Circulating miR-320a Acts as a Tumor Suppressor and Prognostic Factor in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

A predictive model for prognostic risk stratification of early-stage NSCLC based on clinicopathological and miRNA panel

OBJECTIVE

The 5-year survival rate of early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is still not optimistic. We aimed to construct prognostic tools using clinicopathological (CP) and serum 8-miRNA panel to predict the risk of overall survival (OS) in early-stage NSCLC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 799 patients with early-stage NSCLC, treated between April 2008 and September 2019, were included in this study. A sub-group of patients with serum samples, 280, were analyzed for miRNA profiling. The primary endpoint of the study was OS. The CP panel for prognosis was developed using multivariate and forward stepwise selection analyses. The serum 8-miRNA panel was developed using the miRNAs that were significant for prognosis, screened using real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) followed by differential, univariate and Cox regression analyses. The combined model was developed using CP panel and serum 8-miRNA panel. The predictive performance of the panels and the combined model was evaluated using the area under curve (AUC) values of receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.

RESULT

The prognostic panels and the combined model (comprising CP panel and serum 8-miRNA panel) was used to classify the patients into high-risk and low-risk groups. The OS rates of these two groups were significantly different (P<0.05). The two panels had higher AUC than the two guidelines, and the combined model had the highest AUC. The AUC of the combined model (AUC=0.788; 95 %CI 0.706-0.871) was better than that of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guideline (AUC=0.601; 95 %CI 0.505-0.697) and Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO) guideline (AUC=0.614; 95 %CI 0.520-0.708).

CONCLUSION

The combined model based on CP panel and serum 8-miRNA panel allows better prognostic risk stratification of patients with early-stage NSCLC to predict risk of OS.

MiRNAs and Microbiota in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): Implications in Pathogenesis and Potential Role in Predicting Response to ICI Treatment

Lung cancer (LC) is one of the most prevalent cancers in both men and women and today is still characterized by high mortality and lethality. Several biomarkers have been identified for evaluating the prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and selecting the most effective therapeutic strategy for these patients. The introduction of innovative targeted therapies and immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for the treatment of NSCLC both in advanced stages and, more recently, also in early stages, has revolutionized and significantly improved the therapeutic scenario for these patients. Promising evidence has also been shown by analyzing both micro-RNAs (miRNAs) and the lung/gut microbiota. MiRNAs belong to the large family of non-coding RNAs and play a role in the modulation of several key mechanisms in cells such as proliferation, differentiation, inflammation, and apoptosis. On the other hand, the microbiota (a group of several microorganisms found in human orgasms such as the gut and lungs and mainly composed by bacteria) plays a key role in the modulation of inflammation and, in particular, in the immune response. Some data have shown that the microbiota and the related microbiome can modulate miRNAs expression and vice versa by regulating several intracellular signaling pathways that are known to play a role in the pathogenesis of lung cancer. This evidence suggests that this axis is key to predicting the prognosis and effectiveness of ICIs in NSCLC treatment and could represent a new target in the treatment of NSCLC. In this review, we highlight the most recent evidence and data regarding the role of both miRNAs and the lung/gut microbiome in the prediction of prognosis and response to ICI treatment, focusing on the link between miRNAs and the microbiome. A new potential interaction based on the underlying modulated intracellular signaling pathways is also shown.

Combining serum microRNAs and machine learning algorithms for diagnosing infectious fever after HSCT

Infection post-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is one of the main causes of patient mortality. Fever is the most crucial clinical symptom indicating infection. However, current microbial detection methods are limited. Therefore, timely diagnosis of infectious fever and administration of antimicrobial drugs can effectively reduce patient mortality. In this study, serum samples were collected from 181 patients with HSCT with or without infection, as well as the clinical information. And more than 80 infectious-related microRNAs in the serum were selected according to the bulk RNA-seq result and detected in the 345 time-pointed serum samples by Q-PCR. Unsupervised clustering result indicates a close association between these microRNAs expression and infection occurrence. Compared to the uninfected cohort, more than 10 serum microRNAs were identified as the combined diagnostic markers in one formula constructed by the Random Forest (RF) algorithms, with a diagnostic accuracy more than 0.90. Furthermore, correlations of serum microRNAs to immune cells, inflammatory factors, pathgens, infection tissue, and prognosis were analyzed in the infection cohort. Overall, this study demonstrates that the combination of serum microRNAs detection and machine learning algorithms holds promising potential in diagnosing infectious fever after HSCT.

