LncRNA LINC00858 enhances cervical cancer cell growth through miR-3064-5p/ VMA21 axis

VMA21: unveiling a novel oncogene that facilitates immune evasion in triple-negative breast cancer through TCIRG1 protein stability regulation

BACKGROUND

VMA21 has been shown to be dysregulated in a number of cancers. However, no study has yet explored whether VMA21 is involved in the regulation of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), especially from the level of immune escape.

METHODS

The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was accessed to obtain the microarray dataset identified as GSE38959, which was then subjected to an analysis aimed at identifying genes that are differentially expressed (DEGs). The researchers examined the expression of VMA21 in TNBC cell lines. After knockdown of VMA21 in TNBC cells, cell proliferation, invasion, and migration were assessed by clone formation, cell scratch, and Transwell assay, respectively. The effect of VMA21 on immune cell function was explored by cell co-culture method, which was used to assess how TNBC cells with suppressed VMA21 expression affected CD8+ T cytotoxic potential and cytokine secretion. The effect of VMA21 on TCIRG1 protein stability and ubiquitination was assessed using immunoprecipitation. The effects of VMA21 knockdown on tumor xenograft growth and CD8+ T cell immune infiltration in mice were further evaluated.

RESULTS

VMA21 expression is significantly elevated across various cell lines of TNBC. Furthermore, the perturbation of VMA21 notably suppresses key cell viability parameters in TNBC cells, including their proliferation, invasiveness, and migratory abilities. The modulation of VMA21 in TNBC cells can lead to a substantial augmentation in CD8+ T cell effectiveness. VMA21 stabilizes TCIRG1 protein expression by inhibiting its ubiquitination degradation. Further, VMA21 is involved in regulating TNBC cell proliferation, invasion and immune escape by promoting TCIRG1 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

VMA21 is able to regulate TCIRG1 protein stability by binding to TCIRG1 protein in the form of ubiquitination, which ultimately promotes the malignant behavior as well as immune escape of TNBC cells.

Comprehensive genomic filtering algorithm to expose the cause of skewed X chromosome inactivation. The proof of concept in female haemophilia expression

BACKGROUND

Exploring the expression of X linked disorders like haemophilia A (HA) in females involves understanding the balance achieved through X chromosome inactivation (XCI). Skewed XCI (SXCI) may be involved in symptomatic HA carriers. We aimed to develop an approach for dissecting the specific cause of SXCI and verify its value in HA.

METHODS

A family involving three females (two symptomatic with severe/moderate HA: I.2, the mother, and II.1, the daughter; one asymptomatic: II.2) and two related affected males (I.1, the father and I.3, the maternal uncle) was studied. The genetic analysis included F8 mutational screening, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification, SNP microarray, whole exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing. XCI patterns were assessed in ectoderm/endoderm and mesoderm-derived tissues using AR-based and RP2-based systems.

RESULTS

The comprehensive family analysis identifies I.2 female patient as a heterozygous carrier of F8:p.(Ser1414Ter) excluding copy number variations. A consistent XCI pattern of 99.5% across various tissues was observed. A comprehensive filtering algorithm for WES data was designed, developed and applied to I.2. A Gly58Arg missense variant in VMA21 was revealed as the cause for SXCI.Each step of the variant filtering system takes advantage of publicly available genomic databases, non-SXCI controls and case-specific molecular data, and aligns with established concepts in the theoretical background of SXCI.

CONCLUSION

This study acts as a proof of concept for our genomic filtering algorithm's clinical utility in analysing X linked disorders. Our findings clarify the molecular aspects of SXCI and improve genetic diagnostics and counselling for families with X linked diseases like HA.

