MiR-1-3p suppresses cell proliferation and invasion and targets STC2 in gastric cancer

Icariin attenuates the tumor growth by targeting miR-1-3p/TNKS2/Wnt/β-catenin signaling axis in ovarian cancer

Purpose

Despite various therapy advances, ovarian cancer remains an incurable disease for which survival rates have only modestly improved. Natural products are important sources of anti-cancer lead compounds. Icariin exhibited broad anti-cancer efficacy. However, the mechanism of icariin against ovarian cancer is poorly elucidated.

Methods

Cell viability was detected to evaluate the effect of icariin on SKOV-3 cells. The cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed. The transcript of SKOV-3 cells was profiled by RNA-seq. GSEA and DEGs analyses were performed to interpret gene expression data. Western blot and TOP/FOP flash assay were applied to detect Wnt/β-catenin signaling. MiRDB database and dual-luciferase reporter assay was applied to study the regulation of miR-1-3p on TNKS2. Anti-tumor efficacy of icariin was evaluated by xenograft mouse model. Immunohistochemistry was performed with antibodies against Ki67.

Results

Icariin significantly suppressed the proliferation of SKOV-3 cells. Furthermore, icariin stalled cell cycle and induced apoptosis by blocking TNKS2/Wnt/β-catenin pathway through upregulating the level of miR-1-3p. Finally, icariin dramatically suppressed tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusions

In this study, we demonstrated for the first time that icariin significantly attenuated the growth of ovarian tumor in xenograft mouse model. Furthermore, we systematically revealed that icariin attenuates the tumor progression by suppressing TNKS2/Wnt/β-catenin signaling via upregulating the level of miR-1-3p in ovarian cancer with transcriptome analysis.

A Pan-Cancer Analysis Reveals the Prognostic and Immunotherapeutic Value of Stanniocalcin-2 (STC2)

Background: Stanniocalcin-2 (STC2) is a secreted glycoprotein which plays an important role in regulating the homeostasis of calcium, glucose homeostasis, and phosphorus metastasis. Accumulating evidence suggests that STC2 is implicated in cancer mechanisms. However, the effects of STC2 on cancer development and progression across pan-cancer are not yet completely known.

Methods: Data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database to obtain differentially expressed genes significantly associated with prognosis (key genes). A gene was selected for subsequent correlation studies by integrating the significance of prognosis and the time-dependent ROC curve. Gene expression of different tumor types was analyzed based on the UCSC XENA website. Furthermore, our study investigated the correlation of STC2 expression between prognosis, immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoint genes (ICGs), mismatch repair genes (MMRs), tumor mutation burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), and drug sensitivity in various malignant tumors. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was conducted for correlated genes of STC2 to explore potential mechanisms.

Results: A total of 3,429 differentially expressed genes and 397 prognosis-related genes were identified from the TCGA database. Twenty-six key genes were found by crossing the former and the latter, and the highest risk gene, STC2, was selected for subsequent correlation studies. STC2 had good diagnostic performance for HNSCC, and was closely related to the survival status and clinicopathological stage of HNSCC patients. In pan-cancer analysis, STC2 was upregulated in 20 cancers and downregulated in seven cancers. STC2 overexpression was overall negatively correlated with overall survival, disease-free survival, disease-specific survival, and progress-free survival. STC2 was profoundly correlated with the tumor immune microenvironment, including immune cell infiltration, ICGs, MMRs, TMB, and MSI. Moreover, STC2 was significantly negatively correlated with the sensitivity or resistance of multiple drugs.

Conclusion: STC2 was a potential prognostic biomarker for pan-cancer and a new immunotherapy target.

Long non-coding RNA MAFG-AS1 promotes proliferation and metastasis of breast cancer by modulating STC2 pathway

Breast cancer is the most common cancer worldwide. A number of studies proposed that long non-coding RNA plays an essential role in the regulation of invasion and metastasis of various forms of malignancy, including lung cancer, gastric cancer, and bladder cancer. In this study, a long non-coding RNA(LncRNA) MAFG-AS1 was explored in detail to understand the significance in the etiology of breast cancer. The results indicated that expression of LncRNA MAFG-AS1 in the breast cancer tissues was significantly higher than the adjacent normal breast tissues and elevated expression level of LncRNA MAFG-AS1 was correlated to the larger tumor size, negative expression of ER, PR and lymph node metastasis. The potency of breast cancer proliferation, invasion, and metastasis was inhibited in the absence of LncRNA MAFG-AS1. Mechanically, LncRNA MAFG-AS1 was mainly located in the cytoplasm. The downstream target gene of LncRNA MAFG-AS1 was STC2 which might promote cell proliferation and metastasis in breast cancer and this study provides a new potential therapeutic target for breast cancer.

