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Zeng Y, Cui Z, Chen J, Tang S. Investigating the Function of MicroRNAs in Human Retinal Microvascular Endothelial Cells of Diabetic Retinopathy. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2678:199-205. [PMID: 37326716 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3255-0_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the main complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). Recent studies have implicated microRNAs dysfunction in human retinal microvascular endothelial cell (HRMEC). In this study, we aim to investigate the apoptotic promotion of miR-29b-3p by blocking SIRT1 in HRMEC for DR situation. To identify the regulating relationship between miR-29b-3p and SIRT1, HRMECs were transfected with miR-29b-3p mimics/inhibitors or their negative controls. Cell viability was assessed with the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, and apoptotic cells were stained by one-step TUNEL assay kit. Gene and protein expression were assayed by RT-qPCR and Western blotting separately. Dual-luciferase reporter assay using HEK293T cells was performed to show the direct interaction of miR-29b-3p and the 3'-UTR of SIRT1. HRMECs were identified as >95% positive for CD31 and vWF. Upregulated miR-29b-3p decreased the expression of SIRT1 and increased the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2, while downregulated miR-29b-3p increased the expression of SIRT1 protein and downregulated the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2. Dual-luciferase reporter assay showed the direct interaction of miR-29b-3p and SIRT1. The dysregulation of miR-29b-3p/SIRT1 is a potential mechanism of HRMEC apoptosis in DR. miR-29b-3p/SIRT1 may be a potential therapeutic target for DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Zeng
- Aier Eye Institute, Changsha, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Zekai Cui
- Aier Eye Institute, Changsha, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiansu Chen
- Aier Eye Institute, Changsha, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China.
- Changsha Aier Eye Hospital, Changsha, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Shibo Tang
- Aier Eye Institute, Changsha, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China.
- Changsha Aier Eye Hospital, Changsha, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China.
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Li L, Xun C, Yu CH. Role of microRNA-regulated cancer stem cells in recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Hepatol 2022; 14:1985-1996. [PMID: 36618329 PMCID: PMC9813843 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v14.i12.1985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the most common cancers, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a high rate of tumor recurrence, tumor dormancy, and drug resistance after initial successful chemotherapy or radiotherapy. A small subset of cancer cells, cancer stem cells (CSCs), exhibit stem cell characteristics and are present in various cancers, including HCC. The dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) often accompanies the occurrence and development of HCC. miRNAs can influence tumorigenesis, progression, recurrence, and drug resistance by regulating CSCs properties, which supports their clinical utility in managing and treating HCC. This review summarizes the regulatory effects of miRNAs on CSCs in HCC with a special focus on their impact on HCC recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Li
- Department of Pathology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Chen Xun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Zhuzhou Central Hospital, Zhuzhou 412000, Hunan Province, China
| | - Chun-Hong Yu
- School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