PI3K/AKT pathway as a pivotal regulator of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in lung tumor cells

Lung cancer, as the leading cause of cancer related deaths, is one of the main global health challenges. Despite various progresses in diagnostic and therapeutic methods, there is still a high rate of mortality among lung cancer patients, which can be related to the lack of clinical symptoms to differentiate lung cancer from the other chronic respiratory disorders in the early tumor stages. Most lung cancer patients are identified in advanced and metastatic tumor stages, which is associated with a poor prognosis. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in lung tumor progression and metastasis in order to introduce early diagnostic markers as well as therapeutic targets. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is considered as one of the main cellular mechanisms involved in lung tumor metastasis, during which tumor cells gain the metastatic ability by acquiring mesenchymal characteristics. Since, majority of the oncogenic signaling pathways exert their role in tumor cell invasion by inducing the EMT process, in the present review we discussed the role of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in regulation of EMT process during lung tumor metastasis. It has been reported that the PI3K/AKT acts as an inducer of EMT process through the activation of EMT-specific transcription factors in lung tumor cells. MicroRNAs also exerted their inhibitory effects during EMT process by inhibition of PI3K/AKT pathway. This review can be an effective step towards introducing the PI3K/AKT pathway as a suitable therapeutic target to inhibit the EMT process and tumor metastasis in lung cancer patients.

MiR-320a upregulation contributes to the effectiveness of pemetrexed by inhibiting the growth and invasion of human lung cancer cell line (Calu-6)

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer is a common and deadly disease. Chemotherapy is the most common treatment, which inhibits cancer cell growth. Pemetrexed (PMX) is often used with other drugs. Environmental stress can affect regulatory non-coding RNAs such as MicroRNAs that modify gene expression. This study investigates the effect of PMX on the hsa-miR-320a-3p expression in the Calu-6 lung cancer cell line.

METHODS AND RESULT

Calu-6 cells were cultured in an incubator with 37 °C, 5% CO2, and 98% humidity. The MTT test was performed to determine the concentration of PMX required to inhibit 50% of cell growth. To examine growth inhibition and apoptosis, release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), cell assays and caspase 3 and 7 enzyme activity were used. Finally, molecular studies were conducted to compare the expression of hsa-miR-320a-3p and genes including VDAC1, DHFR, STAT3, BAX and BCL2 before and after therapy.

RESULTS

According to a study, it has been observed that PMX therapy significantly increases LDH release after 24 h. The study found that PMX's IC50 on Calu-6 is 8.870 µM. In addition, the treated sample showed higher expression of hsa-miR-320a-3p and BAX, while the expression of VDAC1, STAT3, DHFR and BCL2 decreased compared to the control sample.

CONCLUSION

According to the findings of the current research, hsa-miR-320a-3p seems to have the potential to play an important role in the development of novel approaches to the treatment of lung cancer.

The novel miR-873-5p-YWHAE-PI3K/AKT axis is involved in non-small cell lung cancer progression and chemoresistance by mediating autophagy

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) encompasses approximately 85% of all lung cancer cases and is the foremost cancer type worldwide; it is prevalent in both sexes and known for its high fatality rate. Expanding scientific inquiry underscores the indispensability of microRNAs in NSCLC. Here, we probed the impact of miR-873-5p on NSCLC development and chemoresistance. qRT‒PCR was used to measure the miR-873-5p level in NSCLC cells with or without chemoresistance. A model of miR-873-5p overexpression was constructed. The proliferation and viability of NSCLC cells were evaluated through CCK8 and colony formation experiments. Cell migration and invasion were monitored via Transwell assays. Western blotting was used to determine the levels of YWHAE, PI3K, AKT, EMT, apoptosis, and autophagy-related proteins. The sensitivity of NSCLC cells to the chemotherapeutic agent gefitinib was assessed. Additionally, the correlation of YWHAE with miR-873-5p was validated via a dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP). Overexpressed miR-873-5p suppressed migration, proliferation, invasion, and EMT while concurrently stimulating apoptotic processes. miR-873-5p was downregulated in NSCLC cells resistant to gefitinib. Upregulating miR-873-5p reversed gefitinib resistance by inducing autophagy. YWHAE was confirmed to be a downstream target of miR-873-5p. YWHAE overexpression promoted the malignant behaviors of NSCLC cells and boosted tumor growth, while these effects were reversed following miR-873-5p overexpression. Subsequent investigations revealed that overexpressing YWHAE promoted PI3K/AKT pathway activation, with miR-873-5p displaying inhibitory effects on the YWHAE-mediated PI3K/AKT signaling cascade. miR-873-5p affects proliferation, invasion, migration, EMT, autophagy, and chemoresistance in NSCLC by controlling the YWHAE/PI3K/AKT axis.

