LncRNA HOTAIR promotes breast cancer progression through regulating the miR-129-5p/FZD7 axis

In silico identification and in vitro evaluation of MRPS30-DT lncRNA and MRPS30 gene expression in breast cancer

BACKGROUND

It has been reported that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can play important roles in a variety of biological processes and cancer regulatory networks, including breast cancer.

AIMS

This study aimed to identify a novel upregulated lncRNA in breast cancer and its associated gene using bioinformatics analysis, and then evaluate their potential roles in breast cancer.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Extensive in silico studies were performed using various bioinformatics databases and tools to identify a potential upregulated breast cancer-associated lncRNA and its co-expressed gene, and to predict their potential roles, functions, and interactions. The expression level of MRPS30-DT lncRNA and MRPS30 was assessed in both BC tissues and cell lines using qRT-PCR technology. MRPS30-DT lncRNA and MRPS30 were selected as target genes using bioinformatics analysis. We found that MRPS30-DT and MRPS30 were significantly overexpressed in BC tissues compared with normal tissues. Also, MRPS30 showed upregulation in all three BC cell lines compared with HDF. On the other hand, MRPS30-DT significantly increased in MDA-MB-231 compared with HDF. While the expression of MRPS30-DT was significantly dropped in the resistance cell line MCF/MX compared to HDF and MCF7. Moreover, bioinformatics analysis suggested that MRPS30-DT and MRPS30 may play a potential role in BC through their involvement in some cancer signaling pathways and processes, as well as through their interaction with TFs, genes, miRNAs, and proteins related to carcinogenesis.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, our findings showed the dysregulation of MRPS30-DT lncRNA and MRPS30 may provide clues for exploring new therapeutic targets or molecular biomarkers in BC.

LncRNA STARD7-AS1 suppresses cervical cancer cell proliferation while promoting autophagy by regulating miR-31-5p/TXNIP axis to inactivate the mTOR signaling

OBJECTIVE

Cervical cancer (CC) is a serious gynecologic health issue for women worldwide. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) has been well-documented in controlling malignant behavior of various cancer cells. The role of lncRNA STARD7-AS1 in regulating CC cell proliferation and autophagy and its possible mechanism were investigated in this work.

METHODS

RNA expression and protein levels were quantified by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. The location of STARD7-AS1 in CC cells was examined using subcellular fraction assays. Cell Counting Kit-8 assays and colony forming assays were performed to measure CC cell viability and proliferation. Autophagy in CC cells was evaluated using macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC) staining and transmission electron microscopy. The binding between microRNA (miR)-31-5p and STARD7-AS1 (or thioredoxin-interacting protein [TXNIP]) was determined by performing luciferase reporter, RNA pull-down or RNA immunoprecipitation assays.

RESULTS

STARD7-AS1 overexpression significantly suppressed CC cell viability and proliferation while notably inducing autophagy. STARD7-AS1 upregulated TXNIP expression via interaction with miR-31-5p. In addition, the effects of STARD7-AS1 on CC cell proliferation and autophagy were reversed by TXNIP silencing. The suppressive effect of STARD7-AS1 overexpression on phosphorylated levels of mTOR and S6K1 was countervailed by TXNIP deficiency.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, lncRNA STARD7-AS1 inhibits CC cell proliferation and promotes cell autophagy by targeting the miR-31-5p/TXNIP axis to inactivate the mTOR signaling.

Role of ferroptosis and ferroptosis-related long non'coding RNA in breast cancer

Ferroptosis, a therapeutic strategy for tumours, is a regulated cell death characterised by the increased accumulation of iron-dependent lipid peroxides (LPO). Tumour-associated long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), when combined with traditional anti-cancer medicines or radiotherapy, can improve efficacy and decrease mortality in cancer. Investigating the role of ferroptosis-related lncRNAs may help strategise new therapeutic options for breast cancer (BC). Herein, we briefly discuss the genes and pathways of ferroptosis involved in iron and reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism, including the XC-/GSH/GPX4 system, ACSL4/LPCAT3/15-LOX and FSP1/CoQ10/NAD(P)H pathways, and investigate the correlation between ferroptosis and LncRNA in BC to determine possible biomarkers related to ferroptosis.