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Hussein AM, El-Beih NM, Swellam M, El-Hussieny EA. Pomegranate juice and punicalagin-mediated chemoprevention of hepatocellular carcinogenesis via regulating miR-21 and NF-κB-p65 in a rat model. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:333. [PMID: 36324170 PMCID: PMC9628031 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02759-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common neoplasm among primary liver malignancies, accounting for 70%–85% of total liver cancer cases worldwide. It is also the second-leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Recent research has investigated naturally occurring products high in polyphenolic compounds in the regression and prevention of HCC. This study investigated the chemoprevention effects of pomegranate juice (PJ) and punicalagin (PCG) against diethylnitrosamine (DENA)-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in male albino rats. Methods Animals were randomized into six groups and treated for 11 weeks as follows: group 1 was a negative control group, group 2 was treated orally with 10 mL PJ per kilogram body weight (kg bw), group 3 was treated orally with 18.5 mg PCG/kg bw, and groups 4–6 were injected with an intraperitoneal dose of DENA (50 mg/kg bw) weekly beginning in the third week. Group 4 was a HCC control (DENA-treated group), group 5 was HCC + PJ, and group 6 was HCC + PCG. Results PJ antagonized DENA-induced elevations of ALAT, TNF-α, NF-κB-p65, GST, MDA, and NO and restored total protein, IL-10, SOD, and CAT levels. Moreover, PJ resulted in downregulation of miR-21, Bcl-2, and Bcl-XL and an upregulation of caspase-3 and Bax mRNA expressions. These chemoprevention effects of PJ also alleviated the hepatic preneoplastic lesions induced by DENA. Although PCG treatment induced some modulation in DENA-treated rats, it did not show potent chemoprevention activity and induced some side effects. Conclusion Both of PJ and PCG downregulated miR-21 expression and triggered apoptosis. However, PJ was more effective than pure PCG in alleviating the hepatic antioxidant defense state and the inflammatory status. So, PJ was superior in prevention of DENA-induced hepatocellular carcinogenesis in rats than pure PCG. Graphical Abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya M. Hussein
- grid.7269.a0000 0004 0621 1570Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Khalifa El‑Maamon St, Abbasiya Sq, Cairo, 11566 Egypt
| | - Nadia M. El-Beih
- grid.7269.a0000 0004 0621 1570Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Khalifa El‑Maamon St, Abbasiya Sq, Cairo, 11566 Egypt
| | - Menha Swellam
- grid.419725.c0000 0001 2151 8157Biochemistry Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Egypt
| | - Enas A. El-Hussieny
- grid.7269.a0000 0004 0621 1570Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Khalifa El‑Maamon St, Abbasiya Sq, Cairo, 11566 Egypt
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Identification of Immune-Related Prognostic mRNA and lncRNA in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:5313149. [PMID: 35027925 PMCID: PMC8752260 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5313149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Background As the most common hepatic malignancy, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a high incidence; therefore, in this paper, the immune-related genes were sought as biomarkers in liver cancer. Methods In this study, a differential expression analysis of lncRNA and mRNA in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset between the HCC group and the normal control group was performed. Enrichment analysis was used to screen immune-related differentially expressed genes. Cox regression analysis and survival analysis were used to determine prognostic genes of HCC, whose expression was detected by molecular experiments. Finally, important immune cells were identified by immune cell infiltration and detected by flow cytometry. Results Compared with the normal group, 1613 differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRs) and 1237 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRs) were found in HCC. Among them, 143 immune-related DEmRs and 39 immune-related DElncRs were screened out. These genes were mainly related to MAPK cascade, PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, and TGF-beta. Through Cox regression analysis and survival analysis, MMP9, SPP1, HAGLR, LINC02202, and RP11-598F7.3 were finally determined as the potential diagnostic biomarkers for HCC. The gene expression was verified by RT-qPCR and western blot. In addition, CD4 + memory resting T cells and CD8 + T cells were identified as protective factors for overall survival of HCC, and they were found highly expressed in HCC through flow cytometry. Conclusion The study explored the dysregulation mechanism and potential biomarkers of immune-related genes and further identified the influence of immune cells on the prognosis of HCC, providing a theoretical basis for the prognosis prediction and immunotherapy in HCC patients.
