A Novel Androgen-Induced lncRNA FAM83H-AS1 Promotes Prostate Cancer Progression via the miR-15a/CCNE2 Axis

Integrated analysis of the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Background

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is particularly prevalent in East and Southeast Asia. Competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks are known to play an essential role in the emergence of various diseases, including cancer. Building a network of protein-protein interactions (PPIs) and ceRNAs can facilitate the detection of potential connections between messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and various non-coding RNAs. However, the precise role of ceRNA networks in NPC has not been examined in detail. Therefore, the primary aim of the present study was to characterize a ceRNA network for NPC.

Methods

Datasets of microRNA (miRNA), long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), and mRNA microarrays were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Data were standardized and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened using the limma package. The ClusterProfiler software suite was used to perform enrichment analysis of differentially expressed mRNAs using Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) techniques.

Results

A total of 160 lncRNAs, 8 miRNAs, and 147 mRNAs were differentially expressed in NPC samples. A ceRNA network was constructed using four lncRNAs, five miRNAs, and one mRNA that were dysregulated in NPC. Cellular functions of the abnormally expressed mRNAs were mainly associated with tumor cell movement, cell growth and proliferation, cell cycle, invasion, and metastasis.

Conclusions

The ceRNA network constructed herein clarified the regulatory mechanisms through which lncRNAs act as ceRNAs and participate in NPC development. Notably, lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs identified in this ceRNA network can serve as therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers for NPC.

Comprehensive data mining reveals RTK/RAS signaling pathway as a promoter of prostate cancer lineage plasticity through transcription factors and CNV

Prostate cancer lineage plasticity is a key driver in the transition to neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC), and the RTK/RAS signaling pathway is a well-established cancer pathway. Nevertheless, the comprehensive link between the RTK/RAS signaling pathway and lineage plasticity has received limited investigation. In particular, the intricate regulatory network governing the interplay between RTK/RAS and lineage plasticity remains largely unexplored. The multi-omics data were clustered with the coefficient of argument and neighbor joining algorithm. Subsequently, the clustered results were analyzed utilizing the GSEA, gene sets related to stemness, multi-lineage state datasets, and canonical cancer pathway gene sets. Finally, a comprehensive exploration of the data based on the ssGSEA, WGCNA, GSEA, VIPER, prostate cancer scRNA-seq data, and the GPSAdb database was conducted. Among the six modules in the clustering results, there are 300 overlapping genes, including 3 previously unreported prostate cancer genes that were validated to be upregulated in prostate cancer through RT-qPCR. Function Module 6 shows a positive correlation with prostate cancer cell stemness, multi-lineage states, and the RTK/RAS signaling pathway. Additionally, the 19 leading-edge genes of the RTK/RAS signaling pathway promote prostate cancer lineage plasticity through a complex network of transcriptional regulation and copy number variations. In the transcriptional regulation network, TP63 and FOXO1 act as suppressors of prostate cancer lineage plasticity, whereas RORC exerts a promoting effect. This study provides a comprehensive perspective on the role of the RTK/RAS pathway in prostate cancer lineage plasticity and offers new clues for the treatment of NEPC.

TP53 gene implications in prostate cancer evolution: potential role in tumor classification

Background and aims

Prostate adenocarcinoma (PRAD) is a complex disease that can be driven by alterations in both coding and noncoding genes. Recent research has identified coding and non-coding genes that are considered to play important roles in prostate cancer evolution and which may be used as biomarkers for disease diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. TP53 is a critical hub gene in prostate cancer. Advanced studies have demonstrated the crosstalk between coding and non-coding RNAs, particularly microRNAs (miRNAs).

Methods

In this study, we investigated the roundabout of TP53 and their regulatory miRNAs (miR-15a-5p, miR-34a-5p, and miR-141-3p) based on the TCGA data set. We validated an additional patient cohort of 28 matched samples of patients with PRAD at tissue and plasma level.

Results

Therefore, using the UALCAN online database, we evaluated the expression level in PRAD of these genes revealing overexpression of TP53. qRT-PCR validation step endorsed the expression level for these genes. Additionally, we evaluated the expression level of the four key miRNAs (miR-15a-5p, miR-34a-5p, and miR-141-3p) interconnected as a network at tissue and plasma levels.

Conclusions

Through these results, we demonstrated the essential function of TP53 and its associated miRNAs that play a significant role in tumor control, highlighting miRNAs' potential as future therapeutic targets and biomarkers with important implications in managing prostate cancer.

A thorough understanding of the role of lncRNA in prostate cancer pathogenesis; Current knowledge and future research directions

In the entire world, prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common and deadly cancers. Treatment failure is still common among patients, despite PCa diagnosis and treatment improvements. Inadequate early diagnostic markers and the emergence of resistance to conventional therapeutic approaches, particularly androgen-deprivation therapy, are the causes of this. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), as an essential group of regulatory molecules, have been reported to be dysregulated through prostate tumorigenesis and hold great promise as diagnostic targets. Besides, lncRNAs regulate the malignant features of PCa cells, such as proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance. These multifunctional RNA molecules interact with other molecular effectors like miRNAs and transcription factors to modulate various signaling pathways, including AR signaling. This study aimed to compile new knowledge regarding the role of lncRNA through prostate tumorigenesis in terms of their effects on the various malignant characteristics of PCa cells; in light of these characteristics and the significant potential of lncRNAs as diagnostic and therapeutic targets for PCa. AVAILABILITY OF DATA AND MATERIALS: Not applicable.

