miR-16-5p Suppresses Progression and Invasion of Osteosarcoma via Targeting at Smad3

MicroRNAs implicated in canine diffuse large B-cell lymphoma prognosis

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most prevalent subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in domestic dogs, with many similarities to its human counterpart. The progression of the disease is rapid, and treatment must be initiated early to achieve cancer remission and extend life. This study examined the relationship between progression-free survival (PFS) and microRNA (miRNA) expression in dogs with DLBCL. miRNAs are small non-coding RNA molecules that typically regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally. They are involved in several pathophysiological processes, including the growth and progression of cancer. Based on the analysis of small RNA sequencing (sRNA-seq) data, we validated a group of miRNAs in lymph nodes from 44 DLBCL-affected dogs with known outcomes. We used quantitative PCR to quantify their expression and report a specific subset of miRNAs is associated with decreased PFS in dogs with DLBCL. The miR-192-5p and miR-16-5p expression were significantly downregulated in dogs with increased PFS. These results indicate that miRNA profiling may potentially identify dogs with DLBCL that will experience poor outcomes following treatment. Identifying specific miRNAs that correlate with the progression of canine DLBCL could aid the development of individualized treatment regimens for dogs.

Targeting pediatric solid tumors in the new era of RNA therapeutics

Despite substantial progress in pediatric cancer treatment, poor prognosis remained for patients with recurrent or metastatic disease, given the limitations of approved targeted treatments and immunotherapies. RNA therapeutics offer significant potential for addressing a broad spectrum of diseases, including cancer. Advances in manufacturing and delivery systems are paving the way for the rapid development of therapeutic RNAs for clinical applications. This review summarizes therapeutic RNA classifications and the mechanisms of action, highlighting their potential in manipulating major cancer-related pathways and biological effects. We also focus on the pre-clinical investigation of RNA molecules with efficient delivery systems for their therapeutic potential targeting pediatric solid tumors.

miR-16-5p specifically inhibits IFN-γ-regulated memory T helper cell differentiation in malignant pleural effusion of non-small cell lung cancer

Background

The mechanism for memory T helper (Th) cell differentiation in malignant pleural effusion (MPE) of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is poorly understood. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), as small non-coding RNA that regulate gene expression, play a crucial role in the regulation of memory Th cell differentiation. However, whether miRNAs can inhibit the differentiation of memory Th cells in MPE of NSCLC has not been reported. This study aimed to explore miR-16-5p specifically inhibits interferon-gamma (IFN-γ)-regulated memory Th cell differentiation in MPE of NSCLC.

Methods

A total of 30 patients with NSCLC and 30 age- and sex-matched patients, who were clinically diagnosed as benign pleural effusion (BPE) of lung disease and had not received any intervention, were collected. The expression of nucleic acids, miRNAs, and cytokines was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), miRNA microarray, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), flow cytometry, and western blotting.

Results

The expression of CD4+CD69+ T cells in NSCLC with MPE was lower than that in lung disease BPE. CD4+CD69+ T cells highly express CD45RO+ and mainly secrete anti-tumor cytokines IFN-γ, interleukin-2 (IL-2), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). The expression of miR-16-5p in CD4+CD69+ CD45RO+ T cells in MPE was higher than that in BPE. Moreover, miR-16-5p can bind to both IFN-γ promoter and its 5'untranslated region (5'-UTR), suggesting that IFN-γ may be the target gene directly affected by miR-16-5p. IFN-γ also affects the differentiation of memory CD4+ T cells by regulating T-bet.

Conclusions

We believe that miR-16-5p may regulate the decrease of differentiation of naïve CD4+ T cells into memory CD4+CD69+ T cells through its target gene IFN-γ in MPE, thus reducing the number of cytokines that produce anti-tumor effects. It may be the main reason for the low response rate of lung cancer with MPE immunotherapy.

