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Díaz CR, Hernández-Huerta MT, Mayoral LPC, Villegas MEA, Zenteno E, Cruz MM, Mayoral EPC, Del Socorro Pina Canseco M, Andrade GM, Castellanos MÁ, Matías Salvador JM, Cruz Parada E, Martínez Barras A, Cruz Fernández JN, Scott-Algara D, Pérez-Campos E. Non-Coding RNAs and Innate Immune Responses in Cancer. Biomedicines 2024; 12:2072. [PMID: 39335585 PMCID: PMC11429077 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12092072] [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: 07/23/2024] [Revised: 08/27/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and the innate immune system are closely related, acting as defense mechanisms and regulating gene expression and innate immunity. Both are modulators in the initiation, development and progression of cancer. We aimed to review the major types of ncRNAs, including small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), with a focus on cancer, innate immunity, and inflammation. We found that ncRNAs are closely related to innate immunity, epigenetics, chronic inflammation, and cancer and share properties such as inducibility, specificity, memory, and transfer. These similarities and interrelationships suggest that ncRNAs and modulators of trained immunity, together with the control of chronic inflammation, can be combined to develop novel therapeutic approaches for personalized cancer treatment. In conclusion, the close relationship between ncRNAs, the innate immune system, and inflammation highlights their importance in cancer pathways and their potential as targets for novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - María Teresa Hernández-Huerta
- Consejo Nacional de Humanidades, Ciencias y Tecnologías (CONAHCyT), Facultad de Medicina y Cirugía, Universidad Autónoma "Benito Juárez" de Oaxaca (UABJO), Oaxaca 68020, Mexico
| | - Laura Pérez-Campos Mayoral
- Centro de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina UNAM-UABJO, Universidad Autónoma "Benito Juárez" de Oaxaca (UABJO), Oaxaca 68020, Mexico
| | | | - Edgar Zenteno
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | | | - Eduardo Pérez-Campos Mayoral
- Centro de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina UNAM-UABJO, Universidad Autónoma "Benito Juárez" de Oaxaca (UABJO), Oaxaca 68020, Mexico
| | - María Del Socorro Pina Canseco
- Centro de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina UNAM-UABJO, Universidad Autónoma "Benito Juárez" de Oaxaca (UABJO), Oaxaca 68020, Mexico
| | - Gabriel Mayoral Andrade
- Centro de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina UNAM-UABJO, Universidad Autónoma "Benito Juárez" de Oaxaca (UABJO), Oaxaca 68020, Mexico
| | | | | | - Eli Cruz Parada
- Tecnológico Nacional de México/IT Oaxaca, Oaxaca 68030, Mexico
| | | | - Jaydi Nora Cruz Fernández
- Centro de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina UNAM-UABJO, Universidad Autónoma "Benito Juárez" de Oaxaca (UABJO), Oaxaca 68020, Mexico
| | - Daniel Scott-Algara
- Unité de Biologie Cellulaire des Lymphocytes and Direction of International Affairs, Institut Pasteur, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Eduardo Pérez-Campos
- Tecnológico Nacional de México/IT Oaxaca, Oaxaca 68030, Mexico
- Laboratorio de Patología Clínica "Dr. Eduardo Pérez Ortega", Oaxaca 68000, Mexico
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2
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He D, Mount SM, Patro R. scCensus: Off-target scRNA-seq reads reveal meaningful biology. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.29.577807. [PMID: 38352549 PMCID: PMC10862729 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.29.577807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) provides unprecedented insights into cellular heterogeneity. Although scRNA-seq reads from most prevalent and popular tagged-end protocols are expected to arise from the 3' end of polyadenylated RNAs, recent studies have shown that "off-target" reads can constitute a substantial portion of the read population. In this work, we introduced scCensus, a comprehensive analysis workflow for systematically evaluating and categorizing off-target reads in scRNA-seq. We applied scCensus to seven scRNA-seq datasets. Our analysis of intergenic reads shows that these off-target reads contain information about chromatin structure and can be used to identify similar cells across modalities. Our analysis of antisense reads suggests that these reads can be used to improve gene detection and capture interesting transcriptional activities like antisense transcription. Furthermore, using splice-aware quantification, we find that spliced and unspliced reads provide distinct information about cell clusters and biomarkers, suggesting the utility of integrating signals from reads with different splicing statuses. Overall, our results suggest that off-target scRNA-seq reads contain underappreciated information about various transcriptional activities. These observations about yet-unexploited information in existing scRNA-seq data will help guide and motivate the community to improve current algorithms and analysis methods, and to develop novel approaches that utilize off-target reads to extend the reach and accuracy of single-cell data analysis pipelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongze He
- Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
- Program in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics and Genomices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Stephen M. Mount
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Rob Patro
- Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
- Department of Computer Science, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
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3
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Heuts BMH, Martens JHA. Understanding blood development and leukemia using sequencing-based technologies and human cell systems. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1266697. [PMID: 37886034 PMCID: PMC10598665 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1266697] [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: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Our current understanding of human hematopoiesis has undergone significant transformation throughout the years, challenging conventional views. The evolution of high-throughput technologies has enabled the accumulation of diverse data types, offering new avenues for investigating key regulatory processes in blood cell production and disease. In this review, we will explore the opportunities presented by these advancements for unraveling the molecular mechanisms underlying normal and abnormal hematopoiesis. Specifically, we will focus on the importance of enhancer-associated regulatory networks and highlight the crucial role of enhancer-derived transcription regulation. Additionally, we will discuss the unprecedented power of single-cell methods and the progression in using in vitro human blood differentiation system, in particular induced pluripotent stem cell models, in dissecting hematopoietic processes. Furthermore, we will explore the potential of ever more nuanced patient profiling to allow precision medicine approaches. Ultimately, we advocate for a multiparameter, regulatory network-based approach for providing a more holistic understanding of normal hematopoiesis and blood disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Branco M H Heuts
