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Saleem A, Khan MU, Zahid T, Khurram I, Ghani MU, Ullah I, Munir R, Calina D, Sharifi-Rad J. Biological role and regulation of circular RNA as an emerging biomarker and potential therapeutic target for cancer. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:296. [PMID: 38340202 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09211-3] [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: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a unique family of endogenous RNAs devoid of 3' poly-A tails and 5' end caps. These single-stranded circRNAs, found in the cytoplasm, are synthesized via back-splicing mechanisms, merging introns, exons, or both, resulting in covalently closed circular loops. They are profusely expressed across the eukaryotic transcriptome and offer heightened stability against exonuclease RNase R compared to linear RNA counterparts. This review endeavors to provide a comprehensive overview of circRNAs' characteristics, biogenesis, and mechanisms of action. Furthermore, aimed to shed light on the potential of circRNAs as significant biomarkers in various cancer types. It has been performed an exhaustive literature review, drawing on recent studies and findings related to circRNA characteristics, synthesis, function, evaluation techniques, and their associations with oncogenesis. CircRNAs are intricately associated with tumor progression and development. Their multifaceted roles encompass gene regulation through the sponging of proteins and microRNAs, controlling transcription and splicing, interacting with RNA binding proteins (RBPs), and facilitating gene translation. Due to these varied roles, circRNAs have become a focal point in tumor pathology investigations, given their promising potential as both biomarkers and therapeutic agents. CircRNAs, due to their unique biogenesis and multifunctionality, hold immense promise in the realm of oncology. Their stability, widespread expression, and intricate involvement in gene regulation underscore their prospective utility as reliable biomarkers and therapeutic targets in cancer. As our understanding of circRNAs deepens, advanced techniques for their detection, evaluation, and manipulation will likely emerge. These advancements might catalyze the translation of circRNA-based diagnostics and therapeutics into clinical practice, potentially revolutionizing cancer care and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayman Saleem
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Umer Khan
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Tazeen Zahid
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Iqra Khurram
- Centre for Applied Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Usman Ghani
- Centre for Applied Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Inam Ullah
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Rakhtasha Munir
- Centre for Applied Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Daniela Calina
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349, Craiova, Romania.
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Xie C, Hao X, Yuan H, Wang C, Sharif R, Yu H. Crosstalk Between circRNA and Tumor Microenvironment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Mechanism, Function and Applications. Onco Targets Ther 2024; 17:7-26. [PMID: 38283733 PMCID: PMC10812140 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s437536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common aggressive tumors in the world. Despite the availability of various treatments, its prognosis remains poor due to the lack of specific diagnostic indicators and the high heterogeneity of HCC cases. CircRNAs are noncoding RNAs with stable and highly specific expression. Extensive research evidence suggests that circRNAs mediate the pathogenesis and progression of HCC through acting as miRNA sponges, protein modulators, and translation templates. Tumor microenvironment (TME) has become a hotspot of immune-related research in recent years due to its effects on metabolism, secretion and immunity of HCC. Accordingly, understanding the role played by circRNAs in TME is important for the study of HCC. This review will discuss the crosstalk between circRNAs and TME in HCC. In addition, we will discuss the current deficiencies and controversies in research on circRNAs and predict future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxi Xie
- Hepatobiliary Center, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaopei Hao
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450008, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hao Yuan
- Hepatobiliary Center, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chongyu Wang
- The First Clinical Medical College of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Razinah Sharif
- Center for Healthy Ageing & Wellness, Faculty of Health Sciences, University Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, 50300, Malaysia
- Biocompatibility Laboratory, Centre for Research and Instrumentation, University Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM, Bangi, Selangor Darul Ehsan, 43600, Malaysia
| | - Haibo Yu
- Hepatobiliary Center, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People’s Republic of China
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Song J, Liu Q, Han L, Song T, Huang S, Zhang X, He Q, Liang C, Zhu S, Xiong B. Hsa_circ_0009092/miR-665/NLK signaling axis suppresses colorectal cancer progression via recruiting TAMs in the tumor microenvironment. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:319. [PMID: 38008713 PMCID: PMC10680284 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02887-8] [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: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been demonstrated that circularRNA (circRNAs) plays a critical role in various cancers. While the potential molecular mechanism of circRNAs in the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) remains uncertain. METHODS Differentially expressed circRNAs were identified by RNA sequencing. RT-qPCR detected the expression of circ_0009092, miR-665, and NLK in CRC tissues and cells. Functions of circ_0009092 on tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were investigated by a series of in vitro assays. The underlying mechanism of circ_0009092 was explored by bioinformatics analysis, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and luciferase assays. A co-culture assay in vitro was performed to detect the affection of circ_0009092 on macrophage recruitment in the tumor microenvironment (TME). A xenograft mouse model was used to explore the effect of circ_0009092 on tumor growth. RESULTS Circ_0009092 was downregulated in CRCand predicted a good prognosis. Overexpression of circ_0009092 reduced tumor cell EMT, proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, circ_0009092 elevated the NLK expression via sponging miR-665 and suppressed the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. EIF4EA3 induced circ_0009092 expression in CRC cells. In addition, NLK regulates phosphorylation and O-GlcNAcylation of STAT3 by binding to STAT3, thereby inhibiting CCL2 expression, in which it inhibits macrophage recruitment in the tumor microenvironment (TME). CONCLUSION EIF4A3 suppressed circ_0009092 biogenesis, whichinhibits CRC progression by sponging miR-665 to downregulate NLK. Circ_0009092/miR-665/NLK suppressed tumor EMT, proliferation, migration, and invasion by acting on the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. NLK directly interacted with STAT3 and decreased the CCL2 expression, inhibiting the recruitment of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in the TME. Our study provided novel insights into the roles of circ_0009092 as a novel promising prognostic and therapeutic target in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialin Song
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumour Biological Behaviours, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Qing Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Wuhan Research Center for Infectious Diseases and Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Lei Han
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumour Biological Behaviours, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Tiantian Song
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumour Biological Behaviours, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Sihao Huang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumour Biological Behaviours, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Xinyao Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumour Biological Behaviours, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Qiuming He
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumour Biological Behaviours, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Chenxi Liang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumour Biological Behaviours, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Shuai Zhu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
| | - Bin Xiong
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumour Biological Behaviours, Wuhan, 430071, China.
