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Zhang L, Wang Y, Gao J, Zhou X, Huang M, Wang X, He Z. Non‑coding RNA: A promising diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (Review). Oncol Lett 2024; 27:255. [PMID: 38646493 PMCID: PMC11027111 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2024.14388] [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: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Esophageal cancer (EC) is a common form of malignant tumor in the digestive system that is classified into two types: Esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCC) and esophageal adenocarcinoma. ESCC is known for its early onset of symptoms, which can be difficult to identify, as well as its rapid progression and tendency to develop drug resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. These factors contribute to the high incidence of disease and low cure rate. Therefore, a diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target need to be identified for ESCC. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a class of molecules that are transcribed from DNA but do not encode proteins. Initially, ncRNAs were considered to be non-functional segments generated during transcription. However, with advancements in high-throughput sequencing technologies in recent years, ncRNAs have been associated with poor prognosis, drug resistance and progression of ESCC. The present study provides a comprehensive overview of the biogenesis, characteristics and functions of ncRNAs, particularly focusing on microRNA, long ncRNAs and circular RNAs. Furthermore, the ncRNAs that could potentially be used as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for ESCC are summarized to highlight their application value and prospects in ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longze Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Tissue Damage Repair and Regeneration Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
| | - Yanyang Wang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Tissue Damage Repair and Regeneration Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
- Department of Cell Engineering Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
| | - Jianmei Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
| | - Xue Zhou
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Tissue Damage Repair and Regeneration Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
| | - Minglei Huang
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Tissue Damage Repair and Regeneration Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
| | - Xianyao Wang
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Tissue Damage Repair and Regeneration Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
| | - Zhixu He
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Tissue Damage Repair and Regeneration Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
- Department of Cell Engineering Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
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Han R, Rao X, Zhou H, Lu L. Synergistic Immunoregulation: harnessing CircRNAs and PiRNAs to Amplify PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibition Therapy. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:4803-4834. [PMID: 38828205 PMCID: PMC11144010 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s461289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The utilization of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors marks a significant advancement in cancer therapy. However, the efficacy of monotherapy is still disappointing in a substantial subset of patients, necessitating the exploration of combinational strategies. Emerging from the promising results of the KEYNOTE-942 trial, RNA-based therapies, particularly circRNAs and piRNAs, have distinguished themselves as innovative sensitizers to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). These non-coding RNAs, notable for their stability and specificity, were once underrecognized but are now known for their crucial roles in regulating PD-L1 expression and bolstering anti-cancer immunity. Our manuscript offers a comprehensive analysis of selected circRNAs and piRNAs, elucidating their immunomodulatory effects and mechanisms, thus underscoring their potential as ICIs enhancers. In conjunction with the recent Nobel Prize-awarded advancements in mRNA vaccine technology, our review highlights the transformative implications of these findings for cancer treatment. We also discuss the prospects of circRNAs and piRNAs in future therapeutic applications and research. This study pioneers the synergistic application of circRNAs and piRNAs as novel sensitizers to augment PD-1/PD-L1 inhibition therapy, demonstrating their unique roles in regulating PD-L1 expression and modulating immune responses. Our findings offer a groundbreaking approach for enhancing the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy, opening new avenues for treatment strategies. This abstract aims to encapsulate the essence of our research and the burgeoning role of these non-coding RNAs in enhancing PD-1/PD-L1 inhibition therapy, encouraging further investigation into this promising field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Han
- Department of Chinese Medicine Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiwu Rao
- Department of Oncology, The First Hospital Affiliated to Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huiling Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lingeng Lu
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- School of Medicine, Center for Biomedical Data Science, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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3
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Xu SM, Cheng Y, Fisher H, Janitz M. Recent advances in the investigation of fusion RNAs and their role in molecular pathology of cancer. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2024; 168:106529. [PMID: 38246262 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2024.106529] [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: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Gene fusions have had a significant role in the development of various types of cancer, oftentimes involved in oncogenic activities through dysregulation of gene expression or signalling pathways. Some cancer-associated chromosomal translocations can undergo backsplicing, resulting in fusion-circular RNAs, a more stable isoform immune to RNase degradation. This stability makes fusion circular RNAs a promising diagnostic biomarker for cancer. While the detection of linear fusion RNAs and their function in certain cancers have been described in literature, fusion circular RNAs lag behind due to their low abundance in cancer cells. This review highlights current literature on the role of linear and circular fusion transcripts in cancer, tools currently available for detecting of these chimeric RNAs and their function and how they play a role in tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Mei Xu