LINC00858 facilitates formation of hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer via regulating the miR-132-3p/IGF2BP1 axis

Hepatic metastasis is a major cause of colorectal cancer (CRC)-related deaths. Presently, the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in hepatic metastases from CRC is elusive. We dissected possible interplay between LINC00858/miR-132-3p/IGF2BP1 via bioinformatics approaches. Subsequently we analyzed mRNA expression of LINC00858, miR-132-3p and IGF2BP1 through qRT-PCR. Western blot was used to detect protein expression of IGF2BP1. RNA immunoprecipitation chip and dual-luciferase assay validated interaction between LINC00858 and miR-132-3p, as well as miR-132-3p and IGF2BP1. Cell viability, invasion, and migration were examined via CCK-8, colony formation, transwell and wound healing assays. Effect of LINC00858 on CRC hepatic metastases was validated via in vivo assay. Upregulated LINC00858 and IGF2BP1, and downregulated miR-132-3p were predicted in tumor tissues of patients with hepatic metastases from CRC. There were targeting relationships between LINC00858 and miR-132-3p, as well as miR-132-3p and IGF2BP1. Besides, LINC00858 facilitated progression of CRC cells. Rescue assay suggested that silencing LINC00858 suppressed CRC cell progression, while further silencing miR-132-3p or overexpressing IGF2BP1 reversed such effects. LINC00858 could facilitate CRC tumor growth and hepatic metastases. LINC00858 induced CRC hepatic metastases via regulating miR-132-3p/ IGF2BP1, and this study may deliver a new diagnostic marker for the disease.

Circular RNA eukaryotic translation initiation factor 6 facilitates TPC-1 cell proliferation and invasion through the microRNA-138-5p/lipase H axis

Both circular RNA eukaryotic translation initiation factor 6 (circEIF6) and microRNA (miR)-138-5p participate in thyroid cancer (TC) progression. Nevertheless, the relationship between them remains under-explored. Hence, this research ascertained the mechanism of circEIF6 in TC via miR-138-5p. After TC tissues and cells were harvested, circEIF6, miR-138-5p, and lipase H (LIPH) levels were assessed. The binding relationships among circEIF6, miR-138-5p, and LIPH were analyzed. The impacts of circEIF6, miR-138-5p, and LIPH on the invasive and proliferative abilities of TPC-1 cells were examined by Transwell and EdU assays. Tumor xenograft in nude mice was established for in vivo validation of the impact of circEIF6. CircEIF6 expression was high in TC cells and tissues. Additionally, miR-138-5p was poor and LIPH level was high in TC tissues. Mechanistically, circEIF6 competitively bound to miR-138-5p to elevate LIPH via a competitive endogenous RNA mechanism. Silencing of circEIF6 reduced TPC-1 cell proliferative and invasive properties, which was annulled by further inhibiting miR-138-5p or overexpressing LIPH. Likewise, circEIF6 silencing repressed the growth of transplanted tumors, augmented miR-138-5p expression, and diminished LIPH expression in nude mice. Conclusively, circEIF6 silencing reduced LIPH level by competitive binding to miR-138-5p, thus subduing the proliferation and invasion of TPC-1 cells.

Long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 00858 participates in the occurrence and development of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma through the activation of the FTO-m6A-MYC axis by recruiting ZNF184

OBJECTIVES

We aimed at probing impact of LINC00858 on esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) progression via ZNF184-FTO-m⁶A-MYC axis.

METHODS

Expression of related genes (LINC00858, ZNF184, FTO, and MYC) was detected in ESCC tissues or cells and their relationships were assessed. After expression alterations in ESCC cells, cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis were detected. Tumor formation in nude mice was conducted.

RESULTS

LINC00858, ZNF184, FTO, and MYC were overexpressed in ESCC tissues and cells. LINC00858 enhanced ZNF184 expression to upregulate FTO, which augmented MYC expression. LINC00858 knockdown diminished ESCC cell proliferative, migratory, and invasive properties while elevating apoptosis, which was negated by FTO overexpression. FTO knockdown exerted similar functions of LINC00858 knockdown on ESCC cell movements, which was annulled by MYC upregulation. Silencing LINC00858 repressed tumor growth and related gene expression in nude mice.

