miR-4666-3p and miR-329 Synergistically Suppress the Stemness of Colorectal Cancer Cells via Targeting TGF-β/Smad Pathway

Discovery and Validation of Novel microRNA Panel for Non-Invasive Prediction of Prostate Cancer

BACKGROUND

Early diagnosis remains a challenge for prostate cancer (PCa) due to molecular heterogeneity. The purpose of our study was to explore the diagnostic potential of microRNA (miRNA) in both tissue and serum that may aid in the precise and early clinical diagnosis of PCa.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The miRNA expression pattern analysis was carried out in 250 subjects (discovery and validation cohort). The Discovery Cohort included the control (n = 30) and PCa (n = 35) subjects, while the Validation Cohort included the healthy control (n = 60), benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) (n = 55), PCa (n = 50), and castration-resistant PCa (CRPC) (n = 20) patients. The expression analysis of tissue (Discovery Cohort) and serum (Validation Cohort) was carried out by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The diagnostic biomarker potential was evaluated using receiver operating characteristics (ROC). Bioinformatic tools were used to explore and analyze miRNA target genes.

RESULTS

MiRNA 4510 and miRNA 183 were significantly (p<0.001) upregulated and miRNA 329 was significantly (p<0.0001) downregulated in both PCa tissue and serum. ROC curve analysis showed excellent non-invasive biomarker potential of miRNA 4510 in both PCa (area under the curve (AUC) 0.984; p<0.001) and CRPC (AUC 0.944; p<0.001). The panel of serum miRNAs (miRNA 183 and miRNA 4510) designed for PCa had significant and greater AUC with both 100% sensitivity and specificity. Computational analysis shows that the maximum number of target genes are transcription factors that regulate oncogenes and tumor suppressors.

CONCLUSION

Based on ROC curve analysis, miRNAs 4510, 329, and 711 were identified as potential non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers in the early detection of PCa. Our findings imply that a panel of miRNAs 183 and 4510 has high specificity for distinguishing PCa from healthy controls and providing therapeutic targets for better and earlier PCa therapy.

Deciphering the functional landscape and therapeutic implications of noncoding RNAs in the TGF-β signaling pathway in colorectal cancer: A comprehensive review

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a major global health concern, necessitating an in-depth exploration of the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying its progression and potential therapeutic interventions. Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β) signaling, a pivotal pathway implicated in CRC plays a dual role as a tumor suppressor in the early stages and a promoter of tumor progression in later stages. Recent research has shed light on the critical involvement of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) in modulating the TGF-β signaling pathway, introducing a new layer of complexity to our understanding of CRC pathogenesis. This comprehensive review synthesizes the current state of knowledge regarding the function and therapeutic potential of various classes of ncRNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), in the context of TGF-β signaling in CRC. The intricate interplay between these ncRNAs and key components of the TGF-β pathway is dissected, revealing regulatory networks that contribute to the dynamic balance between tumor suppression and promotion. Emphasis is placed on how dysregulation of specific ncRNAs can disrupt this delicate equilibrium, fostering CRC initiation, progression, and metastasis. Moreover, the review provides a critical appraisal of the emerging therapeutic strategies targeting ncRNAs associated with TGF-β signaling in CRC. The potential of these ncRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers is discussed, highlighting their clinical relevance. Additionally, the challenges and prospects of developing RNA-based therapeutics, such as RNA interference and CRISPR/Cas-based approaches, are explored in the context of modulating TGF-β signaling for CRC treatment. In conclusion, this review offers a comprehensive overview of the intricate interplay between ncRNAs and the TGF-β signaling pathway in CRC. By unraveling the functional significance of these regulatory elements, we gain valuable insights into the molecular landscape of CRC, paving the way for the development of novel and targeted therapeutic interventions aimed at modulating the TGF-β signaling cascade through the manipulation of ncRNAs.

