MiR-129-2-3p Inhibits Esophageal Carcinoma Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion via Targeting DNMT3B

Integrated analysis of gene expressions and targeted mirnas for explaining crosstalk between oral and esophageal squamous cell carcinomas through an interpretable machine learning approach

This study explores the bidirectional relation of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), examining shared risk factors and underlying molecular mechanisms. By employing random forest (RF) classifier, enhanced with interpretable machine learning (IML) through SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP), we analyzed gene expression from two GEO datasets (GSE30784 and GSE44021). The GSE30784 dataset comprises 167 OSCC samples and 45 control group, whereas the GSE44021 dataset encompasses 113 ESCC samples and 113 control group. Our analysis led to identification of 20 key genes, such as XBP1, VGLL1, and RAD1, which are significantly associated with development of ESCC and OSCC. Further investigations were conducted using tools like NetworkAnalyst 3.0, Single Cell Portal, and miRNET 2.0, which highlighted complex interactions between these genes and specific miRNA targets including hsa-mir-124-3p and hsa-mir-1-3p. Our model achieved high precision in identifying genes linked to crucial processes like programmed cell death and cancer pathways, suggesting new avenues for diagnosis and treatment. This study confirms the bidirectional relationship between OSCC and ESCC, laying groundwork for targeted therapeutic approaches. This study helps to identify shared biological pathways and genetic factors of these conditions for designing personalized medicine strategies and to improve disease management.

miR-129-2-3p binds SEMA4C to regulate HCC development and inhibit the EMT

BACKGROUND

Among primary liver cancers, HCC is the most prevalent. Small noncoding RNAs called miRNAs control the expression of downstream target genes to take part in a variety of physiological and pathological processes, including those related to cancer.

METHODS

miR-129-2-3p and SEMA4C expression levels were assessed using RT-qPCR. The CCK-8, invasion, and wound healing assays were used to confirm the capacity of HCC cells for proliferation, invasion and migration respectively. Serum SEMA4C levels were detected via ELISA. The RIP and dual-luciferase reporter assays were used to confirm the existence of intergenic binding sites. Cell apoptosis assay and cell cycle assay were performed to detect the apoptosis rate and cycle distribution of cells, and WB was performed to detect the protein expression of SEMA4C, RhoA, ROCK1, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and vimentin. Furthermore, cancer-inhibiting role of miR-129-2-3p were further confirmed by animal tests.

RESULTS

miR-129-2-3p expression was reduced in HCC tissues and cells. Overexpression of miR-129-2-3p decreased the proliferation, invasion, migration, and EMT in HCC cells, whereas inhibition of miR-129-2-3p had the opposite effects. Our research also showed that SEMA4C was increased in HCC tissues, serum and cells, and that SEMA4C knockdown prevented HCC cell invasion, migration, proliferation, and EMT. Overexpression of SEMA4C reversed the inhibitory effect of miR-129-2-3p on HCC.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, we discovered that through binding to SEMA4C, miR-129-2-3p regulates HCC cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and EMT.

MicroRNAs: A novel signature in the metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a malignant epithelial tumor, characterized by squamous cell differentiation, it is the sixth leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. The increased mortality rate of ESCC patients is predominantly due to the advanced stage of the disease when discovered, coupled with higher risk of metastasis, which is an exceedingly malignant characteristic of cancer, frequently leading to a high mortality rate. Unfortunately, there is currently no specific and effective marker to predict and treat metastasis in ESCC. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNA molecules, approximately 22 nucleotides in length. miRNAs are vital in modulating gene expression and serve pivotal regulatory roles in the occurrence, progression, and prognosis of cancer. Here, we have examined the literature to highlight the intimate correlations between miRNAs and ESCC metastasis, and show that ESCC metastasis is predominantly regulated or regulated by genetic and epigenetic factors. This review proposes a potential role for miRNAs as diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers for metastasis in ESCC metastasis, with the ultimate aim of reducing the mortality rate among patients with ESCC.

miR-129-2-3p mediates LPS-induced macrophage polarization and ferroptosis by targeting the SMAD3-GPX4 axis

