Hsa_circ_0107593 Suppresses the Progression of Cervical Cancer via Sponging hsa-miR-20a-5p/93-5p/106b-5p

Emerging roles of CircRNA-miRNA networks in cancer development and therapeutic response

The complex interplay of epigenetic factors is essential in regulating the hallmarks of cancer and orchestrating intricate molecular interactions during tumor progression. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), known for their covalently closed loop structures, are non-coding RNA molecules exceptionally resistant to enzymatic degradation, which enhances their stability and regulatory functions in cancer. Similarly, microRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous non-coding RNAs with linear structures that regulate cellular biological processes akin to circRNAs. Both miRNAs and circRNAs exhibit aberrant expressions in various cancers. Notably, circRNAs can function as sponges for miRNAs, influencing their activity. The circRNA/miRNA interaction plays a pivotal role in the regulation of cancer progression, including in brain, gastrointestinal, gynecological, and urological cancers, influencing key processes such as proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, autophagy, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and more. Additionally, this interaction impacts the response of tumor cells to radiotherapy and chemotherapy and contributes to immune evasion, a significant challenge in cancer therapy. Both circRNAs and miRNAs hold potential as biomarkers for cancer prognosis and diagnosis. In this review, we delve into the circRNA-miRNA circuit within human cancers, emphasizing their role in regulating cancer hallmarks and treatment responses. This discussion aims to provide insights for future research to better understand their functions and potentially guide targeted treatments for cancer patients using circRNA/miRNA-based strategies.

SCancerRNA: Expression at the Single-cell Level and Interaction Resource of Non-coding RNA Biomarkers for Cancers

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) participate in multiple biological processes associated with cancers as tumor suppressors or oncogenic drivers. Due to their high stability in plasma, urine, and many other fluids, ncRNAs have the potential to serve as key biomarkers for early diagnosis and screening of cancers. During cancer progression, tumor heterogeneity plays a crucial role, and it is particularly important to understand the gene expression patterns of individual cells. With the development of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technologies, uncovering gene expression in different cell types for human cancers has become feasible by profiling transcriptomes at the cellular level. However, a well-organized and comprehensive online resource that provides access to the expression of genes corresponding to ncRNA biomarkers in different cell types at the single-cell level is not available yet. Therefore, we developed the SCancerRNA database to summarize experimentally supported data on long ncRNA, microRNA, PIWI-interacting RNA, small nucleolar RNA, and circular RNA biomarkers, as well as data on their differential expression at the cellular level. Furthermore, we collected biological functions and clinical applications of biomarkers to facilitate the application of ncRNA biomarkers to cancer diagnosis, as well as the monitoring of progression and targeted therapies. SCancerRNA also allows users to explore interaction networks of different types of ncRNAs, and build computational models in the future. SCancerRNA is freely accessible at http://www.scancerrna.com/BioMarker.

Mediation of circ_0007142 on miR-128-3p/S100A14 pathway to stimulate the progression of cervical cancer

A previous study has confirmed the upregulation of circ_0007142 expression in CC. Here, we aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of circ_0007142 in CC progression. The expression of circ_0007142, microRNA-128-3p (miR-128-3p), S100 calcium-binding protein A14 (S100A14), and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related markers was measured by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Cell proliferative, migratory, and invasion abilities were evaluated using cell counting Kit-8, cell colony formation, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine, and transwell assays, respectively. The interaction among circ_0007142, miR-128-3p and S100A14 was identified by dual-luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation assays. In vivo experiment was implemented to investigate the effect of circ_0007142 on tumor growth. CC tissues and cells displayed high expression of circ_0007142 and S100A14, and low expression of miR-128-3p in comparison to the controls. Knockdown of circ_0007142 resulted in the inhibition of cell proliferation, migration invasion, and EMT in vitro. In support, circ_0007142 deficiency hindered tumor growth and EMT in vivo. In rescue experiments, downregulation of miR-128-3p relieved circ_0007142 absence-mediated anticancer impacts. MiR-128-3p overexpression-induced inhibitory effects on cell growth and metastasis were attenuated by S100A14 overexpression. Importantly, circ_0007142 regulated S100A14 expression by sponging miR-128-3p. Circ_0007142 knockdown suppressed CC cell malignant behaviors by miR-128-3p/S100A14 pathway, providing a possible circRNA-targeted therapy for CC.