Regulatory mechanism of GPER in the invasion and migration of ectopic endometrial stromal cells in endometriosis

Endometriosis (EMS) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of high incidence that causes serious reproductive consequences. High estrogen production is a consistently observed endocrine feature of EMS. The present study aims to probe the molecular mechanism of G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER) in the invasion and migration of ectopic endometrial stromal cells (Ect-ESCs) and provides a new rationale for EMS treatment. Eutopic and ectopic endometrial tissues were collected from 41 EMS patients, and primary ESCs were separated. GPER, miR-16-5p, and miR-103a-3p levels in cells and tissues were determined by qRT-PCR or Western blot assay. Cell viability, proliferation, invasion, and migration were evaluated by CCK-8, colony formation, and Transwell assays. The upstream miRNAs of GPER were predicted by databases, and dual-luciferase assay was performed to validate the binding of miR-16-5p and miR-103a-3p to GPER 3'UTR. GPER was highly expressed in EMS tissues and Ect-ESCs. Inhibition of GPER mitigated the proliferation, invasion, and migration of Ect-ESCs. GPER was regulated by miR-16-5p and miR-103a-3p. Overexpression of miR-16-5p and miR-103a-3p negatively regulated GPER expression and inhibited the invasion and migration of Ect-ESC. In conclusion, GPER promoted the invasion and migration of Ect-ESCs, which can be reversed by upstream miR-16-5p and miR-103a-3p.

(E)-SIS3 suppressed osteosarcoma progression via promoting cell apoptosis, arresting cell cycle, and regulating the tumor immune microenvironment

Osteosarcoma is a prevalent malignant bone tumor with a poor prognosis. Mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 3 (Smad3) present as a therapeutic target in antitumor treatment, whereas its functions in the osteosarcoma have not been well explored. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the effects of Smad3 in the progression of osteosarcoma. The tumor immune single-cell hub 2 website was used for graph-based visualization of Smad3 status in osteosarcoma single-cell database. Western Blot was applied to detect the expression of Smad3 protein in cell lines. Colony formation and cell counting kit-8 assays were used to evaluate cell proliferation. Transwell and wound healing assays were used to detect the migration and invasion abilities of cells. Cell apoptosis rates and cell cycle changes were explored by using flow cytometry analysis. The xenograft tumor growth model was applied to explore the effect in tumor growth after Smad3 blockage in vivo. Moreover, to confirm the potential mechanism of Smad3's effects on osteosarcoma, bioinformatics analysis was performed in TARGET-Osteosarcoma and GSE19276 databases. Our study found that the Smad3 protein is overexpressed in 143B and U2OS cells, suppressing the expression of Smad3 protein in osteosarcoma cells by Smad3 target inhibitor (E)-SIS3 or lentivirus can inhibit the proliferation, migration, invasion, promote cell apoptosis, arrest cell G1 cycle in osteosarcoma cells in vitro, and suppress tumor growth in vivo. Furthermore, the bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that high expression of Smad3 is closely associated with low immune status in TARGET-Osteosarcoma and GSE19276 databases. Our study suggested that Smad3 could contribute positively to osteosarcoma progression via the regulation of tumor immune microenvironment, and Smad3 may represent as an valuable potential therapeutic target in osteosarcoma therapy.

MicroRNAs as the pivotal regulators of cisplatin resistance in osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma (OS) is an aggressive bone tumor that originates from mesenchymal cells. It is considered as the eighth most frequent childhood cancer that mainly affects the tibia and femur among the teenagers and young adults. OS can be usually diagnosed by a combination of MRI and surgical biopsy. The intra-arterial cisplatin (CDDP) and Adriamycin is one of the methods of choices for the OS treatment. CDDP induces tumor cell death by disturbing the DNA replication. Although, CDDP has a critical role in improving the clinical complication in OS patients, a high ratio of CDDP resistance is observed among these patients. Prolonged CDDP administrations have also serious side effects in normal tissues and organs. Therefore, the molecular mechanisms of CDDP resistance should be clarified to define the novel therapeutic modalities in OS. Multidrug resistance (MDR) can be caused by various cellular and molecular processes such as drug efflux, detoxification, and signaling pathways. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are the key regulators of CDDP response by the post transcriptional regulation of target genes involved in MDR. In the present review we have discussed all of the miRNAs associated with CDDP response in OS cells. It was observed that the majority of reported miRNAs increased CDDP sensitivity in OS cells through the regulation of signaling pathways, apoptosis, transporters, and autophagy. This review highlights the miRNAs as reliable non-invasive markers for the prediction of CDDP response in OS patients.