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Yuning Cheng
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Harry Fisher
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael Janitz
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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Li H, Lei Y, Chen N, Guo G, Xiang X, Huang Y. circRNA-CPA4 Regulates Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer via the miR-1183/PDPK1 Axis. Biochem Genet 2024:10.1007/s10528-023-10641-0. [PMID: 38273153 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-023-10641-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) stands as a prevalent subtype of lung cancer, with circular RNAs emerging as key players in cancer development. This study elucidates the role of circRNA-CPA4 in NSCLC. Elevated circRNA-CPA4 expression in NSCLC lines was confirmed through qRT-PCR. Silencing circRNA-CPA4 with shRNA revealed, through CCK-8, colony formation, and flow cytometry assays, a notable constraint on proliferation and promotion of apoptosis in NSCLC cells. Subcellular localization analysis, RNA immunoprecipitation, and expression level assessments were employed to decipher the intricate interplay among miR-1183, circRNA-CPA4, and PDPK1. Results demonstrated heightened circRNA-CPA4 levels in NSCLC, and its knockdown curtailed NSCLC growth in vivo. Acting as a molecular sponge for miR-1183, circRNA-CPA4 regulated PDPK1 expression. Conversely, inhibiting miR-1183 counteracted the impact of circRNA-CPA4 silencing, reinstating NSCLC cell proliferation, and impeding apoptosis. Overall, this study unveils a novel mechanism: circRNA-CPA4 promotes PDPK1 expression by sequestering miR-1183, fostering NSCLC cell proliferation, and hindering apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery II, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Yunnan Cancer Center), Kunming, 650118, China
| | - Yujie Lei
- Department of Thoracic Surgery I, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Yunnan Cancer Center), Kunzhou Road 519, Kunming, 650118, China
| | - Nan Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery II, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Yunnan Cancer Center), Kunming, 650118, China
| | - Gang Guo
- Department of Thoracic Surgery II, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Yunnan Cancer Center), Kunming, 650118, China
| | - Xudong Xiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery II, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Yunnan Cancer Center), Kunming, 650118, China
| | - Yunchao Huang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery II, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Yunnan Cancer Center), Kunming, 650118, China.
- Department of Thoracic Surgery I, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Yunnan Cancer Center), Kunzhou Road 519, Kunming, 650118, China.
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Wang S, Xiong Y, Zhang Y, Wang H, Chen M, Li J, Luo P, Luo YH, Hecht M, Frey B, Gaipl U, Li X, Zhao Q, Ma H, Zhou JG. TCCIA: a comprehensive resource for exploring CircRNA in cancer immunotherapy. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e008040. [PMID: 38212124 PMCID: PMC10806567 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-008040] [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] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunotherapies targeting immune checkpoints have gained increasing attention in cancer treatment, emphasizing the need for predictive biomarkers. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have emerged as critical regulators of tumor immunity, particularly in the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, and have shown potential in predicting immunotherapy efficacy. Yet, the detailed roles of circRNAs in cancer immunotherapy are not fully understood. While existing databases focus on either circRNA profiles or immunotherapy cohorts, there is currently no platform that enables the exploration of the intricate interplay between circRNAs and anti-tumor immunotherapy. A comprehensive resource combining circRNA profiles, immunotherapy responses, and clinical outcomes is essential to advance our understanding of circRNA-mediated tumor-immune interactions and to develop effective biomarkers. METHODS To address these gaps, we constructed The Cancer CircRNA Immunome Atlas (TCCIA), the first database that combines circRNA profiles, immunotherapy response data, and clinical outcomes across multicancer types. The construction of TCCIA involved applying standardized preprocessing to the raw sequencing FASTQ files, characterizing circRNA profiles using an ensemble approach based on four established circRNA detection tools, analyzing tumor immunophenotypes, and compiling immunotherapy response data from diverse cohorts treated with immune checkpoint blockades (ICBs). RESULTS TCCIA encompasses over 4,000 clinical samples obtained from 25 cohorts treated with ICBs along with other treatment modalities. The database provides researchers and clinicians with a cloud-based platform that enables interactive exploration of circRNA data in the context of ICB. The platform offers a range of analytical tools, including browse of identified circRNAs, visualization of circRNA abundance and correlation, association analysis between circRNAs and clinical variables, assessment of the tumor immune microenvironment, exploration of tumor molecular signatures, evaluation of treatment response or prognosis, and identification of altered circRNAs in immunotherapy-sensitive and resistant tumors. To illustrate the utility of TCCIA, we showcase two examples, including circTMTC3 and circMGA, by employing analysis of large-scale melanoma and bladder cancer cohorts, which unveil distinct impacts and clinical implications of different circRNA expression in cancer immunotherapy. CONCLUSIONS TCCIA represents a significant advancement over existing resources, providing a comprehensive platform to investigate the role of circRNAs in immuno-oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shixiang Wang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Xiong