Advances in the role of microRNAs associated with the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in lung cancer

Cancer has long been a topic of great interest in society and a major factor affecting human health. Breast, prostate, lung, and colorectal cancers are the top four tumor types with the greatest incidence rates in 2020, according to the most recent data on global cancer incidence. Among these, lung cancer had the highest fatality rate. Extensive research has shown that microRNAs, through different signaling pathways, play crucial roles in cancer development. It is considered that the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway plays a significant role in the development of lung cancer. MicroRNAs can act as a tumor suppressor or an oncogene by altering the expression of important proteins in this pathway, such as PTEN and AKT. In order to improve the clinical translational benefit of microRNAs in lung cancer research, we have generalized and summarized the way of action of microRNAs linked with the PI3/AKT signaling pathway in this review through literature search and data analysis.

The Multifunctional Nature of the MicroRNA/AKT3 Regulatory Axis in Human Cancers

Serine/threonine kinase (AKT) signaling regulates diverse cellular processes and is one of the most important aberrant cell survival mechanisms associated with tumorigenesis, metastasis, and chemoresistance. Targeting AKT has become an effective therapeutic strategy for the treatment of many cancers. AKT3 (PKBγ), the least studied isoform of the AKT family, has emerged as a major contributor to malignancy. AKT3 is frequently overexpressed in human cancers, and many regulatory oncogenic or tumor suppressor small non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), have recently been identified to be involved in regulating AKT3 expression. Therefore, a better understanding of regulatory miRNA/AKT3 networks may reveal novel biomarkers for the diagnosis of patients with cancer and may provide invaluable information for developing more effective therapeutic strategies. The aim of this review was to summarize current research progress in the isoform-specific functions of AKT3 in human cancers and the roles of dysregulated miRNA/AKT3 in specific types of human cancers.

Multidimensional outlook on the pathophysiology of cervical cancer invasion and metastasis

Cervical cancer being one of the primary causes of high mortality rates among women is an area of concern, especially with ineffective treatment strategies. Extensive studies are carried out to understand various aspects of cervical cancer initiation, development and progression; however, invasive cervical squamous cell carcinoma has poor outcomes. Moreover, the advanced stages of cervical cancer may involve lymphatic circulation with a high risk of tumor recurrence at distant metastatic sites. Dysregulation of the cervical microbiome by human papillomavirus (HPV) together with immune response modulation and the occurrence of novel mutations that trigger genomic instability causes malignant transformation at the cervix. In this review, we focus on the major risk factors as well as the functionally altered signaling pathways promoting the transformation of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia into invasive squamous cell carcinoma. We further elucidate genetic and epigenetic variations to highlight the complexity of causal factors of cervical cancer as well as the metastatic potential due to the changes in immune response, epigenetic regulation, DNA repair capacity, and cell cycle progression. Our bioinformatics analysis on metastatic and non-metastatic cervical cancer datasets identified various significantly and differentially expressed genes as well as the downregulation of potential tumor suppressor microRNA miR-28-5p. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of the genomic landscape in invasive and metastatic cervical cancer will help in stratifying the patient groups and designing potential therapeutic strategies.

Emerging role of miR-320a in lung cancer: a comprehensive review

A specialized biomarker(s) for lung cancer is imperative owing to its high mortality. Continuing our earlier work demonstrating the role of miR-320a as a tumor suppressor, here we discuss the most recent updates on miR-320a in lung cancer pathogenesis. We found that miR-320a modulates levels of diverse cancer-associated molecules and signaling pathways, and is also involved in modulating the immune microenvironment of lung cancer during its pathogenesis. We also discuss how miR-320a encapsulated in exosomes inhibits invasive phenotypes of lung cancer. Therefore, based on the multimodal role of miR-320a in lung cancer development and progression, we believe that miR-320a may be utilized as a potential diagnostic/prognostic marker and therapeutic target for lung cancer patients.

MiR-320a Acts as a Tumor Suppressor in Somatotroph Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumors by Targeting BCAT1

INTRODUCTION

Aberrant miR-320a has been reported to be involved in the tumorigenesis of several cancers. In our previous study, we identified the low expression of circulating miR-320a in patients with somatotroph pituitary neuroendocrine tumor (PitNET); however, the role of miR-320a in somatotroph PitNET proliferation is still unclear.

METHODS

Cell viability and colony formation assays were used to detect the effect of miR-320a and BCAT1 on GH3 cells. TargetScan was used to identify the target genes of miR-320a. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was used to explore the relation between miR-320a and BCAT1. Transcriptome and proteome analyses were performed between somatotroph PitNETs and healthy controls. The expression level of miR-320a in somatotroph PitNETs were detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot.