Roles of HOTAIR Long Non-coding RNA in Gliomas and Other CNS Disorders

HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA (HOTAIR) is a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) which is increasingly being perceived as a tremendous molecular mediator of brain pathophysiology at multiple levels. Epigenetic regulation of target gene expression carried out by HOTAIR is thorough modulation of chromatin modifiers; histone methyltransferase polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) and histone demethylase lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1). Incidentally, HOTAIR was the first lncRNA shown to elicit sponging of specific microRNA (miRNA or miR) species in a trans-acting manner. It has been extensively studied in various cancers, including gliomas and is regarded as a prominent pro-tumorigenic and pro-oncogenic lncRNA. Indeed, the expression of HOTAIR may serve as glioma grade predictor and prognostic biomarker. The objective of this timely review is not only to outline the multifaceted pathogenic roles of HOTAIR in the development and pathophysiology of gliomas and brain cancers, but also to delineate the research findings implicating it as a critical regulator of overall brain pathophysiology. While the major focus is on neuro-oncology, wherein HOTAIR represents a particularly potent underlying pathogenic player and a suitable therapeutic target, mechanisms underlying the regulatory actions of HOTAIR in neurodegeneration, traumatic, hypoxic and ischemic brain injuries, and neuropsychiatric disorders are also presented.

LncRNA PSMB8-AS1 increases glioma malignancy via the miR-382-3p/BCAT1 axis

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the specific roles of the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) proteasome 20S subunit beta 8 (PSMB8)-antisense RNA 1 (AS1)/microRNA (miR)-382-3p/branched-chain amino acid transaminase 1 (BCAT1) interaction network in gliomas.

METHODS

Western blotting and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction were performed to assess the expression levels of lncRNA PSMB8-AS1, BCAT1, and miR-382-3p. Moreover, the cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis were assessed using the cell counting kit-8, Transwell, and caspase-3 activity assays, respectively. The biological role of lncRNA PSMB8-AS1 in glioma was investigated in vivo using a xenograft mouse model. Additionally, the associations among lncRNA PSMB8-AS1, miR-382-3p, and BCAT1 were analyzed using dual-luciferase and RNA immunoprecipitation assays and bioinformatics analyses.

RESULTS

Glioma cell lines and tissues exhibited overexpression of lncRNA PSMB8-AS1 and BCAT1 and low expression of miR-382-3p. Knockdown of PSMB8-AS1 remarkably repressed the tumor growth in vivo and the migration and proliferation of glioma cells in vitro. In contrast, knockdown of lncRNA PSMB8-AS1 increased the cell apoptosis. Mechanistically, PSMB8-AS1 directly targeted miR-382-3p. By sponging miR-382-3p, lncRNA PSMB8-AS1 stimulated the migration and proliferation of glioma cells and suppressed their apoptosis. Additionally, miR-382-3p directly targeted BCAT1. Inhibition of miR-382-3p reversed the antitumor effects of BCAT1 silencing on glioma progression.

CONCLUSION

Our study revealed that lncRNA PSMB8-AS1 aggravated glioma malignancy by enhancing BCAT1 expression after competitively binding to miR-382-3p. Therefore, lncRNA PSMB8-AS1 may be a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for glioma treatment.

Long noncoding RNAs as regulators of epithelial mesenchymal transition in breast cancer: A recent review

AIMS

Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequently occurring cancer in women worldwide. BC patients are often diagnosed at advanced stages which are characterized by low survival rates. Distant metastasis is considered a leading cause of mortalities among BC patients. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a transdifferentiation program that is necessary for cancer cells to acquire metastatic potential. In the last decade, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) proved their significant contribution to different hallmarks of cancer, including EMT and metastasis. The primary aim of our review is to analyze recent studies concerning the molecular mechanisms of lncRNAs implicated in EMT regulation in BC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We adopted a comprehensive search on databases of PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar using the following keywords: lncRNAs, EMT, breast cancer, and therapeutic targeting.

KEY FINDINGS

The different roles of lncRNAs in the mechanisms and signaling pathways governing EMT in BC were summarized. LncRNAs could induce or inhibit EMT through WNT/β-catenin, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), Notch, phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathways as well as via their interaction with histone modifying complexes and miRNAs.

SIGNIFICANCE

LncRNAs are key regulators of EMT and BC metastasis, presenting potential targets for therapeutic interventions. Further research is necessary to investigate the practical application of lncRNAs in clinical therapeutics.