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Salah RA, Nasr MA, El-Derby AM, Abd Elkodous M, Mohamed RH, El-Ekiaby N, Osama A, Elshenawy SE, Hamad MHM, Magdeldin S, Gabr MM, Abdelaziz AI, El-Badri NS. Hepatocellular carcinoma cell line-microenvironment induced cancer-associated phenotype, genotype and functionality in mesenchymal stem cells. Life Sci 2022; 288:120168. [PMID: 34826437 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have shown promise in liver cancer treatment. However, when MSCs are recruited to hepatic site of injury, they acquire cancerous promoting phenotype. AIMS To assess the influence of Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) microenvironment on human adipose MSCs (hA-MSCs) and predict hA-MSCs intracellular miRNAs role. MATERIALS AND METHODS After indirect co-culturing with Huh-7 cells, hA-MSCs were characterized via cell cycle profile, proliferation and migration potentials by MTT and scratch assays respectively. Functional enrichment analysis of deregulated proteins and miRNA targets was also analyzed. KEY FINDINGS Co-cultured hA-MSCs could acquire a cancer-associated phenotype as shown by upregulation of CAF, cancer markers, and downregulation of differentiation markers. Migration of these cancer-associated cells was increased concomitantly with upregulation of adhesion molecules, but not epithelial to mesenchymal transition markers. Co-cultured cells showed increased proliferation confirmed by downregulation in cell percentage in G0/G1, G2/M and upregulation in S phases of cell cycle. Upregulation of miR-17-5p and 615-5p in co-cultured hA-MSCs was also observed. Functional enrichment analysis of dysregulated proteins in co-cultured hA-MSCs, including our selected miRNAs targets, showed their involvement in development of cancer-associated characteristics. SIGNIFICANCE This study suggests an interaction between tumor cells and surrounding stromal components to generate cancer associated phenotype of some CAF-like characteristics, known to favor cancer progression. This sheds the light on the use of hA-MSCs in HCC therapy. hA-MSCs modulation may be partially achieved via dysregulation of intracellular miR17-5P and 615-5p expression, suggesting an important role for miRNAs in HCC pathogenesis, and as a possible therapeutic candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radwa Ayman Salah
- Center of Excellence for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A Nasr
- Center of Excellence for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Egypt
| | - Azza M El-Derby
- Center of Excellence for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Egypt
| | - M Abd Elkodous
- Center of Excellence for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Egypt
| | - Rania Hassan Mohamed
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nada El-Ekiaby
- School of Medicine NewGiza University (NGU), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Aya Osama
- Proteomics and metabolomics Research Program, Basic Research Department, Children Cancer Hospital Egypt, 57357 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Shimaa E Elshenawy
- Center of Excellence for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Egypt
| | | | - Sameh Magdeldin
- Proteomics and metabolomics Research Program, Basic Research Department, Children Cancer Hospital Egypt, 57357 Cairo, Egypt; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud M Gabr
- Urology and Nephrology Center, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | | | - Nagwa S El-Badri
- Center of Excellence for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Egypt.
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Role of miR-653 and miR-29c in downregulation of CYP1A2 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma. Pharmacol Rep 2021; 74:148-158. [PMID: 34780054 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-021-00338-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major contributor to the worldwide cancer burden. Recent studies on HCC have demonstrated dramatic alterations in expression of several cytochrome P450 (CYP) family members that play a crucial role in biotransformation of many drugs and other xenobiotics; however, the mechanisms responsible for their deregulation remain unclear. METHODS We investigated a potential involvement of miRNAs in downregulation of expression of CYPs observed in HCC tumors. We compared miRNA expression profiles (TaqMan Array Human MicroRNA v3.0 TLDA qPCR) between HCC human patient tumors with strong (CYP-) and weak/no (CYP+) downregulation of drug-metabolizing CYPs. The role of significantly deregulated miRNAs in modulation of expression of the CYPs and associated xenobiotic receptors was then investigated in human liver HepaRG cells transfected with relevant miRNA mimics or inhibitors. RESULTS We identified five differentially expressed miRNAs in CYP- versus CYP+ tumors, namely miR-29c, miR-125b1, miR-505, miR-653 and miR-675. The two most-upregulated miRNAs found in CYP- tumor samples, miR-29c and miR-653, were found to act as efficient suppressors of CYP1A2 or AHR expression. CONCLUSIONS Our results revealed a novel role of miR-653 and miR-29c in regulation of expresion of CYPs involved in crucial biotransformation processes in liver, which are often deregulated during liver cancer progression.