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
- Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Brain Tumor Research, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Yihao Zhang
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
- Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Brain Tumor Research, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Haitao Wang
- Center for Precision Medicine Research and Training, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Minjun Chen
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianfeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, National Research Center for Translational Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Luo
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yung-Hung Luo
- Department of Chest Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Markus Hecht
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg, Germany
| | - Benjamin Frey
- Translational Radiobiology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen, Germany
- FAU Profile Center Immunomedicine (FAU I-MED), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Udo Gaipl
- Translational Radiobiology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen, Germany
- FAU Profile Center Immunomedicine (FAU I-MED), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Xuejun Li
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
- Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Brain Tumor Research, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Hu Ma
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian-Guo Zhou
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, People's Republic of China
- Translational Radiobiology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen, Germany
- FAU Profile Center Immunomedicine (FAU I-MED), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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Wu Y, Xu M, Feng Z, Wu H, Wu J, Ha X, Wu Y, Chen S, Xu F, Wen H, Li S, Wu X. AUF1-induced circular RNA hsa_circ_0010467 promotes platinum resistance of ovarian cancer through miR-637/LIF/STAT3 axis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:256. [PMID: 37589744 PMCID: PMC11072515 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04906-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing evidences has indicated that primary and acquired resistance of ovarian cancer (OC) to platinum is mediated by multiple molecular and cellular factors. Understanding these mechanisms could promote the therapeutic efficiency for patients with OC. METHODS Here, we screened the expression pattern of circRNAs in samples derived from platinum-resistant and platinum-sensitive OC patients using RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq). The expression of hsa_circ_0010467 was validated by Sanger sequencing, RT-qPCR, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assays. Overexpression and knockdown experiments were performed to explore the function of hsa_circ_0010467. The effects of hsa_circ_0010467 on enhancing platinum treatment were validated in OC cells, mouse model and patient-derived organoid (PDO). RNA pull-down, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), and dual-luciferase reporter assays were performed to investigate the interaction between hsa_circ_0010467 and proteins. RESULTS Increased expression of hsa_circ_0010467 is observed in platinum-resistant OC cells, tissues and serum exosomes, which is positively correlated with advanced tumor stage and poor prognosis of OC patients. Hsa_circ_0010467 is found to maintain the platinum resistance via inducing tumor cell stemness, and silencing hsa_circ_0010467 substantially increases the efficacy of platinum treatment on inhibiting OC cell proliferation. Further investigation reveals that hsa_circ_0010467 acts as a miR-637 sponge to mediate the repressive effect of miR-637 on leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and activates the LIF/STAT3 signaling pathway. We further discover that AUF1 could promote the biogenesis of hsa_circ_0010467 in OC. CONCLUSION Our study uncovers the mechanism that hsa_circ_0010467 mediates the platinum resistance of OC through AUF1/hsa_circ_0010467/miR-637/LIF/STAT3 axis, and provides potential targets for the treatment of platinum-resistant OC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangjun Wu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Miao Xu
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zheng Feng
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Precision Research Center for Refractory Diseases, Institute for Clinical Research, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Jingni Wu
- Precision Research Center for Refractory Diseases, Institute for Clinical Research, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Xinyu Ha
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong Wu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Siyu Chen
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei Xu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Wen
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shengli Li
- Precision Research Center for Refractory Diseases, Institute for Clinical Research, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201620, China.
| | - Xiaohua Wu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Regulation of the tumor immune microenvironment by cancer-derived circular RNAs. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:132. [PMID: 36797245 PMCID: PMC9935907 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05647-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Circular RNA (circRNAs) is a covalently closed circular non-coding RNA formed by reverse back-splicing from precursor messenger RNA. It is found widely in eukaryotic cells and can be released to the surrounding environment and captured by other cell types. This, circRNAs serve as connections between different cell types for the mediation of multiple signaling pathways. CircRNAs reshape the tumor microenvironment (TME), a key factor involved in all stages of cancer development, by regulating epithelial-stromal transformation, tumor vascularization, immune cell function, and inflammatory responses. Immune cells are the most abundant cellular TME components, and they have profound toxicity to cancer cells. This review summarizes circRNA regulation of immune cells, including T cells, natural killer cells, and macrophages; highlights the impact of circRNAs on tumor progression, treatment, and prognosis; and indicates new targets for tumor immunotherapy.