RESULTS

miR-320a mimics inhibit cell proliferation, while miR-320a inhibitors promote cell proliferation in GH3 cells. An overlap analysis using a Venn diagram revealed that BCAT1 is the only target gene of miR-320a overexpressed in somatotroph PitNETs compared to healthy controls, as revealed by both microarray and proteomics results. A dual-luciferase reporter gene assay showed that miR-320a may bind to the BCAT1-3'UTR. The transfection of miR-320a mimics downregulated the expression and miR-320a inhibitors and upregulated the expression of BCAT1 in GH3 cells. The interference of BCAT1 expression in GH3 cells downregulated cell proliferation and growth. Pan-cancer analyses demonstrated that high BCAT1 expression often indicates a poor prognosis.

CONCLUSION

Our findings illustrate that miR-320a may function as a tumor suppressor and BCAT1 may promote tumor progression. miR-320a may inhibit the growth of somatotroph PitNETs by targeting BCAT1.

Extracellular circulating miRNAs as potential non-invasive biomarkers in non-small cell lung cancer patients

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) comprises 85% of all lung cancers and is a malignant condition resistant to advanced-stage treatment. Despite the advancement in detection and treatment techniques, the disease is taking a deadly toll worldwide, being the leading cause of cancer death every year. Current diagnostic methods do not ensure the detection of the disease at an early stage, nor can they predict the risk of its development. There is an urgent need to identify biomarkers that can help predict an individual's risk of developing NSCLC, distinguish NSCLC subtype, allow monitor disease and treatment progression which can improve patient survival. Micro RNAs (miRNAs) represent the class of small and non-coding RNAs involved in gene expression regulation, influencing many biological processes such as proliferation, differentiation, and carcinogenesis. Research reports significant differences in miRNA profiles between healthy and neoplastic tissues in NSCLC. Its abundant presence in biofluids, such as serum, blood, urine, and saliva, makes them easily detectable and does not require invasive collection techniques. Many studies support miRNAs' importance in detecting, predicting, and prognosis of NSCLC, indicating their utility as a promising biomarker. In this work, we reviewed up-to-date research focusing on biofluid miRNAs' role as a diagnostic tool in NSCLC cases. We also discussed the limitations of applying miRNAs as biomarkers and highlighted future areas of interest.

Peritoneal Fluid Analysis of Advanced Ovarian Cancers after Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy

This study investigated miRNA and cytokine expression changes in peritoneal fluid samples of patients with advanced ovarian cancer (OVCA) after receiving hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) during cytoreduction surgery (CRS). We collected samples prior to HIPEC, immediately after HIPEC, and 24/48/72 h after CRS from a total of 6 patients. Cytokine levels were assessed using a multiplex cytokine array, and a miRNA PanelChip Analysis System was used for miRNA detection. Following HIPEC, miR-320a-3p, and miR-663-a were found to be immediately down-regulated but increased after 24 h. Further, significant upregulation post-HIPEC and sustained increases in expression were detected in six other miRNAs, including miR-1290, miR-1972, miR-1254, miR-483-5p, miR-574-3p, and miR-574-5p. We also found significantly increased expression of cytokines, including MCP-1, IL-6, IL-6sR, TIMP-1, RANTES, and G-CSF. The changing expression pattern throughout the study duration included a negative correlation in miR-320a-3p and miR-663-a to cytokines including RANTES, TIMP-1, and IL-6 but a positive correlation in miRNAs to cytokines including MCP-1, IL-6sR, and G-CSF. Our study found miRNAs and cytokines in the peritoneal fluid of OVCA patients demonstrated different expression characteristics following CRS and HIPEC. Both changes in expression demonstrated correlations, but the role of HIPEC remains unknown, prompting the need for research in the future.

Bioinformatics identification of miR-514b-5p promotes NSCLC progression and induces PI3K/AKT and p38 pathways by targeting small glutamine-rich tetratricopeptide repeat-containing protein beta