A concise review on miRNAs as regulators of colon cancer stem cells and associated signalling pathways

Despite recent therapy advances and a better understanding of colon cancer biology, it remains one of the major causes of death. The cancer stem cells, associated with the progression, metastasis, and recurrence of colon cancer, play a major role in promoting the development of tumour and are found to be chemo resistant. The stroma of the tumour, which makes up the bulk of the tumour mass, is composed of the tumour microenvironment. With the advent of theranostic and the development of personalised medicine, miRNAs are becoming increasingly important in the context of colon malignancies. A holistic understanding of the regulatory roles of miRNAs in cancer cells and cancer stem cells will allow us to design effective strategies to regulate miRNAs, which could lead to improved clinical translation and creating a potent colon cancer treatment strategy. In this review paper, we briefly discuss the history of miRNA as well as the mechanisms of miRNA and cancer stem cells that contribute to the tumour growth, apoptosis, and advancement of colon cancer. The usefulness of miRNA in colorectal cancer theranostic is further concisely reviewed. We conclude by holding a stance in addressing the prospects and possibilities for miRNA by the disclosure of recent theranostic approaches aimed at eradicating cancer stem cells and enhancing overall cancer treatment outcomes.

The Role of the Transforming Growth Factor-β Signaling Pathway in Gastrointestinal Cancers

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) has attracted attention as a tumor suppressor because of its potent growth-suppressive effect on epithelial cells. Dysregulation of the TGF-β signaling pathway is considered to be one of the key factors in carcinogenesis, and genetic alterations affecting TGF-β signaling are extraordinarily common in cancers of the gastrointestinal system, such as hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer and pancreatic cancer. Accumulating evidence suggests that TGF-β is produced from various types of cells in the tumor microenvironment and mediates extracellular matrix deposition, tumor angiogenesis, the formation of CAFs, and suppression of the anti-tumor immune reaction. It is also being considered as a factor that promotes the malignant transformation of cancer, particularly the invasion and metastasis of cancer cells, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Therefore, elucidating the role of TGF-β signaling in carcinogenesis, cancer invasion, and metastasis will provide novel basic insight for diagnosis and prognosis and the development of new molecularly targeted therapies for gastrointestinal cancers. In this review, we outline an overview of the complex mechanisms and functions of TGF-β signaling. Furthermore, we discuss the therapeutic potentials of targeting the TGF-β signaling pathway for gastrointestinal cancer treatment and discuss the remaining challenges and future perspectives on targeting this pathway.

Cancer quiescence: non-coding RNAs in the spotlight

Cancer quiescence reflects the ability of cancer cells to enter a reversible slow-cycling or mitotically dormant state and represents a powerful self-protecting mechanism preventing cancer cell 'damage' from hypoxic conditions, nutrient deprivation, immune surveillance, and (chemo)therapy. When stress conditions are restrained, and tumor microenvironment becomes beneficial, quiescent cancer cells re-enter cell cycle to facilitate tumor spread and cancer progression/metastasis. Recent studies have highlighted the dynamic role of regulatory non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in orchestrating cancer quiescence. The elucidation of regulatory ncRNA networks will shed light on the quiescence-proliferation equilibrium and, ultimately, pave the way for new treatment options. Herein, we have summarized the ever-growing role of ncRNAs upon cancer quiescence regulation and their impact on treatment resistance and modern cancer therapeutics.

Signaling pathways and therapeutic interventions in gastric cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) ranks fifth in global cancer diagnosis and fourth in cancer-related death. Despite tremendous progress in diagnosis and therapeutic strategies and significant improvements in patient survival, the low malignancy stage is relatively asymptomatic and many GC cases are diagnosed at advanced stages, which leads to unsatisfactory prognosis and high recurrence rates. With the recent advances in genome analysis, biomarkers have been identified that have clinical importance for GC diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Modern molecular classifications have uncovered the vital roles that signaling pathways, including EGFR/HER2, p53, PI3K, immune checkpoint pathways, and cell adhesion signaling molecules, play in GC tumorigenesis, progression, metastasis, and therapeutic responsiveness. These biomarkers and molecular classifications open the way for more precise diagnoses and treatments for GC patients. Nevertheless, the relative significance, temporal activation, interaction with GC risk factors, and crosstalk between these signaling pathways in GC are not well understood. Here, we review the regulatory roles of signaling pathways in GC potential biomarkers, and therapeutic targets with an emphasis on recent discoveries. Current therapies, including signaling-based and immunotherapies exploited in the past decade, and the development of treatment for GC, particularly the challenges in developing precision medications, are discussed. These advances provide a direction for the integration of clinical, molecular, and genomic profiles to improve GC diagnosis and treatments.