MiR-1-3p targets CENPF to repress tumor-relevant functions of gastric cancer cells

Here we noted significantly downregulated miR-1-3p in gastric cancer (GC) tissue compared with adjacent normal tissue through qRT-PCR. Lowly expressed miR-1-3p correlated GC progression. Overexpressing miR-1-3p could restrain tumor-relevant cell behaviors in GC, while miR-1-3p inhibitor treatment triggered the opposite results. Moreover, dual-luciferase reporter gene detection identified specific binding sites of miR-1-3p in CENPF 3’untranslated region. Upregulating miR-1-3p constrained cell progression of GC via CENPF downregulation. Western blot, qRT-PCR and dual-luciferase detections manifested that miR-1-3p negatively mediated CENPF expression in GC cells. Thus, we demonstrated that miR-1-3p negatively mediated CENPF to hamper GC progression. CENPF may be an underlying target for GC therapy.

LncRNA H19 Regulates Proliferation, Apoptosis and ECM Degradation of Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells Via miR-1-3p/ADAM10 Axis in Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is a prevalent health problem worldwide. Long non-coding RNA H19was highly expressed in TAA patients, but the function and mechanism of H19 in TAA remain unknown. The expression levels of H19, microRNA-1-3p (miR-1-3p), and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 10 (ADAM10) were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Receiver operating characteristic (ROS) cure was performed to evaluate the diagnostic value of H19 on TAA patients. Proliferation and apoptosis were detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation, and flow cytometry. Protein levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Cleaved-caspase 3 (Cleaved-cas3), Cleaved-caspase 9 (Cleaved-cas9), Collagen I, Collagen III, and ADAM10 were tested by western blot assay. The binding relationship between miR-1-3p and H19 or ADAM10 was predicted by LncBase Predicted v.2 or Starbase, and verified by the dual-luciferase reporter, RNA pull-down assay, and RNA Immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays. H19 was increased in TAA aorta tissues and serum and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC), and hindered proliferation as well as promoted apoptosis and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation of VSMC. Moreover, miR-1-3p was decreased, and ADAM10 was upregulated in TAA aorta tissues and VSMC. The mechanical analysis confirmed that H19 affected ADAM10 expression by targeting miR-1-3p. Our results indicated that H19 inhibited proliferation, and accelerated apoptosis and ECM degradation of VSMC, providing an underlying lncRNA-targeted therapy for TAA treatment.

Downregulation of miR-1-3p expression inhibits the hypertrophy and mineralization of chondrocytes in DDH

BACKGROUND

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a highly prevalent hip disease among children. However, its pathogenesis remains unclear. MicroRNAs (miRNA) are important regulators of cartilage development. In a previous study, high-throughput miRNA sequencing of tissue samples from an animal model of DDH showed a low level of miR-1-3p in the cartilage of the acetabular roof (ARC), but its role in DDH pathogenesis was not addressed. Therefore, our aim here was to investigate the effects of miR-1-3p in the ARC.

METHODS

The diagnosis of acetabular dysplasia was confirmed with X-ray examination, while imaging and HE staining were conducted to further evaluate the ARC thickness in each animal model. FISH was employed to verify miR-1-3p expression in the ARC and chondrocytes. The miR-1-3p target genes were predicted by a bioinformatics database. A dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm the targeting relationship between miR-1-3p and SOX9. The gene expression of miR-1-3p, SOX9, RUNX2 and collagen type X was evaluated by qPCR analysis. The protein expression of SOX9, RUNX2 and collagen type X was detected by western blot analysis. The levels of SOX9, RUNX2, and collagen type X in the ARC were further assessed via immunohistochemistry analysis. Finally, Alizarin Red S staining was used to observe the mineralized nodules produced by the chondrocytes.

RESULTS

We observed low expression of miR-1-3p in the ARC of animals with DDH. SOX9 is a miR-1-3p target gene. Using miR-1-3p silencing technology in vitro, we demonstrated significantly reduced chondrocyte-generated mineralized nodules compared to those of the control. We also confirmed that with miR-1-3p silencing, SOX9 expression was upregulated, whereas the expression of genes associated with endochondral osteogenesis such as RUNX2 and collagen type X was downregulated. To confirm the involvement of miR-1-3p silencing in abnormal ossification through SOX9, we also performed a rescue experiment in which SOX9 silencing restored the low expression of RUNX2 and collagen type X produced by downregulated miR-1-3p expression. Finally, the elevated SOX9 levels and reduced RUNX2 and collagen type X levels in the ARC of rabbits with DDH were also verified using immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR, and western blots.