The emerging role of noncoding RNAs in the EGFR signaling pathway in lung cancer

Noncoding ribonucleic acids (ncRNAs) have surfaced as essential orchestrators within the intricate system of neoplastic biology. Specifically, the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signalling cascade shows a central role in the etiological underpinnings of pulmonary carcinoma. Pulmonary malignancy persists as a preeminent contributor to worldwide mortality attributable to malignant neoplasms, with non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) emerging as the most predominant histopathological subcategory. EGFR is a key driver of NSCLC, and its dysregulation is frequently associated with tumorigenesis, metastasis, and resistance to therapy. Over the past decade, researchers have unveiled a complex network of ncRNAs, encompassing microRNAs, long noncoding RNAs, and circular RNAs, which intricately regulate EGFR signalling. MicroRNAs, as versatile post-transcriptional regulators, have been shown to target various components of the EGFR pathway, influencing cancer cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. Additionally, ncRNAs have emerged as critical modulators of EGFR signalling, with their potential to act as scaffolds, decoys, or guides for EGFR-related proteins. Circular RNAs, a relatively recent addition to the ncRNA family, have also been implicated in EGFR signalling regulation. The clinical implications of ncRNAs in EGFR-driven lung cancer are substantial. These molecules exhibit diagnostic potential as robust biomarkers for early cancer detection and personalized treatment. Furthermore, their predictive value extends to predicting disease progression and therapeutic outcomes. Targeting ncRNAs in the EGFR pathway represents a novel therapeutic approach with promising results in preclinical and early clinical studies. This review explores the increasing evidence supporting the significant role of ncRNAs in modulating EGFR signalling in lung cancer, shedding light on their potential diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic implications.

LncRNA HOTAIR as a ceRNA is related to breast cancer risk and prognosis

PURPOSE

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the biggest threats to women's health. LncRNA HOTAIR is related to the recurrence and metastasis of BC. Whether HOTAIR can serve as an effective biomarker to distinguish BC patients with different prognosis need to be further studied.

METHODS

The miRNA and mRNA expression profile data of BC patients were downloaded from TCGA database. Univariate Cox regression was used to screen differential expression genes (DEGs). The miRcode database and miRWalk database were used to predict miRNA binding to HOTAIR and binding sites of miRNAs, respectively. Kaplan-Meier (KM) analysis was used to estimate the overall survival rate of BC patients. Finally, qRT-PCR and western blot were applied to evaluate the expression level of HOTAIR and mRNAs between BC cells and normal mammary cells.

RESULTS

The patients with high HOTAIR expression had poor prognosis in BC. Totally 10 genes correlated with BC prognosis were identified from 170 DEGs, among which PAX7, IYD, ZIC2, MS4A1, TPRXL, CD24, LHX1 were positively correlated with HOTAIR, while CHAD, NPY1R, TPRG1 were opposite. The levels of IYD, ZIC2, CD24 mRNA and protein were increased in BC tissues and BC cells. In BC cells, the levels of IYD, ZIC2 and CD24 mRNA and protein were significantly increased in HOTAIR overexpressed group. HOTAIR had the strongest interaction with hsa-miR-129-5p, followed by hsa-miR-107.

CONCLUSION

HOTAIR regulated the expression of downstream genes by interacting with 8 miRNAs and ultimately affected the prognosis of BC patients.

Silencing LncRNA SNHG16 suppresses the diabetic inflammatory response by targeting the miR-212-3p/NF-κB signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Long noncoding RNAs (LncRNAs) have been identified to play an important role in diabetes. The aim of the present study was to determine the expression and function of small nucleolar RNA host gene 16 (SNHG16) in diabetic inflammation.

METHODS

For the in vitro experiments, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), Western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to detect LncRNA SNHG16 expression in the high-glucose state. The potential microRNA sponge target of LncRNA SNHG16, miR-212-3p, was detected by dual-luciferase reporter analysis and qRT-PCR. For the in vivo experiments, glucose changes in mice were detected after si-SNHG16 treatment, and SNHG16 and inflammatory factor expression in kidney tissues were detected by qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

LncRNA SNHG16 was upregulated in diabetic patients, HG-induced THP-1 cells, and diabetic mice. Silencing SNHG16 inhibited the diabetic inflammatory response and the development of diabetic nephropathy. miR-212-3p was found to be directly dependent on LncRNA SNHG16. miR-212-3p could inhibitor P65 phosphorylation in THP-1 cells. The miR-212-3p inhibitor reversed the action of si-SNHG16 in THP-1 cells and induced an inflammatory response in THP-1 cells. LncRNA SNHG16 was also found to be higher in the peripheral blood of diabetic patients than in the normal person. The area under the ROC curve is 0.813.

