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Trnkova L, Buocikova V, Mego M, Cumova A, Burikova M, Bohac M, Miklikova S, Cihova M, Smolkova B. Epigenetic deregulation in breast cancer microenvironment: Implications for tumor progression and therapeutic strategies. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 174:116559. [PMID: 38603889 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer comprises a substantial proportion of cancer diagnoses in women and is a primary cause of cancer-related mortality. While hormone-responsive cases generally have a favorable prognosis, the aggressive nature of triple-negative breast cancer presents challenges, with intrinsic resistance to established treatments being a persistent issue. The complexity intensifies with the emergence of acquired resistance, further complicating the management of breast cancer. Epigenetic changes, encompassing DNA methylation, histone and RNA modifications, and non-coding RNAs, are acknowledged as crucial contributors to the heterogeneity of breast cancer. The unique epigenetic landscape harbored by each cellular component within the tumor microenvironment (TME) adds great diversity to the intricate regulations which influence therapeutic responses. The TME, a sophisticated ecosystem of cellular and non-cellular elements interacting with tumor cells, establishes an immunosuppressive microenvironment and fuels processes such as tumor growth, angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix remodeling. These factors contribute to challenging conditions in cancer treatment by fostering a hypoxic environment, inducing metabolic stress, and creating physical barriers to drug delivery. This article delves into the complex connections between breast cancer treatment response, underlying epigenetic changes, and vital interactions within the TME. To restore sensitivity to treatment, it emphasizes the need for combination therapies considering epigenetic changes specific to individual members of the TME. Recognizing the pivotal role of epigenetics in drug resistance and comprehending the specificities of breast TME is essential for devising more effective therapeutic strategies. The development of reliable biomarkers for patient stratification will facilitate tailored and precise treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Trnkova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia
| | - Verona Buocikova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia
| | - Michal Mego
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia; 2nd Department of Oncology, Comenius University, Faculty of Medicine & National Cancer Institute, Bratislava 83310, Slovakia
| | - Andrea Cumova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia
| | - Monika Burikova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia
| | - Martin Bohac
- 2nd Department of Oncology, Comenius University, Faculty of Medicine & National Cancer Institute, Bratislava 83310, Slovakia; Regenmed Ltd., Medena 29, Bratislava 811 01, Slovakia; Institute of Medical Biology, Genetics and Clinical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Sasinkova 4, Bratislava 811 08, Slovakia
| | - Svetlana Miklikova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia
| | - Marina Cihova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia
| | - Bozena Smolkova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia.
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2
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Xu A, Zhu L, Yao C, Zhou W, Guan Z. The therapeutic potential of circular RNA in triple-negative breast cancer. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2024; 7:13. [PMID: 38835343 PMCID: PMC11149105 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2023.141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is among the most aggressive subtypes of the disease that does not express estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a type of non-coding RNA with a circular shape formed by non-standard splicing or reverse splicing. Numerous circRNAs exhibit abnormal expression in various malignancies, showing their critical role in the emergence and growth of tumors. Recent studies have shown evidence supporting the idea that certain circRNAs regulate the proliferation and metastasis of TNBC. In addition, circRNAs alter metabolism and the immune microenvironment to promote or inhibit the development of TNBC. Notably, circRNAs may affect the efficacy of clinical drug therapy, serve as therapeutic targets, and be used as molecular biomarkers in the future. Herein, we will first summarize the biogenesis and function of circRNAs. Then, we will explain current research on circRNAs related to TNBC and their potential to serve as therapeutic targets or biomarkers for future drug development, providing a new direction and idea for TNBC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiqi Xu
- Department of Breast Oncology, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, China
- Authors contributed equally
| | - Lewei Zhu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan 528000, Guangdong, China
- Authors contributed equally
| | - Chengcai Yao
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Foshan 528200, Guangdong, China
| | - Wen Zhou
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Foshan 528200, Guangdong, China
| | - Ziyun Guan
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Foshan 528200, Guangdong, China
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3