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Zhou X, Zhao Q, Xiao M. Hsa_circ_0137652 Regulates miR-1205/CCNB1 Axis to Accelerate the Malignancy of Breast Cancer. Mol Biotechnol 2023; 65:1824-1835. [PMID: 36807271 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-023-00684-4] [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: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
CircRNAs have become a hotspot in tumor research owing to their high stability and specific functions. We investigated the function of hsa_circ_0137652 in the onset and progression of breast cancer (BC). The expression of circ_0137652, miR-1205, and CCNB1 in BC tissues and cell lines were detected using RT-qPCR and/or western blotting. Dual-luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation chip assays were used to confirm any potential connections between circ_0137652, miR-1205, and CCNB1. CCK-8 and clone formation assays (CFA) were used to measure the proliferation of BC cells. The Transwell assay was used to investigate the migration of BC cells, and the impact of circ_0137652 on BC tumor formation in vivo was validated using animal experiments. RT-qPCR results showed that circ_0137652 and CCNB1 in breast cancer tissues were notably upregulated in normal tissues, whereas miR-1205 was prominently downregulated. After silencing circ_0137652, the growth and migration of BC cells were reduced. Animal experiments showed that circ_0137652 hampers the tumorigenesis of BC cells in vivo. Additionally, we found that circ_0137652 functions as a sponge for miR-1205. Moreover, the miR-1205 inhibitor notably facilitated cell proliferation and migration and attenuated the action of circ_0137652 knockdown. Furthermore, miR-1205 inhibits BC progression by targeting CCNB1. Circ_0137652 controls the miR-1205/CCNB1 axis to induce increased breast cancer malignancy. Our findings suggest that circ_0137652 may be a novel target for BC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Zhou
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Wuhan Red Cross Hospital, No. 392, Hong Kong Road, Jianghan District, Wuhan, 430015, Hubei, China
| | - Qiang Zhao
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Wuhan Hankou Hospital, Wuhan, 430012, Hubei, China
| | - Min Xiao
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Wuhan Red Cross Hospital, No. 392, Hong Kong Road, Jianghan District, Wuhan, 430015, Hubei, China.
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Kong M, Yu X, Guo W, Guo R. The bidirectional interplay between ncRNAs and methylation modifications in gastrointestinal tumors. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:4834-4848. [PMID: 37781524 PMCID: PMC10539694 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.87028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The aberrant expression of methylation and ncRNAs, two crucial regulators of epigenetic modifications, has been widely demonstrated in cancer. The complex interplay between them is essential in promoting malignant phenotype, poor prognosis, and drug resistance in GI tumors (including esophageal, gastric, colorectal, liver, and pancreatic cancers). Therefore, we summarize the interrelation process between ncRNAs and methylation modifications in GI tumors, including the detailed mechanism of methylation enzyme regulation of ncRNAs, the molecular mechanism of ncRNAs regulation of methylation modifications, and the correlation between the interactions between ncRNAs and methylation modifications and clinical features of tumors. Finally, we discuss the potential value of ncRNAs and methylation modifications in clinical diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minyu Kong
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Liver Transplantation Centre, China
- Henan Organ Transplantation Quality Control Centre, China
- Open and Key Laboratory for Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, China
- Henan Innovative Research Group for Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation, China
| | - Xiao Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Liver Transplantation Centre, China
- Henan Organ Transplantation Quality Control Centre, China
- Open and Key Laboratory for Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, China
- Henan Innovative Research Group for Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation, China
| | - Wenzhi Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Liver Transplantation Centre, China
- Henan Organ Transplantation Quality Control Centre, China
- Open and Key Laboratory for Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, China
- Henan Innovative Research Group for Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation, China
| | - Ran Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Liver Transplantation Centre, China
- Henan Organ Transplantation Quality Control Centre, China
- Open and Key Laboratory for Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, China
- Henan Innovative Research Group for Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation, China
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