CONCLUSION

The relatively low expression of miR-1-3p in the ARC may be the cause of abnormal endochondral ossification in the acetabular roof of animals with DDH.

ORC6, Negatively Regulated by miR-1-3p, Promotes Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells

Background

In recent years, microRNA-1-3p (miR-1-3p) has been linked to the progression of multiple cancers, whereas little is known about its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Herein, we investigated the function of miR-1-3p in HCC, and its regulatory function on origin recognition complex subunit 6 (ORC6).

Methods

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed for detecting the expression levels of miR-1-3p and ORC6 mRNA in HCC samples and cell lines. ORC6 expression at the protein level was quantified by Western blot. After gain-of-function and loss-of-function models were established, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assays, Transwell assays, flow cytometry, and 5-Ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay were performed for examining cell proliferation, migration, invasion, cell cycle, and apoptosis. The targeting relationship between miR-1-3p and ORC6 was confirmed with bioinformatic analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assays.

Results

The expression of miR-1-3p was reduced in HCC samples and cell lines. Overexpression of miR-1-3p suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion, and induced cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis of HCC cells, whereas the opposite effects were induced by miR-1-3p inhibition. ORC6 is identified as a novel target of miR-1-3p, the expression of which is negatively correlated with miR-1-3p expression in HCC tissues. ORC6 overexpression facilitated the proliferation, migration, invasion, and cell cycle progression, and reduced apoptosis of HCC cells, whereas the opposite effects were induced by ORC6 knockdown. What is more, ORC6 overexpression counteracted the biological functions of miR-1-3p in HCC cells.

Conclusion

MiR-1-3p targets ORC6 to suppress the proliferation, migration, invasion, and cell cycle progression, and promote apoptosis of HCC cells.

A Convergent Functional Genomics Analysis to Identify Biological Regulators Mediating Effects of Creatine Supplementation

Creatine (Cr) and phosphocreatine (PCr) are physiologically essential molecules for life, given they serve as rapid and localized support of energy- and mechanical-dependent processes. This evolutionary advantage is based on the action of creatine kinase (CK) isozymes that connect places of ATP synthesis with sites of ATP consumption (the CK/PCr system). Supplementation with creatine monohydrate (CrM) can enhance this system, resulting in well-known ergogenic effects and potential health or therapeutic benefits. In spite of our vast knowledge about these molecules, no integrative analysis of molecular mechanisms under a systems biology approach has been performed to date; thus, we aimed to perform for the first time a convergent functional genomics analysis to identify biological regulators mediating the effects of Cr supplementation in health and disease. A total of 35 differentially expressed genes were analyzed. We identified top-ranked pathways and biological processes mediating the effects of Cr supplementation. The impact of CrM on miRNAs merits more research. We also cautiously suggest two dose-response functional pathways (kinase- and ubiquitin-driven) for the regulation of the Cr uptake. Our functional enrichment analysis, the knowledge-based pathway reconstruction, and the identification of hub nodes provide meaningful information for future studies. This work contributes to a better understanding of the well-reported benefits of Cr in sports and its potential in health and disease conditions, although further clinical research is needed to validate the proposed mechanisms.

Identification of Five Glycolysis-Related Gene Signature and Risk Score Model for Colorectal Cancer

Metabolic changes, especially in glucose metabolism, are widely established during the occurrence and development of tumors and regarded as biological markers of pan-cancer. The well-known ‘Warburg effect’ demonstrates that cancer cells prefer aerobic glycolysis even if there is sufficient ambient oxygen. Accumulating evidence suggests that aerobic glycolysis plays a pivotal role in colorectal cancer (CRC) development. However, few studies have examined the relationship of glycolytic gene clusters with prognosis of CRC patients. Here, our aim is to build a glycolysis-associated gene signature as a biomarker for colorectal cancer. The mRNA sequencing and corresponding clinical data were downloaded from TCGA and GEO databases. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed, indicating that four gene clusters were significantly enriched, which revealed the inextricable relationship of CRC with glycolysis. By comparing gene expression of cancer and adjacent samples, 236 genes were identified. Univariate, multivariate, and LASSO Cox regression analyses screened out five prognostic-related genes (ENO3, GPC1, P4HA1, SPAG4, and STC2). Kaplan–Meier curves and receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC, AUC = 0.766) showed that the risk model could become an effective prognostic indicator (P < 0.001). Multivariate Cox analysis also revealed that this risk model is independent of age and TNM stages. We further validated this risk model in external cohorts (GES38832 and GSE39582), showing these five glycolytic genes could emerge as reliable predictors for CRC patients’ outcomes. Lastly, based on five genes and risk score, we construct a nomogram model assessed by C-index (0.7905) and calibration plot. In conclusion, we highlighted the clinical significance of glycolysis in CRC and constructed a glycolysis-related prognostic model, providing a promising target for glycolysis regulation in CRC.

