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Weidle UH, Nopora A. CircRNAs in Pancreatic Cancer: New Tools for Target Identification and Therapeutic Intervention. Cancer Genomics Proteomics 2024; 21:327-349. [PMID: 38944427 PMCID: PMC11215428 DOI: 10.21873/cgp.20451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024] Open
Abstract
We have reviewed the literature for circular RNAs (circRNAs) with efficacy in preclinical pancreatic-cancer related in vivo models. The identified circRNAs target chemoresistance mechanisms (n=5), secreted proteins and transmembrane receptors (n=15), transcription factors (n=9), components of the signaling- (n=11), ubiquitination- (n=2), autophagy-system (n=2), and others (n=9). In addition to identifying targets for therapeutic intervention, circRNAs are potential new entities for treatment of pancreatic cancer. Up-regulated circRNAs can be inhibited by antisense oligonucleotides (ASO), small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) or clustered regularly interspaced short-palindromic repeats-CRISPR associated protein (CRISPR-CAS)-based intervention. The function of down-regulated circRNAs can be reconstituted by replacement therapy using plasmids or virus-based vector systems. Target validation experiments and the development of improved delivery systems for corresponding agents were examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich H Weidle
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Adam Nopora
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
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Weidle UH, Birzele F. Deregulated circRNAs in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer With Activity in Preclinical In Vivo Models: Identification of Targets and New Modalities for Therapeutic Intervention. Cancer Genomics Proteomics 2024; 21:213-237. [PMID: 38670587 PMCID: PMC11059596 DOI: 10.21873/cgp.20442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is associated with a dismal prognosis due to development of resistance to chemotherapy and metastasis in the peritoneal cavity and distant organs. In order to identify new targets and treatment modalities we searched the literature for up- and and down-regulated circRNAs with efficacy in preclinical EOC-related in vivo systems. Our search yielded circRNAs falling into the following categories: cisplatin and paclitaxel resistance, transmembrane receptors, secreted factors, transcription factors, RNA splicing and processing factors, RAS pathway-related components, proteolysis and cell-cycle regulation, signaling-related proteins, and circRNAs regulating proteins in additional categories. These findings can be potentially translated by validation and manipulation of the corresponding targets, inhibition of circRNAs with antisense oligonucleotides (ASO), small interfering RNAs (siRNA) or small hairpin RNA (shRNA) or by reconstituting their activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich H Weidle
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany;
| | - Fabian Birzele
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Weidle UH, Nopora A. Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Up-regulated Circular RNAs Which Mediate Efficacy in Preclinical In Vivo Models. Cancer Genomics Proteomics 2023; 20:500-521. [PMID: 37889063 PMCID: PMC10614070 DOI: 10.21873/cgp.20401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranges as number two with respect to the incidence of tumors and is associated with a dismal prognosis. The therapeutic efficacy of approved multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitors and checkpoint inhibitors is modest. Therefore, the identification of new therapeutic targets and entities is of paramount importance. We searched the literature for up-regulated circular RNAs (circRNAs) which mediate efficacy in preclinical in vivo models of HCC. Our search resulted in 14 circRNAs which up-regulate plasma membrane transmembrane receptors, while 5 circRNAs induced secreted proteins. Two circRNAs facilitated replication of Hepatitis B or C viruses. Three circRNAs up-regulated high mobility group proteins. Six circRNAs regulated components of the ubiquitin system. Seven circRNAs induced GTPases of the family of ras-associated binding proteins (RABs). Three circRNAs induced redox-related proteins, eight of them up-regulated metabolic enzymes and nine circRNAs induced signaling-related proteins. The identified circRNAs up-regulate the corresponding targets by sponging microRNAs. Identified circRNAs and their targets have to be validated by standard criteria of preclinical drug development. Identified targets can potentially be inhibited by small molecules or antibody-based moieties and circRNAs can be inhibited by small-interfering RNAs (siRNAs) or short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich H Weidle
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Adam Nopora
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
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Weidle UH, Nopora A. Up-regulated Circular RNAs in Colorectal Cancer: New Entities for Therapy and Tools for Identification of Therapeutic Targets. Cancer Genomics Proteomics 2023; 20:132-153. [PMID: 36870691 PMCID: PMC9989668 DOI: 10.21873/cgp.20369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with disseminated colorectal cancer have a dismal prognosis with a 5-year survival rate of only 13%. In order to identify new treatment modalities and new targets, we searched the literature for up-regulated circular RNAs in colorectal cancer which induce tumor growth in corresponding preclinical in vivo models. We identified nine circular RNAs that mediate resistance against chemotherapeutic agents, seven that up-regulate transmembrane receptors, five that induce secreted factors, nine that activate signaling components, five which up-regulate enzymes, six which activate actin-related proteins, six which induce transcription factors and two which up-regulate the MUSASHI family of RNA binding proteins. All of the circular RNAs discussed in this paper induce the corresponding targets by sponging microRNAs (miRs) and can be inhibited by RNAi or shRNA in vitro and in xenograft models. We have focused on circular RNAs with demonstrated activity in preclinical in vivo models because the latter is an important milestone in drug development. All circular RNAs with in vitro activity only data are not referenced in this review. The translational impact of inhibition of these circular RNAs and of the identified targets for treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich H Weidle
