Analysis of miRNA expression profiling identifies miR-214-3p as a novel biomarker in sinonasal inverted papilloma

miR-214-PTEN pathway is a potential mechanism for stress-induced immunosuppression affecting chicken immune response to avian influenza virus vaccine

Stress-induced immunosuppression (SIIS) is one of common problems in the intensive poultry industry, affecting the effect of vaccine immunization and leading to high incidences of diseases. In this study, the expression characteristics and regulatory mechanisms of miR-214 in the processes of SIIS and its influence on the immune response to avian influenza virus (AIV) vaccine in chicken were explored. The qRT-PCR results showed that serum circulating miR-214 was significantly differentially expressed (especially on 2, 5, and 28 days post immunization (dpi)) in the processes, so had the potential as a molecular marker. MiR-214 expressions from multiple tissues were closely associated with the changes in circulating miR-214 expression levels. MiR-214-PTEN regulatory network was a potential key regulatory mechanism for the heart, bursa of Fabricius, and glandular stomach to participate in the process of SIIS affecting AIV immune response. This study can provide references for further understanding of stress affecting immune response.

Comprehensive Analysis of Sinonasal Inverted Papilloma Expression Profiles Identifies Long Non-Coding RNA AKTIP as a Potential Biomarker

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a novel class of potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the treatment of neoplasms. The purpose of this study was to explore the expression profile, potential functions, and diagnostic and clinical significance of lncRNAs in sinonasal inverted papilloma (SNIP). The expression profiles of lncRNAs and mRNAs were analyzed using a microarray. The potential functions and clinical implications of specific lncRNAs were further analyzed by bioinformatics and statistical methods. Microarray analysis identified 1,668 significantly upregulated and 1,767 downregulated lncRNAs in SNIP. Several mRNAs coexpressed with lncRNAs were enriched in some biological processes and cellular signaling pathways related to tumorigenesis. Lnc-AKTIP might interact with a variety of tumor-associated proteins and transcription factors, such as PCBP2, IRF-1, and p53. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for lnc-AKTIP showed an area under the curve of 0.939. Notably, its expression level was significantly decreased in SNIP tissues versus normal tissues and was associated with SNIP staging. Lnc-AKTIP may serve as a valuable diagnostic biomarker and a therapeutic target for SNIP.

MicroRNAs in ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms

Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (TAA) is characterized by the dilation of the aorta and is fatal if not diagnosed and treated appropriately. The underlying genetic mechanisms have not been completely delineated, so better knowledge of the physiopathology of TAAs is needed to improve detection and therapy. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally and are known to be involved in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The current study aimed to identify miRNAs that can be used as possible biomarkers for the early diagnosis of patients with ascending TAAs (ATAAs). MiRNA expression was profiled by NanoString nCounter technology using 12 samples including tissue and pre- and post-surgical plasma from ATAA patients. Four miRNAs were selected and further validated by real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in 22 plasma samples from which three miRNAs (hsa-miR140-5p, hsa-miR-191-5p and hsa-miR-214-3p) showed significant expression level differences between the two types of plasma samples. Further analyses of the corresponding predicted target genes by these miRNAs, revealed two genes (Myotubularin-related protein 4 (MTMR4) and Phosphatase 1 catalytic subunit β (PPP1CB)) whose expression was inversely correlated with the expression of their respective miRNAs. Overall, in this pilot study, we identified three miRNAs that might serve as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in ATAA.

Immune function of miR-214 and its application prospects as molecular marker

MicroRNAs are a class of evolutionary conserved non-coding small RNAs that play key regulatory roles at the post-transcriptional level. In recent years, studies have shown that miR-214 plays an important role in regulating several biological processes such as cell proliferation and differentiation, tumorigenesis, inflammation and immunity, and it has become a hotspot in the miRNA field. In this review, the regulatory functions of miR-214 in the proliferation, differentiation and functional activities of immune-related cells, such as dendritic cells, T cells and NK cells, were briefly reviewed. Also, the mechanisms of miR-214 involved in tumor immunity, inflammatory regulation and antivirus were discussed. Finally, the value and application prospects of miR-214 as a molecular marker in inflammation and tumor related diseases were analyzed briefly. We hope it can provide reference for further study on the mechanism and application of miR-214.