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Yan Y, Peng J, Liang Q, Ren X, Cai Y, Peng B, Chen X, Wang X, Yi Q, Xu Z. Dynamic m6A-ncRNAs association and their impact on cancer pathogenesis, immune regulation and therapeutic response. Genes Dis 2021; 10:135-150. [PMID: 37013031 PMCID: PMC10066278 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2021.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Several types of modifications have been proven to participate in the metabolism and processing of different RNA types, including non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). N-6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a dynamic and reversible RNA modification that is closely involved in the ncRNA homeostasis, and serves as a crucial regulator for multiple cancer-associated signaling pathways. The ncRNAs usually regulate the epigenetic modification, mRNA transcription and other biological processes, displaying enormous roles in human cancers. In this review, we summarized the significant implications of m6A-ncRNA interaction in various types of cancers. In particular, the interplay between m6A and ncRNAs in cancer pathogenesis and therapeutic resistance are being widely recognized. We also discussed the relevance of m6A-ncRNA interaction in immune regulation, followed by the interference on cancer immunotherapeutic procedures. In addition, we briefly highlighted the computation tools that could identify the accurate features of m6A methylome among ncRNAs. In summary, this review would pave the way for a better understanding of the biological functions of m6A-ncRNA crosstalk in cancer research and treatment.
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Varghese RS, Barefoot ME, Jain S, Chen Y, Zhang Y, Alley A, Kroemer AH, Tadesse MG, Kumar D, Sherif ZA, Ressom HW. Integrative Analysis of DNA Methylation and microRNA Expression Reveals Mechanisms of Racial Heterogeneity in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Genet 2021; 12:708326. [PMID: 34557219 PMCID: PMC8453167 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.708326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathologic alterations in epigenetic regulation have long been considered a hallmark of many cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In a healthy individual, the relationship between DNA methylation and microRNA (miRNA) expression maintains a fine balance; however, disruptions in this harmony can aid in the genesis of cancer or the propagation of existing cancers. The balance between DNA methylation and microRNA expression and its potential disturbance in HCC can vary by race. There is emerging evidence linking epigenetic events including DNA methylation and miRNA expression to cancer disparities. In this paper, we evaluate the epigenetic mechanisms of racial heterogenity in HCC through an integrated analysis of DNA methylation, miRNA, and combined regulation of gene expression. Specifically, we generated DNA methylation, mRNA-seq, and miRNA-seq data through the analysis of tumor and adjacent non-tumor liver tissues from African Americans (AA) and European Americans (EA) with HCC. Using mixed ANOVA, we identified cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) sites, mRNAs, and miRNAs that are significantly altered in HCC vs. adjacent non-tumor tissue in a race-specific manner. We observed that the methylome was drastically changed in EA with a significantly larger number of differentially methylated and differentially expressed genes than in AA. On the other hand, the miRNA expression was altered to a larger extent in AA than in EA. Pathway analysis functionally linked epigenetic regulation in EA to processes involved in immune cell maturation, inflammation, and vascular remodeling. In contrast, cellular proliferation, metabolism, and growth pathways are found to predominate in AA as a result of this epigenetic analysis. Furthermore, through integrative analysis, we identified significantly differentially expressed genes in HCC with disparate epigenetic regulation, associated with changes in miRNA expression for AA and DNA methylation for EA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rency S. Varghese
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Megan E. Barefoot
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Sidharth Jain
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Yifan Chen
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Yunxi Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Amber Alley
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
| | | | - Mahlet G. Tadesse
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Deepak Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Zaki A. Sherif
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Howard University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Habtom W. Ressom
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
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Jing N, Gao WQ, Fang YX. Regulation of Formation, Stemness and Therapeutic Resistance of Cancer Stem Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:641498. [PMID: 33898430 PMCID: PMC8058412 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.641498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past 20 years cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been proposed as key players in the tumorigenesis and progression, which are closely related to the initiation, metastasis and therapeutic resistance of cancer. Evidences have been provided that both genetic and epigenetic factors contribute to the regulation of the formation and stemness maintenance as well as the therapeutic resistance of CSCs via affecting various signal pathways. In addition, the interaction between CSCs and tumor microenvironment has also been revealed to be involved in the above-described processes. With the aim of targeting CSCs to improve treatment outcome, we herein discuss the mechanisms that orchestrate the characteristic of CSCs by the three elements and potential therapeutic strategies. We also summarize how several key regulatory factors function in the regulation of not only the formation and stemness maintenance, but also the therapeutic resistance of CSCs. Thus, future studies focusing on these key factors would be helpful for the development of novel drugs targeting CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Jing