Circular RNAs and cervical cancer: friends or foes? A landscape on circRNA-mediated regulation of key signaling pathways involved in the onset and progression of HPV-related cervical neoplasms

Cervical cancer (CC) is a common gynecologic malignancy, accounting for a significant proportion of women death worldwide. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is one of the major etiological causes leading to CC onset; however, genetic, and epigenetic factors are also responsible for disease expansion. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), which are known as a particular subset of non-coding RNA (ncRNA) superfamily, with covalently closed loop structures, have been reported to be involved in the progression of diverse diseases, especially neoplasms. In this framework, abnormally expressed circRNAs are in strong correlation with CC pathogenesis through regulating substantial signaling pathways. Also, these RNA molecules can be considered as promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets for CC diagnosis/prognosis and treatment, respectively. Herein, we first review key molecular mechanisms, including Wnt/β-catenin, MAPK, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways, as well as angiogenesis and metastasis, by which circRNAs interfere with CC development. Then, diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic potentials of these ncRNA molecules will be highlighted in depth.

NR1H4-mediated circRHOBTB3 modulates the proliferation, metastasis, and Warburg effects of cervical cancer through interacting with IGF2BP3

Globally, cervical cancer (CC) ranks as the fourth most common cancer and the most lethal malignancy among females of reproductive age. The incidence of CC is increasing in low-income countries, with unsatisfactory outcomes and long-term survival for CC patients. Circular RNAs (CircRNAs) are promising therapeutics that target multiple cancers. In this study, we investigated the tumorigenic role of circRHOBTB3 in CC, showing that circRHOBTB3 is highly expressed in CC cells and circRHOBTB3 knockdown also repressed CC proliferation, migration, invasion, and the Warburg effects. CircRHOBTB3 interacted with the RNA-binding protein, IGF2BP3, to stabilize its expression in CC cells and is putatively transcriptionally regulated by NR1H4. In conclusion, this novel NR1H4/circRHOBTB3/IGF2BP3 axis may provide new insights into CC pathogenesis.

Regulation of Cervical Cancer Development by a Novel Circ_0000212/miR-1236-3p/GREM1 ceRNA Crosstalk

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) possess important functions in cervical carcinogenesis by operating as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs). Our preliminary bioinformatics predicted the potential circ_0000212/microRNA (miR)-1236-3p/gremlin 1 (GREM1) ceRNA crosstalk. Thus, we further elucidated whether the novel ceRNA crosstalk can participate in cervical cancer development. Circ_0000212, miR-1236-3p and GREM1 were quantified by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and immunoblotting. 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay, flow cytometry, and tube formation assay were performed to assess cell proliferation, apoptosis and tube formation, respectively. Transwell assay was used to detect cell migration and invasion. Mouse xenografts were established to evaluate the role of circ_0000212 in vivo. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to verify the direct relationship between miR-1236-3p and circ_0000212 or GREM1. Circ_0000212 expression was elevated in human cervical cancer. Silencing of endogenous circ_0000212 hindered cancer cell proliferation, motility and invasion and induced apoptosis, as well as diminished the tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro. Circ_0000212 silencing also weakened tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, circ_0000212 directly bound to miR-1236-3p, and downregulation of miR-1236-3p reversed these effects of circ_0000212 silencing on cell malignant phenotypes and HUVEC tube formation. GREM1 was a direct miR-1236-3p target, and its expression was regulated by circ_0000212 through miR-1236-3p. Moreover, miR-1236-3p upregulation impeded cancer cell malignant phenotypes and HUVEC tube formation by targeting GREM1. Our findings identify a novel ceRNA regulatory network, circ_0000212/miR-1236-3p/GREM1 axis, in cervical carcinogenesis, and provide potential targets that can be explored for therapeutic interventions.