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Saadi W, Fatmi A, Pallardó FV, García-Giménez JL, Mena-Molla S. Long Non-Coding RNAs as Epigenetic Regulators of Immune Checkpoints in Cancer Immunity. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010184. [PMID: 36612180 PMCID: PMC9819025 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, cancer treatment has undergone significant changes, predominantly in the shift towards immunotherapeutic strategies using immune checkpoint inhibitors. Despite the clinical efficacy of many of these inhibitors, the overall response rate remains modest, and immunotherapies for many cancers have proved ineffective, highlighting the importance of knowing the tumor microenvironment and heterogeneity of each malignancy in patients. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have attracted increasing attention for their ability to control various biological processes by targeting different molecular pathways. Some lncRNAs have a regulatory role in immune checkpoints, suggesting they might be utilized as a target for immune checkpoint treatment. The focus of this review is to describe relevant lncRNAs and their targets and functions to understand key regulatory mechanisms that may contribute in regulating immune checkpoints. We also provide the state of the art on super-enhancers lncRNAs (selncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), which have recently been reported as modulators of immune checkpoint molecules within the framework of human cancer. Other feasible mechanisms of interaction between lncRNAs and immune checkpoints are also reported, along with the use of miRNAs and circRNAs, in generating new tumor immune microenvironments, which can further help avoid tumor evasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiam Saadi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Nature, Life and Earth Sciences, University of Djillali Bounaama, Khemis Miliana 44225, Algeria
- Correspondence: (W.S.); (S.M.-M.)
| | - Ahlam Fatmi
- INCLIVA Health Research Institute, INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Federico V. Pallardó
- INCLIVA Health Research Institute, INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Institute of Health Carlos III, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - José Luis García-Giménez
- INCLIVA Health Research Institute, INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Institute of Health Carlos III, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Salvador Mena-Molla
- INCLIVA Health Research Institute, INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Correspondence: (W.S.); (S.M.-M.)
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9
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Ma L, Chu H, Wang M, Zhang Z. Biological functions and potential implications of circular RNAs. J Biomed Res 2022; 37:89-99. [PMID: 36814375 PMCID: PMC10018409 DOI: 10.7555/jbr.36.20220095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are characterized by a covalent closed-loop structure with an absence of both 5' cap structure and 3' polyadenylated tail. Numerous studies have found that circRNAs play an important role in various diseases and have a variety of biological regulatory mechanisms, including acting as microRNA sponges, interacting with proteins, modulating the expression of related genes and translating into peptides or proteins. CircRNAs have also been used as biomarkers for a number of diseases, which could improve clinical practice. This review summarizes the most recent advances in biogenesis and knowledge of the biological functions of circRNAs as well as the related bioinformatics databases. We specifically describe developments in understanding of circRNA functions in the field of environmental exposure-induced diseases. Finally, we focus on potential clinical implications of circRNAs to facilitate their clinical transformation into disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Ma
- Department of Genetic Toxicology, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China.,Department of Environmental Genomics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Haiyan Chu
- Department of Genetic Toxicology, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China.,Department of Environmental Genomics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Meilin Wang
- Department of Genetic Toxicology, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China.,Department of Environmental Genomics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Zhengdong Zhang
- Department of Genetic Toxicology, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China.,Department of Environmental Genomics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
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Nagel R, Pataskar A, Champagne J, Agami R. Boosting Antitumor Immunity with an Expanded Neoepitope Landscape. Cancer Res 2022; 82:3637-3649. [PMID: 35904353 PMCID: PMC9574376 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-22-1525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Immune-checkpoint blockade therapy has been successfully applied to many cancers, particularly tumors that harbor a high mutational burden and consequently express a high abundance of neoantigens. However, novel approaches are needed to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy for treating tumors that lack a high load of classic genetically derived neoantigens. Recent discoveries of broad classes of nongenetically encoded and inducible neoepitopes open up new avenues for therapeutic development to enhance sensitivity to immunotherapies. In this review, we discuss recent work on neoantigen discovery, with an emphasis on novel classes of noncanonical neoepitopes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remco Nagel
- Division of Oncogenomics, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Abhijeet Pataskar
- Division of Oncogenomics, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Julien Champagne
- Division of Oncogenomics, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Reuven Agami
- Division of Oncogenomics, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Erasmus MC, Rotterdam University, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Corresponding Author: Reuven Agami, Division of Oncogenomics, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Phone: 3102-0512-2079; E-mail:
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11
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Role of circular RNAs in disease progression and diagnosis of cancers: An overview of recent advanced insights. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 220:973-984. [PMID: 35977596 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.08.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Tumor microenvironment (TME) is a crucial regulator of tumor progression and cells in the TME release a number of molecules that are responsible for anaplasticity, invasion, metastasis of tumor, establishing stem cell niches, up-regulation and down-regulation of various pathways in cancer cells, interfering with immune surveillance and immune escape. Moreover, they can serve as diagnostic markers, and determine effective therapies. Among them, CircRNAs have gained special attention due to their involvement in mutated pathways in cancers. By functioning as a molecular sponge for miRNAs, binding with proteins, and directing selective splicing. CircRNAs modify the immunological environment of cancers to promote their growth. Besides of critical role in tumor growth, circRNAs are emerging as potential candidates as biomarkers for diagnosis cancer therapy. Also, circRNAs vaccination even offers a novel approach to tumor immunotherapy. Over the recent years, studies are advocating that circRNAs have tissue specific tumor specific expression patterns, which indicates their potential clinical utility. Especially, circRNAs have emerged as potential predictive and prognostic biomarkers. Although, there has been significant progress in deciphering the role of circRNA in cancers, literature lacks comprehensive overview on this topic. Keeping in view of these significant discoveries, this review systematically discusses circRNA and their role in the tumor in different dimensions.