Role of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and IFN-γ receptor 1/2 (IFNγR1/2) in regulation of immunity, infection, and cancer development: IFN-γ-dependent or independent pathway

IFN-γ, a soluble cytokine being produced by T lymphocytes, macrophages, mucosal epithelial cells, or natural killer cells, is able to bind to the IFN-γ receptor (IFNγR) and in turn activate the Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and transcription protein (STAT) pathway and induce expression of IFN-γ-stimulated genes. IFN-γ is critical for innate and adaptive immunity and aberrant IFN-γ expression and functions have been associated with different human diseases. However, the IFN-γ/IFNγR signaling could be a double-edged sword in cancer development because the tissue microenvironments could determine its anti- or pro-tumorigenic activities. The IFNγR protein consists of two IFNγR1 and IFNγR2 chains, subunits of which play different roles under certain conditions. This review assessed IFNγR polymorphisms, expression and functions in development and progression of various human diseases in an IFN-γ-dependent or independent manner. This review also discussed tumor microenvironment, microbial infection, and vital molecules in the IFN-γ upstream signaling that might regulate IFNγR expression, drug resistance, and druggable strategy, to provide evidence for further application of IFNγR.

Panoramic view of microRNAs in regulating cancer stem cells

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subgroup of tumor cells, possessing the abilities of self-renewal and generation of heterogeneous tumor cell lineages. They are believed to be responsible for tumor initiation, metastasis, as well as chemoresistance in human malignancies. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that play essential roles in various cellular activities including CSC initiation and CSC-related properties. Mature miRNAs with ∼22 nucleotides in length are generated from primary miRNAs via its precursors by miRNA-processing machinery. Extensive studies have demonstrated that mature miRNAs modulate CSC initiation and stemness features by regulating multiple pathways and targeting stemness-related factors. Meanwhile, both miRNA precursors and miRNA-processing machinery can also affect CSC properties, unveiling a new insight into miRNA function. The present review summarizes the roles of mature miRNAs, miRNA precursors, and miRNA-processing machinery in regulating CSC properties with a specific focus on the related molecular mechanisms, and also outlines the potential application of miRNAs in cancer diagnosis, predicting prognosis, as well as clinical therapy.

Regulatory RNAs, microRNA, long-non coding RNA and circular RNA roles in colorectal cancer stem cells

The properties of cancer stem cells (CSCs), such as self-renewal, drug resistance, and metastasis, have been indicated to be responsible for the poor prognosis of patients with colon cancers. The epigenetic regulatory network plays a crucial role in CSC properties. Regulatory non-coding RNA (ncRNA), including microRNAs, long noncoding RNAs, and circular RNAs, have an important influence on cell physiopathology. They modulate cells by regulating gene expression in different ways. This review discusses the basic characteristics and the physiological functions of colorectal cancer (CRC) stem cells. Elucidation of these ncRNAs will help us understand the pathological mechanism of CRC progression, and they could become a new target for cancer treatment.