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Qiang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,School of Biomedical Engineering and Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Xiang Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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Zhao J, Li H, Zhao S, Wang E, Zhu J, Feng D, Zhu Y, Dou W, Fan Q, Hu J, Jia L, Liu L. Epigenetic silencing of miR-144/451a cluster contributes to HCC progression via paracrine HGF/MIF-mediated TAM remodeling. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:46. [PMID: 33658044 PMCID: PMC7927270 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-021-01343-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the malignancies with the highest mortality. The key regulators and their interactive network in HCC pathogenesis remain unclear. Along with genetic mutations, aberrant epigenetic paradigms, including deregulated microRNAs (miRNAs), exert profound impacts on hepatocyte transformation and tumor microenvironment remodeling; however, the underlying mechanisms are largely uncharacterized. METHODS We performed RNA sequencing on HCC specimens and bioinformatic analyses to identify tumor-associated miRNAs. The miRNA functional targets and their effects on tumor-infiltrating immune cells were investigated. The upstream events, particularly the epigenetic mechanisms responsible for miRNA deregulation in HCC, were explored. RESULTS The miR-144/miR-451a cluster was downregulated in HCC and predicted a better HCC patient prognosis. These miRNAs promoted macrophage M1 polarization and antitumor activity by targeting hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF). The miR-144/miR-451a cluster and EZH2, the catalytic subunit of polycomb repressive complex (PRC2), formed a feedback circuit in which miR-144 targeted EZH2 and PRC2 epigenetically repressed the miRNA genes via histone H3K27 methylation of the promoter. The miRNA cluster was coordinately silenced by distal enhancer hypermethylation, disrupting chromatin loop formation and enhancer-promoter interactions. Clinical examinations indicated that methylation of this chromatin region is a potential HCC biomarker. CONCLUSIONS Our study revealed novel mechanisms underlying miR-144/miR-451a cluster deregulation and the crosstalk between malignant cells and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in HCC, providing new insights into HCC pathogenesis and diagnostic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junlong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Medical Genetics and Development Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Huichen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, No.169 Changlexi Road, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Shoujie Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Enxin Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tangdu Hospital of the Fourth Military Medical University, No.569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Jun Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, No.169 Changlexi Road, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Dayun Feng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Yejing Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Weijia Dou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tangdu Hospital of the Fourth Military Medical University, No.569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Qingling Fan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tangdu Hospital of the Fourth Military Medical University, No.569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Jie Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tangdu Hospital of the Fourth Military Medical University, No.569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Lintao Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, No.169 Changlexi Road, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Lei Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tangdu Hospital of the Fourth Military Medical University, No.569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710038, China. .,Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, No.169 Changlexi Road, Xi'an, 710032, China.
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miR-876 Inhibits EMT and Liver Fibrosis via POSTN to Suppress Metastasis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:1964219. [PMID: 33083453 PMCID: PMC7559219 DOI: 10.1155/2020/1964219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background The asymptomatic onset, frequent recurrence, and poor prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) prompted us to identify new therapeutic targets or predictive markers of HCC diagnosis or prognosis. Methods In this study, bioinformatics analysis was used to screen for target miRNAs from the open-access TCGA database. Transwell assays, Western blotting, and qRT-PCR analyses were used to detect cellular functions and gene expression in HCC cells and samples. A nude mouse tumorigenesis model was established to facilitate the observation of HCC progression. Other assays included luciferase reporter assays, IHC, and survival analysis. Results We found that the identified miR-876 from TCGA was expressed at low levels in HCC cell lines and that low miR-876 expression was corrected with liver cirrhosis, tumor thrombus, and TNM stage. Further research revealed that miR-876 regulated cell invasion, EMT, and collagen expression by targeting POSTN expression. miR-876 and POSTN were inversely correlated in HCC samples and associated with EMT status and liver fibrosis in clinical HCC tissues. miR-876 inhibited the liver cancer progression in in vivo animal assays. Finally, both miR-876 and POSTN were risk factors for HCC survival, and HCC patients with combined low miR-876 and high POSTN expression had worse prognosis. Conclusions miR-876 inhibited HCC EMT and fibrosis by targeting POSTN, thus affecting HCC progression and prognosis. miR-876 and POSTN may be useful therapeutic targets or prognostic markers of HCC.
