including 184 up-regulated miRNAs and 117 down-regulated miRNAs, and were significantly enriched in 3577 GO terms and 121 KEGG pathways. Due to the high level of miR-584-5p in sevoflurane-treated POCD-derived exosomes, HMC3 cells with miR-584-5p enrichment were successfully established. Compared with the control group, POCD-derived exosomes and miR-584-5p significantly inhibited viability and promoted apoptosis of HMC3 cells (P < 0.05). The IL-1β and TNF-α levels were significantly increased after POCD-derived exosomes and miR-584-5p mimics treatment compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Besides, POCD-derived exosomes and miR-584-5p mimics significantly down-regulated the expression levels of BDNF and p-TrkB, and up-regulated Caspase 3 and IL-1β. Finally, BDNF was confirmed to be the target of miR-584-5p.

CONCLUSIONS

Sevoflurane-induced POCD-associated exosomes delivered miR-584-5p may regulate the growth of HMC3 cells via targeting BDNF.

Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling as a Driver of Stemness and Metabolic Reprogramming in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Simple Summary

Aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling has been reported to play crucial role in pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this review, we focus on the regulatory role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in cancer stemness and metabolic reprogramming, which are two emerging hallmarks of cancer. Understanding the role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in regulation of the above processes reveals novel therapeutic strategy against this deadly disease.

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major cause of cancer death worldwide due to its high rates of tumor recurrence and metastasis. Aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling has been shown to play a significant role in HCC development, progression and clinical impact on tumor behavior. Accumulating evidence has revealed the critical involvement of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in driving cancer stemness and metabolic reprogramming, which are regarded as emerging cancer hallmarks. In this review, we summarize the regulatory mechanism of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and its role in HCC. Furthermore, we provide an update on the regulatory roles of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in metabolic reprogramming, cancer stemness and drug resistance in HCC. We also provide an update on preclinical and clinical studies targeting Wnt/β-catenin signaling alone or in combination with current therapies for effective cancer therapy. This review provides insights into the current opportunities and challenges of targeting this signaling pathway in HCC.

Immunotherapeutic Value of Transcription Factor 19 (TCF19) Associated with Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma: A Comprehensive Analysis of 33 Human Cancer Cases

Background

We aimed to study the relationship between transcription factor 19 (TCF19) and cancer immunotherapy in the 33 types of human cancers.

Methods

The Cancer Genome Atlas database was analyzed to obtain the gene expression data and clinical characteristics for the cases of 33 types of cancers. GSE67501, GSE78220, and IMvigor 210 were included in the immunotherapy cohorts. Relevant data were obtained by analyzing the gene expression database. The prognostic value of TCF19 was determined by analyzing various clinical parameters, such as survival duration, age, the stage of the tumor, and sex of the patients. The single-sample gene set enrichment analysis method was used to determine the activity of TCF19 and the method was also used to assess the differences between the TCF19 transcriptome and protein levels. The correlation between TCF19 and various immune processes and elements such as immunosuppressants, stimulants, and major histocompatibility complexes were analyzed to gain insights into the role of TCF19. The coherent paths associated with the process of TCF19 signal transduction and the influence of TCF19 on immunotherapy biomarkers have also been discussed herein. Finally, three independent immunotherapy methods were used to understand the relationship between TCF19 and immunotherapy response.

Results

It was observed that TCF19 was not significantly influenced by the age (5/33), sex (3/33), or tumor stage (3/21) of cancer patients. But the results revealed that TCF19 exhibited a potential prognostic value and could predict the survival rate of the patients. In some cases of this study, the activity and expression of TCF19 were taken at the same level (7/33).

Conclusion

TCF19 is strongly related to immune cell infiltration, immunomodulators, and immunotherapy markers. Our study demonstrated that high expression levels of TCF19 are strongly linked with the immune-related pathways. Nevertheless, it is noteworthy that TCF19 is not significantly associated with immunotherapy response.

Construction and analysis of a ceRNA network and patterns of immune infiltration in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps: based on data mining and experimental verification

Recent studies have revealed the significant role of the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network in human diseases. However, systematic analysis of the ceRNA mechanism in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is limited. In this study, we constructed a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network and identified a potential regulatory axis in CRSwNP based on bioinformatics analysis and experimental verification. We obtained lncRNA, miRNA, and mRNA expression profiles from the Gene Expression Omnibus. After analysis of CRSwNP patients and the control groups, we identified 565 DE-lncRNAs, 23 DE-miRNAs, and 1799 DE-mRNAs by the DESeq2 R package or limma R package. Enrichment analysis of 1799 DE-mRNAs showed that CRSwNP was associated with inflammation and immunity. Moreover, we identified 21 lncRNAs, 8 miRNAs and 8 mRNAs to construct the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network. A potential MIAT/miR-125a/IRF4 axis was determined according to the degree and positive correlation between a lncRNA and its competitive endogenous mRNAs. The GSEA results suggested that IRF4 may be involved in immune cell infiltration. The validation of another dataset confirmed that MIAT and IRF4 were differentially expressed between the CRSwNP and control groups. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of MIAT and IRF4 was 0.944. The CIBERSORT analysis revealed that eosinophils and M2 macrophages may be involved in the CRSwNP process. MIAT was correlated with dendritic cells and M2 macrophages, and IRF4 was correlated with dendritic cells. Finally, to validate the key genes, we performed in-silico validation using another dataset and experimental validation using immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and Western blot. In summary, the constructed novel MIAT/miR-125a/IRF4 axis may play a critical role in the development and progression of CRSwNP. We believe that the ceRNA network and immune cell infiltration could offer further insight into novel molecular therapeutic targets for CRSwNP.