Lung cancer is the most aggressive cancer with the highest mortality and incidence rates worldwide. MicroRNAs have been identified as potential targets for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment. However, the modulatory role of miR-514b-5p in NSCLC progression is little known. In the present study, miRNA expression datasets for NSCLC were downloaded from the Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Ontology Omnibus databases. Gene expression was assessed using a quantitative real-time PCR, and western blot analysis and immunohistochemical staining was used to determine protein expression. Gain and loss of function experiments were performed to investigate the impact of miR-514b-5p and small glutamine-rich tetratricopeptide repeat-containing protein beta (SGTB) on cell proliferation and apoptosis. RNA immunoprecipitation and dual-luciferase assays were performed to analyse the target gene of miR-514b-5p. The biological roles of miR-514b-5p were lastly evaluated using nude mouse tumorigenicity assays in vivo. We found that miR-514b-5p was dramatically increased in NSCLC tissues and higher miR-514b-5p expression was associated with poorer overall survival in NSCLC patients. Furthermore, overexpression of miR-514b-5p promoted NSCLC cell growth and suppressed apoptosis by inducing the activation of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT and p38 signalling pathways. Mechanistically, dual-luciferase and the RNA immunoprecipitation results highlighted that SGTB was a target gene of miR-514b-5p. Moreover, overexpression of SGTB reduced cell division and promoted apoptosis in vitro through blocking the PI3K/AKT and p38 signalling pathways. Our findings indicated that miR-514b-5p contributes to carcinoma progression in NSCLC via the PI3K/AKT and p38 signalling pathways by targeting SGTB and this could be a promising diagnostic and therapeutic target for the treatment of NSCLC.

Potential role of saffron and its components on miRNA levels in various disorders, a comprehensive review

The potential therapeutic benefits of saffron and its active constituents have been investigated for the treatment of numerous illnesses. In this review, the impacts of saffron and its essential components on the levels of microRNAs (miRNAs) in different diseases have been delineated. Relevant articles were obtained through databases such as PubMed, Web of Sciences, Scopus, and Google Scholar up to the end of November 2022. miRNA expression has been altered by saffron and its active substances (crocin, crocetin, and safranal) which has been of great advantage in treating diseases such as cardiovascular, type 2 diabetes, cancers, gastrointestinal and liver disorders, central and peripheral nervous system disorders, asthma, osteoarthritis, ischemic-reperfusion induced injury conditions, and renal disorder. This study uncovered the potential restorative advantages of saffron and its derivatives, in miRNA imbalances in a variety of diseases.

LINC00324 promotes cell proliferation and metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma through sponging miR-493-5p via MAPK signaling pathway

Long non-coding RNAs have been demonstrated to promote proliferation and metastasis via regulating the miRNA/mRNA regulatory axis in various malignancies. Based on our preliminary study, we investigated the mechanism of LINC00324 through miR-493-5p/MAPK1 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) pathogenesis. Herein, we confirmed that LINC00324 is significantly upregulated in ESCC primary cells and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell line KYSE-70. Silencing of LINC00324 modulates cell proliferation markers, p21, p27, c-Myc, and Cyclin D1 and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition markers, slug, snail, ZEB1, vimentin, ZO-1, and E-cadherin protein expression in ESCC. Through bioinformatics and dual luciferase reporter assays, we identified miR-493-5p as the direct target molecule of LINC00324. We further revealed that LINC00324 negatively regulates miR-493-5p expression in ESCC. Moreover, our multiple gain-and loss-of-functional experiments proved that a combination of miR-493-5p and LINC00324 significantly rescued ESCC cell proliferation and metastatic phenotypes. Mechanistically, LINC00324 promotes ESCC pathogenesis by acting as a competing endogenous RNA and sponges miR-493-5p activity thereby activating MAPK1 during ESCC progression. We believe that targeting LINC00324 /miR-493-5p/MAPK1 axis may provide new therapeutic avenues for ESCC.

Selection of endogenous control and identification of significant microRNA deregulations in cervical cancer

Introduction

Cervical cancer causes approximately 350,000 deaths each year. The availability of sensitive and specific diagnostic tests to detect cervical cancer in its early stages is essential to improve survival rates.

Methods

In this study, we compared two strategies for selecting endogenous controls: miRNA profiling by small-RNA sequencing and a commercially available microfluidic card with 30 recommended endogenous controls preloaded by the manufacturer. We used the RefFinder algorithm and coefficient of variation to select endogenous controls. We selected the combination of miR-181a-5p and miR-423-3p as the most optimal normalizer. In the second part of this study, we determined the differential expression (between tumor/non-tumor groups) of microRNA in cervical cancer FFPE tissue samples. We determined the comprehensive miRNA expression profile using small-RNA sequencing technology and verified the results by real-time PCR. We determined the relative expression of selected miRNAs using the 2^-ΔΔCt method.

Results

We detected statistically significant upregulation of miR-320a-3p, miR-7704, and downregulation of miR-26a-5p in the tumor group compared to the control group. The combination of these miRNAs may have the potential to be utilized as a diagnostic panel for cervical cancer. Using ROC curve analysis, the proposed panel showed 93.33% specificity and 96.97% sensitivity with AUC = 0.985.