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Chen Q, Jia G, Zhao X, Bao Y, Zhang Y, Ozkan C, Minev B, Ma W. Novel Survivin Peptides Screened With Computer Algorithm Induce Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes With Higher Cytotoxic Efficiency to Cancer Cells. Front Mol Biosci 2020; 7:570003. [PMID: 33102521 PMCID: PMC7496070 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.570003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets in advanced cancer is critical for improving cancer diagnosis and therapeutics. Survivin (SV) is highly expressed predominantly in most cancer cells and tissues but is absent or undetectable in terminally differentiated normal adult tissues. Therefore, it functions as an almost universal tumor antigen. Peptides are short chains of amino acids linked by peptide bonds. To obtain novel SV decamers that are able to induce SV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) with a higher cytotoxic efficiency against cancer cells, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) peptide binding algorithms were conducted to predict nine modified SV95 decamers (from SV95–2 to SV95–10) based on the natural SV95–104 peptide sequence of ELTLGEFLKL (here defined as SV95–1). The fluorescent density of each SV95 peptide was determined by a MHC stability assay, followed by the generation of SV95-specific CTLs with each SV95 peptide (from SV95–1 to SV95–10) and human dendritic cells (DCs) loaded with Poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) nanoparticles encapsulated with SV95 peptide. Finally, IFN-γ ELISpot and CytoTox 96® Non-Radioactive Cytotoxicity Assays were employed to verify their cytotoxic efficiency of the SV95-specific CTLs generated with the corresponding artificial antigen presenting cells (aAPCs) containing SV95 (SV95–1 to SV95–10) peptide. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of the SV95 specific CTLs generated with nine mutated SV95 peptides was compared to the one generated with natural SV95–1 peptide and TIL2080 cells. The results indicated that the HLA-A2-restricted mutated SV95 epitope decamers (SV95–6 and SV95–7) showed significant higher binding ability compared to natural peptide SV95–1 in MHC stability assay. More importantly, SV95–specific CTLs with higher cytotoxicity were successfully induced with both SV95–6 and SV95–7 peptides, which significantly eliminated target cells (not only SV95–1 peptide pulsed T2 cells, but also both HLA-A2 and SV positive cancer cells) when compared to those generated with natural SV95–1 peptide and TIL2080 cells. These findings suggest that the SV95–6 and SV95–7 peptides are two novel HLA-A2-restricted CTL epitopes and may be useful for the immunotherapy for patients with survivin expressing cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuqiang Chen
- Key Laboratory for Translational Medicine, The First Hospital Affiliated to Huzhou University School of Medicine, Huzhou, China
| | - Gang Jia
- Department of Oncology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaolei Zhao
- Department of Urology, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Ying Bao
- Key Laboratory for Translational Medicine, The First Hospital Affiliated to Huzhou University School of Medicine, Huzhou, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Materials Science and Engineering Program, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Cengiz Ozkan
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Boris Minev
- Department of Medicine, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Wenxue Ma
- Department of Medicine, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
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13
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Xu J, An P, Winkler CA, Yu Y. Dysregulated microRNAs in Hepatitis B Virus-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Potential as Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1271. [PMID: 32850386 PMCID: PMC7399632 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding small RNAs that can function as gene regulators and are involved in tumorigenesis. We review the commonly dysregulated miRNAs in liver tumor tissues and plasma/serum of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. The frequently reported up-regulated miRNAs in liver tumor tissues include miR-18a, miR-21, miR-221, miR-222, and miR-224, whereas down-regulated miRNAs include miR-26a, miR-101, miR-122, miR-125b, miR-145, miR-199a, miR-199b, miR-200a, and miR-223. For a subset of these miRNAs (up-regulated miR-222 and miR-224, down-regulated miR-26a and miR-125b), the pattern of dysregulated circulating miRNAs in plasma/serum is mirrored in tumor tissue based on multiple independent studies. Dysregulated miRNAs target oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes involved in hepatocarcinogenesis. Normalization of dysregulated miRNAs by up- or down-regulation has been shown to inhibit HCC cell proliferation or sensitize liver cancer cells to chemotherapeutic treatment. miRNAs hold as yet unrealized potential as biomarkers for early detection of HCC and as precision therapeutic targets, but further studies in diverse populations and across all stages of HCC are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghang Xu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Center for Liver Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Basic Research Laboratory, Molecular Genetic Epidemiology Section, Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Ping An