CONCLUSION

These data suggested that silencing LncRNA SNHG16 suppresses diabetic inflammatory responses by competitively binding miR-212-3p to regulate NF-κB. LncRNA SNHG16 can be used as a novel biomarker for patients with type 2 diabetes.

Interplay between LncRNAs and microRNAs in Breast Cancer

(1) Although long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are known to be precursors of microRNAs (miRNAs), they frequently act as competing endogoneous RNAs (ceRNAs), yet still their interplay with miRNA is not well known. However, their interaction with miRNAs may result in the modulation of miRNA action. (2) To determine the contribution of these RNA molecules in tumor resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs, it is essential to consider not only the oncogenic and tumor suppressive function of miRNAs but also the impact of lncRNAs on miRNAs. Therefore, we performed an extensive search in different databases including PubMed. (3) The present study concerns the interplay between lncRNAs and miRNAs in the regulatory post-transcriptional network and their impact on drugs used in the treatment of breast cancer. (4) Consideration of this interplay may improve the search for new drugs to circumvent chemoresistance.

HOTAIR: a potential metastatic, drug-resistant and prognostic regulator of breast cancer

HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA (HOTAIR) is an oncogenic non-coding RNA whose expression is strongly correlated with the tumor grade and prognosis of a variety of carcinomas including breast cancer (BC). HOTAIR regulates various target genes via sponging and epigenetic mechanisms and controls various oncogenic cellular and signaling mechanisms including metastasis and drug resistance. In BC cells, HOTAIR expression is regulated by a variety of transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms. In this review, we describe the regulatory mechanisms that govern HOTAIR expression during cancer development and explore how HOTAIR drives BC development, metastasis, and drug resistance. In the final section of this review, we focus on the role of HOTAIR in BC management, therapeutic treatment, and prognosis, highlighting its potential therapeutic applications.

HOX cluster-embedded lncRNAs and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in cancer: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities

Although there has been substantial improvement in the treatment modalities, cancer remains the major cause of fatality worldwide. Metastasis, recurrence, and resistance to oncological therapies are the leading causes of cancer mortality. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a complex biological process that allows cancer cells to undergo morphological transformation into a mesenchymal phenotype to acquire invasive potential. It encompasses reversible and dynamic ontogenesis by neoplastic cells during metastatic dissemination. Hence, understanding the molecular landscape of EMT is imperative to identify a reliable clinical biomarker to combat metastatic spread. Accumulating evidence reveals the role of HOX (homeobox) cluster-embedded long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in EMT and cancer metastasis. They play a crucial role in the induction of EMT, modulating diverse biological targets. The present review emphasizes the involvement of HOX cluster-embedded lncRNAs in EMT as a molecular sponge, chromatin remodeler, signaling regulator, and immune system modulator. Furthermore, the molecular mechanisms behind therapy resistance and the potential use of novel drugs targeting HOX cluster-embedded lncRNAs in the clinical management of distant metastasis will be discussed.

LncRNA RP11-551L14.4 suppresses breast cancer development by inhibiting the expression of miR-4472

Background

Previous studies have been reported that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) can regulate the expression of genes which are involved in many important cellular processes The potential role of lncRNA RP11-551L14.4 in the development of breast cancer and the possible regulatory mechanisms was investigated.

Methods

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was conducted to analyze RP11-551L14.4 expression in 36 paired breast cancer tissues and adjacent tissues. The expression of RP11-551L14.4 in multiple breast cancer cell lines was detected by qRT-PCR. Meanwhile, overexpression of RP11-551L14.4 models was established using lentivirus in BT474 and T47D breast cancer cells. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), cell colony formation and cell cycle assays were performed to detect the effects of RP11-551L14.4 on the biological function of breast cancer cells. Besides, bioinformatics techniques, dual luciferase reporter gene assay and rescue experiments were used to investigate the potential mechanisms.

