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Hashemi M, Mohandesi Khosroshahi E, Asadi S, Tanha M, Ghatei Mohseni F, Abdolmohammad Sagha R, Taheri E, Vazayefi P, Shekarriz H, Habibi F, Mortazi S, Khorrami R, Nabavi N, Rashidi M, Taheriazam A, Rahimzadeh P, Entezari M. Emerging roles of non-coding RNAs in modulating the PI3K/Akt pathway in cancer. Noncoding RNA Res 2025; 10:1-15. [PMID: 39296640 PMCID: PMC11406677 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2024.08.002] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer progression results from the dysregulation of molecular pathways, each with unique features that can either promote or inhibit tumor growth. The complexity of carcinogenesis makes it challenging for researchers to target all pathways in cancer therapy, emphasizing the importance of focusing on specific pathways for targeted treatment. One such pathway is the PI3K/Akt pathway, which is often overexpressed in cancer. As tumor cells progress, the expression of PI3K/Akt increases, further driving cancer advancement. This study aims to explore how ncRNAs regulate the expression of PI3K/Akt. NcRNAs are found in both the cytoplasm and nucleus, and their functions vary depending on their location. They can bind to the promoters of PI3K or Akt, either reducing or increasing their expression, thus influencing tumorigenesis. The ncRNA/PI3K/Akt axis plays a crucial role in determining cell proliferation, metastasis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and even chemoresistance and radioresistance in human cancers. Anti-tumor compounds can target ncRNAs to modulate the PI3K/Akt axis. Moreover, ncRNAs can regulate the PI3K/Akt pathway both directly and indirectly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrdad Hashemi
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elaheh Mohandesi Khosroshahi
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saba Asadi
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Tanha
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, United States
| | - Forough Ghatei Mohseni
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ramina Abdolmohammad Sagha
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Taheri
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Paria Vazayefi
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Helya Shekarriz
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Habibi
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shaghayegh Mortazi
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ramin Khorrami
- Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Noushin Nabavi
- Independent Researchers, Victoria, British Columbia, V8V 1P7, Canada
| | - Mohsen Rashidi
- Department Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- The Health of Plant and Livestock Products Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Afshin Taheriazam
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Payman Rahimzadeh
- Surgical Research Society (SRS), Students' Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maliheh Entezari
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
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Wang Y, Ouyang Y, Cao X, Cai Q. Identifying hub genes for chemo-radiotherapy sensitivity in cervical cancer: a bi-dataset in silico analysis. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:434. [PMID: 39264467 PMCID: PMC11393377 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-01328-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To identify the hub genes that associated with chemo-radiotherapy sensitivity for cervical cancer and to explore the relationship between hub genes and various cellular processes and potential mechanism of cervical cancer. METHODS The gene expression data of 21 patients with CESC and the mRNA expression profiles of 296 patients with CESC were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases, respectively. The potential functions and regulatory mechanisms of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using GO and KEGG enrichment analyses. Hub genes were identified using random survival forest analysis. The relationship between hub genes and various cellular processes was comprehensively analyzed. The expression of hub genes was assessed using clinical data extracted from the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database. RESULTS A total of 139 and 13 DEGs were found to be upregulated and downregulated, respectively, in CESC. The six hub genes, namely, SELP, PIM2, CCL19, SDS, NRP1, and SF3A2, were significantly correlated with immune cell infiltration, chemotherapy sensitivity, disease-related genes, and enriched signaling pathways (all p-value < 0.05). A nomogram and calibration curve were generated using the six hub genes to predict prognosis with high accuracy. A regulatory network comprising TFs (ZBTB3) and mRNAs (NRP1/PIM2/SELP) and several competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks comprising mRNAs, miRNAs, and lncRNAs were constructed. Data from HPA indicated that the protein expression of the six hub genes differed significantly between patients with CESC and healthy individuals. CONCLUSION Upregulation of SELP, PIM2, CCL19, SDS, NRP1, and SF3A2 is associated with radiotherapy sensitivity and is involved in various cellular processes in CESC. These six genes may serve as biomarkers for predicting the radiotherapy response and prognosis in patients with CESC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhong Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, 362000, Fujian, China
| | - Yi Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Department of Radiotherapy, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510600, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinping Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Department of Radiotherapy, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510600, Guangdong, China
| | - Qunrong Cai
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, 362000, Fujian, China.