SMAD Proteins in TGF-β Signalling Pathway in Cancer: Regulatory Mechanisms and Clinical Applications

Suppressor of mother against decapentaplegic (SMAD) family proteins are central to one of the most versatile cytokine signalling pathways in metazoan biology, the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) pathway. The TGF-β pathway is widely known for its dual role in cancer progression as both an inhibitor of tumour cell growth and an inducer of tumour metastasis. This is mainly mediated through SMAD proteins and their cofactors or regulators. SMAD proteins act as transcription factors, regulating the transcription of a wide range of genes, and their rich post-translational modifications are influenced by a variety of regulators and cofactors. The complex role, mechanisms, and important functions of SMAD proteins in tumours are the hot topics in current oncology research. In this paper, we summarize the recent progress on the effects and mechanisms of SMAD proteins on tumour development, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis, and provide clues for subsequent research on SMAD proteins in tumours.

Signal Pathways and microRNAs in Osteosarcoma Growth and the Dual Role of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Oncogenesis

The major challenges in Osteosarcoma (OS) therapy are its heterogeneity and drug resistance. The development of new therapeutic approaches to overcome the major growth mechanisms of OS is urgently needed. The search for specific molecular targets and promising innovative approaches in OS therapy, including drug delivery methods, is an urgent problem. Modern regenerative medicine focuses on harnessing the potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) because they have low immunogenicity. MSCs are important cells that have received considerable attention in cancer research. Currently, new cell-based methods for using MSCs in medicine are being actively investigated and tested, especially as carriers for chemotherapeutics, nanoparticles, and photosensitizers. However, despite the inexhaustible regenerative potential and known anticancer properties of MSCs, they may trigger the development and progression of bone tumors. A better understanding of the complex cellular and molecular mechanisms of OS pathogenesis is essential to identify novel molecular effectors involved in oncogenesis. The current review focuses on signaling pathways and miRNAs involved in the development of OS and describes the role of MSCs in oncogenesis and their potential for antitumor cell-based therapy.

Silencing of circ_002136 sensitizes gastric cancer to paclitaxel by targeting the miR-16-5p/HMGA1 axis

The dysregulated expression of circRNA in gastric cancer (GC) induces paclitaxel (Tax) resistance of cancer cells, which in turn affects disease progression and prognosis. Here, we sought to investigate the role and mechanism of circ_002136 in Tax-resistant GC. In this study, we found the enriched circ_002136 level and the declined miR-16-5p level in Tax-resistant GC tissues and cells. Biologically, knockdown of circ_002136 elevated the Tax sensitivity of Tax-resistant GC cells, inhibited the cell motility properties, and simultaneously drove the apoptosis. Mechanically, circ_002136 promoted the HMGA1-mediated cellular Tax resistance and cell invasion by sponging miR-16-5p. Furthermore, circ_002136 silencing impeded the growth of Tax-resistant GC tumors in vivo. Overall, our study revealed a novel signaling pathway that could be used for future clinical applications, namely the circ_002136/miR-16-5p/HMGA1 axis to regulate the Tax resistance of GC cells.

