miR-93, miR-373, and miR-17-5p Negatively Regulate the Expression of TBP2 in Lung Cancer

The deleted in oral cancer (DOC1 aka CDK2AP1) tumor suppressor gene is downregulated in oral squamous cell carcinoma by multiple microRNAs

Cyclin-dependent kinase 2-associated protein 1 (CDK2AP1; also known as deleted in oral cancer or DOC1) is a tumor suppressor gene known to play functional roles in both cell cycle regulation and in the epigenetic control of embryonic stem cell differentiation, the latter as a core subunit of the nucleosome remodeling and histone deacetylation (NuRD) complex. In the vast majority of oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC), expression of the CDK2AP1 protein is reduced or lost. Notwithstanding the latter (and the DOC1 acronym), mutations or deletions in its coding sequence are extremely rare. Accordingly, CDK2AP1 protein-deficient oral cancer cell lines express as much CDK2AP1 mRNA as proficient cell lines. Here, by combining in silico and in vitro approaches, and by taking advantage of patient-derived data and tumor material in the analysis of loss of CDK2AP1 expression, we identified a set of microRNAs, namely miR-21-5p, miR-23b-3p, miR-26b-5p, miR-93-5p, and miR-155-5p, which inhibit its translation in both cell lines and patient-derived OSCCs. Of note, no synergistic effects were observed of the different miRs on the CDK2AP1-3-UTR common target. We also developed a novel approach to the combined ISH/IF tissue microarray analysis to study the expression patterns of miRs and their target genes in the context of tumor architecture. Last, we show that CDK2AP1 loss, as the result of miRNA expression, correlates with overall survival, thus highlighting the clinical relevance of these processes for carcinomas of the oral cavity.

SOX17 is a Critical Factor in Maintaining Endothelial Function in Pulmonary Hypertension by an Exosome-Mediated Autocrine Manner

Endothelial dysfunction is considered a predominant driver for pulmonary vascular remodeling in pulmonary hypertension (PH). SOX17, a key regulator of vascular homoeostasis, has been found to harbor mutations in PH patients, which are associated with PH susceptibility. Here, this study explores whether SOX17 mediates the autocrine activity of pulmonary artery ECs to maintain endothelial function and vascular homeostasis in PH and its underlying mechanism. It is found that SOX17 expression is downregulated in the endothelium of remodeled pulmonary arteries in IPH patients and SU5416/hypoxia (Su/hypo)-induced PH mice as well as dysfunctional HPAECs. Endothelial knockdown of SOX17 accelerates the progression of Su/hypo-induced PH in mice. SOX17 overexpression in the pulmonary endothelium of mice attenuates Su/hypo-induced PH. SOX17-associated exosomes block the proliferation, apoptosis, and inflammation of HPAECs, preventing pulmonary arterial remodeling and Su/hypo-induced PH. Mechanistic analyses demonstrates that overexpressing SOX17 promotes the exosome-mediated release of miR-224-5p and miR-361-3p, which are internalized by injured HPAECs in an autocrine manner, ultimately repressing the upregulation of NR4A3 and PCSK9 genes and improving endothelial function. These results suggest that SOX17 is a key gene in maintaining endothelial function and vascular homeostasis in PH through regulating exosomal miRNAs in an autocrine manner.

Oxidative Stress and Epigenetics: miRNA Involvement in Rare Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases (ADs) such as Sjögren’s syndrome, Kawasaki disease, and systemic sclerosis are characterized by chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and autoantibodies, which cause joint tissue damage, vascular injury, fibrosis, and debilitation. Epigenetics participate in immune cell proliferation and differentiation, which regulates the development and function of the immune system, and ultimately interacts with other tissues. Indeed, overlapping of certain clinical features between ADs indicate that numerous immunologic-related mechanisms may directly participate in the onset and progression of these diseases. Despite the increasing number of studies that have attempted to elucidate the relationship between miRNAs and oxidative stress, autoimmune disorders and oxidative stress, and inflammation and miRNAs, an overall picture of the complex regulation of these three actors in the pathogenesis of ADs has yet to be formed. This review aims to shed light from a critical perspective on the key AD-related mechanisms by explaining the intricate regulatory ROS/miRNA/inflammation axis and the phenotypic features of these rare autoimmune diseases. The inflamma-miRs miR-155 and miR-146, and the redox-sensitive miR miR-223 have relevant roles in the inflammatory response and antioxidant system regulation of these diseases. ADs are characterized by clinical heterogeneity, which impedes early diagnosis and effective personalized treatment. Redox-sensitive miRNAs and inflamma-miRs can help improve personalized medicine in these complex and heterogeneous diseases.