Down-regulation of hsa-circ-0107593 promotes osteogenic differentiation of hADSCs via miR-20a-5p/SMAD6 signaling

OBJECTIVES

Increasing evidence indicated circRNAs were involved in stem cells osteogenesis differentiation. Herein, we aimed to clarify the role of hsa-circ-0107593 during the osteogenesis process of human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) and the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

The ring structure of hsa-circ-0107593 was confirmed using RNase R treatment and Sanger sequencing. Nucleoplasmic separation and fluorescence in situ hybridization detected hsa-circ-0107593 distribution. Lentivirus and siRNA were used to modulate the expression of hsa-circ-0107593, and the binding relationship between hsa-circ-0107593 and miR-20a-5p was verified by luciferase assay and RNA immunoprecipitation. We detected the osteogenic activity of hADSCs through alkaline phosphatase staining, alizarin red S staining, real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), western blot, and cellular immunofluorescence experiment. In vivo, micro-computed tomography was performed to analyze bone formation around skull defect.

RESULTS

RT-PCR results exhibited that hsa-circ-0107593 was downregulated while miR-20a-5p was upregulated during hADSCs osteogenesis. In vivo and in vitro experiments results indicated that knocking down hsa-circ-0107593 promoted the osteogenic differentiation of hADSCs, while overexpression of hsa-circ-0107593 showed an inhibitory effect on hADSCs osteogenic differentiation. In vitro experiment results showed hsa-circ-0107593 acted as a hADSCs osteogenic differentiation negative factor for it inhibited the suppressing effect of miR-20a-5p on SMAD6.

CONCLUSION

Knocking down hsa-circ-0107593 acts as a positive factor of the osteogenic differentiation of hADSCs via miR-20a-5p/SMAD6 signaling.

The circCDK17/miR-122-5p/ASF1B axis regulates the progression of cervical cancer

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer (CC) ranks fourth in terms of incidence and fourth in mortality overall in women worldwide. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been shown to be involved in the development of CC. However, the function of circRNA cyclin dependent kinase 17 (circCDK17, hsa_circ_0002762) in CC pathogenesis has not been studied.

METHODS

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of related genes. MTT, thymidine analog 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU), flow cytometry, transwell and wound-healing assays were designed to analyze cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, migration and invasion, respectively. Western blot was utilized to examine the protein levels of Cyclin D1, E-cadherin and Vimentin. The relationship between miR-122-5p and circCDK17 or ASF1B was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay. The xenograft model was established to study the role of circCDK17 in vivo.

RESULTS

CircCDK17 and anti-silencing function 1B histone chaperone (ASF1B) were highly expressed in CC tissues and cells. Silencing circCDK17 reduced the proliferation, migration and invasion of CC cells. MiR-122-5p was a target of circCDK17. Silencing circCDK17 inhibited the malignant behaviors of CC cells by releasing miR-122-5p. Moreover, ASF1B was a target of miR-122-5p. Overexpression of ASF1B partially restored the inhibitory effects of circCDK17 silencing on cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Animal experiments confirmed the anti-tumor effect of circCDK17 knockdown in vivo.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates that circCDK17 regulates the expression of ASF1B by miR-122-5p competition and thus promotes the development of CC, providing a novel targeted therapy for CC.

Exosomal miR-93-5p as an important driver of bladder cancer progression

Background

Tumor-derived exosomes are involved in the process of tumor metastasis and angiogenesis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are the most widely investigated factors in exosomes. Therefore, we hope to find a new therapeutic target in bladder cancer (BLCA), which has high incidence rate and mortality.

Methods

Exosomal microRNA(miR)-93-5p expression level, downstream target molecules, and biological functions were examined with bioinformatics technology. Exosomes were extracted by sequential differential centrifugation and verified by transmission electron microscopy. The exosomal miR-93-5p on cell proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis abilities in 5637 and T24 cells was determined by Cell Counting Kit 8 (CCK-8), colony-forming assay, Transwell assay, and vascular ring formation assay. A mouse xenograft model with intratumor injection was adopted to evaluate the correlation between BLCA-derived exosomes and tumor growth in vivo.