Macrophages has become a promising target of sepsis treatment because macrophages dysfunction contributes to the progress of sepsis. The targeted therapy of sepsis based on macrophages ferroptosis is drawing more and more attention, but the molecular mechanism involved is poorly understood. In this study, Mus musculus-derived macrophages were used for in-vitro experiments. We found that LPS could induce ferroptosis in macrophages via the detection of apoptosis, GSH, lipid peroxide and GPX4 levels. Meanwhile, miR-129-2-3p was up-regulated in macrophages exposure to LPS. Next, we confirmed that miR-129-2-3p promoted the LPS-induced polarization of M1 phenotype in macrophages via the detection of Arg-1 and iNOS levels; miR-129-2-3p promoted the LPS-induced ferroptosis in macrophages. Further, luciferase assay showed that SMAD3 was identified as a target gene of miR-129-2-3p and its expression was negatively regulated by miR-129-2-3p and LPS. SMAD3 could inhibit the LPS-induced polarization of M1 phenotype and ferroptosis in macrophages by targeting GPX4. Collectively, we demonstrated the target gene and molecular mechanism of miR-129-2-3p mediating LPS-induced polarization and ferroptosis in macrophages by targeting the SMAD3-GPX4 axis, which would provide a novel strategy for sepsis targeted therapy based on macrophages polarization and ferroptosis.

Ginsenoside Rg3 promotes hepatic stellate cell ferroptosis by epigenetically regulating ACSL4 to suppress liver fibrosis progression

BACKGROUND

Ginsenoside Rg3 (G-Rg3), extracted from Panax notoginseng, possesses hepatoprotective properties. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation is responsible for liver fibrosis. Recent studies have reported the suppressive effects of G-Rg3 on HSC activation and proliferation. Ferroptosis is a novel iron regulated cell death. ACSL4, a key indicator of ferroptosis, is commonly methylated in various diseases.

PURPOSE

However, the role of ACSL4 methylation-mediated HSC ferroptosis in G-Rg3 inhibition of hepatic fibrosis needs to be explored.

METHODS

Effects of G-Rg3 on inhibiting fibrosis were evaluated in vivo and in vitro. The impact of G-Rg3 on HSC ferroptosis was assessed in vitro. Furthermore, the expression of ACSL4, ACSL4 methylation and microRNA-6945-3p (miR-6945-3p) levels were determined.

RESULTS

G-Rg3 significantly alleviated CCl4-induced liver fibrosis, accompanied by collagen downregulation. In vitro, G-Rg3 contributed to HSC inactivation, leading to decreased collagen production. G-Rg3 induced HSC ferroptosis, characterized by increased iron accumulation, depletion of glutathione, malondialdehyde levels, and generation of lipid reactive oxygen species. Moreover, G-Rg3 promoted ACSL4 demethylation and restored its expression. Notably, DNMT3B counteracted the effect of G-Rg3-mediated inhibition of ACSL4 methylation and was targeted by miR-6945-3p. Further investigations revealed that G-Rg3 suppressed ACSL4 methylation through miR-6945-3p-mediated DNMT3B inhibition. Consistent with this, miR-6945-3p inhibition reversed G-Rg3-induced ACSL4 expression and HSC ferroptosis.

CONCLUSION

G-Rg3 inhibits ACSL4 methylation by miR-6945-3p-mediated DNMT3B inhibition, thereby promoting HSC ferroptosis and mitigating liver fibrosis.

miR-129-2-3p inhibits colon cancer cell proliferation by down-regulating the expression of BZW1

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

MicroRNA (miRNA) is involved in diverse biological and physiological processes of tumors. Dysregulation of miRNA will induce a series of human diseases. miR-129-2-3p has vital effects in the pathogenesis of various tumors. However, the regulatory function of miR-129-2-3p in colon cancer remains to be clarified. This study investigated the role of miR-129-2-3p targeting BZW1 in proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of colon cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Here, RT-qPCR was applied to measure the miR-129-2-3p levels in colon cancer tissues. The predicted targets of miR-129-2-3p were identified by bioinformatics and verified using luciferase reporter assay. The effects of miR-129-2-3p on colon cancer were detected by CCK-8, colony formation, transwell chamber test, wound healing, and flow cytometry assays. Finally, the influence of miR-129-2-3p on tumor growth was studied. Nude mice were xenografted with transfected Lovo cells by subcutaneous injection of 5 × 105 cells in 100 µl. HE staining and TUNEL were used to assess metastasis ability.