Extracellular Vesicles' Genetic Cargo as Noninvasive Biomarkers in Cancer: A Pilot Study Using ExoGAG Technology

The two most developed biomarkers in liquid biopsy (LB)-circulating tumor cells and circulating tumor DNA-have been joined by the analysis of extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs are lipid-bilayer enclosed structures released by all cell types containing a variety of molecules, including DNA, mRNA and miRNA. However, fast, efficient and a high degree of purity isolation technologies are necessary for their clinical routine implementation. In this work, the use of ExoGAG, a new easy-to-use EV isolation technology, was validated for the isolation of EVs from plasma and urine samples. After demonstrating its efficiency, an analysis of the genetic material contained in the EVs was carried out. Firstly, the sensitivity of the detection of point mutations in DNA from plasma EVs isolated by ExoGAG was analyzed. Then, a pilot study of mRNA expression using the nCounter NanoString platform in EV-mRNA from a healthy donor, a benign prostate hyperplasia patient and metastatic prostate cancer patient plasma and urine samples was performed, identifying the prostate cancer pathway as one of the main ones. This work provides evidence for the value of using ExoGAG for the isolation of EVs from plasma and urine samples, enabling downstream applications of the analysis of their genetic cargo.

Towards the Search for Potential Biomarkers in Osteosarcoma: State-of-the-Art and Translational Expectations

Osteosarcoma represents a rare cause of cancer in the general population, accounting for <1% of malignant neoplasms globally. Nonetheless, it represents the main cause of malignant bone neoplasm in children, adolescents and young adults under 20 years of age. It also presents another peak of incidence in people over 50 years of age and is associated with rheumatic diseases. Numerous environmental risk factors, such as bone diseases, genetics and a history of previous neoplasms, have been widely described in the literature, which allows monitoring a certain group of patients. Diagnosis requires numerous imaging tests that make it possible to stratify both the local involvement of the disease and its distant spread, which ominously determines the prognosis. Thanks to various clinical trials, the usefulness of different chemotherapy regimens, radiotherapy and surgical techniques with radical intent has now been demonstrated; these represent improvements in both prognosis and therapeutic approaches. Osteosarcoma patients should be evaluated in reference centres by multidisciplinary committees with extensive experience in proper management. Although numerous genetic and rheumatological diseases and risk factors have been described, the use of serological, genetic or other biomarkers has been limited in clinical practice compared to other neoplasms. This limits both the initial follow-up of these patients and screening in populations at risk. In addition, we cannot forget that the diagnosis is mainly based on the direct biopsy of the lesion and imaging tests, which illustrates the need to study new diagnostic alternatives. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to review the natural history of the disease and describe the main biomarkers, explaining their clinical uses, prognosis and limitations.

miRNAs in Regulation of Tumor Microenvironment, Chemotherapy Resistance, Immunotherapy Modulation and miRNA Therapeutics in Cancer

miRNAs are 20-22 long nucleotide non-coding ribonucleic acid molecules critical to the modulation of molecular pathways. Immune evasion and the establishment of a suitable tumor microenvironment are two major contributors that support tumor invasion and metastasis. Tumorigenic miRNAs support these two hallmarks by desensitizing important tumor-sensitive regulatory cells such as dendritic cells, M1 macrophages, and T helper cells towards tumors while supporting infiltration and proliferation of immune cells like Treg cells, tumor-associated M2 macrophages that promote self-tolerance and chronic inflammation. miRNAs have a significant role in enhancing the efficacies of immunotherapy treatments like checkpoint blockade therapy, adoptive T cell therapy, and oncolytic virotherapy in cancer. A clear understanding of the role of miRNA can help scientists to formulate better-targeted treatment modalities. miRNA therapeutics have emerged as diverse class of nucleic acid-based molecules that can suppress oncogenic miRNAs and promote the expression of tumor suppressor miRNAs.

A review on the role of mir-16-5p in the carcinogenesis

miR-16-5p is microRNA with important roles in the development of diverse malignancies including neuroblastoma, osteosarcoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, cervical cancer, breast cancer, brain tumors, gastrointestinal cancers, lung cancer and bladder cancer. This miRNA has 22 nucleotides. hsa-miR-16-5p is produced by MIR16-1 gene. First evidence for its participation in the carcinogenesis has been obtained by studies reporting deletion and/or down-regulation of these miRNAs in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Subsequent studies have shown down-regulation of miR-16-5p in a variety of cancer cell lines and clinical samples. Besides, tumor suppressor role of miR-16-5p has been verified in animal models of different types of cancers. Studies in these models have shown that over-expression of this miRNA or modulation of expression of lncRNAs that sponge this miRNA can block carcinogenic processes. In the current review, we summarize function of miR-16-5p in the development and progression of different cancers.