Exosomal Long Non-coding RNA HOTTIP Increases Resistance of Colorectal Cancer Cells to Mitomycin via Impairing MiR-214-Mediated Degradation of KPNA3

It has been reported that long non-coding RNA HOXA distal transcript antisense RNA (lncRNA HOTTIP) functions as a tumor promoter in colorectal cancer (CRC). Hence, we paid attention to exploring whether exosomes could carry lncRNA HOTTIP to affect the mitomycin resistance in CRC and to identify the underlying mechanisms. High expression of HOTTIP was detected in mitomycin-resistant CRC cells. Inhibition of HOTTIP reduced the mitomycin resistance. In the co-culture system of mitomycin-resistant cells or their derived exosomes with CRC cells, the HOTTIP was found to be transferred into the parental cells via extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted from mitomycin-resistant cells and to contribute to the mitomycin resistance. Based on the bioinformatics databases, possible interaction network of HOTTIP, microRNA-214 (miR-214) and Karyopherin subunit alpha 3 (KPNA3) in CRC was predicted, which was further analyzed by dual-luciferase reporter, RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation and RNA pull-down assays. As HOTTIP down-regulated miR-214 to elevate the KPNA3 expression, HOTTIP enhanced the mitomycin resistance through impairing miR-214-dependent inhibition of KPNA3. Finally, HOTTIP was suggested as an independent factor predicting mitomycin response in patients with CRC. Those data together confirmed the promotive effects of EV-carried HOTTIP on the mitomycin resistance, while targeting HOTTIP might be a promising strategy overcoming drug resistance in CRC.

Assessment by miRNA microarray of an autologous cancer antigen-pulsed adoptive immune ensemble cell therapy (AC-ACT) approach; demonstrated induction of anti-oncogenic and anti-PD-L1 miRNAs

A 60-year-old woman with stage IV rectal cancer received adoptive cell therapy with autologous cancer antigen (AC-ACT) causing induction of anti-oncogenic and anti-PD-L1 miRNAs as assessed by miRNA microarray. More than 1 year after AC-ACT, metastases have been arrested, and the patient reports good quality of life.

Overexpression of FoxM1 in Sinonasal Inverted Papilloma and Associated Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Background

Sinonasal inverted papilloma (IP) is a rare tumor of nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. Its etiology and factors associated with tumor progression remains unclear. Forkhead Box M1 (FoxM1) has also been suggested to serve as an oncogene due to its pivotal roles in cell proliferation and cell cycle regulation. The aim of this study was to characterize the expression pattern of FoxM1 in IP and IP with associated squamous cell carcinoma (IPwSCC).

Methods

The study included 8 subjects with IPwSCC, 17 subjects with sinonasal IP, and 8 normal uncinate tissue (UT) mucosa. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemistry were used to assess the expression and distribution of FoxM1, polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1), cyclin B1, and cyclin D1 in IP tissues and normal control. The expression of FoxM1, PLK1, cyclin B1, and cyclin D1 in IPwSCC was evaluated using immunohistochemistry.

Results

The messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of FoxM1, PLK1, cyclin B1, and cyclin D1 was significantly upregulated in IP tissues versus normal UT by real-time PCR (all P values < .05). Using immunohistochemistry, the expression of FoxM1 was observed in the tumor cells of sinonasal IP and IPwSCC, but scarce positive cells in normal UT mucosa. The percentage of positive FoxM1-staining cells was statistically higher in IPwSCC than IP and normal UT mucosa (both P < .05). Both mRNA and protein expression of FoxM1 in IP with or without associated squamous cell carcinoma was correlated with tumor histological grades (both P < .05).

Conclusion

FoxM1, a proliferation specific transcription factor, was overexpressed in sinonasal IP and IPwSCC. FoxM1 might be a key molecule associated with growth of IP and malignant transformation of IP into IPwSCC.

Comparative transcriptome analysis of sinonasal inverted papilloma and associated squamous cell carcinoma: Out-HOXing developmental genes

BACKGROUND

Sinonasal papilloma has a tendency toward local destruction, recurrence, and malignant transformation. This study aimed to unravel mechanisms in the malignant transformation of sinonasal papillomas using RNA-seq.

METHODS

The cohort consisted of 37 consecutive patients; tumor histology included a continuum spectrum (sinonasal papillomas/dysplastic/carcinomas-in-situ/invasive squamous cell carcinomas). These were microdissected and RNA was subjected to whole-transcriptome shotgun sequencing.

RESULTS

RNA-seq and pathway analysis showed that the highest expressed genes/potential drivers were development- and differentiation-related genes. The protein expression of six highly upregulated genes (HOXA9, EN1, DUX4, CA9, CD1a, and CK5/6) validated the RNA-seq results. HOXA9 and CA9 were found to be expressed in most of the carcinoma samples but were largely negative in papillomas; all of the CA9-negative carcinomas were recurrent.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that sinonasal carcinomas arising from papillomas are mainly defined by overexpressed developmental/homeobox genes, which provide the potential for transformation/plasticity, along with differentiation and proliferation behavior of neoplastic cells. Our results support HOXA9 and CA9 as biomarkers for carcinomas, with CA9 emerging as a predictive marker of recurrence.