LINC00242/miR-1-3p/G6PD axis regulates Warburg effect and affects gastric cancer proliferation and apoptosis

BACKGROUND

Reprogrammed glucose metabolism of enhanced Warburg effect (or aerobic glycolysis) is considered as a hallmark of cancer. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been certified to play a crucial role in tumor progression. The current study aims to inquire into the potential regulatory mechanism of long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 242 (LINC00242) on aerobic glycolysis in gastric cancer.

METHOD

LINC00242, miR-1-3p and G6PD expression levels in gastric cancer tissues and cells were determined by qRT-PCR. Cell apoptosis or viability were examined by Flow cytometry or MTT assay. Western blot was utilized to investigate G6PD protein expression levels. Immunohistochemical (IHC) and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining were used for histopathological detection. The targeted relationship between LINC00242 or G6PD and miR-1-3p was verified by luciferase reporter gene assay. Nude mouse xenograft was utilized to detect tumor formation in vivo.

RESULT

LINC00242 and G6PD was high-expressed in gastric cancer tissues and cells, and LINC00242 is positively correlated with G6PD. Silencing of LINC00242 or G6PD within gastric cancer cells prominently inhibited cell proliferation and aerobic glycolysis in vitro and relieved the tumorigenesis of gastric cancer in vivo. miR-1-3p was predicted to directly target both LINC00242 and G6PD. Overexpression of miR-1-3p suppressed gastric cancer cells proliferation and aerobic glycolysis. LINC00242 competitively combined miR-1-3p, therefore relieving miR-1-3p-mediated suppression on G6PD.

CONCLUSION

LINC00242 plays a stimulative role in gastric cancer aerobic glycolysis via regulation of miR-1-3p/ G6PD axis, therefore affecting gastric cancer cell proliferation.

MicroRNA-520f-3p inhibits proliferation of gastric cancer cells via targeting SOX9 and thereby inactivating Wnt signaling

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are known to be important in a variety of cancer types. The specific expression and roles of miR-520f-3p in the context of gastric cancer (GC), however, remains unknown. Herein we determined miR-520f-3p expression to be significantly reduced in human GC cells compared to cells of the gastric epithelium, with comparable down-regulation also being evident in gastric cancer tissue samples and the low expression of this miRNA was positively correlated with features of more aggressive large tumor size (p = 0.019), depth of invasion (p = 0.008), and distant metastasis (p = 0.037). We further found that lower levels of miR-520f-3p corresponded with poorer GC patient overall (p = 0.003) and disease-free (p = 0.036) survival. When over-expressed in GC cells, miR-520f-3p was able to impair their growth, proliferation, and survival, instead leading to the induction of apoptosis. We further found that miR-520f-3p was able to bind the SOX9 3'-UTR, thereby negatively regulating its expression in GC cells. Consistent with this model, SOX9 and miR-520f-3p expression were negatively correlated with one another in GC tissues. When SOX9 was upregulated, this was also able to abrogate miR-520f-3p-mediated inactivation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Together our findings thus suggest that miR-520f-3p can act to suppress GC progression, at least in part via suppressing SOX9 expression and thus disrupting Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Our results thus highlight potential novel therapeutic targets in GC worthy of future investigation.

Use of a Four-miRNA Panel as a Biomarker for the Diagnosis of Stomach Adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been applied to cancer diagnosis taking into account their role in tumorigenesis. The main purpose of our study was to confirm the possibility of using miRNAs as noninvasive biomarkers for stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) diagnosis.

METHODS

A total of 246 participants (130 STAD patients and 116 healthy controls (HCs)) were enrolled in this 3-phase study. Five STAD pools and 3 HC pools (with 4 participants in each pool) were used for the screening of the 28 miRNAs using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The training phase (30 STAD patients vs. 24 HCs) and validation phase (80 STAD patients vs. 80 HCs) were used to further verify the identity of these miRNAs. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and bioinformatics analysis were also used.

RESULTS

The expression levels of miR-125b-5p and miR-196a-5p were upregulated in STAD serum, compared with the HCs, while miR-1-3p and miR-149-5p showed the opposite result. A four-serum miRNA panel was constructed, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was found to be 0.892 (95% CI: 0.834 to 0.936, sensitivity = 86.25%, specificity = 78.75%). Only miR-125b-5p expression showed a significant difference between STAD patients and NCs in the survival analysis. The neurotrophin signaling pathway was associated with 4 miRNAs identified in STAD patients.

CONCLUSION

The four-serum miRNA panel has great potential to be used as a noninvasive biomarker for STAD diagnosis.