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Alam S, Giri PK. Novel players in the development of chemoresistance in ovarian cancer: ovarian cancer stem cells, non-coding RNA and nuclear receptors. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2024; 7:6. [PMID: 38434767 PMCID: PMC10905178 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2023.152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) ranks as the fifth leading factor for female mortality globally, with a substantial burden of new cases and mortality recorded annually. Survival rates vary significantly based on the stage of diagnosis, with advanced stages posing significant challenges to treatment. OC is primarily categorized as epithelial, constituting approximately 90% of cases, and correct staging is essential for tailored treatment. The debulking followed by chemotherapy is the prevailing treatment, involving platinum-based drugs in combination with taxanes. However, the efficacy of chemotherapy is hindered by the development of chemoresistance, both acquired during treatment (acquired chemoresistance) and intrinsic to the patient (intrinsic chemoresistance). The emergence of chemoresistance leads to increased mortality rates, with many advanced patients experiencing disease relapse shortly after initial treatment. This review delves into the multifactorial nature of chemoresistance in OC, addressing mechanisms involving transport systems, apoptosis, DNA repair, and ovarian cancer stem cells (OCSCs). While previous research has identified genes associated with these mechanisms, the regulatory roles of non-coding RNA (ncRNA) and nuclear receptors in modulating gene expression to confer chemoresistance have remained poorly understood and underexplored. This comprehensive review aims to shed light on the genes linked to different chemoresistance mechanisms in OC and their intricate regulation by ncRNA and nuclear receptors. Specifically, we examine how these molecular players influence the chemoresistance mechanism. By exploring the interplay between these factors and gene expression regulation, this review seeks to provide a comprehensive mechanism driving chemoresistance in OC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pankaj Kumar Giri
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, South Asian University, New Delhi 110068, India
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4
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Tomasetti M, Monaco F, Rubini C, Rossato M, De Quattro C, Beltrami C, Sollini G, Pasquini E, Amati M, Goteri G, Santarelli L, Re M. AGO2-RIP-Seq reveals miR-34/miR-449 cluster targetome in sinonasal cancers. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0295997. [PMID: 38215077 PMCID: PMC10786392 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Sinonasal tumours are heterogeneous malignancies, presenting different histological features and clinical behaviour. Many studies emphasize the role of specific miRNA in the development and progression of cancer, and their expression profiles could be used as prognostic biomarkers to predict the survival. Recently, using the next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based miRNome analysis the miR-34/miR-449 cluster was identified as miRNA superfamily involved in the pathogenesis of sinonasal cancers (SNCs). In the present study, we established an Argonaute-2 (AGO2): mRNA immunoprecipitation followed by high-throughput sequencing to analyse the regulatory role of miR-34/miR-449 in SNCs. Using this approach, we identified direct target genes (targetome), which were involved in regulation of RNA-DNA metabolic, transcript and epigenetic processes. In particular, the STK3, C9orf78 and STRN3 genes were the direct targets of both miR-34c and miR-449a, and their regulation are predictive of tumour progression. This study provides the first evidence that miR-34/miR-449 and their targets are deregulated in SNCs and could be proposed as valuable prognostic biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Tomasetti
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Federica Monaco
- Department of Excellence SBSP-Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Corrado Rubini
- Department of Excellence SBSP-Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Marzia Rossato
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | | | - Giacomo Sollini
- ENT Division “Bellaria Hospital”, AUSL Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Monica Amati
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Gaia Goteri
- Department of Excellence SBSP-Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Lory Santarelli
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Massimo Re
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
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Azzam HN, El-Derany MO, Wahdan SA, Faheim RM, Helal GK, El-Demerdash E. The role of mitochondrial/metabolic axis in development of tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer. Hum Cell 2023; 36:1877-1886. [PMID: 37646973 PMCID: PMC10587280 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-023-00977-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Only a few investigations, to our knowledge, have examined the bioenergetics of Tamoxifen (TMX) resistant individuals and reported altered mitochondrial activity and metabolic profile. The primary cause of TMX resistance is firmly suggested to be metabolic changes. Metabolic variations and hypoxia have also been linked in a bidirectional manner. Increased hypoxic levels correlate with early recurrence and proliferation and have a negative therapeutic impact on breast cancer (BC) patients. Hypoxia, carcinogenesis, and patient death are all correlated, resulting in more aggressive traits, a higher chance of metastasis, and TMX resistance. Consequently, we sought to investigate the possible role of the metabolic/hypoxial axis Long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) Taurine up-regulated 1 (TUG-1), Micro-RNA 186-5p (miR-186), Sirtuin-3 (SIRT3), Peroxisome Proliferator Activator Receptor alpha (PPAR-α), and Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1 (HIF-1) in the development of TMX resistance in BC patients and to correlate this axis with tumor progression. Interestingly, this will be the first time to explore epigenetic regulation of this axis in BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hany N Azzam