Results

The results revealed that exosomes play an important role in the biological progression of BLCA, with miR-93-5p being a particularly important molecule. Compared to normal cells, more malignant cells release more exosomal miR-93-5p, and tumor-derived exosomal miR-93-5p could significantly promote cell proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. We identified phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) as the most significant target of miR-93-5p in BLCA and human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

Conclusions

Our study successfully revealed the biological role and mechanism of BLCA-derived exosomes in tumor progression. Target at tumor exosomes and exosomal miR-93-5p may be an effective treatment in BLCA.

CAF-Released Exosomal miR-20a-5p Facilitates HCC Progression via the LIMA1-Mediated β-Catenin Pathway

Currently, exosomes derived from Cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) have reportedly been involved in regulating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumour microenvironment (TME). LIM domain and actin binding 1 (LIMA1) is an actin-binding protein that is involved in controlling the biological behaviour and progression of specific solid tumours. We aimed to determine the effect of LIMA1 and exosome-associated miR-20a-5p in HCC development. LIMA1 and miR-20a-5p expression levels were examined by real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR), western blotting or immunohistochemistry (IHC). Functional experiments, including Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays, colony formation assays, wound healing assays, and Transwell invasion assays, were performed to investigate the effect of LIMA1 and miR-20a-5p. A dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was performed to confirm the interaction of miR-20a-5p and LIMA1. Exosomes were characterised by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), and western blotting. We noted that LIMA1 was downregulated in human HCC tissues and cells and remarkably correlated with overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). LIMA1 overexpression suppressed HCC cell proliferation and metastasis in vitro and in vivo, while LIMA1 knockdown had the opposite effects. A mechanistic investigation showed that LIMA1 inhibited the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway by binding to BMI1 and inducing its destabilisation. Additionally, we found that LIMA1 expression in HCC cells could be suppressed by transferring CAF-derived exosomes harbouring oncogenic miR-20a-5p. In summary, LIMA1 is a tumour suppressor that inhibits the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway and is downregulated by CAF-derived exosomes carrying oncogenic miR-20a-5p in HCC.

Circular RNA circVPRBP serves as a microRNA-106b-5p sponge to regulate proliferation and metastasis of cervical cancer cells via tripartite motif-containing protein 3

Cervical cancer is a common malignant gynecological tumor for females all over the world. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are being found to have relevance to various human cancers, including cervical cancer. This study is designed to explore the role and mechanism of circRNA DDB1- and CUL4-associated factor 1 (circVPRBP, also known as hsa_circ_0065898) on the progression of cervical cancer. CircVPRBP, microRNA-106b-5p (miR-106b-5p), and tripartite motif-containing protein 3 (TRIM3) levels were determined by real-time quantitative PCR. Cell proliferative ability, apoptosis rate, cell cycle progression, migration, and invasion were detected by 3-(4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine, colony formation assay, flow cytometry, and transwell assays. Protein levels of matrix metallopeptidase 2 (MMP2) and matrix MMP9, and TRIM3 were measured by western blot assay. The binding relationship between miR-106b-5p and circVPRBP or TRIM3 was predicted by Starbase and then verified by a dual-luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation assays. The biological role of circVPRBP on cervical tumor growth was examined by the xenograft tumor model in vivo. CircVPRBP and TRIM3 were decreased, and miR-106b-5p was increased in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines. Furthermore, circVPRBP could suppress cell growth and metastasis of cervical cancer cells in vitro. Mechanically, circVPRBP could regulate TRIM3 expression by sponging miR-106b-5p. Also, circVPRBP upregulation repressed tumor growth of cervical cancer cells in vivo. CircVPRBP could inhibit the malignant biological behavior of cervical cancer cells by miR-106b-5p/TRIM3 axis, providing a promising therapeutic target for cervical cancer treatment.