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12
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Chen Q, Li J, Shen P, Yuan H, Yin J, Ge W, Wang W, Chen G, Yang T, Xiao B, Miao Y, Lu Z, Wu P, Jiang K. Biological functions, mechanisms, and clinical significance of circular RNA in pancreatic cancer: a promising rising star. Cell Biosci 2022; 12:97. [PMID: 35729650 PMCID: PMC9210669 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-022-00833-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a highly malignant solid tumor with insidious onset and easy early metastasis. Despite tremendous efforts devoted to research in this field, the mechanisms underlying PC tumorigenesis and progression remain unclear. Additionally, robust biomarkers and satisfactory therapeutic strategies for clinical use in PC patients are still lacking. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a new type of non-coding RNA originating from precursor messenger RNAs, with a covalent continuous closed-loop structure, strong stability and high specificity. Accumulating evidence suggests that circRNAs may participate in PC development and progression. Abnormal expression of circRNAs in PC is considered a vital factor that affects tumor cell proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, angiogenesis and drug resistance. In this review of relevant articles published in recent years, we describe the basic knowledge concerning circRNAs, including their classification, biogenesis, functions and research approaches. Moreover, the biological roles and clinical significance of circRNAs related to PC are discussed. Finally, we note the questions remaining from recent studies and anticipate that further investigations will address these gaps in knowledge in this field. In conclusion, we expect to provide insights into circRNAs as potential targets for specific PC diagnosis and treatment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qun Chen
- Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiajia Li
- Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Peng Shen
- Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hao Yuan
- Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jie Yin
- Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wanli Ge
- Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wujun Wang
- Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Guangbin Chen
- Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Taoyue Yang
- Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bin Xiao
- Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yi Miao
- Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zipeng Lu
- Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Pengfei Wu
- Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Kuirong Jiang
- Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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13
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Wang L, Lu J, Song Y, Bai J, Sun W, Yu J, Cai M, Fu S. Analysis of DNA Repair-Related Prognostic Function and Mechanism in Gastric Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:897096. [PMID: 35656545 PMCID: PMC9152153 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.897096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA repair mechanisms have been proven to be essential for cells, and abnormalities in DNA repair could cause various diseases, such as cancer. However, the diversity and complexity of DNA repair mechanisms obscure the functions of DNA repair in cancers. In addition, the relationships between DNA repair, the tumor mutational burden (TMB), and immune infiltration are still ambiguous. In the present study, we evaluated the prognostic values of various types of DNA repair mechanisms and found that double-strand break repair through single-strand annealing (SSA) and nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) was the most prognostic DNA repair processes in gastric cancer (GC) patients. Based on the activity of these two approaches and expression profiles, we constructed a HR-LR model, which could accurately divide patients into high-risk and low-risk groups with different probabilities of survival and recurrence. Similarly, we also constructed a cancer-normal model to estimate whether an individual had GC or normal health status. The prognostic value of the HR-LR model and the accuracy of the cancer-normal model were validated in several independent datasets. Notably, low-risk samples, which had higher SSA and NHEJ activities, had more somatic mutations and less immune infiltration. Furthermore, the analysis found that low-risk samples had higher and lower methylation levels in CpG islands (CGIs) and open sea regions respectively, and had higher expression levels of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and lower methylation levels in the promoter of the gene encoding PD-L1. Moreover, low-risk samples were characterized primarily by higher levels of CD4+ memory T cells, CD8+ naive T cells, and CD8+ TEM cells than those in high-risk samples. Finally, we proposed a decision tree and nomogram to help predict the clinical outcome of an individual. These results provide an improved understanding of the complexity of DNA repair, the TMB, and immune infiltration in GC, and present an accurate prognostic model for use in GC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqiang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Preservation of Human Genetic Resources and Disease Control in China (Harbin Medical University), Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jianping Lu
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Ying Song
- Key Laboratory of Preservation of Human Genetic Resources and Disease Control in China (Harbin Medical University), Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jing Bai
- Key Laboratory of Preservation of Human Genetic Resources and Disease Control in China (Harbin Medical University), Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Wenjing Sun