Ceramide synthase 6 antisense RNA 1 contributes to the progression of breast cancer by sponging miR-16-5p to upregulate ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2C

Breast cancer (BC) is the most dangerous female mortality all over the world, described by unavoidable spread and metastaticity of BC cells. Increasing evidences verified that lncRNA play a major role in the tumorgenesis and development of BC cell. The purpose of this study is to investigate the roles of lncRNA ceramide synthase 6 antisense RNA 1 (CERS6-AS1) and ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2C (UBE2C) in BC and explore the regulatory association among miR-16-5p, CERS6-AS1, and UBE2C in BC. The CERS6-AS1 and UBE2C expression levels were determined by real time quantitative PCR in cell lines and tissues of BC. The function of CERS6-AS1 and UBE2C in the apoptosis, proliferation, and migration was confirmed by cell counting kit-8, Transwell, and flowcytometry tests. We performed tumor xenograft assay to validate the roles of CERS6-AS1 in vivo. The expression of UBE2C proteins was evaluated by Western Blot analysis. Moreover, the relationship among UBE2C, CERS6-AS1, and miR-16-5p was verified by luciferase report assay. It was found that CERS6-AS1 and UBE2C were meaningfully upregulated in BC, and knockdown of both CERS6-AS1 and UBE2C inhibited the BC cell proliferation and migration, whereas induced apoptosis. Mechanistically, CERS6-AS1 could facilitate BC progression by sponging miR-16-5p for upregulation of the UBE2C expression. The CERS6-AS1/miR-16-5p/UBE2C axis might be a prospective therapeutic target in the BC treatment by sponging miR-16-5p to upregulate UBE2C, which might contribute to the development of BC.

Melatonin inhibits the malignant progression of glioblastoma via regulating miR-16-5p/PIM1

OBJECTIVES

Melatonin (MT) is a pineal hormone with antineoplastic potential. This study aims to explore the therapeutic potential and mechanism of MT on glioblastoma (GBM).

METHODS

A human GBM cell line, LN229 was used for evaluating the function of MT. Cell viability, apoptosis, and migration were detected by CCK-8, flow cytometry, and transwell assays, respectively. The mRNA and protein expression of specific genes were measured by qRT-PCR and western blot, respectively. The regulatory relationship between miR-16-5p and PIM1 was validated by dual luciferase reporter gene assay. A mouse xenograft model was established to prove the anti-tumor effect and related mechanisms of MT in vivo.

RESULTS

MT inhibited the viability and migration, and promoted the apoptosis of LN229 cells in a dose-dependent manner. MiR-16-5p was dose-dependently up-regulated by MT in LN229 cells, which negatively regulated its target PIM1. MiR-16-5p inhibitor eliminated the anti-tumor effect of MT in LN229 cells, while si-PIM1 reversed the effect of miR-16-5p inhibitor in MT-treated cells. MT inhibited the tumor growth in vivo and MT-induced PIM1 down-regulation was reversed by miR-16-5p inhibition in tumor tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

MT inhibits the malignant progression of GBM via regulating miR-16-5p-midiated PIM1.

Crucial Roles of microRNA-16-5p and microRNA-27b-3p in Ameloblast Differentiation Through Regulation of Genes Associated With Amelogenesis Imperfecta