- Basic Research Laboratory, Molecular Genetic Epidemiology Section, Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Cheryl A. Winkler
- Basic Research Laboratory, Molecular Genetic Epidemiology Section, Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Yanyan Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Center for Liver Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
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14
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Wang C, Chen Y, Chen K, Zhang L. Long Noncoding RNA LINC01134 Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Metastasis via Activating AKT1S1 and NF-κB Signaling. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:429. [PMID: 32656205 PMCID: PMC7325970 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies with poor outcomes. The main causes of HCC-related deaths are recurrence and metastasis. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are recently identified as critical regulators in cancers. However, the lncRNAs involved in HCC recurrence and metastasis are poorly understood. In this study, via analyzing The Cancer Genome Atlas Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma dataset, we identified a novel lncRNA LINC01134, which is highly expressed in HCC tissues and correlated with microvascular invasion, macrovascular invasion, recurrence, and poor overall survival of HCC patients. Functional experiments revealed that ectopic expression of LINC01134 promotes HCC cell migration and invasion in vitro and HCC liver metastasis and lung metastasis in vivo. Knockdown of LINC01134 represses HCC cell migration and invasion in vitro and HCC liver metastasis and lung metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, we found that LINC01134 directly binds the promoter of AKT1S1 and activates AKT1S1 expression. Via activating AKT1S1, LINC01134 further activates NF-κB signaling. The expression of LINC01134 is significantly positively correlated with that of AKT1S1 in HCC tissues. In line with LINC01134, AKT1S1 is also highly expressed in HCC tissues and correlated with poor survival of HCC patients. Functional rescue experiments showed that repressing AKT1S1 or NF-κB signaling abrogates the roles of LINC01134 in HCC. Taken together, these findings recognized LINC01134 as a novel oncogenic lncRNA, which indicates vascular invasion, recurrence, and poor overall survival of HCC patients. LINC01134 promotes HCC metastasis via activating AKT1S1 expression and subsequently activating NF-κB signaling. This study suggested LINC01134 as a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Clinical Research Center of Geriatric Diseases in Hubei Province, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kunlun Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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15
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Su Y, Shetty A, Jiang F. Integrated analysis of miRNAs and DNA methylation identifies miR-132-3p as a tumor suppressor in lung adenocarcinoma. Thorac Cancer 2020; 11:2112-2124. [PMID: 32500672 PMCID: PMC7396385 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.13497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aberrant miRNA expression and DNA methylation are two major epigenetic events in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). We conducted a combined analysis of the molecular changes in LUAD. METHODS We analyzed differentially expressed miRNAs and methylated CpG loci in 489 LUAD tissues versus 49 normal lung tissues of the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The results were validated in cell lines and xenograft mouse models and additional pairs of 36 LUAD and 36 normal lung tissues. RESULTS A total of 125 differentially expressed miRNAs and 145 differentially methylated CpG loci were identified in the LUAD versus normal lung tissues of TCGA data. Expression of the 22 miRNAs was inversely correlated with the 47 differentially methylated sites located in the miRNAs. Molecular and cellular function analysis showed that the abnormally methylated miRNAs were mainly involved in cell-to-cell signaling and interaction in airway cells. The DNA methylation