Conclusions

We proposed a combination of miR-181a-5p and miR-423-3p as optimal endogenous control and detected potentially significant miRNAs (miR-320a-3p, miR-7704, miR-26a-5p). After further validation of our results, these miRNAs could be used in a diagnostic panel for cervical cancer.

Natural flavonoids exhibit potent anticancer activity by targeting microRNAs in cancer: A signature step hinting towards clinical perfection

Cancer prevalence and its rate of incidence are constantly rising since the past few decades. Owing to the toxicity of present-day antineoplastic drugs, it is imperative to explore safer and more effective molecules to combat and/or prevent this dreaded disease. Flavonoids, a class of polyphenols, have exhibited multifaceted implications against several diseases including cancer, without showing significant toxicity towards the normal cells. Shredded pieces of evidence suggest that flavonoids can enhance drug sensitivity and suppress proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis of cancer cells by modulating several oncogenic or oncosuppressor microRNAs (miRNAs, miRs). They play pivotal roles in regulation of various biological and pathological processes, including various cancers. In the present review, the structure, chemistry and miR targeting efficacy of quercetin, luteolin, silibinin, genistein, epigallocatechin gallate, and cyanidin against several cancer types are comprehensively discussed. miRs are considered as next-generation medicine of recent times, and their targeting by naturally occurring flavonoids in cancer cells could be deemed as a signature step. We anticipate that our compilations related to miRNA-mediated regulation of cancer cells by flavonoids might catapult the clinical investigations and affirmation in the future.

Overview of MicroRNAs as Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers for High-Incidence Cancers in 2021

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) about 22 nucleotides in size, which play an important role in gene regulation and are involved in almost all major cellular physiological processes. In recent years, the abnormal expression of miRNAs has been shown to be associated with human diseases including cancer. In the past ten years, the link between miRNAs and various cancers has been extensively studied, and the abnormal expression of miRNAs has been reported in various malignant tumors, such as lung cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer. Due to the high malignancy grade of these cancers, it is more necessary to develop the related diagnostic and prognostic methods. According to the study of miRNAs, many potential cancer biomarkers have been proposed for the diagnosis and prognosis of diseases, especially cancer, thus providing a new theoretical basis and perspective for cancer screening. The use of miRNAs as biomarkers for diagnosis or prognosis of cancer has the advantages of being less invasive to patients, with better accuracy and lower price. In view of the important clinical significance of miRNAs in human cancer research, this article reviewed the research status of miRNAs in the above-mentioned cancers in 2021, especially in terms of diagnosis and prognosis, and provided some new perspectives and theoretical basis for the diagnosis and treatment of cancers.

Tumor pH-functionalized and charge-tunable nanoparticles for the nucleus/cytoplasm-directed delivery of oxaliplatin and miRNA in the treatment of head and neck cancer

Prospective tumor pH-responsive and charge-convertible nanoparticles have been utilized to reduce side effects and improve the active tumor-targeting ability and nuclear/cytoplasmic localization of chemo- and gene therapeutics for the treatment of head and neck cancer (HNC). Oxaliplatin (Oxa) is a third-generation platinum compound that prevents DNA replication. miR-320 may regulate cancer cell apoptosis, resistance, and progression. Innovative nanoparticles incorporating miR-320 and Oxa were modified with a ligand, cell-penetrating peptide, and nucleus-targeted peptide. The nanoparticles were coated with a charge/size-tunable shield to prevent peptide degradation and decoated at acidic tumor sites to expose peptides for active targeting. Results indicated that the designed nanoparticles exhibited a uniform size and satisfactory drug encapsulation efficiency. The nanoparticles displayed the pH-responsive release and uptake of Oxa and miR-320 into human tongue squamous carcinoma SAS cells. The nanoparticles successfully delivered Oxa and miR-320 to the nucleus and cytoplasm, respectively. This work is the first to demonstrate the concurrent intracellular modulation of the NRP1/Rac1, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, GSK-3β/FOXM1/β-catenin, P-gp/MRPs, KRAS/Erk/Oct4/Yap1, and N-cadherin/Vimentin/Slug pathways to inhibit the growth, progression, and multidrug resistance of cancer cells. In SAS-bearing mice, co-treatment with Oxa- and miR-320-loaded nanoparticles exhibited superior antitumor efficacy and remarkably decreased Oxa-associated toxicities. The nucleus/cytoplasm-localized nanoparticles with a tumor pH-sensitive and size/charge-adjustable coating may be a useful combinatorial spatiotemporal nanoplatform for nucleic acids and chemotherapeutics to achieve maximum therapeutic safety and efficacy against HNC. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Innovative nanoparticles incorporating miR-320 and oxaliplatin were modified with a ligand, cell-penetrating peptide, and nucleus-targeted peptide. The tumor pH-sensitive and charge/size-adjustable shield of polyglutamic acid-PEG protected against peptide degradation during systemic circulation. This work represents the first example of the concurrent intracellular modulation of the NRP1/Rac1, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, GSK-3β/FOXM1/β-catenin, P-gp/MRPs, KRAS/Erk/Oct4/Yap1, and N-cadherin/Vimentin/Slug pathways to inhibit cancer cell growth, cancer cell progression, and multidrug resistance simultaneously. The versatile nanoparticles with a tumor pH-functionalized coating could deliver chemotherapeutics and miRNA to the nucleus/cytoplasm. The nanoparticles successfully reduced chemotherapy-associated toxicities and maximized the antitumor efficacy of combinatorial therapy against head and neck cancer.