Amelogenesis imperfecta is a congenital disorder within a heterogeneous group of conditions characterized by enamel hypoplasia. Patients suffer from early tooth loss, social embarrassment, eating difficulties, and pain due to an abnormally thin, soft, fragile, and discolored enamel with poor aesthetics and functionality. The etiology of amelogenesis imperfecta is complicated by genetic interactions. To identify mouse amelogenesis imperfecta-related genes (mAIGenes) and their respective phenotypes, we conducted a systematic literature review and database search and found and curated 70 mAIGenes across all of the databases. Our pathway enrichment analysis indicated that these genes were enriched in tooth development-associated pathways, forming four distinct groups. To explore how these genes are regulated and affect the phenotype, we predicted microRNA (miRNA)-gene interaction pairs using our bioinformatics pipeline. Our miRNA regulatory network analysis pinpointed that miR-16-5p, miR-27b-3p, and miR-23a/b-3p were hub miRNAs. The function of these hub miRNAs was evaluated through ameloblast differentiation assays with/without the candidate miRNA mimics using cultured mouse ameloblast cells. Our results revealed that overexpression of miR-16-5p and miR-27b-3p, but not miR-23a/b-3p, significantly inhibited ameloblast differentiation through regulation of mAIGenes. Thus, our study shows that miR-16-5p and miR-27b-3p are candidate pathogenic miRNAs for amelogenesis imperfecta.

MicroRNA as a Potential Therapeutic Molecule in Cancer

Small noncoding RNAs, as post-translational regulators of many target genes, are not only markers of neoplastic disease initiation and progression, but also markers of response to anticancer therapy. Hundreds of miRNAs have been identified as biomarkers of drug resistance, and many have demonstrated the potential to sensitize cancer cells to therapy. Their properties of modulating the response of cells to therapy have made them a promising target for overcoming drug resistance. Several methods have been developed for the delivery of miRNAs to cancer cells, including introducing synthetic miRNA mimics, DNA plasmids containing miRNAs, and small molecules that epigenetically alter endogenous miRNA expression. The results of studies in animal models and preclinical studies for solid cancers and hematological malignancies have confirmed the effectiveness of treatment protocols using microRNA. Nevertheless, the use of miRNAs in anticancer therapy is not without limitations, including the development of a stable nanoconstruct, delivery method choices, and biodistribution. The aim of this review was to summarize the role of miRNAs in cancer treatment and to present new therapeutic concepts for these molecules. Supporting anticancer therapy with microRNA molecules has been verified in numerous clinical trials, which shows great potential in the treatment of cancer.

Plasma MicroRNA Signature Panel Predicts the Immune Response After Antiretroviral Therapy in HIV-Infected Patients

Background

Approximately 10–40% of people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection are unable to obtain successful improvements in immune function after antiretroviral therapy (ART). These patients are at greater risk of developing non-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related conditions, with the accompanying increased morbidity and mortality. Discovering predictive biomarkers can help to identify patients with a poor immune response earlier and provide new insights into the mechanisms of this condition.

Methods

A total of 307 people with HIV were enrolled, including 110 immune non-responders (INRs) and 197 immune responders (IRs). Plasma samples were taken before ART, and quantities of plasma microRNAs (miRNAs) were determined using reverse transcriptase-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Candidate biomarkers were established through four phases: discovery, training, validation, and blinded test. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the combined predictive capacity of the identified miRNAs. The effect of one miRNA, miR-16-5p, on T cell function was assessed in vitro.

Results

Expression of five miRNAs (miR-580, miR-627, miR-138-5p, miR-16-5p, and miR-323-3p) was upregulated in the plasma of INRs compared with that in IRs. Expression of these miRNAs was negatively correlated with both CD4⁺ T cell counts and the increase in the proportion of CD4⁺ T cells after one year of ART. These five miRNAs were combined in a predictive model, which could effectively identify INRs or IRs. Furthermore, we found that miR-16-5p inhibits CD4⁺ T cell proliferation by regulating calcium flux.

Conclusion

We established a five-miRNA panel in plasma that accurately predicts poor immune response after ART, which could inform strategies to reduce the incidence of this phenomenon and improve the clinical management of these patients.