Meta-Data Analysis to Explore the Hub of the Hub-Genes That Influence SARS-CoV-2 Infections Highlighting Their Pathogenetic Processes and Drugs Repurposing

The pandemic of SARS-CoV-2 infections is a severe threat to human life and the world economic condition. Although vaccination has reduced the outspread, but still the situation is not under control because of the instability of RNA sequence patterns of SARS-CoV-2, which requires effective drugs. Several studies have suggested that the SARS-CoV-2 infection causing hub differentially expressed genes (Hub-DEGs). However, we observed that there was not any common hub gene (Hub-DEGs) in our analyses. Therefore, it may be difficult to take a common treatment plan against SARS-CoV-2 infections globally. The goal of this study was to examine if more representative Hub-DEGs from published studies by means of hub of Hub-DEGs (hHub-DEGs) and associated potential candidate drugs. In this study, we reviewed 41 articles on transcriptomic data analysis of SARS-CoV-2 and found 370 unique hub genes or studied genes in total. Then, we selected 14 more representative Hub-DEGs (AKT1, APP, CXCL8, EGFR, IL6, INS, JUN, MAPK1, STAT3, TNF, TP53, UBA52, UBC, VEGFA) as hHub-DEGs by their protein-protein interaction analysis. Their associated biological functional processes, transcriptional, and post-transcriptional regulatory factors. Then we detected hHub-DEGs guided top-ranked nine candidate drug agents (Digoxin, Avermectin, Simeprevir, Nelfinavir Mesylate, Proscillaridin, Linifanib, Withaferin, Amuvatinib, Atazanavir) by molecular docking and cross-validation for treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infections. Therefore, the findings of this study could be useful in formulating a common treatment plan against SARS-CoV-2 infections globally.

DNMBP-AS1 Regulates NHLRC3 Expression by Sponging miR-93-5p/17-5p to Inhibit Colon Cancer Progression

Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) act as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) in colon cancer (CC) progression, via binding microRNAs (miRNAs) to regulate the expression of corresponding messenger RNAs (mRNAs). This article aims to explore the detailed molecular mechanism of ceRNA in CC. Top mad 5000 lncRNAs and top mad 5000 mRNAs were used to perform weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and key modules were selected. We used 405 lncRNAs in the red module and 145 mRNAs in the purple module to build the original ceRNA network by online databases. The original ceRNA network included 50 target lncRNAs, 41 target miRNAs, and 34 target mRNAs. Fifty target lncRNAs were used to establish a prognostic risk model by univariate and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression analyses. LncRNAs in the risk model were used to build the secondary ceRNA network, which contained 9 lncRNAs in the risk model, 35 miRNAs, and 29 mRNAs. Survival analyses of 29 mRNAs in the secondary ceRNA network have shown HOXA10 and NHLRC3 were identified as crucial prognostic factors. Finally, we constructed the last ceRNA network including 5 lncRNAs in the risk model, 8 miRNAs, and 2 mRNAs related to prognosis. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) results revealed that DNMBP-AS1 and FAM87A were down-regulated in CC cells and tissues. Function assays showed that over-expression of DNMBP-AS1 and FAM87A inhibited CC cells proliferation and migration. Mechanism study showed that DNMBP-AS1 served as miR-93-5p/17-5p sponges and relieved the suppression effect of miR-93-5p/17-5p on their target NHLRC3. Our study suggested that DNMBP-AS1 inhibited the progression of colon cancer through the miR-93-5p/17-5p/NHLRC3 axis, which could be potential therapeutic targets for CC.