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Lin C, Huang X, Qian Y, Li J, He Y, Su H. CircRNA_101491 regulated the radiation sensitivity of esophageal squamous cell carcinomas via sponging miR-125a-5p. Radiat Oncol 2024; 19:84. [PMID: 38926729 PMCID: PMC11210101 DOI: 10.1186/s13014-024-02478-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND At present, it has been found that many patients have acquired resistance to radiotherapy, which greatly reduces the effect of radiotherapy and further affects the prognosis. CircRNAs is involved in the regulation of radiosensitivity of many kinds of tumor cells. Therefore, the main purpose of this study is to explore the regulatory effect of CircRNA_101491 on radiosensitivity of ESCC and its related mechanism. METHODS We established ESCC radiation-resistant cell line (KYSE150R cell) by gradient dose method, and tested the difference of KYSE150 between KYSE150R cell and parent cell in vitro. Then, after knocking down the expression of CircRNA_101491, a series of in vitro experiments were conducted to verify the effects of CircRNA_101491 on the phenotype and radiosensitivity of KYSE150R cells, and further analyzed the related regulatory mechanism. In addition, we also used the model of transplanted tumor in nude mice to investigate the effect of CircRNA_101491 on the radiosensitivity of ESCC in vivo. RESULTS According to a series of in vitro experiments, we confirmed that KYSE150R cells lost the epithelial phenotype and obtained interstitial cell-like phenotype, and found that CircRNA_101491 was highly expressed in KYSE150R cells. In addition, we found that knocking down the expression of CircRNA_101491 will lift the inhibition of miR-125a-5p, and then reverse the process of EMT, accelerate the process of apoptosis, thus play a role in radiosensitization. The in vivo experiment of transplanted tumor in nude mice also showed that knocking down the expression of CircRNA_101491 could enhance the radiosensitivity of ESCC. CONCLUSION In conclusion, we confirmed that interfering with the expression of CircRNA_101491 can relieve the inhibition of miR-125a-5p, thus reverse the process of interstitial phenotype, accelerate the process of apoptosis, and enhance the radiosensitivity of ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Lin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Intelligent Cancer Biomarker Discovery and Translation, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Xianfeng Huang
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Intelligent Cancer Biomarker Discovery and Translation, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Yuchen Qian
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Jiayi Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Youdi He
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Huafang Su
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China.
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Ashrafizadeh M, Dai J, Torabian P, Nabavi N, Aref AR, Aljabali AAA, Tambuwala M, Zhu M. Circular RNAs in EMT-driven metastasis regulation: modulation of cancer cell plasticity, tumorigenesis and therapy resistance. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:214. [PMID: 38733529 PMCID: PMC11088560 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05236-w] [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] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
The non-coding RNAs comprise a large part of human genome lack of capacity in encoding functional proteins. Among various members of non-coding RNAs, the circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been of importance in the pathogenesis of human diseases, especially cancer. The circRNAs have a unique closed loop structure and due to their stability, they are potential diagnostic and prognostic factors in cancer. The increasing evidences have highlighted the role of circRNAs in the modulation of proliferation and metastasis of cancer cells. On the other hand, metastasis has been responsible for up to 90% of cancer-related deaths in patients, requiring more investigation regarding the underlying mechanisms modulating this mechanism. EMT enhances metastasis and invasion of tumor cells, and can trigger resistance to therapy. The cells demonstrate dynamic changes during EMT including transformation from epithelial phenotype into mesenchymal phenotype and increase in N-cadherin and vimentin levels. The process of EMT is reversible and its reprogramming can disrupt the progression of tumor cells. The aim of current review is to understanding the interaction of circRNAs and EMT in human cancers and such interaction is beyond the regulation of cancer metastasis and can affect the response of tumor cells to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The onco-suppressor circRNAs inhibit EMT, while the tumor-promoting circRNAs mediate EMT for acceleration of carcinogenesis. Moreover, the EMT-inducing transcription factors can be controlled by circRNAs in different human tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250000, China
- Department of General Surgery and Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, China
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jingyuan Dai
- School of computer science and information systems, Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, MO, 64468, USA.
| | - Pedram Torabian
- Cumming School of Medicine, Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Noushin Nabavi
- Department of Urologic Sciences and Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6H3Z6, Canada
| | - Amir Reza Aref
- Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Translational Sciences, Xsphera Biosciences Inc. Boston, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alaa A A Aljabali
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Murtaza Tambuwala
- Lincoln Medical School, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool Campus, Lincoln, LN6 7TS, UK.