- Key Laboratory of Preservation of Human Genetic Resources and Disease Control in China (Harbin Medical University), Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jingcui Yu
- Key Laboratory of Preservation of Human Genetic Resources and Disease Control in China (Harbin Medical University), Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
- Scientific Research Centre, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Mengdi Cai
- Key Laboratory of Preservation of Human Genetic Resources and Disease Control in China (Harbin Medical University), Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- *Correspondence: Songbin Fu, ; Mengdi Cai,
| | - Songbin Fu
- Key Laboratory of Preservation of Human Genetic Resources and Disease Control in China (Harbin Medical University), Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- *Correspondence: Songbin Fu, ; Mengdi Cai,
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Chen C, Xia C, Tang H, Jiang Y, Wang S, Zhang X, Huang T, Yuan X, Wang J, Peng L. Circular RNAs Involve in Immunity of Digestive Cancers From Bench to Bedside: A Review. Front Immunol 2022; 13:833058. [PMID: 35464462 PMCID: PMC9020258 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.833058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune system plays a complex role in tumor formation and development. On the one hand, immune surveillance can inhibit the growth of tumors; on the other hand, immune evasion of tumors can create conditions conducive for tumor development and growth. CircRNAs are endogenous non-coding RNAs with a covalently closed loop structure that are abundantly expressed in eukaryotic organisms. They are characterized by stable structure, rich diversity, and high evolutionary conservation. In particular, circRNAs play a vital role in the occurrence, development, and treatment of tumors through their unique functions. Recently, the incidence and mortality of digestive cancers, especially those of gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, and liver cancer, have remained high. However, the functions of circRNAs in digestive cancers immunity are less known. The relationship between circRNAs and digestive tumor immunity is systematically discussed in our paper for the first time. CircRNA can influence the immune microenvironment of gastrointestinal tumors to promote their occurrence and development by acting as a miRNA molecular sponge, interacting with proteins, and regulating selective splicing. The circRNA vaccine even provides a new idea for tumor immunotherapy. Future studies should be focused on the location, transportation, and degradation mechanisms of circRNA in living cells and the relationship between circRNA and tumor immunity. This paper provides a new idea for the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyue Chen
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Congcong Xia
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hao Tang
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yirun Jiang
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shan Wang
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaoqing Yuan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumour Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Breast Tumour Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junpu Wang
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Li Peng, ; Junpu Wang,
| | - Li Peng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumour Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Li Peng, ; Junpu Wang,
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15
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Jiang C, Wan S, Hu P, Li Y, Li S. Editorial: Transcriptional Regulation in Metabolism and Immunology. Front Genet 2022; 13:845697. [PMID: 35186050 PMCID: PMC8847674 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.845697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chunjie Jiang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Shibiao Wan
- Center for Applied Bioinformatics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Peng Hu
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongsheng Li
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, College of Biomedical Information and Engineering, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Shengli Li
- Precision Research Center for Refractory Diseases, Institute for Clinical Research, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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16
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Pandey PR, Young KH, Kumar D, Jain N. RNA-mediated immunotherapy regulating tumor immune microenvironment: next wave of cancer therapeutics. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:58. [PMID: 35189921 PMCID: PMC8860277 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01528-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractAccumulating research suggests that the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) plays an essential role in regulation of tumor growth and metastasis. The cellular and molecular nature of the TIME influences cancer progression and metastasis by altering the ratio of immune- suppressive versus cytotoxic responses in the vicinity of the tumor. Targeting or activating the TIME components show a promising therapeutic avenue to combat cancer. The success of immunotherapy is both astounding and unsatisfactory in the clinic. Advancements in RNA-based technology have improved understanding of the complexity and diversity of the TIME and its effects on therapy. TIME-related RNA or RNA regulators could be promising targets for anticancer immunotherapy. In this review, we discuss the available RNA-based cancer immunotherapies targeting the TIME. More importantly, we summarize the potential of various RNA-based therapeutics clinically available for cancer treatment. RNA-dependent targeting of the TIME, as monotherapy or combined with other evolving therapeutics, might be beneficial for cancer patients’ treatment in the near future.