Aberrant Methylation of the Imprinted C19MC and MIR371-3 Clusters in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Epigenetic mechanisms have emerged as an important contributor to tumor development through the modulation of gene expression. Our objective was to identify the methylation profile of the imprinted C19MC and MIR371-3 clusters in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and to find their potential target genes, as well as to study their prognostic role. DNA methylation status was analyzed in a NSCLC patient cohort (n = 47) and compared with a control cohort including COPD patients and non-COPD subjects (n = 23) using the Illumina Infinium Human Methylation 450 BeadChip. Hypomethylation of miRNAs located on chromosome 19q13.42 was found to be specific for tumor tissue. We then identified the target mRNA-miRNA regulatory network for the components of the C19MC and MIR371-3 clusters using the miRTargetLink 2.0 Human tool. The correlations of miRNA-target mRNA expression from primary lung tumors were analyzed using the CancerMIRNome tool. From those negative correlations identified, we found that a lower expression of 5 of the target genes (FOXF2, KLF13, MICA, TCEAL1 and TGFBR2) was significantly associated with poor overall survival. Taken together, this study demonstrates that the imprinted C19MC and MIR371-3 miRNA clusters undergo polycistronic epigenetic regulation leading to deregulation of important and common target genes with potential prognostic value in lung cancer.

Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BMSCs) Retard the Aggressive Migrating and Invading Activity of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a common malignancy worldwide. miR-119-3p is down regulated in many cancers. Nonetheless, the modulatory mechanism of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in NSCLC is unclear. Our research aims to dissect the activity of BMSCs on NSCLC and underlying mechanisms. After isolation and identification, BMSCs were co-cultured with NSCLC cells, which were transfected with miR-119-3p mimics followed by analysis of expression of miR-119-3p and tumor aggressiveness-related proteins, cell invasion/migration and survival. A significantly reduced miR-119-3p level was found in NSCLC cell lines. miR-119-3p mimics inhibited the proliferative, migrating and invasive behaviors of NSCLC cells. Co-culture with BMSCs enhanced miR-119-3p expression in NSCLC cells, thereby suppressing NSCLC cell biological behaviors. Simultaneously, the EMT process was markedly restrained, as indicated by an elevated level of E-cadherin but diminished levels of Vimetnin, N-cadherin and Snail. In conclusion, BMSCs can interfere with the EMT process of NSCLC via up-regulatingmiR-119-3p, thereby retarding the aggressive migration and invasive capability of NSCLC cells.

Expression and clinical significance of miR-17-5p in tumor tissues of patients with colorectal cancer

Background

At present, there is a lack of novel biomarkers for the early diagnosis and targeted therapy of colorectal cancer (CRC). The current study investigated the expression of miR-17-5p in colorectal tumors and adjacent tissues, and examined the effects of miR-17-5p on the cellular growth of the colon cancer cell line HCT-116.

Methods

A total of 30 paired tissue specimens were obtained from patients with CRC who were admitted to the Department of General Surgery V of the First Affiliated Hospital, Gannan Medical College between December 2019 and January 2021. The clinical information for the corresponding patients was collated. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was performed to detect the expression of miR-17-5p in tumor tissues and the paracancerous tissues. The relationship between miR-17-5p and clinicopathology was analyzed. The CRC cell line HCT-116 was transfected with miR-17-5p mimics and inhibitors using liposomes. The effects of miR-17-5p on cell proliferation, invasion and migration, and apoptosis were determined using colon formation assays, transwell and scratch assays, and flow cytometry, respectively. The effects of miR-17-5p on CD44 (homing cell adhesion molecule), MMP2 (matrix metalloproteinase 2), BCL2 (B-cell lymphoma-2), BAX (BCL2-associated X), and E-cadherin protein and gene expression were investigated using Western blot and RT-qPCR, respectively.

Results

MiR-17-5p expression was higher in tumor tissues compared to the normal adjacent tissues. While miR-17-5p expression levels were unrelated to age nor gender, they were related to the degree of differentiation, stage, lymph node metastasis, and tumor size in patients with CRC. Upregulation of miR-17-5p promoted CRC cell proliferation, metastasis, and invasion, while inhibiting apoptosis. However, downregulation of miR-17-5p had the opposite effect. Furthermore, miR-17-5p upregulation increased E-cadherin, CD44, MMP2, and BCL2 expression while decreasing BAX expression, whereas miR-17-5p downregulation had the opposite effect.

Conclusions

MiR-17-5p is highly expressed in tumor tissues and correlates with increased proliferation, invasion, and migration, as well as reduced apoptosis in HCT-116 cells. Indeed, miR-17-5p may be a potential indicator for the early diagnosis of CRC and may guide clinical targeted therapy.

MiRNAs in Lung Cancer: Diagnostic, Prognostic, and Therapeutic Potential

Lung cancer is the dominant emerging factor in cancer-related mortality around the globe. Therapeutic interventions for lung cancer are not up to par, mainly due to reoccurrence/relapse, chemoresistance, and late diagnosis. People are currently interested in miRNAs, which are small double-stranded (20–24 ribonucleotides) structures that regulate molecular targets (tumor suppressors, oncogenes) involved in tumorigeneses such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, and angiogenesis via post-transcriptional regulation of mRNA. Many studies suggest the emerging role of miRNAs in lung cancer diagnostics, prognostics, and therapeutics. Therefore, it is necessary to intensely explore the miRNOME expression of lung tumors and the development of anti-cancer strategies. The current review focuses on the therapeutic, diagnostic, and prognostic potential of numerous miRNAs in lung cancer.