New Drug Targets to Prevent Death Due to Stroke: A Review Based on Results of Protein-Protein Interaction Network, Enrichment, and Annotation Analyses

This study used established biomarkers of death from ischemic stroke (IS) versus stroke survival to perform network, enrichment, and annotation analyses. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis revealed that the backbone of the highly connective network of IS death consisted of IL6, ALB, TNF, SERPINE1, VWF, VCAM1, TGFB1, and SELE. Cluster analysis revealed immune and hemostasis subnetworks, which were strongly interconnected through the major switches ALB and VWF. Enrichment analysis revealed that the PPI immune subnetwork of death due to IS was highly associated with TLR2/4, TNF, JAK-STAT, NOD, IL10, IL13, IL4, and TGF-β1/SMAD pathways. The top biological and molecular functions and pathways enriched in the hemostasis network of death due to IS were platelet degranulation and activation, the intrinsic pathway of fibrin clot formation, the urokinase-type plasminogen activator pathway, post-translational protein phosphorylation, integrin cell-surface interactions, and the proteoglycan-integrin extracellular matrix complex (ECM). Regulation Explorer analysis of transcriptional factors shows: (a) that NFKB1, RELA and SP1 were the major regulating actors of the PPI network; and (b) hsa-mir-26-5p and hsa-16-5p were the major regulating microRNA actors. In conclusion, prevention of death due to IS should consider that current IS treatments may be improved by targeting VWF, the proteoglycan-integrin-ECM complex, TGF-β1/SMAD, NF-κB/RELA and SP1.

circUSP34 accelerates osteosarcoma malignant progression by sponging miR-16-5p

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a primary and highly malignant mesenchymal tissue tumor. The specific pathological mechanism underlying disease initiation or progression remains unclear. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a type of covalently circular RNA with a head-to-tail junction site. In this study, we aimed to investigate the sponging mechanism between circRNAs and microRNAs (miRNAs) in OS. Based on the inhibited effect of miR-16-5p reported on OS, circUSP34 was analyzed as a sponge of miR-16-5p via Starbase. We found that circUSP34 promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of OS in vitro and in vivo. circUSP34 increased but miR-16-5p decreased in OS by qRT-PCR. Function assays showed that the malignancy of OS cells, including proliferation, migration, and invasion, was inhibited after knocking out circUSP34. Western blotting results showed that the expression level of vimentin and Ki-67 decreased. Similarly, miR-16-5p mimic compromised the proliferation, migration, and invasion of OS cells. FISH assay results indicated that circUSP34 and miR-16-5p were colocalized in the cytoplasm. The sponging mechanism of circUSP34 and miR-16-5p was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), and RNA pull down assays. Interestingly, the miR-16-5p inhibitor partly reversed the inhibitory effect of sh-circUSP34 on the malignancy of OS cells. Further, mice tumors for IHC indicated that vimentin, N-cadherin, and Ki-67 protein expression decreased, but E-cadherin protein expression increased. Collectively, circUSP34 promoted OS malignancy, including proliferation, migration, and invasion, by sponging miR-16-5p. It can serve as a potential therapeutic target and biomarker.

RETRACTED: LncRNA NEAT1 inhibition upregulates miR-16-5p to restrain the progression of sepsis-induced lung injury via suppressing BRD4 in a mouse model

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy). This article has been retracted at the request of the Editor-in-Chief. Concern was raised about the reliability of the Western blot results in Figs. 5B and 6B, which appear to have the same eyebrow shaped phenotype as many other publications tabulated here (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/149EjFXVxpwkBXYJOnOHb6RhAqT4a2llhj9LM60MBffM/edit#gid=0 [docs.google.com]). The journal requested the corresponding author comment on these concerns and provide the raw data. However, the authors were not responsive to the request for comment. Since original data could not be provided, the overall validity of the results could not be confirmed. Therefore, the Editor-in-Chief decided to retract the article.

Large Scale Molecular Studies of Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumors: Novel Markers, Mechanisms and Translational Perspectives

Simple Summary

Pituitary neuroendocrine tumors are non-cancerous tumors of the pituitary gland, that may overproduce hormones leading to serious health conditions or due to tumor size cause chronic headache, vertigo or visual impairment. In recent years pituitary neuroendocrine tumors are studied with the latest molecular biology methods that simultaneously investigate a large number of factors to understand the mechanisms of how these tumors develop and how they could be diagnosed or treated. In this review article, we have studied literature reports, compiled information and described molecular factors that could affect the development and clinical characteristics of pituitary neuroendocrine tumors, discovered factors that overlap between several studies using large scale molecular analysis and interpreted the potential involvement of these factors in pituitary tumor development. Overall, this study provides a valuable resource for understanding the biology of pituitary neuroendocrine tumors.