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Joost H A Martens
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
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4
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Al B, Suen TK, Placek K, Netea MG. Innate (learned) memory. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2023; 152:551-566. [PMID: 37385546 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2023.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
With the growing body of evidence, it is now clear that not only adaptive immune cells but also innate immune cells can mount a more rapid and potent nonspecific immune response to subsequent exposures. This process is known as trained immunity or innate (learned) immune memory. This review discusses the different immune and nonimmune cell types of the central and peripheral immune systems that can develop trained immunity. This review highlights the intracellular signaling and metabolic and epigenetic mechanisms underlying the formation of innate immune memory. Finally, this review explores the health implications together with the potential therapeutic interventions harnessing trained immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burcu Al
- Department of Molecular Immunology and Cell Biology, Life and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn
| | - Tsz K Suen
- Department of Molecular Immunology and Cell Biology, Life and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn
| | - Katarzyna Placek
- Department of Molecular Immunology and Cell Biology, Life and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn
| | - Mihai G Netea
- Department of Molecular Immunology and Cell Biology, Life and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn; Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen.
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5
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Khorkova O, Stahl J, Joji A, Volmar CH, Wahlestedt C. Amplifying gene expression with RNA-targeted therapeutics. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:539-561. [PMID: 37253858 PMCID: PMC10227815 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00704-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Many diseases are caused by insufficient expression of mutated genes and would benefit from increased expression of the corresponding protein. However, in drug development, it has been historically easier to develop drugs with inhibitory or antagonistic effects. Protein replacement and gene therapy can achieve the goal of increased protein expression but have limitations. Recent discoveries of the extensive regulatory networks formed by non-coding RNAs offer alternative targets and strategies to amplify the production of a specific protein. In addition to RNA-targeting small molecules, new nucleic acid-based therapeutic modalities that allow highly specific modulation of RNA-based regulatory networks are being developed. Such approaches can directly target the stability of mRNAs or modulate non-coding RNA-mediated regulation of transcription and translation. This Review highlights emerging RNA-targeted therapeutics for gene activation, focusing on opportunities and challenges for translation to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Khorkova
- OPKO Health, Miami, FL, USA
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jack Stahl
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Aswathy Joji
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Claude-Henry Volmar
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Claes Wahlestedt
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.
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Panahi-Moghadam S, Hassani S, Farivar S, Vakhshiteh F. Emerging Role of Enhancer RNAs as Potential Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers in Cancer. Noncoding RNA 2022; 8:ncrna8050066. [PMID: 36287118 PMCID: PMC9607539 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna8050066] [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: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Enhancers are distal cis-acting elements that are commonly recognized to regulate gene expression via cooperation with promoters. Along with regulating gene expression, enhancers can be transcribed and generate a class of non-coding RNAs called enhancer RNAs (eRNAs). The current discovery of abundant tissue-specific transcription of enhancers in various diseases such as cancers raises questions about the potential role of eRNAs in disease diagnosis and therapy. This review aimed to demonstrate the current understanding of eRNAs in cancer research with a focus on the potential roles of eRNAs as prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers in cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somayeh Panahi-Moghadam
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran 1411713116, Iran
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran 1983969411, Iran
| | - Shokoufeh Hassani
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1417614411, Iran
- Toxicology and Diseases Group, Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center (PSRC), The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran 1417614411, Iran
| | - Shirin Farivar
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran 1983969411, Iran
| | - Faezeh Vakhshiteh
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran 1449614535, Iran
- Correspondence:
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Khorkova O, Stahl J, Joji A, Volmar CH, Zeier Z, Wahlestedt C. Natural antisense transcripts as drug targets. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:978375. [PMID: 36250017 PMCID: PMC9563854 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.978375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent discovery of vast non-coding RNA-based regulatory networks that can be easily modulated by nucleic acid-based drugs has opened numerous new therapeutic possibilities. Long non-coding RNA, and natural antisense transcripts (NATs) in particular, play a significant role in networks that involve a wide variety of disease-relevant biological mechanisms such as transcription, splicing, translation, mRNA degradation and others. Currently, significant efforts are dedicated to harnessing these newly emerging NAT-mediated biological mechanisms for therapeutic purposes. This review will highlight the recent clinical and pre-clinical developments in this field and survey the advances in nucleic acid-based drug technologies that make these developments possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Khorkova
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Jack Stahl
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Aswathy Joji
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Claude-Henry Volmar
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Zane Zeier
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Claes Wahlestedt
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
- *Correspondence: Claes Wahlestedt,
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