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Marwa O El-Derany
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sara A Wahdan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Reham M Faheim
- Department of Clinical Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Gouda K Helal
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo, Egypt
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ebtehal El-Demerdash
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
- Preclinical & Translational Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
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6
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Hussen BM, Hidayat HJ, Abdullah SR, Mohamadtahr S, Rasul MF, Samsami M, Taheri M. Role of long non-coding RNAs and TGF-β signaling in the regulation of breast cancer pathogenesis and therapeutic targets. Cytokine 2023; 170:156351. [PMID: 37657235 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
The cytokine known as transforming growth factor (TGF) is essential for cell development, differentiation, and apoptosis in BC. TGF-β dysregulation can either promote or inhibit tumor development, and it is a key signaling pathway in BC spread. A recently identified family of ncRNAs known as lncRNAs has received a great deal of effort and is an important regulator of many cellular processes, including transcription of genes, chromatin remodeling, progression of the cell cycle, and posttranscriptional processing. Furthermore, both TGF-β signaling and lncRNAs serve as important early-stage biomarkers for BC diagnosis and prognosis and also play a significant role in BC drug resistance. According to recent studies, lncRNAs can regulate TGF-β by modulating its cofactors in BC. However, the particular functions of lncRNAs and the TGF-β pathway in controlling BC progression are not well understood yet. This review explores the lncRNAs' functional properties in BC as tumor suppressors or oncogenes in the regulation of genes, with a focus on dysregulated TGF-β signaling. Further, we emphasize the functional roles of lncRNAs and TGF-β pathway in the progression of BC to discover new treatment strategies and better comprehend the fundamental cellular pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bashdar Mahmud Hussen
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Kurdistan Region, Erbil, Iraq; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cihan University-Erbil, Erbil, Kurdistan Region 44001, Iraq
| | - Hazha Jamal Hidayat
- Department of Biology, College of Education, Salahaddin University-Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Snur Rasool Abdullah
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Lebanese French University, Kurdistan Region, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Sayran Mohamadtahr
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Kurdistan Region, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Mohammad Fatih Rasul
- Department of Pharmaceutical Basic Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tishk International University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Majid Samsami
- Cancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Taheri
- Institute of Human Genetics, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany; Urology and Nephrology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Guo Y, Tang Y, Lu G, Gu J. p53 at the Crossroads between Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity and Resistance: A Nutritional Balancing Act. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15102259. [PMID: 37242146 DOI: 10.3390/nu15102259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Doxorubicin (DOX) is a highly effective chemotherapeutic drug, but its long-term use can cause cardiotoxicity and drug resistance. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that p53 is directly involved in DOX toxicity and resistance. One of the primary causes for DOX resistance is the mutation or inactivation of p53. Moreover, because the non-specific activation of p53 caused by DOX can kill non-cancerous cells, p53 is a popular target for reducing toxicity. However, the reduction in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC) via p53 suppression is often at odds with the antitumor advantages of p53 reactivation. Therefore, in order to increase the effectiveness of DOX, there is an urgent need to explore p53-targeted anticancer strategies owing to the complex regulatory network and polymorphisms of the p53 gene. In this review, we summarize the role and potential mechanisms of p53 in DIC and resistance. Furthermore, we focus on the advances and challenges in applying dietary nutrients, natural products, and other pharmacological strategies to overcome DOX-induced chemoresistance and cardiotoxicity. Lastly, we present potential therapeutic strategies to address key issues in order to provide new ideas for increasing the clinical use of DOX and improving its anticancer benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanfang Guo
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Yufeng Tang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Guangping Lu