CONCLUSIONS

LINC00858 modulated MYC m⁶A modification via FTO by recruiting ZNF184, thus facilitating ESCC progression.

ALKBH5-induced circular RNA NRIP1 promotes glycolysis in thyroid cancer cells by targeting PKM2

Although circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and invasion, the underlying regulatory mechanisms of circRNAs in thyroid cancer have not been fully elucidated. This article aimed to study the role of circRNA regulated by N6-methyladenosine modification in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Quantitative real-time PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry were used to investigate the expressions of circRNA nuclear receptor-interacting protein 1 (circNRIP1) in PTC tissues and adjacent noncancerous thyroid tissues. In vitro and in vivo assays were carried out to assess the effects of circNRIP1 on PTC glycolysis and growth. The N6-methyladenosine mechanisms of circNRIP1 were evaluated by methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing, luciferase reporter gene, and RNA stability assays. Results showed that circNRIP1 levels were significantly upregulated in PTC tissues. Furthermore, elevated circNRIP1 levels in PTC patients were correlated with high tumor lymph node metastasis stage and larger tumor sizes. Functionally, circNRIP1 significantly promoted glycolysis, PTC cell proliferation in vitro, and tumorigenesis in vivo. Mechanistically, circNRIP1 acted as a sponge for microRNA (miR)-541-5p and miR-3064-5p and jointly upregulated pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) expression. Knockdown of m⁶ A demethylase α-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase alkB homolog 5 (ALKBH5) significantly enhanced circNRIP1 m⁶ A modification and upregulated its expression. These results show that ALKBH5 knockdown upregulates circNRIP1, thus promoting glycolysis in PTC cells. Therefore, circNRIP1 can be a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for PTC by acting as a sponge for oncogenic miR-541-5p and miR-3064-5p to upregulate PKM2 expression.

Overexpression of Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3D induces stem cell-like properties and metastasis in cervix cancer by activating FAK through inhibiting degradation of GRP78

Cervix cancer (CC) is the most common gynecological malignancy and the leading cause of morbidity among women worldwide. Previous study indicated that cancer stem cells (CSCs) existed in cervix cancer, and suppressing CSC characteristics of cervix cancer is needed to combat this disease. Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 (EIF3) is one of the most complex eukaryotic translation initiation factors containing 13 subunits (EIF3A-EIF3M) and it regulates eukaryotic translation. One member of EIF3, EIF3D, plays a role in the progression and development of multiple tumors. However, its possible role in cervix cancer progression is still unclear. In this study, we found the high EIF3D expression in human cervix cancer tissues. We further found that downregulation of EIF3D suppressed the proliferation and motility of cervix cancer cells. Furthermore, its downregulation restrained the stem cell-like properties of cervix cancer cells. Mechanically, we found that EIF3D promoted FAK activation through GRP78 in cervix cancer cells, thus contributing to the progression of cervix cancer. Therefore our results suggested that EIF3D could serve as a promising target of cervix cancer.

The tumorigenic function of LINC00858 in cancer

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) plays an important regulatory role in the occurrence and development of human cancer. LINC00858 is a newly discovered lncRNA with a length of 2685 nucleotides. Existing studies have shown that LINC00858 has abnormally high expression levels in malignant tumors such as colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, ovarian cancer, osteosarcoma, retinoblastoma, Wilms tumor, bladder cancer, and cervical cancer. By regulating a variety of microRNAs, LINC00858 can affect tumor cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and apoptosis. Related research also found that LINC00858 is related to nuclear transcription factor/protein kinase and gene methylation. The aberrant expression of LINC00858 is related to the prognosis and clinicopathological characteristics of a variety of tumors. Overexpressed LINC00858 is closely related to the clinical stage, lymph node metastasis, and distant metastasis of cancer, including colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, ovarian cancer, and Wilms tumor. Also, it is summarized that LINC00858 can regulate MAPK and TGF-β signaling pathways. This review shows that LINC00858 as an important oncogene can promote tumorigenesis and cancer development.