Regulatory mechanism of miR-20a-5p expression in Cancer

MicroRNAs(miRNAs) are non-coding single-stranded RNA molecules encoded by endogenous genes with a length of about 22 nucleotides. The dysregulation of miRNAs has been proven to be one of the vital causes of cancer, which makes them a biomarker for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Compared with surgery and chemotherapy, nucleic acid therapy targeting specific miRNAs is a promising candidate for cancer treatment. miR-20a-5p plays an anticancer role in high-incidence human cancers such as cervical cancer, breast cancer and leukemia, which is of great importance in the diagnosis of cancers. The up-regulation and down-regulation of miR-20a-5p offers a possible breakthrough for the treatment of cancers. In this paper, we aim to investigate the functional significance of miR-20a-5p in different cancers, reviewing the expression differences of miR-20a-5p in cancer, while systematically summarizing the changes of circRNA-miR-20a-5p networks, and probe how it promotes messenger RNA (mRNA) degradation or inhibits mRNA translation to regulate downstream gene expression. We've also summarized the biogenesis mechanism of miRNAs, and emphasized its role in cell proliferation, cell apoptosis and cell migration. On this basis, we believe that miR-20a-5p is a promising and effective marker for cancer diagnosis, prognosis and treatment.

MicroRNA-20a-5p Downregulation by Atorvastatin: A Potential Mechanism Involved in Lipid-Lowering Therapy

The treatment of hypercholesterolemia is mainly based on statins. However, the response to pharmacological therapy shows high inter-individual variability, resulting in variable effects in both lipid lowering and risk reduction. Thus, a better understanding of the lipid-lowering mechanisms and response variability at the molecular level is required. Previously, we demonstrated a deregulation of the microRNA expression profile in HepG2 cells treated for 24 h with atorvastatin, using a microarray platform. In the present study, we evaluated the expression of hsa-miR-17-5p, hsa-miR-20a-5p and hsa-miR-106a-5p in hypercholesterolemic patients before and after atorvastatin treatment and in HepG2 cells treated for 24 h with atorvastatin The miRNA hsa-mir-20a-5p was repressed after atorvastatin treatment in hypercholesteremic subjects and in HepG2 cells in culture. Repression of hsa-mir-20a-5p increased LDLR gene and protein expression in HepG2 cells, while hsa-mir-20a-5p overexpression reduced LDLR gene and protein expression.

Differential Expression Profiles and Functional Prediction of circRNAs in Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a novel type of noncoding RNAs, have been demonstrated to behave as microRNA (miRNA) sponges to exert their effects during pathological processes of diseases. However, the roles of circRNAs have not been explored in necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). This study sought to identify differentially expressed circRNAs and predict their potential biological functions in NEC. circRNA expression profiles in terminal ileum from newborn rats with NEC and normal controls were explored using next-generation sequencing. In the NEC group, 53 circRNAs were significantly differentially expressed, including 9 upregulated and 44 downregulated. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses were conducted, and circRNA-miRNA interaction networks were generated to predict the potential roles of circRNAs in NEC progression. Further investigation revealed that most circRNAs include miRNA binding sites and that some are implicated in NEC development. In conclusion, this study's findings demonstrate that differentially expressed circRNAs are involved in NEC development via their interactions with miRNAs, making them prospective targets for NEC diagnosis and treatment.

MiR-106b-5p Promotes Malignant Behaviors of Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells by Targeting TIMP2

The objective of this study was to investigate modulatory mechanism of miR-106b-5p and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 2 (TIMP2) on cervical squamous cell carcinoma cells. Differentially expressed genes in CSCC were analyzed via bioinformatics analysis. The targeting impact of miR-106b-5p on TIMP2 was validated through dual-luciferase assay and RNA immunoprecipitation assay. MiR-106b-5p level and TIMP2 mRNA level were assessed via qRT-PCR. TIMP2 protein level was measured via western blot. Malignant behaviors of CSCC cells were evaluated by functional experiments. The EMT and apoptosis-related proteins were determined via western blot. MiR-106b-5p was noticeably elevated in CSCC cells. Its downstream target was TIMP2. MiR-106b-5p and TIMP2 levels were inversely correlated. MiR-106b-5p overexpression fostered malignant phenotypes of CSCC cells, and vice versus. TIMP2 overexpression weakened the promotive impact of forced expression of miR-106b-5p on CSCC cell growth. EMT was facilitated by forced expression of miR-106b-5p. MiR-106b-5p regulates the progression of CSCC cells via targeting TIMP2, which may provide novel value for development of therapeutic targets for CSCC.