Ampelopsin targets in cellular processes of cancer: Recent trends and advances

Cancer is being considered as a serious threat to human health globally due to limited availability and efficacy of therapeutics. In addition, existing chemotherapeutic drugs possess a diverse range of toxic side effects. Therefore, more research is welcomed to investigate the chemo-preventive action of plant-based metabolites. Ampelopsin (dihydromyricetin) is one among the biologically active plant-based chemicals with promising anti-cancer actions. It modulates the expression of various cellular molecules that are involved in cancer progressions. For instance, ampelopsin enhances the expression of apoptosis inducing proteins. It regulates the expression of angiogenic and metastatic proteins to inhibit tumor growth. Expression of inflammatory markers has also been found to be suppressed by ampelopsin in cancer cells. The present review article describes various anti-tumor cellular targets of ampelopsin at a single podium which will help the researchers to understand mechanistic insight of this phytochemical.

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.

Analysis of miR-375-3p, miR-197-3p, and miR-15a-5p Expression and Their Clinical Relevance as Biomarkers in Lung Cancer

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important regulatory role and serve as biomarkers in various human cancers. However, their role in the prognosis and predicting response to therapy in Indian lung cancer patients is not fully explored. Methods: We collected surgically resected tumors and paired adjacent normal lung tissues from 29 early-stage and tissue biopsies from 103 locally advanced and metastatic lung cancer patients in this prospective study. We quantified the expression levels of miR-375-3p, miR-197-3p, and miR-15a-5p using TaqMan Advanced miRNA Assays. We correlated miRNAs expression with response to therapy and survival outcomes. Results: The median age of lung cancer patients was 60 years. We found significant overexpression of miR-375-3p and miR-197-3p in the tumors compared to paired normal lung tissues. Higher expression of miR-375-3p was observed more frequently in responders compared to nonresponders. The expression of miR-375-3p and miR-197-3p was able to differentiate patients of lung adenocarcinoma from lung squamous cell carcinoma. We did not find any correlation between miRNAs expression and survival outcomes. Conclusion: Overexpression of miR-375-3p and miR-197-3p might contribute to lung carcinogenesis. The expression of miR-375-3p may assist in predicting therapeutic response. More prospective studies are warranted to evaluate the potential of miR-375-3p as a predictive biomarker of response to therapy.

Blood-based liquid biopsy: Insights into early detection and clinical management of lung cancer

Currently, early detection of lung cancer relies on the characterisation of images generated from computed tomography (CT). However, lung tissue biopsy, a highly invasive surgical procedure, is required to confirm CT-derived diagnostic results with very high false-positive rates. Hence, a non-invasive or minimally invasive biomarkers is essential to complement the existing low-dose CT (LDCT) for early detection, improve responses to a certain treatment, predict cancer recurrence, and to evaluate prognosis. In the past decade, liquid biopsies (e.g., blood) have been demonstrated to be highly effective for lung cancer biomarker discovery. In this review, the roles of emerging liquid biopsy-derived biomarkers such as circulating nucleic acids, circulating tumour cells (CTCs), long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), and microRNA (miRNA), as well as exosomes, have been highlighted. The advantages and limitations of these blood-based minimally invasive biomarkers have been discussed. Furthermore, the current progress of the identified biomarkers for clinical management of lung cancer has been summarised. Finally, a potential strategy for the early detection of lung cancer, using a combination of LDCT scans and well-validated biomarkers, has been discussed.