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Luo YH, Yang YP, Chien CS, Yarmishyn AA, Adekunle Ishola A, Chien Y, Chen YM, Tsai PH, Lin TW, Wang ML, Chiou SH. Circular RNA hsa_circ_0000190 Facilitates the Tumorigenesis and Immune Evasion by Upregulating the Expression of Soluble PD-L1 in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010064. [PMID: 35008490 PMCID: PMC8744551 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of death from cancer in Taiwan and throughout the world. Immunotherapy has revealed promising and significant efficacy in NSCLC, through immune checkpoint inhibition by blocking programmed cell death protein (PD)-1/PD-1 ligand (PD-L1) signaling pathway to restore patients’ T-cell immunity. One novel type of long, non-coding RNAs, circular RNAs (circRNAs), are endogenous, stable, and widely expressed in tissues, saliva, blood, urine, and exosomes. Our previous results revealed that the plasma level of hsa_circ_0000190 can be monitored by liquid-biopsy-based droplet digital PCR and may serve as a valuable blood-based biomarker to monitor the disease progression and the efficacy of immunotherapy. In this study, hsa_circ_0000190 was shown to increase the PD-L1 mRNA-mediated soluble PD-L1 (sPD-L1) expression, consequently interfering with the efficacy of anti-PD-L1 antibody and T-cell activation, which may result in immunotherapy resistance and poor outcome. Our results unraveled that hsa_circ_0000190 facilitated the tumorigenesis and immune evasion of NSCLC by upregulating sPD-L1 expression, potentially developing a different aspect in elucidating the molecular immunopathogenesis of NSCLC. Hsa_circ_0000190 upregulation can be an effective indicator for the progression of NSCLC, and hsa_circ_0000190 downregulation may possess a potential therapeutic value for the treatment of NSCLC in combination with immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Hung Luo
- Department of Chest Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan; (Y.-H.L.); (Y.-M.C.)
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan; (Y.-P.Y.); (M.-L.W.)
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ping Yang
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan; (Y.-P.Y.); (M.-L.W.)
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan; (C.-S.C.); (A.A.Y.); (A.A.I.); (Y.C.); (P.-H.T.); (T.-W.L.)
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
| | - Chian-Shiu Chien
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan; (C.-S.C.); (A.A.Y.); (A.A.I.); (Y.C.); (P.-H.T.); (T.-W.L.)
- Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
| | - Aliaksandr A. Yarmishyn
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan; (C.-S.C.); (A.A.Y.); (A.A.I.); (Y.C.); (P.-H.T.); (T.-W.L.)
| | - Afeez Adekunle Ishola
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan; (C.-S.C.); (A.A.Y.); (A.A.I.); (Y.C.); (P.-H.T.); (T.-W.L.)
- Taiwan International Graduate Program in Molecular Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University and Academia Sinica, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
| | - Yueh Chien
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan; (C.-S.C.); (A.A.Y.); (A.A.I.); (Y.C.); (P.-H.T.); (T.-W.L.)
| | - Yuh-Min Chen
- Department of Chest Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan; (Y.-H.L.); (Y.-M.C.)
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan; (Y.-P.Y.); (M.-L.W.)
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
| | - Ping-Hsing Tsai
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan; (C.-S.C.); (A.A.Y.); (A.A.I.); (Y.C.); (P.-H.T.); (T.-W.L.)
| | - Tzu-Wei Lin
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan; (C.-S.C.); (A.A.Y.); (A.A.I.); (Y.C.); (P.-H.T.); (T.-W.L.)
| | - Mong-Lien Wang
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan; (Y.-P.Y.); (M.-L.W.)
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan; (C.-S.C.); (A.A.Y.); (A.A.I.); (Y.C.); (P.-H.T.); (T.-W.L.)
- Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
- Institute of Food Safety and Health Risk Assessment, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Hwa Chiou
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan; (C.-S.C.); (A.A.Y.); (A.A.I.); (Y.C.); (P.-H.T.); (T.-W.L.)
- Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-2-2875-7394
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18
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Circβ-catenin promotes tumor growth and Warburg effect of gallbladder cancer by regulating STMN1 expression. Cell Death Discov 2021; 7:233. [PMID: 34489401 PMCID: PMC8421404 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-021-00626-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is the most malignant cancer of the biliary tract cancer and presents poor prognosis. CircRNAs have been identified as critical regulators of multiple stages in tumor progression. In the study, we first demonstrated that circular RNA circβ-catenin expression was upregulated in GBC tissues when compared to adjacent normal tissues and associated with advanced clinical stage and poor prognosis in GBC patients. Silencing of circβ-catenin obviously suppressed GBC cell proliferation and cell cycle progression in vitro, but circβ-catenin overexpression had the opposite effects. In vivo, silencing of circβ-catenin inhibited tumor growth. Furthermore, we also found that circβ-catenin promoted GBC cell lactate production, pyruvate production, ATP quantity, and extracellular acidification rate (ECAR), which suggested that circβ-catenin regulated Warburg effect in GBC. Mechanistic analysis further highlighted that circβ-catenin promoted Stathmin 1 (STMN1) expression through sponging miR-223 in GBC progression. In addition, knockdown of STMN1 inhibited cell growth and Warburg effect in GBC. In summary, our findings indicated that circβ-catenin/miR-223/STMN1 axis could regulate cell growth and Warburg effect in GBC. Targeting circβ-catenin might be a potential therapeutic strategy for GBC.