RESULTS

miR-129-2-3p level in colon cancer tissue was significantly reduced. Furthermore, it was verified that BZW1 was a target of miR-129-2-3p, and its expression in colon cancer cells was inhibited by miR-129-2-3p. Additionally, miR-129-2-3p inhibited colon cancer cell proliferation, colony formation, mobility ability and tumor growth, and promoted cell apoptosis by targeting BZW1. miR-129-2-3p overexpression in tumor xenografts in vivo decreased BZW1 expression, and suppressed tumor growth.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, these findings indicated that miR-129-2-3p exerts a suppressive role in colon cancer cells by directly targeting BZW1, and may have significant therapeutic implications for patients with colon cancer.

Non-coding RNAs/DNMT3B axis in human cancers: from pathogenesis to clinical significance

Cancer is a complex disease with many contributing factors, and researchers have gained extensive knowledge that has helped them understand the diverse and varied nature of cancer. The altered patterns of DNA methylation found in numerous types of cancer imply that they may play a part in the disease's progression. The human cancer condition involves dysregulation of the DNA methyltransferase 3 beta (DNMT3B) gene, a prominent de novo DNA methyltransferase, and its abnormal behavior serves as an indicator for tumor prognosis and staging. The expression of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), which include microRNAs (miRNA), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), is critical in controlling targeted gene expression and protein translation and their dysregulation correlates with the onset of tumors. NcRNAs dysregulation of is a critical factor that influences the modulation of several cellular characteristics in cancerous cells. These characteristics include but are not limited to, drug responsiveness, angiogenesis, metastasis, apoptosis, proliferation, and properties of tumor stem cell. The reciprocal regulation of ncRNAs and DNMT3B can act in synergy to influence the destiny of tumor cells. Thus, a critical avenue for advancing cancer prevention and treatment is an inquiry into the interplay between DNMT3B and ncRNAs. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of the ncRNAs/DNMT3B axis in cancer pathogenesis. This brings about valuable insights into the intricate mechanisms of tumorigenesis and provides a foundation for developing effective therapeutic interventions.

Comprehensive analysis of m6A/m5C/m1A-related gene expression, immune infiltration, and sensitivity of antineoplastic drugs in glioma

This research aims to develop a prognostic glioma marker based on m⁶A/m⁵C/m¹A genes and investigate the potential role in the tumor immune microenvironment. Data for patients with glioma were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA). The expression of genes related to m⁶A/m⁵C/m¹A was compared for normal and glioma groups. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Gene enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes were conducted. Consistent clustering analysis was performed to obtain glioma subtypes and complete the survival analysis and immune analysis. Based on TCGA, Lasso regression analysis was used to obtain a prognostic model, and the CGGA database was used to validate the model. The model-based risk scores and the hub genes with the immune microenvironment, clinical features, and antitumor drug susceptibility were investigated. The clinical glioma tissues were collected to verify the expression of hub genes via immunohistochemistry. Twenty genes were differentially expressed, Consensus cluster analysis identified two molecular clusters. Overall survival was significantly higher in cluster 2 than in cluster 1. Immunological analysis revealed statistically significant differences in 26 immune cells and 17 immune functions between the two clusters. Enrichment analysis detected multiple meaningful pathways. We constructed a prognostic model that consists of WTAP, TRMT6, DNMT1, and DNMT3B. The high-risk and low-risk groups affected the survival prognosis and immune infiltration, which were related to grade, gender, age, and survival status. The prognostic value of the model was validated using another independent cohort CGGA. Clinical correlation and immune analysis revealed that four hub genes were associated with tumor grade, immune cells, and antitumor drug sensitivity, and WTAP was significantly associated with microsatellite instability(MSI). Immunohistochemistry confirmed the high expression of WTAP, DNMT1, and DNMT3B in tumor tissue, but the low expression of TRMT6. This study established a strong prognostic marker based on m⁶A/m⁵C/m¹A methylation regulators, which can accurately predict the prognosis of patients with gliomas. m⁶A/m⁵C/m¹A modification mode plays an important role in the tumor microenvironment, can provide valuable information for anti-tumor immunotherapy, and have a profound impact on the clinical characteristics.