Results

RP11-551L14.4 expression was negatively associated with the advanced tumor stage. Breast cancer patients with low RP11-551L14.4 expression manifested a poorer prognosis. The results of qRT-PCR showed that RP11-551L14.4 expression in breast cancer tissues was significantly lower than in adjacent tissues. Meanwhile, overexpression of RP11-551L14.4 significantly decreased the cell proliferation and cell cycle. Bioinformatics technology showed that RP11-551L14.4 could complementarily bind to miR-4472. qRT-PCR results indicated that the expression levels of miR-4472 and RP11-551L14.4 in breast cancer were negatively correlated. Luciferase reporter gene assay showed that miR-4472 remarkably decreased the relative luciferase activity of the wild-type RP11-551L14.4 vector. miR-4472 is a direct target gene of RP11-551L14.4. miR-4472 levels were reduced, and repulsive guidance molecule A (RGMA) mRNA or protein levels were increased after overexpression of RP11-551L14.4 in the breast cancer cells. miR-4472 reversed the effects caused by RP11-551L14.4 in breast cancer cells.

Conclusion

RP11-551L14.4 expression was remarkably decreased in breast cancer tissues and cells. RP11-551L14.4 may inhibit the malignant progression of breast cancer by regulating miR-4472 expression.

HOTAIR/miR-203/CAV1 Crosstalk Influences Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion in the Breast Cancer Cell

In recent years, malignant breast cancer metastasis has caused a great increase in mortality. Research on the genetic and molecular mechanisms of malignant breast cancer has continued to deepen, and targeted therapy has become the general trend. Among them, competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA)-related molecules have received much attention. Homeobox transcript antisense RNA (HOTAIR) has been reported to function extensively as a ceRNA in breast cancer. Notably, miR-203 and Caveolin 1 (CAV1) have also been found to play a role in breast cancer. However, the relationship between the three remains unclear. In this study, we present a new mechanic through bioinformatics tool and basic experiments: the HOTAIR/miR-203/CAV1 axis, which complemented the role network of HOTAIR as a ceRNA, thus, it will provide a novel potential idea for breast cancer research and therapy.

SIPA1 Regulates LINC01615 to Promote Metastasis in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Simple Summary

Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that often endangers women. After undergoing surgery and supplementary chemotherapy, however, tumor recurrence has not been well researched. The primary cause is high metastatic rates. Hence, bioinformatic and functional analyses were performed to indicate the effect of LINC01615 on breast cancer. We revealed that LINC01615 is regulated by the transcription factor SIPA1 in promoting breast cancer cell malignancy.

Abstract

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are reported to play an important regulatory effect in carcinogenesis and malignancy. We found by high-throughput sequencing that LINC01615 is upregulated in breast cancer patients and reduces patients’ overall survival. In vivo and in vitro experiments, we clarified that overexpression of LINC01615 can promote breast cancer cell metastasis ability. The expression of LINC01615 is regulated by the transcriptional activator SIPA1, thereby promoting carcinogenesis in breast cancer cells. Our research clarified that LINC01615 can act as an oncogenic factor in promoting the development of breast cancer.

Construction of CeRNA regulatory network based on WGCNA reveals diagnosis biomarkers for colorectal cancer

Background

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cause of death among cancers in the world. Although improvements in various treatments have greatly improved the survival time of colorectal cancer patients, since colorectal cancer is often at an advanced stage when diagnosed, the prognosis of patients is still very poor. Since the ceRNA regulatory network was proposed in 2011, it has greatly promoted the study of the molecular mechanism of colorectal cancer occurrence and development.

Objective

Exploring the new molecular mechanism of colorectal cancer occurrence and development and providing new targets for the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer.

Method

We analyzed the RNA-seq data of CRC from TCGA, such as differential expression analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and construction of ceRNA regulatory network.

Results

We constructed a ceRNA network using RNA-seq data of CRC from TCGA. In the ceRNA regulatory network, 19 hub molecules with significant prognostic effects were ultimately identified, including 8 lncRNAs, 2 mRNAs and 9 miRNAs. These hub molecules constitute the lncRNA-miRNA, miRNA-mRNA or lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA axis.

Conclusion

In this article, some new ceRNA regulatory axes have been discovered, which may potentially disclose new molecular mechanisms for the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer, thereby providing an important blueprint for the treatment and prognosis assessment of CRC patients.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-022-10054-z.