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Radanova M, Mihaylova G, Nazifova-Tasinova N, Levkova M, Tasinov O, Ivanova D, Mihaylova Z, Donev I. Oncogenic Functions and Clinical Significance of Circular RNAs in Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3395. [PMID: 34298612 PMCID: PMC8303601 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is ranked as the second most commonly diagnosed disease in females and the third in males worldwide. Therefore, the finding of new more reliable biomarkers for early diagnosis, for prediction of metastasis, and resistance to conventional therapies is an important challenge in overcoming the disease. The current review presents circular RNAs (circRNAs) with their unique features as potential prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers in CRC. The review highlights the mechanism of action and the role of circRNAs with oncogenic functions in the CRC as well as the association between their expression and clinicopathological characteristics of CRC patients. The comprehension of the role of oncogenic circRNAs in CRC pathogenesis is growing rapidly and the next step is using them as suitable new drug targets in the personalized treatment of CRC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Radanova
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Medicine and Nutrigenomics, Medical University of Varna, 9000 Varna, Bulgaria; (M.R.); (G.M.); (N.N.-T.); (O.T.); (D.I.)
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, University Hospital “St. Marina”, 9000 Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Galya Mihaylova
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Medicine and Nutrigenomics, Medical University of Varna, 9000 Varna, Bulgaria; (M.R.); (G.M.); (N.N.-T.); (O.T.); (D.I.)
| | - Neshe Nazifova-Tasinova
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Medicine and Nutrigenomics, Medical University of Varna, 9000 Varna, Bulgaria; (M.R.); (G.M.); (N.N.-T.); (O.T.); (D.I.)
| | - Mariya Levkova
- Department of Medical Genetics, Molecular Medicine and Nutrigenomics, Medical University of Varna, 9000 Varna, Bulgaria;
| | - Oskan Tasinov
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Medicine and Nutrigenomics, Medical University of Varna, 9000 Varna, Bulgaria; (M.R.); (G.M.); (N.N.-T.); (O.T.); (D.I.)
| | - Desislava Ivanova
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Medicine and Nutrigenomics, Medical University of Varna, 9000 Varna, Bulgaria; (M.R.); (G.M.); (N.N.-T.); (O.T.); (D.I.)
| | - Zhasmina Mihaylova
- Clinic of Medical Oncology, Military Medical Academy, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria;
| | - Ivan Donev
- Clinic of Medical Oncology, Hospital Nadezhda, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
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20
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Chen YM, Zhu Q, Cai J, Zhao ZJ, Yao BB, Zhou LM, Ji LD, Xu J. Upregulation of T Cell Receptor Signaling Pathway Components in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Patients: Joint Analysis of mRNA and circRNA Expression Profiles. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:774608. [PMID: 35046894 PMCID: PMC8763273 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.774608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common complications of pregnancy, and its pathogenesis is still unclear. Studies have shown that circular RNAs (circRNAs) can regulate blood glucose levels by targeting mRNAs, but the role of circRNAs in GDM is still unknown. Therefore, a joint microarray analysis of circRNAs and their target mRNAs in GDM patients and healthy pregnant women was carried out. METHODS In this study, microarray analyses of mRNA and circRNA in 6 GDM patients and 6 healthy controls were conducted to identify the differentially expressed mRNA and circRNA in GDM patients, and some of the discovered mRNAs and circRNAs were further validated in additional 56 samples by quantitative realtime PCR (qRT-PCR) and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). RESULTS Gene ontology and pathway analyses showed that the differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched in T cell immune-related pathways. Cross matching of the differentially expressed mRNAs and circRNAs in the top 10 KEGG pathways identified 4 genes (CBLB, ITPR3, NFKBIA, and ICAM1) and 4 corresponding circRNAs (circ-CBLB, circ-ITPR3, circ-NFKBIA, and circ-ICAM1), and these candidates were subsequently verified in larger samples. These differentially expressed circRNAs and their linear transcript mRNAs were all related to the T cell receptor signaling pathway, and PCR results confirmed the initial microarray results. Moreover, circRNA/miRNA/mRNA interactions and circRNA-binding proteins were predicted, and circ-CBLB, circ-ITPR3, and circ-ICAM1 may serve as GDM-related miRNA sponges and regulate the expression of CBLB, ITPR3, NFKBIA, and ICAM1 in cellular immune pathways. CONCLUSION Upregulation of T cell receptor signaling pathway components may represent the major pathological mechanism underlying GDM, thus providing a potential approach for the prevention and treatment of GDM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-ming Chen
- Department of Science and Education, Affiliated People’s Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Qiong Zhu
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated People’s Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Jie Cai
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ningbo Women and Children’s Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Zhi-jia Zhao
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Bin-bin Yao
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Li-ming Zhou
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ningbo Women and Children’s Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Lin-dan Ji
- Department of Science and Education, Affiliated People’s Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- *Correspondence: Lin-dan Ji, ; Jin Xu,
| | - Jin Xu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- *Correspondence: Lin-dan Ji, ; Jin Xu,
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