Abstract

Pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) are non-metastatic neoplasms of the pituitary, which overproduce hormones leading to systemic disorders, or tumor mass effects causing headaches, vertigo or visual impairment. Recently, PitNETs have been investigated in large scale (exome and genome) molecular analyses (transcriptome microarrays and sequencing), to uncover novel markers. We performed a literature analysis on these studies to summarize the research data and extrapolate overlapping gene candidates, biomarkers, and molecular mechanisms. We observed a tendency in samples with driver mutations (GNAS, USP8) to have a smaller overall mutational rate, suggesting driver-promoted tumorigenesis, potentially changing transcriptome profiles in tumors. However, direct links from drivers to signaling pathways altered in PitNETs (Notch, Wnt, TGF-β, and cell cycle regulators) require further investigation. Modern technologies have also identified circulating nucleic acids, and pinpointed these as novel PitNET markers, i.e., miR-143-3p, miR-16-5p, miR-145-5p, and let-7g-5p, therefore these molecules must be investigated in the future translational studies. Overall, large-scale molecular studies have provided key insight into the molecular mechanisms behind PitNET pathogenesis, highlighting previously reported molecular markers, bringing new candidates into the research field, and reapplying traditional perspectives to newly discovered molecular mechanisms.

miRNA Expression Signatures of Therapy Response in Squamous Cell Carcinomas

Simple Summary

miRNAs play role in various diseases and can also modulate therapy response. Our aim was to identify predictive miRNAs in platinum treated squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). Using a set of 266 squamous cancer samples we uncovered 16, 103, and 9 miRNAs correlated to chemotherapy response in the cervical, head and neck, and lung squamous cell carcinomas, respectively. By employing a logistic regression model, a signature comprising a set of six miRNAs was established capable to predict chemotherapy response with an AUC of 0.897. Our results show common molecular features of SCC tumors and pinpoint the most important miRNAs related to treatment outcome.

Abstract

Introduction: Squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) are a major subgroup of malignant tumors with a platinum-based first-line systematic chemotherapy. miRNAs play a role in various diseases and modulate therapy response as well. The aim of this study was to identify predictive miRNAs in platinum-treated SCCs. Methods: miRNA expression data of platinum-treated head and neck (HNSC), cervical (CESC) and lung (LUSC) cancer were collected from the TCGA repositories. Treatment response was defined based on presence or absence of disease progression at 18 months. Responder and nonresponder cohorts were compared using Mann–Whitney and Receiver Operating Characteristic tests. Logistic regression was developed to establish a predictive miRNA signature. Significance was set at FDR < 5%. Results: The integrated database includes 266 SCC patient samples with platinum-based therapy and available follow-up. We uncovered 16, 103, and 9 miRNAs correlated to chemotherapy response in the CESC, HNSC, and LUSC cohorts, respectively. Eight miRNAs overlapped between the CESC and HNSC subgroups, and three miRNAs overlapped between the LUSC and HNSC subgroups. We established a logistic regression model in HNSC and CESC which included six miRNAs: hsa-miR-5586 (Exp (B): 2.94, p = 0.001), hsa-miR-632 (Exp (B): 10.75, p = 0.002), hsa-miR-2355 (Exp (B): 0.48, p = 0.004), hsa-miR-642a (Exp (B): 2.22, p = 0.01), hsa-miR-101-2 (Exp (B): 0.39, p = 0.013) and hsa-miR-6728 (Exp (B): 0.21, p = 0.016). The model using these miRNAs was able to predict chemotherapy resistance with an AUC of 0.897. Conclusions: We performed an analysis of RNA-seq data of squamous cell carcinomas samples and identified significant miRNAs correlated to the response against platinum-based therapy in cervical, head and neck, and lung tumors.