The Role of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition-Related Signaling Pathways in Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common male malignancies with frequent remote invasion and metastasis, leading to high mortality. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a fundamental process in embryonic development and plays a key role in tumor proliferation, invasion and metastasis. Numerous long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) could regulate the occurrence and development of EMT through various complex molecular mechanisms involving multiple signaling pathways in PCa. Given the importance of EMT and lncRNAs in the progression of tumor metastasis, we recapitulate the research progress of EMT-related signaling pathways regulated by lncRNAs in PCa, including AR signaling, STAT3 signaling, Wnt/β-catenin signaling, PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling, TGF-β/Smad and NF-κB signaling pathways. Furthermore, we summarize four modes of how lncRNAs participate in the EMT process of PCa via regulating relevant signaling pathways.

Molecular Landscape of LncRNAs in Prostate Cancer: A focus on pathways and therapeutic targets for intervention

Background

One of the most malignant tumors in men is prostate cancer that is still incurable due to its heterogenous and progressive natures. Genetic and epigenetic changes play significant roles in its development. The RNA molecules with more than 200 nucleotides in length are known as lncRNAs and these epigenetic factors do not encode protein. They regulate gene expression at transcriptional, post-transcriptional and epigenetic levels. LncRNAs play vital biological functions in cells and in pathological events, hence their expression undergoes dysregulation.

Aim of review

The role of epigenetic alterations in prostate cancer development are emphasized here. Therefore, lncRNAs were chosen for this purpose and their expression level and interaction with other signaling networks in prostate cancer progression were examined.

Key scientific concepts of review

The aberrant expression of lncRNAs in prostate cancer has been well-documented and progression rate of tumor cells are regulated via affecting STAT3, NF-κB, Wnt, PI3K/Akt and PTEN, among other molecular pathways. Furthermore, lncRNAs regulate radio-resistance and chemo-resistance features of prostate tumor cells. Overexpression of tumor-promoting lncRNAs such as HOXD-AS1 and CCAT1 can result in drug resistance. Besides, lncRNAs can induce immune evasion of prostate cancer via upregulating PD-1. Pharmacological compounds such as quercetin and curcumin have been applied for targeting lncRNAs. Furthermore, siRNA tool can reduce expression of lncRNAs thereby suppressing prostate cancer progression. Prognosis and diagnosis of prostate tumor at clinical course can be evaluated by lncRNAs. The expression level of exosomal lncRNAs such as lncRNA-p21 can be investigated in serum of prostate cancer patients as a reliable biomarker.

Astragalus–Scorpion Drug Pair Inhibits the Development of Prostate Cancer by Regulating GDPD4-2/PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway and Autophagy

Objective: Prostate cancer (PCa) is an epithelial malignancy of the prostate that currently lacks effective treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can play an anticancer role through regulating the immune system, anti-tumor angiogenesis, regulating tumor cell apoptosis, autophagy dysfunction, and other mechanisms. This study attempted to explore the active ingredients and potential mechanism of action of the Astragalus–Scorpion (A–S) drug pair in PCa, in order to provide new insights into the treatment of PCa.

Methods: Network pharmacology was used to analyze the A–S drug pair and PCa targets. Bioinformatics analysis was used to analyze the LncRNAs with significant differences in PCa. The expression of LC3 protein was detected by immunofluorescence. CCK8 was used to detect cell proliferation. The expressions of GDPD4-2, AC144450.1, LINC01513, AC004009.2, AL096869.1, AP005210.1, and BX119924.1 were detected by RT-qPCR. The expression of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and autophagy-related proteins were detected by western blot. LC-MS/MS was used to identify the active components of Astragalus and Scorpion.

Results: A–S drug pair and PCa have a total of 163 targets, which were mainly related to the prostate cancer and PI3K/AKT pathways. A–S drug pair inhibited the formation of PCa, promoted the expression of LC3Ⅱ and Beclin1 proteins, and inhibited the expression of P62 and PI3K–AKT pathway proteins in PCa mice. Astragaloside IV and polypeptide extract from scorpion venom (PESV) were identified as the main active components of the A–S drug pair. GDPD4-2 was involved in the treatment of PCa by Astragaloside IV-PESV. Silencing GDPD4-2 reversed the therapeutic effects of Astragaloside IV-PESV by regulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

Conclusion: Astragaloside IV-PESV is the main active components of A–S drug pair treated PCa by regulating the GDPD4-2/PI3K–AKT/mTOR pathway and autophagy.

Interaction between Non-Coding RNAs and Androgen Receptor with an Especial Focus on Prostate Cancer

The androgen receptor (AR) is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily and has three functional domains, namely the N-terminal, DNA binding, and C-terminal domain. The N-terminal domain harbors potent transactivation functions, whereas the C-terminal domain binds to androgens and antiandrogens used to treat prostate cancer. AR has genomic activity being DNA binding-dependent or through interaction with other DNA-bound transcription factors, as well as a number of non-genomic, non-canonical functions, such as the activation of the ERK, AKT, and MAPK pathways. A bulk of evidence indicates that non-coding RNAs have functional interactions with AR. This type of interaction is implicated in the pathogenesis of human malignancies, particularly prostate cancer. In the current review, we summarize the available data on the role of microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs on the expression of AR and modulation of AR signaling, as well as the effects of AR on their expression. Recognition of the complicated interaction between non-coding RNAs and AR has practical importance in the design of novel treatment options, as well as modulation of response to conventional therapeutics.