Roles of lncRNAs Mediating Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling in HCC

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is considered the second most deadly cancer worldwide. Due to the absence of early diagnostic markers and effective therapeutic approaches, distant metastasis and increasing recurrence rates are major difficulties in the clinical treatment of HCC. Further understanding of its pathogenesis has become an urgent goal in HCC research. Recently, abnormal expression of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) was identified as a vital regulator involved in the initiation and development of HCC. Activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway has been reported to obviously impact cell proliferation, invasion, and migration of HCC. This article reviews specific interactions, significant mechanisms and molecules related to HCC initiation and progression to provide promising strategies for treatment.

Exosomes derived from M2 type tumor-associated macrophages promote osimertinib resistance in non-small cell lung cancer through MSTRG.292666.16-miR-6836-5p-MAPK8IP3 axis

Background

Osimertinib resistance limits the treatment of epidermal growth factor receptor-(EGFR)-mutated non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). The mechanisms of osimertinib resistance need to be elucidated to determine alternative treatment strategies. This study explores the role of M2 type tumor-associated macrophage (TAM)-derived exosomal MSTRG.292666.16 in osimertinib resistance, and its related competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) mechanism.

Methods

M2 type TAMs were induced with 200 ng/mL phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, 20 ng/mL IL-4 and IL-13, and M2 type macrophage markers were measured by RT-qPCR. Next, the exosomes were isolated and characterized. Tumor formation in nude mice was conducted using H1975 cells under different treatment conditions. Small RNA sequencing was performed on exosomes derived from sensitive and resistant plasma, and ceRNA networks were constructed. Fluorescence in situ hybridization was used to observe the localization of MSTRG.292666.16, and a ceRNA network (MSTRG.292666.16-miR-6836-5p-MAPK8IP3) was selected for further validation.

Results

M2 type TAMs, and M2 type TAM-derived exosomes were successfully induced and isolated. Nude mice results showed that M2 type TAM-derived exosomes and MSTRG.292666.16 overexpression significantly increased tumor volume after administration of osimertinib for 4 weeks. M2 type TAMs were found in the resistant plasma, and MSTRG.292666.16 localized in the cytoplasm of H1975 cells. In addition, the genes in the ceRNA networks were significantly enriched in eight GO terms and seven KEGG pathways, including the MAPK signaling pathway. Subsequently, the levels of MSTRG.292666.16 and MAPK8IP3 significantly increased in both resistant plasma-derived exosomes and M2 type TAM-derived exosomes, while miR-6836-5p levels were significantly reduced. Finally, MSTRG.292666.16, miR-6836-5p, and MAPK8IP3 were part of the same network.

Conclusions

M2 type TAM-derived exosomes promoted osimertinib resistance in NSCLC by regulating the MSTRG.292666.16/miR-6386-5p/MAPK8IP3 axis.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12935-022-02509-x.

miR-1207-5p suppresses laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma progression by downregulating SKA3 and inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is the second most common head and neck cancer. Previously, we discovered that miR-1207-5p was downregulated in LSCC. In this study, the clinical significance, function, and mechanism of miR-1207-5p in LSCC were investigated. Downregulation of miR-1207-5p was found to be strongly linked to the malignant progression of LSCC. Functional studies revealed that miR-1207-5p upregulation suppressed LSCC cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and xenograft tumor growth. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that miR-1207-5p target genes were involved in cell cycle regulation, proliferation, adhesion, and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway. Mechanistic studies revealed that miR-1207-5p interacts directly with the 3′ untranslated region of spindle and kinetochore associated complex subunit 3 (SKA3) and downregulates SKA3 expression. Furthermore, SKA3 was found to be overexpressed in LSCC, and its high expression was associated with tumor progression and a poor prognosis. Rescue experiments demonstrated that miR-1207-5p inhibited the malignant phenotypes of LSCC via SKA3. Furthermore, miR-1207-5p upregulation or knockdown of SKA3 inhibited the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Collectively, miR-1207-5p inhibited LSCC malignant progression by downregulating SKA3 and preventing EMT. These findings provide new insights into the mechanism of LSCC progression, as well as new potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for LSCC diagnosis and treatment.

LncRNA CASC15 promotes the proliferation of papillary thyroid carcinoma cells by regulating the miR-7151-5p/WNT7A axis

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in the regulation of human thyroid cancer (TC), including papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC); PTC is the most common pathological subtype of TC. To date, the expression, function, and mechanism of the lncRNA CASC15 in PTC remain unclear. The present study results showed that CASC15 was overexpressed in PTC tissues compared with normal tissues and acted as a potent oncogene to promote the proliferation and tumorigenesis of PTC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that CASC15 could serve as an endogenous miRNA sponge to absorb and downregulate miR-7151-5p, thereby preventing the inhibition of WNT7A during PTC progression. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that CASC15 activated the WNT/β‑catenin signaling pathway by upregulating WNT7A in PTC. Taken together, our findings identified CASC15 as a potential diagnostic marker or therapeutic target for PTC progression. DATA AVAILABILITY: Please contact the corresponding author for a data request.