Comprehensive analysis of an immune infiltrate-related competitive endogenous RNA network reveals potential prognostic biomarkers for non-small cell lung cancer

Globally, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common malignancy and its prognosis remains poor because of the lack of reliable early diagnostic biomarkers. The competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network plays an important role in the tumorigenesis and prognosis of NSCLC. Tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) is valuable for predicting the response to immunotherapy and determining the prognosis of NSCLC patients. To understand the TIME-related ceRNA network, the RNA profiling datasets from the Genotype-Tissue Expression and The Cancer Genome Atlas databases were analyzed to identify the mRNAs, microRNAs, and lncRNAs associated with the differentially expressed genes. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis revealed that the brown module of mRNAs and the turquoise module of lncRNAs were the most important. Interactions among microRNAs, lncRNAs, and mRNAs were prognosticated using miRcode, miRDB, TargetScan, miRTarBase, and starBase databases. A prognostic model consisting of 13 mRNAs was established using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses and validated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The 22 immune infiltrating cell types were analyzed using the CIBERSORT algorithm, and results showed that the high-risk score of this model was related to poor prognosis and an immunosuppressive TIME. A lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network that included 69 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) was constructed based on the five mRNAs obtained from the prognostic model. ROC survival analysis further showed that the seven DElncRNAs had a substantial prognostic value for the overall survival (OS) in NSCLC patients; the area under the curve was 0.65. In addition, the high-risk group showed drug resistance to several chemotherapeutic and targeted drugs including cisplatin, paclitaxel, docetaxel, gemcitabine, and gefitinib. The differential expression of five mRNAs and seven lncRNAs in the ceRNA network was supported by the results of the HPA database and RT-qPCR analyses. This comprehensive analysis of a ceRNA network identified a set of biomarkers for prognosis and TIME prediction in NSCLC.

Non-small cell lung cancer cell-derived exosomal miR-17-5p promotes osteoclast differentiation by targeting PTEN

Aberrant activity of bone resorbing osteoclasts plays a key role in the development of osteoporosis and cancer bone metastasis. The identification of novel and specific targets will be helpful for the development of new therapeutic strategies for bone metastasis in lung cancer. Herein, we examined microRNAs in tumor cell-derived exosomes to investigate the communication between the bone environment and tumor cells. TCGA database analysis showed that the level of miR-17-5p increased in non-small cell lung cancer tissues compared with non-tumor tissues. To investigate the function of exosomes in inducing osteoclastogenesis, osteoclast precursors were incubated with exosomes isolated from non-small cell lung cancer cell line, as well as receptor activator of NF-KB ligand and M-CSF to induce osteoclastogenesis. We found that exosomal miR-17-5p is upregulated in a non-small cell lung cancer cell line with bone metastasis compared with the original cell line. Overexpression of miR-17-5p enhanced the osteoclastogenesis of RAW264.7 cells. PTEN was identified as a direct target of miR-17-5p and showed negative effects on osteoclastogenesis. Importantly, treatment of LY294002 (an inhibitor of the PI3K/Akt pathway) attenuated miR-17-5p-mediated osteoclastogenesis effects. Taken together, our findings demonstrated that miR-17-5p promotes osteoclastogenesis through the PI3K/Akt pathway via targeting PTEN in lung cancer.

LncRNA SNHG11 aggravates cell proliferation and migration in triple-negative breast cancer via sponging miR-2355-5p and targeting CBX5

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of the most common malignances worldwide. Concurrently, the incidence of TNBC has continued to rise in recent years. It is reported that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in biological processes in numerous cancers including TNBC. Small nucleolar RNA host gene 11 (SNHG11) has already been studied and reported in some cancers. However, the role of SNHG11 in TNBC remains unknown. RT-qPCR was used to measure gene expression in the current study. CCK-8, colony formation, flow cytometry, Transwell and western blotting experiments were also performed to determine the biological function of SNHG11 in TNBC cells. Luciferase reporter and RIP assays were performed to measure relationship between genes. In the present study, the results indicated SNHG11 was highly expressed in TNBC tissues and cell lines. Moreover, SNHG11 aggravated cell proliferation and migration, and whereas it attenuated cell apoptosis in TNBC. Furthermore, SNHG11 sponged microRNA 2355-5p (miR-2355-5p) in TNBC. Silencing SNHG11 increased miR-2355-5p expression. In addition, chromobox 5 (CBX5) was identified to be targeted by miR-2355-5p in TNBC. It was also suggested that CBX5 silencing suppressed cell proliferation and migration. Furthermore, overexpressed CBX5 recovered the inhibitive influence of SNHG11 silencing on proliferative and migrative abilities of TNBC cells. Overall, SNHG11 acted as a tumor promoter in TNBC and regulated TNBC cell growth by modulating the miR-2355-5p/CBX5 axis, which indicated that it may be used as a biomarker for TNBC treatment.