Ischemic Preconditioning Modulates the Peripheral Innate Immune System to Promote Anti-Inflammatory and Protective Responses in Mice Subjected to Focal Cerebral Ischemia

The development of tolerance triggered by a sublethal ischemic episode (preconditioning, PC) involves a complex crosstalk between neurons, astrocytes and microglia, although the role of the peripheral immune system in this context is largely unexplored. Here, we report that severe cerebral ischemia caused by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) in adult male mice elevates blood counts of inflammatory neutrophils and monocytes, and plasma levels of miRNA-329-5p. These inflammatory responses are prevented by ischemic PC induced by 15 min MCAo, 72h before the severe insult (1h MCAo). As compared with sham-operated animals, mice subjected to either ischemic PC, MCAo or a combination of both (PC+MCAo) display spleen contraction. However, protein levels of Ym1 (a marker of polarization of myeloid cells towards M2/N2 protective phenotypes) are elevated only in spleen from the experimental groups PC and PC+MCAo, but not MCAo. Conversely, Ym1 protein levels only increase in circulating leukocytes from mice subjected to 1h MCAo, but not in preconditioned animals, which is coincident with a dramatic elevation of Ym1 expression in the ipsilateral cortex. By immunofluorescence analysis, we observe that expression of Ym1 occurs in amoeboid-shaped myeloid cells, mainly representing inflammatory monocytes/macrophages and neutrophils. As a result of its immune-regulatory functions, ischemic PC prevents elevation of mRNA levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-1β in the ipsilateral cortex, while not affecting IL-10 mRNA increase induced by MCAo. Overall, the elevated anti-inflammatory/pro-inflammatory ratio observed in the brain of mice pre-exposed to PC is associated with reduced brain infarct volume and ischemic edema, and with amelioration of functional outcome. These findings reaffirm the crucial and dualistic role of the innate immune system in ischemic stroke pathobiology, extending these concepts to the context of ischemic tolerance and underscoring their relevance for the identification of novel therapeutic targets for effective stroke treatment.

Emerging agents that target signaling pathways to eradicate colorectal cancer stem cells

Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide. The modern concept of cancer biology indicates that cancer is formed of a small population of cells called cancer stem cells (CSCs), which present both pluripotency and self-renewal properties. These cells are considered responsible for the progression of the disease, recurrence and tumor resistance. Interestingly, some cell signaling pathways participate in CRC survival, proliferation, and self-renewal properties, and most of them are dysregulated in CSCs, including the Wingless (Wnt)/β-catenin, Notch, Hedgehog, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR), phosphatidyl-inositol-3-kinase/Akt/mechanistic target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smad pathways. In this review, we summarize the strategies for eradicating CRC stem cells by modulating these dysregulated pathways, which will contribute to the study of potential therapeutic schemes, combining conventional drugs with CSC-targeting drugs, and allowing better cure rates in anti-CRC therapy.

Epigenetic Signaling of Cancer Stem Cells During Inflammation

Malignant tumors pose a great challenge to human health, which has led to many studies increasingly elucidating the tumorigenic process. Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) have profound impacts on tumorigenesis and development of drug resistance. Recently, there has been increased interest in the relationship between inflammation and CSCs but the mechanism underlying this relationship has not been fully elucidated. Inflammatory cytokines produced during chronic inflammation activate signaling pathways that regulate the generation of CSCs through epigenetic mechanisms. In this review, we focus on the effects of inflammation on cancer stem cells, particularly the role of signaling pathways such as NF-κB pathway, STAT3 pathway and Smad pathway involved in regulating epigenetic changes. We hope to provide a novel perspective for improving strategies for tumor treatment.

Curcumin inhibits prostate cancer progression by regulating the miR-30a-5p/PCLAF axis