Association between long non‑coding RNA HOTAIR polymorphism and lung cancer risk: A systematic review and meta‑analysis

Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of long noncoding RNA (lnc)RNA has been reported to be an important factor in cancer development. Recently, lncRNA homeobox transcript antisense intergenic RNA (HOTAIR) was indicated to induce tumorigenesis of several cancer types, but the association between the SNP of lncRNA HOTAIR and lung cancer susceptibility has remained undetermined. The present meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effect of HOTAIR polymorphism on susceptibility to lung cancer. The PubMed, Ovid Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library databases were thoroughly searched. Studies containing data on the incidence of lung cancer in patients with different HOTAIR SNPs were included. The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was analyzed to determine genotype distribution and allele frequencies. The odds ratio (OR) was pooled to evaluate the association of different SNPs with the susceptibility to lung cancer. A total of six studies comprising 1,715 patients with lung cancer and 2,745 healthy controls were finally included. A total of 4 SNPs (rs12826786, rs1899663, rs920778 and rs4759314) were reported. Analyses for all of these SNPs individually indicated that the lncRNA HOTAIR rs1899663 C>A polymorphism was a risk factor for lung cancer (dominant mode, AA+CA vs. CC: OR=0.816, 95% CI=0.707-0.942, P=0.005). The present study was the first meta-analysis investigating the association between lncRNA HOTAIR and lung cancer susceptibility. The results indicated that the lncRNA HOTAIR rs1899663 C>A polymorphism is a risk factor for lung cancer. LncRNA HOTAIR may be of value in lung cancer screening, particularly for populations with high-risk factors, as well as prognosis prediction. Future investigations are required to further clarify the intrinsic mechanism of the role of HOTAIR in the oncogenesis of lung cancer.

Long Non-coding RNA HOTAIR in Central Nervous System Disorders: New Insights in Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Therapeutic Potential

Central nervous system (CNS) disorders, such as ischemic stroke, neurodegenerative diseases, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, and corresponding neuropathological changes, often lead to death or long-term disability. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is a class of non-coding RNA with a transcription length over 200 nt and transcriptional regulation. lncRNA is extensively involved in physiological and pathological processes through epigenetic, transcription, and post-transcriptional regulation. Further, dysregulated lncRNA is closely related to the occurrence and development of human diseases, including CNS disorders. HOX Transcript antisense RNA (HOTAIR) is the first discovered lncRNA with trans-transcriptional regulation. Recent studies have shown that HOTAIR may participate in the regulation of the occurrence and development of CNS disorders. In addition, HOTAIR has the potential to become a new biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis assessment of CNS disorders and even provide a new therapeutic target for CNS disorders. Here, we reviewed the research results of HOTAIR in CNS disorders to provide new insights into the pathogenesis, diagnostic value, and therapeutic target potential of HOTAIR in human CNS disorders.

Overexpression of lncRNA SLC16A1-AS1 Suppresses the Growth and Metastasis of Breast Cancer via the miR-552-5p/WIF1 Signaling Pathway

Background

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer and the fifth leading cause of cancer mortality with 685,000 deaths worldwide in 2020. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are critical in BC carcinogenesis and progression. However, the functional roles and mechanisms of SLC16A1-AS1 in BC are unknown.

Methods

The expression profile of SLC16A1-AS1 in BC patients was investigated using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and checked in 80 BC patients, followed by analyzing the prognostic value of SLC16A1-AS1 in the 80 BC patients. The biological functions of SLC16A1-AS1 were further examined in vivo and in vitro after overexpression of SLC16A1-AS1 in BC cells. Possible binding sites between SLC16A1-AS1 and miR-552-5p were predicted by miRDB and those between miR-552-5p and Wnt inhibitory factor-1 (WIF1) were predicted by miRanda, which were confirmed using dual-luciferase reporter assay with mutation. Spearman correlation assay was applied to evaluate the association between genes. Rescue experiments were further applied to investigate the molecular mechanisms involved.

Results

Lower SLC16A1-AS1 expression in BC tissues was related to poor prognosis of BC patients. Upregulation of SLC16A1-AS1 suppressed BC cell viability, colony formation, invasion, and migration in vitro and growth in vivo via sponging miR-552-5p to release WIF1.

Conclusion

SLC16A1-AS1 is a tumor suppressor in BC, and lower SLC16A1-AS1 expression is an indicator of poor prognosis in BC patients. SLC16A1-AS1 inhibits BC carcinogenesis and progression via the SLC16A1-AS1/miR-552-5p/WIF1 pathway. SLC16A1-AS1 represents a novel diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic target for BC management.