Crocin exerts anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects on cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma via miR-320a/ATG2B

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is a highly prevalent skin malignancy, and the effective therapy still remains a challenge. Crocin can be used for cSCC therapy. This study explored the effects of cSCC cells treatment with crocin in vitro and in vivo. The study used A431 and SCL-1 cells lines, cSCC human samples and BALB/C nude mice for investigations. Apoptosis was determined by MTT assays, while miR-320a and ATG2B expressions were validated through RT-qPCR. Interaction of miR-320a with ATG2B was examined via dual luciferase reporter assay. The autophagy and apoptosis proteins expressions were further confirmed through western blot and immunofluorescence staining assays. The results indicated a significantly upregulated miR-320a, but a down-regulated ATG2B expression in the cSCC clinical samples. Crocin significantly repressed cSCC cells growth, and induced apoptosis through autophagy. Furthermore, miR-320a expression was inhibited and ATG2B expression was increased. Dual luciferase reporter assay revealed that miR-320a regulated ATG2B expression directly. Additionally, the upregulation of ATG2B expression in cSCC cells inhibited cell proliferation and led to cell apoptosis. Crocin also reduced tumor growth and stimulated the apoptosis in vivo. In conclusion, miR-320a is upregulated and ATG2B is down-regulated in cSCC, Crocin suppresses the proliferation and induces apoptosis of cSCC cells. Further, Crocin increases autophagy while miR-320a hinders autophagy and the apoptotic effects of crocin on cSCC cells. MiR-320a binds ATG2B directly, and ATG2B expression is upregulated by crocin. Finally, Crocin triggers cSCC cells apoptosis in vivo. Crocin can target ATG2B/miR-320a and may be an effective alternative for cSCC treatment.

MicroRNA Expression Profiles in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Role for miR-181 in Immunomodulation

BACKGROUND

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of molecular pathways in psychiatric disease. Here, we examine differential miRNAs expression in lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) derived from 10 individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and compare them to seven typically developing unrelated age- and gender-matched controls and 10 typically developing siblings. Small RNAseq analysis identified miRNAs, and selected miRNAs were validated using quantitative real-time polymerase reaction (qRT-PCR). KEGG analysis identified target pathways, and selected predicted mRNAs were validated using qRT-PCR.

RESULTS

Small RNAseq analysis identified that multiple miRNAs differentiated ASD from unrelated controls and ASD from typically developing siblings, with only one, hsa-miR-451a_R-1, being in common. Verification with qRT-PCR showed that miR-320a differentiated ASD from both sibling and unrelated controls and that several members of the miR-181 family differentiated ASD from unrelated controls. Differential expression of AKT2, AKT3, TNF α and CamKinase II predicted by KEGG analysis was verified by qRT-PCR. Expression of CamKinase II βwas found to be correlated with the severity of stereotyped behavior of the ASD participants.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides insight into the mechanisms regulating molecular pathways in individuals with ASD and identifies differentiated regulated genes involved in both the central nervous system and the immune system.

Sevoflurane promotes the apoptosis of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma in-vitro and inhibits its malignant progression via miR-26a/FOXO1 axis

Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is a laryngeal malignancy with a high mortality rates, and its treatment remains difficult. Sevoflurane is a surgical anesthesia which has anti-tumor effect. This investigation assessed the effects of LSCC cells treatment with Sevoflurane in vitro and in vivo. Hep-2 and Tu177 cells, human LSCC samples and BALB/C nude mice were used for result assessments. Cell viability, proliferation, migration and invasion were assessed via Cell Count Kit-8, wound healing assay and transwell invasion assay respectively. MiR-26a and FOXO1 expressions was examined by qRT-PCR. FOXO1, E-cadherin, N-cadherin and vimentin activities were examined by Western blotting. Moreover, animal experiments were performed to verify our findings in vitro. Lastly, miR-26a and FOXO1 expression levels in clinical samples were analyzed. According to the results, Sevoflurane decreased LSCC cells’ viability and even stimulated their apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, it could reduce the migration, invasion and EMT. Mechanistically, sevoflurane could downregulate miR-26a expression and that miR-26a could negatively modulate FOXO1 activity. Thus, sevoflurane could increase FOXO1 activity. In the clinical samples, miR-26a expression was significantly upregulated, but FOXO1 was remarkably down-regulated and miR-26a expression in LSCC was linked with better prognosis. In conclusion, MiR-26a is increased and FOXO1 is reduced in human LSCC, Sevoflurane inhibits proliferation and mediates apoptosis of LSCC cells. Further, MiR-26a binds FOXO1 directly, and FOXO1 expression is down-regulated by Sevoflurane. Finally, Sevoflurane triggers LSCC cells apoptosis in vivo. Sevoflurane use to target miR-26a/FOXO1 may be a novel alternative for LSCC therapy.