Curcumin has been shown to inhibit the growth of a variety of tumor cells. However, the biological functions of curcumin in prostate cancer (PCa) have not yet fully elucidated. The objective of the present study was to investigate the role of curcumin on the proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis of PCa cells and the underlying mechanism. Cell Counting Kit-8 and flow cytometry were used to detect the effects of curcumin at different concentrations on the proliferation and apoptosis of PCa cell lines, PC-3 and DU145. BrdU and Transwell assays, western blotting and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR were used to determine the effect of curcumin on cell proliferation, migration and invasion, apoptosis-related protein expression, and microRNA (miR)-30a-5p and PCNA clamp associated factor (PCLAF) expression, respectively. In addition, bioinformatics analysis and Pearson's correlation test were used to verify the relationship between miR-30a-5p and PCLAF. Curcumin was observed to impede the proliferation, migration and invasion of PCa cells, and promote their apoptosis in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Curcumin enhanced miR-30a-5p expression and inhibited PCLAF expression; furthermore, there was a negative correlation between miR-30a-5p and PCLAF expression in PCa tissues. In addition, transfection of miR-30a-5p inhibitors partially reversed the function of curcumin on cell proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis. Overall, curcumin suppressed the malignant biological behaviors of PCa cells by regulating the miR-30a-5p/PCLAF axis.

Interplay between SOX9 transcription factor and microRNAs in cancer

SOX transcription factors are critical regulators of development, homeostasis and disease progression and their dysregulation is a common finding in various cancers. SOX9 belongs to SOXE family located on chromosome 17. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) possess the capacity of regulating different transcription factors in cancer cells by binding to 3'-UTR. Since miRNAs can affect differentiation, migration, proliferation and other physiological mechanisms, disturbances in their expression have been associated with cancer development. In this review, we evaluate the relationship between miRNAs and SOX9 in different cancers to reveal how this interaction can affect proliferation, metastasis and therapy response of cancer cells. The tumor-suppressor miRNAs can decrease the expression of SOX9 by binding to the 3'-UTR of mRNAs. Furthermore, the expression of downstream targets of SOX9, such as c-Myc, Wnt, PI3K/Akt can be affected by miRNAs. It is noteworthy that other non-coding RNAs including lncRNAs and circRNAs regulate miRNA/SOX9 expression to promote/inhibit cancer progression and malignancy. The pre-clinical findings can be applied as biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of cancer patients.

MicroRNA-Based Therapeutics for Drug-Resistant Colorectal Cancer

Although therapeutic approaches for patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) have improved in the past decades, the problem of drug resistance still persists and acts as a major obstacle for effective therapy. Many studies have shown that drug resistance is related to reduced drug uptake, modification of drug targets, and/or transformation of cell cycle checkpoints. A growing body of evidence indicates that several microRNAs (miRNAs) may contribute to the drug resistance to chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy by regulating the drug resistance-related target genes in CRC. These drug resistance-related miRNAs may be used as promising biomarkers for predicting drug response or as potential therapeutic targets for treating patients with CRC. In this review, we summarized the recent discoveries regarding anti-cancer drug-related miRNAs and their molecular mechanisms in CRC. Furthermore, we discussed the challenges associated with the clinical application of miRNAs as biomarkers for the diagnosis of drug-resistant patients and as therapeutic targets for CRC treatment.

MicroRNAs as potential investigative and predictive biomarkers in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a noticeable reason of cancer-associated deaths with a high incidence and mortality rate. Countless effort have been put into the improving clinical management of CRC patients including more effective tools and a wide variety of biomarkers for diagnostic, prognostic or predictive purposes. In recent years, dysregulated miRNAs have been emerged as highly sensitive and specific markers to manage CRC in an effective way. They can play key roles in carcinogenesis as potential oncogenes, tumor suppressors or regulators of cancer network. Therefore, miRNAs may serve as molecular tools that can be quantified and used in diagnostic and prognostic approaches. Growing evidence also suggests that forced expression of tumor suppressor miRNAs or inhibiting the oncogene ones, can be used as a novel treatment strategy. In this review, we focus on the clinical applications of miRNAs as promising biomarkers of early cancer detection, prognosis and treatment.