Clinical significance of miR-1298 in cervical cancer and its biological function in vitro

Cervical cancer is one of the most malignant tumors in women. miR-1298 was reported to be abnormally expressed and serve crucial role in tumorigenesis of several types of cancer; however, the role of miR-1298 in cervical cancer remains unknown. The present study aimed to evaluate the clinical and biological significance of miR-1298 in cervical cancer. To do so, the expression level of miR-1298 in cervical cancer tissues and cells was evaluated by reverse transcription quantitative PCR. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression analysis were used to explore the prognostic significance of miR-1298 in patients with cervical cancer. Cell Counting Kit-8 and Transwell migration and invasion assays were used to evaluate the effect of miR-1298 on the proliferative, migratory and invasive abilities of cervical cancer cells, respectively. The expression of miR-1298 was lower in cancer tissues and cells compared with normal tissues and cells. Furthermore, miR-1298 expression was associated with lymph node metastasis, tumor diameter and staging from the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. In addition, patients with low miR-1298 expression had poorer overall survival. These findings suggested that miR-1298 may be considered as an independent prognostic factor for patients with cervical cancer. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that miR-1298 knockdown could promote tumor cell proliferation and migratory and invasive abilities. In addition, nucleus accumbens-associated 1 (NACC1) was demonstrated to be a direct target of miR-1298. Taken together, these findings indicated that miR-1298 overexpression may be considered as a prognostic biomarker for cervical cancer and that miR-1298 may play an inhibitor role in cervical cancer by targeting NACC1.

Research progress of circRNA as a biomarker of sepsis: a narrative review

Objective

Explore the possibility of circRNAs as markers of sepsis.

Background

Sepsis is an abnormal immune response of our body to infection that can lead to organ failure and death. Although the research on sepsis has been extensive in the past few years, sepsis-associated morbidity and mortality are still increasing. Early diagnosis and early treatment are important for patients with sepsis. Although many markers, including procalcitonin and C-reactive protein, have been proposed as diagnostic indicators of sepsis, there are still challenges in the early diagnosis and treatment of sepsis due to the lack of sensitivity and specificity of these substances. Recently, a large number of studies have found that circular RNAs (circRNAs) participate in a variety of biological functions, such as immune response, regulating the expression of miRNAs, and they are closely related to the occurrence and development of many diseases, including sepsis. However, the clear mechanism of the role of circRNAs has not been fully elucidated. An increasing number of studies have confirmed that circRNAs have potential in the diagnosis and treatment of sepsis. By studying the regulatory mechanism of circRNAs in sepsis, we can search for new molecular intervention targets for the treatment of sepsis, which is conducive to the development of new molecular therapeutic drugs for sepsis.

Methods

In the present study, we summarize and analyze the role of circRNAs in the pathogenesis of sepsis and discuss the possibility of circRNA as a biomarker for the diagnosis of sepsis.

Conclusions

The biological characteristics of circRNAs and their role in the occurrence and development of sepsis make them possible markers of sepsis.

Investigating the Underlying Mechanisms of Circular RNAs and Their Application in Clinical Research of Cervical Cancer

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are non-coding RNA molecules, and these are differentially expressed in various diseases, including cancer, suggesting that circRNAs can regulate certain diseases. CircRNAs can act as miRNAs sponges, RNA-binding protein (RBP) sponges, and translation regulators, and they can become an important part of the regulation of gene expression. Furthermore, because of their biomedical features in body fluids, such as high abundance, conservation, and stability, circRNAs are seen as potential biomarkers for various cancers. Cervical cancer (CC) is one of the main causes of cancer-related death in women, and there have been a large number of studies that analyze circRNAs as a new object to be evaluated in CC. Therefore, this review, by understanding the role of circRNAs in CC, may create innovative strategies in the future clinical diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of CC and promote the development of personalized and highly accurate cancer therapy.