- College of Pharmacy, Ras Al Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Minglin Zhu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
- Hubei Provincial Engineering Research Center of Minimally Invasive Cardiovascular Surgery, Wuhan, Hubei, 430071, China.
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Chai T, Liu J, Liu Z, Fan R. Exosome-transported of circ_0081069 induces SPIN1 production by binding to miR-195-5p to inhibit radiosensitivity in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2024; 38:e23659. [PMID: 38348706 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23659] [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] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Circ_0081069 plays a key role in tumor growth; however, its effect on radiosensitivity in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unknown. The study is performed to reveal the association of circ_0081069 expression and radiosensitivity in ESCC and the underlying mechanism. Circ_0081069, miR-195-5p, and spindlin 1 (SPIN1) RNA expression were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Protein expression was checked by Western blot analysis or immunohistochemistry assay. Cell viability, proliferation, cell apoptosis, migration, and invasion were investigated by cell counting kit-8, 5-Ethynyl-29-deoxyuridine, flow cytometry analysis, scratch test, and transwell assays, respectively. The sensitivity of ESCC cells to radiation was investigated by cell colony formation assay. The interactions among circ_0081069, miR-195-5p, and SPIN1 were identified by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA Immunoprecipitation assay. Xenograft mouse model assay was performed to determine the effect of circ_0007841 on radiosensitivity in vivo. Circ_0081069 and SPIN1 expression were upregulated, whereas miR-195-5p was downregulated in ESCC tissues, ESCC cells, and radiation-stimulated ESCC cells. Circ_0081069 silencing inhibited ESCC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration but improved cell apoptosis. In addition, circ_0081069 knockdown enhanced ESCC cell radiosensitivity in vitro and in vivo. Circ_0081069 bound to miR-195-5p and regulated radiosensitivity by binding to miR-195-5p in ESCC cells. Moreover, SPIN1, a target of miR-195-5p, rescued miR-195-5p-mediated effects in ESCC cells. Circ_0081069 was secreted from ESCC cells by being packaged into exosomes. Further, circ_0081069-Exo inhibited radiosensitivity in ESCC cells. Exosome-mediated transfer of circ_0081069 induced SPIN1 production by binding to miR-195-5p, further inhibiting radiosensitivity in ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Chai
- Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Junqi Liu
- Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Zongwen Liu
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Ruitai Fan
- Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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Li D, Wang W, Liu B, Jin D, Wang Y, He G, Guo L, Liu W, Li Y. Characterization of circSEC11A as a novel regulator of Iodine-125 radioactive seed-induced anticancer effects in hepatocellular carcinoma via targeting ZHX2/GADD34 axis. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:294. [PMID: 37563132 PMCID: PMC10415397 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01593-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Iodine-125 (I-125) radioactive seed implantation is used for the local treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the molecular mechanisms regulating its anticancer effects remain incompletely understood. In this study, we report that hsa_circ_0000647 (circSEC11A) is highly expressed after I-125 treatment in HCC cell lines and tissues and is a key regulator of I-125-induced anticancer effects. CircSEC11A acts as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to sponge miR-3529-3p, promoting the expression of zinc fingers and homeoboxes 2 (ZHX2) and enhancing I-125-induced anticancer effects. Dual-luciferase reporter assay, RNA pull-down, RNA immunoprecipitation, and fluorescence in situ hybridization were thereafter performed to verify the interaction among the molecules. Anticancer effects were detected using CCK-8, flow cytometry, TUNEL, EdU, transwell, and wound healing assays. Furthermore, ZHX2 transcriptionally inhibits GADD34, a negative regulator of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), to enhance I-125- induced anticancer effects in vivo and in vitro. In conclusion, we characterized circSEC11A as a novel regulator of I-125-induced anticancer effects in HCC via miR-3529-3p/ZHX2/GADD34 axis-mediated ERS. Thus, circSEC11A may act as a potential therapeutic target for I-125 implantation in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Li
- Department of Interventional Medicine, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Institute of Interventional Oncology, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wujie Wang
- Department of Interventional Medicine, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Institute of Interventional Oncology, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Interventional Medicine, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Institute of Interventional Oncology, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Die Jin
- Department of Interventional Medicine, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Institute of Interventional Oncology, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Interventional Medicine, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Institute of Interventional Oncology, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Guanghui He
- Department of Interventional Medicine, Weifang Second People's Hospital, Weifang, China
| | - Lei Guo
- Department of Vascular Anomalies and Interventional Radiology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wen Liu
- Department of Interventional Medicine, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China.