status and altered expressions of miRNAs and their target genes were confirmed in 36 pairs of lung tumor and noncancerous lung tissues. Furthermore, aberrant miRNA expressions or DNA methylations alone could be involved in tumorigenesis of LUAD via different pathways. In addition, elevated miR-132-3p expression, reduced expression of its targeted gene (ZEB2), and decreased cell proliferation was observed in lung cancer cells treated with DNA methyltransferase inhibitor. Moreover, in vitro and in vivo analyses showed that miR-132-3p-3p downregulation via DNA methylation promoted tumorigenicity of lung cancer by directly regulating ZEB2. CONCLUSIONS The interaction between two epigenetic aberrations could have important functions in LUAD. miR-132-3p might act as a tumor suppressor in the tumorigenicity of LUAD. KEY POINTS SIGNIFICANT FINDINGS OF THE STUDY: Systemically investigating relationship between aberrant miRNA expression and DNA methylation in lung cancer could improve understanding of lung tumorigenesis and develop diagnostic and therapeutic targets. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS Three forms of relationships between the two epigenetic changes are defined. miR-132-3p is further identified as a tumor suppressor in lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Su
- Department of Surgery, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Amol Shetty
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Feng Jiang
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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16
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Zeng Y, Cui Z, Liu J, Chen J, Tang S. MicroRNA-29b-3p Promotes Human Retinal Microvascular Endothelial Cell Apoptosis via Blocking SIRT1 in Diabetic Retinopathy. Front Physiol 2020; 10:1621. [PMID: 32063865 PMCID: PMC7000655 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a main complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). Recent studies have implicated microRNAs in human retinal microvascular endothelial cell (HRMEC) dysfunction. In this study, we aim to investigate the apoptotic promotion of miR-29b-3p by blocking SIRT1 in HRMEC for DR situation. Method Blood samples were obtained from DR patients and controls. Dual-luciferase reporter assay using HEK-293T cells was performed to show the direct interaction of miR-29b-3p and the 3′UTR of SIRT1. HRMECs were exposed to 5.5 mmol/L of glucose (normal control), 5.5 mmol/L of glucose and 24.5 mmol/L of mannitol (osmotic pressure control), 30 mmol/L of glucose [hyperglycemia (HG)], 150 μmol/L of CoCl2 (hypoxia), and 30 mmol/L of glucose plus 150 μmol/L of CoCl2 (HG-CoCl2). To identify the regulating relationship between miR-29b-3p and SIRT1, HRMECs were transfected with miR-29b-3p mimics/inhibitors or their negative controls. SRT1720 was used as a SIRT1 agonist. Cell viability was assessed with the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, and apoptotic cells were stained by one-step terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay kit. Gene and protein expression were assayed by quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase-PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blotting separately. Result MiR-29b-3p was upregulated to 3.2-fold, and SIRT1 protein was downregulated to 65% in DR patients. Dual-luciferase reporter assay showed the direct interaction of miR-29b-3p and SIRT1. HRMECs were identified as >95% positive for CD31 and von Willebrand factor (vWF). MiR-29b-3p and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was upregulated, whereas SIRT1 was downregulated in HRMECs in the HG-CoCl2 condition. Decreased cell viability and upregulated apoptosis were also found in HRMECs of the HG-CoCl2 condition. Upregulated miR-29b-3p decreased the expression of SIRT1 and increased the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2, whereas downregulated miR-29b-3p increased the expression of SIRT1 protein and downregulated the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2. SRT1720 rescued miR-29b-3p-induced HRMEC apoptosis via upregulating the expression of SIRT1 protein. Conclusion The dysregulation of miR-29b-3p/SIRT1 is a potential mechanism of HRMEC apoptosis in DR. MiR-29b-3p/SIRT1 may be a potential therapeutic target for DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Zeng
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | | | - Jian Liu
- Aier Eye Institute, Changsha, China
| | - Jiansu Chen
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Aier Eye Institute, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Ophthalmology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shibo Tang
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Aier Eye Institute, Changsha, China.,Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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