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Junlian Gu
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
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Schwarzenbach H, Gahan PB. Interplay between LncRNAs and microRNAs in Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098095. [PMID: 37175800 PMCID: PMC10179369 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Although long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are known to be precursors of microRNAs (miRNAs), they frequently act as competing endogoneous RNAs (ceRNAs), yet still their interplay with miRNA is not well known. However, their interaction with miRNAs may result in the modulation of miRNA action. (2) To determine the contribution of these RNA molecules in tumor resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs, it is essential to consider not only the oncogenic and tumor suppressive function of miRNAs but also the impact of lncRNAs on miRNAs. Therefore, we performed an extensive search in different databases including PubMed. (3) The present study concerns the interplay between lncRNAs and miRNAs in the regulatory post-transcriptional network and their impact on drugs used in the treatment of breast cancer. (4) Consideration of this interplay may improve the search for new drugs to circumvent chemoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Schwarzenbach
- Department of Gynecology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Peter B Gahan
- Fondazione "Enrico Puccinelli" Onlus, 06126 Perugia, Italy
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Exosomes Derived from Tumor Cells Initiate Breast Cancer Cell Metastasis and Chemoresistance through a MALAT1-Dependent Mechanism. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:5483523. [PMID: 35813865 PMCID: PMC9262507 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5483523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background. Chemoresistance poses a great hindrance in the treatment of breast cancer (BC). Interestingly, exosome (Exo)-mediated transfer of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) has been reported to regulate chemoresistance in diverse diseases. We herein investigate the potential role of lncRNA metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) transferred by BC cell-derived Exo in chemoresistance of BC cells. Methods. BC-related lncRNAs were identified. Exosomes were isolated and verified from BC cells. The expression patterns of MALAT1 were then examined in the adriamycin (ADR)-sensitive and resistant cells and the isolated Exo, followed by the analysis of the downstream microRNA (miRNA) of MALAT1. The role and mechanism of MALAT1 transmitted by BC cell-derived Exo in BC cell metastasis and chemoresistance were assessed. Results. MALAT1 was highly expressed in BC cells and their Exo. In addition, MALAT1 delivered by BC cell-derived Exo augmented the malignant properties and chemoresistance of BC cells. Mechanistically, MALAT1 bound to miR-1-3p and limited the miR-1-3p expression, which sequentially targeted the vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) protein. Moreover, silencing of VASP inhibited the activation of the RAP1 member of RAS oncogene family (Rap1) signaling pathway, which led to the attenuation of BC cell malignant properties and chemoresistance. In vivo assay further validated the tumor-promoting effect of Exo-MALAT1 via regulation of the miR-1-3p/VASP/Rap1 axis. Conclusion. Collectively, MALAT1 loaded by BC cell-derived Exo can accelerate BC cell metastasis and chemoresistance via disruption of miR-1-3p-mediated inhibition of the VASP/Rap1 signaling axis.
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Xie D, Li S, Wu T, Wang X, Fang L. MiR-181c suppresses triple-negative breast cancer tumorigenesis by targeting MAP4K4. Pathol Res Pract 2022; 230:153763. [PMID: 35026645 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2022.153763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) ranks as the highest incidence among cancer types in women all over the world. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is known as a highly aggressive subtype of BC due to high rate of recurrence and metastasis, poor prognosis and lacking of effective targeted therapies. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of short endogenous non-coding RNA that mostly functioning to silence the target mRNAs. In this study, we found miR-181c-5p (miR-181c) was down-expressed in TNBC tissues and cell lines, whereas MAP4K4 was highly-expressed. Up-regulation of miR-181c inhibited TNBC cells proliferation and migration, promoted TNBC cells apoptosis and regulated the cell cycle by arresting cells in the G0/G1 cell phase, while depletion of miR-181c showed opposite effect. Importantly, miR-181c suppressed MAP4K4 expression at both mRNA and protein levels by directly targeting MAP4K4, thereby inhibiting the tumor-promoting effect of MAP4K4. This study is the first to demonstrate the miR-181c/MAP4K4 signaling in suppressing TNBC, providing a novel therapeutic target for TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Xie
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, PR China; Changzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213000, PR China.
| | - Saiyang Li
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, PR China; Changzhou First People's Hospital, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213000, PR China
| | - Tianqi Wu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, PR China
| | - Xuehui Wang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, PR China
| | - Lin Fang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, PR China.
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