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
| | - Yuliang Li
- Department of Interventional Medicine, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China.
- Institute of Interventional Oncology, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
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Li J, Song Y, Cai H, Zhou B, Ma J. Roles of circRNA dysregulation in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma tumor microenvironment. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1153207. [PMID: 37384299 PMCID: PMC10299836 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1153207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the most prevalent histological esophageal cancer characterized by advanced diagnosis, metastasis, resistance to treatment, and frequent recurrence. In recent years, numerous human disorders such as ESCC, have been linked to abnormal expression of circular RNAs (circRNAs), suggesting that they are fundamental to the intricate system of gene regulation that governs ESCC formation. The tumor microenvironment (TME), referring to the area surrounding the tumor cells, is composed of multiple components, including stromal cells, immune cells, the vascular system, extracellular matrix (ECM), and numerous signaling molecules. In this review, we briefly described the biological purposes and mechanisms of aberrant circRNA expression in the TME of ESCC, including the immune microenvironment, angiogenesis, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, hypoxia, metabolism, and radiotherapy resistance. As in-depth research into the processes of circRNAs in the TME of ESCC continues, circRNAs are promising therapeutic targets or delivery systems for cancer therapy and diagnostic and prognostic indicators for ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yuxia Song
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Huihong Cai
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Bo Zhou
- Medical Research Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jun Ma
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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Wang C, Zhou M, Zhu P, Ju C, Sheng J, Du D, Wan J, Yin H, Xing Y, Li H, He J, He F. IGF2BP2-induced circRUNX1 facilitates the growth and metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma through miR-449b-5p/FOXP3 axis. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:347. [PMID: 36522683 PMCID: PMC9753396 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02550-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most common digestive malignancies with relatively high morbidity and mortality. Emerging evidence suggests circular RNAs (circRNAs) play critical roles in tumor cell malignancy. However, the biological function and clinical significance of many circRNAs in ESCC remain elusive. METHODS The expression level and clinical implication of circRUNX1 in ESCC tissues were evaluated using qRT-PCR. In vitro and in vivo functional studies were conducted to investigate the underlying biological effects of circRUNX1 on ESCC cell growth and metastasis. Moreover, bioinformatics analysis, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays, dual-luciferase reporter assays, and rescue experiments were performed to explore the relationships between circRUNX1, miR-449b-5p, Forkhead box protein P3 (FOXP3), and insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 2 (IGF2BP2). RESULTS CircRUNX1 was found to be significantly up-regulated in ESCC tissues and associated with TNM stage and differentiation grade. Functionally, circRUNX1 promoted ESCC cell proliferation and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. CircRUNX1 enhanced FOXP3 expression by competitively sponging miR-449b-5p. Notably, both miR-449b-5p mimics and FOXP3 knockdown restored the effects of circRUNX1 overexpression on cell proliferation and metastasis. Furthermore, IGF2BP2 binding to circRUNX1 prevented its degradation. CONCLUSIONS IGF2BP2 mediated circRUNX1 functions as an oncogenic factor to facilitate ESCC progression through the miR-449b-5p/FOXP3 axis, implying that circRUNX1 has the potential to be a promising diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for ESCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Wang
- Department of Medical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Mingxia Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Peiyu Zhu
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Chenxi Ju
- Department of Medical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Jinxiu Sheng
- Department of Medical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Dan Du
- Department of Medical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Junhu Wan
- Department of Medical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Huiqing Yin
- Department of Medical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Yurong Xing
- Center of Health Examination, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Hongle Li
- Department of Molecular Pathology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China.
| | - Jing He
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
| | - Fucheng He
- Department of Medical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
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