LncRNA Expression Profiles in Canine Mammary Tumors Identify lnc34977 as a Promoter of Proliferation, Migration and Invasion of Canine Mammary Tumor Cells

Canine mammary tumor (CMT) is the most common tumor in canines after skin tumors. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have crucial roles in human breast tumor initiation and progression, but the role of lncRNAs in canine mammary tumors is unclear. We analyzed the expression profiles of canine mammary tumors and their adjacent non-neoplastic tissue to explore abnormally expressed lncRNAs. LncRNA expression was detected by qRT–PCR. After overexpression of lnc40589 and knockdown of lnc34977 in CMT cells, CCK-8, colony formation, wound healing and Transwell assays were used to assess the proliferation, migration and invasive ability of canine mammary tumor cells. We also established a mammary tumor-bearing nude mouse model. GO analysis and KEGG pathway analysis demonstrated that the differentially expressed lncRNAs were closely related to the mammary tumor. lnc40589 was significantly upregulated and lnc34977 was significantly downregulated in CMTs. In addition, lnc40589 inhibits cell proliferation, migration and invasion, while lnc34977 promotes cell proliferation, migration and invasion. In addition, lnc34977 promotes the development of mammary tumors in animals. Taken together, our study results reveal the lncRNA expression profiles in CMTs and indicate that lnc34977 promotes the development of CMT both in cell culture and in vivo.

The role of miR-129-5p in cancer: a novel therapeutic target

MiRNA-129-5p belongs to the microRNA-129 (miRNA-129) family. MiRNA-129-5p is expressed in many tissues and organs of the human body, and it regulates a wide range of biological functions. The abnormal expression of miRNA-129-5p is related to the occurrence and development of a variety of malignant tumors. MiRNA-129-5p plays an important role in the tumorigenesis process and functions by promoting or inhibiting tumors. However, the role of miRNA-129-5p in cancer remains controversial. This article reviews the different biological functions of miRNA-129-5p in cancer and provides ideas for research in this field to guide the development of targeted therapies and drugs for malignant tumors.

Roles of ncRNAs as ceRNAs in Gastric Cancer

Although ignored in the past, with the recent deepening of research, significant progress has been made in the field of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). Accumulating evidence has revealed that microRNA (miRNA) response elements regulate RNA. Long ncRNAs, circular RNAs, pseudogenes, miRNAs, and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) form a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network that plays an essential role in cancer and cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and autoimmune diseases. Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common cancers, with a high degree of malignancy. Considerable progress has been made in understanding the molecular mechanism and treatment of GC, but GC’s mortality rate is still high. Studies have shown a complex ceRNA crosstalk mechanism in GC. lncRNAs, circRNAs, and pseudogenes can interact with miRNAs to affect mRNA transcription. The study of the involvement of ceRNA in GC could improve our understanding of GC and lead to the identification of potential effective therapeutic targets. The research strategy for ceRNA is mainly to screen the different miRNAs, lncRNAs, circRNAs, pseudogenes, and mRNAs in each sample through microarray or sequencing technology, predict the ceRNA regulatory network, and, finally, conduct functional research on ceRNA. In this review, we briefly discuss the proposal and development of the ceRNA hypothesis and the biological function and principle of ceRNAs in GC, and briefly introduce the role of ncRNAs in the GC’s ceRNA network.

Current Knowledge of Long Non-Coding RNA HOTAIR in Breast Cancer Progression and Its Application

Breast cancer is one of the most devastating cancers with high morbidity and mortality in females worldwide. Breast tumorigenesis and further development present great uncertainty and complexity, and efficient therapeutic approaches still lack. Accumulating evidence indicates HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA (HOTAIR) is dysregulated in cancers and has emerged as a novel hotspot in the field. In breast cancer, aberrant HOTAIR expression is responsible for advanced tumor progression by regulating multifarious signaling pathways. Besides, HOTAIR may act as competitive endogenous RNA to bind to several microRNAs and suppress their expressions, which can subsequently upregulate the levels of targeted downstream messenger RNAs, thereby leading to further cancer progression. In addition, HOTAIR works as a promising biomarker and predictor for breast cancer patients’ diagnosis or outcome prediction. Recently, HOTAIR is potentially considered to be a drug target. Here, we have summarized the induction of HOTAIR in breast cancer and its impacts on cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and therapeutic resistance, as well as elucidating the underlying mechanisms. This review aims to provide new insights into investigations between HOTAIR and breast cancer development and inspire new methods for studying the association in depth.