miRNA-217 inhibits proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by regulating KLF5

Machine Learning Screens Potential Drugs Targeting a Prognostic Gene Signature Associated With Proliferation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background: This study aimed to screen potential drugs targeting a new prognostic gene signature associated with proliferation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: CRISPR Library and TCGA datasets were used to explore differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to the proliferation of HCC cells. Differential gene expression analysis, univariate COX regression analysis, random forest algorithm and multiple combinatorial screening were used to construct a prognostic gene signature. Then the predictive power of the gene signature was validated in the TCGA and ICGC datasets. Furthermore, potential drugs targeting this gene signature were screened. Results: A total of 640 DEGs related to HCC proliferation were identified. Using univariate Cox analysis and random forest algorithm, 10 hub genes were screened. Subsequently, using multiplex combinatorial screening, five hub genes (FARSB, NOP58, CCT4, DHX37 and YARS) were identified. Taking the median risk score as a cutoff value, HCC patients were divided into high- and low-risk groups. Kaplan-Meier analysis performed in the training set showed that the overall survival of the high-risk group was worse than that of the low-risk group (p < 0.001). The ROC curve showed a good predictive efficiency of the risk score (AUC > 0.699). The risk score was related to gene mutation, cancer cell stemness and immune function changes. Prediction of immunotherapy suggetsted the IC50s of immune checkpoint inhibitors including A-443654, ABT-888, AG-014699, ATRA, AUY-922, and AZ-628 in the high-risk group were lower than those in the low-risk group, while the IC50s of AMG-706, A-770041, AICAR, AKT inhibitor VIII, Axitinib, and AZD-0530 in the high-risk group were higher than those in the low-risk group. Drug sensitivity analysis indicated that FARSB was positively correlated with Hydroxyurea, Vorinostat, Nelarabine, and Lomustine, while negatively correlated with JNJ-42756493. DHX37 was positively correlated with Raltitrexed, Cytarabine, Cisplatin, Tiotepa, and Triethylene Melamine. YARS was positively correlated with Axitinib, Fluphenazine and Megestrol acetate. NOP58 was positively correlated with Vorinostat and 6-thioguanine. CCT4 was positively correlated with Nerabine. Conclusion: The five-gene signature associated with proliferation can be used for survival prediction and risk stratification for HCC patients. Potential drugs targeting this gene signature deserve further attention in the treatment of HCC.

Exosomal Circ-ZNF652 Promotes Cell Proliferation, Migration, Invasion and Glycolysis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma via miR-29a-3p/GUCD1 Axis

BACKGROUND

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play a crucial role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. However, the role of exosomal circRNAs in HCC is still largely unknown. We aimed to explore the function of exosomal circ-ZNF652 in HCC.

METHODS

The morphology and size of exosomes were examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). The expression of circ-ZNF652, ZNF652 mRNA, microRNA-29a-3p (miR-29a-3p) and guanylyl cyclase domain containing 1 (GUCD1) mRNA was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The protein levels of CD63, CD81, hexokinase 2 (HK2) and GUCD1 were examined via Western blot assay. The stability of circ-ZNF652 was examined by RNase R digestion assay. Cell proliferation was analyzed by 3-(4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Cell migration and invasion were assessed by transwell assay. The glycolysis level was detected via specific kits. The association between miR-29a-3p and circ-ZNF652 or GUCD1 was analyzed by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. A murine xenograft model was constructed to explore the effect of circ-ZNF652 in vivo.

RESULTS

Exosomal circ-ZNF652 was upregulated in HCC patients' serums and HCC cells. Exosomal circ-ZNF652 could transfer to HCC cells, and circ-ZNF652 silencing suppressed HCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion and glycolysis. Circ-ZNF652 was a sponge of miR-29a-3p, and the inhibitory effect of circ-ZNF652 silencing on HCC cell progression was weakened by miR-29a-3p inhibitor. GUCD1 was a target gene of miR-29a-3p, and GUCD1 overexpression restored the effect of miR-29a-3p on HCC cell development. Moreover, circ-ZNF652 knockdown repressed tumor growth in vivo.

CONCLUSION

Exosomal circ-ZNF652 contributes to HCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion and glycolysis by miR-29a-3p/GUCD1 axis.

miR-26b-5p Inhibits the Proliferation, Migration and Invasion of Human Papillary Thyroid Cancer in a β-Catenin-Dependent Manner

Background

miR-26b-5p is reported to be involved in the progression of multiple cancers, but its function and mechanism in human papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) remain unknown. We aimed to uncover the function and mechanism of miR-26b-5p in PTC.

Methods

We performed qRT-PCR to detect the differences in miR-26b-5p expression between normal tissue and PTC. In vitro, we established cell lines stably overexpressing miR-26b-5p and investigated the function and underlying mechanism of miR-26b-5p in PTC.

Results

miR-26b-5p was downregulated in PTC compared with normal tissue. miR-26b-5p was correlated with the clinical stage. miR-26b-5p inhibited the proliferation, invasion and migration of PTC cell lines. We next detected EMT and proliferation markers. miR-26b-5p was shown to exert its function in a β-catenin-dependent manner.

Conclusion

Taken together, our results showed that miR-26b-5p inhibits proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT by degrading β-catenin.