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Adam Nopora
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
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Guo L, Jia L, Luo L, Xu X, Xiang Y, Ren Y, Ren D, Shen L, Liang T. Critical Roles of Circular RNA in Tumor Metastasis via Acting as a Sponge of miRNA/isomiR. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137024. [PMID: 35806027 PMCID: PMC9267010 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a class of new endogenous non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), are closely related to the carcinogenic process and play a critical role in tumor metastasis. CircRNAs can lay the foundation for tumor metastasis via promoting tumor angiogenesis, make tumor cells gain the ability of migration and invasion by regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), interact with immune cells, cytokines, chemokines, and other non-cellular components in the tumor microenvironment, damage the normal immune function or escape the immunosuppressive network, and further promote cell survival and metastasis. Herein, based on the characteristics and biological functions of circRNA, we elaborated on the effect of circRNA via circRNA-associated competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network by acting as miRNA/isomiR sponges on tumor angiogenesis, cancer cell migration and invasion, and interaction with the tumor microenvironment (TME), then explored the potential interactions across different RNAs, and finally discussed the potential clinical value and application as a promising biomarker. These results provide a theoretical basis for the further application of metastasis-related circRNAs in cancer treatment. In summary, we briefly summarize the diverse roles of a circRNA-associated ceRNA network in cancer metastasis and the potential clinical application, especially the interaction of circRNA and miRNA/isomiR, which may complicate the RNA regulatory network and which will contribute to a novel insight into circRNA in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Guo
- Smart Health Big Data Analysis and Location Services Engineering Laboratory of Jiangsu Province, Department of Bioinformatics, School of Geographic and Biologic Information, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing 210023, China; (L.G.); (Y.X.); (Y.R.); (D.R.)
| | - Lin Jia
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China; (L.J.); (L.L.); (X.X.); (L.S.)
| | - Lulu Luo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China; (L.J.); (L.L.); (X.X.); (L.S.)
| | - Xinru Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China; (L.J.); (L.L.); (X.X.); (L.S.)
| | - Yangyang Xiang
- Smart Health Big Data Analysis and Location Services Engineering Laboratory of Jiangsu Province, Department of Bioinformatics, School of Geographic and Biologic Information, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing 210023, China; (L.G.); (Y.X.); (Y.R.); (D.R.)
| | - Yujie Ren
- Smart Health Big Data Analysis and Location Services Engineering Laboratory of Jiangsu Province, Department of Bioinformatics, School of Geographic and Biologic Information, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing 210023, China; (L.G.); (Y.X.); (Y.R.); (D.R.)
| | - Dekang Ren
- Smart Health Big Data Analysis and Location Services Engineering Laboratory of Jiangsu Province, Department of Bioinformatics, School of Geographic and Biologic Information, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing 210023, China; (L.G.); (Y.X.); (Y.R.); (D.R.)
| | - Lulu Shen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China; (L.J.); (L.L.); (X.X.); (L.S.)
| | - Tingming Liang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China; (L.J.); (L.L.); (X.X.); (L.S.)
- Correspondence:
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Wang Y, Pei W, Lu P. Circ_ARHGAP32 acts as miR-665 sponge to upregulate FGF2 to promote ox-LDL induced vascular smooth muscle cells proliferation and migration. Clin Hemorheol Microcirc 2022; 82:169-182. [PMID: 35662113 DOI: 10.3233/ch-221469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Circular RNA (circRNA) is considered to be an important regulator of human diseases, including atherosclerosis (AS). However, the role of circ_ARHGAP32 in AS formation needs further confirmation. OBJECTIVE: To explore the role of circ_ARHGAP32 in AS formation. METHODS: Oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) was used to treat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) to mimic AS cell models in vitro. The expression of circ_ARHGAP32, microRNA (miR)-665, and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR. VSMCs function was measured by EdU assay, cell counting kit 8 assay and transwell assay. Protein expression was determined using western blot analysis. Dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull-down assay were performed to verify RNA interaction. RESULTS: Circ_ARHGAP32 was highly expressed in AS patients and ox-LDL-induced VSMCs. Knockdown of circ_ARHGAP32 repressed ox-LDL-induced proliferation and migration in VSMCs. Circ_ARHGAP32 sponged miR-665 to positively regulate FGF2. MiR-665 inhibitor reversed the regulation of sh-circ_ARHGAP32 on ox-LDL-induced VSMCs proliferation and migration. MiR-665 also had a suppressive effect on the proliferation and migration of ox-LDL-induced VSMCs, and this effect could be reversed by FGF2 overexpression. CONCLUSIONS: Circ_ARHGAP32 might be a potential target for AS treatment, which promoted ox-LDL-induced VSMCs proliferation and migration by regulating miR-665/FGF2 network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yisheng Wang
- Department of Dardiology, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen Pei
- Department of Dardiology, Jing’an Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Lu
- Department of Dardiology, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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