Strategies for Targeting Gene Therapy in Cancer Cells With Tumor-Specific Promoters

Cancer is the second cause of death worldwide, surpassed only by cardiovascular diseases, due to the lack of early diagnosis, and high relapse rate after conventional therapies. Chemotherapy inhibits the rapid growth of cancer cells, but it also affects normal cells with fast proliferation rate. Therefore, it is imperative to develop other safe and more effective treatment strategies, such as gene therapy, in order to significantly improve the survival rate and life expectancy of patients with cancer. The aim of gene therapy is to transfect a therapeutic gene into the host cells to express itself and cause a beneficial biological effect. However, the efficacy of the proposed strategies has been insufficient for delivering the full potential of gene therapy in the clinic. The type of delivery vehicle (viral or non viral) chosen depends on the desired specificity of the gene therapy. The first gene therapy trials were performed with therapeutic genes driven by viral promoters such as the CMV promoter, which induces non-specific toxicity in normal cells and tissues, in addition to cancer cells. The use of tumor-specific promoters over-expressed in the tumor, induces specific expression of therapeutic genes in a given tumor, increasing their localized activity. Several cancer- and/or tumor-specific promoters systems have been developed to target cancer cells. This review aims to provide up-to-date information concerning targeting gene therapy with cancer- and/or tumor-specific promoters including cancer suppressor genes, suicide genes, anti-tumor angiogenesis, gene silencing, and gene-editing technology, as well as the type of delivery vehicle employed. Gene therapy can be used to complement traditional therapies to provide more effective treatments.

TRIM37 Mediates Chemoresistance and Maintenance of Stemness in Pancreatic Cancer Cells via Ubiquitination of PTEN and Activation of the AKT-GSK-3β-β-Catenin Signaling Pathway

Purpose

The tripartite motif-containing family member TRIM37 is involved in a number of important biological and pathological processes, and it has recently been shown to be an essential regulator of protein ubiquitination and a contributor to tumorigenesis. We previously showed that TRIM37 is overexpressed in and promotes the proliferation and invasion of pancreatic cancer (PC).

Methods

Sphere formation, flow cytometric, qRT-PCR, western blot, colony formation, EdU incorporation, mouse xenograft model, TUNEL and IHC assays were performed to detect the role of TRIM37 in stemness and chemoresistance of PC in vitro and in vivo. Bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assays were used to determine which intracellular pathways might mediate the effects of TRIM37 in PC cells. Immunofluorescent(IF) staining, co-immunoprecipitation(CO-IP), protein stability and ubiquitination assays were performed to investigate the relationship between TRIM37 and PTEN.

Results

TRIM37 modulates the ubiquitination and degradation of the tumor suppressor phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), which negatively regulates the AKT–GSK-3β–β-catenin signaling pathway, thereby sustaining aberrant activation of PC cells. High expression of TRIM37 combined with low expression of PTEN correlates with poor survival of PC patients.

Conclusions

Collectively, our results suggest that inhibition of the TRIM37–AKT–GSK-3β–β-catenin axis may be a promising strategy for treatment of PC.

PAX3 silencing inhibits prostate cancer progression through the suppression of the TGF-β/Smad signaling axis

Multiple studies have confirmed the pro-oncogenic effects of PAX3 in an array of cancers, but its role in prostate cancer (PCa) remains largely undefined. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of PAX3 in PCa. PAX3 expression was compared between PCa tumor tissue and nontumor tissues and PCa cell lines and normal prostate epithelial cells (PNT2) by western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry staining. MTT and immunofluorescence assays were used to detect PCa cell proliferation. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate cell apoptosis in PCa. Transwell assays were used for the determination of cell migration and PCa cell invasion. PAX3 expression was higher in PCa tissues and human PCa cell lines. Moreover, PAX3 silencing inhibited the proliferation, metastasis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of PCa cells, and increased the rates of apoptosis. PAX3 silencing inhibited transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smad signaling in PCa cells. The effects of si-PAX3 on the proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, and EMT of PCa cells were alleviated by TGF-β1 treatment. PAX3 silencing inhibits PCa progression through the inhibition of TGF-β/Smad signaling. This reveals PAX3 as a novel biomarker and therapeutic target for future PCa treatments.